dii_o charior_fw-la est_fw-la illis_fw-la homo_fw-la quam_fw-la sibi_fw-la which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v commit_v thyself_o and_o all_o thy_o concern_v to_o divine_a providence_n let_v he_o determine_v what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o thou_o what_o be_v most_o requisite_a in_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o affair_n for_o god_n love_v man_n better_a than_o man_n love_v himself_o and_o do_v he_o good_a oftentimes_o against_o his_o will_n and_o though_o he_o deny_v he_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o his_o fleshly_a appetite_n and_o desire_n to_o his_o carnal_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n yet_o he_o give_v he_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v more_o wholesome_a and_o more_o profitable_a to_o he_o thus_o a_o careful_a physician_n prescribe_v safe_a and_o beneficial_a though_o unpalatable_a medicine_n to_o his_o disease_a patient_n and_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o mankind_n merciful_o and_o bountiful_o and_o frequent_o deny_v his_o request_n and_o prayer_n out_o of_o kindness_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v furnish_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o safe_a and_o more_o convenient_a for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o useful_a lesson_n and_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o st._n paul_n experience_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o two_o precede_a verse_n lest_o say_v he_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v i_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o st._n paul_n prayer_n wherein_o god_n instead_o of_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o pray_v for_o promise_v to_o give_v he_o his_o grace_n to_o endure_v it_o which_o will_v be_v far_o more_o commodious_a and_o advantageous_a to_o he_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v discourse_v with_o the_o great_a profit_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v i._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v his_o grace_n ii_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o unto_o he_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v thy_o request_n in_o exempt_n thou_o from_o thy_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n but_o lest_o thou_o shall_v be_v oppress_v by_o they_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o what_o be_v more_o expedient_a for_o thou_o to_o wit_n my_o grace_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v viz._n his_o grace_n which_o take_v in_o the_o general_n denote_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n renew_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o continual_o strengthen_v and_o guide_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will._n now_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n proceed_v diversity_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v gratia_n gratis_o data_fw-la or_o the_o miraculous_a unction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o to_o one_o be_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o speak_n with_o tongue_n to_o a_o three_o prophesy_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n mean_v in_o the_o text_n 10.12_o 1_o cor._n 10.12_o for_o this_o be_v communicate_v to_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a man_n to_o balaâ—â—_n and_o saul_n and_o caiphas_n and_o judas_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o tempt_a st._n paul_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text._n and_o those_o excellent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n with_o which_o this_o apostle_n be_v furnish_v tend_v to_o puff_n he_o up_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o buffet_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o uphold_v and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o be_v what_o the_o schoolman_n call_v gratia_n gratum_fw-la faciens_fw-la or_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n such_o as_o be_v all_o the_o save_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n charity_n purity_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o gracious_a habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o wherein_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n do_v true_o consist_v 1.6_o eph._n 1.6_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o render_v we_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n eternal_a life_n unto_o we_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v best_a describe_v by_o its_o effect_n 6.23_o rom._n 6.23_o which_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o 2.27_o 1_o joh._n 2.27_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o renew_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n govern_v our_o perverse_a will_n and_o affection_n counsel_n and_o action_n god_n holy_a spirit_n lead_v guide_a and_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n 8.14_o rom._n 8.14_o this_o unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n our_o head_n comfort_n we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n and_o distress_n whether_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n 45.8_o joh._n 15.26_o psal_n 45.8_o and_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n and_o last_o it_o help_v we_o in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o support_v we_o in_o time_n of_o the_o great_a distress_n and_o extremity_n it_o keep_v we_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n when_o we_o consider_v our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o transgression_n or_o from_o question_v his_o providence_n because_o of_o our_o misery_n and_o from_o backslide_n and_o fall_a off_o from_o christ_n for_o fear_n of_o danger_n or_o any_o other_o worldly_a respect_n in_o short_a it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n 4.13_o phil._n 4.13_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2._o observable_a in_o the_o text._n the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o this_o grace_n it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o undergo_v whatsoever_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 5.23_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o for_o since_o that_o god_n who_o give_v this_o grace_n be_v in_o himself_o all-sufficient_a therefore_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o give_v it_o god_n grace_n sanctify_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o body_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n it_o cheer_v we_o in_o adversity_n it_o restrain_v we_o in_o prosperity_n not_o suffer_v we_o either_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o the_o one_o or_o to_o droop_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o fortify_v our_o soul_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o batteries_n 6.12_o eph._n 6.12_o when_o we_o be_v afflict_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o suffering_n