and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n what_o a_o weighty_a and_o solemn_a duty_n the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o forbear_v it_o because_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a man_n presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o address_v themselves_o unto_o god_n throne_n and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n without_o any_o preparation_n at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v care_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n whilst_o they_o be_v too_o negligent_a and_o profane_a on_o the_o other_o they_o whole_o omit_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o will_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o at_o all_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n who_o live_v so_o long_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n edify_v so_o little_a by_o it_o why_o their_o understanding_n be_v so_o little_o improve_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o little_o better_v thereby_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v prepare_v mind_n and_o good_a disposition_n along_o with_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o worldly_a affair_n their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o impure_a spirit_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v he_o any_o suitable_a entertainment_n some_o preparation_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v before_o we_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v after_o this_o or_o such_o like_a manner_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o any_o other_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o set_v apart_o from_o our_o private_a employment_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o awake_v let_v our_o soul_n be_v season_v with_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o sun_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o make_v we_o the_o overture_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favour_n that_o this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enter_v his_o court_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n admire_v his_o excellency_n adore_v his_o perfection_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o want_n before_o he_o and_o beg_a supply_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o improve_v these_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v our_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o put_v our_o body_n into_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a dress_n but_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o prov._n 16.1_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a disposition_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o vain_a and_o worldly_a thought_n to_o subdue_v all_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n a_o pure_a undefiled_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v this_o day_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o iâ—â—edicated_v to_o god_n immediate_a service_n â—â—ter_v so_o holy_a and_o devout_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v promote_v our_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o hereby_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v go_v along_o with_o we_o through_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o incite_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o fervency_n and_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o request_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o attention_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o gladness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n with_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o love_a kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v this_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n till_o the_o hour_n approach_v when_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o we_o hear_v the_o summons_n to_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n how_o we_o have_v pass_v the_o last_o week_n how_o well_o we_o have_v perform_v those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v up_o what_o sin_v we_o have_v since_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a duty_n we_o have_v omit_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o these_o our_o neglect_v and_o bewail_v our_o mis-carriage_n and_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o we_o will_v walk_v more_o upright_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o preparation_n of_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o unsanctify_v heart_n he_o abhor_v even_o the_o most_o solemn_a fast_n of_o those_o man_n who_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n 58.4_o isa_n 58.4_o he_o expect_v that_o the_o sprinkle_v water_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o we_o 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n 26.6_o psal_n 26.6_o before_o we_o compass_n god_n altar_n let_v we_o therefore_o never_o omit_v this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n when_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o upon_o some_o sudden_a emergency_n all_o this_o precaution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v this_o exactness_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v omit_v and_o a_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n of_o mind_n will_v suffice_v yet_o this_o will_n in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o some_o degree_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o we_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o receive_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o sacrament_n be_v ancient_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o of_o late_a year_n it_o have_v be_v scandalous_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o as_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o due_a preparation_n 11.29_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n christ_n holy_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v condemnation_n to_o themselves_o so_o when_o they_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v upon_o
