and_o our_o heart_n warm_v with_o fervent_a and_o divine_a affection_n to_o converse_v entire_o with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n to_o have_v free_a access_n to_o his_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n a_o freedom_n to_o ask_v all_o that_o we_o want_v and_o a_o promise_n to_o receive_v all_o that_o we_o ask_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o solemn_a praise_n of_o god_n the_o great_a employment_n of_o heaven_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a delight_n of_o eternity_n to_o hear_v his_o sacred_a oracle_n expound_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n unfold_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o explain_v the_o motive_n to_o it_o inforce_v the_o sin_n against_o it_o detect_v and_o remove_v and_o the_o concernment_n of_o all_o digest_v into_o plain_a lesson_n and_o rule_n of_o practice_n how_o just_o may_v we_o expect_v the_o sweet_a illapse_n and_o cherish_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o we_o meet_v together_o for_o these_o 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his_o service_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v into_o when_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o his_o name_n and_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n than_o such_o a_o solemn_a vow_n and_o profession_n as_o this_o if_o the_o holy_a band_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v not_o hold_v we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o nothing_o will_v ever_o do_v it_o now_o if_o we_o frequent_o engage_v in_o these_o duty_n and_o exercise_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o this_o in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v turn_v to_o a_o mighty_a account_n every_o good_a act_n will_v strengthen_v the_o habit_n and_o invigorate_v the_o principle_n it_o flow_v from_o and_o we_o shall_v certain_o experience_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o promise_n psal_n 92.13_o 14._o those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_n in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o 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well_o to_o observe_v certain_a and_o state_v time_n of_o retire_v to_o our_o closet_n and_o pray_v to_o our_o father_n in_o secret_n and_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o interruption_n to_o make_v they_o up_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v either_o by_o fall_v into_o some_o pious_a discourse_n or_o by_o short_a petition_n and_o praise_n which_o the_o busy_a hour_n of_o our_o life_n can_v hardly_o unless_o we_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o course_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v enumerate_v the_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o holy_a fervour_n and_o supplication_n when_o there_o be_v no_o eye_n or_o ear_n but_o he_o to_o regard_v we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a token_n of_o our_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n we_o can_v have_v that_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v hear_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v grace_n to_o help_v we_o in_o time_n of_o need_n beside_o it_o raise_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n it_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o dispose_v we_o to_o do_v he_o more_o cheerful_a and_o faithful_a service_n it_o enlarge_v our_o capacity_n and_o widen_v our_o soul_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o full_a communication_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o goodness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o cherish_v all_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o we_o 4._o to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n eye_n be_v continual_o upon_o we_o the_o reverence_n every_o good_a man_n have_v for_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n when_o it_o be_v awaken_v with_o a_o actual_a apprehension_n of_o his_o inspection_n over_o he_o must_v have_v a_o mighty_a power_n over_o his_o spirit_n and_o effectual_o excite_v he_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n he_o know_v to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o we_o see_v the_o force_n of_o this_o incentive_a in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o influence_n which_o a_o father_n eye_n or_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a man_n have_v upon_o the_o virtue_n and_o behaviour_n of_o his_o child_n or_o inferior_n the_o sight_n of_o such_o a_o witness_n of_o their_o action_n command_v their_o reverence_n and_o inflame_v their_o ambition_n to_o demean_v themselves_o suitable_o to_o the_o regard_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o presence_n they_o be_v in_o much_o more_o be_v our_o mind_n possess_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n all-discovering_a eye_n that_o he_o be_v wheresoever_o we_o be_v and_o observe_v whatsoever_o we_o do_v shall_v we_o find_v ourselves_o move_v to_o do_v the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o this_o desire_n will_v quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o our_o endeavour_n will_v improve_v our_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o the_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o a_o invisible_a object_n and_o especial_o of_o he_o in_o who_o we_o be_v infinite_o more_o concern_v than_o in_o all_o heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o powerful_a than_o the_o clear_a sensible_a perception_n and_o this_o be_v apparent_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o rule_n of_o perfection_n which_o god_n give_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 17.1_o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a 5._o due_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o especial_o of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v like_a to_o determine_v the_o main_a course_n of_o our_o life_n before_o we_o actual_o engage_v in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o this_o care_n have_v occasion_v many_o serious_a and_o hopeful_a person_n