here_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o or_o if_o we_o abound_v in_o blessing_n or_o in_o gift_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a it_o tell_v we_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o to_o what_o end_n they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o hide_v these_o talent_n in_o a_o napkin_n or_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o wantonness_n but_o promote_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n though_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n without_o present_a return_v or_o apparent_a success_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n forbear_v to_o give_v we_o those_o good_a thing_n we_o ask_v for_o that_o he_o may_v try_v our_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o since_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o expedient_a to_o grant_v they_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v the_o determination_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n again_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o person_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o he_o shine_v
ordinance_n of_o religion_n be_v tiresome_a and_o a_o weariness_n to_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n tell_v we_o 12.6_o act_n 14.22_o heb._n 12.6_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o god_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n 7.4_o matth._n 7.4_o and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v so_o happy_a and_o pleasant_a a_o state_n of_o life_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v it_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v that_o many_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o difficulty_n attend_v a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o time_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v persecute_v by_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o even_o in_o our_o time_n when_o king_n be_v become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o to_o give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o entrance_n on_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o so_o great_a difficulty_n that_o it_o will_v become_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o easy_a and_o at_o last_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o they_o when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n accustom_a themselves_o to_o it_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o well-spent_a life_n will_v flow_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o nothing_o will_v yield_v they_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o privilege_n of_o pour_v out_o the_o desire_n of_o their_o soul_n before_o god_n and_o beg_a supply_n from_o he_o and_o return_v he_o thanks_o for_o his_o blessing_n bestow_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v earned_o desire_v to_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n and_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n 42.1_o psal_n 42.1_o so_o will_v their_o soul_n pant_v after_o their_o god_n and_o their_o redeemer_n but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o god_n shall_v see_v fit_a to_o make_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n hazardous_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n chargeable_a yet_o what_o generous_a and_o praise_v worthy_a undertake_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o pain_n and_o diligence_n all_o that_o be_v excellent_a and_o noble_a require_v labour_n and_o industry_n and_o the_o pain_n man_n take_v make_v the_o dear-bought_a blessing_n more_o acceptable_a to_o they_o do_v they_o not_o undergo_v much_o great_a difficulty_n for_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n though_o their_o success_n be_v seldom_o answerable_a to_o their_o expectation_n do_v they_o not_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n leave_v their_o best_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n and_o dig_v even_o into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o quest_n of_o wealth_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o find_v a_o grave_a where_o they_o seek_v their_o treasure_n do_v they_o not_o toil_n and_o sweat_n and_o wade_v through_o a_o sea_n of_o blood_n in_o pursuit_n of_o honour_n though_o they_o expect_v no_o other_o recompense_n for_o their_o pain_n but_o a_o lawrel-wreath_n or_o the_o applause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v not_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n deserve_v our_o care_n shall_v we_o not_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n for_o a_o never_o fade_a crown_n as_o we_o do_v for_o a_o wither_a garland_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o great_a difficulty_n we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n suppose_v as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v that_o there_o be_v lion_n in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n mountain_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o our_o natural_a strength_n and_o ability_n yet_o even_o the_o most_o formidable_a evil_n will_v not_o fright_v we_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n if_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o low_a and_o most_o afflict_a condition_n the_o good_a man_n enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o quiet_a mind_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a compensation_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o can_v possible_o endure_v in_o this_o life_n all_o other_o evil_n be_v supportable_a and_o may_v be_v undergo_v by_o a_o stable_n and_o well_o resolve_v mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n 18.14_o prov._n 18.14_o but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v this_o be_v the_o only_a load_n which_o be_v insupportable_a and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o lot_n of_o the_o prosperous_a wicked_a man._n 2._o the_o good_a man_n be_v furnish_v with_o never-failing_a remedy_n against_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o present_a life_n he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o affliction_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o god_n dispose_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o a_o indulgent_a father_n that_o the_o wheel_n of_o god_n providence_n have_v a_o eye_n within_o they_o which_o always_o guide_v they_o to_o some_o wise_a end_n or_o other_o 12.9_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v proportion_v his_o assistance_n to_o his_o want_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v call_v he_o out_o to_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n he_o will_v also_o give_v he_o strength_n to_o undergo_v the_o fiery_a trial_n and_o cheerful_o to_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o flame_n and_o 3._o the_o good_a man_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o suffer_v will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o the_o time_n draw_v