once_o recommend_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o exemplar_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v and_o that_o the_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o that_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n which_o justify_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v but_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v as_o short_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o use_v there_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a good_a use_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o 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of_o god_n that_o a_o dead_a and_o useless_a faith_n shall_v do_v he_o the_o great_a kindness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o life_n eternal_a now_o if_o justify_v faith_n be_v more_o than_o a_o assent_n to_o truth_n if_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n we_o see_v what_o a_o perfect_a dream_n the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n from_o eternity_n be_v for_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o long_o ago_o as_o from_o eternity_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v from_o eternity_n our_o faith_n come_v too_o late_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justify_v faith_n and_o this_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v not_o dissemble_v in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n only_o of_o manifest_v and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o their_o personal_a justification_n from_o eternity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a step_n to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n for_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n what_o effect_n the_o great_a precept_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o conceive_v they_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v round_o that_o they_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n 2._o we_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o trial_n not_o to_o stagger_v or_o repine_v at_o any_o sharp_a or_o mysterious_a providence_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v our_o sincerity_n and_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v honour_v with_o more_o eminent_a token_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n than_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v style_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a seed_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o he_o be_v familiar_o visited_n by_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o dignify_v with_o many_o special_a revelation_n and_o glorious_a promise_n he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n secret_n 18.17_o gen._n 18.17_o one_o who_o he_o declare_v his_o confidence_n in_o yea_o be_v so_o high_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o family_n in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n 8.56_o joh._n 8.56_o at_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n distance_n from_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o instance_n it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o single_a out_o the_o best_a man_n for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o their_o own_o and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o best_a history_n of_o all_o age_n now_o shall_v we_o call_v this_o a_o error_n of_o providence_n and_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o excellent_a man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n because_o he_o call_v they_o to_o such_o noble_a trial_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o vindication_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o not_o we_o can_v infer_v nothing_o either_o against_o ourselves_o while_o we_o study_v to_o please_v god_n or_o against_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n how_o extraordinary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v consider_v rather_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o world_n submission_n to_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o by_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n and_o this_o clear_v at_o once_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o thus_o train_v they_o up_o for_o those_o excessive_a height_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o 3._o the_o carriage_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o trial_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o worldly_a advantage_n nay_o in_o view_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n that_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o it_o the_o loose_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v always_o very_o apt_a to_o charge_v the_o sincere_a with_o pretend_v religion_n for_o secular_a end_n be_v willing_a to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o impious_a life_n they_o will_v feign_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o piety_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n that_o give_v some_o man_n the_o reputation_n of_o be_v better_a than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o best_a love_n the_o world_n at_o their_o heart_n as_o dear_o as_o those_o that_o proclaim_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o and_o profess_o make_v their_o court_n to_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o have_v cost_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n very_o dear_a in_o their_o several_a age_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o infidelity_n of_o men._n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o one_o special_a end_n of_o the_o trial_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o cheerful_o serve_v god_n upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n yea_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o very_a dear_a delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n or_o answer_n and_o since_o abraham_n child_n have_v the_o same_o kind_a of_o faith_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o renown_v for_o i_o mean_v a_o faith_n which_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o a_o kingdom_n which_o have_v foundation_n this_o vindicate_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n from_o the_o foul_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o do_v their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o ingenuity_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o abraham_n be_v
to_o premise_v 1._o that_o by_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n i_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n 10.20_o mat._n 7.14.22.16_o act._n 16.17_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o heb._n 10.20_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o right_a way_n the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o that_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o incarnation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v put_v we_o into_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n 2._o by_o the_o sure_a find_v of_o this_o way_n upon_o a_o due_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n i_o mean_v that_o ordinary_a christian_n by_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sacred_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o honest_a intention_n by_o implore_v the_o divine_a asssistance_n and_o make_v that_o use_n they_o ought_v of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n may_v certain_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n can_v desire_v for_o who_o that_o be_v so_o can_v desire_v to_o be_v more_o than_o certain_a of_o his_o way_n thither_o or_o to_o have_v a_o better_a foundation_n for_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o man_n must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o in_o this_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v even_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o allow_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n though_o they_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o perfection_n of_o it_o but_o still_o we_o have_v a_o great_a authority_n than_o this_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v write_v ult_n joh._n 10._o ult_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n i._n e._n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o that_o they_o teach_v we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o hence_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o first_o general_n council_n appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o christianity_n and_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o in_o those_o day_n the_o manner_n be_v to_o set_v the_o holy_a oracle_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o council_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o all_o their_o debate_n and_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o decree_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v so_o determine_v by_o that_o infallible_a rule_n 2._o christ_n have_v leave_v such_o a_o rule_n to_o his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intelligible_a i._n e._n capable_a of_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v by_o those_o that_o be_v to_o use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n otherwise_o it_o can_v never_o serve_v the_o great_a end_v it_o be_v give_v for_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o high_a reflection_n that_o can_v be_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o the_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o show_v we_o a_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v never_o find_v it_o by_o its_o direction_n if_o we_o must_v use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n we_o must_v learn_v from_o it_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v and_o if_o we_o must_v do_v so_o i_o think_v that_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o assure_o god_n will_v never_o make_v a_o show_n of_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n by_o a_o mean_n which_o he_o certain_o know_v will_v fail_v we_o if_o we_o trust_v to_o it_o 3._o the_o institution_n of_o pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o private_a person_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n undeniable_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o all_o christian_n shall_v understand_v it_o themselves_o and_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o may_v do_v it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v and_o be_v qualify_v to_o judge_v in_o other_o matter_n for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o teacher_n but_o to_o assist_v and_o inform_v our_o understanding_n and_o help_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o thing_n or_o what_o benefit_n be_v there_o of_o be_v teach_v if_o we_o may_v not_o use_v our_o judgement_n when_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v when_o it_o be_v and_o when_o not_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v one_o natural_a right_n that_o our_o saviour_n by_o any_o institution_n of_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o and_o certain_o of_o all_o other_o he_o will_v never_o bar_v we_o of_o this_o because_o his_o doctrine_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o without_o it_o for_o what_o sway_n be_v the_o gospel_n like_v to_o bear_v upon_o our_o mind_n or_o which_o way_n can_v it_o influence_n our_o life_n till_o we_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v unless_o we_o may_v exercise_v our_o own_o judgement_n upon_o they_o let_v my_o guide_n be_v never_o so_o know_v or_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o he_o without_o my_o own_o knowledge_n that_o can_v make_v i_o sure_o of_o my_o way_n and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o way_n to_o convey_v his_o great_a knowledge_n into_o i_o and_o if_o he_o have_v it_o be_v sure_o through_o my_o understanding_n i_o be_o but_o just_a where_o i_o be_v without_o he_o and_o never_o like_a to_o make_v any_o spiritual_a improvement_n by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n i_o confess_v of_o some_o teacher_n that_o their_o disciple_n shall_v not_o see_v which_o way_n they_o lead_v they_o but_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o this_o office_n be_v send_v to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n 4._o christian_n without_o distinction_n be_v express_o require_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o imply_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o treasure_n in_o the_o scripture_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o it_o may_v be_v certain_o find_v by_o those_o that_o due_o search_v for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o disciple_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v despair_v of_o find_v it_o in_o the_o new_a be_v infallible_o assure_v 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n i.e._n be_v more_o emphatical_o discover_v be_v set_v in_o a_o better_a light_n to_o we_o christian_n by_o the_o new_a and_o bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o be_v of_o old_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o all_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o then_o if_o we_o seek_v for_o life_n and_o immortality_n and_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o this_o
