the_o good_a fight_n finish_v his_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n overcome_v all_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n subdue_v and_o mortify_v his_o own_o lust_n and_o corruption_n despise_v the_o derision_n of_o those_o fool_n that_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a trample_v upon_o all_o the_o vain_a pomp_n and_o flatter_a glory_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o after_o all_o this_o perhaps_o at_o the_o last_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o cruel_a torment_n that_o the_o wit_n and_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n can_v inflict_v upon_o he_o then_o he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n with_o joy_n go_v like_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v do_v nothing_o that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o he_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o god_n mercy_n and_o that_o his_o life_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n unworthy_a of_o his_o acceptance_n and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n tribunal_n not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v such_o a_o righteous_a man_n as_o be_v here_o mean_v in_o my_o text_n this_o be_v that_o bless_a man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n and_o this_o be_v that_o man_n who_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o my_o text_n shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v how_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o shall_v hereafter_o endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o for_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v scarce_o save_v yet_o save_v he_o shall_v be_v infallible_o for_o to_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n christ_n will_v give_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n sermon_n xi_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o who_o the_o righteous_a man_n be_v and_o how_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o temper_n and_o conversation_n exceed_o different_a from_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o life_n among_o they_o like_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n in_o a_o foreign_a country_n where_o he_o have_v few_o or_o no_o acquaintance_n like_o a_o single_a stalk_v of_o good_a corn_n in_o a_o large_a field_n of_o tare_n few_o man_n mind_v he_o few_o regard_v he_o few_o keep_v he_o company_n few_o delight_n in_o his_o conversation_n and_o few_o imitate_v it_o he_o be_v a_o proverb_n and_o a_o byword_n among_o the_o ungodly_a who_o account_v his_o life_n madness_n and_o his_o end_n to_o be_v without_o honour_n for_o christ_n sake_n he_o bear_v reproach_n they_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o gate_n speak_v against_o he_o and_o he_o be_v the_o song_n of_o the_o drunkard_n the_o world_n and_o he_o be_v irreconcilable_a enemy_n as_o contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o light_n and_o darkness_n as_o heaven_n and_o hell_n as_o christ_n and_o belial_n while_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a rejoice_v he_o mourn_v while_o they_o laugh_v he_o weep_v while_o they_o triumph_v in_o the_o very_a gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n he_o be_v a_o prisoner_n of_o jesus_n christ_n while_o they_o be_v in_o great_a power_n and_o spread_v themselves_o like_o a_o green_a bay_fw-mi three_fw-mi lie_v upon_o bed_n of_o ivory_n and_o stretch_v themselves_o upon_o their_o couch_n and_o eat_v the_o lamb_n out_o of_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o calf_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o stall_n live_v in_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o pleasure_n nourish_v their_o heart_n as_o in_o a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n and_o pamper_v up_o those_o lust_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o rebel_v he_o keep_v under_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n crucify_v the_o old_a man_n that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v subdue_v and_o mortify_v his_o corruption_n by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o walk_v mournful_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n he_o meet_v with_o scarce_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o sinful_a world_n which_o can_v delight_v his_o soul_n but_o almost_o every_o spectacle_n that_o he_o behold_v be_v to_o he_o a_o occasion_n of_o sorrow_n he_o grieve_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o he_o grieve_v for_o those_o of_o other_o man_n who_o he_o see_v with_o so_o much_o eagerness_n and_o jollity_n post_v towards_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n he_o grieve_v for_o the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n and_o lament_n to_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o adversity_n nothing_o content_v he_o nothing_o please_v he_o in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n but_o that_o he_o be_v please_v at_o nothing_o here_o below_o but_o his_o affection_n be_v set_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o and_o the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o happy_a end_n he_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o most_o certain_o attain_v to_o though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o great_a pain_n and_o difficulty_n and_o as_o my_o text_n express_v it_o scarce_o and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o make_v good_a my_o second_o undertake_n which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o why_o st._n peter_n here_o suppose_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v