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
the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o flourish_a of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n in_o short_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o humble_a and_o teachable_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a jesus_n and_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o divine_a virtue_n and_o quality_n in_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v in_o the_o last_o place_n 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v you_o see_v as_o plain_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o gospel_n urge_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o comprehensive_a one_o but_o our_o encouragement_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o carry_v our_o endeavour_n successful_o through_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a exception_n against_o it_o especial_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o be_v the_o very_o great_a condition_n the_o high_a and_o noble_a attainment_n we_o can_v possible_o aspire_v after_o holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o humane_a and_o angelical_a perfection_n so_o that_o every_o time_n we_o attain_v to_o a_o new_a degree_n of_o grace_n we_o acquire_v a_o new_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o excellency_n the_o righteous_a say_v solomon_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n 12.26_o pro._n 12.26_o and_o the_o more_o righteous_a he_o be_v the_o more_o he_o advance_v in_o real_a worth_n and_o dignity_n above_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o conquest_n the_o enlargement_n of_o empire_n and_o the_o affectation_n of_o deep_a &_o curious_a knowledge_n be_v but_o childish_a and_o mean_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n since_o therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n lie_v in_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v room_n for_o improvement_n in_o the_o best_a of_o we_o we_o shall_v great_o neglect_v ourselves_o and_o stand_v in_o our_o own_o light_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o continual_o aim_v to_o grow_v better_a than_o we_o be_v and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n depend_v upon_o our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o can_v argue_v strong_o from_o the_o first_o essay_n of_o goodness_n while_o our_o grace_n be_v weak_a our_o good_a resolution_n untried_a or_o our_o relapse_n frequent_v and_o while_o we_o slaken_o our_o diligence_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o hover_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o settle_a understanding_n of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n but_o now_o no_o man_n doubt_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n while_o he_o study_v to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v offensive_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o his_o mind_n never_o trouble_v he_o while_o he_o be_v well_o employ_v unless_o it_o be_v first_o cloud_v with_o melancholy_a which_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a case_n but_o when_o he_o grow_v remiss_a in_o his_o know_a duty_n or_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o wilful_a sin_n or_o deviation_n from_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o this_o trouble_n and_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o integrity_n for_o the_o future_a be_v to_o return_v into_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o proceed_v vigorous_o in_o they_o the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o evident_a will_v our_o good_a condition_n be_v the_o far_a we_o pierce_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o more_o plain_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 4.18_o col._n 1.13_o prov._n 4.18_o and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_v light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n as_o the_o sun_n shine_v the_o bright_a the_o high_a he_o rise_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o the_o light_n of_o the_o righteous_a his_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n increase_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n by_o which_o he_o advance_v to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v of_o that_o quick_a and_o active_a temper_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v better_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o constant_a danger_n of_o decline_v in_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o grow_v worse_o something_o we_o must_v be_v do_v to_o quiet_a our_o restless_a desire_n and_o faculty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o tempter_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n will_v find_v we_o other_o employment_n and_o the_o world_n will_v inveigle_v we_o with_o gay_a promise_n and_o more_o charm_a invitation_n than_o any_o the_o gospel_n have_v to_o gratify_v our_o sensual_a inclination_n with_o if_o we_o once_o make_v a_o stop_n in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o give_v our_o cunning_a adversary_n the_o devil_n a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o practise_v his_o wiles_n and_o delusion_n upon_o we_o he_o know_v the_o activity_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o observe_v which_o way_n our_o thought_n rove_v and_o our_o affection_n wander_v what_o duty_n be_v most_o tiresome_a to_o we_o and_o what_o vanity_n we_o most_o hanker_v after_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v his_o train_n and_o manage_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o have_v find_v the_o weak_a side_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o assault_v we_o where_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v the_o great_a execution_n upon_o we_o it_o therefore_o mighty_o concern_v we_o have_v begin_v prosperous_o to_o keep_v on_o the_o grow_v hand_n and_o not_o lose_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v gain_v and_o the_o conquest_n we_o have_v make_v over_o our_o lust_n and_o vice_n by_o stand_v still_o while_o we_o see_v they_o fall_v before_o we_o with_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o sleeve_n till_o the_o enemy_n renew_v the_o war_n and_o we_o be_v drive_v back_o from_o all_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o be_v force_v to_o retire_v with_o shame_n and_o anguish_n to_o review_n the_o wound_v we_o receive_v in_o our_o dishonourable_a retreat_n from_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n 4._o we_o may_v next_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n unless_o we_o shorten_v it_o ourselves_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v always_o grow_v to_o great_a persection_n in_o it_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o