as_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o use_v their_o own_o endeavour_n because_o god_n that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o also_o save_v they_o without_o themselves_o and_o these_o endeavour_n must_v be_v in_o wise_a way_n since_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v god_n shall_v give_v effect_n to_o unsuitable_a mean_n and_o be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o miracle_n to_o supply_v for_o our_o folly_n and_o when_o we_o endeavour_v thus_o wise_o we_o must_v do_v it_o also_o vigorous_o and_o incessant_o obedience_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n that_o require_v both_o the_o earnestness_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o application_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o if_o we_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n will_v make_v up_o the_o rest_n and_o most_o certain_o enable_v we_o as_o he_o do_v st._n paul_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o he_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o he_o will_v give_v we_o some_o strength_n at_o first_o and_o as_o we_o employ_v that_o according_a to_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o gospel_n distribution_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v matt._n 25.29_o he_o will_v add_v more_o till_o at_o last_o we_o perform_v as_o much_o as_o be_v indispensible_o require_v i·_fw-la e._n as_o â—_o note_a either_o not_o sin_v wilful_o or_o sincere_o repent_v and_o amend_v whensoever_o we_o do_v if_o they_o be_v thus_o careful_a i_o say_v in_o their_o own_o endeavour_n this_o strength_n all_o christian_n shall_v sure_o receive_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o these_o performance_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n declare_v of_o himself_o i_o can_v do_v etc._n etc._n now_o that_o every_o wise_a earnest_a and_o incessant_a endeavourer_n shall_v be_v thus_o enable_v to_o perform_v all_o duty_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o because_o god_n indispensible_o require_v and_o passionate_o exhort_v we_o to_o this_o performance_n second_o because_o he_o have_v promise_v this_o ability_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o who_o be_v so_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o same_o three_o because_o all_o good_a man_n heretofore_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n do_v themselves_o find_v and_o experience_n it_o 1._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o enable_v to_o perform_v all_o duty_n appear_v because_o god_n indispensible_o require_v and_o passionate_o exhort_v we_o to_o this_o performance_n he_o indispensible_o require_v it_o for_o now_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v god_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v act_v 17.30_o and_o that_o of_o all_o sin_n they_o be_v all_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v against_o all_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1.18_o and_o he_o that_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o jam._n 2.10_o and_o this_o he_o require_v under_o the_o strict_a condition_n as_o ever_o they_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v or_o to_o obtain_v everlasting_a salvation_n if_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n then_o say_v god_n by_o ezekiel_n but_o not_o before_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v ezek._n 18.21_o and_o they_o only_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n say_v christ_n rev._n 22.14_o now_o since_o god_n thus_o require_v we_o to_o obey_v all_o his_o law_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o obey_v they_o for_o god_n never_o require_v a_o impossible_a thing_n what_o he_o command_v he_o both_o desire_n and_o 21.34_o expect_v shall_v be_v perform_v and_o therefore_o call_v man_n to_o the_o 13.17_o performance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v not_o only_a hearer_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.13_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o may_v perform_v it_o since_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a either_o to_o desire_v or_o expect_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v nay_o he_o do_v not_o only_o indispensible_o require_v this_o obedience_n but_o friendly_a and_o passionate_o exhort_v we_o to_o it_o repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n cast_v away_o from_o you_o all_o your_o transgression_n and_o thus_o have_v we_o a_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o all_o so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n as_o will_v suffice_v to_o make_v we_o good_a if_o we_o diligent_o and_o discreet_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o become_v so_o this_o god_n engage_v and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o and_o take_v his_o word_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o promise_v he_o will_v not_o only_o have_v we_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o his_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o any_o sin_n when_o we_o repent_v of_o they_o but_o likewise_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v our_o sin_n when_o we_o serious_o strive_v against_o they_o when_o st._n paul_n bid_v