that_o beside_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n how_o exempt_a soever_o his_o condition_n be_v from_o the_o common_a care_n anâ—gdrudgery_n of_o humane_a life_n may_v find_v work_n enough_o wherein_o he_o may_v useful_o employ_v all_o his_o time_n and_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o and_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o god_n expect_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n from_o such_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v employ_v himself_o in_o some_o work_n or_o other_o suitable_a to_o the_o station_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o this_o world_n second_o the_o work_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o further_o and_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o this_o chief_o lie_v upon_o we_o who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v commit_v we_o be_v more_o especial_o commissioned_n and_o appointed_n for_o this_o work_n and_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n to_o beseech_v man_n in_o his_o stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n we_o be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o appoint_v for_o this_o very_a work_n to_o watch_v for_o man_n soul_n and_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o who_o be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o have_v this_o work_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o vigorous_a and_o industrious_a in_o iâ—â—_n and_o this_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o employment_n or_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o employment_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o most_o honourable_a work_v that_o mortal_a man_n can_v be_v employ_v in_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o kind_n and_o in_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n oâ—_n it_o with_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n for_o we_o also_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o by_o god_n to_o minister_n for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n we_o be_v the_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o man_n send_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o about_o the_o term_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n to_o offer_v salvation_n to_o they_o and_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o procure_v it_o nay_o we_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o very_a same_o work_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n to_o seeâ—_n and_o to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o that_o work_n whereof_o he_o himself_o â—aid_v the_o foundation_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o great_a honour_n can_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n than_o to_o help_v forward_o that_o glorious_a design_n and_o undertake_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v a_o employment_n no_o less_o happy_a than_o honourable_a it_o be_v not_o to_o drudge_n about_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n a_o perpetual_a toil_n and_o care_n about_o what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o wherewithal_o we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o worldly_a employment_n but_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a seek_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o a_o continual_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v these_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o labour_n of_o our_o body_n and_o in_o bodily_a toil_n but_o in_o the_o delightful_a exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a object_n god_n and_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n in_o a_o earnest_n and_o faithful_a endeavour_n by_o all_o wise_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o gain_v soul_n to_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o next_o to_o the_o procure_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o noble_a work_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v employ_v in_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o employment_n we_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n carry_v on_o both_o these_o design_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v timothy_n when_o he_o exhort_v he_o upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n to_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o this_o bless_a work_n because_o say_v he_o in_o do_v this_o thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 16._o and_o when_o two_o of_o the_o great_a and_o best_a design_n in_o the_o world_n our_o own_o happiness_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o do_v so_o happy_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o be_v joint_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o same_o labour_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a spur_n and_o incitement_n to_o we_o to_o be_v vigorous_a and_o unwearied_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n as_o st._n paul_n charge_v timothy_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o awful_a manner_n before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a at_o his_o appear_v and_o his_o kingdom_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 12._o and_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1._o and_o then_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o this_o work_n if_o we_o be_v faithful_a and_o industrious_a in_o it_o it_o will_v advance_v we_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n they_o that_o be_v wise_a say_v the_o prophet_n dan._n 12._o 3._o shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v industrious_a in_o this_o work_n as_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n in_o this_o world_n so_o they_o shall_v shine_v with_o a_o double_a glory_n and_o lustre_n in_o the_o other_o but_o though_o this_o work_n of_o promote_a the_o salvation_n of_o other_o be_v chief_o incumbent_a upon_o those_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v upon_o this_o very_a thing_n yet_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o concern_v in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n we_o have_v for_o it_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o help_v forward_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o not_o to_o let_v he_o perish_v if_o he_o can_v help_v it_o and_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o contribute_v something_o to_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o save_v other_o by_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n by_o kind_n and_o gentle_a reproof_n but_o especial_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n by_o a_o shine_a virtue_n which_o have_v a_o silent_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_a charm_n and_o attraction_n to_o draw_v and_o allure_v other_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o three_o and_o in_o order_n to_o both_o these_o the_o save_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o this_o work_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o the_o careful_a use_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o our_o time_n for_o without_o this_o neither_o of_o the_o other_o can_v be_v promote_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o any_o purpose_n time_n be_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n of_o carry_v on_o of_o any_o work_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o valuable_a thing_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o wasteful_o spend_v and_o more_o prodigal_o squander_v away_o by_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o this_o which_o next_o to_o our_o immortol_n soul_n be_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n most_o precious_a because_o upon_o the_o right_a use_n or_o abuse_v of_o our_o time_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n do_v depend_v man_n have_v general_o some_o guard_n upon_o themselves_o as_o to_o their_o money_n and_o estate_n and_o will_v not_o with_o eye_n open_v suffer_v other_o to_o rob_v and_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o but_o we_o will_v let_v any_o body_n almost_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o time_n and_o be_v content_v to_o expose_v
apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o though_o we_o that_o be_v he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v i._o that_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o give_v in_o this_o epistle_n for_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o false_a apostle_n with_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v circumcision_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o impose_v upon_o christian_n the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o false_a teacher_n we_o find_v express_o act_v 15._o 1._o and_o certain_a man_n which_o come_v down_o from_o judea_n teach_v the_o brethren_n and_o say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n yâ—_n can_v be_v save_v and_o ver_fw-la 24._o in_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o church_n abroad_o there_o be_v this_o account_n give_v of_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o certain_a which_o go_v out_o from_o we_o have_v trouble_v you_o with_o word_n subvert_v your_o soul_n say_v you_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o such_o commandment_n where_o you_o see_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o pernicious_a consequence_n tend_v to_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o here_o with_o one_o consent_n declare_v that_o they_o have_v give_v no_o such_o commandment_n that_o be_v have_v deliver_v no_o such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o nor_o put_v any_o such_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_n but_o on_o the_o con-contrary_a have_v declare_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n there_o be_v now_o no_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o be_v preach_v another_o gospel_n because_o it_o make_v a_o essential_a change_n in_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o declare_v salvation_n unto_o man_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n and_o no_o other_o now_o to_o add_v any_o other_o term_n to_o these_o as_o of_o equal_a necessity_n with_o they_o be_v to_o alter_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n by_o declare_v other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v declare_v which_o be_v to_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ii_o no_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorize_v and_o warrant_v the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n after_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v commissioned_n and_o inspire_a by_o he_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o all_o by_o the_o great_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a miracle_n that_o ever_o be_v no_o person_n whatever_o that_o bring_v any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o declare_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v what_o pretence_n soever_o he_o shall_v make_v to_o a_o divine_a commission_n or_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o supposition_n as_o high_a as_o can_v be_v though_o we_o say_v he_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v a_o anathema_n if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v divine_o commissioned_n and_o infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v afterward_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o it_o or_o declare_v any_o other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o those_o which_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v already_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o what_o claim_n soever_o any_o person_n may_v make_v to_o infallibility_n and_o what_o demonstration_n soever_o he_o may_v give_v of_o it_o we_o can_v possible_o believe_v he_o if_o he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o deliver_v doctrine_n which_o do_v plain_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o for_o if_o he_o speak_v true_a at_o first_o i_o can_v believe_v he_o declare_v the_o contrary_a afterward_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v true_a at_o first_o i_o can_v believe_v he_o at_o all_o because_o he_o can_v give_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o inspiration_n than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v neither_o because_o he_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a credential_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n than_o those_o have_v who_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v publish_v before_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o to_o submit_v his_o faith_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n against_o god_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v two_o revelation_n plain_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o obvious_a because_o every_o man_n do_v first_o and_o more_o firm_o believe_v this_o proposition_n or_o principle_n that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a than_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a than_o no_o revelation_n from_o god_n can_v signify_v any_o thing_n because_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v equal_o true_a and_o so_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o only_o make_v a_o supposition_n when_o he_o say_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o you_o but_o by_o this_o supposition_n he_o plain_o bar_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n from_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n any_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o i_o say_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n whatever_o authority_n or_o infallibility_n they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o because_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o clear_a commission_n and_o great_a evidence_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n than_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n it_o may_v indeed_o bring_v in_o question_n that_o which_o they_o have_v preach_v before_o but_o can_v not_o give_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o any_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o iii_o christian_n may_v judge_v and_o discern_v when_o another_o gospel_n be_v preach_v when_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n not_o enjoin_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v impose_v upon_o christian_n this_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v every_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v every_o particular_a christian_a that_o be_v due_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o and_o to_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o