to_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o temptation_n which_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o future_a caution_n have_v prove_v a_o mighty_a clog_n and_o hindrance_n to_o their_o progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n perhaps_o ever_o after_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o timely_a inspection_n into_o any_o state_n of_o life_n which_o fall_v under_o our_o choice_n may_v prevent_v a_o thousand_o snare_n into_o which_o we_o often_o betray_v ourselves_o by_o our_o rashness_n and_o folly_n we_o see_v many_o cast_n away_o at_o their_o first_o launch_v out_o into_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o carry_v more_o sail_n than_o ballast_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o visible_a than_o that_o right_a judgement_n at_o the_o first_o in_o choose_v our_o calling_n and_o contract_v our_o friendship_n and_o alliance_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o secure_v our_o virtue_n and_o make_v our_o proficiency_n in_o it_o by_o many_o degree_n more_o easy_a and_o considerable_a 6._o it_o will_v likewise_o contribute_v to_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n to_o take_v a_o frequent_a view_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o observe_v and_o bewail_v our_o defect_n and_o fail_n we_o shall_v be_v strong_o
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
and_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o material_a what_o church_n we_o live_v or_o dye_v in_o communion_n with_o while_o we_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o our_o lust_n all_o the_o absolution_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v we_o not_o good_n if_o we_o study_v to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n we_o need_v not_o any_o indulgency_n from_o man_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o change_v our_o religion_n to_o leave_v the_o straight_a path_n we_o be_v in_o and_o to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o saint_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o by_o purgatory_n to_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o legend_n and_o story_n of_o saint_n which_o a_o serious_a man_n will_v think_v be_v compose_v only_o for_o merriment_n and_o diversion_n but_o though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o change_v our_o religion_n yet_o sure_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o many_o of_o we_o to_o make_v considerable_a alteration_n in_o our_o life_n to_o change_v almost_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o and_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o who_o call_v ourselves_o the_o reform_a it_o be_v not_o only_a for_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o our_o life_n be_v uniform_a to_o it_o but_o our_o immortal_a honour_n and_o interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o we_o lose_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o escape_v everlasting_a death_n than_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n eternal_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v tempt_v you_o to_o renounce_v your_o faith_n i_o very_o hope_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o your_o eternal_a salvation_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o harken_v to_o he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o danger_n in_o a_o profane_a and_o vicious_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n to_o deny_v every_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o be_v cautious_a of_o our_o step_n and_o have_v find_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o keep_v a_o straight_a and_o even_a course_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v it_o not_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o no_o unrighteous_a man_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a jar_n and_o contradiction_n to_o ourselves_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v as_o good_a pin_n our_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o other_o man_n or_o bestow_v it_o upon_o any_o body_n that_o will_v take_v it_o off_o our_o hand_n as_o keep_v it_o only_o to_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o sermon_n vi_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o of_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o christian_a piety_n without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sensible_a decay_n of_o it_o in_o the_o present_a age_n a_o age_n much_o addict_v to_o talk_v and_o wrangle_v about_o religion_n very_o stout_a and_o zealous_a in_o oppose_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n but_o very_o cold_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o practice_n without_o which_o the_o best_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o two_o of_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v well_o to_o ourselves_o and_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n to_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o bad_a opinion_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o man_n fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o excellent_a advice_n as_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o so_o fatal_a a_o apostasy_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n grace_n be_v a_o term_n of_o various_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n in_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o take_v for_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o divine_a assistance_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o those_o good_a disposition_n and_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n and_o product_n of_o it_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v most_o proper_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v whenever_o as_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_a of_o a_o exhortation_n now_o in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o imply_v 1._o a_o root_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n actual_o implant_v in_o we_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v make_v any_o