on_o apace_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o all_o his_o trouble_n 7.17_o rev._n 7.17_o have_v all_o tear_n wipe_v away_o from_o his_o eye_n and_o receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n for_o all_o those_o momentary_a affliction_n he_o have_v undergo_v in_o this_o life_n whilst_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n his_o faith_n show_v he_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n and_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o it_o make_v he_o not_o only_o patient_a but_o thankful_a for_o and_o cheerful_a under_o affliction_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o st._n paul_n when_o in_o chain_n and_o under_o all_o his_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n be_v infinite_o more_o content_v than_o caesar_n or_o seneca_n than_o any_o of_o the_o most_o fortunate_a prince_n or_o wise_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a true_a pleasure_n to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o debauch_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n 2._o that_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v a_o comfortable_a life_n even_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a 3._o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v fall_v into_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o most_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o if_o so_o then_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v i.e._n that_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n be_v best_a secure_v by_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n it_o only_o remain_v that_o i_o show_v second_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n only_o differ_v in_o degree_n grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v and_o glory_n be_v grace_n perfect_v and_o consummate_v so_o that_o every_o good_a action_n and_o religious_a duty_n that_o we_o perform_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n it_o both_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o and_o lead_v we_o near_o to_o it_o for_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n we_o copy_n out_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o become_v more_o like_a god_n and_o the_o
our_o way_n as_o to_o turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o 2_o tim_n iii_o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o this_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n ver._n 1._o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n periolous_a time_n shall_v come_v because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n and_o all_o which_o he_o comprehend_v under_o one_o character_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o time_n will_v be_v so_o perilous_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o wicked_a person_n shall_v conceal_v their_o crime_n under_o a_o form_n and_o show_v of_o godliness_n be_v they_o profess_o and_o open_o wicked_a there_o be_v some_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o their_o impudence_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tax_v or_o upbraid_v with_o hypocrisy_n be_v they_o covetous_a proud_a blasphemer_n without_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n than_o all_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v and_o detect_v they_o 55.12_o psal_n 55.12_o and_o from_o a_o open_a enemy_n i_o will_v have_v hide_v myself_o say_v david_n shelf_n and_o quicksand_n that_o have_v light_n always_o burn_v to_o discover_v they_o by_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o avoid_v and_o we_o be_v forewarn_v against_o the_o dog_n that_o bark_v first_o but_o these_o deceiver_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v have_v a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a outside_n though_o they_o be_v foul_a within_o these_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o be_v great_a professor_n of_o religion_n they_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o great_a sin_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a company_n and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o observe_v the_o caution_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n iii_o how_o we_o may_v discover_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o else_o only_a the_o form_n of_o it_o iu._n and_o last_o how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o godliness_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o devout_a and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o according_a to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o describe_v it_o more_o full_o and_o express_o 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_a love_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a whereby_o we_o be_v incite_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a towards_o man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o word_n be_v imply_v our_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o be_v express_v by_o st._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o paul_n by_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v mean_v a_o outward_a resemblance_n a_o colourable_a show_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o godliness_n when_o a_o man_n put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n act_n and_o mimic_n it_o so_o well_o as_o to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o judge_v according_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a holy_a and_o religious_a man_n though_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v nothing_o less_o he_o may_v not_o only_o deceive_v other_o but_o delude_v himself_o also_o and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o form_n must_v be_v like_o the_o pattern_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o form_n at_o all_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o picture_n or_o statue_n be_v such_o a_o man_n picture_n or_o statue_n unless_o it_o bear_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o his_o look_n and_o person_n thus_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n must_v be_v such_o a_o show_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o hue_n and_o complexion_n with_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o it_o though_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o imply_v that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o internal_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o action_n which_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v as_o st._n 8.12_o 1_o tiâ—â—_n 41_o 8.12_o paul_n say_v a_o example_n of_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v he_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o a_o man_n have_v charity_n in_o conversation_n faith_n and_o purity_n in_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o in_o himself_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o and_o godly_a towards_o his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n then_o be_v his_o