to_o exhort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o any_o capacity_n entrust_v with_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o religion_n with_o their_o first_o love_n to_o improve_v in_o they_o those_o natural_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n honesty_n and_o thankfulness_n simplicity_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o very_a creation_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o resist_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o first_o insinuation_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o sin_n as_o of_o death_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o great_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v they_o full_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o engage_v to_o perform_v and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o bring_v they_o with_o understanding_n and_o resolution_n with_o desire_n and_o zeal_n to_o receive_v at_o confirmation_n the_o consummation_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n and_o a_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o end_n 8._o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o question_n of_o dispute_n but_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a and_o practical_a direction_n by_o which_o one_o that_o design_n to_o be_v confirm_v who_o i_o always_o suppose_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n or_o one_o that_o be_v already_o confirm_v and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o lead_v a_o religious_a life_n may_v attain_v to_o that_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n 1._o first_o then_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n or_o to_o begin_v the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n with_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o attain_v a_o real_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o design_n of_o a_o true_o religious_a life_n if_o we_o do_v real_o and_o firm_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n persuade_v that_o there_o will_v certain_o come_v a_o day_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a this_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o will_v assure_o overcome_v the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o belief_n which_o will_v certain_o baffle_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v mean_a and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n insipid_a in_o a_o word_n this_o will_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o a_o vigorous_a zeal_n as_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ease_n and_o contentment_n but_o with_o a_o mighty_a pleasure_n sacrifice_v all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o the_o do_v the_o great_a good_a here_o and_o obtain_v the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o but_o if_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o more_o for_o form_n and_o custom_n than_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o well-doing_n with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n the_o solicitation_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v certain_o prevail_v over_o we_o and_o seduce_v we_o into_o sin_n nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a faith_n ground_v upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n and_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n will_v be_v able_a to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n with_o bravery_n and_o constancy_n and_o will_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n with_o triumph_n and_o joy_n 2._o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v either_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a or_o at_o least_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o profess_v to_o do_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n they_o in_o course_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n without_o have_v ever_o consider_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n for_o do_v man_n indeed_o as_o firm_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o character_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n oblige_v they_o to_o pretend_v they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o strange_a to_o find_v a_o man_n who_o action_n shall_v give_v his_o word_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o life_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o his_o profession_n as_o to_o hear_v one_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o no_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o torment_v in_o the_o flame_n thereof_o for_o though_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v in_o good_a measure_n the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n will_v have_v when_o a_o temporal_a prince_n declare_v that_o whoever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o such_o or_o such_o crime_n shall_v certain_o undergo_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a punishment_n such_o a_o declaration_n have_v general_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o all_o the_o subject_n concern_v as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o punishment_n already_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o the_o criminal_n when_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n declare_v to_o mankind_n his_o will_n which_o be_v their_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n by_o such_o threat_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v if_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o those_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n in_o other_o case_n general_o have_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a either_o that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v that_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_n be_v indeed_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n or_o else_o that_o they_o imagine_v that_o though_o he_o now_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o seem_v so_o severe_o to_o exact_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n yet_o at_o last_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n how_o come_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v lose_v that_o efficacy_n in_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n for_o which_o it_o be_v once_o so_o eminent_a even_o among_o its_o enemy_n themselves_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v how_o come_v that_o religion_n not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o can_v we_o hear_v man_n daily_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o impious_a and_o horrid_a oath_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o will_v avenge_v himself_o on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o can_v we_o see_v man_n cheat_v and_o cozen_v destroy_v and_o prey_n upon_o one_o another_o without_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o appearance_n of_o remorse_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o severity_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o see_v man_n dally_v with_o eternity_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o empty_a and_o momentany_a gratification_n
endure_v to_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o they_o if_o all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o we_o still_o continue_v in_o wickedness_n all_o these_o specious_a pretence_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v we_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o have_v neglect_v our_o great_a salvation_n 4._o think_v not_o therefore_o that_o the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n be_v great_a than_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n now_o afford_v you_o for_o so_o you_o may_v sit_v still_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o vain_a expectation_n of_o be_v convert_v by_o some_o sudden_a and_o all-powerful_a grace_n of_o god_n till_o you_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n but_o know_v that_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o name_n and_o who_o profess_v and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n god_n do_v give_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o therefore_o you_o be_v from_o henceforward_o indispensable_o bind_v to_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o 12_o fear_n and_o tremble_a think_v not_o that_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o that_o strength_n wherewith_o god_n now_o endue_v you_o for_o so_o you_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o but_o know_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o they_o have_v 12._o no_o more_o power_n over_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o overcome_v they_o also_o and_o to_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o rom._n 8._o 37._o think_v not_o that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v hard_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v for_o ibid._n so_o you_o will_v certain_o not_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o but_o know_v that_o through_o christ_n who_o now_o strengthen_v you_o you_o may_v make_v they_o ibid._n easy_a and_o light_n and_o pleasant_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v from_o henceforward_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o keep_v they_o 5._o these_o be_v the_o qualification_n with_o which_o a_o person_n ought_v to_o come_v to_o confirmation_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v it_o with_o