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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n father_n life_n way_n 6,604 5 5.4332 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53923 The best way to mend the world, and to prevent the growth of popery by perswading the rising generation to an early and serious practice of piety: with answers to the principal cavils of Satan and his agents against it, &c. By Samuel Peck, minister of the word at Poplar. Peck, Samuel. 1680 (1680) Wing P1034; ESTC R222715 74,034 180

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you_o shall_v mourn_v without_o measure_n without_o profit_n and_o without_o end_n so_o that_o here_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n speak_v some_o truth_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v mourner_n 4._o math._n 5._o 4._o mourner_n for_o sin_n though_o he_o conceal_v that_o such_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v by_o christ_n but_o withal_o here_o be_v a_o great_a lie_n couch_v under_o this_o little_a truth_n viz._n that_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n you_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o sorrow_n which_o i_o say_v be_v a_o huge_a lie_n for_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v sorrow_n your_o pride_n cross_v expectation_n frustrate_v the_o world_n fail_v affliction_n and_o cross_n come_v unexpected_o upon_o you_o will_v cause_v great_a sorrow_n and_o anguish_n of_o mind_n these_o thing_n the_o religious_a and_o holy_a man_n can_v bear_v with_o much_o patience_n and_o cheerfulness_n but_o they_o be_v a_o heart-breaking_a to_o other_o for_o if_o the_o world_n frown_v upon_o you_o and_o friend_n forsake_v you_o as_o they_o do_v job_n in_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n who_o have_v you_o to_o smile_v upon_o you_o or_o to_o comfort_v you_o god_n will_v not_o his_o wrath_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o the_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n and_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n satan_n can_v this_o master_n who_o you_o serve_v will_v torment_v you_o then_o vex_v and_o grieve_v you_o then_o by_o add_v to_o and_o aggravate_v of_o your_o misery_n but_o as_o you_o common_o speak_v the_o devil_n a_o bit_n of_o comfort_n must_v you_o expect_v or_o shall_v you_o receive_v from_o he_o no_o young_a man_n be_v not_o thus_o delude_v a_o sinful_a course_n be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o sorrowful_a course_n it_o will_v bite_v like_a on_o adder_n and_o sting_n like_o a_o serpent_n in_o the_o end_n the_o wage_n satan_n give_v for_o all_o the_o service_n you_o can_v do_v he_o be_v shame_n reproach_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v not_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o work_v salvation_n better_a than_o sorrow_n by_o sin_n which_o end_v in_o damnation_n be_v not_o that_o sorrow_n or_o kind_n melt_v of_o the_o heart_n by_o a_o sweet_a sense_n of_o god_n love_n which_o will_v yield_v more_o solid_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n to_o your_o inward_a man_n than_o ever_o you_o find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n much_o more_o eligible_a than_o sorrow_n that_o work_v death_n then_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v god_n servant_n than_o the_o devil_n slave_n 2._o beside_o this_o be_v a_o real_a slander_n cast_v upon_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o they_o that_o pursue_v and_o practice_v it_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o require_v to_o throw_v away_o all_o comfort_n and_o pleasure_n in_o creature-enjoyment_n god_n do_v no_o where_n command_v you_o to_o leave_v they_o but_o only_o enjoin_v the_o prudent_a and_o moderate_a use_n of_o they_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o breed_v more_o bitterness_n in_o the_o disappointment_n than_o ever_o it_o yield_v sweetness_n to_o any_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n religion_n allow_v eat_v and_o drink_v though_o not_o to_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n afford_v you_o to_o take_v a_o subordinate_a comfort_n and_o delight_n in_o food_n raiment_n friend_n and_o possession_n and_o herein_o more_o true_a delight_n and_o comfort_n by_o sweeten_v these_o enjoyment_n with_o the_o mercy_n love_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o you_o can_v find_v in_o they_o before_o for_o before_o you_o enjoy_v the_o creature_n only_o now_o god_n with_o the_o creature_n therefore_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a a_o master_n as_o satan_n represent_v he_o he_o be_v bountiful_a enough_o to_o his_o