and_o very_o frequent_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v for_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o almsgiving_n psal_n 37._o 25_o 26._o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o psal_n 112._o 9_o he_o have_v disperse_v he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o but_o righteousness_n in_o its_o large_a and_o most_o extend_a sense_n comprehend_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n our_o last_o end_n which_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o this_o end_n which_o be_v righteousness_n or_o that_o universal_a goodness_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o whereof_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o we_o for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v call_v his_o righteousness_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o our_o last_o end_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o righteousness_n be_v use_v in_o another_o place_n even_o of_o this_o sermon_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o mount_n matth._n 5._o 20._o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o righteousness_n be_v make_v the_o necessary_a mean_n and_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o this_o signify_v the_o great_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n about_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o attain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n such_o a_o seriousness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n as_o earthly-minded_n man_n use_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n do_v the_o gentile_n seek_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n signify_v a_o intense_a care_n and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v you_o who_o profess_v yourselves_o christian_n as_o intent_n upon_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o the_o heathen_a who_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n be_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o 2._o what_o by_o seek_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o the_o first_o a_o sincere_a and_o earnest_a seek_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v imply_v in_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o a_o fix_a design_n and_o resolution_n as_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n but_o that_o we_o be_v immovable_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o always_o have_v it_o in_o our_o aim_n and_o design_n that_o here_o we_o set_v up_o our_o resolution_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o that_o we_o have_v this_o end_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o not_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v always_o actual_o to_o think_v upon_o it_o but_o to_o have_v it_o frequent_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o habitual_o to_o intend_v and_o design_v it_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o action_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v either_o direct_o and_o immediate_o in_o order_n to_o it_o or_o some_o way_n or_o other_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o design_n or_o however_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o like_o the_o term_n and_o end_n of_o a_o man_n journey_n towards_o which_o the_o traveller_n be_v continual_o tend_v and_o have_v it_o always_o habitual_o in_o his_o intention_n though_o he_o do_v not_o always_o think_v of_o it_o every_o step_n that_o he_o take_v and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o always_o direct_o advance_v and_o move_v towards_o it_o yet_o he_o never_o know_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o though_o he_o bate_v and_o lodge_v by_o the_o way_n and_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o set_v he_o forward_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o journey_n or_o in_o prosecution_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o no_o wilful_a deviation_n from_o it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o we_o while_o we_o be_v sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n our_o fix_a aim_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o thither_o we_o shall_v be_v continual_o tend_v in_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n and_o if_o this_o resolution_n be_v deep_o root_v and_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v govern_v all_o our_o action_n and_o keep_v they_o steady_a to_o their_o main_n end_n whereas_o if_o we_o be_v uncertain_a and_o unresolved_a upon_o our_o great_a end_n and_o be_v divide_v between_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v fickle_a and_o unsteady_a in_o all_o our_o motion_n he_o that_o have_v two_o end_n can_v pursue_v neither_o vigorous_o but_o while_o he_o be_v move_v towards_o the_o one_o he_o lean_v and_o incline_v to_o the_o other_o and_o like_o a_o needle_n between_o two_o lodestone_n be_v always_o in_o a_o doubtful_a and_o tremble_a condition_n incline_v to_o both_o but_o be_v constant_a to_o neither_o and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o aphorism_n of_o st._n james_n the_o double-minded_n man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n he_o that_o be_v unresolved_a as_o to_o his_o main_a end_n have_v two_o mind_n and_o can_v prosecute_v nothing_o vigorous_o but_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v once_o fix_v and_o resolve_v that_o will_v determine_v and_o govern_v all_o our_o motion_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o diligence_n and_o zeal_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o our_o end_n second_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n imply_v incessant_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n that_o we_o make_v religion_n our_o business_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a at_o proper_a time_n and_o season_n with_o the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n as_o man_n do_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o profession_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o wealth_n and_o preferment_n especial_o on_o the_o lord's-day_n which_o god_n have_v take_v to_o himself_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n not_o that_o we_o be_v excuse_v from_o mind_v religion_n at_o other_o time_n but_o that_o those_o who_o be_v press_v and_o straighten_a by_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o mind_v it_o then_o and_o may_v have_v no_o colour_n of_o excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n which_o god_n have_v allot_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n and_o which_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o employ_v about_o our_o worldly_a affair_n god_n expect_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o