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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
world_n believe_v faith_n overcome_v 3,934 5 9.3895 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B10255 The highest end and chiefest work of a Christian set forth in two plain discourses, concerning the glory of God, and our own salvation / By J.W. Waite, Joseph. 1668 (1668) Wing W223; ESTC R186143 132,020 230

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they_o than_o a_o thousand_o talent_n of_o future_a gain_n which_o be_v a_o judgement_n so_o perfect_o brutish_a as_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o sober_a reason_n 2._o an_o other_o prejudice_n that_o carnal_a man_n have_v against_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a have_v nothing_o of_o the_o turkish_a carnal_a paradise_n in_o it_o nothing_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o habitual_a sinner_n can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o those_o high_a raise_a privilege_n of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n heavenly_a glory_n the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n fit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o juice_n no_o taste_n in_o they_o to_o carnal_a mind_n who_o be_v not_o easy_o
first_o question_n viz._n what_o this_o salvation_n mean_v and_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o answer_n collect_v from_o divers_a description_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o it_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o than_o first_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o second_o a_o obtainment_n of_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o i_o call_v a_o infinite_a concernment_n without_o a_o hyperbole_n because_o in_o the_o extension_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o less_o as_o be_v eternal_a in_o both_o part_n a_o deliverance_n from_o everlasting_a death_n unto_o a_o eternal_a life_n now_o it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a that_o the_o intention_n of_o man_n affection_n shall_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o real_a value_n of_o their_o object_n it_o follow_v that_o that_o solicitude_n &_o care_n which_o the_o text_n require_v though_o it_o can_v so_o much_o exceed_v that_o which_o we_o have_v for_o other_o thing_n as_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o object_n do_v because_o we_o have_v no_o capacity_n of_o such_o a_o excess_n yet_o that_o it_o shall_v real_o and_o effectual_o surpass_v all_o other_o care_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v either_o because_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o value_n of_o it_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o there_o be_v i_o fear_v not_o a_o few_o pretend_v christian_n that_o to_o save_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n and_o the_o care_n of_o work_v out_o this_o salvation_n do_v reject_v the_o faith_n of_o it_o to_o disengage_a themselves_o from_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o christian_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o strict_a will_v needs_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v but_o a_o politic_a fiction_n a_o mere_a invention_n a_o handsome_a philosophical_a fable_n impose_v upon_o man_n credulity_n to_o keep_v they_o civil_a by_o the_o common_a engine_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n they_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o life_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o other_o though_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o deny_v it_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o such_o person_n i_o shall_v turn_v away_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n which_o they_o will_v only_o admit_v viz._n that_o of_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o another_o world_n their_o own_o sense_n i_o say_v because_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v i_o that_o no_o other_o will_v move_v they_o if_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o have_v see_v or_o feel_v there_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v 16.31_o luk._n 16.31_o for_o they_o have_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n only_o but_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o all_o the_o martyr_n together_o with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n witness_v with_o as_o much_o evidence_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o persuade_v their_o belief_n and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v insufficient_a i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o hope_v to_o give_v they_o any_o better_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v reason_n to_o pass_v they_o by_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 3.8_o as_o janne_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o do_v these_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n the_o motive_n which_o i_o be_o urge_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o work_n which_o the_o text_n require_v suppose_v their_o belief_n of_o this_o salvation_n and_o needs_o nothing_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a but_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o design_n above_o any_o other_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v put_v to_o issue_n the_o question_n in_o short_a be_v whether_o we_o desire_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o glory_n and_o happiness_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n or_o have_v our_o portion_n with_o devil_n and_o reprobate_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n the_o place_n of_o utter_a darkness_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n now_o be_v there_o no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a possibility_n or_o probability_n at_o most_o of_o these_o event_n to_o a_o man_n without_o any_o convince_a evidence_n of_o their_o certainty_n yet_o be_v it_o extreme_o unreasonable_a to_o neglect_v they_o especial_o when_o as_o the_o mean_n requisite_a to_o the_o secure_v they_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o value_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o