advantage_n and_o profit_n i_o shall_v now_o give_v some_o brief_a direction_n how_o one_o that_o have_v thus_o solemn_o enter_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n may_v continue_v to_o live_v worthy_a of_o that_o holy_a profession_n chap._n viii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o confirmation_n of_o perseverance_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n 1._o and_o first_o persuade_v yourself_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o persevere_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n from_o this_o period_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v themselves_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o if_o we_o have_v take_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o same_o baptismal_a vow_n if_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v also_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o to_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n think_v not_o that_o the_o make_v a_o public_a and_o solemn_a profession_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o you_o unless_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o your_o life_n be_v suitable_a to_o and_o worthy_a of_o that_o profession_n think_v not_o that_o your_o present_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n will_v stand_v you_o in_o any_o stead_n unless_o it_o work_v in_o you_o such_o a_o last_a disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o will_v afterward_o when_o temptation_n and_o trial_n shall_v succeed_v preserve_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o your_o duty_n 2._o the_o christian_a life_n be_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n wherein_o we_o must_v fight_v against_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o reward_n be_v promise_v not_o to_o he_o that_o shall_v fight_v but_o to_o he_o that_o shall_v overcome_v we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o shall_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o receive_v his_o word_n even_o with_o joy_n but_o because_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n they_o will_v fall_v away_o it_o shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o to_o have_v once_o be_v believer_n this_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o however_o painful_o we_o have_v labour_v yet_o if_o we_o leave_v off_o before_o our_o work_n be_v do_v we_o must_v lose_v our_o reward_n they_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n say_v the_o apostle_n run_v 24._o all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o they_o that_o rûn_n but_o they_o that_o continue_v to_o run_v without_o faint_v to_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v obtain_v the_o crown_n man_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o imagination_n that_o some_o warm_a fit_n of_o devotion_n the_o do_v now_o and_o then_o a_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o abstain_v from_o sin_n for_o some_o time_n when_o perhaps_o the_o temptation_n be_v less_o violent_a than_o ordinary_a will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o run_v the_o christian_a race_n but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o with_o vain_a imagination_n this_o be_v indeed_o run_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o obtain_v this_o be_v indeed_o fight_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o conquer_v but_o to_o be_v overcome_v it_o be_v not_o the_o struggle_n with_o sin_n or_o the_o interrupt_n a_o wicked_a life_n by_o some_o short_a live_v repentance_n that_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n but_o we_o must_v overcome_v and_o we_o must_v evidence_n our_o victory_n by_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n or_o our_o labour_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v in_o vain_a 3._o many_o there_o be_v who_o upon_o 109._o some_o affect_a discourse_n or_o some_o remarkable_a providence_n or_o some_o occasional_a warmth_n of_o devotion_n do_v please_v themselves_o with_o good_a resolution_n do_v admire_v the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n and_o with_o a_o transport_v glimpse_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o holiness_n do_v imagine_v themselves_o almost_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o when_o the_o fit_a be_v over_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n return_v upon_o they_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a and_o all_o their_o pious_a interval_n serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o make_v their_o misery_n so_o much_o the_o more_o lamentable_a and_o deplorable_a by_o how_o much_o they_o have_v come_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o have_v be_v almost_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o make_v themselves_o happy_a what_o pity_n be_v it_o that_o they_o who_o have_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v shall_v for_o want_n of_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o allurement_n of_o some_o trifle_a pleasure_n or_o for_o want_n of_o resolution_n to_o encounter_v some_o short_a and_o temporal_a hardship_n forfeit_v all_o their_o glorious_a hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o lose_v the_o crown_n of_o immortality_n yet_o that_o they_o must_v do_v so_o if_o their_o love_n wax_v cold_a and_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o any_o temptation_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o most_o express_o assure_v we_o 4._o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v save_v matth._n 24._o 13._o but_o if_o any_o one_o draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o heb._n 10._o 38._o for_o no_o man_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v meet_v for_o the_o kingdom_n god_n luke_n 9_o 62._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n lord_n not_o every_o one_o that_o embrace_v his_o religion_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o nay_o not_o every_o one_o that_o receive_v his_o word_n with_o gladness_n and_o obey_v it_o for_o a_o time_n even_o with_o sincerity_n but_o he_o that_o with_o a_o unwearied_a constancy_n maintain_v his_o resolution_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o temptation_n preserve_v his_o integrity_n to_o the_o end_n he_o only_o have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n 5._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 7._o assure_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n not_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v begin_v to_o do_v well_o or_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v by_o fit_n and_o at_o certain_a time_n do_v some_o work_n of_o righteousness_n but_o to_o those_o only_a who_o shall_v persevere_v in_o a_o
return_v to_o your_o duty_n for_o if_o your_o resolution_n when_o firm_a be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v much_o less_o will_v they_o do_v it_o when_o they_o have_v once_o be_v break_v if_o you_o can_v withstand_v the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o at_o a_o distance_n much_o less_o will_v you_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o when_o it_o have_v interest_v your_o passion_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o your_o affection_n if_o you_o can_v maintain_v your_o ground_n while_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a constant_o to_o assist_v you_o much_o less_o will_v you_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o you_o but_o resolve_v brave_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n while_o you_o have_v time_n and_o may_v do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o make_v your_o religion_n easy_a and_o your_o happiness_n secure_a set_v out_o with_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 3._o again_o while_o one_o who_o have_v early_o enter_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n maintain_v his_o integrity_n and_o stand_v firm_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n he_o carry_v with_o he_o not_o only_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o a_o undisturbed_a mind_n but_o such_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n not_o only_o willing_o but_o cheerful_o and_o to_o despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o vanity_n and_o nothing_o but_o when_o once_o he_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o sin_n in_o any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a instance_n then_o fear_n and_o doubt_n anxiety_n and_o scruple_n must_v be_v his_o portion_n and_o though_o by_o repentance_n he_o may_v recover_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o pardon_n yet_o not_o easy_o the_o assurance_n and_o joy_n of_o innocence_n think_v not_o therefore_o when_o you_o be_v tempt_v by_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v now_o yield_v to_o its_o solicitation_n and_o afterward_o by_o repentance_n recover_v your_o first_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o conscience_n for_o when_o once_o the_o support_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v lose_v obedience_n will_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a and_o peace_n will_v not_o return_v but_o after_o much_o labour_n and_o many_o fear_n after_o great_a sorrow_n and_o long_a doubt_n but_o resolve_v now_o to_o resist_v the_o very_a first_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v convince_v there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n but_o in_o a_o good_a conscience_n nor_o any_o joy_n but_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n