discern_v the_o truth_n that_o you_o may_v embrace_v it_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o you_o shall_v easy_o believe_v lie_n the_o caution_n in_o scripture_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o man_n who_o cast_v off_o distinction_n take_v heed_n what_o you_o hear_v beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o like_a be_v insignificant_a direction_n to_o man_n of_o no_o distinction_n the_o neglect_n of_o distinction_n will_v make_v peter_n a_o sinful_a conformist_n as_o well_o as_o those_o point_a at_o in_o heb._n 10_o 25._o be_v sinful_a non-communicants_a there_o be_v no_o estate_n in_o which_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o on_o both_o hand_n bound_v with_o sin_n be_v we_o prosperous_a it_o be_v a_o narrow_a point_n to_o receive_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n to_o use_v they_o humble_o and_o with_o sobriety_n not_o unto_o pride_n and_o tyranny_n security_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o the_o cast_n off_o god_n or_o contempt_n of_o our_o brethren_n with_o discretion_n to_o esteem_v enjoy_v and_o use_v they_o as_o god_n good_a blessing_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o abuse_v they_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o the_o entangle_v of_o our_o soul_n in_o sin_n how_o hard_o do_v we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n and_o distress_n to_o shun_v sinful_a senseless_a apathy_n stoical_a stupidity_n and_o impatient_a anxiety_n pierce_v grief_n or_o fear_n heart-perplexing_a god-provoking_a care_n and_o complaint_n not_o to_o lay_v aside_o nor_o let_v our_o natural_a passion_n break_v out_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o sobriety_n reason_n or_o religion_n to_o fear_v without_o fret_a discern_v danger_n without_o diffidence_n to_o be_v angry_a without_o envy_n to_o grieve_v without_o grudge_v to_o mourn_v without_o murmur_v to_o be_v strike_v and_o smite_v of_o god_n afflict_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o lie_v in_o silence_n without_o repine_v or_o charge_v god_n foolish_o or_o charge_v piety_n to_o be_v perplex_v folly_n but_o to_o lay_v our_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n under_o our_o oppressed_a innocency_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o to_o be_v revile_v of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o revile_v again_o to_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v yet_o free_a from_o revenge_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o who_o despiteful_o use_v we_o be_v a_o lesson_n not_o easy_o learn_v true_o friend_n my_o experience_n have_v find_v it_o a_o strait_a gate_n a_o narrow_a way_n to_o retain_v quick_a and_o lively_a sense_n under_o the_o restraint_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o fear_n and_o grieve_v and_o yet_o not_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o man_n or_o forget_v god_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v apathy_n in_o affliction_n be_v manifest_a prophanesse_n 42.25_o isa_n 42.25_o and_o impatiency_n be_v no_o less_o than_o impious_a god_n aggravate_v israel_n prophanesse_n by_o their_o stupidity_n and_o shameful_a apathy_n 5.3_o jer._n 5.3_o when_o he_o set_v they_o on_o fire_n round_o about_o they_o know_v it_o nâ—t_o it_o burn_v they_o and_o they_o lay_v it_o not_o to_o heart_n 14._o isa_n 22.12_o 13_o 14._o he_o observe_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o insensibility_n under_o his_o hand_n he_o complain_v of_o they_o as_o impudent_o impious_a because_o when_o they_o be_v strike_v they_o do_v not_o grieve_v he_o charge_v it_o as_o a_o inniquity_n indelible_a to_o be_v merry_a and_o jovial_a in_o feast_n and_o full_a expression_n of_o joy_n when_o his_o providence_n and_o their_o perplex_v state_n do_v call_v for_o weep_v and_o mourn_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o rebuke_v excess_n of_o passion_n as_o no_o less_o profane_a 13._o isa_n 15.12_o 13._o who_o be_v thou_o that_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o oppressor_n and_o forgete_v the_o lord_n thy_o maker_n not_o to_o fear_n be_v inhuman_a to_o fear_v without_o faith_n be_v unchristian_a not_o to_o care_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o care_v unto_o vexation_n diffidence_n concern_v future_a event_n be_v contrary_a to_o true_a religion_n not_o to_o mourn_v in_o misery_n be_v incongruous_a to_o man_n subject_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o mourn_v as_o without_o hope_n be_v incongruous_a to_o christians_n in_o who_o reason_n be_v rectify_v and_o direct_v to_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a change_n the_o nature_n of_o patience_n do_v charge_n sin_n on_o both_o extreme_n it_o presuppose_v it_o preserve_v passion_n existent_a whilst_o it_o abound_v restrain_v regulate_v the_o same_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o passion_n of_o job_n i_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o patience_n and_o meekness_n of_o malefactor_n who_o suffer_v the_o utmost_a sorrow_n under_o the_o great_a most_o manifest_a gild_n without_o the_o least_o of_o grief_n or_o fear_v commotion_n of_o mind_n or_o perplex_v apprehension_n yea_o under_o the_o great_a ostentation_n of_o joy_n &_o peace_n be_v cannonize_v by_o their_o friend_n for_o martyr_n on_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n which_o to_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o its_o martyr_n they_o call_v christian_a courage_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o they_o who_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n believe_v in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o see_v be_v in_o heavinese_n under_o all_o kind_n of_o grief_n through_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o they_o who_o trust_v in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o have_v deliver_v and_o will_v deliver_v be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o passion_n press_v out_o of_o measure_n and_o above_o their_o strength_n a_o due_a deportment_n in_o every_o condition_n as_o man_n and_o christian_n be_v a_o narrow_a strait_n a_o estate_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n the_o same_o bound_n and_o strait_a limit_n attend_v our_o relation_n and_o the_o duty_n thereof_o how_o hard_o for_o subject_n as_o sincere_a david_n to_o retain_v loyalty_n and_o affection_n towards_o oppress_v persecute_v prince_n how_o hard_o for_o servant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o master_n not_o only_o the_o meek_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a to_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o patient_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o this_o straitness_n attend_v our_o whole_a conversation_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o common_a as_o christian_n to_o continue_v communion_n with_o christ_n church_n under_o many_o and_o great_a corruption_n and_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o and_o conform_v unto_o sinful_a imposition_n not_o to_o leave_v god_n ordinance_n when_o make_v grievious_a to_o the_o soul_n by_o humane_a appendant_o and_o disorder_n not_o to_o cease_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o profaneness_n and_o violent_a disorder_n of_o the_o son_n of_o elie_n make_v they_o loathe_v the_o same_o to_o hear_v they_o who_o say_v but_o do_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v in_o moses_n chair_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharise_n be_v bind_v to_o hear_v they_o who_o ordinary_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o retain_v church_n unity_n under_o its_o impurity_n and_o attend_v gospel-ministry_n in_o profane_a subject_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o reformation_n without_o run_v into_o or_o strike_v hand_n with_o separation_n be_v hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la to_o religious_a heart_n who_o walk_v upright_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o strait_a gate_n a_o narrow_a way_n a_o narrow_a crisis_n and_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v decline_v without_o danger_n sin_n lie_v on_o both_o hand_n by_o defect_n or_o excess_n to_o destroy_v we_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v apparent_o strait_a and_o narrow_a because_o thus_o bound_v and_o terminate_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n do_v declare_v it_o so_o to_o be_v in_o this_o sermon_n our_o saviour_n do_v direct_v exact_a obedience_n into_o a_o narrow_a crisis_n and_o place_n perfection_n in_o a_o strait_a punctilio_fw-la the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o sermon_n be_v to_o show_v the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o way_n of_o life_n the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v break_v down_o to_o the_o facilitate_v of_o their_o passage_n to_o heaven_n his_o most_o please_a preface_n propound_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n mourning_n meekness_n purity_n and_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_o perplex_v property_n as_o condition_n of_o the_o beatitude_n he_o do_v declare_v his_o direction_n unto_o duty_n begin_v with_o a_o determination_n of_o dread_n he_o that_o break_v the_o least_o of_o these_o commandment_n shall_v be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o terminate_v duty_n by_o a_o clear_a exposition_n of_o the_o law_n he_o place_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n in_o a_o little_a narrow_a