ever_o he_o withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o we_o and_o make_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n short_a than_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n nothing_o but_o our_o incurable_a barrenness_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n can_v provoke_v he_o to_o so_o high_a a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o severity_n but_o that_o this_o will_v do_v it_o his_o declare_v upon_o oath_n that_o the_o revolt_a ifraelites_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o our_o saviour_n curse_v the_o figtree_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o leave_n let_v no_o fruit_n grow_v on_o thou_o hence_o forward_o for_o ever_o be_v very_o dreadful_a intimation_n this_o consideration_n therefore_o shall_v excite_v we_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n â—â—_o phil._n 1._o â—â—_o which_o be_v by_o jesus_n cnrist_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o wait_v for_o our_o improvement_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o ability_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o and_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o not_o to_o exact_a at_o once_o the_o whole_a sum_n in_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v to_o he_o but_o accept_v our_o obedience_n in_o such_o small_a parcel_n and_o poor_a degree_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v he_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a favour_n that_o god_n overlook_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o best_a service_n and_o allow_v we_o time_n and_o grace_n for_o a_o gradual_a improvement_n and_o this_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v
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
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 bless_a end_n and_o be_v engage_v in_o these_o holy_a exercise_n especial_o when_o to_o these_o we_o add_v the_o frequent_a receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o institution_n peculiar_o adapt_v to_o coufirmation_n and_o improvement_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n in_o this_o solemnity_n we_o have_v the_o tender_a and_o most_o engage_v representation_n of_o infinite_a obligation_n which_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o mortify_v our_o sin_n which_o crucify_a he_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a life_n and_o to_o become_v his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n beside_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o federal_n rite_n in_o which_o we_o solemn_o renew_v our_o former_a vow_n and_o oblige_v ourselves_o by_o the_o sacred_a pledge_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n to_o remember_v what_o he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o as_o well_o as_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o entire_o to_o 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 fruit_n in_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a 3._o private_a devotion_n be_v another_o help_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n and_o piety_n our_o heart_n be_v of_o that_o temper_n in_o the_o best_a frame_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v in_o so_o sudden_o cool_v and_o so_o apt_a to_o return_v to_o their_o natural_a hardness_n that_o we_o can_v never_o thrive_v long_o in_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n without_o the_o constant_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o since_o these_o depend_v upon_o our_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o the_o interval_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v general_o much_o long_a than_o those_o between_o our_o temptation_n it_o concern_v we_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o recruit_v ourselves_o by_o our_o private_a and_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o wear_v encourage_v by_o very_o gracious_a and_o engage_v promise_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n we_o shall_v do_v 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
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
any_o gratitude_n in_o we_o any_o ingenious_a sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a debt_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o will_v strong_o engage_v we_o to_o make_v the_o best_a return_v and_o acknowledgement_n we_o be_v able_a know_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o 17.10_o luk._n 17.10_o we_o be_v but_o vnprositable_a servant_n and_o then_o the_o danger_n of_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o our_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o of_o drive_v away_o his_o grieve_v spirit_n from_o we_o and_o so_o cloud_v and_o shorten_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n how_o shall_v this_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n and_o inflame_v our_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n but_o there_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o enlarge_n upon_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o next_o particular_a which_o be_v this_o 5._o the_o strong_a we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o better_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n without_o which_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v throw_v away_o a_o constant_a proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o apostasy_n while_o we_o go_v on_o and_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o our_o fall_v away_o all_o the_o danger_n be_v while_o we_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o return_v to_o our_o former_a course_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n by_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v we_o be_v continual_o get_v ground_n for_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o the_o more_o we_o keep_v before_o they_o the_o less_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v surprise_v and_o overtake_v by_o they_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o our_o christian_a course_n so_o far_o as_o we_o advance_v towards_o the_o latter_a we_o leave_v the_o former_a behind_o we_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v at_o so_o much_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o apostasy_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o perseverance_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o get_v as_o forward_o in_o religion_n as_o we_o can_v and_o not_o rest_n in_o any_o mean_a attainment_n as_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o at_o any_o time_n good_a enough_o for_o heaven_n and_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o crown_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v begin_v