servant_n allow_v they_o not_o only_o for_o necessity_n but_o delight_n give_v they_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v with_o christian_a moderation_n he_o do_v not_o command_n 17._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o david_n to_o throw_v away_o his_o harp_n nor_o christian_n utter_o to_o abandon_v all_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n but_o to_o take_v and_o use_v it_o in_o due_a measure_n and_o season_n eat_v thy_o bread_n with_o joy_n say_v god_n and_o drink_v thy_o wine_n with_o a_o 8._o eccles_n 9_o 7_o 8._o merry_a heart_n what_o can_v you_o desire_v more_o religion_n give_v you_o leave_v to_o be_v merry_a though_o not_o to_o be_v mad_a it_o allow_v you_o so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o will_v do_v you_o good_a and_o no_o more_o and_o to_o desire_v more_o than_o this_o be_v prodigious_a folly_n and_o madness_n 3._o grant_v that_o all_o sinful_a delight_n must_v be_v deny_v yet_o god_n promise_v other_o and_o better_a delight_n in_o exchange_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o wrong_a or_o injury_n in_o this_o be_v not_o those_o joy_n which_o affect_v and_o refresh_v the_o mind_n preferable_a to_o they_o which_o only_o stir_v the_o spleen_n those_o joy_n which_o arise_v from_o this_o sure_a hope_n of_o a_o endure_a substance_n be_v they_o not_o better_o than_o those_o joy_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o embrace_n the_o feign_a and_o fancy_a embrace_n of_o a_o shadow_n what_o think_v you_o of_o spiritual_a heavenly_a joy_n and_o delight_n if_o you_o will_v thorough_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o work_n of_o satan_n and_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n careful_o endeavour_v a_o imitation_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n with_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n you_o shall_v find_v such_o sweet_a peace_n and_o fresh_v joy_n flow_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n hereafter_o in_o heaven_n as_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n can_v never_o afford_v nor_o the_o great_a sensualist_n ever_o boast_v of_o or_o pretend_v to_o and_o whatever_o sorrow_n you_o have_v for_o sin_n whatever_o grief_n affliction_n or_o loss_n you_o may_v be_v expose_v to_o in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n they_o shall_v last_v but_o a_o while_n a_o little_a while_n and_o in_o the_o end_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o full_a joy_n sorrow_n may_v continue_v for_o a_o 6._o psal_n 126._o 5_o 6._o night_n but_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n you_o may_v sow_v in_o tear_n but_o you_o shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n you_o may_v go_v forth_o weep_v yet_o bear_v precious_a seed_n yet_o you_o shall_v certain_o return_v again_o rejoice_v bring_v your_o sheaf_n with_o you_o this_o light_a affliction_n for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a 17._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o weight_n of_o glory_n which_o text_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o wipe_v off_o this_o prejudice_n of_o satan_n against_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v you_o strict_o religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n §_o 5._o there_o be_v but_o this_o one_o objection_n or_o prejudice_n more_o that_o i_o shall_v mention_v which_o satan_n have_v to_o discourage_v you_o from_o follow_v of_o christ_n he_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n exceed_v perilous_a and_o dangerous_a o_o say_v he_o you_o can_v follow_v christ_n but_o you_o must_v run_v yourselves_o upon_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n you_o may_v lose_v all_o you_o have_v for_o your_o profession_n if_o perilous_a time_n come_v your_o religion_n may_v cost_v you_o your_o estate_n liberty_n nay_o your_o very_a life_n and_o be_v it_o not_o better_o sleep_v in_o a_o whole_a skin_n and_o to_o save_v all_o than_o hazard_n and_o lose_v all_o for_o a_o humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o which_o you_o may_v repent_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o 1._o as_o fierce_a as_o this_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n appear_v yet_o you_o need_v not_o be_v fright_v if_o you_o will_v remember_v that_o as_o great_a loss_n attend_v you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n as_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n 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of_o your_o own_o conscience_n be_v you_o convince_v that_o god_n in_o all_o respect_n be_v the_o best_a master_n and_o that_o religion_n will_v bring_v