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 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amen_n the_o end_n
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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 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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
can_v be_v return_v to_o those_o that_o shall_v object_n against_o the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o either_o our_o sactification_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n he_o real_o design_v or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v take_v effectual_a care_n consider_v our_o natural_a averseness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o fierce_a and_o rampant_a inclination_n to_o vice_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o it_o to_o disappoint_v himself_o of_o his_o end_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o all_o the_o gain_n and_o delight_n of_o sin_n and_o himself_o the_o honour_n only_o of_o pardon_v our_o ungodly_a and_o malicious_a life_n that_o we_o may_v dabble_v and_o bemire_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o world_n and_o wash_v off_o all_o with_o a_o few_o penitential_a tear_n when_o we_o die_v that_o we_o may_v be_v extreme_o wicked_a with_o good_a management_n to_o the_o last_o and_o though_o we_o never_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o life_n be_v sure_a to_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n from_o he_o at_o our_o death_n 2._o that_o the_o gospel_n give_v no_o such_o encouragement_n be_v certain_a because_o it_o express_o require_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o future_a happiness_n as_o it_o design_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v excellent_a man_n holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n so_o it_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o heaven_n who_o frustrate_v its_o design_n by_o wicked_a and_o unworthy_a practice_n and_o expose_v its_o bless_a author_n to_o open_a shame_n 12.14_o meb_n 12.14_o without_o holiness_n say_v the_o apostle_n i._n e._n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 19.17_o mat._n 19.17_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n say_v our_o saviour_n keep_v the_o commandment_n 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 8.13_o rom._n 8.13_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v 9_o rom._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v render_v eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v vnrighteusness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a these_o and_o many_o other_o text_n which_o we_o must_v own_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o shade_n or_o dimness_n of_o a_o parable_n in_o they_o do_v undeniable_o prove_v the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o fit_a and_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o then_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n to_o man_n that_o have_v live_v a_o wicked_a and_o be_v past_o live_v a_o godly_a life_n be_v plain_o to_o expound_v the_o gospel_n into_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o itself_o for_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v die_v be_v say_v to_o have_v live_v holy_o only_o because_o he_o be_v sad_o trouble_v for_o a_o very_a sinful_a life_n or_o have_v he_o keep_v the_o commandment_n that_o have_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a violation_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o own_o covenant_n to_o keep_v they_o and_o only_o promise_v over_o again_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o can_v we_o can_v he_o a_o mortifiect_a man_n that_o after_o he_o have_v gorge_v himself_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_v away_o the_o power_n of_o lust_n resolve_v yet_o to_o be_v very_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a upon_o his_o deathbed_n or_o can_v we_o say_v that_o he_o seek_v for_o glory_n and_o immortality_n by_o his_o patience_n and_o constancy_n in_o welldoing_a who_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o natural_a be_v to_o begin_v the_o whole_a christian_a life_n and_o have_v always_o be_v a_o perfect_a stranger_n to_o the_o conversation_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a those_o that_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o please_v god_n have_v live_v sober_o and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o man_n need_v not_o doubt_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o offence_n upon_o their_o repentance_n for_o they_o because_o their_o repentance_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o actual_a holiness_n and_o where_o holiness_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n but_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a in_o those_o that_o have_v leave_v themselves_o no_o time_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o be_v force_v to_o spend_v that_o little_a they_o have_v leave_v in_o fruitless_a vow_n and_o wish_n because_o these_o man_n have_v neglect_v the_o main_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o their_o life_n i_o mean_v the_o glorification_n of_o god_n by_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o they_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o their_o happiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v though_o those_o pang_n of_o sorrow_n and_o devotion_n which_o man_n that_o have_v live_v wretched_a and_o profligate_v life_n discover_v on_o their_o deathbed_n can_v be_v call_v a_o holy_a life_n yet_o they_o be_v good_a sign_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v they_o not_o sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 8._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o true_a penitent_n and_o believer_n in_o christ_n shall_v final_o perish_v but_o then_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o gospel_n will_v allow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n or_o repentance_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o rigteousness_n after_o a_o fair_a season_n and_o opportunity_n for_o they_o and_o here_o it_o be_v but_o fair_a the_o gospel_n shall_v speak_v for_o itself_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n 8._o mat._n 3.7_o 8._o and_o think_v not_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n 3.9_o luk._n 3.9_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n 16.2_o mat._n 16.2_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n 2.14_o jam._n 2.14_o my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n if_o a_o fruitless_a faith_n and_o repentance_n can_v profit_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v save_v we_o 17._o verse_n 17._o if_o faith_n without_o work_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v dead_a how_o sad_a be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o a_o die_a sinner_n who_o faith_n be_v dead_a before_o he_o and_o who_o time_n of_o work_v be_v over_o though_o he_o seek_v it_o with_o tear_n if_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v without_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o then_o