and_o that_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v such_o a_o family_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n when_o the_o church_n be_v empale_v in_o his_o little_a family_n and_o ten_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o value_v the_o censure_n of_o men._n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o he_o know_v their_o integrity_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a he_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v safe_a our_o reward_n be_v sure_a and_o will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n we_o need_v not_o ask_v leave_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o stand_v to_o their_o courtesy_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o favour_n with_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v ready_a to_o acquit_v we_o 4._o last_o the_o success_n of_o this_o trial_n shall_v inspire_v we_o with_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n too_o hard_o for_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a faith_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v discharge_v before_o we_o and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o our_o great_a example_n have_v do_v and_o consider_v how_o noble_o they_o have_v acquit_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o brave_a and_o resolute_a as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o break_v through_o the_o discouragement_n which_o can_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o run_v and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n do_v they_o climb_v over_o the_o high_a difficulty_n and_o may_v not_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o couch_v under_o the_o ordinary_a hardship_n in_o religion_n do_v they_o depend_v upon_o god_n when_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n can_v relieve_v their_o hope_n in_o he_o and_o shall_v we_o distrust_v his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n while_o we_o actual_o enjoy_v they_o and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o continue_v so_o many_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o concernment_n for_o we_o do_v they_o leave_v their_o country_n at_o god_n command_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o too_o much_o but_o to_o leave_v the_o vice_n of_o we_o which_o have_v long_o threaten_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o possession_n of_o it_o again_o do_v they_o stick_v at_o nothing_o to_o please_v god_n not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o only_a son_n and_o shall_v we_o that_o have_v better_a promise_n than_o they_o have_v refuse_v he_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o holy_a flame_n of_o devotion_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o indisputable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v extreme_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o be_v ture_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o believe_v and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a annal_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n present_v we_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o many_o eminent_a believer_n who_o become_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n by_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o but_o that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o same_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v much_o great_a advantage_n than_o they_o have_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o same_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n in_o god_n service_n to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o incomparable_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n lay_v himself_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o his_o son_n upon_o his_o altar_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o god_n command_n sacrifice_n our_o darling_n lust_n that_o will_v destroy_v our_o soul_n since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v die_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n much_o cheap_a and_o no_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o abraham_n oblation_n be_v 8._o micah_n 6.7_o 8._o more_o grateful_a to_o he_o than_o thouthousand_n of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o if_o thou_o give_v thy_o first-born_a for_o thy_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o soul_n offer_v this_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o faith_n without_o which_o thy_o very_a prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n then_o shall_v thou_o have_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n through_o the_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o by_o walk_v before_o he_o as_o abraham_n do_v may_v assure_o hope_v after_o a_o short_a trial_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o this_o world_n to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o on_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinformed_a conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o a_o eminent_a convert_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n that_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o of_o great_a natural_a endowment_n and_o that_o make_v a_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n a_o sect_n which_o perhaps_o till_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n never_o have_v its_o equal_a in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o pharisee_n of_o any_o party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o keen_a against_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v as_o errant_a a_o pharisee_fw-mi as_o hearty_a and_o as_o eager_a a_o persecutor_n as_o any_o of_o his_o order_n 10.11_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o he_o be_v the_o man_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n that_o shut_v up_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o religion_n he_o give_v his_o voice_n against_o they_o other_o he_o punish_v often_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n i.e._n to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n christian_a plin._n ep._n tra._n the_o christian_a and_o to_o curse_v he_o use_v the_o same_o cruelty_n towards_o they_o which_o the_o heathen_a governor_n afterward_o do_v and_o those_o that_o refuse_v this_o horrid_a treachery_n to_o their_o lord_n he_o persecute_v into_o strange_a that_o be_v heathen_a city_n these_o thing_n be_v contracy_n in_o deed_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v always_o so_o esteem_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n confession_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v strange_a than_o all_o this_o and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o make_v he_o thus_o severe_a to_o the_o christian_n and_o his_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o raise_v the_o persecution_n against_o they_o it_o be_v it_o seem_v the_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n a_o case_n he_o have_v determine_v within_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o run_v down_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n so_o he_o tell_v the_o king_n and_o court_n in_o these_o word_n i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o hearty_a champion_n you_o see_v he_o have_v be_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o how_o come_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o opinion_n and_o to_o espouse_v a_o principle_n that_o the_o worst_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o be_v st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o right-bred_n pharisee_fw-mi 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o have_v suck_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o superstitious_a
