word_n and_o action_n have_v reference_n to_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a they_o have_v reference_n to_o eternal_a glory_n if_o bad_a and_o wicked_a they_o have_v reference_n to_o eternal_a misery_n for_o such_o as_o be_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n here_o such_o shall_v be_v our_o eternal_a state_n hereafter_o 3_o direct_v three_o be_v much_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n if_o we_o firm_o believe_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o great_a and_o glorious_a such_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n assure_v we_o of_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v or_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o hope_n that_o we_o have_v a_o title_n to_o they_o and_o shall_v short_o enjoy_v they_o why_o be_v they_o not_o more_o in_o our_o thought_n why_o do_v we_o not_o more_o meditate_v on_o they_o our_o frequent_a fix_a meditation_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n will_v so_o sweeten_v and_o delight_v our_o soul_n and_o yield_v such_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o as_o to_o take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o earthly_a thing_n and_o to_o meditation_n add_v prayer_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v and_o lift_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o mind_n thing_n above_o 4_o direct_v four_o discourse_v frequent_o and_o feel_o of_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n and_o of_o the_o reality_n and_o excellency_n of_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n if_o heaven_n and_o glory_n be_v in_o your_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v in_o your_o mouth_n consider_v also_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n you_o have_v to_o converse_v with_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 31._o and_o study_v a_o crucify_a christ_n more_o by_o that_o you_o will_v come_v to_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n to_o you_o gal._n 6._o 14._o 5_o direct_v five_o consider_v you_o that_o be_v christian_n be_v not_o at_o home_n you_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a country_n you_o be_v but_o on_o your_o journey_n in_o your_o passage_n to_o your_o father_n house_n to_o your_o long_a home_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o much_o mind_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 6_o direct_v six_o consider_v what_o you_o lose_v all_o the_o while_o you_o be_v inordinate_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n you_o lose_v not_o only_o your_o precious_a time_n but_o much_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o much_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o you_o may_v have_v in_o mind_v of_o and_o meditate_v upon_o heavenly_a thing_n psal_n 63._o 4_o 5._o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marâ—â—â—_n and_o fatness_n when_o i_o remember_v thou_o open_v my_o bed_n and_o meditate_v on_o thou_o in_o the_o night-watche_n 7_o direct_v seven_o let_v we_o work_v a_o few_o more_o serious_a consideration_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o take_v they_o from_o earthly_a thing_n 1._o that_o whatever_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n have_v of_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n death_n will_v put_v a_o full_a end_n to_o they_o all_o and_o after_o death_n they_o all_o shall_v partake_v of_o invisible_a and_o eternal_a thing_n matth._n 25._o 46._o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a 2._o that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n be_v either_o make_v for_o ever_o or_o undo_v for_o ever_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o entitle_v unto_o the_o invisible_a eternal_a good_a thing_n or_o evil_a thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n they_o be_v make_v for_o ever_o if_o relate_v and_o entitle_v to_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o glory_n and_o undo_v for_o ever_o if_o not_o so_o that_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v not_o on_o our_o relation_n or_o title_n to_o visible_a but_o to_o invisible_a thing_n 3._o such_o as_o be_v our_o title_n and_o estate_n now_o to_o the_o one_o or_o other_o such_o it_o will_v be_v to_o all_o eternity_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v as_o death_n leave_v we_o so_o will_v judgement_n find_v we_o 4._o this_o look_v off_o from_o earthly_a thing_n be_v the_o way_n to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o grace_n for_o worldly_a care_n do_v choke_v deaden_a and_o weaken_v grace_n cloy_a the_o affection_n entangle_v and_o encumbr_v the_o thought_n much_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a grace_n whereby_o holy_a soul_n enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n 5._o by_o this_o you_o will_v have_v more_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o the_o less_o we_o look_v downward_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v look_v upward_o and_o the_o more_o we_o look_v upward_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o act_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o more_o will_v god_n and_o christ_n manifest_v themselves_o and_o their_o love_n to_o our_o soul_n 6._o this_o will_v support_v we_o in_o affliction_n and_o comfort_v we_o in_o a_o die_a hour_n when_o our_o affection_n be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o it_o col._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v dead_a say_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v to_z the_o world_n and_o this_o support_v those_o in_o this_o chapter_n they_o be_v crucify_v to_o all_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n therefore_o they_o can_v easy_o part_v with_o they_o 3_o use_n three_o by_o way_n of_o examination_n by_o this_o gracious_a frame_n of_o spirit_n we_o may_v know_v our_o spiritual_a state_n whether_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n or_o no_o whether_o in_o christ_n or_o no_o to_o wit_n by_o this_o whether_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n be_v more_o set_v on_o god_n christ_n and_o heaven_n or_o on_o the_o world_n rom._n 8._o 1._o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n they_o be_v safe_a come_v plague_n sword_n fire_n faggot_n but_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o tell_v we_o they_o that_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n so_o ver._n 5_o 6._o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v they_o that_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n phil._n 3._o 20._o col._n 3._o 1_o 2._o they_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n so_o psal_n 73._o 25_o 26._o if_o we_o be_v bear_v from_o heaven_n we_o be_v bind_v for_o heaven_n heavenly-mindedness_a be_v as_o good_a a_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n as_o any_o be_v and_o earthly-mindedness_a be_v as_o ill_a a_o character_n as_o can_v be_v let_v we_o now_o try_v ourselves_o by_o this_o where_o be_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o affection_n most_o set_v on_o heaven_n or_o earth_n on_o christ_n or_o the_o creature_n let_v our_o conscience_n speak_v sure_o this_o one_o rule_n of_o trial_n will_v help_v we_o to_o know_v in_o what_o state_n we_o be_v last_o for_o consolation_n to_o believer_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a loss_n and_o trouble_n that_o they_o be_v all_o visible_a and_o temporal_a thing_n that_o we_o can_v lose_v and_o but_o temporal_a thing_n that_o we_o can_v suffer_v which_o be_v but_o light_n and_o short_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o our_o invisible_a eternal_a mercy_n they_o be_v all_o sure_a and_o can_v never_o be_v lose_v if_o we_o have_v enjoy_v our_o earthly_a comfort_n a_o little_a long_o it_o can_v have_v be_v but_o a_o little_a long_o they_o and_o we_o must_v have_v part_v all_o visible_a thing_n be_v but_o temporal_a our_o fair_a flower_n be_v fade_v our_o sweet_a earthly_a mercy_n be_v perish_v and_o