of_o error_n though_o they_o continue_v to_o scandalize_v he_o and_o his_o practice_n and_o hinder_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o same_o these_o thing_n i_o note_v unto_o thou_o reader_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v mr._n crofton_n practice_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o new_a or_o rash_a but_o resolve_v and_o deliberate_a and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o defection_n from_o that_o it_o be_v a_o upright_o walk_v according_a to_o his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o gospel_n howsoever_o i_o can_v i_o will_v not_o now_o dilate_v in_o defence_n of_o his_o principle_n and_o practice_n nor_o break_v out_o to_o a_o large_a and_o sharp_a invective_n against_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o lie_a spirit_n of_o seem_a saint_n so_o notorious_o extravagant_a against_o a_o person_n so_o innocent_a and_o upright_o and_o therefore_o expose_v to_o the_o violence_n and_o rage_n of_o man_n on_o both_o extreme_n of_o reformation_n for_o hereby_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v incense_v he_o who_o displeasure_n will_v be_v great_a for_o do_v this_o which_o i_o can_v not_o in_o peace_n have_v leave_v undo_v let_v i_o assure_v thou_o mr._n crofton_n judgement_n be_v in_o ecclesiastic_n the_o very_a same_o it_o be_v before_o his_o confinement_n he_o then_o can_v not_o now_o can_v conform_v he_o then_o can_v now_o can_v communicate_v and_o give_v a_o amen_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n who_o order_n his_o judgement_n must_v and_o do_v condemn_v he_o be_v then_o be_v now_o zealous_a for_o reformation_n and_o against_o separation_n he_o then_o resolve_v and_o now_o resolve_v to_o seek_v church_n purity_n by_o union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o house_n he_o endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v to_o bring_v his_o offering_n unto_o the_o lord_n when_o that_o his_o soul_n do_v loathe_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o profane_a hand_n and_o preposterous_a order_n in_o which_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n do_v present_v they_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v his_o burden_n to_o observe_v the_o bastard_n brood_n of_o noncommunicating_a separate_a sect_n take_v 〈◊〉_d vagrant_n and_o whip_v home_o to_o their_o repute_a parent_n to_o lie_v at_o the_o door_n and_o â—â—rk_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o reform_v non-conformiâ—â—_a who_o do_v ever_o disow_v they_o and_o drive_v they_o out_o as_o not_o they_o but_o destructive_a to_o their_o honest_a design_n i_o know_v mr._n crofton_n to_o be_v zealous_a lest_o the_o policy_n of_o some_o and_o weakness_n of_o other_o shall_v so_o far_o embrace_v those_o as_o to_o make_v spectator_n think_v they_o their_o natural_a child_n i_o know_v mr._n crofton_n be_v sensible_a many_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o he_o in_o negative_n against_o profaneness_n against_o superstition_n against_o corruption_n against_o disorder_n but_o be_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o positives_n for_o no_o order_n for_o no_o communion_n for_o no_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a mr._n crofton_n have_v sad_o resent_v that_o scandal_n under_o which_o nonconformity_n groan_v and_o be_v make_v odious_a viz._n it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n against_o every_o thing_n but_o for_o nothing_o mr._n crofton_n well_o know_v those_o who_o clamour_n against_o his_o communion_n make_v church_n entity_n not_o church_n purity_n their_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n he_o have_v observe_v their_o church_n gather_v commence_v and_o proceed_v under_o the_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n and_o unto_o the_o supplant_n and_o subversion_n thereof_o mr._n crofton_n be_v convince_v that_o christ_n true_a church_n though_o corrupt_a and_o christ_n own_o ordinance_n though_o disorderly_o administer_v be_v to_o be_v embrace_v adhear_v unto_o and_o attend_v when_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n companion_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v i_o be_o confident_a mr._n crofton_n be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v his_o lord_n when_o come_v from_o the_o flock_n to_o thethreshold_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v before_o he_o reader_n if_o this_o be_v a_o error_n help_v mr._n crofton_n to_o conviction_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v hear_v his_o recantation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n join_v with_o i_o in_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v give_v repentance_n to_o the_o man_n who_o have_v call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o uncharitable_o represent_v a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o well_o consider_v open_o declare_v deliberate_o resolve_v principle_n to_o be_v a_o apostasy_n defection_n recantation_n backslide_n base_a comply_v and_o conformity_n the_o lord_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o such_o apostate_n who_o will_v by_o preach_v write_a and_o practice_v under_o the_o reproach_n and_o rage_n of_o all_o man_n show_v their_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n in_o that_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n of_o careful_a industrious_a nonconforming_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o christ_n ordinance_n between_o those_o rock_n which_o on_o each_o hand_n work_v its_o ruin_n this_o be_v the_o hearty_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o august_n 9_o 1662._o thou_o in_o and_o for_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n h._n m._n the_o hard_a way_n to_o heaven_n explain_v &_o apply_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 27_o of_o july_n 1662._o the_o text_n matthew_n 7.14_o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n i_o can_v but_o conceive_v many_o in_o this_o audience_n act_v more_o by_o curiosity_n then_o christianity_n come_v with_o a_o expectation_n that_o i_o will_v declare_v and_o discourse_v the_o thing_n of_o myself_o or_o god_n deal_n with_o i_o in_o my_o late_a condition_n but_o i_o must_v let_v you_o know_v i_o must_v herein_o disappoint_v you_o experiency_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v my_o own_o comfort_n what_o be_v to_o i_o in_o common_a with_o other_o christian_n i_o shall_v declare_v to_o your_o edification_n and_o that_o be_v in_o general_a the_o serious_a reflection_n of_o my_o thought_n under_o the_o strate_n of_o my_o late_a condition_n concern_v which_o i_o may_v say_v as_o that_o eminent_a martyr_n of_o our_o reform_a religion_n john_n philpot_n say_v in_o the_o like_a case_n in_o the_o lollard_n tower_n pass_v through_o six_o or_o seven_o door_n i_o come_v to_o my_o logdeing_n through_o many_o strait_n where_o i_o callâ—d_v to_o remembrance_n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n the_o strait_a passage_n which_o lead_v to_o glory_n aught_o to_o be_v always_o ponder_v but_o the_o thought_n thereof_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o profitable_a when_o we_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o they_o and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o suffer_v what_o we_o can_v escape_v without_o sin_n the_o heathen_a account_v it_o their_o honour_n to_o represent_v virtue_n to_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o narrow_a way_n and_o therefore_o itself_o the_o reward_n of_o all_o industry_n in_o and_o for_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v never_o propound_v to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o estate_n of_o ease_n christ_n be_v never_o preach_v without_o his_o cross_n nor_o be_v heaven_n glory_n ever_o declare_v without_o a_o determination_n of_o hardship_n in_o the_o attainment_n thereof_o straight_a iâ—_n the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n be_v the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o the_o truth_n thereof_o be_v daily_o prove_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o disciple_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n preach_v in_o the_o mountain_n in_o which_o many_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o special_a duty_n be_v by_o he_o state_v and_o direct_v whether_o this_o sermon_n be_v a_o set_v solemn_a and_o continue_a discourse_n of_o the_o preacher_n as_o by_o its_o circumstance_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v or_o the_o evangilist_n collection_n and_o composure_n of_o those_o many_o passage_n and_o particular_a discourse_n which_o pass_v from_o our_o saviour_n on_o several_a occasion_n at_o sundry_a time_n as_o calvin_n do_v conceive_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o inquire_v or_o debate_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n our_o saviour_n persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o a_o hard_a task_n enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n and_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o and_o by_o a_o disparity_n of_o the_o different_a path_n in_o which_o man_n pass_v unto_o different_a end_n for_o wide_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o broad_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v who_o go_v in_o thereat_o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v who_o find_v it_o the_o one_o be_v easy_a and_o undo_a the_o other_o be_v hard_a and_o happy_a doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n our_o text_n be_v the_o second_o and_o counter_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n reason_n viz._n that_o way_n