command_n 4._o last_o while_o one_o who_o have_v enter_v betimes_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n continue_v resolute_o to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n he_o have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o shall_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n but_o when_o once_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o enticement_n and_o allurement_n of_o sin_n he_o forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o that_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o what_o degree_n his_o after-endeavour_n will_v restore_v he_o he_o can_v tell_v that_o repentance_n will_v procure_v he_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n be_v certain_a but_o to_o recover_v the_o reward_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o innocence_n it_o must_v be_v very_o early_a and_o very_a effectual_a all_o that_o a_o late_a penitent_n can_v hope_v for_o be_v to_o obtain_v forgiveness_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o heaven_n the_o bright_a crown_n will_v be_v reserve_v for_o those_o who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n think_v not_o therefore_o when_o you_o be_v assault_v by_o temptation_n that_o you_o may_v now_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o by_o repentance_n attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n also_o for_o though_o god_n have_v indeed_o promise_v that_o those_o who_o be_v hire_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n that_o be_v those_o who_o be_v late_o instruct_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o those_o who_o stand_v idle_a in_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o 11_o hour_n that_o be_v who_o notwithstanding_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o know_v their_o duty_n yet_o defer_v their_o repentance_n to_o the_o last_o shall_v receive_v likewise_o the_o same_o reward_n but_o resolve_v now_o as_o a_o faithful_a soldier_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v resolute_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o despise_v the_o glory_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o get_v above_o the_o pleasure_n and_o deceit_n of_o sense_n and_o then_o your_o labour_n will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 5._o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o thus_o overcome_v that_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v rev._n 21._o 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o rev._n 3_o 21._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o like_a he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v he_o that_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n continue_v steadfast_a in_o this_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o great_a temptation_n with_o which_o christian_n be_v assault_v be_v persecution_n by_o which_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v their_o saviour_n and_o to_o renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v by_o return_v again_o to_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n this_o be_v their_o peculiar_a conflict_n and_o trial_n and_o he_o that_o in_o that_o great_a trial_n resist_v unto_o blood_n choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o to_o die_v the_o most_o cruel_a death_n than_o to_o deny_v christ_n be_v say_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o more_o emphatical_a sense_n to_o have_v overcome_v and_o to_o those_o person_n we_o must_v understand_v these_o great_a promise_n to_o be_v primary_o and_o more_o immediate_o make_v but_o that_o they_o proportionable_o belong_v to_o all_o other_o christian_n also_o who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n shall_v keep_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o victorious_o persevere_v in_o their_o integrity_n to_o the_o end_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v for_o that_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a temptation_n that_o he_o overcome_v but_o because_o he_o maintain_v his_o integritry_n inviolable_a to_o the_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o force_n of_o any_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o perhaps_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n close_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v which_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o show_v a_o great_a constancy_n of_o mind_n to_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n to_o part_v actual_o with_o all_o our_o temporal_a good_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o keep_v they_o with_o such_o indifferency_n as_o if_o we_o enjoy_v they_o not_o those_o person_n therefore_o who_o enter_v early_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n when_o their_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o most_o powerful_a continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o virtue_n unmoved_a amid_o the_o perpetual_a allurement_n of_o pleasure_n the_o dazzle_a vanity_n of_o worldly_a glory_n and_o the_o manifold_a deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_n look_v upon_o with_o 9_o no_o less_o esteem_n than_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o as_o great_a a_o reward_n 6._o let_v those_o who_o have_v still_o
the_o time_n before_o they_o and_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o seduce_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n consider_v these_o thing_n let_v they_o consider_v what_o a_o prize_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o let_v they_o be_v zealous_a that_o no_o man_n take_v their_o crown_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o god_n and_o angel_n rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o old_a and_o great_a sinner_n much_o more_o must_v they_o be_v please_v to_o see_v a_o young_a person_n amid_o the_o allure_a glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n brave_o resist_v all_o its_o temptation_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o that_o time_n which_o a_o die_a sinner_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a give_v million_o of_o world_n to_o redeem_v be_v now_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o may_v make_v a_o glorious_a use_n of_o it_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o clothe_v with_o the_o white_a robe_n of_o innocence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v careful_a never_o to_o defile_v that_o garment_n they_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o portion_n among_o those_o few_o who_o shall_v walk_v 4._o with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o zealous_o continue_v to_o maintain_v their_o innocence_n and_o their_o good_a work_n for_o a_o few_o year_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v almost_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o temptation_n they_o will_v escape_v the_o bitter_a pang_n of_o remorse_n and_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v whole_o above_o that_o great_a of_o human_a misery_n the_o dread_a and_o horror_n of_o death_n and_o may_v not_o only_o without_o fear_n but_o even_o with_o exceed_a joy_n expect_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v last_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v be_v entitle_v to_o all_o those_o great_a and_o inconceivable_a promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v overcome_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n rev._n 2._o 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n ver_fw-la 11._o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n rev._n 3._o 5._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v new_a jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o sit_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n v._o 21._o chap._n x._o of_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o three_o resolve_v to_o make_v religion_n the_o main_a scope_n of_o all_o your_o action_n and_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o your_o life_n one_o great_a reason_n why_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a principle_n that_o whole_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v now_o so_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v because_o those_o holy_a man_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n add_v unto_o they_o whereas_o now_o man_n make_v religion_n not_o their_o first_o but_o their_o last_o care_n and_o while_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o affection_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o religious_a if_o they_o spend_v but_o some_o small_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n in_o the_o outward_a and_o ceremonious_a act_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n if_o the_o happiness_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o same_o for_o which_o they_o so_o painful_o contend_v if_o our_o obligation_n except_v perhaps_o some_o few_o particular_a case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o this_o slight_a careless_a and_o superficial_a religion_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n he_o that_o will_v obtain_v that_o crown_n of_o immortality_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o must_v be_v effectual_o and_o substantial_o religious_a in_o the_o main_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v so_o true_o and_o sincere_o religious_a must_v make_v that_o religion_n his_o principal_a and_o his_o first_o care_n 2._o by_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a care_n and_o study_n of_o our_o