progress_n or_o proficiency_n in_o it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o stock_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o increase_n a_o quickness_n in_o the_o root_n before_o the_o branch_n will_v sprout_v or_o flourish_v a_o spring_a of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n before_o a_o abound_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o show_v to_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n belong_v namely_o to_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a 2._o it_o be_v here_o imply_v that_o good_a man_n be_v nor_o mere_o passive_a in_o grow_v better_a but_o may_v and_o must_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o themselves_o nay_o the_o text_n suppose_v they_o must_v do_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o act_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n must_v cease_v if_o they_o refuse_v their_o endeavour_n to_o far_o and_o promote_v it_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v do_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o make_v we_o better_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o our_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o counsel_n admonition_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o use_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n but_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n both_o in_o order_n to_o the_o birth_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o he_o know_v therefore_o that_o by_o his_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v we_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o perfection_n in_o grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v frequent_o move_v and_o excite_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o endeavour_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o this_o end_n and_o that_o as_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o they_o be_v our_o proficiency_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o they_o now_o to_o make_v this_o exhortation_n as_o useful_a and_o effectual_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v aim_v at_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v it_o 3._o to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o impediment_n of_o it_o 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 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v neither_o begin_v nor_o carry_v on_o by_o natural_a principle_n without_o the_o mighty_a aid_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o inable_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o do_v a_o christian_a grow_v like_o a_o plant_n mere_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n but_o by_o improve_n the_o assistance_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v to_o he_o for_o obtain_v new_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v both_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o grow_v in_o it_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o it_o be_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_n and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o subordinate_a to_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n dispose_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o obtain_v and_o excite_v to_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o
dictate_v as_o essentiael_v to_o christianity_n which_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o ancient_n and_o venerable_a write_n do_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o there_o be_v those_o that_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o have_v often_o prove_v we_o so_o as_o clear_o as_o fire_n and_o faggot_n can_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v so_o straitlaced_n as_o to_o believe_v but_o just_a so_o many_o truth_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v so_o nice_a and_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o for_o several_a age_n and_o in_o several_a council_n have_v decree_v the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n i.e._n the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o fair_o recommend_v it_o as_o a_o eminent_a test_n of_o catholic_n zeal_n other_o at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v who_o with_o mighty_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o secret_a motion_n and_o immediate_a warrant_n from_o heaven_n to_o worry_v and_o destroy_v all_o that_o shall_v withstand_v they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n i_o may_v tire_v you_o with_o instance_n of_o both_o kind_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o christian_n against_o one_o another_o have_v in_o point_n of_o fierceness_n and_o cruelty_n far_o exceed_v the_o pattern_n in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o may_v but_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v a_o short_a review_n of_o the_o ruin_n which_o romish_n zeal_n have_v make_v in_o protestant_a country_n from_o our_o own_o to_o the_o very_a border_n of_o the_o ottoman_a empire_n to_o keep_v near_a home_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o holy_a league_n of_o france_n for_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o more_o than_o many_o thousand_o christian_n in_o the_o unite_a province_n 1._o grot._n annal_n lib._n 1._o i_o mean_v before_o the_o quarrel_n begin_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n i_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o inquisition_n invasion_n and_o massacre_n to_o the_o burn_a zeal_n of_o the_o marian_n day_n and_o the_o powder_n conspiracy_n here_o in_o england_n that_o masterpiece_n of_o inhumanity_n design_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o long_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n we_o enjoy_v under_o the_o pious_a and_o gentle_a reign_n of_o our_o immortal_a virgin_n queen_n after_o these_o it_o be_v cold_a and_o endless_a to_o mention_v all_o the_o impious_a and_o unnatural_a artifices_fw-la of_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o life_n of_o our_o prince_n the_o felicity_n of_o our_o government_n usurp_v foulis_n hist_o of_o