at_o other_o time_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o a_o habitual_a sense_n of_o he_o and_o as_o solomon_n express_v it_o prov._n 23._o 17._o be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n long_o so_o as_o to_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o offend_v or_o transgress_v in_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o as_o to_o redeem_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n but_o this_o day_n he_o peremptory_o challenge_v to_o himself_o and_o expect_v we_o shall_v employ_v it_o in_o his_o service_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o religion_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n with_o the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o diligence_n as_o we_o do_v upon_o other_o day_n labour_v for_o the_o bread_n which_o perish_v and_o the_o less_o leisure_n we_o have_v upon_o other_o day_n for_o this_o purpose_n the_o more_o entire_o shall_v we_o devote_v and_o consecrate_v this_o day_n to_o the_o purpose_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n not_o but_o that_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o
the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o only_a design_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n and_o a_o competency_n of_o outward_a thing_n he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a and_o better_a security_n from_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v by_o all_o their_o care_n and_o pain_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o mind_v these_o thing_n only_o as_o accessory_n that_o if_o he_o miss_v of_o they_o he_o have_v something_o better_a to_o support_v he_o in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o happiness_n which_o this_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v from_o he_o but_o now_o the_o worldly_a man_n if_o he_o be_v defeat_v in_o his_o design_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a because_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o comfort_v he_o nothing_o else_o to_o trust_v to_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o hope_n as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o have_v do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a as_o to_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o encouragement_n you_o see_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n our_o great_a care_n and_o business_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v these_o neglect_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o best_a of_o we_o god_n know_v not_o mind_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o they_o deserve_v what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o in_o excuse_n of_o so_o intolerable_a a_o folly_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o prâ—tend_v if_o not_o in_o justification_n yet_o in_o mitigation_n and_o excuse_n of_o this_o great_a neglect_n first_o they_o pretend_v great_a difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n this_o i_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a so_o far_o as_o to_o awaken_v our_o care_n and_o to_o whet_v our_o industry_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o despond_v and_o give_v over_o all_o care_n of_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n it_o be_v attend_v withal_o man_n who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o magnify_v they_o in_o their_o fancy_n beyond_o reason_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o type_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n represent_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n who_o they_o be_v to_o conquer_v more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v report_v to_o one_o another_o that_o the_o land_n be_v full_a of_o giant_n and_o son_n of_o anak_n man_n of_o prodigious_a stature_n which_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o this_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v to_o be_v the_o perpetual_a excuse_n of_o the_o slothful_a when_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n they_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n that_o be_v they_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o danger_n and_o terror_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o man_n who_o be_v averse_a from_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n be_v apt_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o monstrous_a and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o subdue_v his_o appetite_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n and_o to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n well!_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v difficult_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o to_o get_v a_o estate_n and_o to_o rise_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n the_o true_a pain_n which_o man_n take_v about_o these_o thing_n show_v that_o they_o be_v difficult_a only_o when_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n but_o buckle_v to_o it_o and_o grapple_v with_o it_o be_v religion_n difficult_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o law_n a_o difficult_a and_o crabbed_a study_n do_v it_o not_o require_v great_a labour_n and_o perpetual_a drudge_a to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v master_n of_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n in_o a_o word_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n worthy_a the_o have_v that_o be_v to_o be_v get_v without_o pain_n and_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n the_o only_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o so_o great_a a_o good_a shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o faint_a and_o idle_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o lazy_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n for_o what_o reason_n nay_o with_o what_o conscience_n can_v we_o bid_v less_o for_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n than_o man_n be_v content_v to_o give_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n thing_n of_o no_o value_n in_o comparison_n not_o worthy_a the_o toil_a for_o not_o sure_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o all_o our_o endeavour_n thing_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o which_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n one_o fit_a of_o a_o fever_n may_v shatter_v our_o understanding_n and_o confound_v all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o turn_v we_o into_o fool_n and_o idiot_n a_o inundation_n or_o a_o fire_n may_v sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v our_o estate_n a_o succession_n of_o calamity_n may_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n make_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n as_o poor_a as_o job_n and_o set_v he_o upon_o a_o dunghill_n but_o be_v the_o difficulty_n what_o it_o will_v of_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v at_o any_o rate_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o we_o miserable_a and_o undo_v if_o we_o have_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v considerable_a but_o then_o they_o be_v much_o great_a aâ—_n first_o and_o will_v every_o