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we_o must_v exert_v our_o great_a care_n and_o vigilance_n here_o we_o must_v show_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o throw_v off_o these_o darling_n and_o belove_a lust_n the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o require_v of_o we_o when_o he_o bid_v we_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n when_o they_o make_v we_o to_o offend_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n have_v according_o to_o our_o power_n lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n have_v free_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n and_o from_o our_o most_o secret_a and_o belove_a lust_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v here_o thus_o much_o be_v require_v as_o a_o preparation_n to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n but_o when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o number_n we_o must_v then_o set_v ourselves_o upon_o a_o active_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n a_o negative_a holiness_n will_v not_o 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give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n think_v on_o and_o do_v these_o thing_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n and_o precept_n often_o repeat_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v all_o in_o general_a term_n the_o particular_a instance_n of_o duty_n require_v by_o they_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o each_o man_n private_a consideration_n and_o they_o be_v various_a according_a to_o man_n several_a ability_n and_o opportunity_n according_a to_o their_o several_a relation_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o god_n the_o supreme_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v by_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n allot_v every_o man_n his_o course_n it_o be_v not_o of_o our_o choose_n but_o it_o be_v a_o race_n set_v before_o we_o he_o have_v likewise_o distribute_v among_o man_n various_a gift_n and_o ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v several_o fit_v to_o do_v good_a and_o according_a to_o these_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v of_o his_o duty_n in_o particular_a what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o and_o no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o want_n will_v and_o resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v ordinary_o be_v ignorant_a what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o descend_v to_o any_o particular_a instance_n of_o duty_n only_o from_o the_o similitude_n here_o use_v i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o suggest_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v vigorous_a and_o cheerful_a 2._o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a 1._o the_o similitude_n of_o run_v import_v great_a vigour_n and_o alacrity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n they_o who_o run_v with_o hope_n of_o victory_n must_v not_o be_v fainthearted_a and_o languish_v but_o must_v be_v cheerful_a and_o courageous_a full_a of_o hope_n and_o eager_a expectation_n of_o the_o desire_a triumph_n thus_o must_v a_o christian_a behave_v himself_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o he_o he_o must_v go_v about_o his_o duty_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o freedom_n as_o one_o that_o do_v it_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o hope_n for_o success_n by_o so_o do_v he_o must_v always_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o he_o and_o in_o prospect_n of_o that_o he_o must_v cheerful_o undertake_v whatever_o difficulty_n he_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o way_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o have_v once_o obey_v the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n if_o we_o have_v once_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o low_a and_o sordid_a care_n and_o encumbrance_n of_o this_o life_n present_a there_o can_v then_o remain_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v or_o retard_v our_o motion_n or_o to_o abate_v our_o courage_n in_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o this_o holy_a david_n seem_v to_o express_v say_v i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o have_v set_v my_o heart_n at_o liberty_n when_o we_o be_v once_o at_o liberty_n from_o the_o world_n and_o have_v wean_v our_o affection_n from_o thing_n below_o and_o place_v they_o on_o a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n then_o though_o we_o meet_v with_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n we_o shall_v joyful_o go_v on_o and_o every_o day_n progress_n in_o our_o course_n of_o piety_n will_v render_v our_o task_n more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a we_o shall_v apprehend_v ourselves_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o approach_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o to_o the_o crown_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o out_o of_o prospect_n of_o so_o sure_a a_o reward_n so_o nigh_o at_o hand_n and_o out_o of_o a_o fore-taste_a of_o that_o happiness_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v of_o religion_n from_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n 2._o another_o thing_n represent_v by_o this_o similitude_n of_o run_v be_v that_o our_o course_n of_o piety_n our_o religious_a conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a he_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n can_v find_v leisure_n to_o stop_v and_o divert_v himself_o or_o salute_v his_o friend_n by_o the_o way_n a_o little_a needless_a ceremony_n at_o such_o a_o time_n may_v hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o whole_a
diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o effectual_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o persuade_v we_o if_o these_o promise_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o the_o description_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v mention_v but_o two_o place_n more_o rom._n ij_o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n the_o other_o place_n be_v mat._n twenty-five_o where_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reward_v and_o have_v there_o represent_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o man_n excuse_n who_o have_v not_o wrought_v they_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o sentence_n these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a there_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o 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virtue_n or_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o vain_a will_v the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o god_n have_v before_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v whatsoever_o diligence_n they_o use_v on_o their_o part_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a force_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o obedience_n if_o once_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o their_o future_a state_n be_v from_o everlasting_a unalterable_o fix_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o by_o any_o neglect_n nay_o upon_o this_o supposition_n all_o the_o various_a method_n of_o persuasion_n which_o god_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a life_n prove_v nothing_o else_o but_o illusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v so_o often_o by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n invite_v and_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o live_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o have_v exclude_v many_o miriads_o of_o man_n from_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o absolute_a and_o irresistible_a decree_n which_o no_o endeavour_n of_o they_o can_v revoke_v or_o cancel_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v by_v any_o mean_n consist_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o all_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v then_o certain_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o reward_n but_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n nor_o yet_o any_o man_n obtain_v the_o same_o but_o by_o a_o due_a diligence_n in_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v promise_v 2._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o method_n of_o god_n proceed_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o those_o man_n do_v extreme_o mistake_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n who_o talk_v of_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o value_n of_o our_o good_a work_n as_o though_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n in_o the_o justification_n or_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o sure_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v faith_n alone_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a importance_n of_o that_o word_n faith_n but_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o have_v influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o our_o practice_n and_o conversation_n a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o single_a virtue_n and_o separate_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o include_v they_o in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o understand_v faith_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n as_o distinct_a from_o a_o holy_a conversation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n themselves_o may_v pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o relief_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o know_v withal_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v final_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o this_o doubtless_o be_v a_o mighty_a aggravation_n of_o their_o horror_n and_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v as_o s._n james_n do_v that_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v nay_o that_o this_o belief_n do_v make_v they_o tremble_v 3._o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n it_o than_o follow_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o life_n time_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n now_o must_v we_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o not_o leave_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v after_o our_o death_n either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o this_o i_o observe_v in_o 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our_o diligence_n in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n we_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n that_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o our_o so_o journ_v here_o in_o fear_n for_o sure_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v when_o all_o the_o close_a impiety_n which_o have_v pass_v here_o undiscerned_a shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n they_o will_v not_o now_o so_o fond_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o hope_n of_o secrecy_n or_o impunity_n do_v man_n serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o terribleness_n of_o that_o great_a day_n when_o god_n shall_v appear_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o 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shall_v at_o that_o day_n be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o have_v live_v obedient_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o our_o duty_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o who_o will_v not_o willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o flatter_a joy_n and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v secure_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v he_o at_o that_o day_n or_o who_o will_v not_o despise_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n which_o may_v possible_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o remember_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o he_o a_o far_o 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his_o good_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o though_o god_n will_v infuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o miracle_n but_o that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v blessed_v by_o he_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o old_a oeconomy_n the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o moses_n for_o their_o instruction_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o these_o man_n 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full_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v talk_v superficial_o about_o religious_a matter_n or_o that_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v dispute_v learned_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o decide_v controverfy_v not_o every_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o accomplish_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n no_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o entire_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v receive_v