father_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o start_v from_o or_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o see_v he_o schism_n i_o grant_v may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v sinful_a and_o sad_a but_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o subvert_v to_o salvation_n unfitting_a contention_n may_v arise_v between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n 15.39_o acts._n 15.39_o unto_o a_o undue_a heat_n concern_v society_n with_o a_o defective_a brother_n insomuch_o that_o they_o may_v part_v asunder_o the_o one_o pass_v to_o cyprus_n the_o other_o to_o gilicia_n anâ—_n yet_o both_o may_v meet_v in_o heaven_n but_o barnabas_n and_o peter_n contrariety_n to_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o slavish_a compliance_n with_o the_o circumcision_n be_v to_o be_v contradict_v by_o a_o zealous_a paul_n as_o destructive_a to_o salvation_n 14._o gal._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o i_o withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n for_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v because_o he_o walk_v not_o upright_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n hooper_n &_o ridley_n may_v with_o two_o much_o heat_n expostulate_v the_o retain_v popish_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n appendant_a to_o religion_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n &_o yet_o agree_v in_o the_o strait_n and_o fiery_a pssage_n to_o heaven_n but_o saunders_n can_v in_o charity_n hope_v in_o heaven_n to_o meet_v pendleton_n turn_v back_o upon_o the_o truth_n or_o grinwald_n who_o will_v not_o pledge_v he_o in_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n foâ—_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o desire_v to_o have_v charity_n towards_o all_o man_n but_o charity_n must_v operate_v in_o due_a &_o proper_a act_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n the_o charity_n which_o commend_v countenance_v &_o conclude_v certainty_n of_o life_n unto_o the_o many_o night-wanderer_n out_o of_o heaven_n way_n in_o the_o bypath_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o humour_n unto_o the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o cast_v off_o god_n ordinance_n and_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o foolish_a pity_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n order_n for_o man_n salvation_n such_o as_o make_v many_o and_o contrary_a way_n to_o heaven_n may_v make_v a_o noise_n and_o profession_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v in_o the_o end_n find_v themselves_o mistake_v and_o other_o by_o they_o misguide_v unto_o the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n unto_o which_o there_o be_v but_o a_o gate_n a_o way_n one_o single_a gate_n and_o straight_a way_n not_o to_o be_v decline_v it_o be_v indeed_o true_a the_o heavenly_a city_n be_v say_v to_o have_v twelve_o gate_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v this_o city_n be_v the_o end_n not_o gate_n of_o the_o christian_n journey_n the_o city_n of_o life_n to_o which_o the_o narrow_a way_n do_v lead_v and_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o these_o gate_n be_v metaphorical_o mention_v to_o amplify_v the_o glory_n thereof_o man_n dignity_n be_v ample_a and_o abundant_a free_a and_o full_a but_o man_n duty_n be_v auxious_a and_o afflict_a strait_a and_o narrow_a all_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o city_n with_o 12._o open_a gate_n must_v enter_v at_o the_o one_o straight_a gate_n and_o travel_v in_o the_o one_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v thereunto_o such_o as_o walk_v at_o large_a in_o sight_n of_o heaven_n will_v find_v themselves_o lock_v out_o of_o this_o glorious_a palace_n when_o their_o past_a profession_n of_o christ_n will_v make_v they_o think_v it_o hard_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o subject_a or_o thing_n speak_v of_o viz._n the_o mean_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o gate_n the_o way_n to_o life_n i_o must_v now_o pass_v unto_o the_o predicate_a or_o thing_n speak_v of_o this_o gate_n and_o way_n predicate_a the_o predicate_a and_o that_o be_v it_o be_v straight_o and_o narrow_a this_o predicate_v do_v declare_v the_o property_n of_o the_o passage_n unto_o glory_n it_o be_v straight_o &_o narrow_a or_o as_o some_o straight_o &_o low_a close_a &_o little_a as_o other_o or_o serious_a &_o sorrowful_a say_v other_o it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o make_v knwon_a the_o difficulty_n &_o danger_n which_o do_v attend_v traveler_n in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n &_o happiness_n as_o a_o strait_a gate_n can_v be_v enter_v with_o ease_n nor_o without_o stoop_v and_o many_o time_n strip_v a_o man_n self_n of_o all_o thing_n superfluous_a and_o many_o time_n many_o thing_n necessary_a nor_o can_v man_n walk_v in_o a_o narrow_a way_n with_o any_o great_a pleasure_n or_o freedom_n no_o not_o without_o strive_v and_o press_v many_o time_n to_o the_o pinch_a of_o their_o body_n and_o perplex_v their_o mind_n how_o to_o pass_v forward_o and_o make_v their_o way_n through_o unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o desire_a end_n and_o a_o arrival_n at_o their_o intend_a place_n of_o life_n and_o rest_n such_o be_v man_n estate_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o obtainment_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o entrance_n into_o and_o walk_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n heaven_n be_v not_o have_v with_o so_o much_o ease_n as_o most_o man_n imagine_v and_o the_o light_a negligent_a carriage_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n give_v man_n cause_n to_o think_v religion_n be_v not_o a_o business_n of_o such_o facility_n to_o follow_v and_o maintain_v as_o many_o dream_n and_o suppose_v a_o christian_n conversation_n be_v not_o so_o smooth_a and_o current_a as_o many_o do_v conceive_v oh_o no_o the_o gate_n of_o righteousness_n be_v more_o straight_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v moâ—e_n narrow_a such_o who_o will_v enter_v it_o must_v strip_v themselves_o of_o all_o superfluity_n of_o sin_n and_o worldly_a substance_n they_o must_v east_n off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o l_o that_o sin_n which_o compass_v then_o about_o 12.1_o heb._n 12.1_o and_o cast_v abroad_o their_o worldly_a comfort_n be_v read_v to_o distribute_v 19_o 1_o tim._n 6.17_o 18_o 19_o willing_a to_o communicate_v sell_v that_o which_o they_o have_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o poor_a sometime_o the_o passage_n may_v be_v so_o straight_o that_o they_o must_v strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o very_a necessary_n land_n live_n friend_n house_n brethren_n sister_n wife_n child_n and_o life_n itself_o without_o which_o they_o can_v praise_v god_n nor_o pâ—ess_n in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n lie_v dead_a in_o the_o way_n by_o press_v for_o motion_n and_o progress_n in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n be_v many_o time_n the_o event_n of_o the_o saint_n labour_n and_o their_o actual_a formal_a entrance_n into_o the_o city_n of_o life_n nor_o do_v the_o straitness_n of_o this_o gate_n or_o narrowness_n of_o this_o way_n call_v for_o and_o more_o necessitate_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v thus_o strip_v then_o that_o when_o thus_o it_o do_v also_o stâ—op_v bow_v down_o bend_v unto_o the_o very_a dust_n and_o creep_v on_o its_o very_a belly_n the_o will_n must_v be_v subdue_v unto_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n will_v in_o do_v in_o suffer_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v be_v the_o child_n only_a cry_n and_o in_o heaven_n way_n we_o must_v become_v child_n 55.7_o isai_n 55.7_o little_a child_n man_n reason_n must_v be_v resign_v up_o to_o divine_a revelation_n the_o wicked_a man_n must_v forsake_v his_o own_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o way_n naaman_n proud_a heart_n must_v stoop_v to_o the_o prophet_n counsel_n and_o wash_v in_o jordan_n or_o he_o must_v not_o lose_v his_o leprosy_n god_n word_n must_v cast_v down_o every_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n which_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 10.5_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n whosoever_o will_v walk_v with_o god_n must_v walk_v humble_o with_o god_n christian_n in_o heaven_n way_n must_v like_o christ_n stoop_v at_o god_n will_v under_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n bow_v down_o under_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o oppressor_n and_o let_v the_o wicked_a pass_n over_o they_o they_o must_v sometime_o give_v their_o back_n to_o the_o smiter_n and_o their_o cheek_n to_o they_o who_o pluck_v off_o the_o hair_n 50.6_o isai_n 50.6_o they_o must_v not_o hide_v their_o face_n from_o shame_n and_o spit_v they_o must_v in_o many_o perplexity_n pass_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n heaven_n way_n be_v not_o high_a enough_o for_o sinful_a man_n to_o stand_v upright_o in_o they_o must_v proceed_v with_o pain_n and_o grief_n affliction_n and_o anxiety_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n this_o gate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v straight_o and_o this_o way_n narrow_a in_o many_o respect_n or_o for_o many_o