thought_n be_v not_o sinful_a unless_o immediate_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o commit_v murder_n or_o adultery_n unless_o it_o be_v actual_o put_v in_o execution_n which_o we_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o among_o we_o who_o maintain_v this_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n their_o thought_n be_v so_o free_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o act_n so_o cunning_o as_o to_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n 55.21_o psal_n 55.21_o if_o they_o can_v but_o speak_v word_n smooth_a than_o oil_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o solicitous_a how_o their_o heart_n stand_v affect_v but_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v 2.15_o rom._n 2.15_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o loud_a word_n and_o most_o public_a action_n in_o god_n book_n not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v write_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v not_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o contrive_v beforehand_o how_o we_o may_v fulfil_v our_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o desire_n solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 9_o prov._n 2.4_o 9_o a_o foolish_a thought_n and_o that_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a device_n or_o thought_n god_n will_v condemn_v 12.2_o prov._n 12.2_o and_o st._n john_n affirm_v 3.15_o 1_o joh._n 3.15_o that_o whosoever_o hate_v his_o brother_n or_o retain_v any_o rancour_n or_o malice_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v a_o murderer_n now_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a intention_n of_o those_o person_n who_o fail_v in_o their_o obedience_n only_o for_o want_n of_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o so_o on_o the_o other_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v sinful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o we_o have_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n to_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n abraham_n only_o intend_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n isaac_n 11.17_o heb._n 11.17_o and_o this_o holy_a purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 18.12_o gen._n 18.12_o and_o when_o sarah_n disbelieved_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o deride_v it_o in_o her_o heart_n she_o be_v say_v to_o laugh_v within_o herself_o and_o god_n resent_v the_o provocation_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o a_o wicked_a thought_n be_v put_v into_o execution_n and_o break_v out_o into_o a_o wicked_a act_n 1.15_o jam._n 1.15_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o sin_n it_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o heinous_a nature_n and_o deep_a dye_n than_o when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o embryo_n or_o in_o the_o birth_n yet_o in_o many_o respect_v our_o thought_n may_v be_v more_o wicked_a than_o either_o our_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v for_o 1._o our_o thought_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o our_o action_n there_o must_v be_v many_o preparatory_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n many_o thought_n twist_v together_o to_o produce_v one_o deliberate_a sinful_a action_n how_o many_o plotting_n and_o contriving_n desire_n and_o hope_n wish_n and_o complacency_n must_v go_v before_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o evil_a deed_n there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o scheme_n erect_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o mean_n and_o method_n must_v be_v resolve_v on_o the_o instrument_n must_v be_v choose_v and_o the_o thing_n frequent_o act_v over_o in_o our_o thought_n before_o any_o notorious_a sinful_a action_n can_v be_v commit_v 2._o the_o same_o sin_n may_v be_v act_v over_o a_o thousand_o time_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o can_v only_o be_v once_o perform_v in_o the_o outward_a action_n we_o may_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o recall_v the_o sin_n we_o have_v former_o commit_v in_o represent_v they_o in_o our_o fancy_n and_o re-acting_a they_o over_o in_o our_o imagination_n and_o hereby_o draw_v down_o a_o fresh_a gild_n upon_o ourselves_o nay_o 3._o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n by_o contrive_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v real_o act_v thus_o the_o covetous_a man_n may_v rob_v his_o neighbour_n of_o his_o wealth_n though_o he_o never_o obtain_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a may_v murder_v his_o enemy_n when_o out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloodthirsty_a may_v imagine_v all_o mankind_n to_o have_v but_o one_o neck_n and_o then_o cut_v it_o off_o 14.1_o psal_n 14.1_o and_o the_o atheist_n may_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o fancy_v he_o exclude_v out_o of_o the_o world_n from_o these_o and_o such_o other_o consideration_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o think_v as_o we_o please_v but_o that_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n nay_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n that_o no_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v good_a or_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o unessayed_v heart_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v perform_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n they_o be_v only_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la counterfeit_a virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o that_o if_o we_o give_v our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n i._n e._n a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n all_o those_o good_a deed_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o 2._o the_o keep_v of_o our_o heart_n be_v conducive_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n because_o the_o maintain_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n depend_v on_o it_o now_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v maintain_v by_o our_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o so_o then_o what_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o impure_a desire_n and_o affection_n reek_v with_o lust_n or_o anger_n or_o revenge_n he_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o delight_n to_o dwell_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a heart_n 57.15_o isa_n 57.15_o and_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v infect_v with_o envy_n malice_n pride_n or_o lust_n we_o shall_v grieve_v he_o and_o he_o will_v depart_v from_o we_o and_o then_o the_o devil_n those_o impure_a spirit_n will_v take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o will_v become_v a_o cage_n of_o these_o unclean_a bird_n a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o these_o legion_n to_o dwell_v in_o 3._o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o preparation_n we_o have_v make_v for_o it_o in_o this_o our_o life_n here_o be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n a_o small_a span_n of_o time_n allot_v we_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o divine_a quality_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o welcome_a guest_n at_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o well-grounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o employment_n here_o to_o restrain_v our_o passion_n moderate_a our_o affection_n inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o holy_a meditation_n these_o be_v qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v we_o relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o life_n for_o we_o may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n hope_v to_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n with_o precious_a stone_n and_o diamond_n or_o our_o thirst_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o stately_a building_n or_o goodly_a apparel_n as_o that_o a_o malicious_a envious_a lustful_a or_o covetous_a person_n whilst_o he_o continue_v so_o shall_v take_v delight_n in_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o in_o sing_v praise_n and_o hallelujah_n unto_o god_n so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o