our_o race_n we_o know_v not_o what_o trial_n we_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o or_o what_o degree_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n we_o shall_v need_v to_o support_v and_o carry_v we_o through_o they_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o be_v well_o prepare_v before_o hand_n and_o it_o therefore_o become_v we_o to_o be_v constant_o train_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n and_o daily_o reinforcing_a our_o resolution_n to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o obstruct_v our_o passage_n to_o glory_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n we_o shall_v very_o hardly_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o fall_v away_o we_o shall_v loose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o former_a labour_n and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v far_o worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n i_o know_v there_o be_v those_o that_o take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o fall_v from_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o will_v only_o remind_v those_o who_o be_v too_o flush_n and_o confident_n of_o it_o for_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o man_n to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o it_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a it_o may_v do_v they_o no_o service_n and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o many_o that_o have_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n among_o those_o that_o be_v true_o so_o have_v at_o last_o yield_v to_o the_o charm_n of_o this_o tempt_v world_n and_o neglect_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n have_v outlive_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o the_o fair_a opinion_n of_o the_o most_o candid_a and_o charitable_a person_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v be_v extreme_o cautious_a of_o presume_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o dash_v against_o the_o rock_n which_o many_o that_o have_v have_v the_o steerage_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o seem_v to_o set_v out_o with_o all_o advantage_n for_o heaven_n have_v fatal_o strike_v upon_o for_o want_v of_o that_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n as_o that_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o good_a man_n may_v grieve_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o resistance_n be_v a_o new_a provocation_n to_o he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o that_o the_o often_o he_o be_v repulse_v the_o more_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o his_o forsake_v those_o that_o withstand_v his_o bless_a motition_n and_o whether_o this_o may_v or_o may_v not_o proceed_v to_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o be_v cautious_a of_o it_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a end_n of_o some_o very_a hopeful_a beginner_n who_o if_o once_o they_o be_v not_o real_o good_a be_v deceive_v in_o themselves_o nay_o be_v so_o extreme_o like_o those_o that_o be_v good_a that_o they_o deceive_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n let_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o let_v we_o all_o endeavour_n by_o a_o sensible_a and_o constant_a improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n to_o grow_v steadfast_a and_o vnmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v our_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 6._o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n will_v daily_o lessen_v and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o increase_v the_o far_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o of_o god_n commandment_n appear_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o use_v to_o obey_v it_o for_o use_v and_o diligence_n make_v any_o thing_n easy_a and_o all_o excellent_a thing_n delightful_a and_o hence_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o seldomer_n we_o do_v any_o good_a the_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o it_o again_o and_o the_o more_o faint_o we_o set_v about_o it_o the_o less_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o now_o let_v we_o but_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o take_v care_n to_o do_v it_o but_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o we_o shall_v quick_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v please_v with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o good_a man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o do_v good_a and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o he_o shall_v for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o that_o deal_v in_o it_o which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o when_o he_o pray_v 14.14_o pro._n 14.14_o or_o meditate_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n with_o due_a attention_n and_o devotion_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o while_n and_o never_o enjoy_v himself_o more_o than_o when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n well_o which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o he_o that_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o at_o last_o do_v it_o but_o with_o half_a a_o consent_n be_v fain_o to_o struggle_v with_o himself_o before_o he_o proceed_v so_o far_o and_o so_o lose_v all_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o give_v free_o and_o cheerful_o have_v no_o trouble_n in_o himself_o about_o it_o but_o be_v high_o please_v with_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o find_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o thus_o can_v i_o run_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christian_a practice_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o gain_v this_o conclusion_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v easie_n and_o pleasant_n if_o it_o be_v but_o do_v as_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o we_o improve_v and_o the_o better_a we_o discharge_v our_o duty_n the_o fast_o we_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o make_v our_o progress_n the_o more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v no_o romantic_a fancy_n