romish_a treason_n and_o usurp_v and_o the_o vital_n of_o our_o religion_n one_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a you_o may_v observe_v that_o when_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v lose_v any_o thing_n by_o dint_n of_o argument_n she_o have_v present_o betake_v herself_o to_o sharp_a and_o deadly_a weapon_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o and_o methinks_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o wonder_n that_o a_o churchpampered_a with_o power_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n that_o think_v herself_o fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v her_o unquestionable_a right_n and_o duty_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o do_v it_o shall_v not_o wave_v her_o principle_n and_o content_v herself_o to_o admonish_v and_o weep_v over_o obstinate_a heretic_n as_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v over_o jerusalem_n when_o her_o design_n call_v for_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o man_n will_v not_o be_v make_v obedient_a without_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o refine_v the_o reformation_n have_v shameful_o violate_v the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o i_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o the_o wicked_a outrage_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n at_o munster_n and_o the_o terrible_a battle_n which_o have_v be_v fight_v for_o little_a fancy_n and_o affect_v singularity_n in_o religion_n i_o may_v call_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o many_o insurrection_n and_o what_o i_o even_o tremble_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o the_o late_a archbishop_n in_o scotland_n i_o may_v desire_v you_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a attempt_n which_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v manage_v upon_o the_o five_o monarchy_n principles_n in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v carry_v you_o to_o the_o tomb_n of_o king_n nobles_z and_o prelate_n of_o worthy_a patriot_n and_o minister_n of_o justice_n of_o preacher_n and_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n who_o by_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o use_v the_o apostle_n phrase_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n of_o your_o faith_n which_o some_o call_v heresy_n and_o according_a to_o which_o we_o now_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n now_o to_o apply_v these_o allusion_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o chief_a actor_n and_o party_n in_o they_o have_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o confess_v that_o they_o very_o think_v they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n many_o apology_n have_v be_v make_v and_o many_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v for_o they_o yea_o many_o have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o pronounce_v it_o with_o their_o last_o breath_n that_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o die_v for_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o look_v towards_o the_o world_n be_v do_v out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o thonght_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v they_o as_o contrary_a and_o dishonourable_a as_o they_o real_o be_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o to_o show_v whece_n it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o man_n to_o be_v warm_a and_o zealous_a for_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o sentimest_n ill_o so_o much_o that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n have_v not_o always_o the_o charity_n and_o good-nature_n that_o shall_v attend_v it_o but_o that_o this_o inclination_n shall_v so_o mighty_o raise_v the_o spleen_n and_o fire_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v grow_v so_o violent_a quarrelsome_a and_o impetuous_a as_o to_o scorn_v the_o restraint_n of_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o break_v down_o all_o the_o fonce_n of_o government_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n foe_fw-mi christ_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o so_o meek_a a_o master_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o so_o charitable_a and_o oblige_a so_o holy_a and_o healing_n a_o institution_n as_o christianity_n be_v shall_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o promote_v every_o crude_a opinion_n with_o the_o sword_n nay_o that_o inspire_v and_o as_o they_o call_v themselves_o infallible_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n so_o exceed_o fierce_a and_o angry_a with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o present_v and_o eternal_a ruin_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o extreme_o full_a of_o scandal_n and_o contradiction_n that_o without_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v scarce_o charity_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o they_o but_o let_v we_o do_v that_o right_n to_o christianity_n and_o ourselves_o as_o to_o see_v where_o the_o fault_n lie_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n have_v wrought_v so_o much_o misery_n and_o coufusion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o assign_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n will_v require_v more_o time_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o present_a occasion_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o such_o as_o i_o think_v have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o answer_v for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v bad_a education_n which_o have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o change_v the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n into_o the_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a temper_n the_o great_a spring_n and_o mover_n of_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o information_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o education_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o impression_n we_o receive_v of_o thing_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n be_v