and_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o material_a what_o church_n we_o live_v or_o dye_v in_o communion_n with_o while_o we_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o our_o lust_n all_o the_o absolution_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v we_o not_o good_n if_o we_o study_v to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n we_o need_v not_o any_o indulgency_n from_o man_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o change_v our_o religion_n to_o leave_v the_o straight_a path_n we_o be_v in_o and_o to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o saint_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o by_o purgatory_n to_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o legend_n and_o story_n of_o saint_n which_o a_o serious_a man_n will_v think_v be_v compose_v only_o for_o merriment_n and_o diversion_n but_o though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o change_v our_o religion_n yet_o sure_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o many_o of_o we_o to_o make_v considerable_a alteration_n in_o our_o life_n to_o change_v almost_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o and_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o who_o call_v ourselves_o the_o reform_a it_o be_v not_o only_a for_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o our_o life_n be_v uniform_a to_o it_o but_o our_o immortal_a honour_n and_o interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o we_o lose_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o escape_v everlasting_a death_n than_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n eternal_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v tempt_v you_o to_o renounce_v your_o faith_n i_o very_o hope_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o your_o eternal_a salvation_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o harken_v to_o he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o danger_n in_o a_o profane_a and_o vicious_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n to_o deny_v every_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o be_v cautious_a of_o our_o step_n and_o have_v find_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o keep_v a_o straight_a and_o even_a course_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v it_o not_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o no_o unrighteous_a man_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a jar_n and_o contradiction_n to_o ourselves_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v as_o good_a pin_n our_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o other_o man_n or_o bestow_v it_o upon_o any_o body_n that_o will_v take_v it_o off_o our_o hand_n as_o keep_v it_o only_o to_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o sermon_n vi_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o of_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o christian_a piety_n without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sensible_a decay_n of_o it_o in_o the_o present_a age_n a_o age_n much_o addict_v to_o talk_v and_o wrangle_v about_o religion_n very_o stout_a and_o zealous_a in_o oppose_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n but_o very_o cold_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o practice_n without_o which_o the_o best_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o two_o of_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v well_o to_o ourselves_o and_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n to_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o bad_a opinion_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o man_n fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o excellent_a advice_n as_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o so_o fatal_a a_o apostasy_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n grace_n be_v a_o term_n of_o various_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n in_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o take_v for_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o divine_a assistance_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o those_o good_a disposition_n and_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n and_o product_n of_o it_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v most_o proper_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v whenever_o as_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_a of_o a_o exhortation_n now_o in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o imply_v 1._o a_o root_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n actual_o implant_v in_o we_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v make_v any_o progress_n or_o proficiency_n in_o it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o stock_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o increase_n a_o quickness_n in_o the_o root_n before_o the_o branch_n will_v sprout_v or_o flourish_v a_o spring_a of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n before_o a_o abound_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o show_v to_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n belong_v namely_o to_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a 2._o it_o be_v here_o imply_v that_o good_a man_n be_v nor_o mere_o passive_a in_o grow_v better_a but_o may_v and_o must_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o themselves_o nay_o the_o text_n suppose_v they_o must_v do_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o act_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n must_v cease_v if_o they_o refuse_v their_o endeavour_n to_o far_o and_o promote_v it_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v do_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o make_v we_o better_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o our_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o counsel_n admonition_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o use_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n but_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n both_o in_o order_n to_o the_o birth_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o he_o know_v therefore_o that_o by_o his_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v we_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o perfection_n in_o grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v frequent_o move_v and_o excite_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o endeavour_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o this_o end_n and_o that_o as_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o they_o be_v our_o proficiency_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o they_o now_o to_o make_v this_o exhortation_n as_o useful_a and_o effectual_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v aim_v at_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v it_o 3._o to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o impediment_n of_o it_o 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v neither_o begin_v nor_o carry_v on_o by_o natural_a principle_n without_o the_o mighty_a aid_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o inable_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o do_v a_o christian_a grow_v like_o a_o plant_n mere_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n but_o by_o improve_n the_o assistance_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v to_o he_o for_o obtain_v new_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v both_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o grow_v in_o it_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o it_o be_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_n and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o subordinate_a to_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n dispose_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o obtain_v and_o excite_v to_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o
proper_a and_o great_a end_n of_o live_v to_o assist_v you_o herein_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v remind_v you_o of_o this_o certain_a and_o important_a truth_n that_o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o short_a and_o transitory_a and_o then_o 2._o show_v you_o what_o practical_a inference_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o short_a and_o transitory_a this_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o obvious_a truth_n that_o ever_o nature_n or_o experience_n teach_v we_o the_o grave_a every_o time_n it_o open_v its_o mouth_n give_v we_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o it_o show_v we_o of_o what_o mould_n we_o be_v make_v what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o must_v short_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o vigour_n and_o gaiety_n of_o youth_n be_v go_v before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o border_n 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be_v very_o short_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o saywith_o good_a old_a jacob_n when_o he_o have_v live_v near_o twice_o as_o long_o as_o the_o long-liver_n of_o our_o day_n general_o few_o and_o evil_n have_v the_o day_n of_o the_o life_n do_v of_o my_o pilgrimage_n be_v 9_o gen._n 47_o 9_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o begin_v to_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n to_o observe_v the_o monument_n and_o peruse_v the_o annal_n and_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n we_o miss_v all_o the_o generation_n of_o man_n that_o people_v the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n our_o father_n where_o be_v they_o 5._o zech._n 1_o 5._o and_o the_o prophet_n do_v they_o live_v for_o ever_o where_o be_v all_o the_o founder_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o ancient_a kingdom_n all_o the_o great_a prince_n and_o philosopher_n the_o shrewd_a politician_n the_o mighty_a general_n and_o the_o numerous_a army_n the_o wise_a and_o the_o foolish_a the_o holy_a and_o profane_a all_o that_o 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rom._n 9.28_o god_n have_v set_v we_o our_o bound_n which_o we_o can_v pass_v and_o he_o have_v set_v they_o so_o near_o we_o that_o it_o be_v strange_a we_o shall_v overlook_v they_o or_o dream_n of_o a_o immortality_n here_o while_o they_o stand_v so_o fair_o in_o our_o view_n the_o day_n of_o our_o year_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o