and_o that_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v such_o a_o family_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n when_o the_o church_n be_v empale_v in_o his_o little_a family_n and_o ten_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o value_v the_o censure_n of_o men._n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o he_o know_v their_o integrity_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a he_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v safe_a our_o reward_n be_v sure_a and_o will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n we_o need_v not_o ask_v leave_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o stand_v to_o their_o courtesy_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o favour_n with_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v ready_a to_o acquit_v we_o 4._o last_o the_o success_n of_o this_o trial_n shall_v inspire_v we_o with_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n too_o hard_o for_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a faith_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v discharge_v before_o we_o and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o our_o great_a example_n have_v do_v and_o consider_v how_o noble_o they_o have_v acquit_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o brave_a and_o resolute_a as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o break_v through_o the_o discouragement_n which_o can_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o run_v and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n do_v they_o climb_v over_o the_o high_a difficulty_n and_o may_v not_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o 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and_o indisputable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v extreme_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o be_v ture_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o believe_v and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a annal_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n present_v we_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o many_o eminent_a believer_n who_o become_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n by_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o but_o that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o same_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v much_o great_a advantage_n than_o they_o have_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o same_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n in_o god_n service_n to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o incomparable_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n lay_v himself_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o his_o son_n upon_o his_o altar_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o god_n command_n sacrifice_n our_o darling_n lust_n that_o will_v destroy_v our_o soul_n since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v die_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n much_o cheap_a and_o no_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o abraham_n oblation_n be_v 8._o micah_n 6.7_o 8._o more_o grateful_a to_o he_o than_o thouthousand_n of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o if_o thou_o give_v thy_o first-born_a for_o thy_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o soul_n offer_v this_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o faith_n without_o which_o thy_o very_a prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n then_o shall_v thou_o have_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n through_o the_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o by_o walk_v before_o he_o as_o abraham_n do_v may_v assure_o hope_v after_o a_o short_a trial_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o this_o world_n to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o on_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinformed_a conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o a_o eminent_a convert_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n that_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o of_o great_a natural_a endowment_n and_o that_o make_v a_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n a_o sect_n which_o perhaps_o till_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n never_o have_v its_o equal_a in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o pharisee_n of_o any_o party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o keen_a against_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v as_o errant_a a_o pharisee_fw-mi as_o hearty_a and_o as_o eager_a a_o persecutor_n as_o any_o of_o his_o order_n 10.11_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o he_o be_v the_o man_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n that_o shut_v up_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o religion_n 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it_o seem_v the_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n a_o case_n he_o have_v determine_v within_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o run_v down_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n so_o he_o tell_v the_o king_n and_o court_n in_o these_o word_n i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o hearty_a champion_n you_o see_v he_o have_v be_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o how_o come_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o opinion_n and_o to_o espouse_v a_o principle_n that_o the_o worst_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o be_v st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o right-bred_n pharisee_fw-mi 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o have_v suck_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o superstitious_a
