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 affliction_n and_o suffering_n especial_o for_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o by_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n by_o way_n of_o inward_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n second_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v apt_a likewise_o to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o by_o way_n of_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o first_o a_o full_a pardon_n and_o indemnity_n for_o what_o be_v past_a be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n for_o we_o to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o forcible_a argument_n to_o keep_v we_o to_o it_o for_o the_o future_a for_o since_o god_n who_o have_v be_v so_o high_o injure_v 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 effectual_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o dutiful_a and_o constant_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o god_n holy_a law_n and_o commandment_n lest_o by_o our_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o violation_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v run_v ourselves_o into_o a_o deep_a guilt_n and_o aggravate_v our_o condemnation_n now_o that_o by_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n we_o be_v make_v whole_a we_o shall_v be_v infinite_o afraid_a to_o sin_v any_o more_o lest_o worse_a thing_n come_v to_o we_o lest_o we_o relapse_n into_o a_o more_o incurable_a state_n and_o bring_v a_o heavy_a load_n of_o guilt_n and_o misery_n upon_o ourselves_o second_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v likewise_o a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n engage_v we_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n that_o our_o soul_n and_o mind_n may_v be_v a_o fit_a temple_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o 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
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
thus_o with_o we_o as_o he_o threaten_v the_o people_n of_o issrâ—el_n isa_n 27._o 11._o when_o the_o bough_n be_v wither_v they_o shall_v be_v break_v off_o and_o set_v on_o fire_n for_o it_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o point_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o handle_v from_o this_o text_n and_o the_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o they_o do_v all_o along_o apply_v itself_o by_o direct_v we_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o suffer_v especial_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n viz._n in_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o by_o a_o firm_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o dâ—vine_a providence_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o who_o make_v we_o and_o know_v our_o frame_n will_v have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o we_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a and_o as_o to_o our_o present_a danger_n and_o that_o terrible_a storm_n which_o threaten_v we_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o divert_v it_o but_o if_o otherwise_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o it_o and_o let_v we_o be_v fervent_a and_o earnest_a in_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o our_o importunity_n but_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v qualify_v and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o mercy_n which_o we_o beg_v of_o he_o and_o let_v we_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v without_o it_o to_o breaâ—_n off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o to_o turn_v every_o one_o of_o we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o waysâ—_n that_o hereby_o we_o may_v render_v god_n propitious_a to_o we_o and_o put_v ourselves_o under_o the_o more_o immediate_a care_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o we_o may_v prevent_v his_o judgement_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n from_o we_o as_o he_o do_v once_o from_o a_o great_a and_o sinful_a city_n and_o people_n upon_o their_o sincere_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n jonah_n 3._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o people_n of_o niniveh_n that_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o above_o all_o let_v we_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o nothing_o will_v bear_v we_o up_o under_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n like_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o apostolical_a blessing_n and_o prayer_n colos_n 1._o 10_o 11._o that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o his_o glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n and_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 16_o 17._o now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n comfort_v your_o heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_v to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o john_n ix_o 4._o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v these_o word_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o certain_a work_n and_o employment_n appoint_v he_o during_o he_o abide_v in_o it_o a_o great_a work_n indeed_o to_o instruct_v and_o reform_v and_o save_v mankind_n a_o work_n of_o great_a labour_n and_o pain_n and_o patience_n not_o to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o yet_o the_o time_n for_o do_v it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o begin_v it_o and_o after_o he_o begin_v it_o the_o time_n of_o work_v be_v not_o long_o before_o the_o night_n come_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v but_o this_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o proper_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o no_o other_o may_v yeâ—_n be_v accommodate_v to_o every_o man_n with_o some_o allowance_n for_o the_o difference_n and_o disproportion_n for_o though_o every_o man_n be_v not_o send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n after_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n and_o upon_o so_o particular_a and_o vast_a a_o design_n yet_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n every_o man_n be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o this_o world_n and_o have_v a_o work_n give_v he_o to_o do_v in_o it_o which_o he_o be_v concern_v vigorous_o to_o mind_n and_o to_o prosecute_v with_o all_o his_o may_v and_o though_o every_o man_n be_v not_o send_v to_o save_v the_o whole_a world_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o every_o man_n be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v in_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n accommodate_v these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o handle_v these_o word_n according_a to_o this_o moral_a accommodation_n of_o they_o and_o apply_v what_o our_o saviour_n here_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o every_o man_n have_v a_o work_n assign_v he_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n by_o he_o that_o send_v he_o into_o it_o and_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n say_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v of_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o second_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 three_o that_o after_o this_o season_n be_v expire_v theâ—e_n will_v be_v no_o further_o opportunity_n of_o work_v the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v first_o every_o man_n have_v a_o work_n assign_v he_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n by_o he_o that_o send_v he_o into_o it_o and_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n say_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v of_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o â—ent_v i_o god_n who_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o have_v endow_v he_o with_o faculty_n whereby_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o serve_v he_o have_v appoint_v he_o a_o work_n and_o service_n suitable_a to_o these_o faculty_n and_o have_v infuse_v a_o immortal_a soul_n into_o this_o earthy_a body_n have_v certain_o design_v he_o for_o a_o state_n beyond_o this_o life_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a as_o he_o use_v and_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o the_o work_n which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o that_o eternal_a duration_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o after_o death_n for_o the_o life_n which_o we_o live_v now_o in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o time_n of_o exercise_n a_o short_a state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o a_o durable_a and_o endless_a state_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v immutable_o â—ixt_v in_o another_o world_n this_o world_n into_o which_o we_o be_v now_o send_v for_o a_o little_a while_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n school_n in_o which_o immortal_a spirit_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n be_v train_v and_o breed_v up_o for_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a
