excite_v we_o continual_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o obedience_n such_o as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n and_o temptation_n and_o in_o all_o our_o conflict_n with_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o make_v we_o victorious_a over_o they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v a_o principle_n within_o we_o more_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a than_o the_o lust_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o evil_a heart_n than_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o than_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o assistance_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o this_o strength_n which_o god_n afford_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o god_n we_o need_v not_o despair_v of_o victory_n and_o success_n for_o our_o strength_n will_v continual_o increase_v and_o the_o force_n and_o violence_n of_o our_o lust_n will_v be_v abate_v god_n will_v give_v we_o more_o grace_n and_o we_o shall_v walk_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n and_o our_o path_n will_v be_v as_o solomon_n say_v of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a as_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n conduct_n and_o manage_v this_o great_a work_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o by_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n upon_o our_o mind_n by_o represent_v to_o we_o with_o advantage_n such_o argument_n and_o consideration_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o yield_v to_o it_o by_o secret_a and_o gentle_a reprehension_n soften_a our_o hard_a heart_n and_o bâ—nding_v our_o stiff_a and_o stubborn_a will_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v that_o great_a work_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n the_o turn_v we_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n a_o new_a creation_n and_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o then_o by_o lead_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n by_o quicken_a our_o devotion_n and_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o holy_a desire_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n render_v we_o fit_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o a_o humble_a confidence_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o those_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o in_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o 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and_o affront_v by_o we_o be_v so_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o as_o not_o only_o to_o provide_v and_o purchase_v for_o we_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o pardon_n by_o the_o grievous_a suffering_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n but_o to_o offer_v it_o so_o free_o and_o invite_v we_o so_o earnest_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o aught_o in_o all_o reason_n ingenuity_n and_o gratitude_n to_o melt_v we_o into_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o they_o and_o to_o inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o mighty_a love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o to_o make_v we_o extreme_o unwilling_a nay_o most_o firm_o resolve_v never_o more_o to_o offend_v that_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a god_n who_o be_v so_o slow_a to_o punish_v and_o so_o forward_o to_o forgive_v and_o 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will_v not_o dwell_v in_o a_o impure_a soul_n and_o likewise_o encourage_v we_o hereto_o by_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o have_v so_o unerring_a a_o guide_n to_o counsel_n and_o direct_v we_o so_o powerful_a a_o assistant_n to_o strengthen_v we_o with_o all_o might_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n to_o stand_v by_o we_o in_o all_o our_o conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o to_o make_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o though_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o our_o lust_n strong_a our_o enemy_n many_o and_o temptation_n mighty_a and_o violent_a yet_o we_o need_v not_o be_v dishearten_v so_o long_o as_o we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v with_o we_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n sufficient_a for_o we_o against_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n and_o hell_n though_o our_o duty_n be_v hard_a and_o our_o strength_n small_a yet_o we_o can_v fail_v of_o success_n if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o omnipotent_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o second_v our_o sincere_a though_o never_o so_o weak_a endeavour_n so_o that_o when_o we_o see_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n draw_v up_o in_o array_n against_o we_o we_o may_v encourage_v ourselves_o as_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n do_v his_o servant_n when_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o a_o host_n compass_v the_o city_n with_o horse_n and_o chariot_n and_o say_v alas_o my_o master_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o he_o answer_v fear_v not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v with_o they_o 2_o king_n 6._o 16._o or_o as_o hezekiah_n comfort_v the_o people_n when_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o mighty_a force_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n 2_o chron._n 32._o 7_o 8._o be_v strong_a and_o courageous_a be_v not_o afraid_a nor_o dismay_v for_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n nor_o for_o all_o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v with_o he_o for_o there_o be_v more_o with_o we_o than_o with_o he_o with_o he_o be_v a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n but_o with_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o help_v we_o and_o to_o fight_v for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o christian_a the_o force_n that_o be_v against_o we_o be_v finite_a and_o limit_v but_o the_o almighty_a god_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o fight_v for_o we_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n philip._n 4._o 13._o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o three_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n if_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v have_v a_o mighty_a force_n in_o it_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o patient_a continuance_n
violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o final_a miscarriage_n after_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o suffering_n in_o a_o religious_a course_n by_o be_v overbear_v at_o last_o by_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o very_a violent_a and_o powerful_a temptation_n not_o but_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o have_v a_o prudent_a distrust_n of_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o security_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o counsel_n be_v not_o high_a mind_v but_o fear_v and_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v because_o till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o possibility_n of_o fall_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o may_v hope_v by_o the_o sincerity_n and_o firmness_n of_o our_o resolution_n under_o the_o usual_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o like_o man_n in_o ordinary_a case_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v represent_v to_o ourselves_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o good_a man_n and_o his_o merciful_a providence_n which_o continual_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o steer_v their_o course_n for_o they_o in_o this_o world_n among_o those_o many_o rock_n which_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o split_v upon_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o fall_v and_o to_o present_v we_o faultless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o hâ—s_n glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forsake_v he_o and_o forfeit_v his_o care_n and_o protection_n he_o will_v keep_v we_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n either_o by_o his_o merciful_a foresight_n and_o prevention_n of_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v probable_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o or_o if_o he_o think_v fit_a they_o shall_v befall_v we_o by_o support_v we_o under_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o best_a man_n do_v own_o their_o security_n and_o perseverance_n in_o goodness_n much_o more_o to_o the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n prevent_v the_o assault_n of_o violent_a and_o dangerous_a temptation_n than_o to_o the_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o own_o resolution_n for_o there_o be_v very_o few_o person_n of_o so_o firm_a and_o resolute_a virtue_n but_o that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o a_o temptation_n may_v assault_v they_o upon_o such_o a_o disadvantage_n as_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n not_o only_o stagger_v they_o but_o bear_v they_o down_o now_o herein_o thâ—â—â—ovidence_n of_o god_n towards_o good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o remarkable_a in_o secuâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d â—rom_n those_o temptation_n which_o 〈◊〉_d â—oo_o strong_a for_o they_o to_o grapple_v wiâ—â—al_a like_o a_o kind_n and_o tender_a father_n who_o if_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o dutiful_a disposition_n of_o his_o child_n towards_o he_o will_v not_o try_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o utmost_a nor_o permit_v too_o strong_a a_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o come_v in_o his_o way_n so_o the_o psalmist_n represent_v god_n tender_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o child_n psal_n 103._o 13_o 14._o like_a as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o for_o he_o know_v our_o frame_n he_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v dust_n that_o be_v he_o consider_v we_o as_o man_n and_o deal_v with_o we_o according_o provide_v we_o be_v sincere_a he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o temptation_n that_o be_v too_o big_a for_o we_o andtherefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o that_o excellent_a prayer_n which_o he_o have_v recommend_v to_o we_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v we_o shall_v every_o day_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o his_o providence_n will_v keep_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a temptation_n as_o know_v that_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o than_o any_o strength_n and_o resolution_n of_o our_o own_o second_o or_o in_o case_n of_o such_o violent_a and_o extraordinary_a temptation_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o they_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o do_v afford_v comfort_n to_o they_o under_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n but_o god_n never_o make_v so_o express_v and_o general_a a_o promise_n of_o this_o to_o all_o good_a man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n never_o be_v so_o constant_a a_o presence_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n vouchsafe_v and_o assure_v to_o man_n under_o any_o dispensation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o that_o sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n but_o of_o support_n and_o comfort_n under_o the_o heavy_a pressure_n and_o suffering_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n say_v to_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o any_o other_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v ever_o make_v to_o mankind_n we_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o be_v very_o much_o dishearten_v and_o cast_v down_o at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o great_a suffering_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v st._n paul_n use_v very_o high_a expression_n about_o this_o matter_n eph._n 1._o 19_o that_o you_o may_v know_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o all_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v accord_v to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v endow_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n be_v able_a as_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o to_o do_v and_o to_o endure_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v he_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o powerful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n reside_v in_o every_o true_a christian_a that_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v we_o up_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n overcome_v the_o world_n for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a principle_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n and_o patience_n under_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o suffering_n than_o that_o evil_a spirit_n which_o rule_v in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o set_v on_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o world_n against_o we_o you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n he_o speak_v this_o to_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a christian_n you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o malice_n and_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o great_a but_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n good_a man_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bear_v up_o and_o comfort_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a manner_n under_o the_o great_a tribulation_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a signal_n and_o remarkable_a manner_n afford_v to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o those_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v and_o this_o may_v still_o be_v expect_v in_o like_a case_n of_o extraordinary_a suffering_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n truth_n if_o you_o be_v reproach_v say_v st._n peter_n in_o this_o four_o