godliness_n and_o how_o to_o attend_v and_o edify_v ourselves_o by_o god_n ordinance_n under_o confuse_a corrupt_a disorderly_a profane_a administration_n in_o a_o word_n hâ—w_o to_o perceive_v and_o perform_v the_o crisis_n and_o punctâ—lio_n of_o piety_n point_v out_o and_o to_o be_v put_v into_o art_n by_o and_o under_o the_o present_a providence_n so_o as_o not_o to_o fliâ—_n into_o 〈◊〉_d on_o either_o hand_n be_v such_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o doubt_n of_o mind_n which_o must_v but_o can_v with_o ease_n nor_o without_o much_o diligence_n and_o difficulty_n be_v resolve_v for_o our_o guidance_n in_o the_o strait_a narrow_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o glory_n yet_o again_o consider_v this_o obscure_a untrodden_a and_o perplex_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v more_o hard_a to_o find_v to_o enter_v by_o the_o many_o bypath_n and_o delusive_a deviation_n which_o lie_v on_o earth-side_n thereof_o what_o necessity_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n many_o spirit_n not_o be_v of_o god_n so_o maerror_n in_o doctrine_n darken_n the_o faith_n such_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o seducer_n draw_v from_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n can_v bâ—t_v fear_n the_o people_n shall_v be_v beguile_v from_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o people_n can_v but_o find_v by_o peter_n fall_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o walk_v up_o right_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o devil_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n be_v not_o soon_o or_o easy_o discern_v or_o discover_v good_a man_n may_v be_v catch_v with_o error_n yea_o peter_n and_o barnabas_n goodman_n and_o minister_n may_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o dissimulation_n of_o seducer_n for_o the_o false_a apostle_n appear_v even_o as_o the_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n obscurity_n must_v provoke_v enquiry_n and_o serious_a study_n for_o the_o narrow_a bound_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n be_v not_o discern_v without_o much_o difficulty_n oppose_v heaven_n way_n oppose_v this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o no_o less_o obscurity_n than_o opposition_n christianity_n be_v a_o constant_a militation_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o mutation_n of_o humane_a affair_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n iâ—_n and_o must_v be_v militant_a till_o he_o come_v in_o glory_n be_v enter_v we_o make_v no_o progress_n in_o piety_n without_o blow_n godliness_n be_v the_o take_n of_o a_o garrison_n the_o gate_n be_v hardly_o gain_v 10.23_o heb_fw-mi 10.23_o and_o that_o enter_v every_o steep_a in_o the_o street_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o stroke_n of_o a_o begin_v victory_n after_o yea_o immediate_o after_o they_o be_v enlighten_v they_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n israeâ—_n possess_v not_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o by_o the_o pursuit_n of_o egypt_n passage_n through_o the_o sea_n conflict_n with_o and_o unto_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n and_o king_n of_o the_o country_n and_o sincere_a saint_n must_v cut_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n 6.12_o ephe._n 6.12_o wrestle_a not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n and_o pour_v against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n so_o subtle_a and_o many_o be_v the_o â—_z of_o the_o devil_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o most_o serious_a soldier_n under_o christ_n banner_n to_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wiles_n of_o the_o devil_n oh_o strait_a gate_n oh_o narrow_a way_n where_o our_o hand_n must_v h_o w_n and_o cut_v open_a the_o way_n in_o which_o our_o foot_n must_v rread_v if_o we_o will_v find_v eternal_a life_n this_o way_n be_v yet_o the_o more_o difficult_a and_o strait_a beccause_v our_o depraved_a nature_n be_v averse_a unto_o this_o obscure_a oppose_a way_n the_o natural_a man_n be_v at_o enmity_n with_o gâ—d_n man_n soul_n can_v receive_v righteousness_n with_o out_o reluctancy_n 8.7_o rom._n 8.7_o holiness_n be_v not_o only_o supernatural_a and_o above_o our_o reach_n but_o contronatural_a and_o against_o our_o disposition_n constitution_n and_o inclination_n heaven_n way_n be_v uphill_o and_o against_o heart_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o enter_v the_o gate_n and_o more_o loath_a to_o proceed_v in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n many_o strive_v but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o enter_v we_o be_v by_o nature_n of_o dull_a capacity_n to_o discern_v slothful_a to_o endeavour_v and_o therefore_o move_v heavy_o in_o undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o piety_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n feeble_a ready_a to_o faint_v under_o difficulty_n fearful_a of_o heart_n ready_a to_o fall_v back_o on_o the_o first_o assault_n of_o opposition_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n of_o a_o wander_a spirit_n apâ—_n to_o go_v astray_o error_n and_o schism_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o flesh_n we_o can_v easy_o deviate_v into_o bypath_n 5._o gal._n 5._o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n a_o direct_a course_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o much_o diligence_n christian_n if_o in_o good_a earnest_n you_o seek_v life_n you_o must_v strive_v you_o can_v without_o great_a struggle_v unto_o and_o against_o vanquish_v the_o difficulty_n of_o obscurity_n opposition_n and_o your_o own_o averseness_n to_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o your_o entrance_n be_v indispensable_o motive_n 2_o necessary_a the_o gate_n to_o life_n be_v but_o one_o and_o no_o entrance_n into_o this_o gate_n without_o strive_v no_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n but_o in_o god_n way_n be_v it_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o our_o own_o will_n and_o so_o narrow_a be_v the_o punctillio_fw-la of_o piety_n and_o passage_n to_o life_n that_o a_o passion_n a_o point_n of_o good_a manner_n do_v many_o time_n divert_v we_o and_o endanger_v our_o salvation_n david_n fret_v do_v almost_o and_o peter_n fear_n do_v altogether_o trip_v up_o his_o heel_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n he_o walk_v not_o with_o a_o right_a foot_n yea_o peter_n good_a manner_n must_v be_v sometime_o rebuke_v by_o his_o master_n pity_n if_o i_o wash_v thou_o not_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n in_o i_o be_v god_n way_n never_o so_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n a_o proud_a naaman_n must_v stoop_v to_o it_o or_o retain_v his_o leprosy_n to_o his_o ruin_n be_v the_o gate_n to_o heaven_n never_o so_o much_o against_o our_o will_n we_o must_v into_o it_o for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n he_o that_o love_v any_o thing_n though_o life_n itself_o better_a than_o christ_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o the_o gate_n and_o way_n to_o life_n be_v most_o certain_o causa_fw-la sive_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la if_o we_o will_v not_o strive_v we_o can_v enter_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o strive_v let_v we_o profess_v christ_n at_o what_o rate_n we_o will_v and_o possess_v the_o dispensation_n of_o christ_n gospel_n privilege_n of_o his_o church_n and_o presence_n in_o what_o measure_n we_o can_v when_o we_o will_v enter_v life_n we_o may_v knock_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o lord_n will_v protest_v he_o know_v we_o not_o we_o be_v not_o under_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o way_n and_o may_v not_o therefore_o come_v into_o his_o communion_n in_o the_o end_n of_o our_o religion_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o stait_z gate_n for_o the_o success_n be_v certain_a motive_n 3_o unto_o serious_a and_o constant_a diligence_n your_o industry_n shall_v be_v enforce_v to_o its_o end_n god_n be_v not_o bind_v but_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v his_o grace_n to_o such_o as_o strenuous_o studious_o press_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v diligence_n and_o activity_n for_o salvation_n work_v out_o say_v he_o your_o own_o salvation_n for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o pleasure_n such_o as_o proceed_v in_o the_o conflict_n under_o christ_n banner_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o the_o conquest_n such_o as_o persevere_v in_o press_v forward_o shall_v find_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a for_o they_o until_o they_o apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n indeed_o tell_v we_o many_o do_v strive_v but_o be_v not_o able_a but_o you_o must_v understand_v it_o aright_o they_o strive_v unto_o not_o in_o the_o act_n they_o strive_v under_o the_o pang_n of_o conviction_n put_v forth_o many_o good_a purpose_n but_o these_o prove_v abortive_a and_o never_o pass_v into_o act_n their_o heart_n be_v never_o indeed_o set_v on_o god_n on_o christ_n on_o holiness_n their_o judgement_n be_v herein_o inform_v but_o their_o affection_n be_v not_o herein_o inflame_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o heart_n shall_v never_o want_v strength_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n strive_v in_o the_o enter_v proceed_v act_n and_o we_o shall_v
prove_v he_o whâ—_n have_v begin_v his_o good_a work_n shall_v and_o will_v perfect_v it_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o his_o grace_n motive_n 4_o strive_v we_o to_o enter_v the_o strait_a gate_n for_o the_o end_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o endeavour_n heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o the_o hardship_n of_o the_o way_n thither_o how_o do_v the_o patriarch_n press_v on_o the_o bare_a perception_n of_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n which_o we_o have_v perform_v but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o 11.13_o heb._n 11.13_o salute_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v lead_v we_o this_o way_n for_o the_o joy_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n the_o conscience_n of_o duty_n will_v make_v a_o sincere_a saint_n confess_v that_o in_o the_o most_o exact_a of_o his_o obedience_n he_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n but_o when_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o make_v a_o sensible_a comparison_n between_o the_o dignity_n we_o receive_v and_o the_o diligence_n we_o use_v the_o difficulty_n we_o feel_v we_o shall_v find_v cause_n to_o cry_v out_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v the_o light_n and_o momentany_a affliction_n through_o which_o we_o pass_v here_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o exceed_a eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v hereafter_o our_o present_a press_v fight_a strive_v in_o heaven_n way_n may_v cost_v we_o many_o a_o weary_a step_n and_o weep_a eye_n many_o sigh_n and_o groan_n many_o prayer_n and_o tear_n many_o careâ—_n and_o fear_n many_o a_o ache_a head_n and_o heart_n it_o may_v cost_v we_o our_o best_a worldly_a enjoyment_n dear_a relation_n and_o our_o very_a life_n but_o cost_v what_o it_o will_v it_o