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
of_o the_o truth_n do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v bashful_a in_o assert_v their_o principle_n when_o they_o find_v their_o interest_n in_o they_o 6.5_o 1_o tim._n 6.5_o but_o fuppose_v gain_n to_o be_v godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v of_o they_o be_v general_o very_o forward_o to_o show_v their_o good_a affection_n to_o it_o and_o like_o demetrius_n to_o put_v the_o world_n into_o a_o uproar_n out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o great_a diana_n and_o their_o profit_n from_o her_o shrine_n and_o altar_n conscience_n it_o be_v true_a at_o the_o first_o have_v the_o least_o share_n in_o the_o action_n of_o these_o man_n who_o interest_n choose_v choose_v their_o principle_n for_o they_o but_o what_o they_o strong_o affect_v and_o desire_n shall_v be_v true_a in_o time_n they_o strong_o believe_v and_o have_v wilful_o reject_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v up_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o delusion_n to_o believe_v and_o defend_v the_o lye_n 4._o some_o principle_n be_v so_o bad_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o furious_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o worldly_a interest_n to_o instigate_v and_o push_v they_o on_o to_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a action_n such_o be_v these_o which_o warrant_v the_o kill_v of_o man_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o promise_v they_o heaven_n for_o the_o vile_a pnactice_n in_o the_o world_n for_o assassinate_v their_o natural_a prince_n betray_v their_o country_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o foreign_a and_o insupportable_a yoke_n such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o make_v unlawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eneourage_n man_n to_o think_v the_o better_a of_o themselves_o for_o their_o zeal_n against_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o a_o decent_a way_n of_o serve_v of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n these_o principle_n do_v natural_o produce_v a_o envious_a and_o ill-natured_a zeal_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o guidance_n of_o they_o to_o allow_v no_o man_n a_o name_n for_o religion_n but_o themselves_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o espouse_v their_o folly_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o better_a man_n for_o differ_v from_o all_o christian_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v too_o often_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o odd_a and_o peevish_a principle_n that_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n cease_v to_o be_v lawful_a when_o they_o be_v once_o command_v no_o man_n know_v the_o malignity_n of_o such_o a_o error_n as_o this_o shall_v it_o once_o get_v the_o ascendant_n which_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o over_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n do_v we_o not_o already_o find_v the_o insluence_n of_o it_o upon_o some_o of_o the_o straint_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o yet_o have_v reserve_v themselves_o a_o sufficient_a latitude_n in_o scorn_v and_o deride_v their_o brethren_n and_o be_v extreme_o lavish_a in_o their_o censure_n of_o person_n of_o the_o high_a chaeacter_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o many_o there_o be_v that_o prize_n and_o commend_v themselves_o upon_o these_o very_a account_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o sanctity_n to_o break_v and_o blemish_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o quarrel_n with_o than_o only_o for_o interpose_v her_o authority_n in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n i.e._n make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v to_o every_o church_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o consecrate_v a_o schism_n into_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o to_o do_v that_o for_o religion_n sake_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o undo_n and_o subversion_n of_o it_o 5._o enthusiasm_n or_o a_o false_a pretence_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o this_o extravagant_a zeal_n when_o man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o ascribe_v their_o error_n to_o the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o god_n in_o who_o breast_n he_o have_v lodge_v his_o choice_a secret_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o authorize_v to_o bring_v his_o most_o glorious_a design_n to_o pass_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v long_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o delusion_n sron_n that_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o belie_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o far_a design_n upon_o they_o and_o as_o the_o philiftines_n deal_v with_o samson_n when_o they_o have_v put_v out_o his_o eye_n will_v sure_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o drudgery_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o most_o destructive_a attempt_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v what_o desperate_a project_n man_n will_v free_o contribute_v their_o service_n to_o when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o strike_v blind_a with_o a_o opinion_n that_o