of_o it_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v far_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o promise_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o direction_n or_o assistance_n or_o security_n from_o mistake_n to_o any_o church_n but_o the_o same_o be_v make_v in_o as_o full_a and_o express_a term_n to_o every_o good_a man_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o same_o to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o word_n john_n 14._o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n apply_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o every_o good_a christian_a heb._n 13._o 5._o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o for_o where_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o i_o will_v make_v my_o abode_n with_o he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o promise_v make_v to_o every_o good_a man_n john_n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n have_v god_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o same_o metaphor_n concern_v every_o man_n that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n mat._n 7._o 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o be_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n so_o that_o if_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n signify_v infallibility_n it_o belong_v to_o every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o practise_v what_o he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o church_n when_o man_n be_v enable_v by_o god_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o those_o doctrine_n but_o without_o this_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o offer_v no_o evidence_n â—it_a to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v and_o i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o the_o pope_n among_o all_o his_o privilege_n do_v pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n second_o from_o hence_o likewise_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o error_n and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o infidel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o man_n interest_n and_o lust_n make_v they_o partial_a and_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o recommend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o as_o st._n paul_n argue_v if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o if_o man_n do_v but_o stand_v indifferent_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n fair_o propose_v to_o he_o will_v continue_v a_o infidel_n if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o suitable_a thereto_o be_v from_o god_n three_o and_o last_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n do_v we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n let_v we_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will._n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o their_o vicious_a practice_n the_o best_a way_n certain_o to_o preserve_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o take_v great_a care_n of_o a_o good_a life_n god_n goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n judgement_n to_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o damnable_a error_n without_o some_o vice_n and_o fault_n of_o his_o will._n the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o accompany_v they_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n may_v easy_o discern_v they_o from_o error_n and_o imposture_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o see_v any_o oppose_v the_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v gross_a error_n and_o delusion_n we_o may_v almost_o certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o worldly_a interest_n or_o lust_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n be_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o st._n peter_n exhortation_n the_o 2_o d_o of_o pet._n 3._o 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v among_o all_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o common_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o of_o a_o more_o universal_a bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o this_o of_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o this_o vice_n i_o shall_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o even_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n truth_n and_o religion_n of_o which_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o common_a cause_n so_o that_o if_o i_o can_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o great_a distemper_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v remove_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o which_o word_n be_v these_o threâ—_n thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v he_o double_v it_o to_o show_v the_o great_a need_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o vice_n which_o our_o
a_o divine_a nature_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n and_o because_o the_o chief_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v here_o intend_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o this_o text_n to_o handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v frequent_o discourse_v of_o in_o divinity_n but_o not_o always_o so_o clear_o state_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o four_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o promise_n be_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o promise_v 2._o why_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o precious_a exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 3._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o tenor_n of_o these_o promise_n 4._o when_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o may_v apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o these_o four_o head_n will_v comprehend_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o argument_n 1._o what_o the_o promise_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o promise_v and_o no_o doubt_n the_o apostle_n here_o intend_v those_o great_a and_o excellent_a promise_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o