you_o the_o great_a profit_n and_o sure_a gain_n in_o the_o end_n have_v the_o promise_n both_o of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v why_o then_o will_v you_o not_o serve_v god_n and_o become_v religious_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o sin_n against_o conscience_n will_v bring_v upon_o you_o the_o great_a vengeance_n be_v you_o not_o also_o convince_v of_o this_o that_o man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v wish_v they_o have_v mind_v religion_n more_o and_o serve_v god_n better_a and_o do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o when_o death_n seize_v you_o you_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o say_v o_o that_o i_o have_v more_o regard_v holiness_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o dedicate_v and_o devote_a myself_o to_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o make_v i_o heap_v many_o 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the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o esteem_a and_o belove_v of_o god_n who_o will_v short_o convince_v the_o mad_a world_n who_o be_v the_o most_o worthy_a and_o render_v to_o they_o a_o full_a and_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n §_o 3._o the_o devil_n endeavour_n to_o quash_n all_o thought_n and_o purpose_n in_o young_a person_n of_o be_v religious_a by_o represent_v religion_n as_o too_o difficult_a and_o hard_a for_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o way_n which_o be_v call_v holy_a be_v marvellous_a uneasy_a and_o pave_v throughout_o with_o difficulty_n as_o the_o disciple_n once_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n when_o they_o hear_v he_o declare_v 60._o joh._n 6._o 60._o himself_o to_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o that_o they_o which_o do_v not_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n have_v no_o part_n in_o he_o o_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v hear_v it_o so_o say_v satan_n to_o young_a man_n when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o follow_v christ_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v religious_a holy_a and_o walk_v circumspect_o o_o this_o be_v a_o rough_a way_n who_o can_v walk_v in_o it_o there_o be_v many_o harsh_a say_n in_o religion_n which_o you_o can_v hear_v many_o heavy_a yoke_n which_o you_o can_v bear_v and_o many_o hard_a duty_n which_o you_o can_v do_v can_v you_o endure_v to_o hear_v of_o renounce_v the_o world_n mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o deny_v yourselves_o your_o youthful_a sport_n and_o pastime_n and_o all_o innocent_a and_o necessary_a delight_n and_o recreation_n to_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o a_o strict_a austere_a precise_a life_n live_v like_o diogenes_n in_o his_o tub_n or_o a_o hermit_n in_o his_o cell_n never_o give_v yourselves_o liberty_n to_o please_v yourselves_o in_o one_o sinful_a action_n in_o one_o graceful_a oath_n gainful_a lie_n or_o wanton_a dalliance_n can_v you_o go_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o tongue-tied_a all_o your_o day_n can_v you_o hear_v these_o say_n and_o truckle_n to_o these_o intolerable_a restriction_n you_o can_v never_o bear_v it_o never_o brook_v it_o to_o continue_v constant_a in_o a_o way_n so_o difficult_a be_v not_o the_o way_n you_o be_v in_o where_o you_o have_v all_o the_o liberty_n you_o can_v desire_v much_o better_o be_v you_o not_o great_o imprudent_a to_o be_v bind_v who_o may_v go_v free_a free_a from_o the_o severity_n of_o religion_n and_o nicety_n of_o holiness_n which_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v make_v up_o of_o and_o which_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n must_v daily_o and_o hourly_o observe_v or_o else_o they_o can_v have_v no_o peace_n night_n or_o day_n thus_o do_v this_o hellish_a adversary_n by_o his_o wile_n wind_n himself_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o young_a person_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v upon_o they_o and_o win_v they_o to_o his_o will_n to_o their_o eternal_a perdition_n if_o they_o yield_v to_o he_o but_o to_o obviate_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a be_v always_o prepare_v with_o these_o or_o the_o like_a meditation_n 1._o that_o the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a difficilia_fw-la quae_fw-la pulchra_fw-la difficulty_n imply_v excellency_n the_o way_n of_o religion_n though_o difficult_a be_v excellent_a it_o be_v call_v a_o more_o excellent_a way_n it_o be_v 25._o 1_o cor._n 12._o ult_n rev._n 15._o 3._o prov._n 3._o 17._o prov._n 8._o 32._o psal_n 110._o 24_o 25._o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n a_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o pleasantness_n a_o way_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delightfulness_n yea_o a_o way_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o what_o difficulty_n will_v not_o man_n go_v through_o to_o obtain_v thing_n excellent_a what_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n do_v man_n