here_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o eternal_a death_n from_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v if_o we_o have_v our_o part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n the_o second_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n on_o we_o let_v this_o comfort_n we_o that_o the_o comfort_n we_o lose_v here_o be_v but_o temporal_a comfort_n and_o the_o trouble_v we_o suffer_v here_o be_v but_o temporal_a trouble_n and_o this_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o second_o point_n observe_v from_o the_o text_n which_o be_v 2_o doct._n that_o a_o right_a and_o true_a judgement_n of_o earthly_a thing_n will_v help_v to_o support_v the_o lord_n service_n under_o their_o affliction_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o because_o much_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a point_n 〈◊〉_d confirm_v this_o heb._n 10._o 34._o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o 〈…〉_z their_o good_n and_o why_o but_o because_o 〈…〉_z in_o themselves_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n 〈…〉_z a_o more_o endure_a substance_n they_o 〈…〉_z judgement_n both_o of_o earth_n and_o heaven_n 〈…〉_z earthly_a and_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o 〈…〉_z infinite_a worth_a and_o value_n of_o 〈…〉_z they_o know_v that_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v 〈…〉_z real_a the_o most_o substantial_a the_o most_o
this_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a isa_n 55._o 2._o labour_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n not_o bread_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o for_o that_o which_o can_v satisfy_v their_o soul_n god_n christ_n heaven_n be_v not_o in_o all_o scarce_o in_o any_o of_o their_o thought_n psal_n 10._o 4._o &_o 49._o 11._o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v man_n eye_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o and_o the_o world_n bewitch_v man_n mind_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n so_o strange_o delude_v 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o become_v mere_a slave_n and_o captive_n to_o the_o world_n ask_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n what_o thing_n be_v best_a earth_n or_o heaven_n god_n or_o the_o creature_n their_o soul_n or_o their_o body_n save_v grace_n of_o worldly_a good_n and_o all_o will_v confess_v that_o god_n be_v best_a of_o all_o and_o heaven_n better_o than_o earth_n if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o then_o be_v this_o world_n mind_v more_o than_o god_n and_o why_o be_v earth_n mind_v more_o than_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o true_a reason_n rom._n 8._o 5._o which_o be_v because_o man_n be_v in_o the_o flesh_n in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n under_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n this_o their_o way_n be_v their_o folly_n psal_n 49._o 12._o it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o choose_v the_o worst_a thing_n and_o refuse_v the_o best_a to_o mind_n earth_n and_o forget_v heaven_n to_o pursue_v the_o creature_n and_o neglect_n god_n and_o christ_n folly_n indeed_o to_o mind_n day_n and_o night_n and_o follow_v hard_a after_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n and_o neglect_v eternal_a the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n but_o a_o god_n right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 16._o last_o o_o the_o bewitch_a nature_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v so_o gain_v and_o hold_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o although_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o it_o pass_v away_o and_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n yet_o that_o man_n shall_v so_o drown_v themselves_o in_o it_o as_o to_o make_v they_o forget_v the_o world_n to_o come_v how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o spend_v all_o our_o thought_n care_n and_o pain_n about_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n see_v they_o be_v so_o transitory_a and_o perish_a so_o much_o beneath_o our_o never-dying_a soul_n so_o utter_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v or_o content_v our_o soul_n or_o to_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o trouble_n or_o to_o stand_v we_o in_o any_o stead_n in_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v not_o our_o mind_n most_o strange_o blind_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o have_v reason_n and_o understanding_n we_o shall_v so_o waste_v our_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n see_v the_o great_a god_n and_o the_o bless_a jesus_n offer_v themselves_o to_o become_v we_o and_o see_v heaven_n and_o happiness_n and_o glory_n be_v before_o we_o and_o offer_v to_o we_o and_o we_o may_v have_v they_o if_o we_o will_v and_o so_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o o_o wonderful_a folly_n and_o blindness_n the_o lord_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v we_o inf._n iu._n four_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o captive_n to_o the_o world_n have_v but_o little_a faith_n if_o any_o 1_o john_n 5._o 4._o for_o faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n where_o sense_n rise_v faith_n fall_v now_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sense_n this_o be_v our_o practice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n we_o look_v not_o at_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v that_o be_v we_o live_v not_o by_o sense_n but_o by_o faith_n q._n but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o live_v or_o walk_v by_o sense_n ans_fw-fr the_o great_a good_a or_o end_n or_o happiness_n that_o a_o carnal_a heart_n propose_v to_o itself_o in_o which_o it_o expect_v content_a be_v some_o good_a that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n something_o that_o may_v be_v sensible_o enjoy_v and_o this_o they_o pursue_v and_o labour_v after_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o judge_v thing_n be_v sense_n if_o thing_n please_v sense_n and_o seem_v good_a to_o sense_n to_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o ear_n to_o the_o taste_n to_o the_o appetite_n they_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v good_a thing_n if_o not_o please_v to_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v count_v evil_a thing_n that_o which_o affect_v their_o heart_n be_v sense_n sensible_a comfort_n or_o sensible_a cross_n sensible_a gain_n or_o sensible_a loss_n want_v the_o light_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n they_o live_v only_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v but_o sensual_a judas_n 19_o eccl._n 11._o 9_o and_o so_o they_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n chief_o and_o principal_o this_o life_n of_o sense_n be_v various_o express_v prov._n 3._o 5._o a_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o understanding_n psal_n 81._o 12._o a_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o in_o their_o own_o counsel_n jer._n 9_o 14._o walk_v after_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n isa_n 65._o 2._o after_o their_o own_o thought_n in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a isa_n 5._o 21._o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o true_a christian_n but_o they_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n q._n what_o be_v it_o then_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n ans_fw-fr the_o great_a good_a or_o end_v or_o happiness_n that_o a_o gracious_a soul_n aim_v at_o and_o seek_v content_a in_o be_v that_o which_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a to_o wit_n the_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o these_o be_v thing_n not_o see_v these_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o of_o faith_n to_o glorify_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o saint_n walk_v and_o way_n and_o all_o this_o be_v by_o faith_n this_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v