whatever_o they_o strong_o fancy_n be_v infallible_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o err_v have_v private_a instruction_n from_o god_n himself_o hitherto_o hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o exalt_v it_o to_o a_o more_o glorious_a height_n to_o which_o purpose_n a_o eminent_a divine_a of_o this_o church_n who_o have_v a_o peculiar_a sagacity_n in_o trace_v and_o detect_v the_o error_n of_o his_o time_n have_v leave_v we_o this_o memorable_a passage_n pol._n passage_n mr._n hook_n pref._n to_o eccl._n pol._n when_o man_n be_v once_o erroneous_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o have_v those_o thing_n do_v which_o they_o fancy_n than_o opinion_n be_v as_o thorn_n in_o their_o side_n never_o suffer_v they_o to_o take_v rest_n till_o they_o have_v bring_v their_o skpeculation_n into_o practice_n the_o impediment_n of_o which_o practice_n their_o restless_a desire_n and_o study_v to_o remove_v lead_v they_o every_o day_n into_o more_o dangerour_n opinion_n sometime_o quite_o and_o clean_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o pretend_a meaning_n so_o that_o what_o will_v grow_v out_o of_o such_o error_n as_o go_v mask_v under_o the_o cloak_n of_o divine_a authority_n impoffible_a it_o be_v that_o ever_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n shall_v imagine_v till_o time_n have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n brieef_o from_o this_o discourse_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n when_o we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o destructive_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o religion_n or_o to_o suspect_v our_o faith_n that_o the_o best_a religion_n shall_v meet_v with_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n that_o the_o worst_a sction_n shall_v pretend_v to_o serve_v it_o and_o receive_v authority_n and_o encouragement_n from_o it_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n and_o of_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a zeal_n shall_v combine_v against_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n from_o her_o infancy_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v express_o foretell_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v when_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v they_o 2._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o dangerous_a guide_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o dictate_v the_o 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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
consider_v these_o easy_a and_o obvious_a thing_n and_o they_o will_v assure_o find_v but_o small_a reason_n to_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o struggle_n or_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n at_o their_o death_n which_o few_o bad_a man_n that_o have_v any_o tolerable_a sense_n of_o another_o world_n be_v and_o even_o judas_n himself_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o four_o prop._n the_o four_o and_o last_o proposition_n be_v be_v we_o sure_a that_o the_o hire_v of_o labourer_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n do_v signify_v the_o late_a call_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n there_o be_v a_o manifest_a disparity_n between_o they_o in_o several_a respect_n for_o 1._o they_o that_o be_v call_v so_o late_o as_o the_o eleven_o hour_n be_v guilty_a of_o no_o delay_n but_o embrace_v the_o first_o opportunity_n they_o have_v of_o labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n the_o reason_n they_o give_v why_o they_o stand_v so_o long_o idle_a in_o the_o market_n viz._n because_o no_o man_n have_v hire_v they_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v employ_v 7._o v._o 7._o and_o that_o they_o cheerful_o close_v with_o the_o first_o invitation_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o so_o do_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v that_o they_o be_v not_o early_o at_o work_n for_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o labourer_n in_o the_o christian_a do_v they_o come_v as_o soon_o as_o their_o lord_n call_v they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o middle_a age_n of_o their_o life_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o a_o poor_a indian_a that_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n till_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v then_o become_v a_o serious_a and_o faithful_a christian_a but_o that_o his_o reward_n will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n who_o have_v live_v many_o year_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o sacred_a word_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n who_o have_v resist_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o the_o admonition_n of_o parent_n and_o friend_n never_o harken_v unto_o any_o till_o the_o rough_a messenger_n of_o death_n come_v and_o tell_v they_o roundly_o in_o their_o ear_n that_o now_o they_o must_v die_v and_o away_o to_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v then_o sorry_a that_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n so_o ill_o while_o hell_n and_o destruction_n look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n but_o they_o can_v but_o say_v they_o have_v fair_a and_o frequent_a warning_n to_o have_v use_v it_o better_o 2._o they_o who_o come_v so_o late_o into_o the_o vineyard_n have_v yet_o one_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o this_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o day_n which_o god_n allow_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o