life_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o man_n shall_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o business_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o spend_v their_o time_n anxious_o in_o read_v pray_v meditate_v &_o the_o like_a i_o hese_n thing_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a nor_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o notorious_a error_n to_o think_v that_o man_n can_v become_v more_o true_o religious_a by_o the_o continue_a exercise_n of_o a_o private_a retirement_n than_o by_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o world_n the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n habitual_o possess_v with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o express_v at_o all_o proper_a opportunity_n our_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o our_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n to_o endeavour_v constant_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n as_o those_o who_o expect_v their_o happiness_n not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o these_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v make_v his_o principal_n nay_o even_o his_o whole_a care_n without_o any_o way_n neglect_v or_o in_o the_o least_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o his_o secular_a and_o worldly_a business_n there_o be_v no_o employment_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v always_o do_v something_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o business_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o make_v it_o his_o main_a care_n to_o act_v always_o like_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o christian_a there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o life_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o keep_v a_o constant_a eye_n upon_o a_o future_a state_n and_o so_o use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o that_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a scope_n of_o all_o his_o action_n may_v always_o respect_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 3._o and_o to_o make_v religion_n thus_o far_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o necessary_a no_o man_n can_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o word_n no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o and_o effectual_o religious_a unless_o he_o steadfast_o propose_v to_o himself_o one_o great_a design_n of_o his_o life_n and_o endeavour_n to_o act_n always_o regular_o upon_o that_o design_n he_o must_v 72._o constant_o keep_v a_o eye_n upon_o his_o main_a end_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n he_o do_v must_v be_v careful_a always_o to_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o that_o every_o thing_n he_o undertake_v must_v be_v either_o direct_o conducive_a to_o that_o end_n or_o at_o least_o not_o contrary_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o in_o a_o word_n he_o must_v be_v true_a to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v resolute_a never_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v afterward_o wish_v undo_v for_o otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n act_v only_o uncertain_o according_a to_o the_o present_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o without_o any_o fix_a design_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o every_o violent_a temptation_n will_v either_o surprise_v or_o overpower_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n will_v be_v as_o inconstant_a as_o his_o resolution_n his_o life_n will_v be_v at_o best_a no_n other_o than_o a_o continue_a circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v and_o his_o end_n will_v be_v in_o
shall_v have_v of_o thing_n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o our_o life_n when_o death_n and_o judgement_n approach_v and_o let_v we_o view_v thing_n now_o in_o the_o same_o light_n as_o we_o know_v certain_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o do_v then_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v then_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o every_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a which_o we_o have_v omit_v and_o shall_v grutch_v every_o minute_n of_o folly_n and_o vanity_n which_o may_v have_v be_v employ_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o portion_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n we_o know_v we_o shall_v then_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o past_a pleasure_n of_o life_n as_o emptiness_n and_o nothing_o and_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n but_o in_o true_a virtue_n and_o no_o fruit_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o have_v do_v much_o good_a and_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o know_v this_o what_o can_v be_v more_o miserable_o and_o more_o inexcusable_o foolish_a than_o not_o to_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o thing_n now_o as_o we_o know_v assure_o we_o shall_v do_v afterward_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n die_v full_a of_o fear_n and_o uncertainty_n full_a of_o dark_a suspicion_n and_o confuse_a doubt_n be_v because_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v live_v careless_o and_o indifferent_o without_o have_v take_v any_o pain_n either_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n or_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o without_o have_v use_v any_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o overcome_v the_o present_a world_n or_o to_o obtain_v the_o future_a but_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v thing_n in_o time_n if_o they_o will_v pass_v true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o act_v according_o with_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n they_o may_v then_o know_v certain_o their_o own_o state_n and_o may_v live_v with_o comfort_n and_o die_v with_o assurance_n chap._n xii_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o avoid_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tempt_v 1._o five_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o resist_v and_o avoid_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o either_o your_o constitution_n company_n or_o employment_n make_v you_o most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tempt_v this_o be_v the_o great_a trial_n of_o every_o man_n sincerity_n and_o of_o his_o growth_n in_o virtue_n he_o that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n can_v mortify_v and_o deny_v his_o most_o darling_a lust_n can_v quell_v and_o keep_v under_o his_o most_o natural_a passion_n can_v resist_v and_o constant_o overcome_v those_o temptation_n by_o which_o he_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v seduce_v into_o sin_n such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o be_v very_o near_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o instance_n wherein_o a_o man_n habitual_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n or_o indulge_v a_o lust_n a_o passion_n a_o sinful_a desire_n it_o be_v certain_a whatever_o other_o virtue_n he_o may_v be_v endue_v with_o that_o he_o either_o act_n upon_o wrong_a principle_n and_o be_v not_o sincere_a or_o that_o his_o resolution_n be_v hitherto_o too_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o religion_n here_o or_o to_o the_o assurance_n of_o happiness_n hereafter_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o either_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o body_n or_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o employment_n or_o the_o humour_n of_o his_o company_n do_v not_o make_v obnoxious_a to_o some_o particular_a sort_n of_o temptation_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o and_o in_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v something_o of_o sincerity_n and_o will_v not_o with_o other_o run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o riot_n do_v yet_o make_v shift_n to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o they_o think_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o many_o good_a and_o virtuous_a quality_n they_o hate_v profaneness_n and_o profess_a enormous_a impiety_n they_o know_v themselves_o innocent_a of_o many_o great_a sin_n which_o they_o see_v other_o continual_o commit_v but_o something_o to_o which_o they_o be_v particular_o tempt_v they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o and_o the_o fatal_a mischief_n be_v that_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o see_v other_o commit_v and_o to_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o violent_o tempt_v seem_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v themselves_o addict_v they_o think_v to_o be_v either_o so_o small_a as_o not_o to_o be_v of_o any_o very_a evil_a consequence_n or_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v resist_v as_o to_o be_v allow_v for_o among_o the_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n of_o nature_n thus_o to_o many_o who_o have_v little_a or_o no_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n the_o sin_n of_o fraud_n injustice_n deceit_n over_o reach_v and_o the_o like_a seem_v very_o heinous_a base_a and_o unreasonable_a while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o habitual_a intemperances_n and_o impurity_n as_o either_o harmless_a vice_n or_o almost_o insuperable_a weakness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o less_o a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n intemperate_a debauch_a drunkard_n reveler_n and_o the_o