so_o much_o neglect_v the_o pharise_n in_o old_a turn_v superficial_a in_o their_o religion_n by_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o tradition_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o christianity_n be_v much_o exanimate_v by_o such_o a_o cry_n for_o the_o outward_a part_n with_o too_o great_a neglect_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o where_o only_o we_o can_v find_v the_o propiratory_n and_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a these_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v main_o to_o insist_v upon_o may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o these_o particular_n follow_v 1._o the_o necessaria_fw-la or_o thing_n absoluty_n needful_a to_o salvation_n 2_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3_o the_o right_n inform_v of_o what_o we_o have_v be_v what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v 4_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o last_o thing_n so_o useful_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o clear_o manifest_v in_o the_o gospel_n first_o the_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n as_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mediator_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n these_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o that_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n which_o refresh_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v our_o spirit_n to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o trâ—th_n and_o to_o love_v fear_v â—bey_v and_o choose_v he_o as_o our_o portion_n â—â—â—e_a and_o hereafter_o wâ—ich_a overaw_v the_o â—â—ul_a with_o a_o reverential_a fear_n of_o his_o naâ—e_n and_o shaâ—tech_v abroad_o divine_a love_n in_o our_o hearâ—s_n whereby_o we_o be_v veâ—â—y_o much_o refâ—â—shâ—d_v with_o the_o bread_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o â—hen_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o mediator_n we_o take_v he_o up_o aright_o and_o by_o our_o apply_v of_o and_o employ_v christ_n in_o his_o mediatorial_n office_n we_o come_v to_o get_v victory_n oâ—_n for_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o by_o the_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o make_v a_o spirit_n of_o glory_n rest_v upon_o we_o it_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o wondrous_a jubilation_n and_o joy_n and_o fiâ—â—s_v we_o tâ—_n have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o we_o look_v for_o the_o saviour_n phil._n 3._o 20._o 2_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v godly_a righteousâ—â—_n and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n tiâ—_n 2._o 11._o this_o be_v the_o right_a management_n oâ—_n our_o knowledge_n and_o christian_n call_v whereby_o we_o be_v direct_v and_o assist_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n our_o holy_a religion_n 3_o and_o it_o be_v very_o behoouful_a in_o our_o christian_a course_n well_o to_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v humble_v to_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v cautious_a and_o circumspect_a and_o jabour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o answer_v our_o gospel_n education_n in_o all_o tke_v relation_n and_o turn_v and_o exigent_n of_o our_o life_n and_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v be_v best_a know_v by_o 4_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o novissima_fw-la or_o last_o thing_n that_o we_o entertain_v frequent_a meditation_n of_o death_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a when_o god_n time_n come_v to_o be_v wise_a to_o consider_v our_o latter_a end_n and_o wise_o to_o number_v up_o our_o day_n to_o judge_n ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o condemn_v at_o the_o last_o judgement_n to_o consider_v hâ—ll_o that_o we_o may_v put_v a_o beacon_n over_o tophet_n to_o flee_v from_o it_o and_o to_o recreate_v ourselves_o with_o the_o prospect_n of_o heaven_n to_o encourrage_n we_o to_o make_v meet_v for_o that_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n nâ—w_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n entertain_v and_o improve_v in_o our_o christian_a life_n i_o shall_v subjoin_v these_o reason_n follow_v one_a the_o original_a of_o these_o thing_n 2_o these_o thing_n contain_v our_o right_n and_o title_n to_o glorv_v and_o 3_o they_o contain_v our_o portion_n and_o patrimony_n in_o heaven_n first_o there_o original_a they_o be_v â—_o 〈◊〉_d from_o above_o they_o be_v whole_o diuâ—ne_a the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n they_o be_v neither_o humane_a invention_n nor_o tradition_n but_o the_o â—â—ictates_v of_o eternal_a reason_n so_o pure_a so_o excellent_a so_o true_a and_o so_o just_a that_o they_o discover_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v the_o gospel_n than_o be_v a_o divine_a thing_n every_o truth_n thereof_o be_v a_o ray_n of_o eternal_a light_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o â—ross_n of_o christ_n though_o to_o the_o blind_a world_n of_o no_o account_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n yet_o be_v it_o to_o be_v glory_v in_o by_o true_a beleiver_n as_o the_o issue_n of_o eternal_a love_n and_o the_o great_a product_n of_o heavenly_a council_n and_o covenant_n it_o be_v whole_o compose_v of_o glory_n discover_v unto_o we_o the_o everlasting_a love_n precious_a christ_n and_o precious_a promise_n great_a reward_n and_o a_o eternal_a crown_n 2_o these_o thing_n contain_v our_o title_n to_o glory_n our_o charter_n of_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n which_o compose_v according_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n which_o charter_n wâ—_n shall_v understand_v as_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o word_n aâ—d_v oath_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o our_o part_n aught_o to_o be_v seal_v with_o persevere_v fidelity_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o run_v to_o turn_v the_o leaf_n of_o our_o destiny_n in_o the_o secret_a council_n of_o god_n but_o search_v the_o reveal_v will_n that_o our_o name_n by_o well_o do_v may_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 3_o these_o thing_n contain_v our_o portion_n and_o heavenly_a patrimony_n for_o 1_o cor_n 3._o end_v if_o we_o be_v christâ—_n all_o be_v we_o if_o genuine_a christian_n then_o be_v we_o son_n heir_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n gal_n 4._o 7._o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n be_v thou_o we_o shall_v then_o often_o read_v our_o charter_n rejoice_v in_o our_o high_a descent_n improve_v our_o privilege_n as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o labour_n to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n the_o dimension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n seek_v to_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o these_o thing_n for_o they_o contain_v a_o great_a prize_n if_o not_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n