can_v never_o cost_v too_o dear_a if_o once_o we_o arrive_v at_o this_o haven_n we_o shall_v sit_v down_o without_o the_o least_o repine_v repent_v think_v that_o ever_o it_o cost_v so_o dear_a we_o will_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o time_n as_o much_o have_v lose_v eternal_a life_n christian_n friend_n i_o hope_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v excite_v your_o diligence_n and_o provoke_v you_o to_o press_v through_o the_o many_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n which_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o stir_v up_o yourselves_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o â—arrow_a way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n what_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o present_v you_o with_o some_o few_o direction_n which_o be_v well_o observe_v may_v facilitate_v your_o passage_n to_o glory_n alleviate_v your_o burden_n and_o make_v christianity_n the_o course_n of_o piety_n a_o course_n of_o more_o delight_n and_o ease_n observe_v therefore_o these_o rule_n for_o your_o help_n herein_o go_v not_o without_o god_n march_v after_o the_o captain_n of_o your_o salvation_n help_v 1_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v the_o prop_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o perplexity_n the_o most_o certain_a protection_n of_o his_o people_n in_o all_o their_o distress_n and_o danger_n the_o only_a assurance_n and_o encouragement_n that_o god_n ever_o give_v or_o his_o servant_n ever_o desire_v in_o all_o their_o undertake_n of_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n be_v his_o presence_n jeremiah_n must_v stand_v as_o a_o iron_n wall_n and_o pillar_n of_o brass_n against_o king_n prince_n priest_n prophet_n people_n under_o the_o alone_a protection_n of_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n so_o also_o do_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n presence_n be_v the_o best_a security_n in_o all_o our_o strait_n his_o spirit_n will_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n resolve_v all_o our_o doubt_n and_o be_v a_o voice_n unto_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o wander_v on_o the_o right_n or_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n his_o providence_n will_v supply_v all_o our_o want_n his_o grace_n wâ—ll_n support_v all_o our_o weakness_n in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v our_o temptation_n his_o wisdom_n will_v find_v for_o we_o a_o way_n of_o escape_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o for_o if_o god_n be_v with_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o what_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o i_o know_v how_o to_o want_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o be_v every_o saint_n experience_n christian_n friend_n your_o progress_n towards_o heaven_n be_v as_o a_o wilderness-march_a to_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n stir_v not_o without_o god_n take_v up_o moses_n resolution_n very_o if_o thou_o go_v not_o with_o we_o we_o will_v not_o go_v up_o hence_o be_v not_o put_v off_o with_o a_o angel_n the_o angel_n be_v undoubted_o minister_a spirit_n to_o the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n we_o owe_v much_o to_o god_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o angel_n they_o pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n but_o my_o beloved_a the_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v our_o salvation_n can_v only_o be_v vanquish_v by_o a_o divine_a arm_n 15._o isa_n 49.25.51.14_o 15._o they_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o any_o create_v be_v to_o divide_v the_o sea_n when_o the_o wave_n roar_v upon_o the_o captive_a exile_n hasten_v to_o be_v deliver_v it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n to_o take_v away_o the_o captive_a from_o the_o mighty_a and_o to_o deliver_v the_o prey_n of_o the_o terrible_a be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o mighty_a god_n of_o jacob._n move_v not_o without_o god_n as_o ever_o you_o mean_v to_o move_v with_o strength_n and_o success_n for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o who_o work_v our_o work_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v help_v 2_o get_v and_o study_v a_o right_a map_n of_o heaven_n get_v the_o description_n of_o the_o city_n of_o life_n for_o the_o nature_n and_o situation_n thereof_o will_v not_o only_o inflame_v your_o affection_n and_o add_v wing_n to_o your_o endeavour_n but_o will_v help_v we_o to_o guess_v how_o to_o steer_v our_o course_n thitherward_o to_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o the_o map_n be_v the_o great_a benefit_n of_o travel_n and_o to_o have_v good_a intelligence_n of_o the_o enemy_n quarter_n be_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o warfare_n the_o path_n of_o peace_n be_v only_o make_v know_v by_o wisdom_n the_o prince_n of_o life_n can_v only_o reveal_v the_o state_n and_o passage_n unto_o life_n the_o lord_n jesus_n resolve_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v more_o than_o half_a in_o heaven_n when_o he_o can_v assure_v they_o they_o know_v the_o place_n and_o they_o know_v the_o way_n my_o belove_a cleave_v close_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o study_v they_o they_o show_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o river_n rock_n and_o shelf_n the_o port_n creek_n strait_n and_o narrow_a passage_n which_o you_o pass_v the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v you_o in_o your_o passage_n the_o people_n and_o enemy_n you_o must_v encounter_v and_o how_o you_o may_v direct_v yourselves_o in_o all_o these_o christian_n know_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v too_o dark_a to_o describe_v the_o dignity_n or_o difficulty_n the_o dictate_v of_o man_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o determination_n of_o council_n the_o law_n of_o prince_n be_v improper_a imperfect_a direction_n to_o the_o duty_n whereby_o we_o travel_v to_o heaven_n i_o despise_v not_o those_o but_o give_v they_o their_o due_a honour_n but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o remember_v israel_n wilderness-march_a to_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v in_o every_o step_n direct_v by_o the_o immediate_a oracle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n do_v direct_v the_o patriarch_n through_o many_o narrow_a strait_a passage_n to_o seek_v the_o city_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v christ_n be_v the_o way_n and_o that_o by_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n search_v then_o the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o have_v eternal_a life_n gain_v a_o account_n what_o it_o may_v cost_v you_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n praemonitus_fw-la help_v 3_o praemunitus_fw-la a_o foresee_a charge_n be_v easy_o defray_v our_o saviour_n advice_n be_v that_o we_o be_v wise_a master_n bvilder_n and_o politic_a warrior_n to_o forecast_v a_o capacity_n to_o effect_v before_o we_o undertake_v a_o enterprise_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o fabric_n before_o we_o lie_v the_o foundation_n he_o who_o can_v account_v all_o thing_n loss_n and_o dung_n in_o
comparison_n of_o christ_n will_v easy_o insult_v over_o difficulty_n in_o heaven_n way_n and_o triumphant_o resolve_v neither_o distress_n nor_o tribulation_n nor_o persecution_n nor_o peril_n nor_o sword_n nor_o famine_n nor_o nakedness_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v from_o his_o love_n of_o christ_n 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o but_o in_o these_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n they_o who_o consider_v it_o be_v write_v of_o god_n servant_n for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o account_v sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n will_v not_o think_v much_o to_o lay_v down_o or_o lose_v his_o life_n in_o the_o gate_n by_o press_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o life_n convince_v we_o ourselves_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v our_o all_o or_o none_o of_o we_o he_o will_v be_v embrace_v above_o all_o he_o have_v declare_v whosoever_o love_v land_n house_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o life_n itself_o better_a then_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o we_o then_o shall_v easy_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o remember_v we_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o enter_v into_o heaven_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o course_n of_o godliness_n do_v and_o do_v call_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n and_o propound_v future_a glory_n a_o better_a and_o more_o during_o substance_n we_o shall_v then_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n expectation_n make_v hard_a thing_n to_o be_v bear_v with_o ease_n grave_a upon_o the_o soul_n principle_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o first_o principle_n help_v 4_o of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n for_o these_o as_o the_o basis_n or_o ground_n plot_n of_o any_o building_n as_o the_o axiom_n of_o any_o art_n or_o science_n or_o as_o the_o first_o draught_n of_o the_o picture_n do_v facilitate_v and_o direct_v the_o future_a structure_n and_o perfection_n and_o be_v in_o all_o strait_n eminent_o serviceable_a god_n method_n to_o make_v his_o people_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n be_v to_o write_v his_o law_n up_o in_o their_o heart_n uncatechise_v soul_n have_v confuse_a notion_n of_o faith_n which_o through_o want_n of_o order_n and_o ability_n do_v perplex_v and_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n many_o time_n in_o a_o blind_a zeal_n they_o confound_v the_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o make_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o one_o equal_o heinous_a as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o