we_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n he_o give_v god_n work_v in_o we_o as_o the_o reason_n plain_o direct_v we_o to_o work_v in_o that_o expectation_n phil._n 2.11_o 12._o and_o we_o be_v keep_v to_o salvation_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n i._n e._n through_o faith_n in_o the_o power_n say_v st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o strengthen_v we_o against_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o his_o mercy_n to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v sin_n and_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v both_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o believe_v both_o and_o not_o distrust_v he_o in_o either_o of_o they_o and_o since_o we_o both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v this_o confidence_n in_o god_n grace_n that_o will_v perfect_o answer_v the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o performance_n which_o be_v take_v from_o ourselves_o and_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o our_o own_o lusts._n for_o our_o lust_n be_v not_o too_o strong_a for_o god_n though_o they_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o though_o there_o be_v great_a may_v in_o corrupt_a nature_n yet_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v mighty_a and_o therefore_o have_v that_o on_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v empower_v to_o please_v god_n let_v our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n oppose_v themselves_o never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o we_o say_v st._n john_n than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.4_o and_o though_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o yet_o have_v the_o same_o promise_v we_o shall_v all_o be_v enable_v 3.5_o as_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o and_o as_o this_o possibility_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n through_o our_o own_o care_n and_o pain_n appear_v because_o god_n indispensible_o require_v and_o exhort_v to_o it_o and_o have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o enable_v all_o who_o due_o labour_v after_o the_o same_o so_o do_v it_o yet_o far_o 3._o because_o good_a man_n heretofore_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n do_v themselves_o find_v and_o experience_n it_o whensoever_o they_o wise_o and_o earnest_o endeavour_v and_o do_v not_o grow_v weary_a or_o faint_a they_o always_o succeed_v and_o be_v enable_v to_o have_v such_o regard_n to_o their_o whole_a duty_n as_o god_n require_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v endow_v with_o so_o much_o strength_n as_o make_v they_o entire_a with_o god_n and_o able_a to_o perform_v all_o that_o he_o will_v exact_v of_o they_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n follow_v the_o lord_n whole_o numb_a 32.12_o david_n keep_v my_o commandment_n say_v god_n and_o follow_v i_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n 1_o kin._n 14.8_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n be_v both_o righteous_a before_o god_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a say_v st._n luke_n luk._n 1.6_o and_o what_o be_v so_o express_o say_v of_o all_o these_o be_v by_o plain_a intimation_n employ_v of_o all_o other_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n say_v st._n paul_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n gal._n 5.24_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n i._n e._n sin_n must_v have_v no_o more_o service_n from_o it_o than_o one_o will_v expect_v from_o a_o dead_a man_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n i._n e._n life_n in_o righteous_a way_n rom._n 8.10_o they_o who_o do_v no_o iniquity_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n psal._n 119.3_o thus_o be_v it_o a_o constant_a thing_n in_o scripture_n account_n and_o relation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v and_o be_v still_o in_o all_o follow_a age_n for_o god_n faithful_a
put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_v by_o sinful_a lust_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.3_o this_o then_o be_v clear_a both_o from_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o that_o our_o be_v save_v from_o sin_n in_o this_o world_n be_v indispensible_o requisite_a to_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o next_o the_o eternal_a life_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o life_n as_o i_o have_v show_v that_o be_v after_o the_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n of_o god_n a_o life_n of_o unspotted_a virtue_n and_o complete_a goodness_n that_o imply_v a_o entire_a exemption_n and_o most_o absolute_a deliverance_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n this_o perfection_n and_o compleatness_n of_o it_o we_o must_v expect_v in_o heaven_n whereas_o st._n paul_n say_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n be_v make_v perfect_a heb._n 12.23_o but_o as_o for_o the_o life_n itself_o we_o must_v enter_v upon_o it_o and_o begin_v it_o here_o that_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o reformation_n which_o we_o engage_v upon_o at_o our_o become_a christian_n be_v that_o very_a life_n which_o never_o end_v but_o which_o be_v to_o grow_v up_o to_o full_a degree_n and_o to_o be_v eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o full_a perfection_n and_o fruition_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o next_o world_n they_o be_v wont_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n future_a so_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o more_o imperfect_a enjoyment_n which_o we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n they_o use_v sometime_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n possess_v here_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n have_v eternal_a life_n joh._n 6.47_o and_o again_o whoso_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n verse_n 54._o st._n john_n bid_v they_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1_o joh._n 5.13_o and_o that_o grace_n or_o goodness_n of_o spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n express_v by_o water_n joh._n 4._o and_o which_o he_o bid_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n to_o ask_v of_o he_o verse_n 10._o he_o tell_v she_o shall_v be_v a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n verse_n 14._o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n then_o be_v not_o only_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o heaven_n but_o in_o a_o degree_n it_o be_v that_o very_a salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n itself_o our_o deliverance_n from_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o only_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o in_o a_o imperfect_a measure_n it_o be_v that_o very_a happiness_n who_o perfection_n and_o complete_a degree_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o hope_v for_o in_o heaven_n the_o misery_n that_o befall_v we_o all_o in_o adam_n be_v our_o fall_n from_o god_n image_n wherein_o he_o and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v infinite_o happy_a and_o that_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n be_v our_o restoration_n to_o it_o so_o that_o as_o for_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n it_o be_v clear_a from_o they_o that_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o they_o be_v design_v for_o be_v this_o deliverance_n from_o our_o sin_n since_o all_o other_o promise_v blessing_n be_v make_v to_o depend_v upon_o it_o since_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v have_v without_o it_o nay_o since_o this_o deliverance_n be_v the_o chief_a promise_a mercy_n and_o even_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n itself_o and_o as_o to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n three_o those_o threaten_n which_o be_v contain_v therein_o the_o salvation_n which_o they_o aim_v at_o be_v evident_o this_o deliverance_n from_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v those_o very_a thing_n they_o be_v all_o denounce_v to_o the_o gospel_n though_o it_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o penitent_a be_v yet_o the_o severe_a dispensation_n that_o ever_o be_v to_o all_o incorrigible_a men._n for_o therein_o god_n declare_v himself_o a_o utter_a enemy_n to_o all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o he_o will_v inflict_v a_o most_o terrible_a punishment_n and_o exemplary_a vengeance_n on_o they_o the_o author_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n christ_n himself_o have_v speak_v it_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o perish_v luk._n 13.3_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n god_n will_v render_v to_o all_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n and_o that_o upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n rom._n 2.6_o 8_o 9_o 10._o our_o sin_n then_o be_v plain_o those_o evil_n which_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v fright_v we_o from_o and_o our_o deliverance_n from_o they_o be_v that_o salvation_n which_o they_o will_v enforce_v upon_o we_o their_o end_n be_v evident_o to_o make_v we_o leave_v all_o evil_a way_n for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o we_o for_o our_o perseverance_n in_o they_o as_o for_o that_o salvation_n then_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o purchase_v for_o we_o from_o what_o i_o have_v deliver_v it_o appear_v i_o suppose_v most_o evident_o what_o it_o be_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o prime_a end_n of_o the_o precept_n the_o promise_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o design_n of_o our_o whole_a religion_n and_o christianity_n make_v it_o clear_a to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o reformation_n or_o as_o the_o angel_n express_v it_o our_o deliverance_n from_o our_o sin_n he_o shall_v be_v call_v jesus_n because_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o thus_o have_v represent_v what_o that_o salvation_n be_v which_o christ_n come_v to_o purchase_v for_o we_o and_o show_v i_o think_v clear_o that_o the_o great_a deliverance_n design_v we_o by_o he_o and_o promote_v by_o his_o gospel_n be_v our_o reformation_n and_o a_o freedom_n from_o our_o sin_n i_o proceed_v now_o second_o to_o note_v some_o uses_n and_o particular_a improvement_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1._o then_o from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a salvation_n we_o may_v plain_o understand_v what_o faith_n what_o repentance_n what_o grace_n what_o