then_o choose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n for_o a_o few_o day_n and_o refuse_v the_o pleasure_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o suppose_v i_o be_v now_o tumble_v and_o tremble_v upon_o my_o die_a bed_n under_o a_o cold_a sweat_n my_o eye_n set_v my_o heart_n faint_v and_o my_o breath_n depart_v as_o it_o must_v and_o will_v be_v with_o i_o a_o few_o day_n hence_o shall_v i_o then_o choose_v hell_n before_o heaven_n shall_v i_o say_v then_o god_n damn_v i_o lord_n reject_v my_o soul_n for_o evermore_o or_o this_o rather_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n lord_n take_v i_o to_o thyself_o in_o glory_n will_v i_o then_o say_v lord_n never_o let_v i_o share_v in_o thy_o mercy_n or_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o lord_n let_v i_o be_v a_o companion_n for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n in_o region_n of_o darkness_n and_o devour_a burn_n to_o all_o eternity_n or_o lord_n let_v i_o enter_v into_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a which_o of_o these_o state_n will_v you_o then_o choose_v §_o 3._o why_o sinner_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o you_o choose_v now_o who_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o service_n of_o satan_n you_o choose_v wrath_n and_o damnation_n the_o company_n of_o devil_n exclusion_n from_o heaven_n the_o place_n of_o bliss_n and_o the_o full_a the_o further_a separation_n and_o distance_n from_o god_n the_o chief_a good_a and_o centre_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o be_v this_o the_o choice_n you_o will_v make_v in_o the_o end_n when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v no_o god_n forbid_v then_o reflect_v and_o consider_v a_o little_a and_o be_v not_o rash_a but_o serious_a i_o beseech_v you_o in_o these_o great_a thing_n if_o heaven_n be_v better_o than_o hell_n life_n sweet_a than_o death_n if_o glory_n be_v more_o desirable_a upon_o a_o die_a bed_n than_o misery_n and_o mercy_n than_o wrath_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o way_n to_o mercy_n and_o glory_n be_v better_o than_o the_o way_n to_o destruction_n the_o way_n to_o life_n more_o pleasant_a to_o you_o than_o the_o way_n to_o death_n why_o shall_v you_o not_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n now_o and_o enter_v upon_o it_o present_o this_o day_n before_o the_o next_o since_o you_o be_v convince_v you_o must_v come_v into_o this_o way_n before_o you_o die_v or_o you_o can_v never_o be_v save_v and_o since_o you_o purpose_v it_o hereafter_o and_o talk_v of_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n hereafter_o why_o have_v you_o any_o such_o thought_n or_o purpose_n at_o all_o but_o that_o you_o be_v convince_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v choose_v the_o end_n of_o this_o way_n when_o death_n come_v and_o why_o shall_v you_o not_o refuse_v shun_v hate_v and_o avoid_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n now_o when_o you_o be_v convince_v in_o your_o conscience_n you_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o receive_v the_o fruit_n and_o end_n of_o that_o way_n when_o you_o come_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n certain_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n the_o apostle_n say_v great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n true_o i_o may_v invert_v his_o word_n and_o say_v great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o wickedness_n for_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v any_o man_n upon_o serious_a thought_n can_v render_v any_o good_a or_o solid_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a rather_o than_o the_o way_n of_o the_o upright_a to_o follow_v the_o devil_n rather_o than_o christ_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o sin_n rather_o than_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n only_o man_n will_v do_v it_o so_o they_o be_v sinful_a and_o wicked_a and_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a because_o they_o will_v fulfil_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n their_o destruction_n be_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v wilful_a destruction_n it_o be_v choose_v damnation_n §_o 4._o therefore_o