scarce_o save_v which_o word_n imply_v not_o a_o impossibility_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o certain_o then_o of_o all_o man_n they_o will_v be_v most_o miserable_a nor_o a_o possibility_n that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v for_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v as_o sure_a to_o obtain_v salvation_n as_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v it_o scarce_o those_o that_o thou_o give_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n i_o have_v keep_v and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v but_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n who_o never_o be_v one_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o this_o word_n scarce_o denote_v only_o the_o many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n and_o trouble_n and_o danger_n through_o which_o the_o righteous_a be_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n they_o must_v be_v tempt_v afflict_a scorn_a deride_v persecute_v they_o must_v labour_v they_o must_v sweat_v they_o must_v die_v that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o pass_v by_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n in_o their_o way_n to_o paradise_n there_o be_v large_a mansion_n and_o a_o glorious_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n prepare_v for_o they_o but_o they_o have_v many_o potent_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n all_o which_o they_o must_v overcome_v before_o they_o can_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o but_o they_o must_v run_v for_o it_o if_o they_o will_v obtain_v it_o they_o must_v wage_v war_n with_o devil_n and_o wrestle_v against_o principality_n and_o power_n before_o they_o can_v be_v account_v worthy_a to_o be_v companion_n for_o angel_n and_o now_o if_o david_n that_o repose_v so_o great_a a_o confidence_n in_o his_o god_n and_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v king_n over_o israel_n do_v nevertheless_o begin_v to_o despond_v and_o be_v sore_o afraid_a that_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n much_o more_o may_v the_o righteous_a fear_n and_o tremble_v who_o have_v far_o great_a and_o mighty_a enemy_n than_o saul_n to_o oppose_v they_o able_a to_o dismay_v the_o stout_a soldier_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o not_o a_o shield_n of_o faith_n to_o defend_v he_o from_o their_o weapon_n and_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o discover_v that_o those_o that_o be_v for_o he_o be_v more_o than_o those_o that_o be_v against_o he_o when_o a_o mighty_a host_n of_o the_o syrian_n besiege_v elisha_n god_n place_v horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o he_o for_o his_o defence_n so_o though_o the_o righteous_a man_n have_v devil_n for_o his_o enemy_n yet_o he_o have_v angel_n for_o his_o guardian_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o captain_n of_o his_o salvation_n he_o may_v march_v on_o then_o with_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o victory_n but_o he_o must_v fight_v if_o he_o will_v obtain_v it_o heaven_n be_v his_o inheritance_n the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o he_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n here_o in_o a_o far_a country_n and_o his_o journey_n to_o it_o be_v long_o and_o troublesome_a he_o have_v a_o narrow_a and_o rugged_a way_n to_o walk_v in_o tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o flesh_n
that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a high_a priest_n that_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o the_o scripture_n testify_v frequent_o in_o other_o place_n we_o have_v such_o a_o highpriest_n say_v our_o apostle_n who_o be_v set_v on_o the_o right-hand_a of_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o majesty_n in_o the_o heaven_n a_o minister_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o of_o the_o true_a tabernacle_n which_o the_o lord_n pitch_v and_o not_o man_n heb._n 81.2_o and_o c._n 6.20_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o forerunner_n be_v for_o we_o enter_v into_o that_o within_o the_o veil_n even_o jesus_n make_v a_o highpriest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedeck_v now_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n our_o highpriest_n consist_v chief_o in_o these_o thing_n 1._o in_o be_v our_o advocate_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o to_o the_o father_n if_o any_o man_n sin_n say_v s._n john_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 1_o joh._n 2.1_o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v say_v s._n paul_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yearather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o rom._n 8.34_o how_o great_a a_o favour_n how_o inestimable_a a_o benfiet_a be_v this_o to_o have_v the_o only_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o to_o who_o he_o will_v deny_v nothing_o continual_o to_o plead_v and_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o unto_o his_o father_n they_o only_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o this_o blessing_n who_o be_v wound_v with_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o press_v sore_o with_o his_o hand_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o soundness_n in_o their_o flesh_n because_o of_o his_o anger_n neither_o any_o rest_n in_o their_o bone_n because_o of_o their_o sin_n they_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o intercession_n and_o how_o desperate_a and_o remediless_a their_o condition_n will_v be_v have_v they_o not_o such_o a_o highpriest_n that_o be_v