and_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o strength_n they_o be_v fourscore_o year_n yet_o be_v their_o strength_n labour_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v soon_o out_o off_o and_o we_o fly_v away_o psal_n 90.10_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a fall_n from_o the_o age_n of_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o flood_n after_o which_o the_o life_n of_o man_n shorten_v apace_o till_o it_o come_v so_o low_a as_o seventy_o or_o eighty_o year_n which_o be_v now_o the_o ordinary_a measure_n and_o probable_o be_v so_o ever_o since_o the_o murmur_a of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o spy_n bring_v they_o of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o when_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o age_n be_v reduce_v to_o threescore_o and_o ten_o or_o fourscore_o year_n we_o must_v not_o present_o reckon_v that_o so_o many_o year_n will_v come_v to_o our_o share_n we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o another_o day_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o shall_v be_v on_o the_o morrow_n and_o therefore_o can_v make_v no_o certain_a reckon_a of_o it_o all_o the_o time_n we_o can_v call_v our_o own_o be_v that_o which_o we_o hve_v live_v already_o so_o much_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o so_o much_o we_o must_v answer_v for_o and_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o day_n more_o nemo_n tain_n divos_fw-la habuit_fw-la faventes_fw-la crastinum_fw-la ut_fw-la sibi_fw-la possit_fw-la polliceri_fw-la some_o be_v go_v in_o a_o moment_n from_o the_o cradle_n to_o the_o grave_a and_o very_o many_o before_o they_o understand_v the_o consequence_n of_o life_n and_o death_n we_o die_v many_o 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who_o expire_v while_o their_o blood_n boil_v in_o their_o vein_n and_o yet_o have_v as_o deep_a a_o interest_n in_o eternity_n as_o the_o long_a liver_n upon_o earth_n but_o since_o the_o long_a life_n by_o our_o own_o confession_n be_v short_a i_o need_v not_o ask_v how_o little_a the_o short_a be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o this_o discourse_n why_o must_v we_o be_v teach_v a_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o seal_v with_o our_o tear_n and_o every_o time_n we_o contemplate_v upon_o do_v sad_o bewail_v the_o certainty_n of_o i_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o life_n be_v short_a
dictate_v as_o essentiael_v to_o christianity_n which_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o ancient_n and_o venerable_a write_n do_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o there_o be_v those_o that_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o have_v often_o prove_v we_o so_o as_o clear_o as_o fire_n and_o faggot_n can_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v so_o straitlaced_n as_o to_o believe_v but_o just_a so_o many_o truth_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v so_o nice_a and_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o for_o several_a age_n and_o in_o several_a council_n have_v decree_v the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n i.e._n the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o fair_o recommend_v it_o as_o a_o eminent_a test_n of_o catholic_n zeal_n other_o at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v who_o with_o mighty_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o secret_a motion_n and_o immediate_a 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the_o anabaptist_n at_o munster_n and_o the_o terrible_a battle_n which_o have_v be_v fight_v for_o little_a fancy_n and_o affect_v singularity_n in_o religion_n i_o may_v call_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o many_o insurrection_n and_o what_o i_o even_o tremble_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o the_o late_a archbishop_n in_o scotland_n i_o may_v desire_v you_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a attempt_n which_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v manage_v upon_o the_o five_o monarchy_n principles_n in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v carry_v you_o to_o the_o tomb_n of_o king_n nobles_z and_o prelate_n of_o worthy_a patriot_n and_o minister_n of_o justice_n of_o preacher_n and_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n who_o by_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o use_v the_o apostle_n phrase_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n of_o your_o faith_n which_o some_o call_v heresy_n and_o according_a to_o which_o we_o now_o worship_v the_o 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christianity_n be_v shall_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o promote_v every_o crude_a opinion_n with_o the_o sword_n nay_o that_o inspire_v and_o as_o they_o call_v themselves_o infallible_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n so_o exceed_o fierce_a and_o angry_a with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o present_v and_o eternal_a ruin_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o extreme_o full_a of_o scandal_n and_o contradiction_n that_o without_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v scarce_o charity_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o they_o but_o let_v we_o do_v that_o right_n to_o christianity_n and_o ourselves_o as_o to_o see_v where_o the_o fault_n lie_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n have_v wrought_v so_o much_o misery_n and_o coufusion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o assign_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n will_v require_v more_o time_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o present_a occasion_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o such_o as_o i_o think_v have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o answer_v for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v bad_a education_n which_o have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o change_v the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n into_o the_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a temper_n the_o great_a spring_n and_o mover_n of_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o information_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o education_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o impression_n we_o receive_v of_o thing_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n be_v
of_o the_o truth_n do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v bashful_a in_o assert_v their_o principle_n when_o they_o find_v their_o interest_n in_o they_o 6.5_o 1_o tim._n 6.5_o but_o fuppose_v gain_n to_o be_v godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v of_o they_o be_v general_o very_o forward_o to_o show_v their_o good_a affection_n to_o it_o and_o like_o demetrius_n to_o put_v the_o world_n into_o a_o uproar_n out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o great_a diana_n and_o their_o profit_n from_o her_o shrine_n and_o altar_n conscience_n it_o be_v true_a at_o the_o first_o have_v the_o least_o share_n in_o the_o action_n of_o these_o man_n who_o interest_n choose_v choose_v their_o principle_n for_o they_o but_o what_o they_o strong_o affect_v and_o desire_n shall_v be_v true_a in_o time_n they_o strong_o believe_v and_o have_v wilful_o reject_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v up_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o delusion_n to_o believe_v and_o defend_v the_o lye_n 4._o some_o principle_n be_v so_o bad_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o furious_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o worldly_a interest_n to_o instigate_v and_o push_v they_o on_o to_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a action_n such_o be_v these_o which_o warrant_v the_o kill_v of_o man_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o promise_v they_o heaven_n for_o the_o vile_a pnactice_n in_o the_o world_n for_o assassinate_v their_o natural_a prince_n betray_v their_o country_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o foreign_a and_o insupportable_a yoke_n such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o make_v unlawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eneourage_n man_n to_o think_v the_o better_a of_o themselves_o for_o their_o zeal_n against_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o a_o decent_a way_n of_o serve_v of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n these_o principle_n do_v natural_o produce_v a_o envious_a and_o ill-natured_a zeal_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o guidance_n of_o they_o to_o allow_v no_o man_n a_o name_n for_o religion_n but_o themselves_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o espouse_v their_o folly_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o better_a man_n for_o differ_v from_o all_o christian_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v too_o often_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o odd_a and_o peevish_a principle_n that_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n cease_v to_o be_v lawful_a when_o they_o be_v once_o command_v no_o man_n know_v the_o malignity_n of_o such_o a_o error_n as_o this_o shall_v it_o once_o get_v the_o ascendant_n which_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o over_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n do_v we_o not_o already_o find_v the_o insluence_n of_o it_o upon_o some_o of_o the_o straint_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o yet_o have_v reserve_v themselves_o a_o sufficient_a latitude_n in_o scorn_v and_o deride_v their_o brethren_n and_o be_v extreme_o lavish_a in_o their_o censure_n of_o person_n of_o the_o high_a chaeacter_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o many_o there_o be_v that_o prize_n and_o commend_v themselves_o upon_o these_o very_a account_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o sanctity_n to_o break_v and_o blemish_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o quarrel_n with_o than_o only_o for_o interpose_v her_o authority_n in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n i.e._n make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v to_o every_o church_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o consecrate_v a_o schism_n into_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o to_o do_v that_o for_o religion_n sake_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o undo_n and_o subversion_n of_o it_o 5._o enthusiasm_n or_o a_o false_a pretence_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o this_o extravagant_a zeal_n when_o man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o ascribe_v their_o error_n to_o the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o god_n in_o who_o breast_n he_o have_v lodge_v his_o choice_a secret_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o authorize_v to_o bring_v his_o most_o glorious_a design_n to_o pass_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v long_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o delusion_n sron_n that_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o belie_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o far_a design_n upon_o they_o and_o as_o the_o philiftines_n deal_v with_o samson_n when_o they_o have_v put_v out_o his_o eye_n will_v sure_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o drudgery_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o most_o destructive_a attempt_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v what_o desperate_a project_n man_n will_v free_o contribute_v their_o service_n to_o when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o strike_v blind_a with_o a_o opinion_n that_o whatever_o they_o strong_o fancy_n be_v infallible_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o err_v have_v private_a instruction_n from_o god_n himself_o hitherto_o hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o