encourage_v die_v sinner_n to_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v put_v their_o last_o minute_n to_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o from_o the_o very_a centre_n and_o bottom_n of_o their_o soul_n their_o damnation_n be_v irreversible_o seal_v if_o they_o do_v we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v promise_v they_o eternal_a life_n without_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n because_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remind_v they_o that_o there_o be_v some_o monument_n of_o a_o miraculous_a grace_n some_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v triumph_v over_o the_o utmost_a spite_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o insolent_a and_o malicious_a offender_n and_o that_o the_o great_a their_o contrition_n be_v the_o meet_a object_n they_o be_v of_o his_o infinite_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v but_o small_a comfort_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o may_v have_v enjoy_v have_v they_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v and_o if_o man_n sin_n beyond_o the_o state_v measure_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o if_o it_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o better_o but_o they_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n and_o have_v more_o kindness_n for_o they_o than_o to_o flatter_v they_o into_o eternal_a torment_n now_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o that_o know_v the_o fallacy_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n we_o shall_v hence_o learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o apply_v ourselves_o betimes_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o secure_v our_o soul_n while_o he_o put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o man_n shall_v give_v away_o all_o their_o vigorous_a year_n to_o lust_n and_o vanity_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o yet_o hope_v to_o do_v a_o work_n that_o shall_v stand_v good_a to_o eternity_n in_o a_o few_o sickly_a and_o languish_a hour_n what_o strange_a riddle_n and_o infatuation_n be_v this_o but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o discern_v the_o mistake_n of_o other_o and_o disapprove_v of_o their_o method_n to_o deceive_v and_o ruin_v themselves_o while_o we_o neglect_v our_o own_o safety_n and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o know_v where_o our_o plain_a duty_n and_o interest_n lie_v let_v we_o therefore_o grow_v wise_a by_o their_o example_n and_o the_o loud_a and_o importunate_a warning_n which_o they_o give_v their_o friend_n when_o they_o can_v have_v no_o design_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o torture_n which_o they_o endure_v we_o have_v at_o most_o but_o a_o short_a time_n to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o every_o day_n we_o delay_v our_o repentance_n beside_o the_o hazard_n we_o run_v by_o it_o we_o certain_o make_v our_o work_n so_o much_o the_o heavy_a the_o day_n after_o for_o still_o we_o have_v the_o more_o sin_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o we_o have_v a_o worse_a nature_n to_o struggle_v with_o and_o shall_v we_o delay_v on_o to_o our_o die_a day_n what_o a_o world_n of_o distraction_n shall_v we_o treasure_n up_o for_o ourselves_o against_o our_o last_o hour_n when_o of_o all_o other_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o able_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v regard_v our_o sorrow_n any_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v his_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n will_v we_o consider_v thing_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v they_o certain_o we_o shall_v not_o choose_v to_o leave_v they_o at_o this_o pass_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a hope_n than_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n have_v viz._n that_o though_o by_o law_n he_o be_v to_o die_v yet_o he_o may_v possible_o be_v save_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o crown_n and_o dignity_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v always_o a_o utter_a and_o declare_a enemy_n to_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v hazard_v his_o life_n upon_o such_o a_o contingency_n and_o can_v there_o be_v starke_a madness_n than_o to_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o like_a issue_n by_o continue_v in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n till_o we_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v be_v better_o than_o his_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v we_o save_v we_o by_o a_o reserve_n of_o prerogative_n grace_n let_v we_o therefore_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o pardon_n for_o they_o and_o not_o stay_v till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o which_o will_v be_v a_o repentance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o a_o dismal_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v when_o we_o be_v die_v to_o have_v our_o conscience_n fly_v in_o our_o face_n and_o accuse_v we_o at_o once_o of_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o wickedness_n and_o contradiction_n to_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o since_o we_o can_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v die_v with_o any_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n without_o it_o let_v we_o resolve_v without_o any_o further_a delay_n to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n let_v we_o every_o day_n as_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o eternity_n mind_n the_o concernment_n of_o it_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v we_o have_v do_v when_o we_o lie_v pant_v and_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n in_o short_a let_v we_o make_v our_o deathbed_n as_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o we_o can_v i_o mean_v by_o do_v our_o great_a work_n beforehand_o and_o leave_v ourselves_o nothing_o to_o do_v there_o but_o to_o die_v this_o be_v the_o way_n when_o we_o be_v tire_v out_o with_o the_o care_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o toilsome_a life_n to_o find_v the_o sweet_a repose_n upon_o they_o to_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o to_o finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o then_o our_o rest_n will_v be_v glorious_a i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v 8._o cal._n 6.7_o 8._o for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n v._o the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n