demonstrate_v several_a way_n 1._o he_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o every_o truth_n in_o it_o such_o a_o soul_n give_v up_o itself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n it_o walk_v by_o no_o other_o rule_n 2._o it_o yield_v itself_o up_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o motion_n stir_n counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n harken_v to_o that_o word_n behind_o he_o isa_n 30_o 31._o not_o willing_o grieve_v nor_o quench_v it_o 3._o it_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n for_o this_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n act_v 15._o 9_o &_o 26._o 18._o 4._o it_o always_o lean_v upon_o christ_n and_o draw_v strength_n from_o he_o to_o hold_v on_o and_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n by_o it_o the_o soul_n abide_v in_o christ_n john_n 15._o 3._o and_o by_o draw_v of_o strength_n from_o christ_n it_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n phil._n 4._o 13._o notwithstanding_o all_o opposition_n 5._o by_o faith_n the_o soul_n commit_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o trust_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o concernment_n with_o god_n psal_n 37._o 3_o 5._o prov._n 16._o 3._o 2_o pet._n 5._o 7._o psal_n 112._o 7_o 8._o isa_n 26._o 2_o 3._o such_o a_o soul_n can_v satisfy_v himself_o with_o what_o he_o receive_v by_o faith_n as_o real_o and_o true_o as_o other_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o sense_n the_o faithful_a promise_n of_o god_n be_v as_o sweet_a to_o he_o as_o the_o sensible_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v of_o other_o heb._n 11._o 13._o they_o see_v the_o promise_v afar_o off_o and_o embrace_v they_o now_o when_o a_o soul_n can_v depend_v upon_o god_n alone_o for_o all_o in_o the_o want_n of_o all_o outward_a mean_n and_o make_v progress_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o not_o draw_v back_o and_o do_v in_o his_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n so_o walk_v work_n and_o act_n as_o become_v one_o that_o do_v believe_v such_o glorious_a thing_n in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o he_o do_v believe_v when_o there_o be_v a_o suitableness_n in_o his_o life_n to_o what_o he_o believe_v then_o oh_o then_o he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o life_n that_o in_o some_o degree_n every_o true_a christian_a life_n and_o desire_n to_o live_v and_o this_o live_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o text._n 2_o use_n the_o second_o use_n be_v
〈…〉_z and_o that_o earthly_a thing_n be_v temporal_a 〈…〉_z and_o therefore_o not_o so_o â—e_v command_v 〈…〉_z less_o to_o be_v value_v or_o 〈…〉_z heavenly_a thing_n q._n 1._o but_o how_o 〈…〉_z of_o earthly_a thing_n a._n 1._o we_o must_v judge_v of_o 〈…〉_z only_o wise_a judge_v of_o they_o 〈…〉_z judge_v true_o and_o right_o of_o they_o now_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n his_o judgement_n of_o they_o isa_n 4._o 6_o 7._o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v this_o the_o voice_n say_v cry_v and_o he_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o cry_v all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o all_o the_o goodliness_n thereof_o as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n the_o grass_n wither_v the_o flower_n fade_v psal_n 39_o 5_o 6._o very_o every_o man_n at_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n sure_o every_o man_n walk_v in_o a_o vain_a show_n psal_n 103._o 14_o 15._o we_o be_v but_o dust_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 job_n 14._o 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 so_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 24._o jam._n 1._o 10._o &_o 4._o 14._o what_o be_v our_o life_n it_o be_v but_o even_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 this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n all_o man_n they_o be_v but_o dust_n but_o a_o shadow_n but_o grass_n and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n very_o short_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n but_o even_o as_o a_o bubble_n but_o a_o vapour_n and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o then_o for_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n solomon_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v declare_v what_o they_o all_o be_v eccles_n 1._o 2._o vanity_n of_o vanity_n say_v the_o preacher_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n riches_n honour_n pleasure_n relation_n friend_n liberty_n all_o pleasant_a accommodation_n all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a judgement_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n 2._o we_o must_v judge_v of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n by_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v upon_o earth_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o from_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v all_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n so_o solomon_n job_n david_n moses_n psal_n 90_o 4_o 5_o 6._o yea_o we_o all_o know_v this_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n every_o day_n that_o all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n how_o soon_o do_v all_o our_o earthly_a comfort_n wither_v and_o perish_v our_o dear_a and_o near_a relation_n wither_v and_o die_v away_o our_o health_n and_o strength_n our_o life_n and_o all_o still_o wither_v and_o perish_v see_v large_o of_o this_o in_o dr._n reynold_n be_v three_o treatise_n the_o first_o part_n concern_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n 3._o once_o more_o judge_v of_o earthly_a thing_n by_o the_o evil_a use_n we_o make_v of_o they_o while_o we_o have_v they_o through_o satan_n temptation_n and_o our_o own_o corruption_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o also_o what_o clog_v and_o hindrance_n they_o be_v to_o our_o soul_n in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n although_o life_n and_o all_o the_o accommodation_n of_o life_n as_o health_n strength_n liberty_n estate_n friend_n be_v good_a thing_n in_o themselves_o and_o give_v we_o to_o be_v help_n to_o holiness_n and_o to_o heaven_n yet_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o our_o shame_n that_o all_o our_o earthly_a comfort_n yea_o and_o our_o animal_n life_n itself_o do_v very_o much_o most_o time_n hinder_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n hinder_v we_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n keep_v our_o heart_n at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o god_n and_o many_o more_o evil_n they_o bring_v upon_o we_o all_o which_o consider_v we_o have_v but_o little_a reason_n so_o to_o value_v they_o as_o we_o do_v nor_o to_o let_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n so_o to_o run_v out_o after_o they_o thus_o let_v we_o take_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n it_o be_v true_a that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o these_o earthly_a thing_n be_v useful_a to_o we_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o further_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n so_o far_o forth_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n and_o prize_v they_o and_o praise_n god_n for_o they_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v hindrance_n to_o we_o in_o holiness_n and_o bring_v sin_n and_o gild_n on_o our_o soul_n as_o too_o oft_o they_o do_v so_o far_o forth_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n we_o have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o than_o with_o they_o their_o room_n will_v be_v better_o than_o their_o company_n and_o when_o they_o prove_v snare_n to_o we_o and_o like_o solomon_n wife_n draw_v away_o our_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o like_o dalilah_n to_o samson_n betray_v our_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n then_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o separate_v they_o