not_o know_v how_o to_o guide_v their_o judgement_n they_o charge_v upon_o themselves_o duty_n whereof_o their_o relation_n or_o condition_n do_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v capable_a be_v sure_a you_o lay_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o then_o leave_v they_o by_o a_o regular_a progress_n in_o christianity_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o some_o yea_o many_o soul_n be_v shipwreck_a for_o want_v of_o balance_v judgement_n many_o lose_v all_o by_o lift_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o saint_n not_o once_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o saint_n and_o pretend_v unto_o the_o joy_n of_o believe_v without_o once_o ponder_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n the_o unacquainted_a with_o will_v easy_o ere_o from_o the_o faith_n seducer_n need_v no_o better_o a_o subject_a for_o their_o design_n then_o simple_a soul_n affect_v to_o but_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n to_o life_n help_v 5_o get_v keep_v and_o exercise_v a_o spirit_n of_o discern_a in_o all_o your_o get_n get_v understanding_n wisdom_n to_o guide_v our_o affair_n will_v make_v our_o burden_n easy_a the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n heaven_n way_n be_v in_o nothing_o so_o straight_o and_o narrow_a as_o in_o the_o bound_n wâ—ich_a restrain_v we_o the_o danger_n which_o on_o all_o side_n limit_v it_o true_a piety_n lie_v in_o such_o narrow_a point_n that_o without_o a_o clear_a judgement_n and_o good_a understanding_n we_o can_v hit_v it_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v so_o politic_a and_o subtle_a that_o without_o a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v they_o will_v ready_o delude_v they_o lead_v captive_a silly_a soul_n through_o want_n of_o wisdom_n we_o entangle_v ourselves_o and_o many_o time_n make_v stumble_a stone_n in_o our_o own_o way_n want_v of_o judgement_n cause_v superstitious_a scrupulosity_n rash_a censure_v vain_a presumption_n and_o feign_a reverence_n he_o that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a will_v many_o time_n condemn_v good_a as_o evil_n and_o take_v evil_a for_o good_a will_v through_o fear_n of_o sin_n fly_v duty_n or_o be_v bold_a to_o rush_v into_o sin_n without_o fear_n he_o will_v not_o respect_v or_o he_o will_v renounce_v god_n ordinance_n because_o of_o man_n disorder_n or_o else_o he_o will_v impose_v his_o own_o invention_n and_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v beleiver_n must_v prove_v doctrine_n try_v the_o spirit_n distinguish_v minister_n know_v the_o devil_n when_o appear_v a_o angel_n of_o light_n differ_v christ_n church_n from_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n companion_n and_o discern_v god_n ordinance_n from_o humane_a invention_n conversant_a about_o they_o or_o in_o their_o room_n and_o stead_n and_o direct_v their_o own_o conversation_n in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o speciality_n of_o duty_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o their_o present_a state_n do_v require_v and_o know_v how_o to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o sever_v they_o from_o thing_n necessary_a and_o walk_v with_o even_o upright_a foot_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n follow_v god_n with_o the_o ease_n and_o freedom_n of_o those_o traveller_n who_o see_v and_o know_v their_o way_n no_o difficulty_n like_o darkness_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v because_o life_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v dependent_a thereupon_o give_v up_o yourselves_o your_o whole_a self_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n subjection_n help_v 6_o be_v a_o estate_n of_o ease_n nothing_o but_o a_o stubborn_a nature_n and_o perverse_a will_n can_v perplex_v they_o who_o be_v at_o the_o command_n of_o other_o how_o easy_a be_v the_o haâ—d_a thing_n of_o warfare_n by_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o soldier_n in_o strict_a obedience_n to_o their_o officer_n shall_v not_o it_o be_v much_o more_o such_o to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v yield_v free_a and_o full_a obedience_n to_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n let_v therefore_o your_o judgement_n guide_v affection_n piety_n prevail_v against_o policy_n what_o you_o shall_v against_o what_o you_o will_v do_v let_v god_n will_v once_o reveal_v become_v unto_o you_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o obedience_n in_o action_n and_o acquiescency_n in_o passion_n pray_v hearty_o and_o in_o truth_n father_n in_o heaven_n let_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v captivate_v carnal_a reason_n and_o bring_v every_o proud_a thought_n and_o high_a imagination_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n debate_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v distract_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n paul_n find_v not_o a_o more_o ready_a way_n than_o not_o to_o reason_n with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o let_v the_o eye_n of_o reason_n read_v god_n will_v reveal_v and_o then_o by_o faith_n silence_n the_o dictate_v and_o lead_v captive_a this_o deprave_a power_n resignation_n unto_o god_n will_n be_v the_o formality_n of_o true_a obedience_n therefore_o call_v obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o obedience_n can_v be_v the_o oneâ—y_a easy_a property_n of_o god_n child_n god_n will_v be_v and_o can_v be_v the_o only_a warrant_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o offer_v god_n man_n invention_n be_v to_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o he_o and_o to_o rebel_v against_o he_o our_o religion_n must_v be_v according_a to_o his_o express_a direction_n it_o be_v the_o great_a anxiety_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o obedience_n or_o a_o readiness_n and_o resolvedness_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o shall_v speak_v to_o do_v what_o he_o shall_v direct_v and_o to_o suffer_v meek_o what_o he_o shall_v dispose_v be_v a_o discharge_n thereof_o for_o he_o that_o will_v do_v shall_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o bend_a carnal_a wrangle_a reason_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o most_o high_a will_v pass_v we_o with_o much_o ease_n through_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n which_o do_v lead_v to_o life_n help_v 7_o go_v in_o good_a company_n it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o man_n to_o be_v alone_o be_v god_n reason_n for_o create_v humane_a society_n solitude_n be_v not_o more_o sad_a than_o dangerous_a two_o
of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n for_o corruption_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o who_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o church_n as_o some_o of_o the_o separation_n be_v and_o do_v depart_v from_o we_o what_o and_o if_o some_o cast_n off_o england_n shall_v we_o reject_v she_o because_o some_o of_o the_o son_n of_o her_o mother_n do_v so_o here_o be_v show_v two_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o footstep_n of_o his_o flock_n assembly_n of_o god_n people_n to_o his_o true_a ordinance_n and_o his_o own_o minister_n thus_o far_o and_o in_o these_o word_n do_v this_o reverend_a author_n though_o afterward_o a_o great_a countenancer_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o here_o condemn_v this_o i_o say_v christian_n it_o may_v sound_v harsh_a in_o your_o ear_n but_o you_o must_v let_v it_o sink_v into_o your_o heart_n the_o church_n defile_v and_o disorder_v must_v not_o be_v despise_v or_o decline_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n uncomfortable_o unprofitable_o administer_v yea_o with_o some_o superfluous_a appendant_o must_v not_o be_v disow_v or_o determine_a evil_n but_o embrace_v and_o attend_v as_o his_o worship_n the_o crisis_n of_o piety_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o maintain_v our_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o his_o own_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o a_o mode_n grievous_a yea_o loathsome_a to_o our_o soul_n continue_v our_o communion_n when_o we_o mourn_v for_o what_o we_o can_v mend_v observe_v it_o christ_n ministry_n be_v most_o vehement_o convince_o enraging_o invective_n against_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n profane_a and_o superstitious_a life_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o her_o priest_n and_o teacher_n yet_o he_o continue_v communion_n with_o she_o and_o appear_v a_o advocate_n for_o she_o against_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n self-gathered_n constitute_v church_n we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n so_o long_o as_o god_n ordinance_n be_v salvable_o dispense_v take_v heed_n to_o your_o own_o personal_a action_n in_o any_o impose_v or_o direct_v evil_n and_o disorder_n mourn_v over_o the_o imposition_n and_o administration_n which_o may_v extend_v a_o guilt_n on_o the_o church_n collective_o but_o disow_v not_o the_o church_n despise_v not_o the_o ministry_n decline_v not_o the_o worship_n whilst_o they_o exist_v the_o lord_n look_v to_o it_o that_o your_o zeal_n to_o purity_n break_v not_o unity_n and_o your_o loathe_n humane_a invention_n make_v you_o not_o leave_v god_n institution_n you_o be_v christ_n sheep_n as_o you_o will_v be_v lead_v be_v look_v after_o by_o the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o your_o soul_n see_v to_o it_o that_o you_o leap_v not_o out_o of_o his_o fold_n you_o may_v have_v your_o water_n pudle_v your_o pasture_n tread_v the_o proud_a of_o the_o flock_n to_o push_v you_o with_o horn_n and_o with_o hoof_n your_o pastor_n may_v rule_v you_o with_o pride_n and_o with_o cruelty_n lording_n it_o over_o god_n heritage_n and_o you_o they_o be_v careless_a of_o you_o may_v be_v disperse_v but_o i_o beseech_v you_o when_o the_o great_a shepherd_n shall_v come_v to_o