ever_o ready_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o they_o to_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o suffering_n in_o their_o behalf_n and_o to_o interpose_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n 2._o christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o our_o highpriest_n that_o be_v thither_o ascend_v he_o may_v send_v unto_o we_o the_o comforter_n even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o this_o be_v one_o main_a reason_n of_o his_o ascension_n as_o himself_o declare_v to_o his_o disciple_n john_n 16.7_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o this_o he_o have_v promise_v long_o before_o by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n c._n 2._o of_o that_o prophecy_n v._o 28._o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v say_v he_o that_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v your_o old_a man_n shall_v dream_v dream_n your_o young_a man_n shall_v see_v vision_n this_o promise_n he_o fulfil_v upon_o his_o apostle_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n act_v 2._o and_o he_o perform_v it_o daily_o to_o all_o his_o elect_a continual_o beget_v and_o increase_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n this_o be_v that_o bless_a spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o seal_v we_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o this_o holy_a spirit_n christ_n as_o our_o highpriest_n send_v unto_o we_o from_o heaven_n for_o although_o he_o be_v present_v every_o where_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a essence_n which_o be_v omnipresent_v yet_o by_o his_o gracious_a operation_n he_o be_v present_a only_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n to_o abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o the_o three_o office_n which_o christ_n perform_v for_o we_o as_o our_o highpriest_n be_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n the_o sin_n of_o adam_n have_v shut_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n against_o we_o for_o nothing_o that_o be_v defile_v or_o unclean_a shall_v enter_v into_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n but_o christ_n by_o his_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o by_o his_o meritorious_a suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n have_v expiate_v the_o gild_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o by_o his_o ascend_v up_o thither_o himself_o have_v open_v unto_o we_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n again_o and_o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v draw_v we_o up_o after_o he_o this_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 14.2_o i_o go_v say_v he_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o and_o if_o i_o go_v and_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o i_o will_v come_v again_o and_o receive_v you_o unto_o myself_o that_o where_o i_o be_o there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o thus_o be_v christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o our_o highpriest_n he_o be_v go_v thither_o before_o we_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o a_o place_n of_o endless_a bliss_n and_o felicity_n in_o those_o glorious_a mansion_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o my_o text_n and_o show_v you_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o he_o be_v ascend_v thither_o as_o our_o highpriest_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o press_v to_o you_o the_o apostle_n application_n and_o to_o show_v you_o how_o strong_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n and_o what_o can_v oblige_v we_o more_o to_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n to_o lead_v a_o godly_a and_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n than_o this_o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v already_o pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o prepare_v for_o we_o there_o a_o everlasting_a crown_n of_o glory_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n if_o we_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n with_o courage_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n in_o whatsoever_o circumstance_n we_o be_v and_o to_o steer_v our_o course_n aright_o through_o all_o the_o manifold_a change_n and_o chance_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n till_o we_o arrive_v at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v our_o condition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v good_a or_o bad_a i_o say_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o so_o as_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o good_n for_o first_o have_v god_n bless_v we_o with_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n have_v he_o give_v we_o a_o plentiful_a portion_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v he_o heap_v upon_o we_o riches_n and_o honour_n fill_v our_o barn_n with_o plenty_n and_o cause_v our_o press_n to_o burst_v out_o with_o new_a wine_n though_o these_o thing_n be_v strong_a temptation_n and_o very_o apt_a to_o alienate_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v they_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o worldly_a blessing_n we_o frequent_o and_o serious_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o we_o thing_n that_o be_v incomparable_o better_a and_o more_o glorious_a in_o heaven_n our_o eye_n then_o will_v not_o be_v dazzle_v nor_o our_o heart_n bewitch_v with_o these_o fade_a and_o perish_v enjoyment_n upon_o earth_n we_o shall_v set_v no_o high_o a_o estimate_n upon_o they_o than_o they_o deserve_v but_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o use_v they_o with_o a_o christian_a prudence_n and_o moderation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o ourselves_o and_o such_o poor_a member_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o see_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o charity_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o all_o these_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o be_v but_o only_o lend_v we_o for_o a_o time_n but_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v whole_o fix_v with_o most_o ardent_a and_o long_a desire_n upon_o that_o eternal_a