this_o enquiry_n we_o need_v only_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n 3._o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o reward_v it_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v full_a and_o clear_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o will_v forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o amend_v our_o wicked_a life_n all_o that_o be_v past_a shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o and_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o this_o end_n to_o obtain_v for_o we_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n give_v man_n good_a hope_n that_o upon_o their_o repentance_n god_n will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n from_o they_o but_o mankind_n be_v doubtful_a of_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o use_v expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n the_o jewish_a religion_n allow_v of_o no_o expiation_n but_o for_o legal_a impurity_n and_o involuntary_a transgression_n such_o as_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n but_o not_o for_o sin_n of_o presumption_n and_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v with_o a_o bigh_a hand_n if_o man_n sin_v wilful_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n for_o such_o sin_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n justify_v we_o from_o the_o great_a sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o jew_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v â—nto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v no_o general_a promise_n of_o pardon_n nor_o way_n of_o expiation_n under_o the_o law_n perfect_a remission_n of_o sin_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o ascertain_v to_o we_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n 2._o another_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n which_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v namely_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n whereby_o they_o be_v qualify_v to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o but_o now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propagate_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v cease_v but_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v still_o concur_v with_o the_o gospel_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o excite_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o though_o this_o operation_n be_v very_o secret_a so_o as_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o this_o influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n this_o proposition_n be_v universal_o true_a and_o in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o now_o work_v upon_o man_n in_o that_o sudden_a and_o sensible_a manner_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n because_o then_o man_n be_v strong_o possess_v with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o other_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o therefore_o as_o more_o outward_a mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v then_o necessary_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o powerful_a internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o conquer_v and_o bear_v down_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o now_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n be_v more_o gradual_o instill_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o gentle_a degree_n of_o pious_a instruction_n and_o education_n and_o with_o these_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n concur_v in_o a_o more_o humane_a way_n which_o be_v more_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o men._n so_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v now_o make_v good_a to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o present_a state_n do_v require_v god_n do_v not_o use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o may_v be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o more_o ordinary_a way_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v still_o necessary_a to_o man_n to_o incline_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a at_o first_o because_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v not_o now_o so_o great_a and_o many_o of_o those_o advantage_n which_o be_v necessary_o want_v at_o first_o be_v now_o supply_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a now_o to_o expect_v the_o same_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n 3._o there_o be_v likewise_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o reward_n and_o crown_v our_o obedience_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o job_n 2._o 25._o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v prefer_v before_o the_o old_a covenant_n of_o the_o law_n because_o it_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n all_o the_o special_a and_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o obedience_n under_o that_o imimperfect_a dispensation_n but_o now_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o the_o gospel_n have_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o a_o happy_a state_n of_o immortality_n after_o this_o life_n of_o which_o man_n have_v but_o very_o obscure_a and_o doubtful_a apprehension_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o that_o it_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n jâ—sus_n christ_n who_o have_v abâ—lisbed_v death_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n
to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n holy_a man_n have_v good_a hope_n of_o it_o before_o but_o they_o have_v no_o sure_a distinct_a apprehension_n of_o it_o no_o such_o full_a assurance_n concern_v it_o no_o such_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n of_o it_o as_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o those_o great_a promise_n be_v which_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o namely_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n to_o reward_v it_o these_o be_v the_o three_o eminent_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n those_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o consider_v namely_o why_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o valuable_a promise_n and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o they_o be_v such_o the_o very_a consideration_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o they_o carry_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o condition_n that_o mankind_n be_v in_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v these_o gracious_a declaration_n to_o we_o we_o shall_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o promise_n mankind_n be_v extreme_o degenerate_v