end_n and_o otherwise_o so_o high_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o to_o he_o therefore_o that_o have_v any_o doubt_n arise_v in_o his_o mind_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n declare_v concern_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v hell_n and_o heaven_n and_o be_v thereby_o tempt_v to_o neglect_v they_o i_o shall_v only_o propound_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n towards_o his_o rescue_n from_o such_o a_o fatal_a hazard_n these_o three_o question_n to_o be_v deliberate_v upon_o before_o he_o abandon_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o desperate_a course_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o impossibility_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o with_o a_o general_n judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o all_o man_n that_o there_o be_v eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o man_n in_o that_o future_a life_n proportion_v to_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n can_v it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o futurity_n of_o these_o event_n do_v import_v contradiction_n to_o any_o know_a verity_n 2._o be_v there_o no_o probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v not_o all_o the_o testimony_n and_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v for_o their_o confirmation_n with_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o christian_n amount_v to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o any_o degree_n probable_a do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o then_o my_o three_o question_n that_o i_o will_v advise_v such_o a_o doubtful_a person_n serious_o to_o consider_v of_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o what_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v true_a and_o if_o after_o these_o consideration_n he_o can_v be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o these_o event_n without_o any_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o can_v arrest_v his_o mind_n with_o hester_n resolution_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o oerish_v who_o can_v help_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o motive_n the_o second_o be_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n work_v to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o this_o end_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v have_v or_o hope_v for_o without_o seek_v labour_a work_a strive_v not_o a_o thing_n that_o come_v by_o fate_n or_o fortune_n or_o by_o any_o absolute_a inconditional_a decree_n all_o the_o hope_n we_o can_v have_v of_o this_o happiness_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o those_o limit_v by_o the_o condition_n which_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n wherein_o some_o or_o other_o of_o those_o condition_n be_v not_o express_v and_o all_o the_o rest_n understand_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o semblance_n of_o a_o absolute_a promise_n it_o ought_v certain_o to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o conditional_a by_o which_o it_o be_v limit_v for_o what_o if_o it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v save_v some_o to_o wit_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o elect_a person_n without_o mention_n of_o any_o character_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v that_o sure_o be_v a_o prediction_n rather_o than_o a_o promise_n or_o if_o we_o will_v call_v it_o a_o promise_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o application_n to_o a_o particular_a person_n in_o such_o indefinite_a term_n nor_o till_o it_o be_v explicate_v and_o determine_v by_o some_o conditional_a promise_n but_o against_o this_o necessity_n of_o work_v for_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o salvation_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o free_a grace_n rom._n 6.23_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o grace_n of_o life_n 1_o pet._n 3.7_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 2.8_o and_o if_o by_o grace_n than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n 4.4_o rom._n
11.6_o &_o 4.4_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o grace_n otherwise_o work_n be_v no_o more_o work_n now_o to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n 1._o the_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n from_o these_o text_n be_v clear_o suggest_v in_o the_o last_o of_o they_o wherein_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o objection_n chief_o lie_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o specification_n first_o of_o this_o gift_n or_o grace_n by_o the_o relative_a term_n of_o a_o reward_n and_o second_o of_o the_o work_n as_o be_v such_o as_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v of_o debt_n 1._o thus_o grace_n be_v term_v a_o reward_n as_o it_o be_v also_o call_v in_o other_o text_n the_o reward_n of_o the_o inheitrance_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n rev._n 22.12_o 11.26_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d col._n 2.18_o &_o 3.24_o heb._n 11.26_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o i_o to_o give_v to_o weary_a man_n according_a as_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v a_o reward_n can_v be_v without_o respect_n to_o some_o work_n a_o free_a gift_n may_v be_v without_o any_o condition_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v reckon_v for_o a_o reward_n whereas_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n he_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o work_n without_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o term_n of_o a_o reward_n but_o of_o such_o only_a as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o free_a grace_n that_o be_v meritorious_a work_n and_o such_o as_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v a_o due_a debt_n but_o no_o such_o work_n can_v be_v do_v by_o a_o creature_n though_o god_n may_v oblige_v himself_o in_o point_n of_o truth_n to_o his_o creature_n by_o his_o free_a promise_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o in_o point_n of_o justice_n by_o any_o work_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o