exalt_v it_o to_o a_o more_o glorious_a height_n to_o which_o purpose_n a_o eminent_a divine_a of_o this_o church_n who_o have_v a_o peculiar_a sagacity_n in_o trace_v and_o detect_v the_o error_n of_o his_o time_n have_v leave_v we_o this_o memorable_a passage_n pol._n passage_n mr._n hook_n pref._n to_o eccl._n pol._n when_o man_n be_v once_o erroneous_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o have_v those_o thing_n do_v which_o they_o fancy_n than_o opinion_n be_v as_o thorn_n in_o their_o side_n never_o suffer_v they_o to_o take_v rest_n till_o they_o have_v bring_v their_o skpeculation_n into_o practice_n the_o impediment_n of_o which_o practice_n their_o restless_a desire_n and_o study_v to_o remove_v lead_v they_o every_o day_n into_o more_o dangerour_n opinion_n sometime_o quite_o and_o clean_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o pretend_a meaning_n so_o that_o what_o will_v grow_v out_o of_o such_o error_n as_o go_v mask_v under_o the_o cloak_n of_o divine_a authority_n impoffible_a it_o be_v that_o ever_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n shall_v imagine_v till_o time_n have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n brieef_o from_o this_o discourse_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n when_o we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o destructive_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o religion_n or_o to_o suspect_v our_o faith_n that_o the_o best_a religion_n shall_v meet_v with_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n that_o the_o worst_a sction_n shall_v pretend_v to_o serve_v it_o and_o receive_v authority_n and_o encouragement_n from_o it_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n and_o of_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a zeal_n shall_v combine_v against_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n from_o her_o infancy_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v express_o foretell_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v when_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v they_o 2._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o dangerous_a guide_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o dictate_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n to_o guide_v our_o practice_n and_o according_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o have_v befall_v the_o church_n be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o delusion_n which_o have_v pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n in_o several_a age_n which_o shall_v mighty_o awaken_v we_o to_o look_v well_o to_o our_o principle_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o mind_n pure_a and_o untainted_a with_o error_n if_o the_o light_n say_v christ_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o he_o darkness_n 6.23_o mat._n 6.23_o how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n a_o little_a speck_n in_o the_o eye_n feed_v by_o a_o invincible_a humour_n often_o deftroy_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o noble_a sense_n it_o be_v sad_a to_o observe_v from_o what_o small_a beginning_n the_o great_a error_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n spread_v and_o diffuse_v themselves_o to_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n
life_n to_o come_v god_n discharge_v the_o part_n of_o a_o just_a and_o faithful_a creator_n as_o he_o will_v do_v that_o of_o a_o righteous_a judge_n by_o call_v every_o man_n to_o a_o account_n only_o for_o the_o talent_n he_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o that_o be_v more_o than_o this_o be_v mere_a grace_n and_o bounty_n to_o which_o we_o have_v no_o plea_n of_o right_n or_o equity_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o wrong_n do_v we_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o withhold_v it_o from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o presume_v be_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o if_o we_o right_o consider_v thing_n the_o case_n of_o ignorant_a heathen_n may_v not_o perhaps_o appear_v so_o very_o hard_a and_o deplorable_a above_o other_o man_n as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o for_o certain_o the_o disobedient_a jew_n will_v have_v a_o great_a account_n to_o give_v than_o they_o as_o have_v sin_v against_o great_a light_n and_o a_o bad_a christian_a will_v have_v a_o much_o heavy_a charge_n against_o he_o than_o either_o of_o they_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o man_n can_v be_v save_v but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o heathen_n shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o christ_n because_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o his_o die_v for_o sinner_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o all_o the_o pious_a jew_n that_o live_v before_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o who_o yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o be_v all_o save_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n however_o it_o do_v not_o become_v we_o to_o judge_v the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n till_o god_n himself_o have_v do_v it_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v ordain_v the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v judge_n both_o of_o we_o and_o they_o 2.16_o rom._n 2.16_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n i.e._n suitable_o to_o the_o mild_a and_o gracious_a temper_n of_o it_o and_o since_o the_o heathen_n be_v include_v in_o the_o first_o promise_n of_o a_o saviour_n make_v to_o all_o mankind_n in_o adam_n gen._n 3.15_o who_o knowsm_n but_o those_o of_o they_o that_o worship_v the_o one_o true_a god_n according_a to_o the_o light_n which_o he_o give_v they_o may_v be_v include_v also_o in_o the_o common_a salvation_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o observation_n which_o be_v this_o 2d_o obser_n that_o the_o same_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v unprofitable_a to_o some_o person_n will_v sure_o have_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o other_o if_o they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a instance_n in_o the_o text_n tyre_n and_o sidon_n who_o have_v the_o character_n both_o in_o scripture_n and_o heathen_a author_n of_o a_o very_a dissolute_a people_n if_o they_o have_v enjoy_v the_o preach_a and_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v see_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o our_o saviour_n will_v assure_o have_v yield_v to_o the_o natural_a impression_n of_o they_o and_o embrace_v the_o gospel-condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o the_o jew_n reject_v and_o spurn_v at_o and_o the_o same_o observation_n god_n himself_o make_v concern_v the_o temper_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_o other_o nation_n in_o former_a age_n ezek._n 3.4_o 5_o 6._o where_o we_o find_v when_o god_n give_v a_o charge_n to_o ezekiel_n and_o fent_fw-la he_o to_o prophesy_v against_o the_o house_n of_o isael_n he_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n that_o the_o same_o admonition_n will_v certain_o have_v prevail_v with_o some_o other_o people_n but_o he_o must_v not_o expect_v the_o like_a success_n among_o those_o he_o be_v go_v to_o for_o they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o impiety_n and_o resolve_v to_o have_v their_o way_n though_o they_o can_v seo_fw-la nothing_o but_o destruction_n before_o they_o thou_o be_v not_o say_v god_n send_v unto_o a_o people_n of_o a_o strange_a speech_n and_o a_o hard_a language_n but_o to_o the_o house_n of_o isrrel_n not_o to_o many_o people_n who_o word_n thou_o can_v not_o understand_v sure_o have_v i_o send_v thou_o to_o they_o they_o will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o thou_o for_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o i_o for_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v impudent_a and_o hard-hearted_a now_o what_o be_v plain_o in_o these_o instance_n than_o that_o god_n do_v foresee_v that_o other_o nation_n will_v have_v take_v the_o warning_n and_o embrace_v the_o message_n which_o he_o send_v the_o jew_n in_o divers_a manner_n and_o age_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o at_o last_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o as_o scornful_o reject_v as_o they_o be_v kind_o offer_v and_o propound_v to_o they_o and_o according_o we_o find_v when_o the_o apostle_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n that_o it_o run_v and_o be_v glorify_v among_o they_o while_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o oppose_v it_o and_o put_v all_o the_o disgrace_n and_o ignominy_n they_o can_v devise_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o hasten_v the_o gospel_n into_o the_o gentile_a world_n the_o barrenness_n of_o the_o soil_v it_o be_v plant_v in_o through_o the_o wilful_a hardness_n and_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o plentiful_a harvest_n there_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o other_o country_n occasion_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n to_o send_v the_o labourer_n abroad_o in_o expectation_n of_o better_a return_v for_o all_o his_o expense_n and_o kindness_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a they_o shall_v sit_v still_o when_o they_o may_v be_v better_o employ_v and_o have_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o therefore_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n preach_v at_o antioch_n 46._o act._n 13.45_o 46._o and_o the_o jew_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v their_o doctrine_n while_o the_o gentile_n flock_v in_o great_a multitude_n to_o hear_v it_o the_o apostle_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o jew_n tell_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v be_v first_o speak_v to_o you_o but_o see_v you_o put_v it_o from_o you_o and_o judge_v yourselves_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n lo_o we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o a_o happy_a turn_n it_o be_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o free_a and_o speedy_a passage_n into_o the_o world_n and_o wherever_o it_o come_v turn_v man_n from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o from_o he_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o the_o live_n god_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n st._n paul_n telll_v we_o that_o the_o fall_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o diminish_n of_o they_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 11.12_o i.e._n the_o poor_a ignorant_a heathen_n that_o be_v hitherto_o destitute_a of_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o save_v knowledge_n be_v mighty_a gainer_n by_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o succeed_v immediate_o to_o the_o same_o rich_a and_o glorious_a privilege_n the_o same_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v forfeit_v but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o be_v this_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o jew_n reject_v undeniable_o prove_v that_o the_o same_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v both_o profitable_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o several_a person_n and_o nation_n according_a as_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o use_v they_o but_o why_o do_v i_o insist_v on_o so_o plain_a a_o truth_n when_o every_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o ample_a and_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o now_o if_o the_o same_o mean_n of_o grace_n may_v have_v such_o different_a success_n as_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o some_o whilst_o other_o be_v reform_v and_o convert_v by_o they_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v gain_v these_o two_o instruction_n 1._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o man_n by_o mean_n which_o they_o can_v resist_v nothing_o be_v plain_a than_o that_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v the_o jew_n for_o resist_v the_o same_o kind_a and_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v have_v wrought_v repentance_n in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v be_v not_o irresistible_a grace_n for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n resist_v beside_o christ_n upbraid_v the_o jew_n for_o not_o