a_o commonwealth_n soon_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o it_o do_v so_o about_o 40_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n as_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a as_o the_o other_o nay_o more_o than_o thus_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a in_o chronology_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o destroy_v immediate_o upon_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o immediate_o after_o his_o death_n this_o prophecy_n point_v direct_o at_o the_o time_n when_o that_o fatal_a destruction_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o that_o shall_v wrest_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o the_o learned_a mr._n mede_n do_v much_o more_o agreeable_o to_o the_o original_a and_o to_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o than_o be_v our_o english_a translation_n viz._n thus_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n be_v not_o to_o happen_v immediate_o upon_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o first_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v unto_o he_o i._n e._n be_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n and_o to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n which_o be_v fulfil_v when_o the_o apostle_n have_v execute_v the_o commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o and_o have_v convert_v the_o gentile_n in_o all_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n then_o immediate_o follow_v the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v matth._n 24.14_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v then_o do_v the_o sceptre_n final_o and_o total_o depart_v from_o judah_n according_a to_o this_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o the_o patriarch_n jacob._n the_o second_o prophecy_n which_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v hagg._n 2.6_o 7_o and_o 9th_o verse_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n yet_o once_o it_o be_v a_o little_a while_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v all_o nation_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v and_o i_o will_v fill_v this_o house_n with_o glory_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o latter_a house_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o former_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o in_o this_o place_n will_v i_o give_v peace_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n unto_o which_o i_o shall_v join_v that_o of_o mal._n 3.1_o as_o be_v exact_o parallel_v behold_v i_o will_v send_v my_o messenger_n and_o be_v shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o i_o and_o the_o lord_n who_o you_o seek_v shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n even_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o you_o delight_v in_o behold_v he_o shall_v come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o chief_a end_n and_o design_n of_o both_o these_o prophecy_n be_v to_o foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v while_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v stand_v viz._n that_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v by_o zerubbabel_n after_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v return_v from_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n and_o afterward_o repair_v and_o beautify_v by_o herod_n thus_o the_o ancient_a rabbi_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o jew_n understand_v these_o text_n as_o well_o as_o we_o however_o their_o modern_a writer_n now_o labour_v to_o wrest_v they_o to_o some_o other_o sense_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v force_v to_o own_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n at_o who_o it_o be_v evident_a nevertheless_o that_o these_o text_n do_v direct_o point_v for_o whereas_o as_o we_o read_v ezr._n 3.12_o when_o zerubbabel_n have_v begin_v to_o build_v this_o temple_n many_o of_o the_o ancient_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o remember_v the_o former_a temple_n that_o be_v build_v by_o solomon_n weep_v when_o they_o consider_v how_o much_o inferior_a this_o will_v be_v to_o that_o thereupon_o god_n send_v the_o prophet_n haggai_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o build_n of_o it_o and_o to_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o latter_a house_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o former_a but_o wherein_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o temple_n great_a than_o that_o of_o solomon_n indeed_o it_o last_v a_o little_a the_o long_o of_o the_o two_o and_o but_o a_o little_a not_o the_o age_n of_o a_o man_n for_o it_o never_o attain_v to_o be_v threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n old_a than_o the_o former_a but_o if_o it_o have_v last_v twice_o as_o long_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o it_o for_o if_o glory_n be_v the_o product_n of_o age_n than_o a_o old_a cottage_n be_v more_o honourable_a than_o a_o new_a palace_n and_o as_o for_o any_o other_o