be_v the_o twelve_o part_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o a_o short_a time_n consider_v what_o engagement_n we_o be_v under_o of_o serve_v our_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n but_o still_o it_o be_v much_o long_o than_o a_o sinner_n who_o defer_v his_o repentance_n to_o his_o death_n allow_v himself_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o religion_n to_o break_v the_o habit_n of_o vice_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o posture_n for_o eternity_n he_o vow_v perhaps_o and_o declare_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o dying-man_n what_o great_a thing_n he_o will_v do_v but_o alas_o his_o breath_n go_v away_o with_o his_o vow_n and_o give_v he_o not_o a_o minute_n to_o prove_v his_o sincerity_n in_o 3._o the_o last_o comer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n wrought_v a_o hour_n and_o therein_o perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n they_o contract_v for_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o man_n that_o work_v not_o at_o all_o for_o sure_o to_o ask_v pardon_n for_o what_o they_o have_v not_o do_v to_o be_v sorry_a for_o what_o they_o have_v or_o to_o resolve_v to_o do_v better_a if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n will_v not_o bring_v they_o within_o the_o notion_n of_o labourer_n and_o then_o it_o can_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o reward_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o die_v penitent_n their_o whole_a work_n lie_v upon_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n to_o work_v if_o it_o be_v not_o too_o late_a which_o therefore_o be_v not_o work_v and_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n who_o be_v all_o the_o day_n hire_v labourer_n into_o it_o be_v very_o indifferent_a what_o they_o do_v there_o and_o will_v sure_o have_v be_v as_o bountiful_a if_o there_o have_v be_v occasion_n to_o those_o that_o do_v he_o no_o service_n as_o to_o they_o that_o do_v the_o most_o provide_v they_o be_v but_o sorry_a they_o have_v not_o serve_v he_o at_o all_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o work_v just_a when_o night_n come_v and_o forbid_v they_o and_o thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o this_o parable_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n which_o be_v the_o first_o general_n propound_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o second_o be_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a after_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o obstinate_a violation_n of_o his_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o covenant_n will_v secure_v he_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o the_o gospel_n give_v no_o such_o encouragement_n to_o man_n that_o trifle_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v as_o sure_o as_o we_o can_v be_v that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o contradict_v itself_o and_o that_o not_o in_o trivial_a instance_n but_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o design_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v to_o man_n and_o the_o condition_n it_o require_v of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n for_o 1._o do_v the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o die_v vow_n and_o sorrow_n instead_o of_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n it_o will_v show_v we_o a_o notable_a way_n to_o evade_v and_o overthrow_v its_o own_o great_a and_o admirable_a design_n the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o it_o appear_v unto_o man_n which_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o lead_v holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n while_o we_o be_v resident_a here_o and_o capable_a of_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o men._n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o of_o our_o baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v amit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o therefore_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n 6.4_o rom._n 6.4_o even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n i._n e._n from_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o christianity_n till_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n and_o be_v get_v beyond_o the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n but_o where_o be_v this_o new_a life_n when_o we_o be_v just_o a_o die_v do_v we_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o our_o baptism_n though_o we_o never_o set_v a_o step_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n till_o our_o life_n be_v run_v out_o or_o do_v the_o gospel_n whatever_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v dispense_v with_o we_o for_o not_o do_v it_o this_o perhaps_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n will_v advance_v the_o grace_n but_o sure_o no_o man_n will_v say_v it_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o design_n of_o make_v we_o holy_a be_v lose_v shall_v the_o gospel_n once_o declare_v that_o we_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o not_o be_v holy_a or_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o secure_v we_o of_o heaven_n to_o be_v true_o sorry_a at_o the_o last_o that_o we_o have_v live_v wicked_o all_o our_o day_n and_o be_v this_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v see_v what_o answer_n