like_a while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o look_v upon_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n trick_v and_o overreach_a as_o the_o necessary_a art_n and_o mystery_n of_o business_n 3._o but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o a_o very_a fatal_a cheat._n no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a peace_n in_o himself_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o just_a confidence_n in_o his_o address_n to_o god_n no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n here_o much_o less_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o reward_n of_o it_o hereafter_o before_o his_o obedience_n be_v if_o not_o perfect_a yet_o at_o least_o universal_a god_n will_v not_o share_v with_o any_o impiety_n nor_o ever_o accept_v of_o any_o man_n obedience_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o accurse_a thing_n if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n that_o we_o can_v hardly_o part_v with_o if_o there_o be_v any_o lust_n that_o be_v like_o a_o right_a hand_n or_o a_o right_a eye_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v propose_v to_o we_o to_o conquer_v this_o be_v the_o good_a epicteâ—_n fight_n which_o we_o must_v fight_v through_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n to_o which_o heaven_n be_v propose_v for_o this_o we_o must_v gather_v together_o all_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n for_o this_o we_o must_v strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o prayer_n and_o consideration_n in_o this_o warfare_n we_o must_v resolve_v strong_o persevere_v obstinate_o and_o though_o we_o be_v conquer_v yet_o resolve_v to_o overcome_v always_o remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o stake_n for_o life_n or_o death_n happiness_n or_o misery_n heaven_n or_o hell_n 4._o here_o therefore_o let_v every_o man_n consider_v with_o himself_o and_o let_v he_o well_o observe_v his_o own_o temptation_n and_o his_o own_o strength_n let_v he_o consider_v not_o how_o many_o sin_n he_o can_v easy_o avoid_v but_o by_o what_o temptation_n he_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v seduce_v and_o let_v he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o guard_v himself_o there_o let_v those_o who_o be_v young_a and_o not_o yet_o enter_v into_o the_o hurry_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n not_o value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o be_v innocent_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o extortion_n or_o the_o like_a for_o that_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v without_o any_o pain_n and_o without_o overcome_v any_o powerful_a temptation_n but_o let_v they_o try_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v firm_a against_o the_o temptation_n of_o vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o heat_n and_o passion_n of_o intemperance_n and_o impurity_n and_o let_v they_o judge_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o behaviour_n in_o these_o instance_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a let_v they_o consider_v that_o their_o peculiar_a task_n be_v to_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 13._o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n to_o conquer_v and_o get_v above_o 23_o those_o pleasure_n which_o sensualize_v the_o soul_n and_o enslave_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o body_n and_o thereby_o bring_v it_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n and_o in_o fine_a to_o strive_v continual_o to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n ibid._n not_o only_o of_o body_n but_o even_o of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v by_o baptism_n dedicate_v to_o the_o
god_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o live_v unto_o righteousness_n this_o be_v proper_o a_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o this_o be_v true_o a_o be_v wash_v sanctify_a and_o justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o whole_a ordinance_n be_v design_v this_o be_v what_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v to_o profess_v with_o his_o own_o mouth_n when_o he_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o this_o be_v what_o be_v principal_o represent_v by_o that_o main_a part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n the_o descend_v into_o the_o water_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o it_o again_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n most_o full_o explain_v it_o rom._n 6._o 3._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n that_o be_v the_o design_n of_o our_o descend_v into_o the_o water_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o rise_v again_o out_o of_o it_o be_v to_o mind_v we_o that_o as_o we_o then_o receive_v remission_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o sin_n so_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v to_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o to_o walk_v for_o the_o future_a with_o christ_n in_o newness_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n respect_v in_o baptism_n and_o without_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o wash_n or_o put_v away_o of_o 21_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v nothing_o avail_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n baptism_n be_v not_o the_o mart._n wash_v and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o every_o evil_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n without_o which_o baptism_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v available_a to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o make_v it_o far_o the_o more_o grievous_a and_o inexcusable_a but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n 9_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o which_o man_n be_v solemn_o engage_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o whosoever_o will_v come_v after_o he_o 26._o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o forsake_v all_o that_o he_o have_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o when_o any_o man_n come_v to_o be_v baptize_v he_o be_v according_o oblige_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o glory_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n the_o splendour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o he_o profess_v himself_o a_o candidate_n for_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v hereafter_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o be_v ambitious_a for_o that_o honour_n which_o man_n so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o here_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o expect_v his_o portion_n in_o those_o spiritual_a joy_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v 9_o nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o set_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n upon_o any_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n he_o profess_v that_o from_o thenceforward_o his_o treasure_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n where_o 20._o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n do_v not_o break_v through_o and_o steal_v and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o be_v covetous_a of_o any_o riches_n or_o possession_n on_o earth_n in_o a_o word_n he_o engage_v to_o make_v it_o the_o main_a business_n of_o his_o life_n to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v himself_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o be_v extreme_o solicitous_a after_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o this_o be_v what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v by_o their_o renounce_v the_o world_n they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o only_o to_o forsake_v all_o gross_a and_o palpable_o sinful_a lust_n but_o also_o to_o be_v very_o spare_v in_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a they_o look_v upon_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o as_o 2._o enemy_n to_o each_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o fight_v as_o soldier_n under_o the_o banner_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o pleasure_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o other_o and_o for_o a_o emblem_n of_o this_o it_o be_v that_o in_o some_o church_n they_o anoint_v the_o baptize_v person_n with_o oil_n he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o combatant_n to_o a_o runner_n just_o prepare_v to_o start_v in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o they_o mind_v he_o 29._o that_o if_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n only_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n much_o more_o ought_v he_o to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v himself_o to_o prepare_v and_o harden_v himself_o to_o be_v ready_a and_o expedite_a to_o be_v temperate_a and_o abstemious_a and_o to_o get_v perfect_o above_o all_o those_o earthly_a desire_n which_o will_v hinder_v and_o clog_v he_o in_o that_o great_a race_n which_o he_o be_v to_o run_v for_o the_o crown_n of_o immortality_n it_o be_v true_a the_o forsake_v all_o worldly_a possession_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o condition_n more_o particular_o require_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n of_o persecution_n but_o how_o far_o it_o still_o oblige_v we_o as_o it_o most_o certain_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n chap_n iu._n what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n after_o baptism_n 1._o when_o the_o whole_a