glory_n except_o that_o which_o it_o receive_v by_o be_v honour_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o all_o other_o respect_v it_o come_v far_o short_a of_o solomon_n temple_n for_o who_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n suppose_v that_o a_o conquer_a nation_n new_o return_v out_o of_o captivity_n from_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o potent_a enemy_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o wealth_n and_o riches_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o build_v a_o temple_n that_o may_v vie_v with_o that_o of_o solomon_n who_o exceed_v all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o riches_n and_o for_o wisdom_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o artaxerxes_n give_v very_o large_a and_o magnificent_a contribution_n towards_o the_o build_n of_o this_o second_o temple_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o artaxerxes_n a_o heathen_a king_n either_o take_v so_o much_o care_n or_o bestow_v so_o much_o cost_v about_o the_o build_n of_o this_o temple_n as_o solomon_n do_v about_o he_o who_o according_a to_o that_o mighty_a wisdom_n and_o riches_n with_o which_o god_n have_v bless_v he_o build_v unto_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n name_n both_o for_o cost_n and_o workmanship_n undoubted_o the_o stately_a fabric_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n behold_v neither_o be_v it_o at_o all_o probable_a that_o herod_n when_o he_o rebuilt_a and_o beautify_v this_o temple_n anew_o make_v it_o equal_a to_o solomon_n but_o suppose_v it_o have_v be_v equal_a to_o it_o or_o exceed_v it_o in_o the_o splendour_n and_o magnificence_n of_o its_o build_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o the_o jew_n themselves_o acknowledge_v it_o that_o it_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n for_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o solomon_n temple_n it_o be_v great_a glory_n be_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o the_o peculiar_a place_n as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o residence_n and_o especial_a presence_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o place_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v and_o that_o far_o more_o visible_o and_o eminent_o than_o ever_o it_o do_v in_o the_o second_o temple_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o beside_o that_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o solomon_n temple_n we_o read_v that_o fire_n come_v down_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v the_o burn_a offering_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n fill_v the_o house_n so_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o priest_n be_v not_o able_a to_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o such_o miracle_n be_v show_v at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o second_o it_o have_v also_o the_o urim_fw-la and_o thummim_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v signal_n token_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o from_o whence_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o give_v answer_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n when_o he_o come_v to_o inquire_v of_o he_o both_o which_o be_v want_v in_o the_o second_o to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n so_o frequent_o manifest_a in_o the_o prophet_n during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n and_o cease_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o for_o about_o 400_o year_n together_o even_o from_o malachy_n the_o last_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n until_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n since_o then_o in_o all_o these_o respect_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v far_o short_a of_o that_o of_o the_o former_a and_o yet_o god_n here_o by_o his_o prophet_n
of_o the_o flesh_n we_o may_v easy_o renounce_v also_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n but_o still_o to_o render_v the_o righteous_a man_n task_n hard_o and_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n more_o rugged_a and_o difficult_a he_o have_v beside_o this_o enemy_n within_o he_o his_o own_o original_a corruption_n two_o enemy_n more_o without_o to_o engage_v with_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n first_o the_o world_n which_o with_o all_o its_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n its_o gild_a bait_n and_o deceitful_a enticement_n allure_v and_o invite_v he_o to_o set_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n whole_o upon_o these_o worthless_a toy_n and_o trifle_n here_o below_o with_o all_o the_o specious_a promise_n of_o pleasure_n riches_n honour_n and_o what_o not_o it_o seek_v to_o alienate_v and_o estrange_v his_o thought_n from_o god_n from_o his_o native_a country_n from_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n that_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o and_o to_o persuade_v he_o to_o set_v up_o his_o staff_n here_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n where_o he_o be_v but_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n and_o like_o the_o child_n of_o reuben_n and_o gad_n to_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o inheritance_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n for_o the_o transitory_a and_o perish_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n to_o exclude_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o lose_v the_o eternal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n this_o world_n be_v a_o shop_n a_o inexhaustible_a magazine_n of_o temptation_n