preach_v what_o ordinance_n be_v save_v for_o if_o salvation_n main_o consist_v in_o our_o deliverance_n from_o our_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v evident_o see_v it_o do_v then_o that_o be_v a_o save_a faith_n which_o make_v we_o obedient_a and_o that_o a_o save_a repentance_n which_o work_v our_o amendment_n and_o that_o be_v save_a grace_n which_o enable_v we_o to_o a_o pious_a practice_n and_o that_o be_v save_v preach_a which_o be_v fit_v not_o to_o fill_v we_o with_o vain_a delight_n or_o learned_a nicety_n or_o abstract_a speculation_n or_o mysterious_a notion_n but_o to_o awaken_v our_o conscience_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n and_o those_o be_v save_v ordinance_n which_o be_v powerful_a and_o proper_a mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o virtuous_a performance_n this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o help_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o the_o excellency_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o tend_v strong_o to_o make_v we_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o disobedience_n our_o salvation_n be_v a_o deliverance_n from_o our_o sin_n and_o then_o any_o thing_n be_v save_v when_o it_o deliver_v and_o free_v we_o from_o they_o 2._o a_o second_o use_v which_o i_o shall_v note_v of_o this_o discourse_n be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o state_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o save_v or_o no_o for_o if_o salvation_n consist_v in_o our_o deliverance_n from_o our_o sin_n than_o they_o be_v not_o save_v but_o lose_v man_n who_o still_o live_v in_o they_o and_o be_v enslave_v to_o they_o be_v any_o man_n then_o a_o contemner_n or_o profaner_n of_o god_n of_o his_o dreadful_a name_n or_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n do_v he_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o luxury_n and_o wantonness_n pride_n and_o covetousness_n be_v his_o hand_n full_a of_o violence_n or_o be_v he_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n in_o sine_fw-la if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o his_o business_n and_o care_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n to_o be_v humble_a chaste_a
able_a to_o refrain_v swear_v but_o beside_o his_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n have_v such_o a_o complainer_n labour_v withal_o to_o possess_v his_o conscience_n with_o a_o great_a sense_n and_o dread_n of_o it_o have_v he_o particular_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o resolve_v against_o it_o not_o only_a when_o it_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n but_o when_o he_o be_v expect_v any_o disappointment_n or_o come_v into_o the_o way_n of_o any_o provocation_n which_o will_v tempt_v he_o to_o it_o and_o because_o man_n subject_a to_o this_o vice_n swear_v oft_o in_o eagerness_n of_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o have_v he_o desire_v some_o true_a friend_n to_o be_v his_o monitor_n to_o warn_v he_o of_o it_o before_o or_o tell_v he_o when_o it_o be_v past_a that_o afterward_o he_o may_v be_v more_o careful_a to_o prevent_v it_o or_o to_o punish_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o in_o regard_n man_n who_o shun_v it_o at_o other_o time_n be_v general_o push_v on_o to_o swear_v in_o haste_n through_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o provocation_n in_o the_o eagerness_n of_o sport_n or_o through_o the_o suddenness_n of_o some_o cross_a accident_n and_o disappointment_n have_v he_o take_v care_v last_o to_o speak_v nothing_o rash_o especial_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o heat_n and_o eagerness_n of_o spirit_n but_o to_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n and_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v about_o to_o say_v before_o he_o utter_v it_o that_o so_o if_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v ill_o he_o may_v forbear_v it_o these_o and_o such_o like_a way_n be_v the_o proper_a method_n for_o cure_v this_o sin_n and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v labour_v against_o it_o without_o they_o he_o have_v seek_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n and_o pursue_v the_o cure_n without_o the_o right_a prescription_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v correct_v that_o error_n and_o begin_v again_o to_o labour_v in_o right_a way_n i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o he_o will_v succeed_v well_o and_o find_v the_o effect_n through_o god_n blessing_n thus_o do_v man_n who_o endeavour_n in_o vain_a for_o these_o or_o for_o any_o other_o virtue_n plain_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o choose_v right_a way_n the_o duty_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v if_o the_o right_a course_n be_v use_v to_o attain_v they_o but_o it_o be_v their_o own_o neglect_n of_o mean_n or_o mistake_v choice_n of_o bad_a one_o which_o make_v the_o disappointment_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o effect_v let_v they_o be_v careful_a to_o pursue_v good_a thing_n by_o wise_a and_o proper_a method_n when_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o endeavour_v after_o any_o virtue_n let_v they_o learn_v from_o good_a book_n or_o from_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n