any_o reward_n much_o less_o to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v so_o infinite_o disproportionable_a to_o any_o possibility_n of_o their_o work_n because_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o a_o creature_n in_o conformity_n to_o god_n will_n that_o be_v all_o the_o good_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o he_o be_v a_o due_a debt_n to_o the_o creator_n but_o where_o the_o work_n be_v a_o debt_n the_o reward_n if_o any_o be_v give_v can_v be_v none_o beside_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o reward_v his_o own_o work_n but_o every_o good_a work_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n so_o that_o this_o condition_n of_o evangelical_n work_v do_v not_o evacuate_v the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n nor_o yet_o diminish_v it_o but_o rather_o advance_v it_o see_v those_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o reward_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n 2._o but_o how_o little_a moment_n there_o be_v in_o this_o objection_n must_v needs_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o first_o believe_v that_o which_o no_o body_n but_o a_o atheist_n or_o a_o epicurean_a will_v deny_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o temporal_a salvation_n of_o the_o body_n life_n health_n or_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n but_o be_v also_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o second_o consider_v what_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o humane_a industry_n care_n and_o pain_n to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o some_o at_o least_o of_o these_o gift_n and_o this_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v due_o advert_v will_v suffice_v to_o solve_v a_o other_o objection_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o work_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n draw_v from_o 2._o object_n the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n because_o that_o salvation_n which_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o only_o a_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v give_v to_o none_o but_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v predestinate_v and_o to_o they_o it_o be_v so_o certain_a as_o can_v never_o fail_v without_o the_o frustration_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n what_o need_v then_o of_o our_o solicitude_n or_o labour_n to_o work_v it_o out_o be_v it_o our_o part_n to_o take_v care_n that_o god_n be_v not_o deceive_v in_o his_o providence_n or_o disappoint_v in_o his_o decree_n they_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n answer_n shall_v need_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v to_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o follow_a question_n 1._o whether_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o any_o kind_n of_o temporal_a bodily_a salvation_n or_o any_o other_o worldly_a good_a thing_n be_v give_v to_o any_o but_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v predestinate_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o god_n decree_n do_v not_o extend_v as_o well_o to_o thing_n temporal_a as_o to_o eternal_a second_o suppose_v they_o do_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o work_n or_o care_n of_o man_n for_o any_o end_n or_o purpose_n whatsoever_o what_o need_v so_o much_o toil_n of_o the_o husbandman_n to_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o manure_v his_o ground_n see_v his_o crop_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v any_o be_v predestinate_a what_o need_v any_o work_n for_o meat_n drink_n or_o raiment_n nay_o what_o need_v of_o meat_n raiment_n physic_n what_o need_v of_o eat_v or_o drink_v in_o order_n to_o the_o presevation_n of_o life_n or_o health_n what_o need_v any_o care_n or_o defence_n to_o preserve_v the_o body_n from_o the_o most_o imminent_a danger_n that_o can_v be_v see_v that_o all_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o health_n be_v decree_v by_o god_n the_o answer_n which_o any_o sober_a man_n can_v make_v to_o himself_o as_o to_o these_o question_n will_v full_o suffice_v to_o discharge_v his_o mind_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o old_a objection_n see_v he_o can_v but_o understand_v that_o it_o may_v be_v altogether_o as_o true_a that_o no_o body_n be_v predestinate_a to_o salvation_n but_o he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o work_v it_o out_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a as_o it_o be_v that_o no_o body_n be_v predestinate_a to_o live_v in_o bodily_a health_n and_o safety_n but_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o avoid_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v necessary_o destroy_v his_o life_n and_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o end_n do_v not_o take_v away_o but_o rather_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o mean_n 3._o the_o three_o motive_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n but_o what_o as_o reasonable_a man_n we_o must_v conclude_v to_o be_v altogether_o just_a and_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o that_o he_o have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o by_o all_o reasonable_a evidence_n obey_v he_o to_o who_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v and_o who_o god_n have_v make_v lord_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a to_o repent_v of_o and_o to_o forsake_v all_o know_a sin_n to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o the_o might_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o these_o and_o whatever_o other_o christian_a duty_n be_v require_v as_o part_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v thing_n so_o apparent_o just_a and_o reasonable_a as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o colour_n of_o exception_n against_o they_o let_v we_o but_o examine_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o salvation_n and_o judge_v which_o of_o they_o we_o can_v wish_v with_o any_o face_n of_o reason_n to_o have_v be_v abate_v will_v we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n without_o believe_v in_o he_o without_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o saviour_n without_o any_o dependence_n upon_o he_o will_v we_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o and_o ourselves_o not_o bind_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o or_o will_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o not_o be_v oblige_v to_o practice_v it_o will_v we_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o a_o saviour_n and_o have_v liberty_n to_o reject_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n will_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o exact_v any_o service_n or_o obedience_n from_o we_o that_o have_v buy_v we_o with_o the_o price_n