can_v be_v return_v to_o those_o that_o shall_v object_n against_o the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o either_o our_o sactification_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n he_o real_o design_v or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v take_v effectual_a care_n consider_v our_o natural_a averseness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o fierce_a and_o rampant_a inclination_n to_o vice_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o it_o to_o disappoint_v himself_o of_o his_o end_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o all_o the_o gain_n and_o delight_n of_o sin_n and_o himself_o the_o honour_n only_o of_o pardon_v our_o ungodly_a and_o malicious_a life_n that_o we_o may_v dabble_v and_o bemire_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o world_n and_o wash_v off_o all_o with_o a_o few_o penitential_a tear_n when_o we_o die_v that_o we_o may_v be_v extreme_o wicked_a with_o good_a management_n to_o the_o last_o and_o though_o we_o never_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o life_n be_v sure_a to_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n from_o he_o at_o our_o death_n 2._o that_o the_o gospel_n give_v no_o such_o encouragement_n be_v certain_a because_o it_o express_o require_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o future_a happiness_n as_o it_o design_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v excellent_a man_n holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n so_o it_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o heaven_n who_o frustrate_v its_o design_n by_o wicked_a and_o unworthy_a practice_n and_o expose_v its_o bless_a author_n to_o open_a shame_n 12.14_o meb_n 12.14_o without_o holiness_n say_v the_o apostle_n i._n e._n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 19.17_o mat._n 19.17_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n say_v our_o saviour_n keep_v the_o commandment_n 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 8.13_o rom._n 8.13_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v 9_o rom._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v render_v eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v vnrighteusness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a these_o and_o many_o other_o text_n which_o we_o must_v own_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o shade_n or_o dimness_n of_o a_o parable_n in_o they_o do_v undeniable_o prove_v the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o fit_a and_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o then_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n to_o man_n that_o have_v live_v a_o wicked_a and_o be_v past_o live_v a_o godly_a life_n be_v plain_o to_o expound_v the_o gospel_n into_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o itself_o for_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v die_v be_v say_v to_o have_v live_v holy_o only_o because_o he_o be_v sad_o trouble_v for_o a_o very_a sinful_a life_n or_o have_v he_o keep_v the_o commandment_n that_o have_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a violation_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o own_o covenant_n to_o keep_v they_o and_o only_o promise_v over_o again_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o can_v we_o can_v he_o a_o mortifiect_a man_n that_o after_o he_o have_v gorge_v himself_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_v away_o the_o power_n of_o lust_n resolve_v yet_o to_o be_v very_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a upon_o his_o deathbed_n or_o can_v we_o say_v that_o he_o seek_v for_o glory_n and_o immortality_n by_o his_o patience_n and_o constancy_n in_o welldoing_a who_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o natural_a be_v to_o begin_v the_o whole_a christian_a life_n and_o have_v always_o be_v a_o perfect_a stranger_n to_o the_o conversation_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a those_o that_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o please_v god_n have_v live_v sober_o and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o man_n need_v not_o doubt_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o offence_n upon_o their_o repentance_n for_o they_o because_o their_o repentance_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o actual_a holiness_n and_o where_o holiness_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n but_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a in_o those_o that_o have_v leave_v themselves_o no_o time_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o be_v force_v to_o spend_v that_o little_a they_o have_v leave_v in_o fruitless_a vow_n and_o wish_n because_o these_o man_n have_v neglect_v the_o main_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o their_o life_n i_o mean_v the_o glorification_n of_o god_n by_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o they_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o their_o happiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v though_o those_o pang_n of_o sorrow_n and_o devotion_n which_o man_n that_o have_v live_v wretched_a and_o profligate_v life_n discover_v on_o their_o deathbed_n can_v be_v call_v a_o holy_a life_n yet_o they_o be_v good_a sign_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v they_o not_o sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 8._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o true_a penitent_n and_o believer_n in_o christ_n shall_v final_o perish_v but_o then_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o gospel_n will_v allow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n or_o repentance_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o rigteousness_n after_o a_o fair_a season_n and_o opportunity_n for_o they_o and_o here_o it_o be_v but_o fair_a the_o gospel_n shall_v speak_v for_o itself_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n 8._o mat._n 3.7_o 8._o and_o think_v not_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n 3.9_o luk._n 3.9_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n 16.2_o mat._n 16.2_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n 2.14_o jam._n 2.14_o my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n if_o a_o fruitless_a faith_n and_o repentance_n can_v profit_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v save_v we_o 17._o verse_n 17._o if_o faith_n without_o work_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v dead_a how_o sad_a be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o a_o die_a sinner_n who_o faith_n be_v dead_a before_o he_o and_o who_o time_n of_o work_v be_v over_o though_o he_o seek_v it_o with_o tear_n if_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v without_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o then_o will_v not_o pass_v for_o true_a repentance_n it_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a sign_n of_o it_o and_o if_o christ_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n how_o sorrowful_a be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wear_v out_o his_o whole_a life_n in_o sin_n and_o hardly_o leave_v himself_o the_o least_o remnant_n of_o time_n to_o amend_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v plead_v any_o title_n to_o the_o mercy_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o he_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v by_o baptism_n that_o we_o be_v make_v party_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o include_v all_o the_o promise_v god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o his_o son_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o expectation_n from_o he_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v condition_n on_o our_o part_n and_o we_o vow_v obedience_n to_o christi_n command_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n if_o we_o fail_v in_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n we_o bar_v our_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n which_o depend_v upon_o they_o we_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o by_o our_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o where_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v upon_o more_o condition_n than_o one_o the_o keep_n of_o all_o but_o one_o will_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o claim_v the_o promise_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n will_v abate_v we_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n style_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o that_o he_o will_v
encourage_v die_v sinner_n to_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v put_v their_o last_o minute_n to_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o from_o the_o very_a centre_n and_o bottom_n of_o their_o soul_n their_o damnation_n be_v irreversible_o seal_v if_o they_o do_v we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v promise_v they_o eternal_a life_n without_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n because_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remind_v they_o that_o there_o be_v some_o monument_n of_o a_o miraculous_a grace_n some_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v triumph_v over_o the_o utmost_a spite_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o insolent_a and_o malicious_a offender_n and_o that_o the_o great_a their_o contrition_n be_v the_o meet_a object_n they_o be_v of_o his_o infinite_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v but_o small_a comfort_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o may_v have_v enjoy_v have_v they_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v and_o if_o man_n sin_n beyond_o the_o state_v measure_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o if_o it_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o better_o but_o they_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n and_o have_v more_o kindness_n for_o they_o than_o to_o flatter_v they_o into_o eternal_a torment_n now_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o that_o know_v the_o fallacy_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n we_o shall_v hence_o learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o apply_v ourselves_o betimes_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o 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torture_n which_o they_o endure_v we_o have_v at_o most_o but_o a_o short_a time_n to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o every_o day_n we_o delay_v our_o repentance_n beside_o the_o hazard_n we_o run_v by_o it_o we_o certain_o make_v our_o work_n so_o much_o the_o heavy_a the_o day_n after_o for_o still_o we_o have_v the_o more_o sin_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o we_o have_v a_o worse_a nature_n to_o struggle_v with_o and_o shall_v we_o delay_v on_o to_o our_o die_a day_n what_o a_o world_n of_o distraction_n shall_v we_o treasure_n up_o for_o ourselves_o against_o our_o last_o hour_n when_o of_o all_o other_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o able_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v regard_v our_o sorrow_n any_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v his_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n will_v we_o consider_v thing_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v they_o certain_o we_o shall_v not_o choose_v to_o leave_v they_o at_o this_o pass_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a hope_n than_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n