judge_v between_o sheep_n and_o sheep_n between_o you_o and_o your_o shepherd_n let_v he_o find_v you_o on_o the_o mountain_n of_o israel_n 34._o ezek._n 34._o though_o scatter_v and_o afflict_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n under_o corruption_n may_v not_o be_v very_o comfortable_a but_o be_v assure_v it_o shall_v be_v safe_a reformation_n must_v be_v mournful_o endeavour_v but_o separation_n will_v never_o effect_v it_o it_o will_v for_o ever_o hinder_v supplant_v subvert_v it_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o my_o determination_n be_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o seek_v purity_n of_o ordinance_n in_o union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o by_o non_fw-fr conform_v communion_n to_o witness_v against_o and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v disorder_n and_o corruption_n go_v continual_o arm_v your_o course_n of_o piety_n be_v a_o constant_a help_v 8_o militation_n be_v then_o wary_a soldier_n be_v arm_v cap-a-pe_a take_v unto_o you_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n have_v your_o loin_n gird_v with_o verity_n principle_n of_o truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n your_o breast_n guard_v with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n 6.12_o ephes_n 6.12_o integrity_n of_o heart_n your_o head_n cover_v with_o the_o helmet_n of_o hope_n which_o will_v under_o the_o great_a billow_n and_o most_o roar_a wave_n hold_v your_o head_n above_o the_o water_n have_v your_o foot_n shod_a with_o patience_n the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n in_o every_o step_n you_o set_v you_o have_v sharp_a shell_n heart-peircing_a passion-provoking_a cross_n loss_n distress_n and_o affliction_n you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o when_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v inherit_v the_o promise_n you_o can_v without_o patience_n continue_v in_o well_o do_v unto_o the_o obtainment_n of_o the_o glory_n honour_n immortality_n 2.27_o rom._n 2.27_o and_o eternal_a life_n which_o you_o do_v seek_v take_v with_o you_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n declare_v will_n for_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o god_n glorious_a property_n and_o gracious_a promise_n those_o will_v quench_v the_o most_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n take_v unto_o you_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v down_o your_o way_n kill_v your_o lust_n the_o world_n allurement_n and_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n thus_o arm_v stand_v fast_o in_o your_o christian_a resolution_n but_o move_v forward_o advance_v in_o your_o christian_a conversation_n and_o you_o shall_v with_o ease_n encounter_n and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n for_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v lead_v our_o enemy_n captive_a and_o look_v that_o we_o defend_v our_o own_o soul_n against_o the_o subtle_a malicious_a stroke_n of_o a_o subdue_v though_o our_o swear_a enemy_n guess_v your_o way_n by_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o lord_n help_v 9_o have_v condescend_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o it_o be_v free_o make_v for_o we_o have_v no_o obligation_n on_o god_n justice_n or_o power_n to_o constrain_v or_o exact_v it_o grace_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n you_o shall_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n my_o spirit_n shall_v be_v in_o your_o heart_n grace_n be_v the_o form_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n on_o your_o heart_n i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o you_o shall_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n my_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o you_o grace_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o our_o sanctification_n here_o and_o our_o salvation_n hereafter_o and_o the_o mean_n necessary_a unto_o both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o obtainment_n and_o our_o pursuit_n of_o they_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o contract_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o compendium_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n be_v mediator_n the_o minister_n be_v dispenser_n ordinance_n be_v the_o dispensation_n faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n grace_n and_o glory_n with_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n this_o covenant_n like_o a_o compass_n point_n at_o all_o part_n of_o heaven_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wide_a ocean_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o sight_n of_o any_o land_n to_o guide_v we_o we_o may_v steer_v by_o this_o compass_n to_o our_o desire_a haven_n when_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o danger_n between_o the_o narrow_a creek_n and_o strait_a passage_n of_o sylla_n and_o charybdis_n this_o covenant_n be_v a_o light_n a_o lantern_n at_o land_n to_o guide_v we_o unto_o that_o nick_n and_o narrow_a point_n which_o will_v secure_v we_o christian_n the_o comfort_n of_o this_o covenat_n be_v not_o know_v till_o be_v shut_v up_o from_o man_n seclude_v from_o ordinance_n and_o under_o the_o want_n of_o all_o mean_n it_o may_v be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o bible_n you_o begin_v to_o reflect_v your_o relation_n to_o god_n god_n dispensation_n of_o grace_n to_o man_n and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o indenture_n and_o charter_n which_o do_v secure_a declare_v and_o direct_a both_o this_o covenant_n will_v dissolve_v our_o doubt_n direct_v our_o duty_n and_o dictate_v our_o comfort_n in_o all_o strait_n in_o all_o condition_n this_o and_o that_o i_o must_v do_v or_o not_o do_v this_o and_o that_o i_o must_v expect_v or_o not_o expect_v this_o be_v or_o that_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n will_v be_v easy_o infer_v by_o he_o who_o be_v interest_v in_o and_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n by_o this_o when_o i_o a_o poor_a gentile_n consider_v abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o i_o and_o jacob_n know_v i_o not_o can_v yet_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n by_o this_o when_o i_o be_o in_o the_o furnace_n i_o can_v cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o apprehend_v he_o answer_v i_o my_o people_n i_o can_v understand_v by_o this_o the_o word_n which_o speak_v unto_o we_o as_o child_n say_v my_o son_n despise_v not_o the_o chasten_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o hereby_o know_v correction_n paternal_a castigation_n to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o so_o when_o i_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n i_o can_v trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v myself_o upon_o my_o god_n faithful_a in_o covenant_n who_o will_v not_o fail_v i_o i_o hereby_o discern_v sin_n and_o detect_v error_n to_o be_v eschew_v discover_v truth_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v embrace_v and_o pursue_v in_o a_o word_n what_o the_o word_n do_v more_o ample_o and_o abundant_o declare_v when_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n to_o use_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v suggest_v and_o from_o thence_o i_o may_v infer_v it_o for_o my_o comfort_n and_o guidance_n when_o restrain_v the_o good_a therein_o promise_v i_o may_v bold_o challenge_v the_o evil_a thereunto_o repugnant_a i_o must_v rejct_v the_o truth_n and_o duty_n thereby_o dictate_v i_o must_v receive_v and_o do_v you_o look_v for_o experience_n and_o i_o tell_v you_o this_o in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o my_o heart_n in_o my_o late_a condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v my_o great_a comfort_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v my_o council_n i_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o unintere_v in_o or_o estrange_v unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n go_v you_o and_o do_v likewise_o if_o you_o be_v confound_v in_o your_o passage_n to_o life_n it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o skill_n to_o use_v it_o go_v forward_o in_o heaven_n way_n be_v enter_v the_o strait_n help_v 10_o gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n stand_v not_o still_o motion_n will_v make_v it_o easy_a traveller_n be_v more_o tire_v at_o the_o beginning_n then_o end_v of_o their_o journey_n because_o not_o use_v to_o such_o violence_n custom_n in_o all_o thing_n become_v a_o second_o nature_n whatsoever_o you_o do_v go_v not_o back_o non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la in_o heaven_n way_n not_o to_o go_v forward_o be_v to_o go_v backward_o the_o enemy_n will_v come_v upon_o you_o if_o you_o advance_v not_o against_o he_o remember_v lot_n wife_n take_v heed_n of_o backslide_v you_o will_v thereby_o hinder_v yourselves_o in_o heaven_n way_n and_o wound_v your_o conscience_n take_v heed_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n you_o will_v thereby_o ruin_v your_o salvation_n and_o hurt_n religion_n consider_v the_o just_a live_v that_o be_v persevere_v in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o faith_n but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o be_v it_o your_o care_n not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n 3â—â—â—_n heb._n 10_o 3â—â—â—_n but_o of_o they_o who_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n inure_v yourselves_o unto_o hardship_n be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a and_o you_o can_v but_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o shall_v your_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a belove_a friend_n the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v bound_v with_o such_o dangerous_a precipice_n beset_v with_o such_o difficulty_n and_o opposion_n and_o your_o deprave_a nature_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v averse_a and_o indispose_v to_o diligence_n and_o activity_n in_o holiness_n you_o can_v but_o find_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v who_o find_v it_o but_o i_o beseech_v you_o enter_v choose_v to_o enter_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n strive_v to_o enter_v it_o be_v straight_o observe_v practise_v these_o direction_n now_o give_v by_o god_n grace_n your_o entrance_n will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o ease_n and_o success_n consider_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o understanding_n finis_fw-la