heb._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o many_o passage_n in_o this_o epistle_n that_o the_o christian_a jew_n to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v begin_v to_o falter_v in_o the_o brofession_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o revolt_a to_o their_o old_a religion_n hereupon_o the_o apostle_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o their_o change_n endeavour_n to_o settle_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_a persecution_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o stagger_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n he_o show_v they_o at_o large_a in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a do_v use_v to_o raise_v they_o above_o any_o such_o discouragement_n and_o then_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a sufferer_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a pattern_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n after_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o deject_a hebrew_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n by_o remind_v they_o that_o affliction_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o god_n hatred_n or_o desertion_n of_o his_o child_n 10._o verse_n 5_o to_o 10._o but_o rather_o of_o his_o paternal_a love_n and_o peculiar_a tenderness_n towards_o they_o 11._o verse_n 11._o and_o though_o they_o seem_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a for_o the_o present_a yet_o in_o their_o effect_n they_o be_v very_o kind_a and_o grateful_a as_o yield_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n pleasure_n
repent_v imply_v that_o it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n they_o do_v not_o which_o yet_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o god_n have_v first_o put_v it_o into_o they_o power_n to_o repent_v but_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v not_o if_o nothing_o less_o than_o irresistible_a grace_n can_v have_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n now_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v resistible_a shall_v make_v we_o extreme_o cautious_a of_o drive_v off_o our_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n in_o expectation_n of_o some_o mighty_a irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n to_o save_v we_o the_o labour_n of_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n can_v over-rule_v the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o inflexible_a will_n of_o man_n and_o bear_v they_o down_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o reluctancy_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v hepromise_v they_o so_o to_o do_v they_o may_v safe_o have_v depend_v upon_o he_o but_o since_o he_o have_v make_v no_o such_o promise_n and_o do_v every_o day_n permit_v incorrigible_a sinner_n to_o resist_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o withstand_v the_o gospel_n till_o they_o have_v sin_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o repentance_n how_o shall_v this_o awaken_v those_o that_o have_v any_o purpose_n of_o repent_v at_o all_o to_o put_v themselves_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o miscarry_v for_o ever_o by_o a_o ready_a and_o immediate_a execution_n of_o they_o the_o last_o care_n that_o god_n will_v ever_o take_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v long_o since_o discover_v to_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o a_o experience_n of_o many_o hundred_o year_n it_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o church_n that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o carry_v a_o irresistible_a force_n along_o with_o it_o it_o give_v man_n all_o the_o reason_n and_o assure_v they_o of_o all_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v to_o persuade_v they_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o and_o there_o it_o leave_v they_o i._n e._n it_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o choice_n to_o accept_v or_o refuse_v its_o proposal_n and_o so_o to_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a as_o they_o please_v so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v not_o take_v any_o pain_n with_o themselves_o to_o understand_v their_o everlasting_a interest_n and_o to_o stoop_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o wait_v to_o see_v what_o god_n will_v do_v with_o they_o they_o will_v find_v that_o he_o will_v not_o drive_v they_o into_o heaven_n against_o their_o wi_n 2._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o impenitency_n of_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o own_o wilful_a and_o incorrigible_a temple_n and_o not_o to_o any_o weakness_n or_o insufficiency_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o reform_v and_o sanctify_v they_o the_o gospel_n have_v sufficient_o verify_v what_o it_o speak_v of_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n the_o conversion_n it_o have_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n from_o all_o kind_n of_o superstition_n wickedness_n and_o impiety_n abundant_o testify_v the_o divine_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v all_o along_o suppose_v in_o this_o discourse_n the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o bless_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o to_o make_v they_o effectual_a to_o his_o own_o gracious_a end_n and_o purpose_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n where_o man_n do_v not_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o wilful_a neglect_n or_o perverse_a and_o peremptory_a opposition_n to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n at_o any_o time_n fail_v of_o its_o bless_a effect_n but_o the_o stupid_a and_o inflexible_a temper_n of_o those_o that_o live_v unprofitable_o under_o the_o mighty_a influence_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o st._n paul_n impute_v the_o impenitency_n of_o such_o man_n to_o their_o despise_v the_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n 2.4_o rom._n 2.4_o and_o not_o knwo_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n which_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o know_v the_o while_n that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o good_a unto_o they_o as_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o repent_v withal_o consider_v then_o what_o different_a effect_n the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v harden_v while_o other_o be_v inllightn_v and_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n we_o see_v there_o lie_v a_o great_a deal_n upon_o our_o endeavour_n to_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v our_o heart_n lest_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o profit_v we_o which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n the_o best_a mean_n of_o grace_n the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v in_o the_o world_n second_v by_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v not_o soften_v our_o heart_n will_v not_o melt_v they_o into_o repentance_n while_o we_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v heardn_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o