of_o his_o own_o blood_n be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o accept_v his_o promise_n and_o refuse_v his_o precept_n or_o will_v we_o have_v a_o pardon_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n pass_v without_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v with_o a_o licence_n or_o dispensation_n to_o continue_v in_o they_o still_o if_o we_o please_v will_v we_o be_v happy_a but_o not_o holy_a will_v we_o be_v devil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o angel_n in_o the_o next_o serve_v the_o devil_n the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n while_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o expect_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n hereafter_o in_o heaven_n can_v we_o contrive_v a_o way_n how_o light_n and_o darkness_n righteousness_n and_o unrighteousness_n shall_v have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o a_o other_o will_v we_o have_v god_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o all_o our_o offence_n and_o we_o not_o reconcile_v to_o he_o but_o still_o be_v allow_v to_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o he_o will_v we_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n and_o love_n and_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v he_o or_o will_v we_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a lover_n of_o god_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o his_o commandment_n will_v we_o enjoy_v the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n the_o blessing_n of_o son_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o kingdom_n with_o a_o despensation_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o filial_a obedience_n if_o these_o term_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o no_o man_n can_v have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o own_o the_o desire_n of_o they_o what_o objection_n can_v we_o have_v against_o any_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o consist_v in_o no_o hard_a matter_n than_o those_o which_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v so_o just_a and_o indispensable_a that_o if_o we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_n about_o they_o and_o have_v have_v our_o negative_a vote_n in_o the_o pass_n of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o have_v be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o to_o have_v set_v down_o our_o own_o term_n for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n we_o can_v never_o have_v set_v they_o low_o than_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o four_o motive_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o diligence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o perform_v it_o if_o we_o have_v a_o design_n to_o work_v out_o a_o business_n of_o much_o difficulty_n be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a necessity_n we_o shall_v attend_v it_o with_o proportionable_a diligence_n most_o true_a it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o work_n above_o declare_v there_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v hard_a consider_v in_o itself_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o verify_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a 5.3_o matth._n 11.30_o 1_o joh._n 5.3_o as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o his_o apostle_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a christ_n yoke_n be_v not_o like_a that_o of_o a_o cruel_a or_o hard_a master_n nor_o his_o burden_n like_o that_o of_o a_o tyrannical_a lord_n his_o commandment_n be_v no_o hard_a than_o such_o as_o become_v the_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a father_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o be_v either_o impossible_a or_o unreasonable_a certain_o it_o import_v notorious_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o not_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n therein_o proclaim_v to_o say_v or_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v abuse_v mankind_n with_o pretence_n of_o such_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n promise_v under_o such_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v in_o no_o capacity_n to_o perform_v as_o have_v neither_o any_o sufficiency_n thereunto_o of_o ourselves_o nor_o any_o ground_n of_o expect_v it_o from_o he_o who_o only_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n as_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n shall_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o it_o but_o also_o make_v particular_a application_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o comfort_n else_o how_o be_v it_o a_o gospel_n or_o glad_a tiding_n certain_o that_o very_a command_n without_o any_o new_a promise_n imply_v a_o just_a warrant_n of_o confidence_n in_o he_o that_o give_v it_o to_o supply_v we_o with_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o ability_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o promise_n if_o be_v willing_a to_o undertake_v they_o and_o sensible_a of_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n we_o shall_v sincere_o seek_v this_o ability_n from_o he_o but_o to_o balk_v all_o matter_n of_o dispute_n it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o such_o person_n be_v as_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o this_o exhortation_n that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n already_o begin_v this_o work_n have_v as_o sure_a promise_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o go_v