encourage_v die_v sinner_n to_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v put_v their_o last_o minute_n to_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o from_o the_o very_a centre_n and_o bottom_n of_o their_o soul_n their_o damnation_n be_v irreversible_o seal_v if_o they_o do_v we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v promise_v they_o eternal_a life_n without_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n because_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remind_v they_o that_o there_o be_v some_o monument_n of_o a_o miraculous_a grace_n some_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v triumph_v over_o the_o utmost_a spite_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o insolent_a and_o malicious_a offender_n and_o that_o the_o great_a their_o contrition_n be_v the_o meet_a object_n they_o be_v of_o his_o infinite_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v but_o small_a comfort_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o may_v have_v enjoy_v have_v they_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v and_o if_o man_n sin_n beyond_o the_o state_v measure_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o if_o it_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o better_o but_o they_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n and_o have_v more_o kindness_n for_o they_o than_o to_o flatter_v they_o into_o eternal_a torment_n now_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o that_o know_v the_o fallacy_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n we_o shall_v hence_o learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o apply_v ourselves_o betimes_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o secure_v our_o soul_n while_o he_o put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o man_n shall_v give_v away_o all_o their_o vigorous_a year_n to_o lust_n and_o vanity_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o yet_o hope_v to_o do_v a_o work_n that_o shall_v stand_v good_a to_o eternity_n in_o a_o few_o sickly_a and_o languish_a hour_n what_o strange_a riddle_n and_o infatuation_n be_v this_o but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o discern_v the_o mistake_n of_o other_o and_o disapprove_v of_o their_o method_n to_o deceive_v and_o ruin_v themselves_o while_o we_o neglect_v our_o own_o safety_n and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o know_v where_o our_o plain_a duty_n and_o interest_n lie_v let_v we_o therefore_o grow_v wise_a by_o their_o example_n and_o the_o loud_a and_o importunate_a warning_n which_o they_o give_v their_o friend_n when_o they_o can_v have_v no_o design_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o torture_n which_o they_o endure_v we_o have_v at_o most_o but_o a_o short_a time_n to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o every_o day_n we_o delay_v our_o repentance_n beside_o the_o hazard_n we_o run_v by_o it_o we_o certain_o make_v our_o work_n so_o much_o the_o heavy_a the_o day_n after_o for_o still_o we_o have_v the_o more_o sin_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o we_o have_v a_o worse_a nature_n to_o struggle_v with_o and_o shall_v we_o delay_v on_o to_o our_o die_a day_n what_o a_o world_n of_o distraction_n shall_v we_o treasure_n up_o for_o ourselves_o against_o our_o last_o hour_n when_o of_o all_o other_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o able_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v regard_v our_o sorrow_n any_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v his_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n will_v we_o consider_v thing_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v they_o certain_o we_o shall_v not_o choose_v to_o leave_v they_o at_o this_o pass_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a hope_n than_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n have_v viz._n that_o though_o by_o law_n he_o be_v to_o die_v yet_o he_o may_v possible_o be_v save_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o crown_n and_o dignity_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v always_o a_o utter_a and_o declare_a enemy_n to_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v hazard_v his_o life_n upon_o such_o a_o contingency_n and_o can_v there_o be_v starke_a madness_n than_o to_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o like_a issue_n by_o continue_v in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n till_o we_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v be_v better_o than_o his_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v we_o save_v we_o by_o a_o reserve_n of_o prerogative_n grace_n let_v we_o therefore_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o pardon_n for_o they_o and_o not_o stay_v till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o which_o will_v be_v a_o repentance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o a_o dismal_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v when_o we_o be_v die_v to_o have_v our_o conscience_n fly_v in_o our_o face_n and_o accuse_v we_o at_o once_o of_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o wickedness_n and_o contradiction_n to_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o since_o we_o can_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v die_v with_o any_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n without_o it_o let_v we_o resolve_v without_o any_o further_a delay_n to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n let_v we_o every_o day_n as_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o eternity_n mind_n the_o concernment_n of_o it_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v we_o have_v do_v when_o we_o lie_v pant_v and_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n