before_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o pretend_v to_o convert_v all_o that_o hear_v they_o or_o that_o see_v they_o do_v miracle_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a good_a temper_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o mind_n dispose_v we_o to_o be_v just_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n we_o hear_v which_o be_v requisite_a to_o our_o edification_n by_o they_o judas_n hear_v as_o good_a preach_v and_o certain_o get_v as_o little_a good_a by_o it_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v his_o eager_a desire_n of_o wealth_n and_o worldly_a gain_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v his_o aim_n in_o keep_v close_o to_o our_o saviour_n hope_v according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o he_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a temporal_a monarch_n have_v so_o pervert_v his_o mind_n that_o the_o best_a instruction_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_n we_o shall_v therefore_o be_v very_o cautious_a lest_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v a_o savour_n of_o life_n to_o other_o shall_v prove_v a_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o condemnation_n to_o ourselves_o but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o observation_n viz._n 3d._a obser_n than_o the_o final_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o ministration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v more_o grievous_a and_o intolerable_a than_o they_o that_o be_v never_o call_v to_o repentance_n by_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o city_n of_o corazin_n and_o bethsaida_n it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judge_n than_o for_o you_o i.e._n they_o that_o have_v only_o resist_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v then_o receive_v a_o mild_a sentence_n than_o you_o that_o have_v guide_n and_o instructor_n from_o heaven_n that_o have_v have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n among_o you_o that_o have_v reject_v his_o doctrine_n disregard_v his_o miracle_n and_o refuse_v the_o great_a salvation_n that_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o man_n now_o that_o this_o woe_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o though_o they_o never_o hear_v a_o syllable_n from_o christ_n himself_o or_o see_v the_o least_o of_o those_o mighty_a work_n with_o which_o he_o upbraid_v the_o galilean_n in_o the_o text_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v provide_v as_o well_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o and_o all_o future_a age_n as_o he_o do_v for_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o if_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n now_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o fear_v the_o threaten_n denounce_v in_o it_o against_o impenitent_a sinner_n i_o know_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_n that_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o the_o spectator_n of_o his_o miracle_n stand_v in_o much_o better_a light_n to_o discern_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o than_o we_o do_v at_o this_o day_n but_o wherein_o do_v the_o great_a difference_n lie_v they_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n 3._o isa_n 53.2_o 3._o but_o they_o see_v no_o beauty_n in_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v dosire_v he_o yea_o they_o see_v he_o in_o so_o humble_a a_o guise_n and_o habit_n as_o raise_v their_o contempt_n more_o than_o their_o admiration_n of_o he_o they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o come_n and_o the_o quality_n
live_v it_o all_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n 6._o last_o this_o shall_v admonish_v those_o that_o in_o a_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v draw_v near_o a_o conclusion_n of_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v long_o entangle_v in_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n to_o hasten_v their_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a such_o person_n need_v not_o be_v teach_v that_o have_v live_v fifty_o or_o threescore_o year_n already_o their_o life_n be_v short_a than_o they_o be_v by_o so_o many_o year_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n they_o can_v think_v to_o live_v many_o more_o and_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_a the_o little_a time_n that_o be_v leave_v be_v not_o too_o much_o for_o heaven_n if_o we_o think_v it_o be_v i_o can_v imagine_v with_o what_o confidence_n we_o can_v entertain_v any_o hope_n of_o go_v thither_o and_o if_o we_o think_v not_o why_o do_v we_o not_o follow_v our_o own_o conviction_n strike_v off_o immediate_o from_o this_o world_n and_o gain_v all_o the_o time_n and_o advantage_n that_o we_o can_v to_o purify_v ourselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n to_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v our_o soul_n with_o divine_a virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o bble_v society_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glorious_a spirit_n that_o be_v about_o his_o throne_n we_o have_v live_v to_o little_a purpose_n if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o vanity_n and_o fallacy_n of_o this_o world_n and_o must_v have_v very_o mean_a apprehension_n of_o celestial_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o can_v but_o so_o much_o as_o desire_v to_o live_v always_o here_o however_o it_o do_v not_o lie_v at_o our_o choice_n we_o may_v choose_v whether_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o thither_o we_o must_v go_v and_o one_o of_o the_o two_o we_o must_v certain_o be_v and_o since_o we_o be_v so_o far_o upon_o our_o way_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o if_o we_o make_v heaven_n our_o option_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o to_o be_v very_o quick_a and_o serious_a in_o our_o preparation_n for_o it_o they_o that_o have_v lose_v all_o or_o the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o time_n have_v none_o to_o lose_v now_o unless_o they_o will_v lose_v all_o eternity_n with_o it_o and_o for_o those_o that_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a interruption_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n have_v be_v hurry_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o affaris_fw-la and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n it_o behoove_v they_o to_o get_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n and_o bustle_n of_o it_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o can_v and_o to_o redeem_v the_o precious_a hour_n and_o opportunity_n they_o have_v lose_v of_o serve_v god_n and_o lay_v up_o their_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n though_o they_o shall_v die_v some_o hundred_o the_o poor_a for_o it_o for_o sure_o the_o next_o life_n be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n than_o this_o and_o therefore_o it_o become_v the_o best_a man_n when_o they_o have_v have_v their_o share_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v enough_o to_o carry_v they_o through_o it_o to_o retire_v as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v not_o merry_o to_o