from_o we_o and_o strip_v we_o of_o they_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o so_o do_v sickness_n and_o weakness_n improve_v be_v better_a for_o our_o soul_n than_o health_n and_o strength_n abuse_v restraint_n and_o confinement_n improve_v better_o than_o liberty_n abuse_v solitariness_n improve_v be_v better_a than_o a_o family_n and_o company_n abuse_v poverty_n improve_v better_o than_o riches_n abuse_v etc._n etc._n thus_o you_o may_v get_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o earthly_a thing_n q._n 2._o but_o how_o will_v this_o right_a judgement_n of_o earthly_a thing_n help_v we_o to_o bear_v our_o trouble_n in_o this_o world_n a._n 1._o by_o act_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n believe_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n which_o god_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v speak_v concern_v all_o earthly_a thing_n believe_v that_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n that_o life_n be_v but_o a_o vapour_n etc._n etc._n here_o lie_v the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o impatience_n and_o discontent_n under_o our_o loss_n and_o earthly_a comfort_n even_o our_o unbelief_n we_o do_v not_o full_o and_o firm_o believe_v they_o be_v such_o vain_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o out_o grass_n but_o as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n just_o like_o a_o man_n that_o find_v a_o box_n or_o bag_n of_o counter_n and_o take_v they_o to_o be_v all_o pure_a gold_n and_o great_o rejoycech_v in_o what_o he_o have_v find_v then_o after_o a_o short_a time_n he_o lose_v his_o counter_n and_o then_o he_o be_v exceed_o trouble_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o because_o all_o this_o while_n he_o take_v they_o for_o gold_n but_o if_o once_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o box_n or_o bag_n of_o counter_n than_o he_o grieve_v no_o more_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o we_o believe_v not_o that_o all_o our_o comfort_n be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n we_o look_v not_o on_o they_o to_o be_v so_o but_o that_o there_o be_v much_o contentment_n and_o sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v have_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o grieve_v immoderate_o when_o we_o lose_v our_o counter_n but_o if_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v they_o be_v but_o counter_n shadow_n grass_n vapour_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o cast_v down_o 2._o meditation_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n as_o god_n have_v show_v we_o in_o his_o word_n often_o think_v ponder_a and_o meditate_v on_o their_o vanity_n uncertainty_n transitoriness_n and_o deceitsulness_n without_o this_o due_a and_o serious_a meditation_n a_o right_a judgement_n of_o they_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a when_o god_n smite_v our_o comfort_n make_v our_o fair_a flower_n to_o wither_v blast_v our_o flourish_a grass_n then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o god_n have_v smite_v and_o blast_v nothing_o but_o grass_n but_o flower_n what_o have_v we_o lose_v nothing_o but_o shadow_n but_o counter_n this_o deep_a consideration_n will_v support_v we_o under_o our_o loss_n consider_v also_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v find_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n 3._o add_v prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v thorough_o convince_v your_o mind_n of_o the_o
contrary_n be_v true_a of_o wicked_a person_n they_o be_v curse_v in_o soul_n when_o cross_v in_o body_n their_o outward_a perishing_n prove_v inward_a perishing_n also_o for_o then_o usual_o they_o murmur_v and_o repine_v fret_v against_o god_n and_o instrument_n then_o they_o think_v of_o sinful_a shift_n and_o unlawful_a mean_n to_o get_v out_o of_o trouble_n when_o their_o outward_a man_n be_v hurt_v by_o affliction_n they_o hurt_v their_o soul_n by_o sin_n by_o impatience_n and_o discontent_n as_o that_o wicked_a king_n who_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o wait_v upon_o god_n any_o long_o but_o now_o we_o find_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o eli_n david_n job_n micah_n habakkuk_n and_o other_o when_o their_o outward_a comfort_n fail_v they_o than_o they_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n flee_v to_o he_o for_o supply_n trust_v in_o he_o and_o so_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n their_o soul_n be_v support_v and_o strengthen_v david_n express_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o that_o be_v for_o his_o soul_n his_o inner_a man_n that_o he_o be_v afflict_v psal_n 119._o 71._o and_o in_o the_o text_n we_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n also_o of_o god_n people_n that_o their_o great_a outward_a evil_n through_o the_o goodness_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n turn_v to_o their_o great_a inward_a good_a and_o this_o make_v they_o rejoice_v in_o affliction_n and_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n as_o rom._n 5._o 2._o to_o wit_n because_o of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n they_o receive_v by_o affliction_n and_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n god_n give_v that_o command_n heb._n 12._o 12._o wherefore_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n that_o hang_v down_o that_o be_v therefore_o be_v comfort_v and_o encourage_v therefore_o wherefore_o because_o of_o the_o great_a profit_n and_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o god_n chastning_n upon_o his_o people_n therefore_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n that_o hang_v down_o as_o it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o wound_n in_o his_o body_n to_o have_v his_o clothes_n tear_v off_o that_o so_o his_o wound_n may_v be_v heal_v so_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o disease_n of_o our_o soul_n cure_v though_o our_o outward_a comfort_n be_v rend_v and_o tear_v from_o we_o the_o application_n i._o for_o information_n first_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a in_o reference_n to_o affliction_n between_o the_o upright_a and_o the_o hypocrite_n the_o godly_a be_v the_o better_a the_o wicked_a be_v the_o worse_a for_o affliction_n the_o godly_a man_n gain_v in_o his_o inner_a man_n by_o his_o loss_n in_o his_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o affliction_n commit_v more_o wickedness_n and_o their_o corruption_n break_v out_o more_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o righteous_a hold_v on_o his_o way_n although_o brier_n and_o thorn_n yea_o lion_n be_v in_o his_o way_n that_o tear_n and_o spoil_v all_o his_o outward_a comfort_n and_o he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n and_o a_o clean_a heart_n grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a even_o when_o his_o outward_a man_n grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a job_n 17._o 9_o the_o wicked_a in_o affliction_n be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n that_o cast_v up_o nothing_o but_o miâ—â—_n and_o dirt_n isa_n 57_o 20._o second_o that_o a_o afflict_a godly_a person_n be_v in_o a_o far_o better_a case_n than_o a_o afflict_a wicked_a person_n thâ—_n the_o affliction_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n measure_n and_o degree_n because_o a_o afflict_a godly_a person_n have_v faâ—_n better_a ground_n of_o comfort_n than_o the_o other_o forth_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v confident_a that_o his_o affliction_n oâ—_n his_o outward_a man_n shall_v tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n but_o the_o ungodly_a have_v ground_n enough_o to_o fear_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o his_o affliction_n the_o wicked_a shall_v grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o though_o all_o thing_n may_v happen_v alike_o to_o all_o as_o to_o outward_a affliction_n yet_o the_o godly_a have_v the_o best_a