ceremony_n be_v finish_v the_o person_n baptize_v be_v clothe_v as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v with_o a_o white_a garment_n and_o then_o he_o be_v mart._n admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o which_o be_v afterward_o require_v of_o he_o be_v this_o one_o great_a and_o necessary_a thing_n to_o keep_v his_o baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a the_o remain_a part_n of_o his_o life_n 2_o to_o the_o keep_v a_o man_n baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a through_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o his_o life_n that_o which_o be_v think_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v this_o first_o that_o he_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o preserve_v himself_o from_o fall_v not_o only_o into_o the_o habit_n but_o even_o so_o much_o as_o into_o the_o single_a act_n of_o any_o of_o these_o gross_a and_o palpable_a wickedness_n idolatry_n perjury_n blasphemy_n murder_n sedition_n theft_n manifest_a injustice_n cheat_v adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a of_o which_o st._n paul_n express_o and_o peremptory_o declare_v and_o repeat_v it_o with_o great_a earnestness_n over_o and_o over_o again_o that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v have_v no_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n may_v be_v surprise_v into_o a_o unheeded_a sin_n but_o into_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o any_o of_o these_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a impiety_n they_o think_v he_o be_v tertul._n never_o to_o be_v seduce_v and_o if_o he_o be_v that_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o and_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o 6._o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n from_o the_o act_n therefore_o of_o any_o of_o these_o great_a and_o plain_a wickedness_n which_o stare_v man_n in_o the_o face_n and_o at_o the_o first_o view_n terrify_v man_n conscience_n they_o think_v it_o indispensable_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n abstain_v whole_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v once_o name_v among_o christian_n 3._o
other_o much_o less_o that_o he_o spend_v his_o substance_n in_o revel_v and_o drunkenness_n but_o here_o be_v his_o fault_n his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o he_o can_v not_o persuade_v himself_o to_o part_n with_o they_o though_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a reward_n so_o unfit_a be_v a_o mind_n deep_o immerse_v in_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o difficult_a for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o large_a share_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n not_o to_o be_v thus_o immerse_v in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 15._o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o great_a riches_n and_o continual_a prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n be_v all_o along_o through_o the_o new_a testament_n describe_v as_o a_o very_a dangerous_a and_o unsafe_a state_n persecution_n have_v not_o a_o great_a power_n to_o force_v man_n violent_o from_o their_o duty_n than_o riches_n and_o great_a prosperity_n have_v to_o supplant_v they_o insensible_o and_o to_o entice_v they_o from_o it_o riches_n and_o prosperity_n do_v by_o degree_n soften_v and_o debase_v man_n mind_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v tie_v man_n down_o and_o fasten_v their_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n they_o sensualize_v man_n thought_n and_o providentiâ_fw-la divert_v they_o from_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n in_o a_o word_n they_o ply_v man_n so_o constant_o with_o fresh_a bait_n and_o temptation_n and_o be_v so_o continual_o press_v they_o to_o satisfy_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n that_o without_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o temperance_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n man_n mind_n be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v itself_o free_a from_o the_o service_n of_o so_o entice_a a_o master_n 16._o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o severe_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 19_o 23._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v hardly_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n at_o which_o when_o his_o disciple_n take_v his_o word_n in_o too_o strict_a a_o sense_n be_v astonish_v above_o measure_n he_o answer_v again_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o mark_v 10_o 24._o child_n how_o hard_o be_v for_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o riches_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o who_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o riches_n never_o shall_v and_o because_o it_o be_v exceed_v hard_o for_o they_o that_o have_v riches_n not_o to_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o they_o therefore_o he_o say_v how_o hardly_o shall_v they_o that_o have_v riches_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n riches_n and_o constant_a prosperity_n be_v so_o great_a a_o temptation_n that_o with_o man_n i._n e._n human_o speak_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o one_o who_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a though_o with_o god_n i._n e._n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a this_o temptation_n may_v not_o only_o be_v overcome_v but_o those_o riches_n which_o be_v to_o most_o man_n a_o occasion_n of_o fall_v may_v become_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o more_o extraordinary_a virtue_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o man_n do_v much_o more_o good_a in_o this_o world_n and_o obtain_v a_o much_o great_a degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o rich_a man_n can_v possible_o be_v save_v or_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o he_o have_v be_v happy_a in_o this_o but_o only_o that_o riches_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o lull_v man_n into_o that_o trust_n in_o and_o love_v of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o soul_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v of_o those_o who_o expect_v their_o portion_n in_o another_o life_n 17._o and_o hence_o be_v those_o so_o frequent_a and_o repeat_v exhortation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o mortify_v our_o earthly_a desire_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 15._o not_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n where_o moth_n and_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v but_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n matth._n 6._o 19_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n coloss._n 3._o 2._o and_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v luke_n 12._o 15._o to_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n that_o be_v not_o of_o hoard_v up_o riches_n to_o no_o use_n as_o we_o general_o understand_v the_o word_n but_o of_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o riches_n and_o employ_v they_o to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o live_v merry_o and_o splendid_o in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n who_o ground_n bring_v forth_o plentiful_o follow_v immediate_o in_o the_o next_o word_n 18._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o necessary_a duty_n in_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o profess_v themselves_o his_o disciple_n if_o god_n call_v they_o not_o to_o suffer_v and_o to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o his_o sake_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o wean_v themselves_o from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o to_o get_v above_o the_o desire_v of_o it_o they_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o use_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n so_o as_o not_o to_o corrupt_v and_o soften_v to_o sensualize_v and_o debase_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o clog_v and_o unfit_a they_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n they_o must_v remember_v that_o they_o receive_v this_o world_n good_n not_o that_o they_o may_v live_v in_o ease_n and_o softness_n in_o delicacy_n and_o voluptuousness_n with_o they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v thankful_o employ_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n in_o a_o word_n they_o must_v always_o be_v careful_a so_o to_o behave_v themselves_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n as_o may_v become_v those_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a life_n as_o a_o state_n of_o labour_n and_o trial_n but_o expect_v their_o happiness_n and_o their_o reward_n in_o the_o future_a this_o be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o christian_a temperance_n and_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n every_o one_o who_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n must_v resolve_v to_o attain_v 19_o if_o this_o seem_v hard_a to_o any_o one_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o as_o a_o mind_n sensualize_v and_o wed_v to_o earthly_a thing_n be_v here_o utter_o unfit_a for_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a life_n so_o it_o must_v also_o hereafter_o be_v as_o utter_o incapable_a of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n if_o a_o man_n place_n his_o happiness_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n here_o he_o shall_v continue_v to_o enjoy_v it_o also_o hereafter_o because_o god_n and_o virtue_n continue_v for_o ever_o but_o if_o he_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v at_o a_o end_n his_o happiness_n must_v be_v at_o a_o end_n also_o man_n mind_n be_v by_o degree_n tincture_v and_o transform_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v fix_v upon_o and_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o delight_v to_o dwell_v upon_o in_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v their_o portion_n hence_o tully_n and_o after_o he_o some_o christian_a writer_n have_v think_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o worldly-minded_n man_n shall_v carry_v with_o they_o into_o the_o other_o state_n such_o strong_a affection_n and_o desire_v after_o the_o thing_n they_o delight_v in_o here_o that_o be_v a_o sensual_a person_n to_o be_v admit_v even_o into_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o bless_a yet_o shall_v he_o find_v nothing_o there_o that_o can_v make_v he_o happy_a 20._o but_o hour_n this_o be_v which_o