or_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o wise_a or_o judicious_a person_n what_o rule_v serve_v most_o to_o compass_v it_o and_o if_o they_o careful_o and_o diligent_o follow_v they_o the_o duty_n which_o seem_v before_o impossible_a will_v prove_v a_o very_a possible_a thing_n and_o this_o again_o will_v rid_v we_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o complainer_n who_o fail_v at_o last_o but_o yet_o endeavour_v something_o for_o most_o of_o they_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v do_v not_o endeavour_v wise_o or_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o proper_a and_o discreet_a method_n a_o sure_a sit_v to_o work_v obedience_n in_o they_o but_o if_o any_o complain_v still_o that_o they_o have_v take_v advice_n about_o the_o best_a course_n and_o follow_v it_o but_o yet_o all_o their_o labour_n have_v be_v without_o the_o desire_a effect_n yet_o be_v they_o always_o 3._o such_o as_o when_o they_o use_v right_a mean_n endeavour_v but_o by_o half_n and_o do_v not_o go_v through_o with_o they_o a_o faint_a endeavourer_n will_v never_o go_v through_o with_o any_o work_n which_o require_v either_o length_n of_o time_n or_o strength_n of_o labour_n if_o he_o put_v little_a strength_n to_o it_o that_o will_v not_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o task_n and_o if_o he_o be_v soon_o weary_a he_o will_v give_v over_o before_o it_o come_v to_o a_o end_n so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o both_o earnest_o and_o long_o if_o he_o will_v succeed_v when_o he_o have_v begin_v and_o go_v on_o to_o finish_v and_o complete_a it_o now_o our_o obey_a god_n and_o amend_v of_o our_o life_n be_v a_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v many_o in_o number_n they_o will_v require_v a_o considerable_a space_n of_o time_n before_o they_o be_v all_o amend_v and_o our_o hindrance_n in_o leave_v they_o be_v great_a and_o the_o temptation_n strong_a that_o daily_a assault_n and_o draw_v we_o to_o they_o and_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o a_o treacherous_a enemy_n in_o our_o own_o bosom_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o take_v their_o part_n and_o strike_v in_o with_o they_o it_o require_v a_o great_a watchfulness_n and_o a_o constant_a care_n and_o a_o earnest_a vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o plain_o we_o must_v use_v if_o ever_o we_o expect_v to_o prevail_v against_o they_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v give_v all_o diligence_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 10._o st._n paul_n that_o we_o must_v be_v circumspect_a eph._n 5.15_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o we_o must_v watch_v always_o and_o be_v ever_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n mark_v 13.37_o and_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n luk._n 13.24_o which_o strive_v be_v call_v a_o warfare_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o and_o a_o fight_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o all_o which_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o care_n and_o both_o the_o earnestness_n and_o constancy_n of_o that_o endeavour_n which_o we_o must_v lay_v out_o upon_o it_o and_o this_o now_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o all_o those_o striver_n who_o pursue_v obedience_n by_o right_n and_o proper_a method_n do_v yet_o miss_v of_o it_o at_o last_o they_o endeavour_v but_o by_o half_n and_o seek_v it_o either_o by_o too_o short_a or_o too_o slight_a pain_n they_o have_v not_o either_o the_o resolution_n to_o set_v manful_o about_o it_o or_o the_o patience_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o so_o be_v either_o faint_a in_o their_o pursuit_n or_o fall_v off_o before_o they_o be_v get_v to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v not_o reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o all_o their_o pain_n but_o continue_v subject_n and_o enslave_v to_o they_o still_o but_o now_o when_o they_o fail_v on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o help_v it_o they_o may_v become_v good_a if_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o and_o persevere_v with_o patience_n till_o they_o have_v finish_v it_o but_o if_o they_o will_v use_v only_o slight_a endeavour_n and_o short_a onset_n their_o miss_v of_o success_n must_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o impossibility_n of_o god_n law_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o sloth_n and_o remissness_n in_o perform_v they_o they_o can_v and_o do_v take_v great_a and_o incessant_a pain_n to_o be_v rich_a or_o great_a or_o compass_v a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o if_o they_o please_v they_o can_v labour_v as_o vigorous_o and_o as_o incessant_o too_o to_o be_v good_a and_o do_v what_o god_n command_v they_o and_o if_o once_o they_o will_v do_v this_o it_o will_v be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n how_o possible_a a_o thing_n obedience_n be_v since_o less_o pain_n than_o this_o come_v to_o will_v ordinary_o suffice_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o those_o complainer_n who_o have_v not_o be_v silence_v by_o the_o two_o former_a consideration_n if_o they_o have_v not_o complain_v before_o they_o try_v and_o if_o in_o