suitable_a and_o correspondent_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o desire_n of_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n here_o then_o the_o righteous_a man_n the_o constant_a and_o faithful_a soldier_n and_o champion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v again_o fierce_o assault_v in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o this_o second_o adversary_n the_o world_n here_o he_o meet_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v gratify_v the_o most_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a appetite_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o stand_v most_o incline_v and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o that_o natural_a corruption_n wherein_o all_o man_n be_v conceive_v and_o bear_v will_v be_v apt_a more_fw-mi or_o less_o to_o sway_v he_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v a_o bait_v fit_v to_o his_o humour_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o seduce_v and_o entice_v he_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o sin_n the_o world_n be_v ample_o store_v with_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o furnish_v he_o so_o that_o it_o high_o concern_v he_o to_o stand_v continual_o upon_o his_o guard_n pray_v always_o that_o god_n will_v turn_v away_o his_o eye_n from_o behold_v vanity_n and_o quicken_v he_o in_o his_o way_n that_o he_o may_v so_o pass_v through_o thing_n temporal_a that_o he_o final_o lose_v not_o the_o thing_n eternal_a but_o further_a yet_o beside_o these_o two_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n his_o own_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n he_o have_v still_o another_o that_o be_v indefatigable_a in_o plot_v and_o contrive_v his_o destruction_n and_o that_o be_v the_o devil_n who_o business_n it_o be_v continual_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n to_o walk_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o the_o earth_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n to_o who_o accurse_a design_n the_o other_o two_o be_v fatal_o helpful_a and_o subservient_fw-fr it_o be_v he_o that_o beguile_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v plunge_v both_o they_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o now_o he_o make_v use_v of_o that_o advantage_n he_o have_v gain_v over_o we_o he_o join_v against_o we_o together_o with_o our_o lust_n and_o when_o they_o seek_v to_o draw_v we_o away_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a he_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o back_n and_o strengthen_v their_o temptation_n with_o his_o own_o secret_a whisper_n and_o suggestion_n when_o the_o world_n offer_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o that_o be_v pleasant_a and_o invite_a he_o be_v ready_a to_o set_v a_o fresh_a gloss_n upon_o it_o that_o may_v render_v its_o charm_n more_o prevalent_a he_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a no_o project_n nor_o design_n unattempted_a by_o which_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o into_o the_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n of_o sin_n his_o power_n be_v great_a his_o industry_n unwearied_a and_o his_o malice_n implacable_a against_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o vigilant_a and_o careful_a the_o person_n against_o who_o he_o bend_v his_o force_n be_v to_o stand_v upon_o his_o guard_n and_o to_o defend_v himself_o against_o his_o assault_n and_o stratagem_n so_o much_o the_o fierce_a be_v his_o on-fets_a so_o much_o the_o more_o violent_a and_o outrageous_a be_v his_o fury_n so_o that_o above_o all_o other_o the_o righteous_a man_n that_o constant_o withstand_v and_o resist_v his_o wiles_n have_v the_o hard_a task_n to_o perform_v other_o person_n that_o easy_o yield_v to_o his_o temptation_n he_o may_v safe_o leave_v to_o themselves_o he_o know_v that_o they_o have_v a_o enemy_n within_o they_o that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v their_o ruin_n that_o their_o own_o lust_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o that_o they_o themselves_o without_o his_o help_n will_v work_v out_o their_o own_o damnation_n but_o where_o he_o meet_v with_o opposition_n there_o he_o double_v his_o diligence_n and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_v that_o power_n or_o policy_n or_o malice_n can_v suggest_v to_o he_o in_o order_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o design_n no_o soon_o have_v the_o man_n of_o god_n overcome_v one_o temptation_n but_o he_o present_o set_v upon_o he_o with_o another_o no_o soon_o have_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n quench_v one_o of_o his_o fiery_a dart_n but_o it_o be_v again_o assault_v with_o a_o second_o we_o read_v that_o he_o deal_v thus_o with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o three_o several_a attempt_n he_o make_v upon_o he_o and_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o until_o he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o in_o vain_a for_o he_o to_o hope_v to_o prevail_v against_o he_o by_o any_o of_o his_o temptation_n and_o sure_o if_o he_o have_v so_o much_o impudence_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v christ_n our_o head_n before_o the_o three_o assault_n he_o will_v much_o more_o hardly_o suffer_v a_o repulse_n from_o any_o of_o his_o member_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o great_a opposition_n the_o righteous_a man_n be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o and_o with_o what_o cruel_a and_o dangerous_a enemy_n he_o be_v daily_o to_o fight_v during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o