all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v guilty_a before_o god_n and_o liable_a to_o all_o that_o misery_n which_o the_o sinner_n have_v reason_n to_o apprehend_v from_o the_o incense_a justice_n of_o the_o almighty_a we_o have_v forfeit_v that_o happiness_n to_o which_o our_o immortal_a nature_n be_v design_v and_o which_o make_v our_o condition_n more_o sad_a we_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o it_o by_o our_o repentance_n for_o what_o be_v pass_v if_o god_n will_v have_v accept_v of_o it_o and_o by_o our_o future_a obedience_n now_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n offer_v relief_n to_o we_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o thereby_o obviate_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o disâ—ouragements_n which_o mankind_n lie_v under_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o pardon_n free_v we_o from_o guilt_n and_o sâ—cures_v we_o from_o the_o terrible_a wrath_n of_o god_n which_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n do_v so_o much_o dread_n and_o without_o this_o promise_n mankind_n will_v have_v be_v under_o the_o great_a doubt_n and_o discouragement_n for_o when_o man_n be_v afraid_a their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o will_v be_v forgive_v they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o despair_n and_o despair_n be_v a_o effectual_a bar_n to_o repentance_n for_o when_o man_n think_v their_o condition_n be_v desperate_a they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n do_v full_o answer_v all_o the_o discouragement_n and_o objection_n from_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o and_o how_o weak_a soever_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o or_o what_o can_v stand_v against_o we_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o very_a powerful_a enemy_n and_o much_o too_o strong_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o encounter_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n but_o there_o be_v another_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o more_o powerful_a than_o he_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o help_v when_o we_o do_v not_o repulse_v and_o refuse_v his_o assistance_n greâ—ter_n be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwellâ—_n in_o all_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o admit_v he_o and_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o assist_v those_o who_o comply_v with_o his_o bless_a motion_n and_o do_v vigorous_o put_v forth_o their_o own_o endeavour_n and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o answer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o set_v we_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n can_v threaten_v we_o withal_o for_o our_o constancy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o trâ—th_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n or_o to_o quit_v any_o thing_n upon_o term_n of_o far_o great_a advantage_n and_o what_o great_a consideration_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o encourage_v our_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n than_o a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v reason_n to_o call_v these_o exceed_a great_a and_o valuable_a promise_n so_o valuable_a that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v want_v our_o redemption_n and_o recovery_n have_v either_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o extreme_o difficult_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o tenor_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o be_v whether_o god_n have_v make_v they_o absolute_o to_o we_o without_o require_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v on_o our_o part_n oâ—_n upon_o certain_a term_n and_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o any_o blessing_n or_o benefit_n to_o we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o that_o god_n grace_n do_v prevent_v many_o and_o be_v beforehand_o with_o they_o be_v as_o little_a to_o be_v doubt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n move_v and_o incline_v man_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o many_o time_n before_o any_o inclination_n and_o disposition_n thereto_o on_o their_o part_n but_o as_o to_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o assistance_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o think_v may_v safe_o be_v affirm_v be_v promise_v only_o conditional_o as_o also_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o concern_v each_o of_o these_o the_o matter_n may_v quick_o be_v decide_v by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o condition_n first_o that_o we_o beg_v it_o earnest_o of_o god_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n express_v by_o ask_v seek_v and_o knock_v which_o signify_v the_o importunity_n of_o our_o request_n our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o thus_o ask_v it_o and_o then_o second_o that_o we_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n afford_v we_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v that_o be_v as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n to_o he_o that_o use_v that_o grace_n and_o those_o advantage_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o more_o shall_v be_v give_v but_o from_o he_o that_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o but_o seem_v to_o have_v because_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o scripture_n plain_o suspend_v that_o upon_o the_o general_a condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o our_o life_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v you_o and_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o forgive_a other_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n then_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 14_o 15._o and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n suspend_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v he_o that_o believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o indeed_o imply_v the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v that_o be_v he_o that_o effectual_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v so_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o obedience_n be_v not_o include_v in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o scripture_n