seduce_v he_o or_o draw_v he_o aside_o in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n he_o have_v no_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v the_o truth_n and_o follow_v it_o he_o be_v inquire_v after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o he_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o a_o traveller_n which_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o go_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o his_o concernment_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o such_o a_o indifferency_n of_o mind_n have_v every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o stand_v ready_a to_o receive_v truth_n when_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o concernment_n that_o the_o contrary_a proposition_n shall_v be_v true_a as_o in_o mathematics_n a_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n that_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v no_o inclination_n or_o affection_n to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o all_o his_o design_n and_o concernment_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o side_n soever_o it_o lie_v and_o he_o be_v like_a to_o find_v it_o because_o he_o be_v so_o indifferent_a and_o impartial_a but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v biased_a by_o any_o lust_n and_o addict_v to_o any_o vicious_a practice_n he_o be_v then_o a_o interest_v person_n and_o concern_v to_o be_v partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o because_o whatever_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v he_o can_v but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n if_o the_o affection_n and_o interest_n of_o meâ—_n be_v as_o deep_o concern_v and_o as_o sensible_o touch_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o mathematical_a proposition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o a_o proposition_n stand_v in_o their_o way_n and_o lay_v cross_a to_o their_o interest_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_o demonstrate_v yet_o they_o will_v raise_v a_o dust_n about_o it_o and_o make_v a_o thousand_o cavil_n and_o fence_v even_o against_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o demonstration_n they_o will_v palliate_v their_o error_n with_o all_o the_o skill_n and_o art_n they_o can_v and_o though_o the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o palpable_a yet_o they_o will_v hold_v it_o fast_o against_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o face_n down_o mankind_n in_o the_o obstinate_a defence_n of_o it_o for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o who_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v believe_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o see_v will_v if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n and_o passion_n to_o sway_v they_o in_o the_o case_n believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o world_n signify_v nothing_o whereas_o he_o that_o be_v bias_v by_o no_o passion_n or_o interest_n but_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v it_o be_v likely_a to_o judge_v very_o impartial_o concern_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deceive_v himself_o in_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a he_o have_v no_o interest_n or_o inclination_n to_o reject_v they_o for_o it_o be_v his_o great_a design_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o be_v glad_a of_o all_o opportunity_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v secure_a man_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o such_o person_n be_v hereby_o better_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o divine_a thing_n both_o because_o they_o have_v true_a and_o sure_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o their_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o account_n second_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a security_n in_o discern_a truth_n from_o error_n be_v because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o preserve_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n when_o man_n be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n god_n love_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o they_o and_o such_o be_v a_o humble_a and_o obedient_a frame_n of_o mind_n psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v be_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v happy_a only_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v take_v effectual_a care_n to_o secure_v such_o a_o one_o against_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o know_v it_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n he_o be_v undoubted_o a_o man_n of_o a_o very_a honest_a mind_n he_o have_v entertain_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o be_v breed_v in_o it_o and_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a reverence_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o teacher_n who_o reject_v christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n he_o likewise_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n and_o a_o honest_a intention_n be_v very_o persuade_v as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n he_o be_v under_o a_o great_a prejudice_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o education_n and_o according_a to_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o natural_a temper_n transport_v with_o great_a passion_n but_o because_o he_o do_v what_o he_o do_v ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n god_n be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o he_o and_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o persecute_v he_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v rather_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o his_o conversion_n than_o suffer_v he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o so_o fatal_a a_o mistake_n concern_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v concern_v itself_o to_o secure_v good_a man_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n he_o give_v up_o those_o who_o allow_v themselves_o in_o vicious_a practice_n to_o error_n and_o infidelity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n esa_n ch._n 6._o 10._o so_o often_o cite_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o jew_n of_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n fat_a and_o their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o close_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o shall_v understand_v and_o be_v convert_v so_o again_o isa_n 66._o 3_o 4._o god_n threaten_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o abominable_a in_o their_o life_n he_o will_v abandon_v they_o and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n i_o also_o will_v choose_v their_o delusion_n god_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v those_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o he_o permit_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o so_o rom._n 1._o 28._o