ordinance_n of_o religion_n be_v tiresome_a and_o a_o weariness_n to_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n tell_v we_o 12.6_o act_n 14.22_o heb._n 12.6_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o god_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n 7.4_o matth._n 7.4_o and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v so_o happy_a and_o pleasant_a a_o state_n of_o life_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v it_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v that_o many_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o difficulty_n attend_v a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o time_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v persecute_v by_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o even_o in_o our_o time_n when_o king_n be_v become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o to_o give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o entrance_n on_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o so_o great_a difficulty_n that_o it_o will_v become_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o easy_a and_o at_o last_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o they_o when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n accustom_a themselves_o to_o it_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o well-spent_a life_n will_v flow_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o nothing_o will_v yield_v they_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o privilege_n of_o pour_v out_o the_o desire_n of_o their_o soul_n before_o god_n and_o beg_a supply_n from_o he_o and_o return_v he_o thanks_o for_o his_o blessing_n bestow_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v earned_o desire_v to_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n and_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n 42.1_o psal_n 42.1_o so_o will_v their_o soul_n pant_v after_o their_o god_n and_o their_o redeemer_n but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o god_n shall_v see_v fit_a to_o make_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n hazardous_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n chargeable_a yet_o what_o generous_a and_o praise_v worthy_a undertake_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o pain_n and_o diligence_n all_o that_o be_v excellent_a and_o noble_a require_v labour_n and_o industry_n and_o the_o pain_n man_n take_v make_v the_o dear-bought_a blessing_n more_o acceptable_a to_o they_o do_v they_o not_o undergo_v much_o great_a difficulty_n for_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n though_o their_o success_n be_v seldom_o answerable_a to_o their_o expectation_n do_v they_o not_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n leave_v their_o best_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n and_o dig_v even_o into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o quest_n of_o wealth_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o find_v a_o grave_a where_o they_o seek_v their_o treasure_n do_v they_o not_o toil_n and_o sweat_n and_o wade_v through_o a_o sea_n of_o blood_n in_o pursuit_n of_o honour_n though_o they_o expect_v no_o other_o recompense_n for_o their_o pain_n but_o a_o lawrel-wreath_n or_o the_o applause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v not_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n deserve_v our_o care_n shall_v we_o not_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n for_o a_o never_o fade_a crown_n as_o we_o do_v for_o a_o wither_a garland_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o great_a difficulty_n we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n suppose_v as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v that_o there_o be_v lion_n in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n mountain_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o our_o natural_a strength_n and_o ability_n yet_o even_o the_o most_o formidable_a evil_n will_v not_o fright_v we_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n if_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o low_a and_o most_o afflict_a condition_n the_o good_a man_n enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o quiet_a mind_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a compensation_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o can_v possible_o endure_v in_o this_o life_n all_o other_o evil_n be_v supportable_a and_o may_v be_v undergo_v by_o a_o stable_n and_o well_o resolve_v mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n 18.14_o prov._n 18.14_o but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v this_o be_v the_o only_a load_n which_o be_v insupportable_a and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o lot_n of_o the_o prosperous_a wicked_a man._n 2._o the_o good_a man_n be_v furnish_v with_o never-failing_a remedy_n against_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o present_a life_n he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o affliction_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o god_n dispose_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o a_o indulgent_a father_n that_o the_o wheel_n of_o god_n providence_n have_v a_o eye_n within_o they_o which_o always_o guide_v they_o to_o some_o wise_a end_n or_o other_o 12.9_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v proportion_v his_o assistance_n to_o his_o want_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v call_v he_o out_o to_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n he_o will_v also_o give_v he_o strength_n to_o undergo_v the_o fiery_a trial_n and_o cheerful_o to_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o flame_n and_o 3._o the_o good_a man_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o suffer_v will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o the_o time_n draw_v on_o apace_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o all_o his_o trouble_n 7.17_o rev._n 7.17_o have_v all_o tear_n wipe_v away_o from_o his_o eye_n and_o receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n for_o all_o those_o momentary_a affliction_n he_o have_v undergo_v in_o this_o life_n whilst_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n his_o faith_n show_v he_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n and_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o it_o make_v he_o not_o only_o patient_a but_o thankful_a for_o and_o cheerful_a under_o