we_o and_o when_o man_n find_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o they_o will_v without_o any_o great_a persuasion_n take_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o till_o they_o discern_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o himself_o for_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v he_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n than_o if_o such_o a_o promise_n have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a trouble_n which_o perplex_v many_o people_n that_o they_o can_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o whereas_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o their_o trouble_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o they_o will_v apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o other_o be_v a_o endless_a trouble_n let_v they_o but_o look_v to_o the_o condition_n and_o the_o promise_n will_v apply_v itself_o i_o speak_v all_o this_o on_o purpose_n to_o free_a man_n from_o those_o perplexity_n wherewith_o many_o have_v entangle_v themselves_o by_o false_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n either_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o we_o upon_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o or_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v comfortable_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v make_v such_o promise_n for_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a or_o expect_v thing_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v they_o may_v trouble_v themselves_o eternal_o and_o all_o the_o world_n can_v help_v it_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o thing_n viz._n what_o influence_n these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v the_o promise_n here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v do_v with_o and_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n not_o that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o some_o have_v blasphemous_o affirm_v pretend_v in_o their_o cant_a and_o senseless_a language_n to_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o chri_v with_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o will_v be_v for_o man_n to_o become_v god_n and_o to_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n signify_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o have_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n rectify_v and_o purge_v from_o all_o sinful_a lust_n and_o irregular_a passion_n and_o from_o all_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n so_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o explain_v it_o these_o two_o way_n by_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o corruption_n or_o defilement_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o by_o a_o diligent_a endeavour_n after_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n faith_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o a_o universal_a charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o all_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o uncleanness_n and_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n such_o as_o wrath_n envy_n malice_n hatred_n strife_n revenge_n cruelty_n pride_n and_o the_o like_a perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v continual_o aspire_v still_o more_o and_o more_o after_o further_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o by_o practise_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v by_o degree_n raise_v and_o advance_v ourselves_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n imitate_v in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o term_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v partake_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n or_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n express_v it_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a this_o the_o gospel_n design_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o and_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o effect_v it_o these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o second_o by_o way_n of_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n both_o these_o way_n some_o or_o other_o of_o these_o promise_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o this_o influence_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o gracious_a help_n and_o assistance_n thereof_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n incline_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n and_o commiseration_n of_o that_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n which_o we_o have_v contract_v in_o that_o degenerate_a and_o deprave_a condition_n into_o which_o mankind_n be_v sink_v to_o help_v we_o who_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o that_o evil_a and_o miserable_a state_n into_o which_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o be_v fall_v to_o quicken_v we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o condition_n of_o unregenerate_a person_n to_o raise_v â—s_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o cherish_v this_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v common_o weak_a at_o first_o and_o to_o carry_v it_o through_o alldiscouragement_n and_o opposition_n to_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
design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o insinuate_v to_o we_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o mere_a importunity_n of_o our_o prayer_n to_o grant_v our_o request_n but_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o meaning_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o he_o design_v by_o it_o be_v only_o to_o signify_v that_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v that_o be_v to_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o not_o to_o give_v over_o after_o once_o ask_v as_o if_o we_o despair_v of_o prevail_v not_o that_o mere_a importunity_n prevail_v with_o god_n to_o give_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v otherwise_o unwilling_a to_o grant_v but_o because_o it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v fervent_a and_o earnest_n to_o testify_v our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o deep_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o want_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o likewise_o that_o we_o set_v a_o true_a value_n upon_o the_o blessing_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o worth_a all_o the_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n we_o can_v use_v and_o in_o this_o decent_a and_o sober_a sense_n the_o success_n of_o our_o prayer_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o depend_v upon_o our_o importunity_n not_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o move_v god_n to_o grant_v our_o request_n but_o that_o it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v thus_o affect_v that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o fit_o qualify_v for_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o confer_v upon_o we_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o to_o give_v we_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o distinct_o