soul_n and_o body_n entire_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n then_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o work_v mighty_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n of_o god_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o reduce_v the_o most_o stiffnecked_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n in_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o leave_v their_o belove_a sin_n and_o bosom_n vice_n and_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o subdue_a the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o unruly_a passion_n such_o as_o pride_n envy_n malice_n and_o revenge_n those_o sin_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o and_o in_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o men._n the_o lion_n become_v a_o lamb_n and_o the_o serpent_n a_o dove_n a_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n whole_o spiritual_a and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o child_n of_o god_n he_o aim_v at_o new_a end_n act_n by_o new_a principle_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v his_o life_n by_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o those_o hypocrite_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n be_v without_o here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v defective_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o show_v 2._o that_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v forewarn_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o for_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o his_o servant_n can_v put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n nay_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o true_a gospel_n with_o such_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a efficacy_n
in_o the_o most_o eminent_a degree_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v to_o inferior_a being_n and_o be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o since_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o proportion_v our_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o worth_n and_o dignity_n we_o apprehend_v to_o be_v in_o they_o it_o will_v from_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o infinite_a perfection_n will_v require_v and_o aught_o to_o raise_v our_o praise_n and_o adoration_n for_o we_o receive_v all_o that_o we_o have_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n imaginable_a to_o return_v he_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o holy_a name_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o contemplate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o general_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n derive_v down_o to_o we_o in_o particular_a either_o of_o they_o will_v afford_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o frequent_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o to_o what_o end_n can_v we_o imagine_v our_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v place_v in_o we_o why_o be_v our_o body_n enlighten_v with_o this_o ray_n of_o divinity_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o consider_v and_o contemplate_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n creation_n and_o providence_n to_o what_o end_n have_v we_o a_o power_n give_v we_o of_o communicate_v our_o thought_n one_o to_o another_o but_o that_o we_o may_v join_v together_o in_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o psalmist_n call_v the_o tongue_n man_n glory_n 57.8_o psal_n 57.8_o because_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o speech_n be_v to_o praise_n and_o glorify_v god_n from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reflection_n the_o generality_n of_o virtuous_a and_o think_v man_n have_v give_v their_o assent_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o therefore_o how_o wide_a soever_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n be_v from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_v god_n which_o proceed_v from_o their_o different_a notion_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n yet_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n centre_n and_o agree_v in_o this_o common_a truth_n and_o principle_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v public_a and_o solemn_a public_a worship_n therefore_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n a_o precept_n of_o universal_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n but_o beside_o it_o be_v our_o declare_a duty_n by_o positive_a institution_n the_o jew_n we_o know_v have_v a_o set_v and_o solemn_a worship_n dictate_v to_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o they_o be_v under_o his_o immediate_a guidance_n and_o government_n he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o their_o king_n too_o their_o civil_a and_o religious_a sanction_n be_v blend_v together_o and_o their_o worship_n so_o true_o public_a that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v any_o express_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v not_o so_o and_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o mention_v because_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v that_o the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o though_o the_o ritual_a part_n of_o it_o be_v no_o long_o oblige_v than_o till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v typify_v thereby_o yet_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o moral_a and_o eternal_a reason_n as_o public_a worship_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n 5.17_o matth._n 5.17_o but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o i._n e._n he_o come_v to_o perform_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o type_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v have_v their_o completion_n in_o he_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v shall_v pass_v away_o but_o he_o come_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v moral_a duty_n to_o place_v they_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o to_o give_v mankind_n just_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o by_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o this_o end_n he_o make_v it_o his_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o establish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o refine_v it_o from_o its_o dross_n and_o to_o reform_v it_o from_o all_o those_o superstition_n and_o abuse_n which_o in_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n be_v creep_v into_o it_o because_o the_o purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o cement_n of_o society_n and_o the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n to_o this_o end_n our_o saviour_n institute_v a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n a_o particular_a order_n of_o man_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o offer_v up_o public_a prayer_n and_o thansgiving_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o unite_v man_n