excite_v to_o amend_v they_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o more_o humble_a more_o sensible_a of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o more_o importunate_a with_o he_o for_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a miscarriage_n for_o the_o future_a this_o will_v send_v we_o to_o his_o mercy-seat_n cover_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o they_o will_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o former_o enjoy_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n through_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o this_o will_v fire_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o ourselves_o for_o the_o dishonour_n we_o have_v do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n the_o waste_n we_o have_v make_v of_o our_o inward_a peace_n and_o the_o opportunity_n we_o have_v lose_v of_o do_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o of_o establish_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o insure_v our_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n all_o which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o great_a care_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v a_o steady_a and_o universal_a principle_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n 7._o last_o serious_a and_o frequent_a contemplation_n upon_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n will_v sure_o cast_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o more_o spiritual_a frame_n refine_v our_o conversation_n and_o improve_v our_o grace_n it_o be_v true_a a_o exact_a idea_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o it_o but_o do_v we_o often_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v read_v and_o believe_v of_o that_o glorious_a place_n we_o shall_v certain_o feel_v ourselves_o inspire_v with_o noble_a thought_n and_o brisk_a resolution_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o sant_a up_o and_o down_o after_o earthly_a vanity_n nor_o give_v way_n to_o every_o petty_a discouragement_n and_o mean_a temptation_n and_o so_o make_v our_o journey_n more_o heavy_a and_o tedious_a than_o we_o need_v as_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o come_v too_o soon_o to_o our_o happiness_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v with_o they_o will_v darken_v all_o these_o inferior_a beauty_n which_o captivate_v our_o soul_n the_o smile_n of_o pleasure_n the_o shine_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lustre_n of_o honour_n do_v we_o six_o our_o mind_n where_o true_a joy_n and_o felicity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o gloss_n of_o worldly_a excellency_n will_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v as_o lesser_a light_n lose_v their_o brightness_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o great_a there_o will_v be_v little_a danger_n of_o loiter_v in_o the_o way_n or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n if_o we_o will_v but_o keep_v our_o eye_n upon_o those_o happy_a region_n above_o and_o consider_v what_o mighty_a joy_n be_v there_o what_o massy_a crown_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n even_o in_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o now_o go_v off_o so_o heavy_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v cut_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o soar_v above_o all_o temptation_n from_o this_o low_a world_n if_o the_o other_o be_v always_o in_o our_o view_n and_o our_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o elevate_v our_o soul_n till_o we_o shall_v even_o touch_v and_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o languish_a state_n of_o grace_n to_o recover_v into_o a_o healthful_a and_o thrive_a temper_n be_v to_o strengthen_v their_o appetite_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o by_o this_o they_o will_v quick_o come_v to_o loathe_v the_o husk_n and_o trash_n of_o this_o world_n and_o retrieve_v the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n they_o have_v lose_v by_o their_o eagerness_n after_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v be_v to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n to_o your_o spiritual_a growth_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o remissness_n in_o any_o of_o the_o former_a duty_n will_v defeat_v the_o design_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o every_o neglect_n and_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v careful_o avoid_v as_o a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o end_n of_o grow_v better_o beside_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o remind_v you_o of_o these_o three_o impediment_n 1._o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n some_o think_v they_o be_v reprobate_v from_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o never_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o think_v of_o grow_v in_o it_o other_o that_o they_o can_v fall_v from_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o elect_v and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v common_o of_o opinion_n that_o every_o degree_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v mean_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_o against_o themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o immediate_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o the_o rather_o think_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o manifest_o tend_v to_o check_v and_o stifle_v their_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n and_o holiness_n though_o i_o very_o believe_v they_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o some_o very_a serious_a person_n through_o their_o happy_a ignorance_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n 2.12_o phil._n 2.12_o i_o can_v see_v why_o we_o shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n that_o a_o absolute_a decree_n shall_v fail_v and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mean_n if_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v immediate_o produce_v their_o effect_n for_o if_o