on_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o their_o outward_a affliction_n shall_v tend_v to_o their_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a o_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o no_o wind_n can_v blow_v amiss_o to_o they_o but_o that_o all_o the_o cross_n and_o contrary_a wind_n that_o they_o meet_v with_o upon_o the_o stormy_a sea_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v but_o further_a they_o in_o their_o passage_n and_o hasten_v they_o to_o their_o harbour_n in_o heaven_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n amen_n three_o then_o a_o gracious_a person_n have_v more_o and_o better_a ground_n of_o patience_n quietness_n and_o contentation_n under_o all_o his_o affliction_n than_o a_o wicked_a person_n have_v because_o every_o gracious_a person_n have_v good_a ground_n to_o hope_n believe_v and_o conclude_v that_o his_o good_a god_n be_v do_v he_o good_a do_v his_o soul_n good_a by_o all_o the_o trouble_n on_o his_o outward_a man_n and_o have_v ground_n to_o hope_n believe_v and_o conclude_v so_o he_o have_v good_a ground_n of_o patience_n and_o contentation_n now_o a_o child_n of_o god_n have_v good_a ground_n to_o hope_n believe_v and_o conclude_v so_o because_o he_o have_v the_o faithful_a word_n of_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a god_n for_o to_o ground_v his_o hope_n and_o faith_n upon_o who_o have_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o his_o people_n if_o all_o thing_n than_o affliction_n rom._n 8._o 28._o and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v they_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 22_o 23._o thing_n present_a all_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o trouble_n be_v they_o that_o be_v shall_v work_v for_o their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o god_n word_n tell_v we_o express_o hebr._n 12._o 10._o that_o all_o our_o chastisement_n be_v for_o our_o profit_n our_o great_a profit_n namely_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o god_n holiness_n to_o purge_v away_o our_o sin_n isa_n 27._o 9_o to_o make_v we_o conformable_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o that_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o cor._n 4._o 17._o here_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v the_o almighty_a god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v his_o promise_n which_o promise_n flow_v from_o his_o everlasting_a love_n and_o unsearchable_a goodness_n &_o mercy_n and_o be_v found_v in_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o through_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o i_o say_v the_o almighty_a god_n have_v engage_v his_o word_n that_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o child_n shall_v work_v for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o most_o firm_a ground_n of_o patience_n contentation_n and_o consolation_n to_o they_o when_o i_o can_v believe_v and_o be_v persuade_v in_o my_o soul_n that_o all_o my_o affliction_n shall_v promote_v the_o welfare_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v patient_a and_o content_a under_o they_o our_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o look_v to_o this_o that_o we_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n real_o unite_v to_o christ_n graft_v into_o he_o make_v partaker_n of_o his_o spirit_n life_n and_o grace_n then_o be_v we_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n hebr._n 6._o 17_o 18._o gal._n 3._o last_o and_o we_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o have_v ground_n of_o patience_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v all_o shall_v work_v for_o our_o good_a and_o then_o next_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a with_o patience_n to_o bear_v our_o affliction_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o keep_v these_o promise_n still_o in_o our_o eye_n look_v to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o love_n goodness_n faithfulness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o look_v unto_o jesus_n through_o who_o satisfaction_n and_o mediation_n they_o come_v to_o we_o and_o labour_v to_o keep_v our_o eye_n the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n fix_v on_o those_o promise_n trust_v in_o god_n and_o rely_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a in_o our_o patience_n to_o possess_v our_o soul_n and_o patience_n will_v do_v we_o great_a service_n in_o affliction_n for_o although_o it_o can_v keep_v we_o from_o misery_n it_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o be_v miserable_a for_o we_o can_v never_o be_v miserable_a so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o through_o he_o in_o the_o promise_n now_o faith_n in_o the_o
day_n enjoy_v it_o it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a comfort_n to_o hear_v of_o all_o this_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o brief_o certain_o this_o most_o bless_a state_n be_v not_o for_o all_o not_o for_o most_o but_o only_o for_o a_o few_o few_o say_v our_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o those_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n only_o they_o be_v heir_n to_o this_o glory_n rom._n 8._o 17._o if_o child_n than_o heir_n not_o else_o and_o such_o we_o be_v not_o by_o nature_n joh._n 8._o 44._o eph._n 2._o 2_o 3_o 12._o but_o all_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v make_v so_o by_o grace_n they_o be_v make_v so_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 26._o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o we_o be_v christ_n by_o faith_n then_o be_v we_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 29._o that_o be_v we_o be_v heir_n of_o this_o promise_a glory_n so_o heb._n 6._o 17_o 18._o also_o we_o be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o regeneration_n by_o the_o blew-birth_n full_o be_v that_o text_n john_n 1._o 12_o 13._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o that_o be_v christ_n to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n so_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v to_o this_o inheritance_n jam._n 1._o 17_o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n so_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o and_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v never_o inherit_v this_o glory_n it_o be_v prepare_v for_o none_o but_o god_n child_n and_o none_o be_v his_o child_n but_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v true_o regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n now_o all_o such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n have_v his_o spirit_n live_v and_o rule_v in_o they_o rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v none_o of_o he_o and_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n all_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a and_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v again_o they_o have_v the_o image_n of_o god_n repair_v in_o they_o the_o divine_a nature_n communicate_v to_o they_o the_o life_n of_o god_n plant_v in_o they_o and_o be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v as_o his_o child_n in_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n in_o resemblance_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n in_o most_o hearty_a and_o superiative_a love_n to_o he_o and_o in_o a_o holy_a confidence_n in_o he_o and_o entire_a dependence_n on_o he_o as_o their_o most_o gracious_a father_n almighty_a in_o and_o through_o their_o most_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n these_o be_v the_o person_n and_o these_o only_a that_o shall_v be_v advance_v to_o this_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n moreover_o we_o be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o covenant_n god_n the_o all-sufficient_a good_a of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o grace_n condescend_v to_o poor_a sinner_n and_o free_o bestow_v himself_o upon_o they_o become_v