have_v viz._n that_o though_o by_o law_n he_o be_v to_o die_v yet_o he_o may_v possible_o be_v save_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o crown_n and_o dignity_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v always_o a_o utter_a and_o declare_a enemy_n to_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v hazard_v his_o life_n upon_o such_o a_o contingency_n and_o can_v there_o be_v starke_a madness_n than_o to_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o like_a issue_n by_o continue_v in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n till_o we_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v be_v better_o than_o his_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v we_o save_v we_o by_o a_o reserve_n of_o prerogative_n grace_n let_v we_o therefore_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o pardon_n for_o they_o and_o not_o stay_v till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o which_o will_v be_v a_o repentance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o a_o dismal_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v when_o we_o be_v die_v to_o have_v our_o conscience_n fly_v in_o our_o face_n and_o accuse_v we_o at_o once_o of_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o wickedness_n and_o contradiction_n to_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o since_o we_o can_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v die_v with_o any_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n without_o it_o let_v we_o resolve_v without_o any_o further_a delay_n to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n let_v we_o every_o day_n as_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o eternity_n mind_n the_o concernment_n of_o it_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v we_o have_v do_v when_o we_o lie_v pant_v and_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n in_o short_a let_v we_o make_v our_o deathbed_n as_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o we_o can_v i_o mean_v by_o do_v our_o great_a work_n beforehand_o and_o leave_v ourselves_o nothing_o to_o do_v there_o but_o to_o die_v this_o be_v the_o way_n when_o we_o be_v tire_v out_o with_o the_o care_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o toilsome_a life_n to_o find_v the_o sweet_a repose_n upon_o they_o to_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o to_o finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o then_o our_o rest_n will_v be_v glorious_a i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v 8._o cal._n 6.7_o 8._o for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n v._o the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n heb._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o many_o passage_n in_o this_o epistle_n that_o the_o christian_a jew_n to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v begin_v to_o falter_v in_o the_o brofession_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o revolt_a to_o their_o old_a religion_n hereupon_o the_o apostle_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o their_o change_n endeavour_n to_o settle_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_a persecution_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o stagger_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n he_o show_v they_o at_o large_a in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a do_v use_v to_o raise_v they_o above_o any_o such_o discouragement_n and_o then_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a sufferer_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a pattern_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n after_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o deject_a hebrew_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n by_o remind_v they_o that_o affliction_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o god_n hatred_n or_o desertion_n of_o his_o child_n 10._o verse_n 5_o to_o 10._o but_o rather_o of_o his_o paternal_a love_n and_o peculiar_a tenderness_n towards_o they_o 11._o verse_n 11._o and_o though_o they_o seem_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a for_o the_o present_a yet_o in_o their_o effect_n they_o be_v very_o kind_a and_o grateful_a as_o yield_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n pleasure_n
establish_v religion_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o because_o we_o have_v thorough_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o rule_n which_o can_v fail_v we_o and_o do_v find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o we_o have_v take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o due_a confidweration_n and_o judgement_n it_o very_o high_o concern_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n and_o to_o be_v as_o steady_a in_o our_o walk_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o we_o go_v wide_a from_o the_o path_n we_o have_v make_v straight_o and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v to_o believe_v upon_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n we_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o triumph_v over_o we_o and_o to_o twist_v we_o with_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v of_o a_o reformation_n to_o make_v we_o worse_o than_o we_o need_v to_o have_v be_v without_o it_o we_o put_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n into_o their_o hand_n than_o any_o they_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o forge_v against_o it_o a_o witty_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o romish_a error_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v for_o a_o antichristian_a life_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o inveigh_v against_o popish_a indulgence_n while_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o sin_v as_o they_o do_v if_o we_o be_v heedless_a and_o undevout_a in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v blush_v to_o say_v we_o can_v dispense_v with_o latin_a service_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o at_o one_o whether_o he_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n eat_v or_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o do_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n or_o but_o one_o or_o what_o signisy_n a_o change_n or_o no_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o element_n to_o he_o that_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n or_o why_o may_v not_o a_o implicit_a faith_n serve_v to_o make_v a_o empty_a profession_n as_o well_o as_o any_o protestant_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o if_o that_o be_v all_o we_o design_n by_o be_v protestant_n it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o without_o holiness_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n we_o that_o be_v protestant_n profess_v a_o great_a veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o excuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o govern_v our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v not_o excuse_v our_o religion_n but_o raise_v objection_n against_o it_o out_o of_o those_o very_a action_n it_o express_o condemn_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o religion_n shall_v answer_v for_o the_o fault_n which_o it_o aim_v to_o rectify_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v own_v a_o real_a and_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o it_o to_o be_v contradict_v by_o its_o own_o professor_n and_o betray_v by_o those_o that_o pretend_v a_o hearty_n zeal_n and_o concernment_n for_o it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v cautious_a on_o this_o hand_n because_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o full_o justify_v by_o its_o learned_a advocate_n that_o it_o require_v nothing_o more_o for_o its_o defence_n and_o vindication_n from_o it_o be_v than_o that_o we_o shall_v adorn_v it_o by_o our_o holy_a conversation_n and_o keep_v the_o enemy_n out_o of_o those_o breach_n which_o our_o division_n have_v make_v and_o our_o lust_n have_v widen_v for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v our_o proper_a post_n in_o which_o we_o may_v do_v excellent_a service_n though_o we_o may_v not_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o engage_v in_o the_o field_n of_o controversy_n mere_o by_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o godliness_n by_o keep_v to_o the_o plain_a rule_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n this_o i_o say_v be_v our_o proper_a task_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v utter_o defeat_v our_o adversary_n and_o put_v they_o to_o the_o same_o straight_o that_o daniel_n do_v the_o chaldaean_n 6.5_o dan._n 6.5_o by_o leave_v they_o no_o occasion_n against_o we_o except_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n and_o for_o that_o we_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o try_v their_o utmost_a skill_n and_o if_o by_o fair_a reason_v and_o argument_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n they_o can_v win_v the_o victory_n let_v they_o wear_v it_o i_o wish_v the_o mean_a while_n we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v our_o religion_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v all_o show_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a conversation_n that_o our_o life_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o law_n as_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v just_o expect_v that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n shall_v live_v at_o the_o best_a rate_n that_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o know_v who_o we_o worship_n and_o have_v renounce_v the_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o spoil_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v be_v extreme_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o blemish_v our_o own_o that_o we_o do_v not_o stain_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o furnish_v man_n with_o 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often_o see_v the_o trial_n of_o in_o other_o with_o that_o ill_a success_n that_o of_o all_o thing_n methinks_v we_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v avoid_v if_o we_o do_v as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o we_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v gull_v with_o the_o flattery_n of_o this_o present_a world_n into_o a_o fond_a expectation_n of_o a_o long_a and_o happy_a continuance_n here_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o fatal_a error_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o season_v our_o mind_n with_o frequent_a and_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v apply_v they_o to_o the_o