through_o withal_o as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v once_o finish_v 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o the_o promise_n before_o mention_v by_o way_n of_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n after_o my_o text_n be_v indeed_o sufficient_a to_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o this_o work_n but_o do_v not_o therefore_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v none_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a because_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v need_v no_o such_o security_n for_o our_o assistance_n to_o overcome_v it_o but_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o encounter_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o work_n we_o be_v sufficient_o advertise_v as_o well_o by_o scripture_n as_o by_o our_o own_o sensible_a and_o continual_a experience_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straitgate_n 13.24_o luk._n 13.24_o say_v our_o saviour_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v he_o do_v not_o say_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a and_o in_o another_o evangelist_n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n 7.14_o mat._n 7.14_o and_o few_o there_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o three_o several_a intimation_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o enter_v into_o life_n eternal_a the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strive_v the_o second_o in_o the_o epithet_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o the_o way_n strait_n and_o narrow_a the_o three_o in_o the_o paucity_n of_o they_o that_o enter_v and_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o many_o that_o seek_v so_o to_o do_v few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a the_o word_n strive_v in_o the_o original_a be_v borrow_v from_o the_o olympic_a game_n wherein_o the_o party_n contend_v for_o the_o victory_n be_v stout_o oppose_v and_o therefore_o engage_v to_o put_v forth_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n and_o with_o the_o same_o allusion_n the_o christian_a course_n be_v by_o saint_n paul_n compare_v to_o three_o several_a kind_n of_o those_o game_n viz._n 1._o to_o run_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o to_o fight_v or_o cuff_v with_o the_o fist_n and_o 3._o wrestle_a 1_o cor_n 9.24.26_o know_v ye●_n not_o that_o they_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n run_v all_o but_o one_o obtain_v the_o prize_n so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v i_o therefore_o so_o run_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n and_o ephes_n 6.12_o for_o we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n christianity_n be_v a_o warfare_n and_o fight_v against_o spiritual_a adversary_n within_o and_o without_o within_o against_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2_o 11_o jam._n 4.1_o without_o against_o principality_n and_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n or_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o high_a place_n ephes_n 6.12_o all_o this_o matter_n of_o combat_n strife_n wrestle_a be_v suppose_v in_o that_o repeat_v promise_n of_o the_o heavenly_a reward_n to_o he_o only_o that_o overcome_v rev._n
2.11.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o to_o quote_v no_o more_o text_n in_o so_o evident_a a_o matter_n whosoever_o understand_v what_o this_o work_n be_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o wherein_o so_o many_o strong_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v the_o old_a man_n to_o be_v crucify_v self_n to_o be_v deny_v the_o cross_n to_o be_v take_v up_o so_o many_o duty_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n to_o be_v diligent_o perform_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o temptation_n impediment_n and_o snare_n must_v be_v overcome_v even_o as_o many_o as_o can_v be_v raise_v or_o lay_v by_o the_o wit_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o worldly_a thing_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o may_v be_v desire_v or_o fear_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o this_o design_n and_o by_o all_o lthe_n man_n that_o we_o converse_v with_o in_o the_o world_n the_o evil_a example_n enticement_n discouragement_n and_o seducement_n of_o bad_a man_n the_o error_n infirmity_n and_o scandalous_a miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o can_v have_v to_o do_v withal_o but_o may_v minister_v some_o kind_n of_o temptation_n to_o divert_v we_o from_o the_o strictness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o to_o all_o those_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v create_v to_o we_o from_o without_o the_o great_a addition_n be_v give_v by_o ourselves_o from_o our_o own_o manifold_a imperfection_n infirmity_n corruption_n and_o carnal_a disposition_n comprehend_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v gal._n 5.17_o by_o all_o which_o consideration_n it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o this_o save_a work_n be_v full_a of_o difficulty_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v finish_v without_o great_a diligence_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o such_o a_o immense_a reward_n as_o that_o of_o a_o eternal_a felicity_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o best_a of_o our_o diligence_n it_o be_v proverbiable_o true_a among_o man_n that_o all_o excellent_a thing_n be_v difficult_a to_o obtain_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o they_o will_v be_v of_o no_o such_o esteem_n a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a victory_n give_v not_o so_o much_o joy_n as_o a_o difficult_a one_o so_o undoubted_o the_o difficulty_n that_o we_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v much_o advance_v the_o joy_n of_o that_o victory_n and_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n than_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v that_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v promise_v in_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v by_o way_n of_o reward_n will_v bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o work_n not_o as_o meritorious_a