these_o thing_n be_v the_o light_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o the_o beleif_n of_o these_o thing_n his_o â—rown_n and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o apostle_n bear_v in_o these_o thing_n upon_o people_n be_v by_o way_n of_o remembrance_n gospel_n ministeâ—â—_n be_v subordinate_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o people_n they_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v râ—â—_n membâ—ances_v isa_n 62._o 6._o 7._o for_o the_o people_n good_a and_o people_n remembrance_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n they_o must_v warn_v admonish_v remember_v and_o inculcate_v truth_n upon_o people_n heart_n by_o frequent_a admonition_n and_o repetition_n phil_n 3._o 3â—_n but_o this_o remember_v be_v so_o much_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n here_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o a_o particular_a discourse_n ere_o i_o conclude_v this_o subject_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o parâ—_n ticular_a which_o contain_v the_o knowledge_n and_o establishment_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o prime_n of_o christianity_n and_o clear_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o exact_a instruction_n and_o stability_n of_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 3d._n faith_n the_o prophet_n foretell_v this_o light_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god._n which_o be_v clear_o fulfil_v under_o the_o gospel_n as_o you_o may_v see_v by_o compare_v 2_o chap_n of_o st_o john_n with_o 2_o chap_n of_o the_o act_n for_o in_o effect_n ignorance_n be_v the_o great_a impediment_n of_o the_o comfort_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a prognostic_n of_o a_o fatal_a and_o judicial_a stroke_n it_o hinder_v the_o action_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o and_z puts_z people_n in_o a_o element_n where_o satan_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n work_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o the_o light_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god._n sermon_n iii_o the_o expediency_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o
it_o tend_v to_o eternal_a life_n the_o painter_n appelles_n place_v a_o imaginary_a fame_n in_o a_o curious_a draught_n and_o many_o for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o fame_n make_v themselves_o infamous_a as_o alexander_n be_v call_v totius_fw-la orbis_n praedo_fw-la but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 25._o which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o many_o mâ—ns_n reputation_n die_v here_o their_o name_n â—ot_n buâ—â—aithful_a preach_a never_n die_v god_n have_v a_o register_n of_o it_o â—_z receive_v in_o the_o heaven_n impress_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o convert_v thereby_o be_v a_o live_a monument_n erect_v in_o the_o live_v of_o men._n you_o be_v our_o epistle_n say_v st._n paul_n to_o the_o corninthians_n and_o though_o faithful_a minister_n do_v not_o succeed_v yet_o their_o reward_n be_v with_o their_o god_n and_o their_o euge_fw-la wait_v they_o in_o heaven_n well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n more_o particular_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o part_n of_o this_o text_n in_o these_o particular_n 1._o the_o endeavour_n of_o this_o faithful_a minister_n 2._o the_o extent_n of_o his_o endeavour_n even_o after_o his_o decease_n 3._o the_o inculcate_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o they_o may_v take_v impression_n by_o way_n of_o remembrance_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n first_o the_o endeavour_n of_o this_o faithful_a minister_n and_o it_o teacheâ—h_v we_o of_o this_o sacred_a employment_n to_o follow_v this_o copy_n to_o contribute_v our_o best_a endeavem_n for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n this_o be_v all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v paul_n can_v but_o plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o god_n give_v the_o increass_n and_o though_o our_o endeavour_n be_v frustrate_a yet_o if_o we_o do_v our_o duty_n our_o judgement_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v but_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o give_v grace_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v earnest_a with_o people_n not_o to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a or_o that_o dispensation_n wherein_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v give_v that_o be_v the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v contribute_v our_o outmost_a endeavour_n for_o the_o work_n be_v great_a the_o opposition_n strong_a and_o since_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o ministry_n let_v we_o not_o faint_v our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o ministerial_a office_n be_v frustrate_v how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o say_v he_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o â—e_n will_v not_o â—et_v we_o do_v our_o duty_n then_o and_o commit_v the_o event_n to_o god._n 2_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o endeavour_n even_o after_o his_o decease_n a_o faithful_a mininister_n have_v ministerial_a affection_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v consine_n their_o wish_n to_o the_o little_a compass_n of_o a_o short_a time_n they_o expatiate_v in_o their_o desire_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o can_v tarry_v while_o christ_n come_v as_o it_o be_v groundless_o suppose_v by_o the_o belove_a disciple_n they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o improve_v the_o opportunity_n but_o to_o consider_v more_o particular_o the_o import_n of_o this_o his_o endeavour_n it_o be_v certain_a as_o he_o do_v not_o here_o intend_v in_o a_o ghostly_a way_n to_o preach_v to_o they_o after_o his_o decease_n for_o god_n use_v not_o to_o send_v to_o the_o live_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o action_n in_o time_n as_o abel_n though_o dead_a yet_o speak_v moses_n his_o word_n yet_o judge_v and_o the_o hand_n write_n of_o ordinance_n yet_o stand_v while_o they_o be_v cancel_v thus_o christ_n word_n shall_v judge_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n and_o good_a work_n shall_v have_v their_o approbation_n then_o and_o the_o woman_n anoint_v of_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o every_o generation_n mat_n 25_o 42_o 43_o wherever_o this_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n have_v monument_n erect_v for_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o apostle_n beside_o his_o writing_n of_o some_o part_n of_o canonic_a scripture_n which_o endure_v for_o ever_o he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n in_o his_o call_n in_o his_o call_v in_o his_o miracle_n in_o his_o action_n and_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n all_o which_o serve_v to_o preach_v after_o his_o decease_n which_o other_o in_o their_o measure_n also_o