they_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o immediate_a cause_n that_o work_v its_o effect_n by_o mean_n i._n e._n that_o do_v not_o work_v it_o immediate_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o render_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o increase_v holiness_n in_o we_o utter_o vain_a and_o ineffectual_a 2._o want_v of_o vigilancy_n over_o the_o fault_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o natural_a temper_n when_o man_n first_o turn_v their_o thought_n to_o religion_n and_o their_o eye_n inward_o they_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o their_o more_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n and_o extreme_o cautious_a of_o any_o temptation_n to_o they_o but_o be_v seldom_o very_o watchful_a over_o the_o lesser_a fault_n and_o error_n which_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o grow_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n with_o they_o these_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o overlook_v and_o indulge_v as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o right_n of_o protection_n from_o they_o till_o they_o suffer_v they_o to_o shade_n and_o overtop_v their_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o so_o clear_a a_o disposition_n but_o he_o have_v some_o flaw_n and_o infirmity_n with_o his_o excellent_a temper_n and_o some_o nature_n be_v so_o very_o bad_a that_o without_o a_o mighty_a care_n to_o manage_v and_o improve_v they_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a will_v ever_o come_v to_o any_o ripeness_n or_o perfection_n in_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v right_o consider_v the_o want_n of_o this_o care_n be_v the_o manifest_a reason_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n otherwise_o virtuous_a and_o good_a who_o be_v often_o transport_v into_o great_a disorder_n and_o indecence_n by_o a_o unguarded_a humour_n or_o unhappy_a disposition_n which_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o and_o without_o long_a care_n and_o watchsulness_n be_v like_a to_o send_v they_o halt_v to_o their_o grave_n 3._o spiritual_a pride_n i_o mean_v pride_n of_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o over_o ween_a conceit_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a attainment_n in_o holiness_n this_o alone_a be_v enough_o to_o blast_v the_o most_o hopeful_a beginning_n in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v root_n of_o every_o new_a sect_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o selfwill_a schism_n error_n envy_n and_o animosity_n and_o i_o be_v go_v to_o say_v whatever_o obstruct_v
extreme_o in_o real_a value_n beyond_o the_o injury_n he_o suffer_v and_o i_o very_o think_v i_o now_o speak_v the_o unfeigned_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n when_o he_o see_v his_o rival_n grovel_v in_o his_o blood_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sad_a trophy_n of_o his_o kill_v honour_n and_o have_v surfeit_v himself_o with_o his_o unnatural_a revenge_n the_o occasion_n of_o duel_v be_v observe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v either_o too_o small_a and_o bashful_a or_o too_o shameful_a and_o reserve_v to_o appear_v in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n but_o let_v the_o calumny_n be_v never_o so_o foul_a or_o public_a or_o so_o malicious_o contrive_v nothing_o stain_v like_o blood_n which_o consideration_n alone_o aught_o to_o restrain_v every_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a of_o his_o honour_n or_o salvation_n from_o shed_v it_o upon_o the_o high_a provocation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v he_o but_o more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v other_o way_n of_o heal_v our_o reputation_n and_o live_v in_o bright_a fame_n than_o ever_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a judge_n of_o honour_n the_o law_n be_v open_a let_v the_o party_n implead_v one_o another_o or_o if_o they_o must_v be_v fight_v let_v thy_o king_n and_o thy_o country_n bind_v the_o laurel_n of_o victory_n about_o thy_o head_n or_o embalm_v thy_o memory_n this_o be_v certain_o more_o honourable_a then_o to_o kill_v the_o worst_a man_n upon_o earth_n in_o a_o private_a quarrel_n and_o make_v the_o case_n of_o duel_v extreme_o different_a from_o that_o of_o one_o man_n kill_v another_o when_o he_o be_v force_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o after_o all_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o affront_n to_o be_v reminded_a that_o we_o be_v christian_n nor_o any_o diminution_n of_o honour_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n great_a spirit_n as_o they_o be_v better_o fit_v than_o other_o for_o great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o as_o plato_n observe_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o great_a fail_n and_o error_n they_o have_v common_o very_o quick_a and_o pierce_a apprehension_n and_o be_v very_o lively_a in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a affair_n but_o be_v not_o always_o so_o happy_a in_o their_o memory_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o as_o to_o forget_v the_o injury_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o who_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n who_o forbid_v the_o draw_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o quarrel_n and_o express_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o and_o since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n suffer_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n 56._o luk._n 9_o 56._o why_o shall_v the_o disciple_n aspire_v to_o be_v above_o his_o master_n i_o be_o sure_a to_o act_n contrary_a to_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o be_v think_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o we_o can_v think_v it_o too_o great_a a_o condescension_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o our_o own_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o redeemer_n and_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o live_v by_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o his_o law_n