affliction_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o st._n paul_n when_o in_o chain_n and_o under_o all_o his_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n be_v infinite_o more_o content_v than_o caesar_n or_o seneca_n than_o any_o of_o the_o most_o fortunate_a prince_n or_o wise_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a true_a pleasure_n to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o debauch_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n 2._o that_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v a_o comfortable_a life_n even_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a 3._o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v fall_v into_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o most_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o if_o so_o then_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v i.e._n that_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n be_v best_a secure_v by_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n it_o only_o remain_v that_o i_o show_v second_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n only_o differ_v in_o degree_n grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v and_o glory_n be_v grace_n perfect_v and_o consummate_v so_o that_o every_o good_a action_n and_o religious_a duty_n that_o we_o perform_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n it_o both_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o and_o lead_v we_o near_o to_o it_o for_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n we_o copy_n out_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o become_v more_o like_a god_n and_o the_o
9.27_o 1_o cor._n 9.27_o so_o as_o to_o save_v other_o and_o yet_o he_o himself_o number_v among_o the_o cast_n aways_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o instance_n because_o this_o proposition_n be_v plain_o affirm_v in_o the_o text_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o many_o shall_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n they_o do_v not_o only_o fail_v in_o observe_v it_o through_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n but_o they_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o in_o despite_n of_o god_n word_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n act_n quite_o contrary_a and_o go_v direct_o against_o it_o like_o herod_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o perhaps_o in_o part_n reform_v their_o life_n and_o do_v many_o good_a deed_n but_o still_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o keep_v their_o herodias_n their_o belove_a sin_n and_o darling_n vice_n and_o this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n forego_v even_o for_o heaven_n itself_o they_o say_v with_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a 5.18_o 2_o kin._n 5.18_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o who_o have_v a_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o certain_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o great_a care_n in_o the_o 3._o place_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n and_o serious_o to_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o no._n and_o this_o may_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o follow_a mark_n and_o character_n set_v down_o by_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o before_o the_o text_n verse_n 2_o 3_o 4._o they_o be_v say_v he_o lover_n of_o themselves_o covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o who_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o will_v know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v not_o only_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n 23._o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n but_o because_o a_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n may_v counterfeit_v these_o grace_n so_o exact_o as_o to_o deceive_v not_o only_o other_o man_n but_o himself_o also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o four_o rule_n by_o which_o any_o man_n who_o will_v but_o honest_o and_o conscientious_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n may_v certain_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o form_n only_o and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o such_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v act_n out_o of_o religious_a motive_n and_o principle_n i._n e._n they_o will_v be_v religious_a because_o god_n have_v make_v religion_n their_o duty_n and_o have_v annex_v the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o his_o law_n their_o religion_n be_v not_o take_v up_o from_o the_o mode_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o only_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o think_v it_o will_v suit_v best_a with_o their_o interest_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v it_o a_o engine_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o worldly_a project_n and_o design_n but_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o ready_o comport_v their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n they_o look_v upon_o serve_v god_n as_o the_o great_a business_n of_o their_o life_n and_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n truckle_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o their_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o its_o righteousness_n 6.33_o matth._n 6.33_o and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a for_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v add_v thereunto_o they_o prefer_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o other_o comfort_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v they_o and_o have_v rather_o part_v with_o father_n mother_n wife_n and_o child_n 10.29_o mark_v 10.29_o nay_o their_o own_o life_n than_o deny_v their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a in_o private_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a they_o who_o have_v the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o retain_v awful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o majesty_n consider_v that_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n be_v every_o where_o and_o behold_v the_o very_a intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o therefore_o who_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v as_o devout_a in_o his_o closet_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o conscientious_a in_o perform_v his_o private_a devotion_n as_o in_o frequent_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o unjust_a action_n though_o he_o be_v assure_v they_o will_v never_o be_v discover_v as_o he_o be_v to_o prevent_v open_a violence_n he_o will_v not_o defame_v backbite_v or_o so_o much_o as_o speak_v a_o evil_a word_n against_o his_o neighbour_n though_o he_o be_v moral_o assure_v it_o will_v never_o come_v to_o his_o ear_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o harbour_v the_o least_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n or_o injurious_a intent_n