thing_n be_v without_o we_o they_o neither_o constitute_v our_o be_v nor_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o happiness_n but_o our_o soul_n be_v ourselves_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v our_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o with_o equal_a care_n and_o concernment_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o eternal_a misery_n and_o everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n and_o can_v we_o be_v at_o too_o much_o cost_n and_o pain_n upon_o such_o a_o design_n to_o escape_v so_o dismal_a a_o condition_n so_o dreadful_a a_o ruin_n as_o that_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n can_v any_o man_n be_v concern_v enough_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o great_a a_o good_a to_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o purchase_v it_o too_o dear_a whatever_o he_o give_v or_o part_v with_o for_o it_o a_o good_a so_o desirable_a and_o so_o durable_a as_o our_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o when_o we_o purchase_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o care_n and_o trouble_v we_o pay_v dear_a for_o trifle_n and_o fancy_n but_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o price_n that_o a_o wise_a merchant_n will_v have_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v it_o of_o such_o value_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o next_o to_o it_o be_v righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o means_n whereby_o this_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o we_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o earnestness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o a_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n and_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o end_n and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v valuable_a next_o to_o the_o end_n and_o almost_o equal_o with_o it_o and_o such_o be_v righteousness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o it_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o qualify_v we_o and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o that_o which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n constitute_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n to_o god_n which_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n bring_v we_o to_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n we_o have_v now_o of_o it_o be_v the_o very_a formal_a cause_n and_o essence_n of_o our_o blessedness_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v we_o do_v not_o now_o distinct_o understand_v wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n consist_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o know_v in_o general_a that_o it_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o hope_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o press_v you_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v by_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v universal_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o this_o bless_a state_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o than_o goodness_n any_o thing_n more_o desirable_a than_o a_o happiness_n which_o haâ—h_v no_o bound_n nor_o no_o end_n do_v not_o mind_v they_o nor_o look_v after_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o certain_o these_o aâ—e_a worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n second_o another_o consideration_n that_o shall_v very_o much_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o diligence_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o obtain_v they_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v no_o encouragement_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o whet_v our_o industry_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n when_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n use_v to_o quicken_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o eternal_a life_n mat._n 7._o 14._o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o luke_n 13._o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a seek_v here_o in_o opposition_n to_o strive_v be_v a_o faint_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n which_o will_v not_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a passage_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o miscarry_v who_o make_v some_o attempt_n towards_o heaven_n but_o they_o do_v not_o strive_v they_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o any_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o get_v thither_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v eternal_a happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o hard_a to_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o attain_v his_o righteousness_n as_o desirable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n to_o raise_v himself_o to_o that_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n so_o to_o subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n to_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o happiness_n and_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o difficulty_n be_v chief_o in_o ourselves_o but_o great_o increase_v by_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o without_o chief_o i_o say_v in_o ourselves_o from_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o our_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o the_o strong_a power_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o custom_n which_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v inveterate_a do_v tyrannize_v over_o we_o and_o make_v we_o perfect_a slave_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o that_o our_o nature_n must_v be_v quite_o change_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o we_o must_v be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v new_o mould_v and_o fashion_v we_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v create_v and_o bear_v again_o before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v positive_a and_o peremptory_a joh._n 3._o 3._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o difficulty_n indeed_o be_v great_a at_o first_o but_o it_o be_v considerable_a afterward_o till_o a_o through_o change_n be_v make_v and_o new_a inclination_n plant_v in_o we_o and_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v super-induced_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n be_v outward_a temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n which_o to_o withstand_v and_o resist_v require_v great_a courage_n and_o resolution_n great_a watchfulness_n and_o guard_n over_o ourselves_o but_o yet_o for_o our_o comfort_n these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o insuperable_a to_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n and_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purposeâ—_n 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 and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o though_o the_o difficulty_n â—f_n work_v out_o our_o salvation_n be_v great_a yet_o if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n set_v about_o it_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o second_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v we_o with_o his_o gracious_a favour_n and_o to_o further_o we_o with_o his_o continual_a aid_n that_o