their_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o take_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o and_o make_v they_o his_o son_n and_o daughter_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17_o 18._o communicate_v to_o they_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o they_o all_o sanctify_a grace_n pardon_v their_o iniquity_n give_v they_o new_a heart_n new_a spirit_n soft_a and_o tender_a heart_n heart_n to_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n their_o own_o and_o other_o tender_a of_o god_n honour_n heart_n to_o love_v he_o heart_n to_o fear_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o enable_v they_o to_o give_v up_o their_o whole_a self_n unfeigned_o and_o unreserved_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n take_v he_o for_o their_o only_a lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o his_o glory_n submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o gracious_a government_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n these_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v certain_o inherit_v this_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v possess_v this_o glory_n who_o be_v describe_v by_o a_o famous_a divine_a thus_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o external_o call_v who_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thorough_o though_o imperfect_o regenerate_v be_v hereupon_o convince_v and_o sensible_a of_o that_o evil_a iâ—_n sin_n that_o misery_n in_o themselves_o that_o vanity_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o necessity_n sufficiency_n and_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o abhor_v that_o evil_a bewail_v that_o misery_n and_o turn_v their_o heart_n from_o that_o vanity_n and_o most_o affectionate_o accept_v of_o christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n and_o lord_n to_o bring_v they_o unto_o god_n the_o chief_a good_a and_o present_v they_o perfect_o just_a before_o he_o do_v according_o enter_v into_o a_o cordial_a covenant_n with_o he_o and_o so_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o herein_o persevere_v unto_o their_o life_n end_v now_o all_o thâ—_n child_n of_o god_n all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o glory_n for_o first_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o prepare_v this_o glory_n for_o his_o people_n this_o kingdom_n be_v prepare_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 25._o god_n have_v predestinate_v his_o child_n to_o this_o glorious_a inheritance_n eph._n 1._o 5_o 11._o rom._n 8._o 29_o 30._o 2_o thess_n 2._o 13._o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n heb._n 11._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o matt._n 20._o 23._o the_o saint_n be_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n before_o prepare_v unto_o glory_n rom._n 9_o 23._o and_o those_o in_o time_n he_o translate_v out_o of_o satan_n kingdom_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n by_o his_o word_n of_o grace_n by_o his_o fatherly_a chastisement_n by_o his_o mercy_n he_o do_v by_o degree_n make_v meet_v and_o fit_a for_o this_o glorious_a inheritance_n with_o his_o saint_n in_o light_n col._n 1._o 12_o 13._o and_o sure_o god_n counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o his_o decree_n be_v fulfil_v therefore_o bless_v be_v they_o who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o people_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o inheritance_n psal_n 33._o 11_o 12._o second_o this_o glory_n be_v purchase_v also_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v alone_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n that_o we_o have_v entrance_n into_o heaven_n therefore_o do_v the_o saint_n sing_v forth_o his_o praise_n for_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v they_o out_o of_o every_o nation_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n rev._n 5._o 9_o 10._o so_o that_o either_o christ_n must_v lose_v the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o suffering_n and_o never_o see_v the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o expectation_n be_v lose_v or_o else_o for_o certain_a there_o remain_v for_o the_o saint_n this_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n three_o this_o glory_n be_v promise_v also_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n tit._n 1._o 2._o luk._n 12._o 32._o &_o 22._o 19_o i_o appoint_v unto_o you_o a_o kingdom_n as_o my_o father_n have_v appoint_v unto_o i_o a_o kingdom_n 2_o thess_n 1._o 7._o matth._n 25._o 34._o jam._n 2._o 5._o rev._n 2._o 7_o 10_o 11_o 17._o heb._n 10._o 34._o with_o many_o other_o place_n so_o that_o if_o the_o purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a if_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n be_v certain_a if_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o faithful_a god_n be_v certain_a all_o which_o be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a then_o also_o it_o be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v most_o assure_o one_o day_n receive_v this_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weigh_v of_o glory_n and_o now_o o_o my_o soul_n how_o long_o shall_v thy_o foolish_a heart_n deceive_v thou_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o affection_n on_o thing_n below_o upon_o lie_a die_a vanity_n when_o will_v thou_o draw_v
persuasion_n will_v prevail_v they_o turn_v the_o deaf_a ear_n to_o all_o but_o for_o the_o world_n how_o soon_o be_v people_n persuade_v to_o embrace_v it_o to_o follow_v hard_o after_o it_o to_o count_v no_o time_n nor_o pain_n too_o much_o to_o attain_v it_o what_o be_v there_o in_o those_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n in_o those_o glitter_a vanity_n that_o shall_v so_o allure_v entice_v and_o seduce_v rational_a soul_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v all_o those_o better_a thing_n but_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o whatever_o they_o profess_v infidelity_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o hearty_o so_o eager_o follow_v and_o pursue_v if_o the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o it_o the_o emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o it_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o transitoriness_n of_o it_o be_v indeed_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n the_o alsufficient_a good_a that_o bless_a jesus_n that_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n shall_v be_v so_o slight_v and_o neglect_v if_o they_o be_v true_o real_o and_o hearty_o believe_v it_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o yet_o most_o true_a that_o people_n shall_v yield_v up_o their_o heart_n unto_o and_o spend_v their_o best_a affection_n upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n and_o can_v think_v and_o speak_v delightful_o of_o they_o but_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o eternal_a thing_n oh_o this_o beguile_a bewitch_a and_o deceive_a world_n and_o oh_o these_o corrupt_a carnal_a deceitful_a heart_n of_o we_o that_o suffer_v the_o world_n thus_o to_o deceive_v we_o it_o cost_v the_o heartblood_n of_o christ_n to_o deliver_v his_o people_n from_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n gal._n 1._o 4._o can_v we_o apprehend_v the_o mischief_n this_o world_n have_v do_v we_o and_o do_v still_o do_v we_o we_o shall_v have_v but_o little_a kindness_n for_o it_o and_o if_o once_o we_o can_v attain_v the_o assurance_n of_o our_o title_n to_o that_o world_n above_o we_o shall_v not_o care_v how_o soon_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o this_o 3_o inf._n three_o hence_o appear_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o immoderate_a worldly_a joy_n sorrow_n fear_v care_v about_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n be_v they_o be_v but_o temporal_a pass_v transient_a momentany_a thing_n why_o then_o so_o much_o care_n to_o get_v and_o keep_v they_o why_o so_o much_o fear_n of_o lose_v they_o why_o so_o much_o joy_n