against_o his_o brother_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n will_v one_o day_n call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o they_o 16.27_o matth._n 16.27_o and_o either_o reward_n or_o punish_v he_o according_a to_o his_o deed_n 3._o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yield_v a_o uniform_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n law_n he_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o obey_v one_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v for_o observe_v the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o think_v that_o his_o performance_n of_o any_o one_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v atone_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o other_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o more_o easy_a duty_n of_o religion_n or_o avoid_v only_o such_o vice_n as_o be_v burdensome_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o but_o he_o perform_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v he_o how_o contrary_a soever_o to_o his_o temporal_a interest_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n 12.1_o heb._n 12.1_o he_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n and_z lays_z aside_o every_o weight_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n 1.6_o luk._n 1.6_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v god_n with_o mammon_n or_o by_o be_v nice_a and_o exact_a in_o perform_v some_o of_o god_n command_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o obey_v god_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o exception_n or_o reserve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n it_o be_v true_a a_o good_a man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o sin_n the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o 24.16_o prov._n 24.16_o that_o the_o most_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n but_o though_o he_o fall_v yet_o he_o quick_o rise_v again_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n he_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o himself_o and_o resolve_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o future_a he_o do_v not_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n but_o he_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o he_o pray_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n he_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o 4._o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o do_v not_o only_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o obey_v 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with_o such_o christian_a bravery_n nor_o have_v promise_v himself_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n with_o such_o a_o earnest_a hope_n and_o steadfast_a assurance_n and_o last_o we_o have_v his_o infirmity_n there_o be_v send_v he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n disease_n s._n chryso_n the_o iliack_a passion_n tertul._n the_o headache_n cyprian_a some_o bodily_a disease_n as_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o by_o which_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n understand_v some_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n with_o more_o probability_n affirm_v that_o by_o this_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v not_o any_o particular_a evil_n but_o all_o manner_n of_o temptation_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n strive_v either_o to_o undermine_v his_o faith_n or_o to_o beat_v he_o from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a of_o all_o these_o and_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n god_n promise_v he_o his_o 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improvement_n of_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o direct_v our_o thought_n from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o word_n in_o the_o general_n to_o consider_v the_o influence_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v on_o our_o particular_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v such_o inference_n as_o natural_o flow_v from_o the_o truth_n already_o deliver_v and_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n to_o state_n the_o case_n plain_o between_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n whether_o he_o have_v get_v save_v grace_n or_o no_o for_o since_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v a_o man_n in_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v he_o steady_a under_o all_o the_o turn_v and_o vicissitude_n of_o humane_a affair_n it_o certain_o behoove_v every_o one_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o this_o jewel_n of_o great_a price_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o counterfeit_v ed_z and_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n try_v and_o examine_v well_o yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n that_o you_o must_v have_v this_o true_a save_a grace_n of_o god_n unless_o you_o be_v reprobate_n take_v heed_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n often_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v and_o read_v god_n word_n and_o pray_v frequent_o and_o fervent_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v the_o true_a gift_n of_o understanding_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n he_o may_v say_v the_o apostle_n give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v 3._o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o all_o his_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o yet_o not_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o love_n he_o may_v have_v a_o faith_n sufficient_a to_o remove_v mountain_n and_o yet_o be_v nothing_o he_o may_v have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o prophecy_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o utter_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v only_o a_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n but_o a_o true_a save_a grace_n will_v discover_v itself_o by_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o by_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n a_o fervent_a charity_n to_o your_o neighbour_n and_o a_o sober_a meekness_n in_o the_o estimation_n of_o yourselves_o if_o you_o have_v a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n you_o will_v avoid_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a out_o of_o such_o principle_n and_o motive_n as_o these_o because_o the_o one_o be_v please_v the_o other_o hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n because_o sin_n debase_v our_o nature_n and_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o you_o have_v fervent_a charity_n to_o your_o neighbour_n you_o will_v love_v he_o for_o god_n sake_n because_o he_o 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of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o pray_v incessant_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o assistance_n