understand_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n do_v require_v so_o much_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n of_o prayer_n on_o our_o part_n not_o at_o all_o to_o work_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o dispose_v he_o to_o show_v mercy_n to_o we_o for_o that_o he_o be_v always_o inclinable_a to_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o but_o only_a to_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n with_o great_a advantage_n to_o ourselves_o five_o provide_v moreover_o that_o we_o be_v not_o confident_a of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o resolution_n we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o nor_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o resolution_n till_o we_o be_v try_v it_o be_v wise_a advice_n which_o solomon_n give_v we_o and_o never_o more_o seasonable_a than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n prov._n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n be_v not_o wise_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v be_v not_o conceit_v and_o confident_a of_o thy_o own_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n or_o ability_n in_o any_o kind_n there_o be_v a_o secret_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o mingle_v itself_o with_o the_o action_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o dispose_v of_o we_o unknown_a to_o ourselves_o and_o what_o we_o think_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o resolution_n of_o our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n proceed_v from_o a_o high_a cause_n which_o unseen_a to_o we_o do_v steer_v and_o govern_v we_o so_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v prov._n 20._o 24._o man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n how_o can_v a_o man_n then_o understand_v his_o own_o way_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n every_o one_o to_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 10._o 23._o o_o lord_n i_o know_v that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n our_o foot_n will_v soon_o slip_v if_o god_n do_v not_o uphold_v we_o by_o his_o hand_n remember_v how_o shameful_o the_o chief_a of_o our_o lord_n disciple_n miscarry_v by_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o himself_o i_o mean_v st._n peter_n in_o who_o fall_n we_o may_v all_o see_v our_o own_o frailty_n if_o god_n do_v but_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v the_o winnow_v of_o we_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o chaff_n find_v in_o the_o best_a of_o we_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 10._o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a we_o shall_v all_o find_v true_a when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n we_o be_v then_o strong_a when_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n we_o rely_v most_o upon_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o god_n six_o provide_v furthermore_o that_o according_a to_o our_o ability_n we_o have_v be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o alm_n and_o charity_n for_o well-doing_n or_o do_v good_a be_v sometime_o take_v in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n not_o improper_a here_o to_o be_v mention_v though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o particular_o intend_v here_o in_o the_o text_n for_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o alms._n as_o heb._n 13._o 16._o but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v that_o be_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v this_o kind_n of_o well-doing_n be_v a_o special_a preservative_n in_o time_n of_o evil_a there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o grace_n or_o virtue_n to_o which_o there_o be_v in_o scripture_n more_o special_a promise_n make_v of_o our_o protection_n and_o preservation_n from_o evil_a and_o suffer_a of_o support_n and_o comfort_n under_o they_o and_o deliverance_n out_o of_o they_o than_o to_o this_o of_o a_o charitable_a and_o compassionate_a consideration_n of_o those_o who_o labour_n under_o want_n or_o suffer_v psal_n 37._o 3._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a so_o shall_v thou_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n and_o very_o thou_o shall_v be_v feed_v and_o ver_fw-la 19_o speak_v of_o righteous_a or_o merciful_a man_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a in_o the_o evil_a time_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o famine_n they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v psal_n 41._o 1_o 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o consider_v the_o poor_a the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v he_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o lord_n will_v preserve_v he_o and_o keep_v he_o alive_a and_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thou_o will_v not_o deliver_v he_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o his_o enemy_n there_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n excellent_a say_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o charity_n as_o that_o which_o will_v be_v particular_o consider_v and_o reward_v to_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o distress_n in_o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v tob._n 4._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o give_v alm_n of_o thy_o substance_n and_o turn_v not_o thy_o face_n from_o any_o poor_a man_n and_o the_o face_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v turn_v away_o from_o thou_o if_o thou_o have_v abundance_n give_v alm_n according_o if_o thou_o have_v but_o a_o little_a be_v noâ—_n afraid_a to_o give_v according_a to_o that_o little_a for_o thou_o lay_v up_o for_o thyself_o a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o day_n of_o necessity_n because_o that_o alm_n do_v deliver_v from_o death_n and_o suffer_v not_o to_o come_v into_o darkness_n ecclus_n 3._o 31._o speak_v of_o he_o that_o give_v alm_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v kindness_n to_o other_o he_o be_v mindful_a of_o that_o which_o may_v come_v hereafter_o and_o when_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v find_v a_o stay_n and_o chap._n 29._o 11_o 12_o 13._o lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o more_o profit_n than_o gold_n shut_v up_o alm_n in_o thy_o storehouse_n and_o it_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o affliction_n it_o shall_v fight_v for_o thou_o against_o thy_o enemy_n better_o than_o a_o mighty_a shield_n and_o strong_a spear_n i_o have_v often_o say_v it_o and_o be_o very_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o one_o of_o the_o best_a sign_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o this_o poor_a nation_n be_v that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v of_o late_a year_n to_o stir_v up_o so_o general_a a_o disposition_n in_o man_n to_o work_n of_o alm_n and_o charity_n and_o thereby_o to_o revive_v the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o so_o eminent_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n and_o teach_v those_o who_o believe_v in_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v and_o practice_v good_a work_n and_o nothing_o give_v i_o great_a hope_n that_o god_n have_v mercy_n still_o in_o store_n for_o we_o than_o that_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o show_v mercy_n there_o be_v great_a object_n to_o exercise_v our_o charity_n upon_o in_o this_o