in_o short_a let_v we_o make_v our_o deathbed_n as_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o we_o can_v i_o mean_v by_o do_v our_o great_a work_n beforehand_o and_o leave_v ourselves_o nothing_o to_o do_v there_o but_o to_o die_v this_o be_v the_o way_n when_o we_o be_v tire_v out_o with_o the_o care_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o toilsome_a life_n to_o find_v the_o sweet_a repose_n upon_o they_o to_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o to_o finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o then_o our_o rest_n will_v be_v glorious_a i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v 8._o cal._n 6.7_o 8._o for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n v._o the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n heb._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o many_o passage_n in_o this_o epistle_n that_o the_o christian_a jew_n to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v begin_v to_o falter_v in_o the_o brofession_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o revolt_a to_o their_o old_a religion_n hereupon_o the_o apostle_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o their_o change_n endeavour_n to_o settle_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_a persecution_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o stagger_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n he_o show_v they_o at_o large_a in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a do_v use_v to_o raise_v they_o above_o any_o such_o discouragement_n and_o then_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a sufferer_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a pattern_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n after_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o deject_a hebrew_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n by_o remind_v they_o that_o affliction_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o god_n hatred_n or_o desertion_n of_o his_o child_n 10._o verse_n 5_o to_o 10._o but_o rather_o of_o his_o paternal_a love_n and_o peculiar_a tenderness_n towards_o they_o 11._o verse_n 11._o and_o though_o they_o seem_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a for_o the_o present_a yet_o in_o their_o effect_n they_o be_v very_o kind_a and_o grateful_a as_o yield_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n pleasure_n
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
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
extreme_o in_o real_a value_n beyond_o the_o injury_n he_o suffer_v and_o i_o very_o think_v i_o now_o speak_v the_o unfeigned_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n when_o he_o see_v his_o rival_n grovel_v in_o his_o blood_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sad_a trophy_n of_o his_o kill_v honour_n and_o have_v surfeit_v himself_o with_o his_o unnatural_a revenge_n the_o occasion_n of_o duel_v be_v observe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v either_o too_o small_a and_o bashful_a or_o too_o shameful_a and_o reserve_v to_o appear_v in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n but_o let_v the_o calumny_n be_v never_o so_o foul_a or_o public_a or_o so_o malicious_o contrive_v nothing_o stain_v like_o blood_n which_o consideration_n alone_o aught_o to_o restrain_v every_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a of_o his_o honour_n or_o salvation_n from_o shed_v it_o upon_o the_o high_a provocation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v he_o but_o more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v other_o way_n of_o heal_v our_o reputation_n and_o live_v in_o bright_a fame_n than_o ever_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a judge_n of_o honour_n the_o law_n be_v open_a let_v the_o party_n implead_v one_o another_o or_o if_o they_o must_v be_v fight_v let_v thy_o king_n and_o thy_o country_n bind_v the_o laurel_n of_o victory_n about_o thy_o head_n or_o embalm_v thy_o memory_n this_o be_v certain_o more_o honourable_a then_o to_o kill_v the_o worst_a man_n upon_o earth_n in_o a_o private_a quarrel_n and_o make_v the_o case_n of_o duel_v extreme_o different_a from_o that_o of_o one_o man_n kill_v another_o when_o he_o be_v force_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o after_o all_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o affront_n to_o be_v reminded_a that_o we_o be_v christian_n nor_o any_o diminution_n of_o honour_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n great_a spirit_n as_o they_o be_v better_o fit_v than_o other_o for_o great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o as_o plato_n observe_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o great_a fail_n and_o error_n they_o have_v common_o very_o quick_a and_o pierce_a apprehension_n and_o be_v very_o lively_a in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a affair_n but_o be_v not_o always_o so_o happy_a in_o their_o memory_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o as_o to_o forget_v the_o injury_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o who_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n who_o forbid_v the_o draw_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o quarrel_n and_o express_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o and_o since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n suffer_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n 56._o luk._n 9_o 56._o why_o shall_v the_o disciple_n aspire_v to_o be_v above_o his_o master_n i_o be_o sure_a to_o act_n contrary_a