enjoy_v their_o ease_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 7.35_o 1_o cor._n 7.35_o that_o in_o a_o fit_v and_o decent_a manner_n they_o may_v attend_v upon_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o mind_n the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o next_o world_n without_o distraction_n it_o be_v very_o unseemly_a to_o see_v man_n that_o have_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o this_o and_o pretend_v to_o live_v upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o another_o world_n pursue_v riches_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o gasp_v after_o preferment_n almost_o with_o their_o die_a breath_n man_n that_o traffic_n in_o a_o forreign-land_n have_v general_o the_o wisdom_n to_o withdraw_v their_o effect_n when_o they_o be_v leave_v the_o country_n and_o return_v to_o their_o native_a soil_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o holy_a man_n mention_v that_o they_o declare_v plain_o 16._o heb._n 11._o v._o 15_o 16._o that_o they_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n not_o by_o a_o mere_a verbal_a profession_n but_o by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o more_o plain_o signify_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o concernment_n for_o it_o viz._n by_o refuse_v the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o despise_v the_o little_a pageantry_n of_o this_o world_n and_o what_o less_o can_v we_o do_v to_o testify_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n who_o renounce_v the_o world_n in_o our_o baptism_n than_o free_o to_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o it_o so_o short_a a_o time_n before_o we_o go_v to_o our_o grave_n in_o short_a it_o be_v high_a time_n when_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o confine_n of_o the_o other_o state_n and_o can_v see_v eternal_a life_n just_o before_o we_o to_o disengage_v ourselves_o from_o the_o distraction_n of_o this_o busy_a world_n and_o to_o gain_v leisure_n before_o we_o dye_v to_o compose_v our_o spirit_n to_o perfect_v our_o repentance_n and_o to_o fetch_v off_o the_o soil_n and_o defilement_n we_o have_v contract_v in_o the_o hurry_n of_o our_o worldly_a occasion_n or_o by_o keep_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o common_a road_n man_n especial_o that_o have_v run_v through_o a_o world_n of_o business_n must_v have_v borrow_v much_o time_n from_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o shall_v therefore_o make_v some_o kind_n of_o restitution_n by_o give_v their_o last_o day_n to_o the_o peculiar_a service_n of_o god_n and_o not_o venture_v to_o go_v reek_v out_o of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o steam_n of_o earthly_a affection_n about_o they_o into_o his_o immediate_a prefence_n to_o conclude_v since_o the_o time_n of_o our_o dissolution_n be_v at_o hand_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n look_v for_o and_o hasten_v unto_o the_o come_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n the_o glorious_a day_n of_o our_o redemption_n from_o death_n and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n let_v we_o therefore_o bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o the_o flash_o delight_n and_o impertinent_a care_n of_o this_o transitory_a world_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n that_o beset_v we_o and_o fix_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n let_v we_o raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o lift_v up_o our_o head_n with_o joy_n in_o expectation_n of_o the_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v it_o like_v unto_o glorious_a body_n by_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n unto_o himself_o to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o end_n
once_o recommend_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o exemplar_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v and_o that_o the_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o that_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n which_o justify_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v but_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v as_o short_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o use_v there_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a good_a use_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o separate_v faith_n from_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n it_o lose_v all_o the_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o if_o we_o be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n can_v that_o faith_n save_v we_o which_o can_v procure_v our_o accptance_n with_o god_n have_v not_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o same_o 2.19_o jam._n 2.19_o nay_o the_o devil_n as_o st._n james_n observe_v tremble_v under_o as_o good_a a_o faith_n as_o this_o it_o be_v strange_a therefore_o that_o any_o man_n of_o competent_a reason_n shall_v think_v that_o a_o dry_a and_o barren_a faith_n a_o volatile_a notion_n in_o the_o head_n that_o never_o reach_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n shall_v put_v he_o into_o the_o happy_a state_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n or_o that_o which_o make_v he_o never_o the_o better_a man_n shall_v yet_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n of_o god_n that_o a_o dead_a and_o useless_a faith_n shall_v do_v he_o the_o great_a kindness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o life_n eternal_a now_o if_o justify_v faith_n be_v more_o than_o a_o assent_n to_o truth_n if_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n we_o see_v what_o a_o perfect_a dream_n the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n from_o eternity_n be_v for_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o long_o ago_o as_o from_o eternity_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v from_o eternity_n our_o faith_n come_v too_o late_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justify_v faith_n and_o this_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v not_o dissemble_v in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n only_o of_o manifest_v and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o their_o personal_a justification_n from_o eternity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a step_n to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n for_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n what_o effect_n the_o great_a precept_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o conceive_v they_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v round_o that_o they_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n 2._o we_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o trial_n not_o to_o stagger_v or_o repine_v at_o any_o sharp_a or_o mysterious_a providence_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v our_o sincerity_n and_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v honour_v with_o more_o eminent_a token_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n than_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v style_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a seed_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o