and_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o memory_n be_v short_a too_o and_o that_o our_o fondness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v where_o we_o be_v upon_o what_o term_n we_o be_v here_o how_o sudden_o we_o must_v remove_v and_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o procure_v we_o a_o safe_a and_o easy_a passage_n into_o that_o eternal_a world_n where_o we_o must_v dwell_v in_o perfect_a bliss_n or_o anguish_n for_o ever_o we_o be_v so_o much_o enamour_a with_o this_o present_a world_n that_o like_o passionate_a lover_n we_o seem_v not_o to_o remember_v what_o we_o say_v or_o do_v while_o we_o be_v converse_v with_o it_o it_o fetter_n our_o memory_n while_o it_o captivate_v our_o affection_n and_o while_o it_o subdue_v our_o heart_n it_o bereave_v we_o of_o the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o certain_o be_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o where_o we_o hope_v ever_o long_o to_o be_v and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n where_o be_v it_o worth_a our_o while_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v stay_v long_o to_o enjoy_v they_o this_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n it_o be_v the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n that_o make_v we_o forget_v ourselves_o and_o the_o design_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o send_v we_o hither_o and_o the_o proper_a remedy_n against_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o mind_n as_o much_o awake_a as_o we_o can_v with_o frequent_a and_o serious_a thought_n on_o the_o suddenness_n of_o our_o departure_n hence_o for_o it_o be_v not_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o our_o life_n be_v short_a when_o we_o hear_v a_o discourse_n about_o it_o or_o follow_v a_o hearty_a man_n to_o his_o grave_n that_o will_v cure_v we_o of_o our_o dotage_n on_o present_a thing_n nothing_o less_o will_v do_v this_o than_o a_o quick_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n the_o power_n of_o conviction_n last_v no_o long_o than_o 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mighty_o help_v to_o quicken_v our_o devotion_n and_o inflame_v our_o affection_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o will_v thereby_o prevent_v a_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n it_o will_v excite_v we_o to_o hasten_v our_o repentance_n to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o our_o little_a life_n and_o improve_v all_o advantage_n we_o hold_v by_o it_o for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n the_o scripture_n often_o recommend_v this_o serious_a meditation_n to_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o fresh_a in_o our_o memory_n present_v we_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o affect_v emblem_n and_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a life_n such_o as_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o apt_a to_o raise_v a_o new_a passion_n in_o our_o mind_n every_o time_n we_o think_v of_o they_o for_o instance_n 1._o our_o life_n be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n to_o thing_n of_o the_o most_o transitory_a and_o fade_a nature_n st._n james_n call_v it_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o mortal_a man_n even_o the_o great_a and_o gallant_a of_o they_o it_o be_v up_o &_o down_o in_o a_o moment_n it_o be_v a_o vapour_n very_o often_o in_o the_o civil_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o common_o the_o great_a ostentation_n it_o make_v the_o soon_o it_o disappear_v and_o be_v go_v and_o the_o eye_n that_o see_v it_o see_v it_o not_o more_o and_o on_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o shadow_n 1_o chron._n 29.15_o and_o to_o the_o grass_n and_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n for_o its_o weak_a and_o fade_a nature_n psalm_n 103.15_o 16._o verse_n as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v go_v and_o the_o place_n thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o so_o job_n 14.1_o 2._o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o trouble_n he_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o he_o flee_v also_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o 2._o the_o shortness_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v represent_v by_o thing_n that_o be_v small_a in_o number_n and_o extension_n in_o their_o kind_n thus_o the_o day_n of_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o day_n of_o a_o hireling_n 7.1_o job_n 7.1_o which_o be_v few_o and_o precarious_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o the_o child_n of_o the_o family_n enjoy_v in_o their_o father_n house_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o observe_v 8.35_o john_n 8.35_o the_o servant_n abide_v not_o in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o but_o the_o son_n abide_v for_o ever_o and_o so_o the_o psalmist_n measure_v the_o life_n of_o man_n by_o the_o breadth_n of_o his_o hand_n which_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o vast_a circumference_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o heaven_n behold_v say_v he_o thou_o have_v make_v my_o day_n as_o a_o handbreath_n 6._o psal_n 39_o 6._o thou_o have_v enclose_v my_o life_n in_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n and_o then_o he_o add_v as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v too_o lavish_o of_o it_o and_o my_o age_n be_v as_o nothing_o before_o thou_o a_o mere_a cypher_n or_o nullity_n if_o compare_v to_o thy_o eternal_a duration_n whereupon_o he_o conclude_v very_o every_o man_n at_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n 3._o our_o life_n be_v also_o compare_v to_o thing_n of_o the_o speedy_a and_o swiste_v motion_n to_o remind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v hasten_v away_o apace_o and_o will_v be_v too_o nimble_a for_o we_o if_o we_o delay_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v we_o in_o this_o world_n my_o day_n say_v job_n be_v swister_n than_o a_o weaver_n shuttle_n 7._o job_n 7.6_o 7._o oh_o remember_v that_o my_o life_n be_v wind._n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n which_o denote_v the_o wonderful_a swiftness_n of_o it_o and_o such_o be_v our_o life_n it_o be_v always_o upon_o the_o wing_n it_o make_v all_o possible_a haste_n to_o be_v go_v it_o keep_v pace_n with_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n it_o be_v a_o wind_n say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o pass_v away_o 78.29_o psal_n 78.29_o and_o come_v not_o again_o our_o time_n be_v ever_o in_o motion_n and_o always_o keep_v the_o same_o speed_n what_o ever_o we_o be_v do_v the_o while_n and_o since_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a time_n and_o that_o little_a however_o spend_v be_v always_o lessen_v and_o draw_v to_o a_o period_n it_o can_v be_v long_o ere_o the_o whole_a stock_n be_v exhaust_v though_o we_o shall_v husband_n it_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o live_v out_o which_o perhaps_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o do_v to_o the_o utmost_a stretch_n and_o possibility_n of_o live_v 4._o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o allusion_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v movable_a at_o pleasure_n imply_v that_o as_o short_a as_o the_o ordinary_a term_n of_o life_n be_v it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o often_o lessen_v by_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n our_o time_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n our_o life_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o our_o body_n to_o tabernacle_n i._n e._n extempore_o house_n or_o receptacle_n that_o be_v present_o set_v up_o and_o take_v down_o or_o remove_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o owner_n and_o in_o this_o language_n hezechiah_n complain_v upon_o the_o sad_a tiding_n the_o prophet_n bring_v he_o of_o his_o approach_a death_n isa_n 38._o v._n 10_o 12._o i_o be_o deprive_v
any_o gratitude_n in_o we_o any_o ingenious_a sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a debt_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o will_v strong_o engage_v we_o to_o make_v the_o best_a return_v and_o acknowledgement_n we_o be_v able_a know_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o 17.10_o luk._n 17.10_o we_o be_v but_o vnprositable_a servant_n and_o then_o the_o danger_n of_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o our_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o of_o drive_v away_o his_o grieve_v spirit_n from_o we_o and_o so_o cloud_v and_o shorten_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n how_o shall_v this_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n and_o inflame_v our_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n but_o there_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o enlarge_n upon_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o next_o particular_a which_o be_v this_o 5._o the_o strong_a we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o better_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n without_o which_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v throw_v away_o a_o constant_a proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o apostasy_n while_o we_o go_v on_o and_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o our_o fall_v away_o all_o the_o danger_n be_v while_o we_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o return_v to_o our_o former_a course_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n by_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v we_o be_v continual_o get_v ground_n for_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o the_o more_o we_o keep_v before_o they_o the_o less_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v surprise_v and_o overtake_v by_o they_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o our_o christian_a course_n so_o far_o as_o we_o advance_v towards_o the_o latter_a we_o leave_v the_o former_a behind_o we_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v at_o so_o much_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o apostasy_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o perseverance_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o get_v as_o forward_o in_o religion_n as_o we_o can_v and_o not_o rest_n in_o any_o mean_a attainment_n as_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o at_o any_o time_n good_a enough_o for_o heaven_n and_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o crown_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v begin_v our_o race_n we_o know_v not_o what_o trial_n we_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o or_o what_o degree_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n we_o shall_v need_v to_o support_v and_o carry_v we_o through_o they_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o be_v well_o prepare_v before_o hand_n and_o it_o therefore_o become_v we_o to_o be_v constant_o train_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n and_o daily_o reinforcing_a our_o resolution_n to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o obstruct_v our_o passage_n to_o glory_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n we_o shall_v very_o hardly_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o fall_v away_o we_o shall_v loose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o former_a labour_n and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v far_o worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n i_o know_v there_o be_v those_o that_o take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o fall_v from_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o will_v only_o remind_v those_o who_o be_v too_o flush_n and_o confident_n of_o it_o for_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o man_n to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o it_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a it_o may_v do_v they_o no_o service_n and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o many_o that_o have_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n among_o those_o that_o be_v true_o so_o have_v at_o last_o yield_v to_o the_o charm_n of_o this_o tempt_v world_n and_o neglect_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n have_v outlive_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o the_o fair_a opinion_n of_o the_o most_o candid_a and_o charitable_a person_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v be_v extreme_o cautious_a of_o presume_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o dash_v against_o the_o rock_n which_o many_o that_o have_v have_v the_o steerage_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o seem_v to_o set_v out_o with_o all_o advantage_n for_o heaven_n have_v fatal_o strike_v upon_o for_o want_v of_o that_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n as_o that_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o good_a man_n may_v grieve_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o resistance_n be_v a_o new_a provocation_n to_o he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o that_o the_o often_o he_o be_v repulse_v the_o