do_v so_o that_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o doct._n 1_o life_n and_o labour_n remain_v famous_a live_a monument_n after_o their_o decease_n their_o work_n follow_v they_o and_o also_o they_o leave_v impression_n behind_o they_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o do_v well_o in_o our_o office_n and_o die_v a_o faithful_a stewart_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o save_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v we_o to_o make_v after_o generation_n bless_v we_o fame_n indeed_o shall_v not_o be_v our_o design_n for_o that_o may_v savour_v of_o pride_n and_o vanity_n but_o the_o work_n if_o good_a will_v praise_v thou_o in_o the_o gate_n o_o then_o let_v we_o act_v for_o eternity_n preach_v as_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o application_n account_n labour_v to_o do_v well_o and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v for_o to_o win_v a_o soul_n be_v a_o great_a prize_n and_o to_o help_v people_n faith_n and_o to_o follow_v they_o with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v after_o peace_n and_o holiness_n be_v a_o great_a duty_n all_o true_a holiness_n be_v from_o god_n and_o he_o have_v say_v honorantes_fw-la i_o honorabo_fw-la iâ—le_a honour_n they_o that_o honour_v i_o 1_o sam._n 4._o 5._o and_o the_o mercy_n of_o do_v good_a in_o our_o time_n and_o in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o shall_v meet_v we_o in_o another_o world_n so_o may_v it_o sweeten_v all_o the_o difficuldifficulty_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o but_o the_o three_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o inculcate_a the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o they_o may_v take_v impression_n by_o way_n of_o rememâ—_n brance_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n will_v more_o clear_o unfold_v this_o duty_n of_o a_o gospel_n minister_n to_o help_v people_n to_o a_o well_o improve_v remembrance_n the_o apostle_n much_o insist_o upon_o the_o word_n remembrance_n and_o every_o faithful_a minister_n and_o particular_o one_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v faithful_a shall_v labour_v to_o bring_v these_o thing_n to_o people_n remembrance_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o it_o and_o so_o to_o leave_v his_o flock_n the_o most_o last_a legacy_n it_o be_v clear_o then_o observable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o gospel_n minister_n duty_n doct._n 2_o to_o help_v people_n mind_n to_o retain_v and_o improve_v gospel_n truth_n for_o their_o salvation_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n phil_n 4._o 9_o over_o and_z over_o again_o to_o show_v they_o how_o much_o a_o sanctify_a memory_n of_o these_o thing_n tend_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o happiness_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o spirit_n within_o he_o that_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o great_a repository_n of_o holy_a truth_n and_o make_v religious_a act_n flow_v from_o a_o solid_a understanding_n which_o influence_v the_o will_n free_o to_o work_v and_o enlarge_v the_o affection_n to_o run_v with_o delight_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god._n now_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a in_o this_o i_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o consider_v one_a facultas_fw-la retinens_fw-la the_o mind_n retain_v 2_o res_fw-la retenta_fw-la the_o thing_n remember_v 3_o the_o help_n a_o faithful_a minister_n give_v to_o this_o holy_a art_n of_o remember_v 4_o people_n improvement_n by_o right_n remember_v first_o facultas_fw-la retinens_fw-la the_o mind_n retain_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v first_o a_o natural_a memory_n whereby_o some_o have_v say_v nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la sit_fw-la oblivisci_fw-la i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o forget_v which_o be_v most_o fresh_a in_o youth_n and_o turn_v crazy_a in_o old_a age_n other_o again_o be_v so_o dull_a in_o their_o mind_n or_o rather_o careless_a that_o their_o memory_n be_v like_o a_o sieve_n which_o let_v clean_a water_n pass_v through_o but_o retain_v dregs_o of_o such_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o wot_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o remember_v 2_o there_o be_v a_o artificial_a memory_n much_o help_v by_o read_v and_o frequent_a study_n and_o meditation_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o religious_a memory_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n
who_o bring_v these_o thing_n to_o ouâ—_n remembrance_n the_o labour_n of_o faithful_a minister_n the_o short_a and_o clear_o digest_v of_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o gospel_n design_n as_o to_o good_a work_n frequent_a prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o pain_n and_o to_o digest_v these_o thing_n well_o in_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o they_o may_v take_v impression_n never_o to_o be_v obliterated_a 2_o res_fw-la retenta_fw-la the_o thing_n remember_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o concern_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o what_o be_v conducive_a to_o advance_v they_o the_o first_o and_o second_o relate_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o three_o and_o four_o concern_v people_n as_o to_o their_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v your_o care_n to_o know_v god_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o if_o thou_o have_v have_v any_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o heart_n to_o understand_v thou_o may_v be_v a_o great_a proficient_a but_o alas_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o many_o for_o which_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o hebrew_n heb._n 5._o 12._o and_o second_o if_o people_n will_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o light_n they_o have_v they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o this_o practice_n will_v give_v they_o the_o more_o facility_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n they_o know_v 3_o the_o help_n of_o the_o remembrance_n which_o consist_v in_o his_o prayer_n and_o patience_n that_o he_o weary_a not_o in_o his_o work_n that_o he_o inâ—_n strike_v and_o warn_v every_o man_n that_o he_o preach_v sound_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n that_o he_o press_v and_o propagate_v the_o essence_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v not_o please_v himself_o much_o with_o circumstance_n and_o time_n debate_v and_o that_o which_o the_o most_o of_o our_o people_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o and_o never_o a_o white_a the_o better_a though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o necessary_a thing_n be_v our_o great_a instruction_n from_o our_o great_a master_n and_o to_o press_v these_o qui_fw-la populariter_fw-la docet_fw-la optime_fw-la docet_fw-la so_o popular_o as_o luther_n say_v most_o