he_o be_v familiar_o visited_n by_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o dignify_v with_o many_o special_a revelation_n and_o glorious_a promise_n he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n secret_n 18.17_o gen._n 18.17_o one_o who_o he_o declare_v his_o confidence_n in_o yea_o be_v so_o high_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o family_n in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n 8.56_o joh._n 8.56_o at_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n distance_n from_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o instance_n it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o single_a out_o the_o best_a man_n for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o their_o own_o and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o best_a history_n of_o all_o age_n now_o shall_v we_o call_v this_o a_o error_n of_o providence_n and_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o excellent_a man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n because_o he_o call_v they_o to_o such_o noble_a trial_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o vindication_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o not_o we_o can_v infer_v nothing_o either_o against_o ourselves_o while_o we_o study_v to_o please_v god_n or_o against_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n how_o extraordinary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v consider_v rather_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o world_n submission_n to_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o by_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n and_o this_o clear_v at_o once_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o thus_o train_v they_o up_o for_o those_o excessive_a height_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o 3._o the_o carriage_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o trial_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o worldly_a advantage_n nay_o in_o view_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n that_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o it_o the_o loose_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v always_o very_o apt_a to_o charge_v the_o sincere_a with_o pretend_v religion_n for_o secular_a end_n be_v willing_a to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o impious_a life_n they_o will_v feign_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o piety_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n that_o give_v some_o man_n the_o reputation_n of_o be_v better_a than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o best_a love_n the_o world_n at_o their_o heart_n as_o dear_o as_o those_o that_o proclaim_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o and_o profess_o make_v their_o court_n to_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o have_v cost_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n very_o dear_a in_o their_o several_a age_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o infidelity_n of_o men._n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o one_o special_a end_n of_o the_o trial_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o cheerful_o serve_v god_n upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n yea_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o very_a dear_a delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n or_o answer_n and_o since_o abraham_n child_n have_v the_o same_o kind_a of_o faith_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o renown_v for_o i_o mean_v a_o faith_n which_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o a_o kingdom_n which_o have_v foundation_n this_o vindicate_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n from_o the_o foul_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o do_v their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o ingenuity_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o abraham_n be_v
the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o flourish_a of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n in_o short_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o humble_a and_o teachable_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a jesus_n and_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o divine_a virtue_n and_o quality_n in_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v in_o the_o last_o place_n 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v you_o see_v as_o plain_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o gospel_n urge_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o comprehensive_a one_o but_o our_o encouragement_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o carry_v our_o endeavour_n successful_o through_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a exception_n against_o it_o especial_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o be_v the_o very_o great_a condition_n the_o high_a and_o noble_a attainment_n we_o can_v possible_o aspire_v after_o holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o humane_a and_o angelical_a perfection_n so_o that_o every_o time_n we_o attain_v to_o a_o new_a degree_n of_o grace_n we_o acquire_v a_o new_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o excellency_n the_o righteous_a say_v solomon_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n 12.26_o pro._n 12.26_o and_o the_o more_o righteous_a he_o be_v the_o more_o he_o advance_v in_o real_a worth_n and_o dignity_n above_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o conquest_n the_o enlargement_n of_o empire_n and_o the_o affectation_n of_o deep_a &_o curious_a knowledge_n be_v but_o childish_a and_o mean_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n since_o therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n lie_v in_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v room_n for_o improvement_n in_o the_o best_a of_o we_o we_o shall_v great_o neglect_v ourselves_o and_o stand_v in_o our_o own_o light_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o continual_o aim_v to_o grow_v better_a than_o we_o be_v and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n depend_v upon_o our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o can_v argue_v strong_o from_o the_o first_o essay_n of_o goodness_n while_o our_o grace_n be_v weak_a our_o good_a resolution_n untried_a or_o our_o relapse_n frequent_v and_o while_o we_o slaken_o our_o diligence_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o hover_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o settle_a understanding_n of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n but_o now_o no_o man_n doubt_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n while_o he_o study_v to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v offensive_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o his_o mind_n never_o trouble_v he_o while_o he_o be_v well_o employ_v unless_o it_o be_v first_o cloud_v with_o melancholy_a which_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a case_n but_o when_o he_o grow_v remiss_a in_o his_o know_a duty_n or_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o