into_o society_n for_o the_o public_a and_o more_o solemn_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o gather_v he_o a_o kingdom_n or_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n i._n e._n a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o enter_v into_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n to_o obey_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o to_o live_v by_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n he_o therefore_o who_o neglect_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v in_o effect_n disown_n god_n authority_n deny_v his_o saviour_n and_o cast_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o protection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n so_o earnest_o exhort_v the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o 10.25_o heb._n 10.25_o as_o be_v one_o effectual_a mean_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o heinous_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n of_o apostatise_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o will_v from_o thence_o appear_v that_o to_o worship_n god_n public_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n for_o since_o worship_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o that_o be_v who_o we_o adore_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o more_o public_a this_o acknowledgement_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a and_o acceptable_a be_v the_o worship_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v more_o conducive_a and_o answerable_a to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o at_o first_o institute_v and_o design_v it_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v oblige_v thus_o public_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o may_v hereby_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o poor_a indigent_a and_o necessitous_a condition_n and_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o we_o receive_v every_o thing_n we_o possess_v from_o this_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o all_o that_o we_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o since_o we_o can_v make_v he_o no_o other_o return_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o withhold_v that_o of_o a_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n and_o the_o natural_a expression_n of_o a_o grateful_a mind_n and_o since_o god_n be_v good_a not_o only_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a but_o to_o all_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o since_o his_o most_o valuable_a though_o most_o unregarded_a favour_n be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o in_o common_a therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o join_v together_o in_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n with_o the_o great_a veneration_n and_o solemnity_n 3._o consider_v the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n we_o be_v creature_n natural_o addict_v to_o imitation_n and_o rather_o incline_v to_o do_v as_o other_o do_v than_o to_o take_v their_o advice_n and_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v example_n have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o temporal_a our_o passion_n be_v wonderful_o raise_v when_o by_o a_o holy_a kind_n of_o emulation_n we_o as_o it_o be_v contend_v in_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o devotion_n for_o as_o fire_n kindle_v fire_n and_o turn_v all_o other_o material_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_n zeal_n will_v produce_v its_o like_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o all_o who_o behold_v it_o a_o man_n may_v go_v on_o a_o long_a time_n
never_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o perform_v who_o both_o by_o their_o look_n and_o gesture_n declare_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o some_o other_o place_n and_o employ_v on_o some_o other_o business_n a_o multitude_n of_o needless_a and_o insignificant_a ceremony_n such_o as_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tend_v to_o divert_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o business_n we_o be_v about_o and_o make_v so_o much_o employment_n for_o our_o body_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o serve_v he_o with_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o our_o religious_a worship_n nor_o do_v i_o plead_v for_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o devout_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o i_o will_v enforce_v a_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o that_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n our_o church_n prescribe_v that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n that_o humble_a prostration_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o become_v man_n who_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n will_v appear_v 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o as_o i_o have_v former_o observe_v consist_v in_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o man_n have_v for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n who_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o every_o thing_n they_o enjoy_v which_o make_v they_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o profound_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o will_v discover_v itself_o in_o their_o look_n word_n and_o action_n for_o there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o union_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o when_o the_o one_o be_v serious_o affect_v the_o other_o can_v remain_v unconcern_v when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o glorious_a idea_n of_o god_n wonderful_a perfection_n his_o majesty_n power_n goodness_n and_o lovingkindness_n towards_o we_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o our_o bosom_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v 6.27_o prov._n 6.27_o as_o to_o contain_v ourselves_o from_o discover_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o visible_a demonstration_n beside_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o public_a worship_n that_o we_o make_v know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o public_a token_n of_o reverence_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n this_o be_v one_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o worship_a god_n in_o public_a 15.6_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o incite_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v he_o and_o declare_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o a_o reverence_n we_o retain_v for_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o our_o external_a behaviour_n and_o devout_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o man_n deserve_o eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o devotion_n who_o do_v not_o join_v bodily_a worship_n with_o his_o mental_a adoration_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o three_o consideration_n 3._o