be_v of_o much_o better_a authority_n than_o any_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o honour_n which_o some_o man_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o now_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v man_n to_o kill_v one_o another_o in_o a_o quarrel_n that_o he_o forbid_v all_o quarrel_v and_o provocation_n in_o word_n or_o action_n ch._n verse_n 22._o of_o this_o ch._n and_o represent_v the_o danger_n of_o those_o liberty_n which_o man_n give_v to_o their_o passion_n though_o they_o proceed_v no_o far_o than_o to_o reproachful_a language_n to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o hellfire_n he_o also_o require_v we_o to_o forgive_v our_o brother_n 12.19_o mat._n 18.22_o ro._n 12.19_o as_o often_o as_o he_o offend_v and_o not_o to_o revenge_v our_o self_n but_o to_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n and_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o forgiveness_n at_o god_n hand_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o unless_o therefore_o to_o kill_v be_v to_o forgive_v and_o to_o break_v christ_n commandment_n must_v go_v for_o honour_v he_o no_o christian_a can_v engage_v with_o honour_n in_o a_o single_a combat_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v with_o what_o success_n he_o can_v hope_v to_o do_v it_o while_o he_o fight_v against_o heaven_n and_o grapple_v with_o one_o who_o he_o know_v be_v infinite_o strong_a than_o himself_o 2._o this_o be_v to_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o before_o the_o text_n unless_o we_o exceed_v we_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o never_o deny_v but_o that_o kill_v a_o man_n either_o in_o hot_a or_o cod_n blood_n without_o public_a authority_n be_v a_o notorious_a violation_n of_o god_n commandment_n nay_o to_o do_v this_o in_o hot_a boud_n be_v in_o their_o opinion_n a_o crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n of_o barrabas_n who_o by_o their_o law_n be_v sentence_v to_o die_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n 7._o mark_v 15_o 7._o for_o commit_v murder_n in_o the_o insurrection_n and_o according_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o jew_n concern_v this_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v our_o fight_a gallant_n will_v consider_v who_o follower_n they_o be_v and_o whether_o they_o also_o do_v not_o prefer_v barrabas_n before_o jesus_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o revenge_a their_o own_o lay_v his_o with_o their_o own_o honour_n in_o the_o dust_n 3._o for_o man_n to_o stake_v their_o life_n in_o a_o duel_n be_v to_o run_v the_o most_o desperate_a hazard_n i_o mean_v of_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n which_o seldom_o allow_v a_o few_o moment_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o or_o of_o kill_v another_o person_n it_o may_v be_v their_o old_a dear_a and_o confident_a friend_n and_o perhaps_o eternal_o by_o cut_v off_o his_o time_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n he_o that_o attempt_v to_o kill_v his_o brother_n whether_o he_o kill_v he_o or_o not_o mortal_o hate_v he_o for_o he_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o he_o if_o he_o can_v and_o then_o i_o fear_v he_o forfeit_v something_o more_o than_o his_o honour_n that_o attempt_n it_o 15._o 1_o joh._n 3_o 15._o for_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o dueller_n what_o a_o dreadful_a venture_n be_v it_o to_o stake_v two_o precious_a life_n and_o two_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o a_o mere_a imaginary_a point_n of_o honour_n if_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o christian_n who_o religion_n as_o st._n james_n describe_v it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a 17._o jam._n 3_o 17._o and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o wrangle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o without_o hypocrisy_n then_o let_v light_a and_o darkness_n embrace_v and_o the_o plain_a contradiction_n assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o bright_a reason_n and_o truth_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v worthy_a of_o a_o serious_a thought_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o balance_v the_o mighty_a pretence_n of_o honour_n i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o gentleman_n and_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n ought_v not_o to_o put_v up_o a_o affront_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o revenge_v it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o christian_a of_o the_o best_a rank_n and_o quality_n ought_v to_o do_v this_o and_o that_o great_a man_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n whether_o they_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o live_v by_o it_o or_o not_o 2._o for_o the_o case_n of_o self-murder_n or_o cast_v away_o our_o own_o life_n when_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v viz._n because_o every_o man_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o violation_n of_o it_o to_o kill_v ourselves_o as_o to_o kill_v any_o other_o man_n and_o since_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o
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