wilful_a sin_n or_o deviation_n from_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o this_o trouble_n and_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o integrity_n for_o the_o future_a be_v to_o return_v into_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o proceed_v vigorous_o in_o they_o the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o evident_a will_v our_o good_a condition_n be_v the_o far_a we_o pierce_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o more_o plain_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 4.18_o col._n 1.13_o prov._n 4.18_o and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_v light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n as_o the_o sun_n shine_v the_o bright_a the_o high_a he_o rise_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o the_o light_n of_o the_o righteous_a his_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n increase_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n by_o which_o he_o advance_v to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v of_o that_o quick_a and_o active_a temper_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v better_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o constant_a danger_n of_o decline_v in_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o grow_v worse_o something_o we_o must_v be_v do_v to_o quiet_a our_o restless_a desire_n and_o faculty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o tempter_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n will_v find_v we_o other_o employment_n and_o the_o world_n will_v inveigle_v we_o with_o gay_a promise_n and_o more_o charm_a invitation_n than_o any_o the_o gospel_n have_v to_o gratify_v our_o sensual_a inclination_n with_o if_o we_o once_o make_v a_o stop_n in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o give_v our_o cunning_a adversary_n the_o devil_n a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o practise_v his_o wiles_n and_o delusion_n upon_o we_o he_o know_v the_o activity_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o observe_v which_o way_n our_o thought_n rove_v and_o our_o affection_n wander_v what_o duty_n be_v most_o tiresome_a to_o we_o and_o what_o vanity_n we_o most_o hanker_v after_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v his_o train_n and_o manage_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o have_v find_v the_o weak_a side_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o assault_v we_o where_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v the_o great_a execution_n upon_o we_o it_o therefore_o mighty_o concern_v we_o have_v begin_v prosperous_o to_o keep_v on_o the_o grow_v hand_n and_o not_o lose_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v gain_v and_o the_o conquest_n we_o have_v make_v over_o our_o lust_n and_o vice_n by_o stand_v still_o while_o we_o see_v they_o fall_v before_o we_o with_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o sleeve_n till_o the_o enemy_n renew_v the_o war_n and_o we_o be_v drive_v back_o from_o all_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o be_v force_v to_o retire_v with_o shame_n and_o anguish_n to_o review_n the_o wound_v we_o receive_v in_o our_o dishonourable_a retreat_n from_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n 4._o we_o may_v next_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n unless_o we_o shorten_v it_o ourselves_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v always_o grow_v to_o great_a persection_n in_o it_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o ever_o he_o withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o we_o and_o make_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n short_a than_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n nothing_o but_o our_o incurable_a barrenness_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n can_v provoke_v he_o to_o so_o high_a a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o severity_n but_o that_o this_o will_v do_v it_o his_o declare_v upon_o oath_n that_o the_o revolt_a ifraelites_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o our_o saviour_n curse_v the_o figtree_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o leave_n let_v no_o fruit_n grow_v on_o thou_o hence_o forward_o for_o ever_o be_v very_o dreadful_a intimation_n this_o consideration_n therefore_o shall_v excite_v we_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n â—â—_o phil._n 1._o â—â—_o which_o be_v by_o jesus_n cnrist_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o wait_v for_o our_o improvement_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o ability_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o and_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o not_o to_o exact_a at_o once_o the_o whole_a sum_n in_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v to_o he_o but_o accept_v our_o obedience_n in_o such_o small_a parcel_n and_o poor_a degree_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v he_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a favour_n that_o god_n overlook_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o best_a service_n and_o allow_v we_o time_n and_o grace_n for_o a_o gradual_a improvement_n and_o this_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v
of_o the_o residue_n of_o my_o year_n my_o age_n be_v depart_v and_o be_v remove_v from_o i_o as_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o this_o he_o immediate_o ascribe_v to_o the_o special_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n he_o will_v cut_v i_o off_o with_o pine_v sickness_n from_o day_n even_o to_o night_n thou_o ilt_v make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o thus_o also_o our_o body_n be_v style_v tabernacle_n which_o be_v no_o durable_a habitation_n no_o certain_a dwelling-place_n the_o spirit_n that_o lodge_v within_o they_o know_v they_o be_v never_o design_v for_o its_o constant_a abide_v and_o residence_n know_v say_v s._n peter_n that_o short_o i_o must_v put_v off_o this_o my_o tabernacle_n 1.14_o 2_o pet._n 1.14_o even_o as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v show_v i_o we_o know_v these_o sorry_a tenement_n can_v stand_v long_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v devest_v of_o these_o earthly_a body_n but_o when_o death_n come_v to_o undress_v we_o we_o certain_o put_v they_o off_o and_o very_o often_o before_o they_o be_v wear_v out_o with_o age_n or_o be_v almost_o ever_o the_o worse_a for_o wear_v we_o have_v no_o lease_n of_o our_o life_n but_o be_v every_o day_n liable_a to_o a_o discharge_v for_o though_o god_n have_v set_v we_o a_o term_n that_o we_o can_v pass_v yet_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o cut_v off_o as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o please_v and_o according_o our_o live_v be_v frequent_o much_o short_a than_o the_o common_a measure_n 5._o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o very_o frail_a and_o short_a that_o it_o be_v resemble_v to_o the_o vain_a and_o most_o insignificant_a thing_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v to_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o dream_n 73.20_o job_n 20.8_o psal_n 