that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a that_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o decent_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o with_o humility_n and_o respect_n uncover_v our_o head_n and_o bend_v our_o body_n and_o give_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o attention_n and_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n than_o we_o will_v be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o temporal_a prince_n do_v god_n appear_v in_o our_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n will_v put_v every_o one_o of_o we_o into_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o devout_a posture_n yet_o god_n be_v here_o present_a of_o a_o truth_n though_o we_o know_v it_o not_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n do_v not_o only_o look_v down_o and_o behold_v we_o but_o be_v as_o certain_o present_a in_o this_o congregation_n as_o if_o we_o behold_v they_o with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n let_v we_o therefore_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o god_n 95.6_o psal_n 95.6_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n let_v we_o give_v he_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o our_o body_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o bow_v down_o ourselves_o before_o he_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o that_o the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n may_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o not_o give_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o worldly_a thought_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o divine_a service_n be_v end_v much_o less_o shall_v we_o let_v loose_v our_o thought_n to_o pastime_n and_o recreation_n though_o never_o so_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a for_o be_v there_o no_o divine_a command_n common_a prudence_n will_v dictate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o fix_v those_o truth_n we_o have_v hear_v upon_o our_o memory_n be_v to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o digest_v what_o we_o have_v hear_v by_o serious_a meditation_n and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o divert_v our_o thought_n to_o other_o employment_n will_v deface_v all_o those_o good_a impression_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v make_v on_o our_o mind_n blot_v they_o out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o make_v those_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v like_o the_o seed_n sow_o by_o the_o way_n side_n 13.5_o matth._n 13.5_o which_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n let_v we_o therefore_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o recollect_v what_o the_o preacher_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o consider_v what_o article_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v explain_v what_o virtue_n have_v be_v recommend_v what_o vice_n reprove_v what_o argument_n and_o motive_n have_v be_v use_v and_o in_o short_a in_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o transcribe_v it_o into_o our_o life_n let_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o grow_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o conclude_v all_o with_o our_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o inlighten_v our_o understanding_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o to_o render_v his_o good_a word_n effectual_a to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v only_o bare_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o same_o let_v we_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o the_o many_o gracious_a opportunity_n he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o enter_v his_o court_n and_o approach_v his_o sanctuary_n that_o we_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a and_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o his_o gospel_n whilst_o so_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n 107.10_o psal_n 107.10_o and_o let_v we_o not_o only_o content_v ourselves_o with_o make_v a_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o favour_n but_o testify_v our_o thankfulness_n by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n and_o word_n and_o make_v it_o the_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n sermon_n viii_o 2_o cor._n xii_o 9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o wonderful_a good_a and_o gracicious_a be_v the_o design_n of_o providence_n towards_o mankind_n both_o as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n in_o this_o life_n be_v so_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n to_o implant_v in_o they_o such_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o habit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v excellent_a advice_n though_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o heathen_a si_fw-la vis_fw-la consilium_fw-la permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la
faith_n which_o he_o former_o persecute_v and_o from_o a_o enemy_n to_o become_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v he_o now_o as_o a_o christian_a and_o then_o you_o will_v find_v he_o remarkable_a for_o the_o exact_a government_n of_o his_o life_n his_o grace_n his_o affliction_n his_o infirmity_n 1._o he_o be_v remarkable_a for_o his_o austere_a life_n and_o conversation_n like_o one_o who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n he_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v hinder_v he_o in_o his_o christian_a course_n 15.10_o 1_o cor._n 9.27_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o beat_v down_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n travel_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n from_o city_n to_o city_n never_o weary_v with_o preach_v never_o baffle_v with_o opposition_n never_o tire_v with_o dispute_v and_o all_o this_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o he_o 2_o if_o you_o will_v take_v a_o survey_n of_o his_o grace_n you_o may_v read_v that_o he_o prophesy_v he_o speak_v with_o tongue_n he_o wrought_v miracle_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v he_o be_v enlighten_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o abundance_n a_o excess_n a_o multitude_n of_o revelation_n he_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n 12.4_o 2_o cor._n 12.4_o and_o hear_v word_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v these_o be_v such_o privilege_n such_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n and_o a_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n that_o nothing_o can_v keep_v he_o from_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o they_o but_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o god_n grace_n with_o which_o he_o be_v endow_v and_o as_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o in_o prosperity_n so_o 3._o do_v it_o support_v he_o in_o a_o day_n of_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n he_o be_v