more_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o his_o forsake_v those_o that_o withstand_v his_o bless_a motition_n and_o whether_o this_o may_v or_o may_v not_o proceed_v to_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o be_v cautious_a of_o it_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a end_n of_o some_o very_a hopeful_a beginner_n who_o if_o once_o they_o be_v not_o real_o good_a be_v deceive_v in_o themselves_o nay_o be_v so_o extreme_o like_o those_o that_o be_v good_a that_o they_o deceive_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n let_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o let_v we_o all_o endeavour_n by_o a_o sensible_a and_o constant_a improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n to_o grow_v steadfast_a and_o vnmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v our_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 6._o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n will_v daily_o lessen_v and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o increase_v the_o far_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o of_o god_n commandment_n appear_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o use_v to_o obey_v it_o for_o use_v and_o diligence_n make_v any_o thing_n easy_a and_o all_o excellent_a thing_n delightful_a and_o hence_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o seldomer_n we_o do_v any_o good_a the_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o it_o again_o and_o the_o more_o faint_o we_o set_v about_o it_o the_o less_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o now_o let_v we_o but_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o take_v care_n to_o do_v it_o but_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o we_o shall_v quick_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v please_v with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o good_a man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o do_v good_a and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o he_o shall_v for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o that_o deal_v in_o it_o which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o when_o he_o pray_v 14.14_o pro._n 14.14_o or_o meditate_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n with_o due_a attention_n and_o devotion_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o while_n and_o never_o enjoy_v himself_o more_o than_o when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n well_o which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o he_o that_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o at_o last_o do_v it_o but_o with_o half_a a_o consent_n be_v fain_o to_o struggle_v with_o himself_o before_o he_o proceed_v so_o far_o and_o so_o lose_v all_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o give_v free_o and_o cheerful_o have_v no_o trouble_n in_o himself_o about_o it_o but_o be_v high_o please_v with_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o find_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o thus_o can_v i_o run_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christian_a practice_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o gain_v this_o conclusion_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v easie_n and_o pleasant_n if_o it_o be_v but_o do_v as_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o we_o improve_v and_o the_o better_a we_o discharge_v our_o duty_n the_o fast_o we_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o make_v our_o progress_n the_o more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v no_o romantic_a fancy_n
but_o a_o solid_a and_o expereienced_a truth_n and_o how_o shall_v this_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n and_o enliven_v we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a course_n that_o the_o better_a speed_n we_o make_v the_o less_o weary_a we_o shall_v be_v with_o our_o journey_n and_o that_o have_v past_o the_o first_o stage_n of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o loiter_v by_o the_o way_n we_o shall_v gather_v strength_n all_o along_o as_o we_o go_v and_o be_v less_o tire_v than_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o sit_v still_o the_o while_n every_o step_n will_v yield_v we_o a_o new_a refreshment_n as_o it_o bring_v we_o near_o the_o glorious_a end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o shorten_v the_o distance_n betwixt_o we_o and_o heaven_n 7._o last_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o better_a we_o grow_v the_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v to_o die_v and_o the_o ripe_a for_o eternity_n every_o degree_n of_o grace_n will_v help_v to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o last_o agony_n when_o of_o all_o the_o hour_n we_o have_v to_o live_v we_o will_v choose_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n easy_a and_o cheerful_a to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o our_o future_a state_n and_o to_o have_v nothing_o upon_o our_o spirit_n that_o may_v occasion_v any_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o the_o live_v we_o have_v lead_v or_o any_o misgive_a thought_n of_o our_o approach_a eternity_n when_o our_o last_o and_o determine_a hour_n come_v we_o shall_v need_v all_o the_o succour_n which_o a_o strong_a faith_n a_o vigorous_a hope_n and_o a_o perefect_a patience_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n can_v afford_v we_o to_o vanquish_v the_o fear_n and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o pang_n and_o struggle_n of_o death_n to_o make_v our_o passage_n easy_a and_o our_o dissolution_n desirable_a we_o be_v general_o apt_a when_o we_o perceive_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o immortality_n to_o stand_v shiver_v at_o the_o amaze_a prospect_n of_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n before_o we_o be_v natural_o very_o loath_a to_o put_v off_o from_o this_o belove_a world_n and_o common_o very_o fearful_a of_o our_o land_n upon_o the_o next_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v perfect_o cure_v we_o of_o this_o fear_n but_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n i._n e._n our_o improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v entrust_v we_o with_o such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o will_v charm_v our_o natural_a fear_n disarm_v death_n of_o its_o terror_n and_o make_v we_o even_o glad_a to_o die_v and_o desirous_a to_o see_v that_o happy_a world_n we_o have_v so_o long_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n if_o we_o have_v be_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o rejoice_v that_o our_o audit_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v be_v do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v a_o unexpressible_a comfort_n to_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o his_o sight_n 38.3_o isa_n 38.3_o and_o what_o great_a happiness_n can_v we_o imagine_v or_o choose_v for_o ourselves_o than_o to_o sail_v with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o full_a tide_n of_o joy_n into_o a_o bless_a eternity_n if_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n as_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n plain_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o best_a man_n in_o this_o world_n will_v certain_o be_v the_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o since_o there_o be_v glory_n enough_o there_o to_o crown_v all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o improvement_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o aim_v at_o as_o great_a a_o share_n of_o it_o and_o to_o rise_v as_o high_a in_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v possible_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v bestow_v our_o time_n better_o than_o in_o lay_v up_o all_o the_o treasure_n that_o we_o can_v in_o heaven_n where_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v be_v safe_a and_o will_v be_v always_o in_o a_o thrive_a and_o grow_v state_n and_o where_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o after_o a_o few_o day_n improve_v into_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v these_o mighty_a reason_n to_o quicken_v our_o spiritual_a growth_n aspire_v every_o day_n to_o exceed_v ourselves_o and_o to_o mend_v our_o progress_n in_o religion_n they_o that_o be_v but_o in_o a_o infant-state_n of_o grace_n have_v many_o stage_n and_o degree_n to_o pass_v through_o before_o they_o can_v arrive_v at_o any_o great_a perfection_n and_o so_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v press_v on_o lest_o time_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v too_o hasty_a for_o they_o and_o not_o allow_v they_o space_n to_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o great_a strength_n and_o maturity_n as_o better_a fruit_n will_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o than_o other_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o real_a shame_n and_o prejudice_n to_o they_o to_o come_v behind_o themsleve_n and_o that_o their_o last_o work_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o their_o first_o when_o all_o be_v say_v to_o satisfy_v man_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n assure_o the_o most_o comfortable_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o growth_n and_o flourish_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherefore_o belove_v see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n vii_o of_o murder_v particular_o duel_v and_o self-murder_n matth._n 5.21_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v the_o precept_n in_o the_o text_n be_v no_o modern_a say_n no_o positive_a command_n of_o christ_n but_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o stand_a rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v at_o first_o engrave_v in_o the_o deep_a character_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o creator_n the_o write_a law_n be_v only_o a_o transcript_n or_o copy_n of_o that_o original_a but_o even_o this_o as_o it_o be_v no_o less_o authentic_a be_v very_o ancient_a too_o you_o have_v hear_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o ancient_n or_o to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v most_o natural_o render_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v that_o be_v this_o precept_n be_v deliver_v to_o their_o father_n at_o mount_n sinai_n under_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o after_o age_n by_o his_o priest_n and_o prophet_n but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o thorough_o understand_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n apprehend_v themselves_o clear_a of_o this_o commandment_n if_o they_o do_v not_o kill_v and_o murder_n one_o another_o to_o rectify_v this_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n be_v about_o to_o give_v they_o a_o large_a and_o more_o perfect_a exposition_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o famous_a expositor_n of_o the_o age_n general_o do_v express_o tell_v they_o that_o causeless_a and_o reproachful_a anger_n be_v forbid_v under_o the_o great_a penalty_n of_o this_o commandment_n v._o 22._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whoseover_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o brother_n racha_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o counsel_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v thou_o fool_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell_n fire_n viz._n because_o this_o quarrelsome_a and_o provoke_a passion_n of_o anger_n be_v as_o aristotle_n observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ordinary_a principle_n and_o cause_n of_o murder_n and_o therefore_o very_o sinful_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n to_o insist_v upon_o our_o saviour_n improvement_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o law_n otherwise_o than_o the_o state_v of_o particular_a case_n may_v lead_v i_o to_o it_o