in_o possess_v and_o why_o so_o much_o trouble_n in_o part_v with_o they_o why_o so_o much_o care_n and_o fear_v about_o life_n itself_o which_o be_v but_o a_o vapour_n jam._n 4._o 14._o alas_o we_o rejoice_v in_o thing_n of_o nought_o and_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o shadow_n for_o such_o and_o no_o better_a at_o best_a be_v all_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n let_v we_o all_o bewail_v this_o folly_n o_o when_o shall_v we_o be_v wise_a how_o long_o shall_v we_o simple_a one_o love_v this_o our_o sinful_a simplicity_n prov._n 1._o 22._o oh_o how_o long_o ere_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a till_o we_o know_v the_o one_o thing_n needful_a and_o approve_v and_o pursue_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o give_v up_o our_o heart_n entire_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n 4_o inf._n four_o hence_o appear_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o regeneration_n see_v we_o be_v by_o nature_n so_o ignorant_a dark_a blind_a stupid_a and_o dead_a that_o we_o can_v see_v nor_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o own_o eternal_a peace_n therefore_o we_o shall_v earnest_o seek_v and_o pray_v for_o renew_v grace_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o life_n and_o that_o god_n will_v beget_v we_o anew_o and_o give_v we_o his_o sanctify_a quicken_a spirit_n and_o infuse_v new_a spiritual_a principle_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o thereby_o take_v we_o off_o from_o inordinate_a mind_v visible_a temporal_a thing_n and_o turn_v our_o mind_n another_o way_n even_o towards_o himself_o and_o towards_o christ_n and_o heaven_n that_o there_o we_o may_v centre_n and_o place_n all_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n all_o the_o desire_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v seek_v he_o diligent_o to_o effect_v this_o work_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o must_v also_o attend_v on_o his_o word_n preach_v and_o read_v and_o diligent_o and_o conscientious_o read_v the_o word_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o servent_o beg_v god_n blessing_n on_o the_o word_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o we_o a_o word_n of_o grace_n a_o renew_n convert_v sanctify_a word_n the_o seed_n of_o regeneration_n jam._n 1._o 17_o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n john_n 17._o 17._o thus_o must_v we_o labour_v to_o be_v regenerate_v or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o get_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o earthly_a thing_n second_o use_v by_o way_n of_o examination_n we_o all_o hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v and_o to_o enjoy_v all_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a good_a thing_n do_v we_o not_o let_v we_o be_v so_o kind_a to_o our_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o try_v our_o title_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n sure_o here_o be_v one_o mark_v by_o which_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o our_o hope_n be_v well_o ground_v or_o no_o to_o wit_n by_o our_o heavenly-mindedness_a what_o do_v we_o aim_v at_o main_o mind_n chief_o look_v on_o and_o look_v after_o principal_o be_v it_o heaven_n or_o earth_n visibles_n or_o invisibles_fw-fr let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o which_o way_n run_v the_o stream_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o current_n of_o our_o affection_n the_o tide_n of_o our_o discourse_n which_o way_n run_v it_o strong_a steddie_v put_v this_o question_n close_o to_o our_o conscience_n and_o require_v a_o direct_a answer_n let_v we_o not_o dally_v and_o shuffle_v but_o be_v serious_a our_o apostle_n make_v this_o a_o discriminate_a character_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n of_o one_o in_o christ_n and_o above_o the_o power_n of_o condemnation_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o rom._n 8._o 5._o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o profit_n honour_n pleasure_n ease_n health_n liberty_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v they_o mind_v these_o thing_n main_o most_o principal_o chief_o most_o hearty_o most_o serious_o most_o affectionate_o most_o delightful_o these_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n lie_v most_o upon_o their_o thought_n and_o lie_v near_a their_o heart_n this_o be_v their_o character_n and_o it_o appear_v in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o action_n but_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n bear_v of_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n they_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o grace_n the_o work_n the_o witness_n the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n or_o the_o spirit_n they_o mind_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n god_n and_o peace_n with_o he_o christ_n and_o union_n with_o he_o god_n covenant_n and_o interest_n therein_o eternal_a life_n and_o title_n thereto_o these_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n they_o mind_v these_o main_o chief_o most_o principal_o most_o hearty_o affectionate_o and_o most_o delightful_o and_o constant_o this_o be_v their_o character_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a also_o in_o their_o word_n and_o action_n now_o let_v we_o try_v ourselves_o what_o character_n have_v we_o which_o of_o these_o two_o if_o we_o will_v not_o do_v so_o much_o for_o our_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n in_o try_v we_o have_v not_o much_o love_n to_o they_o a_o man_n may_v know_v very_o much_o of_o his_o state_n by_o this_o and_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a a_o little_a labour_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o no_o and_o whether_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o damn_v eternal_o let_v we_o put_v it_o home_o to_o our_o conscience_n say_v o_o my_o soul_n what_o do_v thou_o mind_v most_o what_o be_v thy_o thought_n most_o exercise_v about_o whereupon_o be_v thy_o affection_n most_o fix_o set_v this_o be_v a_o search_a mark_n oh_o that_o we_o do_v all_o try_v ourselves_o by_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o heavenly_a than_o we_o be_v the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o will_v have_v cause_n of_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n cause_n of_o self-suspition_n and_o jealousy_n when_o we_o strict_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o
we_o see_v how_o brave_o the_o primitive_a christian_n carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o suffering_n by_o look_v unto_o mind_v and_o think_v upon_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n oh_o can_v we_o keep_v they_o in_o our_o view_n and_o keep_v our_o eye_n on_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o faint_v nor_o sink_v under_o any_o of_o our_o trouble_n we_o look_v too_o much_o on_o and_o mind_n too_o much_o those_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n and_o look_v too_o little_a to_o the_o invisible_a god_n to_o our_o bless_a jesus_n and_o eternal_a glory_n oh_o that_o god_n will_v increase_v and_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o help_v we_o to_o live_v in_o the_o lively_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o it_o we_o stand_v oh_o that_o we_o can_v live_v more_o by_o faith_n and_o less_o by_o sense_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o five_o use_v for_o instruction_n if_o we_o will_v set_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n on_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n we_o must_v 1._o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n pray_v oh_o pray_v for_o new_a heart_n old_a heart_n will_v not_o hold_v heavenly_a thing_n pray_v for_o save_v light_n and_o knowledge_n ephes_n 1._o 17_o 18._o pray_o that_o you_o may_v clear_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v those_o thing_n pray_v for_o faith_n that_o you_o may_v