day_n abate_v and_o grow_v less_o and_o the_o work_n by_o degree_n will_v become_v eaâ—â—e_n and_o turn_v into_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n a_o pleasure_n so_o great_a as_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o will_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o all_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n second_o other_o pretend_v want_n of_o time_n for_o the_o mind_v of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o all_o person_n have_v not_o equal_a leisure_n for_o this_o purpose_n some_o be_v much_o more_o straighten_a than_o other_o and_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v put_v no_o man_n upon_o this_o hard_a necessity_n that_o for_o want_v of_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o neglect_v his_o body_n and_o his_o health_n his_o family_n and_o estate_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o distress_n it_o be_v well_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o secure_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o neglect_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v most_o straighten_a for_o time_n have_v so_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o require_v time_n but_o resolution_n and_o care_n not_o to_o commit_v sin_n not_o to_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v intemperate_a to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v not_o spend_v time_n but_o save_v it_o for_o better_a purpose_n so_o that_o every_o man_n have_v time_n not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o for_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o in_o the_o external_n act_v of_o religion_n no_o man_n be_v so_o distress_v but_o he_o have_v time_n to_o think_v of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n time_n to_o love_n god_n to_o esteem_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o very_o acceptable_o while_o he_o be_v labour_v and_o travel_v about_o his_o worldly_a affair_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v upon_o the_o blow_n his_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o god_n and_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o upon_o earth_n his_o thought_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v in_o
upbraid_v the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n which_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n so_o that_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o read_v the_o gospel_n profectò_fw-la aut_fw-la hoc_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la evangelium_fw-la aut_fw-la nos_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la evangelici_fw-la either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o read_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v or_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v man_n to_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v degenerate_v into_o beast_n and_o devil_n wallow_v in_o abominable_a and_o filthy_a lust_n indulge_v ourselves_o in_o those_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o strife_n and_o discord_n of_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n of_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o demean_v themselves_o at_o another_o rate_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v over_o we_o or_o if_o they_o can_v do_v that_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o peter_n iu_o 19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o towards_o the_o heathen_a or_o gentile_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o more_o particular_o to_o arm_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o those_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o foretell_v will_v short_o overtake_v they_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v happen_v they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v and_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a and_o unexpected_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o 12_o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n belove_v think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o that_o be_v do_v not_o wonder_v and_o be_v not_o astonish_v at_o it_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o you_o and_o then_o he_o instruct_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o under_o those_o trial_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o shall_v happen_v not_o only_o with_o patience_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o exercise_v under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n upon_o what_o account_n and_o cause_n soever_o but_o with_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n consider_v the_o glorious_a example_n and_o reward_n of_o they_o v_o 13._o but_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v you_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o at_o the_o 14._o ver_fw-la he_o tell_v they_o that_o beside_o the_o encouragement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o example_n and_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n they_o shall_v be_v support_v and_o assist_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n with_o they_o v._n 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a copy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o power_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n re_v upon_o you_o that_o be_v the_o glorious_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v present_a with_o you_o to_o comfort_v and_o bear_v up_o your_o spirit_n under_o these_o suffering_n but_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o theiâ—_n suffering_n be_v for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n v._n 15._o but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evildoer_n that_o be_v as_o a_o offender_n in_o any_o kind_n against_o human_a law_n make_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n or_o as_o a_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n that_o be_v as_o a_o pragmatical_a person_n that_o meddle_v out_o of_o his_o own_o sphere_n to_o the_o disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n of_o human_a society_n for_o to_o suffer_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o trouble_v but_o not_o of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n but_o if_o they_o suffer_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o they_o but_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o call_v they_o to_o suffer_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o upon_o so_o glorious_a a_o account_n v._o 16._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a if_o that_o be_v his_o only_a crime_n let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v gâ—d_v on_o this_o behalf_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o at_o this_o time_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o end_n that_o the_o first_o calamity_n and_o suffering_n shall_v fall_v upon_o christian_n the_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o trial_n and_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o god_n be_v now_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o iâ—_n first_o begin_v at_o we_o that_o be_v at_o