young_a man_n for_o who_o sake_n principal_o i_o undertake_v this_o little_a work_n take_v for_o a_o close_a that_o of_o the_o prophet_n say_v unto_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o for_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n 11_o isa_n 3._o 10_o 11_o woe_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o and_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v it_o till_o you_o have_v bring_v your_o heart_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n wherein_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v travel_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n but_o two_o leader_n who_o they_o all_o follow_v christ_n or_o the_o devil_n but_o two_o place_n whither_o they_o all_o tend_v heaven_n or_o hell_n and_o know_v this_o direction_n and_o exhortation_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n though_o hand_v to_o you_o by_o his_o unworthy_a servant_n and_o if_o you_o deny_v i_o you_o therein_o deny_v he_o and_o if_o so_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v deny_v you_o and_o dare_v any_o of_o you_o deny_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v as_o those_o wicked_a one_o to_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n 17._o jer._n 44._o 16_o 17._o as_o for_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o have_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o we_o will_v not_o forsake_v our_o sin_n we_o will_v not_o follow_v christ_n nor_o be_v tie_v and_o bind_v to_o such_o circumspection_n and_o holiness_n as_o his_o follower_n be_v and_o as_o his_o word_n require_v but_o we_o will_v do_v whatsoever_o proceed_v 12._o jer._n 18._o 12._o cee_v out_o of_o our_o own_o mouth_n do_v our_o own_o device_n and_o walk_v every_o one_o after_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o own_o evil_a heart_n and_o be_v you_o content_a and_o willing_a god_n shall_v take_v you_o at_o your_o word_n and_o for_o ever_o give_v you_o over_o to_o your_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o walk_v in_o your_o own_o way_n and_o after_o your_o own_o counsel_n be_v you_o willing_a from_o henceforth_o to_o give_v up_o all_o your_o hope_n in_o christ_n your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n your_o hope_n of_o life_n salvation_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o ever_o in_o another_o world_n why_o this_o be_v the_o choice_n you_o be_v put_v to_o either_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n or_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a after_o death_n either_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n or_o never_o to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n to_o kiss_v the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o mercy_n or_o fall_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o justice_n either_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n or_o to_o be_v eternal_o exclude_v his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o these_o two_o one_o of_o these_o you_o must_v choose_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v you_o must_v repent_v or_o perish_v and_o follow_v after_o holiness_n or_o never_o see_v the_o lord_n religion_n be_v the_o only_a way_n god_n have_v make_v to_o heaven_n and_o if_o you_o never_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n you_o can_v never_o come_v thither_o and_o assure_v yourselves_o i_o can_v have_v no_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n to_o aim_v at_o in_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o be_v sincere_a follower_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o his_o glory_n and_o your_o salvation_n which_o to_o aim_v at_o be_v doubtless_o your_o interest_n as_o much_o as_o i_o and_o if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v write_v can_v convince_v you_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o day_n more_o and_o death_n and_o judgement_n shall_v gloria_fw-la trinuni_fw-la deo_fw-la sine_fw-la fine_a the_o young_a man_n monitor_n or_o a_o poetical_a paraphrase_n upon_o the_o xiith_z chapter_n of_o ecclesiastes_n the_o preface_n eccles_n xii_o i._o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n draw_v nigh_o when_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o young_a man_n remember_v in_o thy_o youthful_a age_n thy_o great_a creator_n and_o betimes_o engage_v thy_o soul_n and_o body_n both_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n to_o do_v he_o service_n ere_o the_o sable_a night_n of_o frightful_a death_n approach_v or_o evil_a day_n of_o old_a decrepit_a age_n wherein_o you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n nor_o a_o will_v to_o work_v youth_n be_v