try_v to_o be_v good_a they_o take_v a_o right_a method_n yet_o want_v they_o one_o thing_n still_o they_o endeavour_v but_o by_o half_n and_o be_v not_o vigorous_a and_o constant_a enough_o in_o their_o endeavour_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o fail_v whereas_o if_o they_o will_v try_v again_o and_o endeavour_v not_o only_o wise_o but_o also_o vigorous_o and_o incessant_o they_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o their_o do_v it_o actual_o will_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a conviction_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v have_v say_v this_o to_o remove_v the_o prejudice_n that_o lie_v against_o this_o possibility_n of_o perform_v the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o the_o complaint_n of_o those_o who_o say_v they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o i_o proceed_v now_o 2._o to_o show_v that_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o complaint_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v strengthen_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o they_o must_v be_v careful_a
they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n without_o forsake_v house_n and_o land_n and_o parent_n and_o brethren_n yea_o and_o their_o own_o life_n also_o luk._n 14.26_o 33._o but_o even_o in_o these_o case_n and_o suffer_a time_n when_o religion_n enjoin_v such_o hard_a thing_n yet_o be_v not_o they_o too_o hard_o for_o good_a man_n the_o increase_n of_o difficulty_n be_v so_o answer_v by_o a_o proportionable_a increase_n of_o strength_n as_o make_v it_o no_o heavy_a but_o a_o tolerable_a imposition_n for_o thing_n be_v hard_a or_o easy_a in_o relation_n to_o our_o strength_n according_a as_o we_o be_v more_o or_o less_o able_a to_o deal_v with_o they_o what_o be_v hard_a to_o a_o stripling_n be_v easy_a to_o a_o grow_a man_n and_o what_o will_v be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o a_o infirm_a be_v a_o very_a supportable_a load_n to_o a_o healthy_a and_o athletic_a person_n and_o in_o these_o suffer_a day_n when_o god_n add_v to_o our_o task_n he_o add_v also_o to_o our_o strength_n so_o that_o we_o be_v still_o well_o able_a to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v st._n paul_n in_o distress_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o christ_n then_o be_o i_o strong_a in_o spirit_n to_o go_v through_o with_o they_o 2_o cor._n 12.10_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o so_o proportionable_o our_o consolation_n abound_v by_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.5_o in_o extraordinary_a trial_n god_n be_v faithful_a say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10.13_o and_o will_v afford_v extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o then_o however_o hard_o their_o case_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o other_o who_o see_v only_o at_o a_o distance_n it_o will_v appear_v fair_o tolerable_a and_o supportable_a nay_o full_a of_o comfort_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o numerous_a army_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n have_v comfortable_o experience_v who_o be_v enable_v not_o only_o to_o bear_v but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 12.10_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o necessity_n and_o distress_n for_o christ_n yea_o who_o can_v sing_v and_o sometime_o rejoice_v and_o say_v they_o feel_v no_o pain_n even_o in_o the_o hot_a flame_n so_o that_o take_v even_a persecution_n for_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o any_o first_o or_o second_o table_n duty_n which_o seem_v the_o hard_a case_n and_o the_o great_a hardship_n in_o that_o be_v far_a off_o and_o man_n know_v least_o of_o it_o but_o when_o good_a man_n be_v call_v out_o to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o adhere_v to_o their_o duty_n inviolable_o and_o rely_v on_o god_n and_o entire_o commit_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o same_o they_o find_v such_o assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o render_v they_o strong_a enough_o for_o what_o he_o call_v they_o to_o they_o can_v only_o bear_v but_o through_o the_o rich_a supply_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n the_o applause_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o joyful_a prospect_n of_o a_o vast_a increase_n of_o future_a recompense_n for_o their_o surplusage_n of_o present_a suffering_n they_o can_v take_v pleasure_n and_o rejoice_v therein_o count_v such_o loss_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o be_v their_o great_a and_o true_a gain_n and_o that_o god_n instead_o of_o be_v hard_o upon_o they_o be_v therein_o most_o kind_a and_o beneficent_a to_o they_o 2._o other_o hardship_n attribute_v to_o religion_n concern_v only_a man_n new_a entrance_n upon_o it_o after_o they_o have_v do_v much_o to_o unfit_a themselves_o for_o it_o when_o indeed_o it_o require_v more_o pain_n and_o to_o this_o we_o may_v refer_v all_o those_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o right_a eye_n i._n e._n cast_v away_o all_o evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v very_o near_o and_o dear_a to_o we_o matt._n 5.29_o 30._o of_o mortify_v our_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n col._n 3.5_o