live_v it_o all_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n 6._o last_o this_o shall_v admonish_v those_o that_o in_o a_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v draw_v near_o a_o conclusion_n of_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v long_o entangle_v in_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n to_o hasten_v their_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a such_o person_n need_v not_o be_v teach_v that_o have_v live_v fifty_o or_o threescore_o year_n already_o their_o life_n be_v short_a than_o they_o be_v by_o so_o many_o year_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n they_o can_v think_v to_o live_v many_o more_o and_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_a the_o little_a time_n that_o be_v leave_v be_v not_o too_o much_o for_o heaven_n if_o we_o think_v it_o be_v i_o can_v imagine_v with_o what_o confidence_n we_o can_v entertain_v any_o hope_n of_o go_v thither_o and_o if_o we_o think_v not_o why_o do_v we_o not_o follow_v our_o own_o conviction_n strike_v off_o immediate_o from_o this_o world_n and_o gain_v all_o the_o time_n and_o advantage_n that_o we_o can_v to_o purify_v ourselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n to_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v our_o soul_n with_o divine_a virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o bble_v society_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glorious_a spirit_n that_o be_v about_o his_o throne_n we_o have_v live_v to_o little_a purpose_n if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o vanity_n and_o fallacy_n of_o this_o world_n and_o must_v have_v very_o mean_a apprehension_n of_o celestial_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o can_v but_o so_o much_o as_o desire_v to_o live_v always_o here_o however_o it_o do_v not_o lie_v at_o our_o choice_n we_o may_v choose_v whether_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o thither_o we_o must_v go_v and_o one_o of_o the_o two_o we_o must_v certain_o be_v and_o since_o we_o be_v so_o far_o upon_o our_o way_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o if_o we_o make_v heaven_n our_o option_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o to_o be_v very_o quick_a and_o serious_a in_o our_o preparation_n for_o it_o they_o that_o have_v lose_v all_o or_o the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o time_n have_v none_o to_o lose_v now_o unless_o they_o will_v lose_v all_o eternity_n with_o it_o and_o for_o those_o that_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a interruption_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n have_v be_v hurry_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o affaris_fw-la and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n it_o behoove_v they_o to_o get_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n and_o bustle_n of_o it_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o can_v and_o to_o redeem_v the_o precious_a hour_n and_o opportunity_n they_o have_v lose_v of_o serve_v god_n and_o lay_v up_o their_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n though_o they_o shall_v die_v some_o hundred_o the_o poor_a for_o it_o for_o sure_o the_o next_o life_n be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n than_o this_o and_o therefore_o it_o become_v the_o best_a man_n when_o they_o have_v have_v their_o share_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v enough_o to_o carry_v they_o through_o it_o to_o retire_v as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v not_o merry_o to_o enjoy_v their_o ease_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 7.35_o 1_o cor._n 7.35_o that_o in_o a_o fit_v and_o decent_a manner_n they_o may_v attend_v upon_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o mind_n the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o next_o world_n without_o distraction_n it_o be_v very_o unseemly_a to_o see_v man_n that_o have_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o this_o and_o pretend_v to_o live_v upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o another_o world_n pursue_v riches_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o gasp_v after_o preferment_n almost_o with_o their_o die_a breath_n man_n that_o traffic_n in_o a_o forreign-land_n have_v general_o the_o wisdom_n to_o withdraw_v their_o effect_n when_o they_o be_v leave_v the_o country_n and_o return_v to_o their_o native_a soil_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o holy_a man_n mention_v that_o they_o declare_v plain_o 16._o heb._n 11._o v._o 15_o 16._o that_o they_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n not_o by_o a_o mere_a verbal_a profession_n but_o by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o more_o plain_o signify_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o concernment_n for_o it_o viz._n by_o refuse_v the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o despise_v the_o little_a pageantry_n of_o this_o world_n and_o what_o less_o can_v we_o do_v to_o testify_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n who_o renounce_v the_o world_n in_o our_o baptism_n than_o free_o to_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o it_o so_o short_a a_o time_n before_o we_o go_v to_o our_o grave_n in_o short_a it_o be_v high_a time_n when_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o confine_n of_o the_o other_o state_n and_o can_v see_v eternal_a life_n just_o before_o we_o to_o disengage_v ourselves_o from_o the_o distraction_n of_o this_o busy_a world_n and_o to_o gain_v leisure_n before_o we_o dye_v to_o compose_v our_o spirit_n to_o perfect_v our_o repentance_n and_o to_o fetch_v off_o the_o soil_n and_o defilement_n we_o have_v contract_v in_o the_o hurry_n of_o our_o worldly_a occasion_n or_o by_o keep_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o common_a road_n man_n especial_o that_o have_v run_v through_o a_o world_n of_o business_n must_v have_v borrow_v much_o time_n from_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o shall_v therefore_o make_v some_o kind_n of_o restitution_n by_o give_v their_o last_o day_n to_o the_o peculiar_a service_n of_o god_n and_o not_o venture_v to_o go_v reek_v out_o of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o steam_n of_o earthly_a affection_n about_o they_o into_o his_o immediate_a prefence_n to_o conclude_v since_o the_o time_n of_o our_o dissolution_n be_v at_o hand_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n look_v for_o and_o hasten_v unto_o the_o come_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n the_o glorious_a day_n of_o our_o redemption_n from_o death_n and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n let_v we_o therefore_o bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o the_o flash_o delight_n and_o impertinent_a care_n of_o this_o transitory_a world_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n that_o beset_v we_o and_o fix_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n let_v we_o raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o lift_v up_o our_o head_n with_o joy_n in_o expectation_n of_o the_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v it_o like_v unto_o glorious_a body_n by_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n unto_o himself_o to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o end_n