in_o a_o strict_a sense_n but_o as_o the_o effect_n and_o exercise_v of_o divine_a grace_n for_o glory_n be_v the_o crown_n of_o grace_n not_o as_o that_o signify_v a_o gift_n habit_n or_o infuse_v quality_n but_o as_o it_o work_v or_o be_v exercise_v in_o we_o by_o the_o co-operation_n of_o our_o own_o will_n effectual_o assist_v thereby_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o catholic_n sense_n of_o the_o church_n do_v attribute_v a_o special_a eminent_a degree_n of_o glory_n to_o martyr_n above_o other_o ordinary_a saint_n i_o say_v ordinary_a saint_n conceive_v there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o distinction_n of_o saint_n as_o scripture_n intimate_v there_o be_v of_o angel_n as_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n here_o below_o there_o be_v a_o plebs_fw-la or_o vulgus_fw-la a_o populacy_n and_o a_o nobless_a some_o 17.11_o some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 17.11_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n some_o hero_n such_o as_o enoch_n and_o elias_n ahraham_n and_o david_n peter_n and_o paul_n and_o their_o colleague_n so_o will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n one_o star_n will_v differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n and_o though_o infant_n and_o idiot_n baptize_v especial_o will_v be_v save_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o their_o glory_n will_v be_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o other_o saint_n who_o have_v less_o of_o innocency_n but_o more_o of_o virtue_n in_o their_o life_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v just_o desirable_a that_o infant_n baptise_a may_v live_v to_o adult_v year_n though_o therehy_a they_o can_v but_o incur_v some_o hazard_n of_o that_o salvation_n whereof_o they_o be_v for_o that_o state_n secure_v by_o their_o baptism_n as_o include_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o condition_n or_o qualification_n require_v in_o they_o not_o only_o that_o they_o may_v glorify_v god_n here_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o also_o that_o themselves_o may_v be_v qualify_v for_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o glory_n than_o their_o baptismal_a grace_n never_o prove_v or_o exercise_v can_v be_v conclude_v to_o give_v they_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o suppose_v it_o not_o to_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o christian_n to_o desire_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n with_o the_o least_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v not_o only_o because_o thereby_o we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n so_o much_o the_o less_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o the_o excercise_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o love_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v but_o also_o because_o by_o that_o mean_n also_o the_o state_n and_o degree_n of_o our_o future_a glory_n and_o happiness_n may_v be_v abate_v and_o that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o all_o eternity_n this_o consideration_n may_v afford_v great_a encouragement_n and_o consolation_n to_o christian_n against_o the_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a difficulty_n that_o they_o may_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n above_o other_o namely_o that_o all_o their_o labour_n of_o love_n will_v be_v undoubted_o consider_v in_o the_o free_a and_o bountiful_a reward_n but_o now_o against_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o impediment_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o great_a work_n we_o have_v also_o this_o further_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n viz._n that_o as_o we_o have_v many_o sort_n of_o temptation_n many_o let_n impediment_n and_o difficulty_n to_o pass_v through_o in_o this_o business_n so_o have_v we_o as_o many_o and_o indeed_o more_o variety_n of_o help_v aid_n succour_n assistance_n and_o encouragement_n towards_o our_o enable_v to_o go_v through_o withal_o the_o mean_n of_o gra●e_n be_v more_o various_a and_o more_o potent_a than_o the_o motive_n to_o sin_n for_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o three_o general_a principle_n and_o cause_n of_o temptation_n the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n we_o have_v more_o than_o so_o many_o counterforce_v strength_n auxiliaries_n and_o motive_n to_o withstand_v those_o temptation_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o encounter_v the_o flesh_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n every_o christian_a have_v the_o promise_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n lu_v against_o the_o flesh_n beside_o to_o oppose_v the_o inordinate_a lust_n of_o carnal_a affection_n and_o passion_n every_o man_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o conscience_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o reject_v or_o neglect_v will_v do_v he_o some_o service_n in_o this_o spiritual_a warfarre_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n good_a or_o evil_n by_o way_n of_o desire_n or_o fear_n a_o man_n have_v if_o he_o believe_v the_o scripture_n first_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o thing_n of_o both_o sort_n to_o confront_v his_o temptation_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o blessing_n in_o this_o life_n to_o he_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n will_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n for_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o threaten_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n to_o he_o that_o do_v not_o so_o and_o second_o he_o have_v beside_o this_o the_o thing_n of_o a_o other_o world_n both_o good_a and_o evil_n to_o desire_v and_o fear_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o thing_n wherewith_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o world_n then_o against_o temptation_n from_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n of_o all_o sort_n we_o have_v also_o the_o exhortation_n counsel_n admonition_n and_o example_n of_o good_a man_n together_o with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o strengthen_v our_o patience_n excite_v and_o