real_o believe_v they_o and_o may_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o heb._n 11._o 1._o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v pray_v for_o love_n that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v thorough_o and_o true_o affect_v with_o they_o that_o you_o may_v relish_v and_o savour_v they_o and_o may_v feel_v taste_n and_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o pray_v for_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n that_o you_o may_v act_v those_o and_o other_o grace_n as_o hope_n joy_n desire_v and_o delight_n upon_o those_o heavenly_a thing_n pray_v without_o cease_v pray_v fervent_o for_o these_o thing_n and_o never_o leave_v pray_v till_o you_o obtain_v tell_v god_n that_o a_o earthly_a empty_a carnal_a heart_n you_o have_v and_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o you_o yourselves_o to_o make_v â—t_a heavenly_a complain_v to_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n who_o can_v make_v all_o grace_n to_o abound_v 2._o search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n conscientious_o for_o there_o all_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v discover_v and_o labour_v to_o believe_v what_o you_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o to_o get_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o god_n truth_n on_o â—â—our_n spirit_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o 3._o be_v watchful_a against_o all_o sin_n and_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v much_o in_o mortification_n of_o your_o inordinate_a affection_n col._n 3._o â—1_n 2_o 5._o compare_v watch_v against_o vain_a thought_n and_o strive_v in_o god_n strength_n to_o draw_v up_o your_o â—_z to_o heaven_n and_o hold_v they_o there_o 4._o serious_o and_o often_o consider_v the_o great_a and_o â—â—al_a difference_n between_o visible_a and_o invisible_a thing_n between_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a thing_n uncertain_a and_o certain_a thing_n transitory_a and_o permanent_a thing_n between_o those_o thing_n that_o respect_v the_o mortal_a body_n and_o those_o that_o concern_v the_o immortal_a soul_n between_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o reprobate_n and_o those_o that_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o god_n elect._n oh_o consider_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o common_a providence_n and_o those_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o god_n everlasting_a love_n and_o christ_n most_o precious_a blood_n sure_o a_o due_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o the_o vast_a difference_n which_o be_v between_o these_o thing_n will_v help_v we_o to_o mind_n eternal_a thing_n 5._o consider_v what_o taste_n these_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n will_v have_v in_o a_o die_a hour_n sure_o either_o none_o at_o all_o or_o a_o bitter_a one_o oh_o then_o what_o will_v honour_n riches_n pleasure_n signify_v oh_o then_o how_o much_o better_a and_o sweet_a will_v those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n be_v to_o a_o poor_a soul_n oh_o then_o a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n a_o pardon_n a_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n assurance_n of_o salvation_n will_v be_v thing_n of_o value_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v so_o now_o 6._o converse_v much_o with_o heavenly-minded_n christian_n but_o alas_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v they_o let_v we_o all_o bewail_v our_o horrible_a earthliness_n our_o earthly_a discourse_n all_o earth_n in_o our_o thought_n earth_n in_o our_o mouth_n and_o yet_o hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o and_o live_v in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o o_o how_o unlikely_a sure_o if_o i_o be_o not_o very_o much_o mistake_v i_o think_v a_o great_a many_o of_o our_o professor_n will_v be_v mistake_v at_o last_o and_o that_o will_v be_v dreadful_a because_o irrecoverable_a o_o lord_n give_v thy_o poor_a servant_n a_o heavenly_a heart_n sixthly_a the_o last_o use_n be_v for_o comfort_n to_o those_o that_o do_v mind_n and_o look_v unto_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n in_o good_a earnest_n for_o your_o comfort_n consider_v 1._o this_o be_v to_o you_o a_o evidence_n of_o your_o interest_n in_o all_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n that_o you_o do_v thus_o mind_n and_o converse_v with_o heavenly_a thing_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n that_o these_o be_v all_o your_o own_o that_o you_o have_v a_o good_a title_n to_o they_o a_o heavenly_a mind_n be_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n of_o one_o that_o belong_v to_o heaven_n 2._o you_o shall_v short_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v they_o all_o where_o christ_n be_v there_o short_o shall_v his_o servant_n be_v he_o will_v not_o always_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n without_o you_o nor_o will_v he_o always_o be_v absent_a from_o you_o no_o but_o he_o will_v come_v again_o and_o receive_v you_o to_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o john_n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o where_o be_v he_o but_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n and_o there_o you_o shall_v be_v also_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v appear_v with_o he_o also_o in_o glory_n col._n 3._o 3_o 4._o now_o you_o can_v see_v and_o think_v on_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n but_o dark_o and_o confuse_o but_o than_o you_o shall_v see_v clear_o yea_o possess_v and_o enjoy_v they_o for_o ever_o 3._o this_o your_o mind_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n will_v very_o much_o sweeten_v your_o present_a suffering_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n namely_o the_o help_n or_o benefit_v those_o primitive_a christian_n have_v by_o their_o look_v unto_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n which_o be_v that_o thereby_o they_o be_v support_v under_o their_o present_a suffering_n ver._n 16._o we_o faint_v not_o while_o we_o look_v not_o on_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v but_o on_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v hence_o may_v we_o observe_v this_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n doct._n that_o a_o believe_a sight_n and_o serious_a mind_v of_o unseen_a eternal_a thing_n be_v a_o singular_a mean_n of_o sweet_a support_n to_o poor_a christian_n under_o all_o their_o trouble_n this_o flow_v from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n we_o faint_v not_o say_v they_o but_o rather_o we_o gather_v strength_n and_o courage_n and_o our_o inner_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o those_o etc._n etc._n look_v off_o from_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n do_v much_o help_n to_o support_v god_n people_n under_o their_o trouble_n but_o look_v on_o upon_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n do_v help_v more_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o affection_n to_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n be_v very_o useful_a but_o the_o fixation_n of_o our_o affection_n on_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n be_v more_o useful_a to_o our_o support_n and_o comfort_n psal_n 27._o 13._o i_o have_v 〈…〉_z believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o 〈…〉_z ver._n 14._o so_o heb._n 11._o 26_o 27._o by_o faith_n moses_n endure_v as_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a moses_n can_v never_o have_v endure_v all_o those_o hard_a thing_n if_o he_o have_v look_v only_o on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o he_o look_v on_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o the_o unseen_a jesus_n and_o on_o the_o promise_n the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n he_o have_v a_o fix_a eye_n to_o those_o great_a thing_n his_o mind_n be_v settle_v on_o these_o and_o that_o carry_v he_o through_o all_o