we_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n that_o be_v how_o much_o more_o severe_o will_v god_n deal_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v that_o be_v if_o good_a man_n be_v save_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o must_v through_o so_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o ungodly_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n where_o shall_v they_o appear_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n in_o the_o last_o ver_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o apostle_n forego_v discourse_n i_o shall_v explain_v the_o several_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n and_o then_o handle_v the_o main_a point_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o expression_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v these_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n what_o by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n â—s_a unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o what_o by_o well-doing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n such_o as_o god_n will_v approve_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o probable_a because_o this_o be_v mention_v afterward_o in_o the_o follow_a expression_n of_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n that_o be_v in_o suffer_v upon_o a_o good_a account_n and_o therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o
genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n and_o the_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v appoint_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n shall_v demean_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v to_o suffer_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o like_a expression_n chap._n 3._o of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o be_v if_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a second_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n that_o be_v to_o deposit_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n and_o custody_n of_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o providence_n who_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v faithful_o keep_v what_o we_o commit_v to_o he_o for_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o will_v not_o abandon_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n to_o support_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o to_o reward_v they_o for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a encouragement_n in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n cause_n and_o truth_n to_o commit_v our_o soul_n to_o his_o care_n and_o custody_n our_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o for_o so_o the_o word_n soul_n be_v frequent_o use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n psal_n 7._o 5._o let_v the_o enemy_n persecute_v my_o soul_n and_o take_v it_o that_o be_v my_o life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n yea_o let_v he_o tread_v doâ—n_o my_o life_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o psal_n 54._o 3._o oppressor_n seek_v after_o my_o soul_n and_o psal_n 59_o 3._o they_o lie_v in_o waâ—t_n for_o my_o soul_n that_o be_v my_o life_n and_o psal_n 16._o 10._o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n my_o soul_n that_o be_v myself_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o will_v raise_v i_o up_o to_o life_n again_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mar._n 8._o 35._o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o shall_v save_v it_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v life_n in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n be_v render_v soul_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o be_v his_o life_n and_o so_o likewise_o joâ—_n 12._o 25._o he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n signify_v soul_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v who_o neglect_v and_o expose_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a and_o luke_n 9_o 25._o that_o which_o the_o other_o evangelist_n render_v by_o the_o word_n soul_n or_o life_n he_o render_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n advantage_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n three_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n by_o well-doing_n be_v here_o mean_v a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o do_v our_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 7._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n it_o signify_v sometime_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o charity_n but_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o chap._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n that_o be_v by_o a_o resolute_a constancy_n in_o a_o good_a course_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n and_o ver_fw-la 20._o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o sâ—ffer_v for_o it_o that_o be_v if_o when_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n and_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 6._o as_o long_o as_o you_o do_v well_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a with_o any_o amazement_n that_o be_v be_v resolute_a and_o constant_a in_o do_v your_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o threaten_n and_o terror_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a that_o be_v for_o your_o religion_n and_o constancy_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n as_o christian_n and_o not_o as_o criminal_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v wherefore_o be_v forewarn_v of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o direction_n and_o advice_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n commit_v yourselves_o in_o the_o constant_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o the_o faithful_a creator_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a point_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o first_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n second_o always_o provide_v that_o we_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n if_o we_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o god_n providence_n will_v not_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n three_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n afford_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n first_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o good_a assurance_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o not_o 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o these_o suffering_n 3._o what_o â—â—ound_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o more_o particular_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o case_n of_o such_o suffering_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n and_o when_o not_o in_o these_o case_n first_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o not_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o declare_v against_o it_o and_o apostatise_v from_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n about_o suffer_v for_o religion_n do_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o among_o christian_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n