profitable_o and_o we_o must_v be_v intent_n upon_o our_o work_n and_o press_v people_n to_o cooperate_v with_o god_n and_o we_o and_o be_v busy_a themselves_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n let_v minister_n also_o rule_v well_o their_o own_o life_n that_o it_o may_v correspond_v with_o their_o doctrine_n and_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o holy_a man_n who_o ash_n seem_v yet_o to_o exhale_v from_o their_o tomb_n a_o sweet_a savour_n which_o make_v their_o memory_n for_o ever_o bless_v and_o if_o we_o put_v the_o brethren_n in_o mind_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v good_a minister_n 4_o people_n improvement_n by_o right_n remember_v memoria_fw-la excolendo_fw-la augetur_fw-la culture_n and_o industrie_n will_v make_v a_o barren_a ground_n fertile_a improve_v well_o the_o many_o remembrance_n thou_o get_v from_o the_o word_n and_o that_o monument_n christ_n build_v for_o himself_o by_o the_o sacrament_n remember_v the_o novissima_fw-la the_o last_o thing_n the_o prima_fw-la media_fw-la &_o ultima_fw-la to_o wit_n thy_o conversion_n progress_n and_o perfection_n therein_o consider_v what_o thou_o have_v be_v what_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o thou_o shall_v be_v be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n consider_v the_o beacon_n set_v up_o in_o the_o scripture_n aâ—_n against_o sin_n remember_v lot_n wife_n jam_fw-la 1._o 22._o and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n keep_v a_o diary_n as_o to_o thy_o time_n have_v thy_o memorandum_n and_o labour_n still_o by_o remember_v to_o practice_n and_o do_v sermon_n vi._n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o the_o infallible_a proof_n thereof_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o such_o as_o own_v it_o for_o we_o have_v noâ—_n follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v upto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 16._o this_o be_v the_o base_a and_o find_v of_o all_o religion_n which_o as_o it_o convince_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o so_o do_v it_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o apostle_n be_v very_o competent_a to_o give_v his_o sentiment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n be_v call_v by_o power_n enlighten_v by_o knowledge_n and_o have_v see_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o oracle_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o master_n so_o do_v he_o direct_a gospel_n minister_n to_o inculcate_v upon_o their_o people_n the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o every_o faithful_a pastor_n may_v have_v the_o occasion_n to_o attract_v people_n to_o the_o obedience_n oâ—_n the_o faith_n and_o in_o their_o measure_n to_o say_v unto_o they_o we_o preach_v not_o unto_o you_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a thing_n but_o the_o magnalia_fw-la veritatis_fw-la the_o great_a thing_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v great_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o gospel_n minister_n that_o he_o can_v refresh_v his_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o satisfy_v the_o people_n that_o he_o have_v preach_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o god._n for_o when_o the_o account_n of_o the_o stewartship_n be_v call_v for_o it_o will_v afford_v but_o small_a peace_n to_o the_o pastor_n to_o reflect_v that_o he_o have_v be_v take_v up_o with_o ventilation_n of_o controversy_n circumstance_n and_o external_n polity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o have_v be_v biguit_fw-la about_o his_o belove_a sect_n that_o he_o have_v pharisaical_o insist_v upon_o gerimony_n and_o much_o neglect_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god._n now_o more_o particular_o to_o take_v up_o the_o scope_n and_o part_n of_o this_o text_n i_o shall_v reduce_v it_o to_o these_o point_n follow_v 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o eunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o though_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n in_o weakness_n yet_o to_o a_o right_a discerner_n his_o come_n be_v with_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n 3._o as_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o evident_a by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n so_o be_v it_o band_v down_o to_o we_o and_o confirm_v by_o eye-witness_n first_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o cunning_o devise_v doct._n 1_o fable_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god._n it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptance_n 2_o tin_n 2._o 1â—_n nor_o a_o cunning_a fable_n and_o a_o subtle_a contrivance_n to_o impose_v upon_o and_o deceive_v the_o world_n no_o â—ut_fw-la let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o all_o man_n liar_n first_o then_o it_o be_v no_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o but_o it_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o wise_a council_n of_o god_n transact_v in_o heaven_n and_o give_v to_o man_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v the_o emanation_n of_o the_o love_n and_o good_a will_v of_o god_n to_o man_n through_o a_o mediator_n have_v i_o not_o write_v unto_o thou_o thing_n excellent_a that_o thou_o may_v know_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n say_v god_n by_o solomon_n it_o be_v as_o true_a as_o christ_n himself_o and_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n if_o he_o himself_o be_v real_o upon_o earth_n which_o be_v evident_a as_o a_o demonstration_n and_o the_o most_o verify_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o clancular_o but_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o friend_n and_o foe_n for_o he_o do_v more_o miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o discover_v of_o his_o person_n than_o ever_o be_v dâ—ne_v before_o he_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n so_o great_a and_o stupendous_a that_o have_v not_o the_o ancient_a people_n be_v prejudge_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o humility_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o ruler_n all_o jury_n have_v go_v after_o he_o and_o further_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o doctrine_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v upon_o jew_n and_o gentile_n all_o these_o write_v the_o verity_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o gospel_n cannot_v be_v