expose_v themselves_o to_o for_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o pearl_n and_o diamond_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v excellent_a in_o the_o world_n esteem_n so_o grant_v there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o follow_v christ_n yet_o oppose_v its_o excellency_n to_o its_o difficulty_n that_o it_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o honour_n peace_n plenty_n to_o a_o kingdom_n a_o crown_n to_o river_n of_o pleasure_n and_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o you_o will_v yet_o conclude_v it_o the_o best_a choice_n you_o can_v make_v it_o be_v also_o absolute_o necessary_a you_o must_v walk_v in_o this_o way_n if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v bless_v or_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o to_o come_v and_o this_o you_o be_v convince_v of_o 2._o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v not_o in_o religion_n but_o in_o your_o own_o lust_n that_o clog_n and_o hinder_v you_o in_o your_o christian_a course_n call_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o weight_n 2._o heb._n 12._o 2._o which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o let_v a_o man_n who_o have_v fetter_n on_o his_o foot_n walk_v in_o never_o so_o smooth_a a_o path_n yet_o he_o complain_v whereas_o be_v he_o free_a from_o these_o he_o can_v go_v cheerful_o on_o make_v no_o complaint_n of_o the_o way_n at_o all_o so_o though_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v never_o so_o delightful_a and_o fair_a yet_o while_o you_o be_v clog_v with_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n and_o fetter_n of_o your_o lust_n no_o wonder_n you_o find_v some_o tediousness_n and_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v lay_v these_o aside_o and_o you_o will_v find_v this_o way_n so_o pleasant_a that_o you_o will_v walk_v in_o it_o with_o great_a delight_n with_o much_o pleasure_n and_o without_o much_o complaint_n and_o the_o great_a progress_n you_o make_v in_o it_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a will_v it_o be_v to_o your_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v to_o st._n paul_n who_o meet_v with_o as_o rough_a a_o path_n in_o religion_n and_o as_o great_a difficulty_n in_o follow_v christ_n as_o you_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o yet_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o 22._o rom._n 7._o 22._o law_n of_o god_n after_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o be_v the_o new_a man_n this_o way_n be_v once_o as_o cross_v and_o difficult_a to_o st._n paul_n as_o it_o can_v be_v to_o you_o yet_o afterward_o it_o be_v his_o delight_n it_o be_v true_a as_o st._n paul_n will_v not_o so_o that_o slothful_a lazy_a part_n thy_o old_a man_n will_v never_o take_v pleasure_n in_o god_n service_n but_o thy_o new_a man_n will_n wherefore_o let_v not_o satan_n deceive_v you_o by_o his_o false_a imposition_n on_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o what_o difficulty_n be_v arise_v from_o himself_o and_o your_o own_o sin_n be_v you_o in_o some_o measure_n rid_v of_o these_o and_o love_n to_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v more_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a than_o the_o devil_n represent_v it_o to_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o grace_n will_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v you_o in_o it_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o difficult_a way_n delightful_a this_o crooked_a thorny_a way_n as_o satan_n and_o sin_n make_v it_o smooth_a strait_a and_o plain_a before_o you_o christ_n have_v as_o much_o power_n now_o as_o ever_o to_o make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v god_n by_o the_o powerful_a aid_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o grace_n can_v make_v those_o foot_n that_o have_v be_v swift_a in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n nimble_a and_o strong_a in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n those_o heart_n of_o you_o which_o have_v be_v ravish_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n the_o delight_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n he_o can_v as_o strong_o and_o powerful_o incline_v to_o delight_v in_o his_o commandment_n he_o can_v give_v you_o new_a will_n affection_n desire_n new_a aim_n purpose_n and_o end_n so_o that_o you_o shall_v tend_v heaven-ward_n mind_n religion_n and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n with_o great_a readiness_n he_o can_v make_v the_o severe_a precept_n pleasant_a the_o hard_a part_n and_o most_o difficult_a duty_n