the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v so_o to_o improve_v the_o short_a and_o uncertain_a time_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o the_o next_o or_o as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o that_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o this_o work_n consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n second_o in_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o three_o and_o in_o order_n to_o both_o these_o in_o the_o careful_a improvement_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o our_o time_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n 2._o in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a law_n 1._o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n consist_v in_o the_o pious_a and_o devout_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o we_o honour_v he_o and_o pay_v he_o that_o homage_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a from_o creature_n to_o he_o that_o make_v they_o and_o be_v the_o great_a sovereign_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o he_o and_o that_o we_o express_v this_o by_o all_o solemn_a externalacknowledgment_n of_o he_o as_o by_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n by_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o set_v apart_o constant_a and_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o that_o when_o we_o be_v employ_v in_o they_o we_o be_v serious_a and_o hearty_a and_o attentive_a to_o what_o we_o be_v about_o and_o perform_v every_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o those_o circumstance_n of_o reverence_n and_o respect_n which_o may_v testify_v our_o awful_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o our_o inward_a and_o profound_a veneration_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o and_o proper_o religion_n 2._o this_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n do_v consist_v likewise_o in_o the_o conscientious_a and_o constant_a obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o god_n holy_a law_n in_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o whether_o they_o be_v natural_a or_o write_v upon_o our_o heart_n or_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o word_n that_o we_o govern_v our_o passion_n by_o reason_n and_o moderate_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n so_o as_o not_o to_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n that_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o other_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o with_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n with_o kindness_n and_o charity_n these_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o head_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o other_o all_o which_o be_v more_o powerful_o enforce_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o plain_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o firm_a and_o effectual_a principle_n both_o of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o particular_a command_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n which_o god_n have_v send_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o wise_a man_n sum_v up_o our_o duty_n eccl._n 12._o 13._o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n be_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o god_n do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n in_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n but_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v allot_v a_o fit_a proportion_n of_o our_o time_n to_o these_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n with_o ourselves_o for_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v we_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n but_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o bishop_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o inculcate_v frequent_o upon_o christian_n that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n shall_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n that_o be_v to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a call_v for_o necessary_a use_n that_o be_v for_o the_o support_n of_o their_o family_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v great_a weight_n and_o stress_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a great_a duty_n tit._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n these_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o profitable_a unto_o man_n that_o be_v of_o general_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o mankind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n call_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o religion_n but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o by_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o their_o proper_a season_n and_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o time_n in_o any_o honest_a and_o useful_a employment_n we_o may_v make_v our_o whole_a life_n a_o perpetual_a serve_v of_o god_n we_o may_v glorify_v god_n in_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o in_o all_o other_o lawful_a and_o useful_a action_n of_o life_n in_o serve_v the_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n of_o life_n with_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o in_o manage_v our_o worldly_a commerce_n with_o justice_n and_o integrity_n we_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o perform_v considerable_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o provide_v we_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a and_o manage_v the_o action_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n with_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o subserviency_n to_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o eternity_n we_o may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v provide_v for_o ourselves_o and_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a call_v for_o god_n who_o have_v design_v this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o allow_v we_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o there_o be_v some_o person_n indeed_o who_o birth_n and_o condition_n set_v they_o above_o the_o common_a employment_n of_o life_n and_o the_o work_n of_o a_o ordinary_a call_v but_o these_o also_o have_v a_o work_n give_v they_o to_o do_v for_o god_n have_v send_v no_o man_n into_o the_o world_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o only_o to_o take_v his_o pastime_n therein_o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ita_fw-la generati_fw-la sumus_fw-la à _fw-la natura_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la ludum_fw-la &_o jocum_fw-la facti_fw-la esse_fw-la videamur_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la severitatem_fw-la potius_fw-la &_o quaedam_fw-la studia_fw-la graviora_fw-la atque_fw-la majora_fw-la for_o â—e_n be_v not_o say_v tully_n de_fw-fr off._n lib._n 1._o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n as_o if_o we_o be_v make_v for_o sport_n and_o jest_n but_o for_o more_o serious_a employment_n and_o for_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n and_o those_o who_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o particular_a call_v may_v allow_v so_o much_o large_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o god_n likewise_o expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v useful_a to_o mankind_n in_o some_o high_a and_o noble_a way_n according_a to_o the_o publickness_n of_o their_o station_n and_o influence_n such_o person_n may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o their_o country_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o government_n and_o in_o the_o care_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o may_v employ_v their_o time_n in_o prepare_v and_o render_v themselves_o more_o fit_a for_o this_o service_n they_o may_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o good_a government_n of_o their_o family_n and_o in_o the_o prudent_a care_n and_o management_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o in_o reconcile_a difference_n among_o their_o neighbour_n and_o in_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o provide_v for_o their_o supply_n so_o