the_o map_n of_o the_o little_a world_n illuminate_v with_o religion_n be_v a_o practical_a treatise_n direct_v man_n to_o a_o religious_a scope_n and_o right_a measure_n in_o all_o the_o period_n of_o his_o life_n with_o devotion_n suitable_a to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o appendix_n contain_v a_o gospel_n minister_n legacy_n to_o his_o flock_n in_o some_o sermon_n upon_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 12_o etc._n etc._n by_o patrick_n strachan_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o st._n vigean_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o john_n reid_n to_o be_v sell_v by_o thomas_n brown_n &_o john_n vallange_n their_o shop_n over_o against_o the_o parliament-closs_n anno_fw-la dom._n m._n dc_o xciii_o unto_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o true_o noble_a james_n earl_n of_o panmure_n lord_n maul_n breghin_n and_o navarre_n etc._n etc._n my_o most_o generous_a patron_n may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n in_o your_o goodness_n to_o accept_v of_o this_o small_a testimony_n of_o my_o bound_a duty_n for_o your_o lordship_n patrociny_n and_o singular_a kindness_n to_o i_o and_o i_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o favour_n which_o have_v still_o issue_v from_o your_o noble_a ancestor_n without_o the_o least_o umbrage_n in_o your_o noble_a person_n and_o your_o most_o honourable_a lady_n who_o though_o the_o daughter_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a peer_n of_o this_o ancient_a kingdom_n do_v add_v to_o her_o natural_a splendour_n thâ—_n lustre_n of_o a_o condescend_v and_o courteous_a mean_a as_o if_o her_o ladyship_n be_v of_o a_o loweâ—_n extract_n i_o can_v but_o express_v the_o thankful_a sentiment_n i_o entertain_v of_o the_o favouâ—_n of_o your_o noble_a predecessor_n and_o of_o youâ—_n honourable_a and_o most_o worthy_a motherâ—_n who_o approve_a conduct_n prudent_a câ—vil_a and_o edify_v way_n have_v not_o only_o engage_v i_o but_o all_o who_o have_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o her_o ladyship_n converse_n to_o looâ—_n upon_o she_o as_o a_o woman_n among_o a_o thousanâ—_o but_o i_o know_v your_o lordship_n need_v no_o borrow_a ray_n from_o the_o applause_n 〈◊〉_d man_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v bâ—_n only_o to_o beg_v your_o favourable_a acceptant_a of_o this_o small_a mite_n of_o my_o gratitude_n which_z though_o weak_a and_o unworthy_a yet_o presume_v to_o kiss_v your_o noble_a hand_n because_o of_o its_o general_a design_n to_o advance_v that_o glorious_a religion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o oppose_v by_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o if_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o innocence_n and_o native_a power_n will_v transform_v the_o world_n from_o a_o chaos_n of_o confusion_n to_o a_o wondrous_a light_n so_o wish_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o left_a hand_n to_o your_o lordship_n and_o noble_a family_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o i_o be_o in_o all_o sincere_a duty_n my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n humble_v devote_v servant_n in_o christ_n pat_n strachan_n from_o my_o study_n at_o st._n vigean_n 14_o july_n 1693._o to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n if_o thou_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o peruse_v this_o little_a treatise_n with_o the_o denvedness_n and_o charity_n wherewith_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o digest_v and_o publish_v it_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v meet_v with_o little_a censure_n for_o this_o be_v forbid_v jam_fw-la 3._o 1._o and_o it_o be_v very_o much_o contrary_n to_o the_o gospel_n spirit_n and_o argue_v too_o much_o pride_n self_n conceit_n in_o the_o censurer_n and_o a_o very_a malevolent_a humour_n that_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o offer_n of_o a_o little_a mite_n for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n by_o another_o without_o disdain_n and_o contempt_n and_o because_o self_n be_v so_o natural_a &_o ready_a like_o the_o ivy_n to_o twist_v itself_o in_o with_o the_o best_a of_o our_o essay_n i_o here_o solemn_o renounce_v it_o so_o that_o if_o this_o weak_a work_n may_v be_v any_o wise_a useful_a to_o the_o church_n and_o promotive_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o have_v my_o end_n &_o reward_n it_o be_v not_o calculate_v to_o the_o luxurient_fw-la fancy_n of_o man_n nor_o to_o any_o sphere_n of_o more_o sublime_a judgement_n but_o only_o that_o it_o may_v be_v helpful_a to_o such_o of_o low_a capacity_n i_o send_v it_o forth_o without_o affection_n not_o with_o the_o excellency_n of_o word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o humble_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o god_n it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n such_o as_o read_v it_o let_v they_o do_v it_o with_o humility_n denyedness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o i_o hope_v they_o shall_v not_o regrate_a their_o pain_n and_o if_o it_o can_v do_v any_o good_a it_o be_v better_a do_v than_o undo_v and_o may_v possible_o drop_v upon_o some_o and_o afford_v they_o a_o little_a oil_n to_o their_o lamp_n to_o take_v the_o bless_a rod_n of_o the_o king_n high_a way_n to_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o time_n and_o after_o all_o the_o wynding_n and_o traverse_n of_o the_o stage_n of_o our_o life_n happl_o bring_v we_o by_o a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o the_o land_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n which_o that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o be_v the_o earnest_n wish_v of_o thy_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n p._n s._n the_o content_v the_o entrance_n period_n 1._o of_o our_o beginning_n and_o by-gone_a life_n page_n 1_o the_o prayer_n ibid_fw-la stage_n 1._o 2_o of_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o infant_n 3_o of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o soul_n 5_o of_o original_a sin_n 7_o of_o infant_n baptism_n 10_o stage_n 2d_o of_o the_o care_n of_o parent_n 12_o of_o regeneration_n 13_o of_o confirmation_n 16_o stage_n three_o of_o the_o evil_n incident_a to_o child_n 18_o a_o brief_a reinforcement_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n 25_o a_o prayer_n of_o parent_n for_o their_o child_n ibid_fw-la a_o prayer_n of_o a_o child_n 27_o stage_n 4_o which_o resume_v the_o instruction_n for_o child_n 29_o the_o prayer_n 36_o period_n 2._o stage_n 1._o which_o consider_v the_o portraiture_n and_o lineament_n of_o youth_n 37_o the_o evil_n incident_a to_o youth_n 43_o direction_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o youth_n 49_o the_o motive_n page_n 58_o the_o prayer_n 60_o stage_n 2d_o of_o man_n enter_v into_o a_o settle_a state_n with_o suitable_a direction_n 63_o the_o necessity_n of_o domestic_a devotion_n 72_o a_o morning_n prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o a_o family_n 75_o the_o evening_n prayer_n 77_o suitable_a prayer_n for_o the_o by-gone_a stage_n 79_o stage_n 3d._n which_o divide_v into_o three_o course_n 80_o course_n first_o of_o the_o order_n thy_o person_n family_n etc._n etc._n 82_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n to_o manage_v this_o state_n of_o life_n aright_o 85_o which_o be_v one_a wisdom_n ibid_fw-la 2ly_a prudence_n 86_o 3ly_n providence_n 87_o 4ly_n government_n 88_o 5ly_n improvement_n ibid_fw-la motive_n to_o manage_v this_o state_n of_o life_n 89_o