holiness_n through_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a man_n no_o man_n ever_o deny_v and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n be_v attain_v by_o a_o more_o frequent_a sincere_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n all_o divine_n be_v agree_v the_o part_n therefore_o which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o his_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n for_o his_o grow_a better_a i.e._n more_o perfect_a in_o every_o grace_n and_o more_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o because_o some_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o diffusive_a influence_n upon_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n than_o other_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n chief_o consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o those_o radical_a grace_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v convey_v into_o all_o the_o branch_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o of_o these_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a root_n all_o other_o grace_n be_v feed_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o their_o proper_a fruit_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o noble_a and_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v all_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a property_n in_o he_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o fear_v he_o be_v because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v powerful_a and_o just_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a and_o we_o therefore_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o these_o grace_n so_o have_v they_o a_o radical_a virtue_n of_o their_o own_o a_o power_n i_o mean_v of_o diffuse_v holiness_n into_o all_o part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christirn_n life_n hence_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n say_v s._n john_n that_o have_v the_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a to_o grow_v therefore_o in_o these_o grace_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o grow_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n consist_v 2._o in_o be_v more_o frequent_o and_o carnest_o employ_v in_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o worship_v god_n with_o more_o life_n zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o do_v good_a with_o more_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o bear_v affliction_n with_o more_o evenness_n and_o patience_n in_o great_a industry_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o temporal_a calling_n in_o get_v a_o more_o absolute_a sway_n over_o our_o passion_n and_o reduce_v our_o affection_n to_o farthly_a thing_n to_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o moderate_a temper_n in_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n which_o have_v any_o apparent_a temptation_n in_o they_o in_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o insult_n of_o inordinate_a anger_n and_o the_o sudden_a start_n of_o any_o sinful_a inclination_n in_o prune_v off_o the_o undecency_n of_o our_o external_n behaviour_n in_o abate_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o use_v better_o care_n to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n herein_o lie_v our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o our_o endeavour_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v strict_o necessary_a if_o we_o aim_v as_o we_o ought_v at_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o our_o great_a example_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o here_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n of_o it_o must_v give_v it_o the_o more_o lively_a and_o finish_v stroke_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o use_n especial_o of_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n at_o first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v as_o well_o of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o of_o those_o that_o remain_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n 1._o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o mean_n s._n peter_n seem_v to_o recommend_v in_o the_o context_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n imply_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o grow_v in_o other_o grace_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o parallel_n exhortation_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n deliver_v without_o any_o deceit_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a food_n for_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o promote_a the_o growth_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o every_o way_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2.1_o 2_o tim._n 2.1_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a draught_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o they_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o god_n sacred_a will_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n from_o eternity_n here_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o kind_a invitation_n to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o saviour_n with_o the_o most_o admirable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v here_o unveil_v and_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v open_a to_o our_o view_n that_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n 3.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o frequent_a converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o observe_v the_o tenor_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o to_o a_o firm_a and_o rule_v judgement_n and_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o error_n and_o doubtfulness_n which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o impediment_n to_o our_o thrive_a in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v always_o quick_a and_o urgent_a upon_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o misery_n press_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o we_o shall_v thence_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o present_a answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n to_o gratify_v any_o sinful_a lust_n or_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n so_o that_o by_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o daily_a study_n and_o meditation_n we_o shall_v neither_o wander_v for_o want_v of_o light_n nor_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n through_o any_o mistrust_n of_o our_o way_n nor_o can_v we_o easy_o fail_v of_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o it_o be_v quicken_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o a_o present_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o encourage_v with_o a_o prospect_n of_o our_o reward_n 2._o regular_n and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o service_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o have_v our_o thought_n sequester_v from_o the_o world_n