and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v difficulty_n at_o our_o first_o entrance_n on_o the_o amendment_n of_o evil_a course_n for_o than_o we_o throw_v off_o all_o sinful_a lust_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v very_o painful_a at_o the_o first_o but_o use_n make_v it_o easy_o afterward_o custom_n rectify_v our_o inclination_n and_o beget_v a_o new_a nature_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n whereto_o we_o be_v very_o averse_a before_o so_o that_o the_o hardship_n which_o these_o make_v in_o religion_n be_v only_o when_o we_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a then_o yet_o even_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o tolerable_a thing_n it_o employ_v our_o strength_n but_o it_o do_v not_o exceed_v it_o for_o when_o we_o do_v a_o little_a god_n still_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v more_o and_o so_o carry_v we_o on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o we_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o conquer_v and_o as_o we_o grow_v strong_a our_o duty_n grow_v easy_a till_o it_o advance_v at_o last_o beyond_o a_o ease_n into_o a_o pleasure_n so_o that_o this_o difficulty_n be_v both_o tolerable_a while_o it_o continue_v and_o beside_o it_o be_v soon_o over_o 3._o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n denote_v the_o hardship_n of_o religion_n express_v only_o such_o diligent_a and_o just_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n through_o our_o whole_a course_n as_o admit_v of_o comfort_n and_o delight_n enough_o to_o sweeten_v it_o to_o we_o and_o to_o this_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o require_v we_o to_o watch_v mark_v 13.37_o and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 10._o to_o â—â—_o strive_v and_o â—â—_o labour_n and_o the_o like_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o do_v nothing_o nor_o eternal_a life_n a_o prize_n that_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o lazy_a careless_a man_n it_o require_v pain_n in_o all_o at_o first_o yea_o much_o and_o great_a pain_n in_o those_o who_o have_v once_o corrupt_v themselves_o by_o contrary_a lust_n and_o wicked_a custom_n and_o it_o also_o require_v a_o constant_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o ever_o afterward_o but_o this_o care_n and_o labour_n be_v moderate_a it_o fair_o comport_v not_o only_o with_o the_o necessary_a business_n but_o also_o with_o the_o prudent_a convenient_a and_o moderate_a diversion_n and_o entertainment_n of_o this_o life_n so_o that_o our_o mind_v it_o will_v not_o force_v we_o to_o neglect_v our_o outward_a comfort_n it_o be_v reasonable_a in_o degree_n not_o hold_v we_o up_o at_o the_o utmost_a stretch_n of_o our_o faculty_n but_o will_v do_v our_o work_n if_o it_o do_v but_o equal_v our_o care_n and_o pain_n for_o the_o interest_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n which_o pain_n man_n be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o take_v without_o ever_o complain_v of_o the_o hardship_n of_o they_o for_o if_o we_o be_v any_o thing_n near_o so_o intent_n upon_o do_v our_o duty_n as_o ordinary_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o get_n a_o estate_n and_o will_v watch_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a as_o we_o do_v of_o grow_v rich_a or_o great_a it_o will_v abundant_o suffice_v for_o it_o and_o beside_o as_o this_o labour_n of_o virtue_n be_v in_o itself_o very_o moderate_a so_o have_v it_o many_o accessary_a comfort_n and_o consideration_n which_o great_o sweeten_v and_o recommend_v it_o to_o we_o it_o give_v we_o at_o present_a the_o applause_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o make_v we_o please_v and_o satisfy_v with_o ourselves_o and_o cherish_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o joyful_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o when_o all_o the_o pain_n we_o take_v be_v so_o please_v to_o ourselves_o and_o with_o this_o prospect_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v find_v a_o ease_n but_o a_o delight_n too_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v from_o these_o word_n to_o assert_v this_o great_a and_o necessary_a encouragement_n to_o all_o attempt_n in_o religion_n viz._n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n enable_v they_o man_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o succeed_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o and_o that_o when_o man_n continue_v wicked_a and_o say_v they_o can_v help_v it_o they_o urge_v a_o shameful_a and_o very_a false_a pretence_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v urge_v against_o this_o plea_n be_v this_o they_o general_o complain_v most_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o obey_v god_n who_o lest_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v he_o or_o who_o endeavour_n wrong_v without_o use_v those_o sit_v mean_n whereby_o they_o shall_v become_v obedient_a or_o when_o they_o use_v right_a mean_n endeavour_v but_o by_o half_n and_o do_v not_o go_v through_o with_o their_o endeavour_n whereas_o will_v they_o endeavour_v diligent_o and_o discreet_o and_o incessant_o for_o this_o obedience_n as_o they_o do_v for_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o succeed_v because_o god_n command_v