reason_n which_o the_o learned_a do_v observe_v upon_o this_o text_n as_o because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o man_n reason_n distasteful_a to_o man_n lust_n and_o affection_n attend_v with_o distress_n great_a and_o many_o affliction_n every_o of_o these_o reason_n be_v true_a and_o good_a demonstration_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o man_n salvation_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o they_o but_o propose_v to_o your_o consideration_n one_o which_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o be_v most_o special_o intend_v in_o the_o text._n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n for_o it_o be_v terminate_v limit_v bound_v and_o restrain_v this_o gate_n and_o way_n be_v a_o enclosure_n on_o each_o side_n of_o which_o be_v bound_n which_o can_v be_v break_v without_o danger_n there_o be_v limitation_n which_o can_v be_v leave_v in_o safety_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o that_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n anguish_n affliction_n to_o which_o man_n be_v expose_v because_o they_o must_v walk_v move_v forward_o within_o such_o strait_a bound_n and_o narrow_a limit_n and_o may_v not_o can_v with_o any_o safety_n turn_v back_o or_o turn_v aside_o when_o once_o enter_v into_o this_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n man_n invention_n be_v indeed_o a_o large_a field_n and_o common_a road_n but_o god_n will_v be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n that_o once_o reveal_v man_n be_v by_o and_o to_o it_o restrain_v and_o may_v not_o turn_v aside_o from_o it_o unto_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a man_n passage_n towards_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o passage_n into_o a_o prison_n or_o rather_o a_o palace_n where_o the_o entertainment_n be_v by_o a_o low_a little_a wicket_n to_o which_o man_n must_v stoop_v and_o in_o which_o they_o can_v enter_v with_o any_o thing_n superfluous_a and_o the_o progress_n be_v over_o a_o narrow_a bridge_n open_a on_o both_o side_n on_o which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o move_v with_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o tread_v with_o even_a step_n he_o will_v tumble_v into_o the_o ditch_n one_o wry_a step_n may_v prove_v his_o ruin_n holiness_n be_v like_o jonathan_n motion_n to_o kill_v the_o philistine_n upon_o a_o high_a rock_n by_o a_o narrow_a path_n on_o each_o side_n of_o which_o be_v a_o precipice_n and_o in_o which_o they_o can_v go_v but_o must_v creep_v on_o their_o hand_n and_o knee_n godliness_n be_v a_o most_o regular_a militation_n in_o which_o the_o soldier_n be_v keep_v close_o to_o order_n commission_n and_o instruction_n not_o to_o move_v one_o foot_n without_o or_o beyond_o the_o same_o marescallo_n the_o french_a general_n first_o knight_v a_o scotch_a soldier_n for_o a_o eminent_a service_n he_o have_v do_v and_o then_o behead_v he_o for_o do_v it_o without_o commission_n and_o the_o same_o god_n who_o bless_v the_o house_n of_o obed-edom_n for_o entertain_v the_o ark_n make_v a_o perez_n vzza_n for_o vzza_n presume_v irregularity_n to_o uphold_v it_o when_o shake_v in_o the_o cart_n and_o in_o danger_n to_o fall_v sincerity_n in_o sanctity_n be_v a_o most_o straight_o line_v in_o which_o no_o part_n be_v crooked_a a_o upright_a man_n go_v right_a forward_o in_o god_n way_n without_o bend_v on_o either_o hand_n christianity_n be_v a_o clear_a criticism_n true_a religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o narrow_a point_n these_o be_v on_o both_o hand_n beset_v with_o sin_n good_a be_v the_o council_n of_o wisdom_n turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n remove_v thy_o foot_n from_o evil_n pro._n 4.2_o what_o the_o heathen_a conclude_v of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v most_o true_a of_o christian_a grace_n in_o medio_fw-la consistit_fw-la virtus_fw-la true_a virtue_n be_v the_o narrow_a middle_a way_n the_o extreme_n of_o which_o in_o defect_n or_o excess_n be_v manifest_a and_o notorious_a vice_n it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o nature_n to_o shoot_v short_a or_o wide_a of_o the_o mark_n to_o be_v dash_v on_o sâ—lla_n or_o charybdis_n to_o loose_a salvation_n by_o prophanesse_n or_o superstition_n to_o subvert_v the_o faith_n by_o ignorance_n or_o error_n to_o root_v up_o the_o church_n by_o persecution_n or_o separation_n to_o destroy_v god_n worship_n by_o irreligion_n or_o innovation_n to_o walk_v even_o to_o sail_v steady_o between_o those_o extreme_n and_o work_n which_o be_v on_o each_o hand_n hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la be_v a_o hard_a piece_n of_o work_n which_o will_v cause_v much_o care_n charge_n and_o pain_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v the_o scripture_n record_n do_v represent_v the_o saint_n integrity_n to_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o approve_v by_o a_o exact_a obedience_n in_o some_o narrow_a crisis_n special_a act_n and_o particular_a point_n in_o which_o they_o be_v most_o close_o pinch_a the_o whole_a law_n be_v too_o large_a a_o field_n for_o man_n obedience_n in_o innocency_n his_o willing_a subjection_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o his_o creator_n must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o pinch_n of_o one_o forbid_a tree_n whilst_o all_o in_o their_o first_o creation_n be_v appoint_v and_o all_o other_o be_v leave_v common_a and_o free_a unto_o his_o use_n noah_n must_v be_v the_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n by_o prepare_v the_o ark_n a_o improbable_a instrument_n to_o save_v he_o when_o the_o flood_n shall_v over-whelm_a house_n and_o mountain_n abraham_n may_v follow_v god_n he_o know_v not_o whither_o but_o must_v be_v approve_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o hope_v above_o hope_n unto_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o his_o son_n isaac_n we_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n which_o be_v only_o remarkable_a in_o one_o point_n he_o charge_v not_o god_n foolish_o we_o have_v also_o hear_v of_o the_o passion_n of_o job_n he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n but_o he_o curse_v not_o his_o god_n he_o challenge_v but_o he_o charge_v not_o the_o lord_n david_n faith_n be_v approve_v by_o his_o loyalty_n his_o enemy_n head_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n when_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o cut_v off_o the_o lap_n of_o his_o garment_n what_o shall_v i_o tell_v you_o of_o moses_n of_o jeremiah_n of_o daniel_n of_o the_o three_o child_n of_o the_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o faith_n be_v find_v sincere_a by_o a_o single_a point_n of_o obedience_n heb._n 11._o christianity_n be_v a_o most_o narrow_a crisis_n and_o must_v be_v well_o and_o wary_o di_o cerned_a i_o can_v but_o wonder_v to_o hear_v some_o man_n when_o convince_o pinch_v by_o a_o distinct_a discovery_n of_o their_o deviation_n from_o truth_n and_o piety_n cry_v out_o against_o distinction_n as_o antichristian_a and_o impious_a tell_v they_o they_o must_v discern_v between_o church_n minister_n baptism_n for_o these_o contradiction_n or_o contrary_a constitution_n can_v be_v christian_a and_o carry_v to_o heaven_n they_o will_v call_v off_o all_o possibility_n of_o conviction_n by_o cry_v out_o against_o logical_a distinction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v tell_v such_o in_o no_o case_n do_v that_o rule_n qui_fw-la bene_fw-la distinguit_fw-la bene_fw-la docet_fw-la distinction_n be_v man_n direction_n hold_v good_a so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v many_o time_n win_v or_o lose_v upon_o a_o nice_a and_o narrow_a point_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v a_o apple_n butcher_v or_o not_o butcher_v a_o only_a son_n such_o who_o pretend_v to_o move_v in_o heaven_n way_n without_o distinction_n march_v with_o confidence_n and_o security_n to_o destruction_n distinction_n be_v the_o ratio_fw-la formalis_fw-la of_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n no_o difficulty_n no_o danger_n in_o a_o way_n which_o need_v no_o distinction_n save_v grace_n be_v a_o discern_a spirit_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n distinction_n be_v the_o only_a demonstration_n of_o sincerity_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n heresy_n must_v come_v that_o they_o who_o be_v sound_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 10._o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o john_n 10._o my_o sheep_n know_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n the_o devil_n be_v often_o turn_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_a to_o engage_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n to_o careful_a considerate_a distinction_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v sometime_o tempt_v the_o distinguish_a power_n of_o â—ods_n people_n true_a piety_n must_v be_v approve_v by_o a_o nick_n or_o narrow_a point_n of_o obedience_n in_o every_o condition_n and_o relation_n avoid_v all_o deviation_n as_o well_o as_o defect_n and_o this_o can_v be_v observe_v if_o not_o discern_v there_o be_v a_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o to_o which_o we_o must_v not_o be_v beguile_v a_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v walk_v with_o right_a step_n the_o outlet_n of_o distinction_n be_v the_o inlet_n of_o delusion_n neglect_v to_o