a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o than_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o most_o convince_a demonstration_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v such_o as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n or_o dispute_v 4._o we_o must_v not_o only_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o this_o as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o enquiry_n but_o we_o must_v actual_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o already_o know_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o attaim_v to_o a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o he_o already_o know_v he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o submit_v to_o those_o further_a instruction_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o place_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o exact_v this_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v practice_v those_o duty_n they_o already_o know_v if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v man_n first_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o to_o promise_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o live_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v without_o be_v satisfy_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o that_o be_v true_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o require_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o obey_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sad_a experience_n that_o many_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v yet_o very_o backward_o to_o practice_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o but_o how_o much_o more_o unwilling_o will_v they_o undertake_v this_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o they_o have_v obey_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v in_o part_n be_v understand_v of_o those_o previous_a instruction_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n have_v before_o receive_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o discourse_n have_v the_o instruction_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v understand_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v a_o great_a preparation_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o for_o those_o enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n no_o man_n can_v ordinary_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a society_n to_o a_o age_n capable_a of_o such_o inquiry_n but_o must_v have_v be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n in_o the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n those_o three_o great_a branch_n of_o duty_n which_o s._n paul_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o of_o so_o evident_a a_o obligation_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n especial_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o live_v so_o suppose_v we_o then_o a_o man_n competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n whether_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o his_o
prize_n his_o adversary_n perhaps_o who_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n and_o courage_n may_v by_o such_o a_o advantage_n easy_o get_v the_o start_n of_o he_o and_o defeat_v he_o of_o the_o crown_n and_o he_o become_v the_o derision_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o beholder_n the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a race_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o be_v religious_a and_o devout_a by_o fit_n and_o start_v at_o some_o set_a time_n or_o upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a behaviour_n the_o continue_a employment_n of_o our_o life_n the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o our_o business_n than_o any_o other_o employment_n whatsoever_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o constant_o and_o vigorous_o pursue_v for_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o give_v ourselves_o leisure_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o make_v any_o least_o delay_n or_o stop_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n alas_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o easy_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o our_o desire_a end_n for_o how_o fast_o soever_o we_o go_v on_o in_o our_o way_n our_o former_a lust_n and_o desire_v we_o have_v cast_v off_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o follow_v we_o close_o to_o tread_v in_o our_o step_n and_o will_v watch_v every_o opportunity_n to_o desire_v parley_n with_o we_o and_o entreat_v our_o stay_n and_o if_o we_o once_o make_v the_o least_o intermission_n to_o treat_v with_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v how_o soon_o our_o vigour_n and_o heat_n with_o which_o we_o begin_v the_o race_n will_v abate_v and_o cool_v our_o joint_n will_v then_o grow_v stiff_a and_o unactive_a and_o then_o present_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n arise_v and_o we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o our_o journey_n end_v as_o when_o we_o first_o set_v out_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o we_o have_v begin_v well_o and_o go_v on_o for_o a_o while_n then_o to_o stay_v and_o look_v back_o and_o deliberate_a whether_o we_o shall_v go_v far_o or_o not_o nay_o in_o these_o case_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n to_o stay_v be_v to_o go_v backward_o for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o can_v be_v altogether_o idle_a if_o he_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a he_o will_v certain_o be_v employ_v in_o somewhat_o else_o that_o be_v bad_a and_o sinful_a and_o then_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o good_a habit_n be_v much_o more_o weaken_a by_o a_o little_a intermission_n than_o it_o can_v be_v strengthen_v or_o improve_v by_o many_o instance_n of_o virtue_n so_o that_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o may_v abundant_o appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o our_o progress_n in_o this_o race_n before_o we_o shall_v be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o exhortation_n be_v that_o our_o vigour_n and_o diligence_n in_o this_o affair_n must_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v run_v with_o patience_n how_o diligent_a and_o active_a soever_o we_o may_v have_v be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n how_o far_o soever_o we_o have_v proceed_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n let_v no_o man_n yet_o flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n