the_o prayer_n 113_o course_n 3d._n what_o fine_a your_o labour_n in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n etc._n etc._n have_v come_v to_o ibid_fw-la period_n 3_o of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o declensian_n of_o nature_n 119_o stage_n first_o of_o a_o serious_a recollection_n of_o thyself_o etc._n etc._n 120_o what_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v 128_o a_o continuation_n of_o this_o stage_n to_o the_o outmost_a extent_n of_o man_n life_n 131_o the_o prayer_n 138_o stage_n 2d_o of_o the_o 4_o last_o thing_n 139_o of_o death_n ibid._n prayer_n in_o order_n to_o death_n 148_o of_o judgement_n 149_o the_o prayer_n 155_o of_o hell_n 156_o the_o prayer_n 159_o of_o heaven_n ibid._n the_o prayer_n 163_o a_o lamentation_n for_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n 167_o the_o prayer_n 176_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o form_n of_o devotion_n use_v in_o this_o treatise_n ibid_fw-la prayer_n according_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o week_n 179_o of_o psalmody_n 189_o of_o the_o doxology_n 190_o a_o vale_n to_o the_o world_n 195_o devotion_n suitable_a 204_o in_o the_o appendix_n sermon_n i._o of_o the_o compact_a chain_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n etc._n etc._n page_n 1._o sermon_n ii_o the_o duty_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o apostolic_a curate_n describe_v etc._n etc._n page_n 10._o sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o expediency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o practical_a religion_n etc._n etc._n page_n 26._o sermon_n iv_o of_o the_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o death_n and_o the_o information_n that_o the_o lord_n give_v some_o of_o his_o favourite_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n page_n 36_o sermon_n v._o of_o the_o endeavour_n which_o faithful_a minister_n have_v to_o make_v their_o labour_n useful_a after_o their_o decease_n etc._n etc._n page_n 45._o sermon_n vi_o concern_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n
yourselves_o and_o ere_o you_o give_v slumber_n to_o your_o eye_n lid_n seek_v out_o a_o habitation_n for_o the_o mighty_a god_n of_o jacob_n that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o house_n and_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o evening_n prayer_n o_o most_o gracious_a god_n and_o father_n of_o mercy_n we_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n come_v this_o night_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n to_o present_v our_o evening_n oblation_n through_o the_o perfect_a sacrifice_n of_o thy_o son_n our_o saviour_n once_o offer_v and_o still_o effectual_a through_o his_o containued_a intercession_n in_o present_v that_o meritorious_a blood_n on_o our_o behalf_n we_o adore_v thou_o our_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o thy_o name_n confess_v our_o sinfulness_n original_a and_o actual_a and_o our_o escape_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n we_o have_v sin_v alace_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o thy_o mercy_n and_o the_o warning_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o rod_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o all-seeing_a god_n lord_n give_v we_o repentance_n and_o remission_n and_o from_o henceforth_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n lord_z watch_v over_o we_o this_o night_n that_o we_o may_v be_v refresh_v under_o the_o cloud_n of_o thy_o covert_n and_o have_v matter_n of_o rejoice_v in_o thou_o in_o the_o morning_n prepare_v we_o for_o all_o duty_n and_o all_o trial_n and_o our_o last_o trial_n be_v with_o we_o to_o the_o end_n and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o hereafter_o receive_v we_o into_o thy_o glory_n lord_n let_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v have_v mercy_n on_o the_o world_n heal_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n power_n out_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n truth_n peace_n and_o charity_n upon_o it_o be_v with_o all_o our_o friend_n and_o all_o that_o fear_v thou_o give_v we_o charity_n to_o give_v and_o forgive_v as_o thou_o require_v we_o commit_v ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o to_o thy_o keep_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o we_o for_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n §_o 9_o if_o thou_o can_v read_v or_o if_o there_o be_v some_o few_o to_o sing_v a_o psalm_n god_n word_n and_o praise_n may_v help_v to_o hallow_n your_o house_n if_o not_o fail_v not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o prayer_n till_o thou_o get_v better_o and_o be_v more_o dexterous_a in_o devotion_n and_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n shun_v idleness_n and_o sin_n and_o wander_v from_o your_o house_n which_o will_v obstruct_v this_o work_n and_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o begin_v well_o and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o this_o season_n use_n make_v perfection_n and_o you_o can_v not_o breathe_v a_o free_a air_n till_o you_o dwell_v in_o the_o wholesome_a region_n of_o religion_n make_v progress_n under_o the_o gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n stir_v up_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v holy_a &_o happy_a in_o the_o flower_n of_o your_o age_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o dimidium_fw-la facti_fw-la qui_fw-la bene_fw-la cepit_fw-la habet_fw-la that_o a_o good_a beginning_n be_v a_o great_a progress_n for_o true_a wisdom_n hew_v her_o pillar_n and_o build_v her_o house_n prov._n 9_o 1._o the_o prayer_n o_o lord_n through_o thy_o providence_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o some_o consiâ—â—ence_n of_o age_n i_o thank_v thou_o for_o the_o happy_a opportunity_n i_o have_v enjoy_v of_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o word_n teach_v i_o to_o be_v wise_a sober_a solid_a just_a and_o honest_a and_o have_v i_o improve_v well_o i_o have_v be_v a_o expert_a soldier_n of_o christ_n pardon_v my_o fâ—â—lours_n wherein_o i_o have_v be_v shake_v by_o temptation_n i_o desire_v now_o to_o stand_v under_o the_o guard_n of_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god._n lord_z thou_o have_v lead_v i_o by_o thy_o invisible_a hand_n through_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o childhood_n and_o indigested_a youth_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n i_o have_v not_o spleet_v upon_o rock_n and_o ruin_v but_o by_o grace_n i_o stand_v lord_z unite_v my_o heart_n to_o fear_v 〈◊〉_d name_n i_o know_v that_o difficulty_n attend_v i_o 〈◊〉_d the_o credit_n of_o my_o course_n the_o assistance_n of_o my_o câ—â—tain_n the_o honour_n of_o my_o engagement_n and_o 〈◊〉_d comfort_n of_o my_o reward_n do_v animat_fw-la i_o 〈◊〉_d to_o faint_a for_o in_o due_a time_n i_o shall_v reap_v throâ—â—_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n stage_n three_o which_o commence_v from_o the_o 