service_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v by_o confirmation_n assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v 2._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o if_o they_o keep_v here_o in_o temperance_n and_o purity_n in_o sanctification_n and_o honour_n they_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v with_o they_o in_o glory_n but_o 5._o if_o they_o abuse_v they_o by_o any_o intimperance_n or_o defile_v they_o with_o any_o lust_n they_o drive_v away_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o shall_v forfeit_v their_o life_n again_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o age_n or_o temper_v or_o company_n or_o business_n place_n they_o beyond_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o youth_n and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o those_o temptation_n with_o which_o other_o be_v hurry_v away_o continual_o must_v not_o esteem_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o not_o run_v into_o those_o excess_n of_o riot_n to_o which_o perhaps_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o temptation_n but_o must_v examine_v whether_o they_o be_v exact_o just_a in_o the_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o whether_o they_o be_v true_o useful_a and_o charitable_a according_a to_o their_o ability_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v sincere_o careful_a to_o resist_v those_o temptation_n to_o which_o their_o particular_a circumstance_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v more_o especial_o expose_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a trial_n of_o every_o man_n sincerity_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a rule_n by_o which_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o state_n chap._n xiii_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o of_o perfection_n 1._o last_o strive_v continual_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o house_n of_o clay_n encompass_v perpetual_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o shall_v all_o offend_v indeed_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o we_o strive_v and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n we_o shall_v never_o make_v any_o tolerable_a progress_n he_o that_o have_v no_o more_o zeal_n for_o religion_n than_o to_o desire_v just_a to_o keep_v within_o the_o border_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v deceive_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o find_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o those_o who_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a be_v but_o 17._o wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o shall_v have_v no_o portion_n among_o they_o that_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n and_o the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o who_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_o zealous_a desire_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n will_v with_o st._n paul_n never_o think_v he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a enough_o but_o forget_v those_o ihing_n which_o be_v behind_o 1â—_n and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o will_v always_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o will_v never_o think_v himself_o good_a and_o holy_a enough_o but_o get_v continual_o a_o more_o complete_a victory_n over_o his_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n will_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n in_o the_o improvement_n 7_o of_o virtue_n here_o till_o he_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o glory_n hereafter_o 2._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v once_o attain_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o frame_v hearty_a resolution_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o begin_v to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o those_o resolution_n that_o you_o be_v present_o in_o a_o perfect_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o virtue_n you_o must_v frequent_o 16._o review_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o particular_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o must_v frequent_o renew_v and_o strengthen_v your_o good_a resolution_n and_o you_o must_v always_o be_v correct_v and_o amend_v your_o practice_n till_o that_o which_o be_v well_o resolve_v upon_o and_o brave_o begin_v arrive_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o diligent_a and_o perpetual_a improvement_n to_o a_o confirm_a habit_n and_o settle_a temper_n of_o mind_n 3._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v perform_v your_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o vulgar_o repute_a bound_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n and_o when_o you_o be_v 60._o by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o good_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o you_o be_v now_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o life_n as_o be_v now_o look_v upon_o as_o very_o good_a and_o creditable_a will_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n have_v be_v think_v if_o not_o scandalous_a yet_o at_o best_a very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v be_v 23._o above_o all_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o opinion_n and_o must_v not_o limit_v his_o purity_n of_o mind_n his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o do_v good_a to_o any_o degree_n or_o rule_n but_o must_v exalt_v they_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o hope_n of_o happiness_n 4._o further_o think_v not_o when_o upon_o a_o loose_a and_o general_a view_n of_o your_o life_n your_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v you_o of_o any_o scandalous_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o therefore_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o virtue_n there_o be_v many_o sin_n with_o which_o man_n easy_o impose_v upon_o their_o own_o mind_n much_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o coldness_n of_o devotion_n many_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o neglect_v of_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a many_o fault_n of_o surprise_n and_o indecency_n of_o passion_n much_o sensuality_n and_o overfond_a love_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n many_o excess_n and_o small_a degree_n of_o intemperance_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o overcome_v without_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o strict_a particular_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o our_o action_n and_o make_v repeat_v resolution_n and_o use_v constant_a unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o correct_v whatever_o upon_o such_o strict_a search_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v amiss_o 5._o many_o there_o have_v be_v and_o some_o even_o among_o aurea_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o have_v every_o night_n strict_o examine_v into_o the_o action_n of_o the_o past_a day_n that_o if_o they_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o can_v reprove_v themselves_o they_o may_v resolve_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o that_o particular_a for_o the_o future_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o have_v in_o all_o point_v perform_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v themselves_o to_o continue_v to_o perform_v it_o other_o have_v do_v this_o yet_o more_o frequent_o and_o habitual_o never_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a thought_n how_o they_o may_v best_o act_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o never_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a reflection_n whether_o they_o have_v act_v so_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o great_a ends._n 6._o these_o indeed_o be_v thing_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n by_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o such_o as_o must_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o each_o one_o prudence_n or_o zeal_n only_o in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o frequent_o a_o man_n examine_v the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o strict_o he_o observe_v his_o small_a failures_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o particular_o he_o resolve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o correct_v they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v his_o religion_n be_v uniform_a and_o his_o obedience_n perfect_a he_o that_o use_v himself_o often_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o recollect_v the_o particular_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v perform_v many_o thing_n which_o other_o know_v indeed_o and_o understand_v in_o general_a but_o 95._o through_o habitual_a careless_a and_o inconsiderateness_n omit_v and_o he_o that_o often_o search_v strict_o into_o the_o small_a error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o resolve_v