or_o that_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o that_o he_o be_v already_o secure_a of_o his_o reward_n and_o crown_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a mistake_n and_o many_o who_o do_v run_v once_o well_o may_v upon_o this_o presumption_n foolish_o miscarry_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o have_v heretofore_o endure_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n and_o this_o very_a similitude_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o for_o who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v win_v the_o prize_n without_o run_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o our_o life_n here_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o trial_n wherein_o we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n and_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o that_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v the_o time_n of_o reward_n or_o retribution_n as_o long_o therefore_o as_o we_o live_v here_o we_o must_v keep_v up_o our_o diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a calling_n labour_v every_o day_n to_o go_v on_o from_o strength_n to_o strength_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o improve_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n of_o live_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o imagine_v to_o themselves_o i_o know_v not_o what_o security_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v make_v no_o such_o irrevocable_a decree_n for_o any_o particular_a man_n salvation_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n ez._n 33._o 13._o when_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o righteous_a that_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v if_o he_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n all_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o possibility_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o s._n paul_n exhort_v we_o 1_o cor._n x._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v where_o the_o apostle_n plain_o intimate_v that_o they_o who_o think_v themselves_o perfect_a and_o secure_a of_o their_o condition_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v than_o other_o because_o that_o very_a security_n be_v apt_a in_o its_o own_o natural_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n supine_n and_o negligent_a and_o unwilling_a to_o proceed_v further_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n though_o we_o have_v make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o throw_v off_o every_o weight_n though_o we_o have_v use_v great_a diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v something_o more_o to_o do_v we_o have_v still_o many_o adversary_n to_o contend_v with_o many_o temptation_n to_o resist_v the_o seed_n of_o those_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v before_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o we_o which_o will_v always_o afford_v new_a matter_n for_o our_o vigilance_n and_o care_n nor_o can_v we_o ever_o be_v secure_a that_o we_o have_v earn_v our_o prize_n till_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o patience_n and_o god_n call_v we_o hence_o to_o receive_v our_o reward_n sure_o i_o be_o if_o any_o man_n may_v be_v secure_a before_o hand_n that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n and_o be_v now_o ascertain_v of_o his_o reward_n s._n paul_n may_v pretend_v as_o reasonable_o to_o that_o privilege_n as_o any_o other_o but_o yet_o he_o describe_v his_o own_o condition_n as_o still_o imperfect_a and_o still_o depend_v upon_o his_o future_a diligence_n phil._n iij._n 12._o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a but_o i_o follow_v after_o if_o that_o i_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o also_o i_o be_o apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n brethren_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n thus_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v s._n paul_n example_n and_o the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n we_o must_v still_o continue_v press_v forward_o and_o run_v with_o patience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o race_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o i_o may_v now_o endeavour_v to_o enforce_v it_o by_o represent_v to_o your_o thought_n the_o exceed_v great_a reward_n the_o glorious_a prize_n we_o be_v to_o run_v for_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o blessedness_n that_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n sufficient_o to_o conceive_v of_o it_o i_o may_v also_o here_o recall_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v this_o reward_n and_o will_v bestow_v it_o on_o those_o who_o have_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o run_v with_o patience_n i_o may_v far_o add_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n the_o great_a comfort_n support_v and_o
motive_n to_o a_o like_a steadfastness_n in_o our_o holy_a call_v inasmuch_o as_o they_o bear_v witness_n by_o their_o example_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n so_o great_a in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n no_o affliction_n so_o grievous_a but_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o lively_a and_o active_a faith_n and_o by_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o we_o and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n they_o may_v be_v endure_v with_o patience_n and_o comfort_n nay_o further_o with_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n let_v we_o now_o cast_v our_o eye_n back_o on_o those_o great_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n record_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n let_v we_o behold_v the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bravery_n of_o their_o virtue_n in_o its_o most_o afflict_a state_n let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o cheerfulness_n and_o joy_n with_o which_o they_o trample_v on_o and_o despise_v the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n present_a that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a inheritance_n let_v we_o add_v to_o these_o the_o glorious_a company_n of_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o noble_a army_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n and_o innumerable_a company_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a who_o have_v depart_v this_o life_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v witness_n to_o we_o of_o better_a promise_n than_o the_o father_n