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
this_o precious_a treasure_n to_o every_o body_n rapine_n and_o extortion_n and_o can_v quiet_o look_v on_o whilst_o man_n thrust_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o take_v it_o out_o by_o whole_a handful_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n than_o silver_n be_v in_o solomon_n day_n no_o more_o than_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n and_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v go_v all_o the_o silver_n and_o gold_n in_o the_o world_n can_v purchase_v and_o fetch_v back_o the_o least_o moment_n of_o it_o when_o perhaps_o we_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o that_o time_n which_o we_o part_v with_o upon_o such_o cheap_a and_o easy_a term_n good_a god_n what_o a_o stupid_a and_o senseless_a prodigality_n be_v this_o do_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v when_o we_o give_v away_o such_o large_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n to_o our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n to_o diversion_n and_o idleness_n to_o trifle_v and_o unprofitable_a conversation_n to_o the_o make_n and_o receive_v of_o impertinent_a visit_n and_o the_o usual_a and_o almost_o inseparable_a attendant_n thereof_o spiteful_a observation_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v present_a and_o slander_v and_o backbiting_a those_o that_o be_v absent_a for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o most_o people_n in_o visit_n be_v not_o to_o better_v one_o another_o but_o to_o spy_v and_o make_v fault_n and_o not_o to_o mend_v they_o to_o get_v time_n off_o their_o hand_n to_o show_v their_o fine_a clothes_n and_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mutual_a contempt_n of_o one_o another_o by_o a_o plentiful_a impertinence_n when_o we_o part_v with_o it_o by_o wholesale_n in_o sleep_n and_o dress_n and_o can_v spend_v whole_a morning_n between_o the_o comb_n and_o the_o glass_n and_o the_o afternoon_n at_o play_n and_o whole_a night_n in_o game_n or_o in_o riot_n and_o lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n in_o all_o which_o people_n common_o waste_v their_o money_n and_o their_o time_n together_o nay_o how_o do_v even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o misplace_v this_o precious_a treasure_n and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o employ_v it_o to_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o in_o work_n of_o iniquity_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a use_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o man_n by_o thus_o lay_v out_o this_o treasure_n we_o may_v lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o help_v other_o on_o in_o the_o way_n thither_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n employ_v his_o precious_a time_n in_o go_v about_o do_v good_a in_o all_o kind_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n heal_v the_o body_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o be_v his_o business_n and_o this_o be_v his_o delight_n it_o be_v his_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o his_o very_a life_n he_o spend_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o sacrifice_v his_o ease_n and_o his_o safety_n and_o his_o life_n to_o these_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o little_a time_n he_o have_v to_o do_v it_o in_o which_o make_v he_o incessant_o industrious_a in_o it_o and_o to_o run_v the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o with_o great_a speed_n and_o to_o work_v while_o it_o be_v day_n because_o he_o know_v the_o night_n will_v come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o observe_v from_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o limit_a time_n for_o every_o man_n to_o do_v this_o work_n in_o while_o it_o be_v day_n i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o whilst_o it_o be_v day_n and_o this_o day_n comprehend_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v soon_o be_v over_o and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v well_o spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v past_a before_o the_o season_n of_o work_v begin_v it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n begin_v and_o we_o come_v to_o have_v our_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a beâ—ore_o our_o understanding_n be_v ripe_a for_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o we_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o great_a design_n for_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n be_v but_o the_o dawning_n of_o this_o day_n and_o no_o fit_a time_n to_o work_v in_o and_o youth_n which_o be_v as_o the_o morning_n of_o this_o day_n though_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o our_o time_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a season_n of_o all_o other_o for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v usual_o possess_v by_o vanity_n and_o vice_n the_o common_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n have_v devote_v this_o best_a part_n of_o our_o age_n to_o the_o worst_a employment_n to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o lust_n how_o very_o few_o be_v there_o that_o lie_v hold_v of_o this_o opportunity_n and_o employ_v it_o to_o the_o best_a purpose_n and_o yet_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o our_o life_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o most_o person_n do_v continue_v and_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o set_v out_o at_o first_o whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o those_o who_o neglect_v to_o improve_v this_o first_o opportunity_n of_o their_o life_n do_v seldom_o recover_v themselves_o afterward_o god_n grace_n may_v seize_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o life_n but_o according_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a method_n of_o it_o the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v most_o common_o lay_v in_o a_o pious_a and_o 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