30_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d year_n of_o our_o age_n or_o there_o about_o which_o be_v a_o very_a material_a part_n of_o our_o life_n i_o shall_v for_o clearness_n sake_n consider_v in_o three_o course_n 1._o of_o the_o order_v thy_o person_n familâ—â—_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o vertâ—â—_n and_o religion_n 2._o a_o discourse_n to_o several_a rank_n of_o peoplâ—â—_n with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o modesty_n 3._o what_o fine_a your_o labour_n in_o virtue_n piety_n good_a government_n of_o your_o lifâ—â—_n and_o family_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o your_o religion_n the_o order_n of_o your_o house_n and_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o your_o children_n to_n laudable_a and_o lawful_a calling_n and_o settlement_n have_v come_v to_o course_n first_o the_o content_n of_o the_o right_a method_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o the_o order_v of_o our_o person_n our_o family_n and_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n in_o this_o long_a and_o serious_a course_n of_o our_o life_n with_o mean_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o further_a of_o these_o end_n and_o suitable_a devotion_n §_o 1._o have_v lead_v thou_o hitherto_o to_o some_o digest_v and_o settle_a course_n of_o life_n and_o help_v thou_o by_o the_o light_n and_o guidance_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o dark_a cell_n of_o minority_n to_o clear_a air_n and_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o thy_o majority_n a_o very_a difficult_a scene_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o the_o consistence_n of_o thirty_o year_n of_o thy_o age_n wherein_o if_o ever_o thou_o look_v to_o be_v virtuous_a thou_o will_v make_v some_o ground_n of_o hope_n bud_n fâ—rth_o this_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o thou_o must_v either_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a or_o a_o mushroom_n and_o a_o grape_n of_o unsavoury_a fruit_n â—ook_v first_o then_o to_o thy_o by-gone_a way_n if_o thy_o work_n be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o hitherto_o or_o yet_o any_o solid_a work_n of_o grace_n very_o imperfect_a and_o scarce_o well_o found_v for_o experience_n anâ—â—_n perhaps_o thy_o own_o sense_n if_o exerciseâ—â—_n will_v make_v thou_o feel_v thy_o proneness_n to_o 〈◊〉_d off_o and_o delay_v make_v â—ound_n work_v therefore_o and_o follow_v the_o straight_a line_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n redeem_v misspeâ—â—_n time_n cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o because_o thy_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d inconstant_a say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n unâ—â—_n my_o heart_n o_o lord_n to_o fear_v thy_o namâ—â—_n psal_n 36._o 12_o serve_v thy_o generation_n anâ—_n carry_v worthy_o in_o it_o 2_o after_o this_o reflection_n see_v what_o form_n thou_o now_o be_v itâ—_n if_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_o and_o steadfast_a in_o thâ—_n covenant_n if_o thou_o be_v free_a of_o visible_a blemish_n deut_n 32._o 5._o which_o be_v noâ—_n the_o spot_n of_o god_n child_n if_o thy_o lifâ—_n and_o family_n begin_v to_o blink_v with_o anâ—_n lustre_n if_o thou_o be_v thrive_a in_o virtue_n anâ—_n piety_n if_o thou_o carry_v creditable_o and_o be_v repute_v to_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o religioâ—â—_n family_n and_o grace_n and_o peace_n beautify_v the_o same_o 3ly_a if_o thou_o grow_v in_o grace_n for_o grace_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o new_a life_n iâ—_n may_v lie_v hide_v in_o the_o root_n for_o some_o season_n as_o a_o plant_n or_o a_o tree_n in_o winter_n after_o which_o verdant_a greenness_n do_v appear_v so_o be_v it_o with_o grace_n it_o may_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o come_v forth_o with_o great_a life_n and_o fruit_n and_o this_o will_v distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o real_a and_o counterfeit_n christian_a his_o light_n life_n and_o fruit_n will_v declare_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o this_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o the_o decay_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a vigour_n of_o virtue_n in_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n and_o david_n the_o house_n of_o saul_n wax_v weak_a and_o weak_a the_o house_n of_o david_n strong_a and_o strong_a thou_o must_v be_v as_o joseph_n a_o fruitful_a bough_n both_o in_o thy_o general_n and_o paricular_a call_v water_n thy_o garden_n every_o morning_n for_o the_o refresh_n of_o thy_o tender_a plant_n learn_v the_o
hide_v but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v moreover_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o exact_a impletion_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v he_o even_o unto_o the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o his_o incarnation_n conâ—â—â—tion_n birth_n breed_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o have_v a_o accumulation_n of_o proof_n for_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v its_o original_a the_o purity_n of_o its_o precept_n the_o glory_n of_o its_o design_n the_o comfort_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o proposal_n we_o may_v acquiesce_v here_o and_o confess_v its_o truth_n and_o verity_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v confront_v it_o with_o other_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v but_o temporary_a of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v but_o vanity_n of_o the_o mabumitant_n which_o be_v a_o devilish_a delusion_n make_v up_o of_o lie_n and_o impossibility_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n remain_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o glory_n always_o holy_a victorious_a and_o triumphant_a over_o impiety_n and_o confirm_v by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o million_o of_o martyl_n approve_v by_o general_a council_n and_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o clear_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o god_n that_o a_o christian_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n say_v sit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la cum_fw-la christianiâ—_fw-la let_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o the_o christian_n but_o there_o be_v so_o much_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o i_o can_v add_v but_o to_o resume_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o christianity_n be_v not_o fabulous_a but_o infallible_a truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n to_o true_a and_o holy_a religion_n and_o the_o different_a sentiment_n of_o the_o papal_a and_o protestant_n church_n and_o even_o difference_n among_o themselves_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o di_o gress_n from_o the_o path_n of_o tâ—uâ—_n to_o assert_v that_o true_a protestanisâ—n_n in_o true_a christianity_n it_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o