to_o the_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n they_o teach_v that_o the_o 59_o holy_a word_n and_o church_n of_o god_n always_o admit_v of_o true_a repentance_n that_o 24._o he_o that_o have_v fall_v may_v yet_o recover_v and_o escape_v if_o he_o repent_v true_o of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o for_o the_o future_a amend_v his_o life_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n that_o 2._o god_n not_o only_o give_v full_a remission_n of_o sin_n in_o baptism_n but_o allow_v also_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v afterward_o sin_v a_o further_a place_n of_o repentance_n that_o to_o etc._n every_o one_o who_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o repent_v god_n ready_o set_v open_v a_o door_n of_o pardon_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n return_v again_o into_o a_o mind_n purify_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n that_o 8._o all_o man_n who_o repent_v even_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o have_v find_v any_o more_o pardon_n shall_v be_v save_v because_o god_n out_o of_o his_o great_a compassion_n will_v be_v patient_a towards_o man_n and_o keep_v the_o invitation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v by_o his_o son_n that_o servandus_fw-la god_n will_v judge_v every_o man_n in_o the_o condition_n he_o find_v he_o and_o that_o therefore_o as_o it_o will_v nothing_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o have_v be_v former_o righteous_a if_o he_o at_o last_o grow_v wicked_a so_o one_o who_o have_v former_o live_v wicked_o may_v afterward_o by_o repentance_n and_o renew_a obedience_n blot_v out_o his_o past_a transgression_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o virtue_n and_o immortality_n 6._o thus_o that_o god_n admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o then_o to_o make_v this_o repentance_n such_o as_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o effectual_o available_a to_o obtain_v pardon_n there_o be_v several_a considerable_a circumstance_n require_v and_o these_o i_o think_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o first_o that_o it_o must_v be_v early_o second_o that_o it_o must_v be_v great_a and_o three_o that_o it_o must_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o its_o effect_n chap._n iii_o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v early_o 1._o first_o that_o repentance_n may_v be_v true_a and_o available_a to_o obtain_v pardon_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v early_o that_o be_v the_o sinner_n must_v forsake_v his_o vice_n so_o timely_a as_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o otherwise_o he_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o his_o repentance_n be_v hearty_a or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o god_n 2._o first_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o security_n that_o a_o late_a repentance_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o at_o the_o amaze_a approach_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v extreme_o sorry_a that_o he_o have_v live_v wicked_o he_o may_v strong_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o resolve_v if_o he_o be_v to_o live_v over_o again_o that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v mere_o the_o passion_n and_o not_o at_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n of_o life_n but_o the_o passion_n of_o sorrow_n and_o remorse_n be_v such_o as_o accurse_a spirit_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o torment_v with_o in_o vain_a and_o such_o as_o a_o die_a penitent_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a that_o this_o late_a repentance_n will_v exceed_v many_o upon_o a_o bed_n of_o sickness_n have_v make_v all_o the_o holy_a vow_n and_o pious_a resolution_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v nay_o perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o wicked_a man_n who_o when_o he_o think_v he_o be_v about_o to_o die_v do_v not_o desire_n and_o design_n to_o amend_v yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o these_o who_o if_o they_o recover_v do_v ever_o make_v good_a those_o vow_n and_o resolution_n and_o no_o late_a penitent_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o will_v not_o be_v his_o own_o case_n when_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v in_o time_n convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o resolve_n and_o endeavour_n in_o earnest_a to_o reform_v while_o he_o have_v life_n and_o health_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o seldom_o do_v he_o at_o the_o first_o trial_n work_v himself_o up_o to_o such_o a_o effectual_a and_o prevail_a resolution_n against_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o change_v his_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o deliver_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n into_o the_o 2d_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n usual_o he_o proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o after_o many_o relapse_n and_o renew_a resolution_n arrive_v at_o last_o to_o a_o settle_a and_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n how_o much_o less_o than_o can_v a_o late_a penitent_n who_o labour_v under_o all_o the_o contrary_a disadvantage_n ever_o be_v secure_a that_o his_o repentance_n will_v be_v sincere_a and_o his_o resolution_n effectual_a enough_o to_o translate_v he_o at_o one_o effort_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3._o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ancient_n never_o admit_v any_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o begin_v not_o their_o repentance_n before_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n those_o say_v 52._o st._n cyprian_n who_o will_v not_o in_o time_n repent_v and_o by_o public_a lamentation_n testify_v their_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n we_o utter_o reject_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o danger_n they_o begin_v to_o entreat_v because_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o approach_a death_n that_o drive_v they_o to_o beg_v for_o mercy_n and_o no_o one_o be_v worthy_a to_o receive_v any_o comfort_n in_o death_n who_o never_o consider_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v to_o die_v 4._o but_o second_o suppose_v a_o late_a repentance_n to_o be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a yet_o have_v we_o no_o positive_a and_o absolute_a promise_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v accept_v the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v by_o christ_n be_v a_o holy_a life_n that_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o persevere_v obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o a_o gospel_n and_o merciful_a sense_n allow_v for_o humane_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o baptism_n or_o of_o our_o come_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n until_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o least_o that_o can_v possible_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reward_n promise_v upon_o this_o condition_n be_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o produce_v the_o actual_a obedience_n of_o at_o least_o some_o proportianable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n 5._o to_o say_v that_o the_o original_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o live_v wicked_o all_o his_o life_n and_o satisfy_v all_o his_o lust_n and_o appetite_n to_o the_o utmost_a provide_v he_o do_v but_o leave_v off_o and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n at_o the_o last_o be_v real_o to_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o to_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n how_o prevail_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n how_o deceitful_a the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o how_o powerful_a the_o assault_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o seldom_o sudden_a death_n happen_v and_o how_o little_a the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v understand_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n to_o find_v argument_n sufficient_o strong_a to_o move_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o reform_v immediate_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o danger_n but_o in_o sudden_a death_n and_o no_o great_a malignity_n in_o sin_n than_o what_o may_v be_v cure_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o short_a repentance_n at_o last_o most_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o be_v wicked_a at_o present_a and_o trust_v to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o grow_v better_a afterward_o though_o therefore_o god_n may_v possible_o have_v reserve_v of_o mercy_n which_o in_o event_n he_o may_v exercise_v towards_o man_n in_o their_o last_o extremity_n yet_o original_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o gospel_n covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o comfort_n but_o either_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o persevere_v holiness_n