will_v not_o pass_v for_o true_a repentance_n it_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a sign_n of_o it_o and_o if_o christ_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n how_o sorrowful_a be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wear_v out_o his_o whole_a life_n in_o sin_n and_o hardly_o leave_v himself_o the_o least_o remnant_n of_o time_n to_o amend_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v plead_v any_o title_n to_o the_o mercy_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o he_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v by_o baptism_n that_o we_o be_v make_v party_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o include_v all_o the_o promise_v god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o his_o son_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o expectation_n from_o he_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v condition_n on_o our_o part_n and_o we_o vow_v obedience_n to_o christi_n command_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n if_o we_o fail_v in_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n we_o bar_v our_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n which_o depend_v upon_o they_o we_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o by_o our_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o where_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v upon_o more_o condition_n than_o one_o the_o keep_n of_o all_o but_o one_o will_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o claim_v the_o promise_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n will_v abate_v we_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n style_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o that_o he_o will_v
holiness_n through_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a man_n no_o man_n ever_o deny_v and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n be_v attain_v by_o a_o more_o frequent_a sincere_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n all_o divine_n be_v agree_v the_o part_n therefore_o which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o his_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n for_o his_o grow_a better_a i.e._n more_o perfect_a in_o every_o grace_n and_o more_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o because_o some_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o diffusive_a influence_n upon_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n than_o other_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n chief_o consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o those_o radical_a grace_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v convey_v into_o all_o the_o branch_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o of_o these_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a root_n all_o other_o grace_n be_v feed_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o their_o proper_a fruit_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o noble_a and_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v all_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a property_n in_o he_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o fear_v he_o be_v because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v powerful_a and_o just_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a and_o we_o therefore_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o these_o grace_n so_o have_v they_o a_o radical_a virtue_n of_o their_o own_o a_o power_n i_o mean_v of_o diffuse_v holiness_n into_o all_o part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christirn_n life_n hence_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n say_v s._n john_n that_o have_v the_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a to_o grow_v therefore_o in_o these_o grace_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o grow_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n consist_v 2._o in_o be_v more_o frequent_o and_o carnest_o employ_v in_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o worship_v god_n with_o more_o life_n zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o do_v good_a with_o more_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o bear_v affliction_n with_o more_o evenness_n and_o patience_n in_o great_a industry_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o temporal_a calling_n in_o get_v a_o more_o absolute_a sway_n over_o our_o passion_n and_o reduce_v our_o affection_n to_o farthly_a thing_n to_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o moderate_a temper_n in_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n which_o have_v any_o apparent_a temptation_n in_o they_o in_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o insult_n of_o inordinate_a anger_n and_o the_o sudden_a start_n of_o any_o sinful_a inclination_n in_o prune_v off_o the_o undecency_n of_o our_o external_n behaviour_n in_o abate_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o use_v better_o care_n to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n herein_o lie_v our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o our_o endeavour_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v strict_o necessary_a if_o we_o aim_v as_o we_o ought_v at_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o our_o great_a example_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o here_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n of_o it_o must_v give_v it_o the_o more_o lively_a and_o finish_v stroke_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o use_n especial_o of_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n at_o first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v as_o well_o of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o of_o those_o that_o remain_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n 1._o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o mean_n s._n peter_n seem_v to_o recommend_v in_o the_o context_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n imply_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o grow_v in_o other_o grace_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o parallel_n exhortation_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n deliver_v without_o any_o deceit_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a food_n for_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o promote_a the_o growth_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o every_o way_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2.1_o 2_o tim._n 2.1_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a draught_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o they_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o god_n sacred_a will_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n from_o eternity_n here_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o kind_a invitation_n to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o saviour_n with_o the_o most_o admirable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v here_o unveil_v and_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v open_a to_o our_o view_n that_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n 3.