of_o christianity_n delightful_a to_o your_o soul_n yea_o his_o whole_a service_n perfect_a freedom_n nor_o be_v god_n only_o able_a but_o willing_a to_o this_o nay_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o help_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n will_v 79._o joh._n 16._o 13._o luk._n 1._o 79._o guide_v you_o christ_n will_v be_v your_o leader_n and_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v write_v his_o law_n in_o your_o heart_n take_v away_o your_o natural_a enmity_n and_o indisposition_n and_o give_v you_o a_o sutableness_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o judgement_n and_o do_v 1._o jer._n 31._o 33._o ezek._n 36._o 26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o they_o have_v therefore_o these_o precious_a promise_n cleanse_v yourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n never_o doubt_v but_o that_o your_o sincere_a endeavour_n shall_v prove_v successful_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o your_o own_o diligence_n will_v carry_v you_o through_o it_o 3._o and_o whereas_o the_o devil_n will_v discourage_v you_o by_o suggest_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n know_v it_o be_v far_o easy_a than_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o follow_v christ_n than_o the_o devil_n the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n command_n be_v easy_a and_o light_a than_o the_o yoke_n of_o satan_n injunction_n who_o servant_n and_o follower_n be_v all_o drudge_n perfect_a slave_n and_o vassal_n but_o christ_n servant_n be_v freeman_n set_v into_o a_o glorious_a liberty_n and_o be_v style_v freeman_n a_o servant_n and_o yet_o free_a say_v the_o apostle_n there_o be_v 22._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 22._o not_o such_o a_o expression_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o servant_n of_o satan_n or_o sin_n and_o when_o you_o have_v a_o while_n accustom_a yourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o way_n of_o wisdom_n you_o will_v be_v of_o solomon_n mind_n that_o compare_v with_o the_o bondage_n and_o drudgery_n of_o sin_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n 17._o prov._n 3._o 17._o be_v peace_n §_o 4._o and_o lest_o this_o shall_v prove_v too_o weak_a and_o srail_a he_o have_v another_o like_v it_o and_o not_o less_o powerful_a ready_a at_o hand_n how_o unpleasant_a the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o straw_v with_o difficulty_n but_o destitute_a of_o all_o delight_n if_o once_o you_o embrace_v religion_n you_o must_v shake_v hand_n with_o all_o earthly_a felicity_n you_o must_v never_o look_v for_o a_o merry_a hour_n more_o will_v you_o believe_v a_o great_a religionist_n one_o who_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n a_o kingdom_n can_v afford_v to_o make_v his_o way_n pleasant_a yet_o complain_v how_o he_o be_v plague_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o 14._o psal_n 73._o 14._o chastened_a every_o morning_n that_o tear_n be_v his_o repast_n day_n and_o night_n and_o he_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n cry_v out_o of_o wound_n and_o break_a bone_n and_o want_v of_o rest_n he_o find_v this_o way_n so_o unpleasant_a as_o to_o embitter_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n that_o a_o sceptre_n and_o crown_n can_v yield_v and_o it_o be_v not_o where_o record_v that_o the_o great_a founder_n of_o religion_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o ever_o laugh_v but_o weep_v frequent_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o his_o follower_n and_o can_v you_o dispense_v with_o this_o that_o all_o your_o laughter_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o monrning_n all_o your_o joy_n into_o heaviness_n and_o all_o your_o mirth_n into_o lamentation_n continual_a experience_n tell_v you_o what_o a_o company_n of_o melancholy_a person_n christ_n disciple_n be_v and_o how_o they_o censure_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o like_o themselves_o and_o can_v you_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o their_o society_n who_o must_v be_v your_o constant_a companion_n 1._o here_o this_o wicked_a warrior_n make_v his_o pass_n very_a home_n yet_o with_o a_o little_a consideration_n you_o may_v easy_o put_v it_o by_o without_o any_o damage_n at_o all_o indeed_o you_o must_v repent_v of_o sin_n if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v save_v and_o your_o sorrow_n in_o some_o measure_n must_v last_v as_o long_o as_o life_n last_v because_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o sin_n you_o must_v mourn_v for_o sin_n here_o or_o burn_v for_o sin_n hereafter_o where_o