73.20_o a_o mere_a delusion_n of_o the_o fancy_n which_o vanish_v at_o the_o chase_n of_o a_o wake_a thought_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o ramble_n and_o contradiction_n when_o the_o mind_n recover_v the_o scatter_a idea_n of_o it_o the_o psalmist_n also_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o tell_v of_o a_o story_n ps_n 90.9_o we_o bring_v our_o year_n to_o a_o end_n as_o it_o be_v a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v as_o we_o be_v talk_v and_o jest_v death_n intrude_v into_o our_o company_n and_o our_o life_n be_v go_v in_o a_o trice_n dicto_fw-la citius_n before_o we_o can_v bring_v out_o the_o say_n we_o be_v upon_o or_o as_o some_o paraphrase_n the_o word_n record_v to_o the_o arabia_n version_n our_o year_n be_v repute_v as_o a_o spider_n web_n who_o curious_a frame_n and_o contexture_n signify_v nothing_o to_o its_o own_o preservation_n have_v no_o strength_n or_o solidity_n to_o support_v it_o by_o such_o familiar_a emblem_n as_o these_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v breath_n and_o have_v our_o being_n admonish_v we_o of_o what_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v the_o frailty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o this_o it_o do_v to_o cure_v we_o of_o our_o heat_n and_o passion_n for_o this_o world_n and_o the_o great_a vanity_n of_o reckon_n upon_o time_n to_o come_v which_o at_o present_a we_o be_v sure_o be_v none_o of_o we_o and_o perhaps_o never_o shall_v be_v and_o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v we_o to_o secure_v our_o everlasting_a interest_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o our_o being_n of_o which_o the_o long_a life_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o very_a small_a and_o inconsiderable_a portion_n and_o as_o this_o show_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o our_o creator_n for_o our_o well-being_n and_o happiness_n so_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o shall_v stir_v and_o affect_v our_o mind_n and_o that_o while_o we_o be_v hear_v we_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n to_o live_v we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o understand_v the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v and_o die_v of_o make_v a_o good_a hand_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o of_o order_v our_o step_n as_o behoove_v those_o that_o tread_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o eternity_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o practical_a inference_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o life_n and_o as_o unpleasant_a as_o this_o argument_n be_v if_o we_o will_v but_o deal_v faithful_o with_o ourselves_o &_o impartial_o weigh_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v learn_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n from_o it_o both_o for_o the_o regulation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o reconcile_a our_o mind_n to_o the_o shortness_n of_o they_o first_o then_o we_o shall_v hence_o learn_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o expectation_n of_o meeting_n with_o true_a and_o real_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n for_o true_a happiness_n be_v the_o most_o constant_a and_o durable_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n from_o which_o we_o must_v part_v so_o soon_o and_o without_o which_o we_o must_v live_v a_o whole_a eternity_n in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o true_a and_o proper_a happiness_n we_o come_v into_o this_o world_n to_o conquer_v not_o to_o court_v or_o enjoy_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v conversant_a with_o it_o and_o lie_v upon_o its_o border_n it_o will_v be_v always_o tempt_v and_o trouble_v we_o ever_o and_o anon_o present_v we_o with_o new_a occasion_n of_o show_v our_o virtue_n and_o improve_n our_o conquest_n over_o it_o and_o till_o we_o have_v complete_v our_o victory_n we_o can_v expect_v our_o triumph_n and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o that_o our_o triumph_n be_v not_o assign_v we_o in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o green_a laurel_n do_v quick_o fade_v and_o the_o head_n that_o wear_v they_o be_v soon_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n now_o let_v we_o digest_v this_o principle_n well_o that_o this_o life_n be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n and_o it_o will_v sure_o cool_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o present_a world_n and_o save_v we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n in_o pursue_v the_o vanity_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o thing_n which_o appear_v but_o for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a step_n towards_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o place_n and_o nature_n of_o happiness_n and_o engage_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o here_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v seek_v for_o it_o in_o the_o next_o world_n where_o i_o shall_v dwell_v for_o ever_o and_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v firm_a and_o everlasting_a and_o since_o it_o lie_v not_o in_o fade_a pleasure_n or_o in_o any_o of_o the_o perish_a delight_n of_o fence_n i_o will_v look_v for_o it_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o permanent_a nature_n in_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a enjoyment_n i_o will_v expect_v my_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n only_o as_o the_o place_n and_o in_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o and_o let_v the_o world_n smile_v at_o i_o for_o this_o as_o it_o be_v like_o it_o will_v my_o life_n will_v be_v sudden_o go_v and_o it_o be_v my_o interest_n to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o that_o i_o can_v and_o much_o better_a to_o be_v jeer_v into_o happiness_n than_o decoy_v into_o misery_n thus_o as_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v true_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n so_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o will_v both_o lessen_v our_o esteem_n of_o its_o delight_n and_o treasure_n and_o strong_o move_v we_o to_o aspire_v after_o a_o more_o last_a and_o bless_a state_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v those_o excellent_a man_n hebr._n 11_o 16._o who_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n here_o to_o day_n 13._o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o to_o morrow_n go_v to_o their_o everlasting_a home_n despise_v this_o world_n transitory_a glory_n and_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a a_o more_o assure_v and_o endure_a state_n a_o place_n of_o undisturbed_a rest_n and_o joy_n of_o endless_a and_o never-fading_a happiness_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v silence_v our_o complaint_n and_o comfort_v we_o under_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o trouble_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n the_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v chequer_v with_o innumerable_a mercy_n can_v be_v very_o great_a because_o they_o must_v be_v short_a and_o a_o little_a time_n and_o patience_n will_v