pure_a and_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v make_v sucession_n from_o the_o spurious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o degenerate_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o trash_n of_o its_o impure_a doctrine_n its_o lie_a wonder_n and_o legend_n do_v expose_v that_o church_n to_o the_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a expression_n of_o one_o of_o its_o pope_n who_o say_v quantum_fw-la nobâ—â—_n prodest_fw-la haec_fw-la fabula_fw-la christi_fw-la what_o avail_n be_v that_o fable_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o and_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v full_o demonstrate_v so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o power_n wherewith_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v attend_v it_o will_v seem_v from_o isaiah_n 53._o that_o he_o come_v in_o weakness_n and_o so_o do_v the_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a world_n look_v upon_o he_o but_o they_o take_v that_o measure_n from_o outward_a appearance_n and_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o virtue_n that_o be_v in_o he_o as_o god_n and_o god_n man_n which_o make_v his_o manger_n more_o glorious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n than_o a_o palace_n or_o bed_n of_o state_n he_o be_v crucify_a through_o weakness_n yet_o conceal_v his_o power_n for_o who_o may_v abide_v the_o day_n of_o his_o first_o come_n mal._n 3._o 2._o he_o be_v glorious_a in_o his_o abaseour_n honourable_a in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n son_n in_o his_o pilgrimage_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n in_o his_o meekness_n but_o a_o lion_n in_o his_o power_n he_o come_v to_o dash_v the_o dark_a kingdom_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o cast_v down_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n to_o deliver_v his_o people_n from_o bondage_n and_o to_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a to_o tread_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n to_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o seraphic_a and_o angelical_a purity_n yet_o in_o a_o wondrous_a condescension_n and_o familiarity_n attend_v with_o such_o glorious_a miracle_n famous_a monument_n &_o powerful_a doctrine_n with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n that_o we_o shall_v see_v his_o glory_n conspicuous_a under_o the_o veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o umbrage_n of_o his_o life_n serve_v to_o raise_v his_o glory_n to_o a_o high_a pitchy_a as_o the_o sun_n be_v more_o conspicuous_a after_o a_o cloud_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a and_o observable_a that_o christ_n first_o come_v be_v with_o power_n doct._n 2_o and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o propagate_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n let_v his_o people_n therefore_o be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n and_o learn_v to_o be_v sway_v with_o the_o right_a sceptre_n of_o this_o kingdom_n if_o a_o foelix_n tremble_v before_o a_o prisoner_n in_o a_o chain_n if_o king_n agrippa_z be_v almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v a_o christianâ—_n let_v we_o learn_v to_o give_v our_o neck_n to_o his_o powerful_a though_o easy_a yoke_n lest_o he_o dash_v we_o iâ—_n piece_n when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v let_v we_o not_o stumble_v with_o the_o jew_n nor_o count_v it_o foolishness_n with_o the_o greek_a but_o believe_v it_o and_o we_o shall_v behold_v christ_n the_o power_n of_o godâ—_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n although_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o further_a witness_n yet_o the_o more_o to_o confirm_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v this_o apostle_n and_o other_o with_o he_o be_v oculati_fw-la testes_fw-la of_o christ_n majesty_n famous_a and_o unanimous_a in_o their_o testimony_n who_o can_v say_v vincit_fw-la veritas_fw-la vidi_n scivi_fw-la &_o audivi_fw-la truth_n prevail_v and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n and_o man_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n and_o every_o one_o that_o have_v receive_v this_o testimony_n have_v put_v tâ—o_fw-la their_z seal_v that_o god_n be_v true_a the_o greaâ—_n improvement_n that_o improv_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o whole_a purpose_n be_v that_o the_o character_n of_o our_o life_n ccrrespond_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v ethical_o of_o true_a and_o moral_o true_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n that_o we_o be_v not_o paint_v ed_z formal_a and_o false_a as_o to_o a_o real_a way_n bus_fw-la suitable_a to_o the_o excellent_a principle_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n if_o you_o abide_v in_o my_o word_n say_v christ_n you_o be_v my_o disciple_n indeed_o joh._n 8_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o a_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o approve_v we_o to_o god._n many_o have_v a_o name_n not_o only_o general_a as_o christian_n but_o as_o more_o eminent_a professor_n i_o say_v a_o name_n that_o they_o be_v live_v when_o dead_a rev_n 3._o 1._o many_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o a_o profession_n and_o church_n privilege_n even_o into_o the_o end_n and_o will_v say_v have_v we_o not_o eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o thy_o presence_n have_v thou_o not_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n to_o who_o christ_n will_v say_v depart_v from_o i_o etc._n etc._n i_o never_o own_v nor_o approve_v you_o as_o i_o many_o have_v christ_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o can_v say_v lord_z lord_z but_o do_v not_o the_o work_n that_o he_o bid_v they_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a disease_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n for_o the_o circumcise_a l_o ive_v as_o the_o uncircumcised_a moab_n ammon_n and_o amalek_n be_v uncircumcised_a and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n uncircumcised_a in_o their_o heart_n this_o the_o prophet_n cry_v out_o against_o reprove_v people_n that_o boast_v of_o the_o temple_n jer_n 8._o and_o yet_o live_v in_o villainy_n but_o god_n and_o his_o temple_n be_v not_o sanctu_fw-la arie_a to_o profanity_n and_o such_o boasting_n be_v so_o fan_v from_o excuse_v that_o they_o aggravate_v people_n fault_n and_o in_o effect_n god_n say_v to_o the_o wicked_a what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statue_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n the_o filthy_a gnostic_n be_v great_a boaster_n of_o knowledged_a and_o privilege_n and_o profanity_n come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o irreligion_n become_v to_o be_v patronise_v by_o false_a prophet_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n jezebâ—l_n and_o uther_n and_o this_o spirit_n of_o lie_n be_v just_o pour_v out_o upon_o many_o for_o not_o suitable_a to_o