have_v and_o last_o let_v we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v now_o set_v down_o upon_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o then_o sure_o if_o the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v a_o reasonable_a motive_n in_o his_o day_n it_o will_v now_o be_v much_o more_o so_o since_o the_o cloud_n of_o witness_n be_v so_o much_o increase_v by_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o serm._n v._n heb._n xij_o 2._o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o argument_n more_o natural_o fit_v to_o prevail_v upon_o man_n mind_n and_o to_o engage_v their_o industry_n and_o diligence_n in_o any_o enterprise_n whatsoever_o than_o the_o example_n of_o other_o who_o have_v go_v before_o they_o who_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n they_o have_v in_o reverence_n who_o have_v perform_v the_o like_a undertake_n with_o honour_n and_o success_n the_o opinion_n we_o have_v of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n make_v we_o think_v it_o not_o unreasonable_a for_o we_o to_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o imitate_v their_o practice_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o endeavour_n take_v away_o all_o those_o faint_a excuse_n which_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v to_o we_o we_o can_v then_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v a_o impossible_a task_n we_o be_v persuade_v to_o when_o we_o see_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o example_n of_o other_o of_o like_a frame_n with_o ourselves_o who_o have_v already_o perform_v it_o with_o cheerfulness_n and_o joy_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o well_o know_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o many_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v it_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o new_a convert_a hebrew_n against_o all_o discouragement_n whatsoever_o that_o may_v withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v embrace_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n he_o large_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o many_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a who_o seed_n they_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n who_o write_n they_o have_v receive_v of_o all_o the_o worthy_n record_v in_o sacred_a story_n who_o praise_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o all_o these_o in_o confidence_n that_o god_n will_v reward_v their_o obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o another_o life_n though_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v evil_o entreat_v here_o have_v patient_o undergo_v the_o most_o barbarous_a cruelty_n which_o the_o wit_n or_o malice_n of_o man_n can_v exercise_v upon_o they_o some_o of_o they_o be_v stone_v and_o saw_v in_o sunder_o some_o of_o they_o wander_v about_o be_v destitute_a afflict_a torment_v but_o yet_o these_o and_o many_o other_o kind_n of_o calamity_n they_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n and_o then_o apply_v their_o example_n to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o first_o christian_n he_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o the_o father_n before_o recite_v by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v enable_v to_o endure_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o then_o sure_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v far_o better_a promise_n ought_v not_o to_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o patience_n and_o resolution_n and_o constant_a perseverance_n in_o their_o holy_a profession_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o many_o trial_n and_o persecution_n for_o it_o this_o application_n he_o make_v in_o the_o word_n before_o the_o text_n wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o but_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o patience_n under_o suffering_n be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o we_o be_v natural_o most_o averse_a to_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o confirm_v their_o resolution_n to_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o he_o proceed_v in_o the_o text_n to_o raise_v their_o thought_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o a_o far_o more_o eminent_a and_o illustrious_a example_n who_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n as_o the_o best_a pattern_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o afford_v the_o strong_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n consider_v the_o word_n with_o this_o dependence_n they_o be_v a_o prevail_a argument_n and_o motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o imitate_v our_o saviour_n as_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o a_o holy_a conversation_n so_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o patient_a suffering_n of_o those_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v we_o in_o this_o life_n which_o duty_n though_o it_o have_v a_o more_o peculiar_a reference_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o most_o unsupportable_a calamity_n for_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o in_o these_o day_n be_v whole_o exempt_a from_o our_o share_n in_o it_o though_o open_a persecution_n be_v not_o now_o feel_v among_o we_o yet_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a have_v many_o trial_n and_o temptation_n to_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o many_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n to_o struggle_v with_o many_o enemy_n to_o withstand_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n who_o be_v always_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o hinder_v our_o progress_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n and_o to_o defeat_v we_o of_o our_o reward_n and_o crown_n though_o we_o be_v not_o now_o bring_v before_o king_n and_o ruler_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o can_v now_o be_v tempt_v to_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o our_o christian_a profession_n to_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o buy_v we_o yet_o still_o we_o be_v expose_v to_o many_o temptation_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v we_o from_o our_o uprightness_n and_o to_o betray_v we_o into_o those_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o faith_n which_o we_o outward_o prosess_v and_o with_o the_o salvation_n we_o hope_v for_o we_o have_v therefore_o need_v of_o great_a watchfulness_n and_o care_n and_o constant_a resolution_n if_o