as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25._o in_o stripe_n above_o measure_n in_o prison_n frequent_a in_o death_n oft_o of_o the_o jew_n five_o time_n receive_v he_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o thrice_o be_v he_o beat_v with_o rod_n once_o be_v he_o stone_v thrice_o he_o suffer_v shipwreck_n a_o night_n and_o a_o day_n he_o be_v in_o the_o deep_a in_o journeying_n often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o robber_n in_o peril_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o peril_n by_o his_o own_o countryman_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o city_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o sea_n in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n in_o weariness_n and_o painfulness_n in_o watch_n often_o in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o fast_n often_o in_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n etc._n etc._n and_o at_o last_o after_o forty_o year_n persecution_n he_o be_v behead_v at_o rome_n have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o he_o can_v not_o have_v suffer_v so_o courageous_o nor_o have_v glory_v in_o his_o suffering_n with_o such_o christian_a bravery_n nor_o have_v promise_v himself_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n with_o such_o a_o earnest_a hope_n and_o steadfast_a assurance_n and_o last_o we_o have_v his_o infirmity_n there_o be_v send_v he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n disease_n s._n chryso_n the_o iliack_a passion_n tertul._n the_o headache_n cyprian_a some_o bodily_a disease_n as_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o by_o which_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n understand_v some_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n with_o more_o probability_n affirm_v that_o by_o this_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v not_o any_o particular_a evil_n but_o all_o manner_n of_o temptation_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n strive_v either_o to_o undermine_v his_o faith_n or_o to_o beat_v he_o from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a of_o all_o these_o and_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n god_n promise_v he_o his_o grace_n and_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o we_o find_v by_o the_o consequence_n that_o it_o have_v its_o desire_a effect_n this_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v he_o humble_a when_o he_o behold_v the_o most_o glorious_a revelation_n and_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n to_o support_v he_o amid_o the_o most_o grievous_a tribulation_n and_o affliction_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v he_o under_o temptation_n and_o though_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n he_o can_v not_o obtain_v a_o present_a deliverance_n from_o his_o temptation_n yet_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o reap_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o a_o addition_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o obtain_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o eternal_a and_o never-fading_a crown_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o direct_v our_o thought_n from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o word_n in_o the_o general_n to_o consider_v the_o influence_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v on_o our_o particular_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v such_o inference_n as_o natural_o flow_v from_o the_o truth_n already_o deliver_v and_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n to_o state_n the_o case_n plain_o between_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n whether_o he_o have_v get_v save_v grace_n or_o no_o for_o since_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v a_o man_n in_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v he_o steady_a under_o all_o the_o turn_v and_o vicissitude_n of_o humane_a affair_n it_o certain_o behoove_v every_o one_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o this_o jewel_n of_o great_a price_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o counterfeit_v ed_z and_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n try_v and_o examine_v well_o yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n that_o you_o must_v have_v this_o true_a save_a grace_n of_o god_n unless_o you_o be_v reprobate_n take_v heed_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n often_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v and_o read_v god_n word_n and_o pray_v frequent_o and_o fervent_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v the_o true_a gift_n of_o understanding_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n he_o may_v say_v the_o apostle_n give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v 3._o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o all_o his_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o yet_o not_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o love_n he_o may_v have_v a_o faith_n sufficient_a to_o remove_v mountain_n and_o yet_o be_v nothing_o he_o may_v have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o prophecy_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o utter_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v only_o a_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n but_o a_o true_a save_a grace_n will_v discover_v itself_o by_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o by_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n a_o fervent_a charity_n to_o your_o neighbour_n and_o a_o sober_a meekness_n in_o the_o estimation_n of_o yourselves_o if_o you_o have_v a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n you_o will_v avoid_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a out_o of_o such_o principle_n and_o motive_n as_o these_o because_o the_o one_o be_v please_v the_o other_o hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n because_o sin_n debase_v our_o nature_n and_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o you_o have_v fervent_a charity_n to_o your_o neighbour_n you_o will_v love_v he_o for_o god_n sake_n because_o he_o enjoin_v it_o and_o maintain_v a_o universal_a charity_n for_o all_o man_n as_o well_o enemy_n as_o friend_n 6.13_o luk._n 6.13_o you_o will_v love_v those_o who_o hate_v you_o bless_v those_o who_o curse_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o if_o you_o have_v sober_a meekness_n and_o a_o just_a valuation_n of_o yourselves_o you_o will_v have_v a_o low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o yourself_o and_o your_o performance_n and_o ready_o acknowledge_v your_o own_o frailty_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o infirmity_n and_o confess_v that_o natural_o you_o be_v insufficient_a for_o every_o good_a work_n 15.10_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n grace_n alone_o that_o you_o be_v what_o you_o be_v you_o will_v rely_v on_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sole_a merit_n