without_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o overween_a opinion_n of_o your_o own_o ability_n or_o cast_v a_o envious_a eye_n or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o the_o attainment_n of_o other_o men._n these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o save_a grace_n 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o and_o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o serious_a enquiry_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v possess_v of_o these_o qualification_n you_o may_v then_o and_o not_o otherwise_o be_v secure_a that_o you_o have_v true_o god_n grace_n even_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n 2._o if_o you_o find_v you_o have_v true_a grace_n endeavour_v to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v it_o for_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v good_a only_o to_o 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instant_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n to_o enlighten_v assist_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o exigence_n and_o to_o teach_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o due_a use_n and_o right_a improvement_n of_o all_o other_o mercy_n thus_o much_o in_o the_o general_n but_o more_o particular_o 3._o let_v we_o learn_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o since_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n see_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o as_o much_o as_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n if_o david_n can_v slay_v the_o philistine_n with_o a_o sling_n and_o a_o stone_n what_o need_n have_v he_o of_o saul_n armour_n if_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o what_o occasion_n have_v we_o for_o any_o irresistible_a impulse_n or_o any_o force_n upon_o our_o will_n when_o we_o may_v be_v save_v like_o rational_a creature_n by_o god_n 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we_o have_v ordinary_a grace_n let_v we_o neither_o repine_v at_o god_n nor_o be_v deject_v in_o ourselves_o nor_o envy_v other_o or_o whether_o we_o have_v extraordinary_a grace_n let_v we_o not_o forget_v god_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o 12.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.11_o or_o despise_v other_o for_o this_o diversity_n of_o gift_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n distribute_v to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o will_n 4._o let_v we_o hence_o learn_v to_o endure_v temptation_n and_o affliction_n patient_o for_o though_o our_o affliction_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n appear_v never_o so_o grievous_a and_o insupportable_a yet_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o his_o servant_n than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v he_o will_v proportion_v his_o assistance_n to_o their_o want_n and_o give_v they_o strength_n to_o undergo_v that_o burden_n he_o be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o they_o his_o grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o what_o good_a man_n can_v undergo_v great_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n than_o st._n paul_n do_v and_o yet_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v not_o only_o support_v under_o they_o but_o he_o arrive_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n as_o to_o make_v they_o matter_n of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o glory_n in_o they_o where_o that_o long_a catalogue_n of_o affliction_n be_v introduce_v with_o this_o preface_n see_v that_o many_o glory_n after_o the_o flesh_n 11.18_o 2_o cor._n 11.18_o i_o will_v also_o glory_n and_o let_v we_o but_o summon_v up_o our_o christian_a courage_n and_o resolution_n let_v we_o but_o put_v forth_o that_o strength_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o pray_v to_o god_n fervent_o and_o incessant_o to_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o blessing_n and_o there_o can_v no_o affliction_n befall_v we_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v enable_v to_o go_v through_o with_o and_o at_o last_o see_v a_o happy_a and_o comfortable_a end_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o obtain_v the_o reward_n of_o our_o patience_n in_o the_o next_o and_o therefore_o 5._o and_o last_o we_o may_v from_o hence_o learn_v to_o refer_v the_o success_n of_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o present_o receive_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o petition_n let_v we_o not_o despond_v or_o conclude_v that_o god_n either_o do_v not_o hear_v or_o will_v not_o grant_v a_o favourable_a answer_n to_o our_o request_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v defer_v the_o give_v we_o those_o mercy_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o sometime_o to_o deny_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o think_v good_a and_o convenient_a for_o we_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v a_o defect_n in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v not_o have_v pray_v with_o sufficient_a fervency_n piety_n and_o perseverance_n perhaps_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o be_v not_o expedient_a for_o we_o or_o god_n see_v it_o will_v be_v more_o for_o our_o good_a to_o be_v without_o it_o and_o in_o all_o these_o case_n though_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n 6.9_o gal._n 6.9_o yet_o he_o consult_v our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v consider_v that_o at_o last_o we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o our_o prayer_n will_v return_v into_o our_o bosom_n load_v with_o blessing_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o do_v with_o many_o holy_a man_n and_o eminent_a saint_n who_o example_n be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o our_o instruction_n david_n though_o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n yet_o by_o much_o weep_v fast_v and_o pray_v 12._o 2_o sam._n 12._o can_v not_o obtain_v the_o life_n of_o his_o child_n and_o samuel_n though_o a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o continue_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o saul_n and_o his_o posterity_n st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n 16.1_o 1_o sam._n 16.1_o though_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o though_o he_o not_o only_o pray_v thrice_o but_o offer_v up_o vehement_a supplication_n and_o prayer_n can_v not_o obtain_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n when_o therefore_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n let_v we_o always_o make_v our_o request_n with_o resignation_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n and_o after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n annex_v this_o condition_n to_o all_o our_o petition_n nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v 26.39_o mat._n 26.39_o but_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o then_o if_o god_n do_v not_o see_v fit_a to_o give_v