to_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o be_v think_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o we_o can_v think_v it_o too_o great_a a_o condescension_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o our_o own_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o redeemer_n and_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o live_v by_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o his_o law_n be_v of_o much_o better_a authority_n than_o any_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o honour_n which_o some_o man_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o now_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v man_n to_o kill_v one_o another_o in_o a_o quarrel_n that_o he_o forbid_v all_o quarrel_v and_o provocation_n in_o word_n or_o action_n ch._n verse_n 22._o of_o this_o ch._n and_o represent_v the_o danger_n of_o those_o liberty_n which_o man_n give_v to_o their_o passion_n though_o they_o proceed_v no_o far_o than_o to_o reproachful_a language_n to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o hellfire_n he_o also_o require_v we_o to_o forgive_v our_o brother_n 12.19_o mat._n 18.22_o ro._n 12.19_o as_o often_o as_o he_o offend_v and_o not_o to_o revenge_v our_o self_n but_o to_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n and_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o forgiveness_n at_o god_n hand_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o unless_o therefore_o to_o kill_v be_v to_o forgive_v and_o to_o break_v christ_n commandment_n must_v go_v for_o honour_v he_o no_o christian_a can_v engage_v with_o honour_n in_o a_o single_a combat_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v with_o what_o success_n he_o can_v hope_v to_o do_v it_o while_o he_o fight_v against_o heaven_n and_o grapple_v with_o one_o who_o he_o know_v be_v infinite_o strong_a than_o himself_o 2._o this_o be_v to_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o before_o the_o text_n unless_o we_o exceed_v we_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o never_o deny_v but_o that_o kill_v a_o man_n either_o in_o hot_a or_o cod_n blood_n without_o public_a authority_n be_v a_o notorious_a violation_n of_o god_n commandment_n nay_o to_o do_v this_o in_o hot_a boud_n be_v in_o their_o opinion_n a_o crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n of_o barrabas_n who_o by_o their_o law_n be_v sentence_v to_o die_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n 7._o mark_v 15_o 7._o for_o commit_v murder_n in_o the_o insurrection_n and_o according_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o jew_n concern_v this_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v our_o fight_a gallant_n will_v consider_v who_o follower_n they_o be_v and_o whether_o they_o also_o do_v not_o prefer_v barrabas_n before_o jesus_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o revenge_a their_o own_o lay_v his_o with_o their_o own_o honour_n in_o the_o dust_n 3._o for_o man_n to_o stake_v their_o life_n in_o a_o duel_n be_v to_o run_v the_o most_o desperate_a hazard_n i_o mean_v of_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n which_o seldom_o allow_v a_o few_o moment_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o or_o of_o kill_v another_o person_n it_o may_v be_v their_o old_a dear_a and_o confident_a friend_n and_o perhaps_o eternal_o by_o cut_v off_o his_o time_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n he_o that_o attempt_v to_o kill_v his_o brother_n whether_o he_o kill_v he_o or_o not_o mortal_o hate_v he_o for_o he_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o he_o if_o he_o can_v and_o then_o i_o fear_v he_o forfeit_v something_o more_o than_o his_o honour_n that_o attempt_n it_o 15._o 1_o joh._n 3_o 15._o for_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o dueller_n what_o a_o dreadful_a venture_n be_v it_o to_o stake_v two_o precious_a life_n and_o two_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o a_o mere_a imaginary_a point_n of_o honour_n if_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o christian_n who_o religion_n as_o st._n james_n describe_v it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a 17._o jam._n 3_o 17._o and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o wrangle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o without_o hypocrisy_n then_o let_v light_a and_o darkness_n embrace_v and_o the_o plain_a contradiction_n assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o bright_a reason_n and_o truth_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v worthy_a of_o a_o serious_a thought_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o balance_v the_o mighty_a pretence_n of_o honour_n i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o gentleman_n and_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n ought_v not_o to_o put_v up_o a_o affront_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o revenge_v it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o christian_a of_o the_o best_a rank_n and_o quality_n ought_v to_o do_v this_o and_o that_o great_a man_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n whether_o they_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o live_v by_o it_o or_o not_o 2._o for_o the_o case_n of_o self-murder_n or_o cast_v away_o our_o own_o life_n when_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v viz._n because_o every_o man_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o violation_n of_o it_o to_o kill_v ourselves_o as_o to_o kill_v any_o other_o man_n and_o since_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o