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o frequent_a converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o observe_v the_o tenor_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o to_o a_o firm_a and_o rule_v judgement_n and_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o error_n and_o doubtfulness_n which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o impediment_n to_o our_o thrive_a in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v always_o quick_a and_o urgent_a upon_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o misery_n press_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o we_o shall_v thence_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o present_a answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n to_o gratify_v any_o sinful_a lust_n or_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n so_o that_o by_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o daily_a study_n and_o meditation_n we_o shall_v neither_o wander_v for_o want_v of_o light_n nor_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n through_o any_o mistrust_n of_o our_o way_n nor_o can_v we_o easy_o fail_v of_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o it_o be_v quicken_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o a_o present_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o encourage_v with_o a_o prospect_n of_o our_o reward_n 2._o regular_n and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o service_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o have_v our_o thought_n sequester_v from_o the_o world_n
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 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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
of_o the_o residue_n of_o my_o year_n my_o age_n be_v depart_v and_o be_v remove_v from_o i_o as_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o this_o he_o immediate_o ascribe_v to_o the_o special_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n he_o will_v cut_v i_o off_o with_o pine_v sickness_n from_o day_n even_o to_o night_n thou_o ilt_v make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o thus_o also_o our_o body_n be_v style_v tabernacle_n which_o be_v no_o durable_a habitation_n no_o certain_a dwelling-place_n the_o spirit_n that_o lodge_v within_o they_o know_v they_o be_v never_o design_v for_o its_o constant_a abide_v and_o residence_n know_v say_v s._n peter_n that_o short_o i_o must_v put_v off_o this_o my_o tabernacle_n 1.14_o 2_o pet._n 1.14_o even_o as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v show_v i_o we_o know_v these_o sorry_a tenement_n can_v stand_v long_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v devest_v of_o these_o earthly_a body_n but_o when_o death_n come_v to_o undress_v we_o we_o certain_o put_v they_o off_o and_o very_o often_o before_o they_o be_v wear_v out_o with_o age_n or_o be_v almost_o ever_o the_o worse_a for_o wear_v we_o have_v no_o lease_n of_o our_o life_n but_o be_v every_o day_n liable_a to_o a_o discharge_v for_o though_o god_n have_v set_v we_o a_o term_n that_o we_o can_v pass_v yet_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o cut_v off_o as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o please_v and_o according_o our_o live_v be_v frequent_o much_o short_a than_o the_o common_a measure_n 5._o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o very_o frail_a and_o short_a that_o it_o be_v resemble_v to_o the_o vain_a and_o most_o insignificant_a thing_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v to_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o dream_n 73.20_o job_n 20.8_o psal_n 73.20_o a_o mere_a delusion_n of_o the_o fancy_n which_o vanish_v at_o the_o chase_n of_o a_o wake_a thought_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o ramble_n and_o contradiction_n when_o the_o mind_n recover_v the_o scatter_a idea_n of_o it_o the_o psalmist_n also_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o tell_v of_o a_o story_n ps_n 90.9_o we_o bring_v our_o year_n to_o a_o end_n as_o it_o be_v a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v as_o we_o be_v talk_v and_o jest_v death_n intrude_v into_o our_o company_n and_o our_o life_n be_v go_v in_o a_o trice_n dicto_fw-la citius_n before_o we_o can_v bring_v out_o the_o say_n we_o be_v upon_o or_o as_o some_o paraphrase_n the_o word_n record_v to_o the_o arabia_n version_n our_o year_n be_v repute_v as_o a_o spider_n web_n who_o curious_a frame_n and_o contexture_n signify_v nothing_o to_o its_o own_o preservation_n have_v no_o strength_n or_o solidity_n to_o support_v it_o by_o such_o familiar_a emblem_n as_o these_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v breath_n and_o have_v our_o being_n admonish_v we_o of_o what_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v the_o frailty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o this_o it_o do_v to_o cure_v we_o of_o our_o 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those_o that_o tread_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o eternity_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o practical_a inference_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o life_n and_o as_o unpleasant_a as_o this_o argument_n be_v if_o we_o will_v but_o deal_v faithful_o with_o ourselves_o &_o impartial_o weigh_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v learn_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n from_o it_o both_o for_o the_o regulation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o reconcile_a our_o mind_n to_o the_o shortness_n of_o they_o first_o then_o we_o shall_v hence_o learn_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o expectation_n of_o meeting_n with_o true_a and_o real_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n for_o true_a happiness_n be_v the_o most_o constant_a and_o durable_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n from_o which_o we_o must_v part_v so_o soon_o and_o without_o which_o we_o must_v live_v a_o whole_a eternity_n in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o true_a and_o proper_a happiness_n we_o come_v into_o this_o world_n to_o conquer_v not_o to_o court_v or_o enjoy_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v conversant_a with_o it_o and_o lie_v upon_o its_o border_n it_o will_v be_v always_o tempt_v and_o trouble_v we_o ever_o and_o anon_o present_v we_o with_o new_a occasion_n of_o show_v our_o virtue_n and_o improve_n our_o conquest_n over_o it_o and_o till_o we_o have_v complete_v our_o victory_n we_o can_v expect_v our_o triumph_n and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o that_o our_o triumph_n be_v not_o assign_v we_o in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o green_a laurel_n do_v quick_o fade_v and_o the_o head_n that_o wear_v they_o be_v soon_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n now_o let_v we_o digest_v this_o principle_n well_o that_o this_o life_n be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n and_o it_o will_v sure_o cool_v our_o 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