be_v scarce_o save_v so_o scarce_o that_o if_o the_o incessant_a importunity_n of_o his_o own_o corruption_n the_o sweet_a and_o allure_a bait_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o restless_a malice_n and_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o he_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v damn_v all_o these_o adversary_n must_v be_v subdue_v by_o he_o before_o he_o can_v be_v esteem_v worthy_a through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n yea_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o i_o may_v proceed_v further_o and_o show_v you_o that_o as_o to_o outward_a appearance_n and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n even_o god_n himself_o sometime_o seem_v to_o be_v his_o enemy_n here_o in_o this_o world_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o often_o lay_v upon_o he_o heavy_a and_o great_a affliction_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o faith_n his_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n be_v sorrow_n persecution_n take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v entail_v upon_o every_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o have_v his_o share_n more_o or_o less_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o while_o the_o wicked_a be_v in_o great_a power_n and_o spread_v themselves_o like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n while_o they_o enjoy_v the_o world_n at_o will_n and_o live_v in_o ease_n and_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n the_o righteous_a be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n this_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n own_o condition_n here_o upon_o earth_n all_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v but_o one_o continue_a scene_n of_o suffering_n and_o even_o from_o his_o mother_n womb_n to_o his_o death_n he_o be_v all_o along_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n when_o he_o first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o
come_v in_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o despicable_a condition_n so_o poor_o provide_v for_o that_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o house_n wherein_o he_o may_v lay_v his_o head_n nor_o a_o cradle_n wherein_o he_o may_v rest_v but_o be_v force_v to_o be_v content_a with_o a_o stable_a for_o the_o one_o and_o a_o manger_n for_o the_o other_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n be_v answerable_a to_o this_o mean_a beginning_n he_o be_v continual_o affront_v and_o abuse_v and_o persecute_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_z scribes_z and_o pharisee_n and_o by_o almost_o all_o man_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v and_o after_o all_o this_o he_o be_v most_o perfidious_o betray_v by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n deny_v by_o another_o of_o they_o and_o forsake_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o at_o the_o last_o most_o barbarous_o murder_v by_o bloody_a and_o sinful_a men._n and_o if_o god_n deal_v thus_o hardly_o with_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v ever_o well-pleased_a it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o expect_v to_o fare_v so_o much_o better_a than_o their_o lord_n as_o to_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n if_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v not_o make_v perfect_a but_o through_o suffering_n sure_o than_o we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n except_o we_o drink_v more_o or_o less_o of_o the_o same_o cup._n this_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v assure_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o that_o will_v follow_v he_o luke_n 14.26_o 27._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o 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 be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n john_n 16.33_o and_o this_o the_o holy_a apostle_n afterward_o find_v true_a by_o their_o own_o experience_n they_o be_v all_o hate_a and_o malign_v and_o persecute_v whithersoever_o they_o go_v and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o die_v a_o natural_a death_n but_o s._n john_n the_o disciple_n who_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o love_v above_o the_o rest_n and_o perhaps_o be_v therefore_o please_v to_o exempt_v he_o from_o suffer_v a_o violent_a death_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o thus_o it_o fare_v afterward_o with_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o and_o not_o only_o with_o they_o but_o with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o flock_n too_o every_o one_o that_o be_v know_v to_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v persecute_v as_o a_o traitor_n and_o to_o be_v a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v a_o capital_a offender_n and_o though_o at_o present_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v among_o we_o glorious_o yet_o even_o among_o christian_n themselves_o those_o few_o rare_a example_n of_o piety_n those_o person_n that_o be_v extraordinary_o strict_a and_o careful_a to_o live_v answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n be_v general_o hate_v and_o scorn_v and_o look_v upon_o with_o a_o evil_a eye_n and_o suffer_v more_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n than_o other_o men._n and_o now_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o all_o those_o dangerous_a enemy_n and_o those_o manifold_a and_o great_a difficulty_n and_o trouble_n which_o the_o righteous_a man_n have_v to_o overcome_v in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o he_o shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v that_o be_v it_o shall_v cost_v he_o great_a pain_n and_o strive_v to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o through_o much_o tribulation_n he_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o righteous_a be_v thus_o scarce_o save_v i_o need_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o the_o other_o proposition_n nor_o spend_v many_o word_n to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o wicked_a the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n shall_v most_o certain_o be_v damn_v for_o this_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a doctrine_n by_o a_o undeniable_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v appeal_v to_o your_o own_o judgement_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o yourselves_o to_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v if_o the_o righteous_a that_o have_v undergo_v so_o many_o trouble_n have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v his_o lust_n have_v with_o so_o much_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n turn_v away_o his_o eye_n and_o his_o heart_n from_o the_o bewitch_a bait_n and_o ensnare_a pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n have_v with_o so_o much_o courage_n and_o faith_n resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v with_o so_o much_o patience_n and_o meekness_n bear_v his_o cross_n and_o endure_v the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v after_o all_o these_o painful_a and_o glorious_a performance_n even_o when_o he_o have_v gain_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a victory_n over_o all_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o be_v a_o triumphant_a conqueror_n over_o principality_n and_o power_n still_o but_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o dare_v not_o appear_v before_o god_n tribunal_n trust_v in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n but_o in_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n how_o then_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n that_o have_v take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o his_o lust_n that_o have_v yield_v himself_o a_o slave_n to_o his_o passion_n that_o have_v put_v god_n out_o of_o all_o his_o thought_n have_v sethis_a heart_n and_o affection_n whole_o upon_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o glut_v himself_o with_o sensual_a pleasure_n have_v hearken_v to_o the_o wicked_a suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n according_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n the_o spirit_n that_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n have_v enjoy_v his_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o have_v not_o come_v into_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v summon_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o his_o action_n do_v in_o the_o flesh_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v at_o all_o but_o shall_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o everlasting_a confusion_n and_o misery_n and_o despair_n the_o ungodly_a say_v the_o psalmist_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n nor_o sinner_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o righteous_a for_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o way_n of_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v perish_v psal_n 1.5_o 6._o if_o then_o we_o desire_v to_o stand_v in_o that_o great_a day_n and_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o head_n with_o joy_n at_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n let_v we_o resolve_v and_o labour_n with_o all_o our_o may_v now_o to_o stand_v and_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n manful_o against_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n you_o see_v in_o what_o circumstance_n we_o be_v how_o great_a opposition_n every_o faithful_a champion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o troublesome_a wilderness_n before_o he_o can_v arrive_v at_o his_o heavenly_a canaan_n but_o though_o the_o difficulty_n which_o threaten_v we_o be_v great_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o insuperable_a but_o we_o may_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n overcome_v they_o if_o we_o will_n let_v not_o any_o thing_n than_o discourage_n nor_o affright_v we_o from_o our_o perseverance_n in_o well-doing_n but_o let_v we_o animate_v ourselves_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right-hand_a of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o
trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v again_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v not_o deliver_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o transgression_n as_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o shall_v not_o fall_v thereby_o in_o the_o day_n that_o he_o turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v the_o righteous_a be_v able_a to_o live_v for_o his_o righteousness_n in_o the_o day_n that_o he_o sin_v without_o all_o controversy_n by_o the_o righteous_a in_o these_o place_n be_v mean_v one_o who_o be_v true_o and_o indeed_o righteous_a and_o just_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o description_n which_o he_o give_v of_o he_o from_o the_o 5_o verse_n of_o this_o 18_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n unto_o the_o 10_o where_o he_o express_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v one_o that_o have_v walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o have_v keep_v his_o judgement_n to_o deal_v true_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o viz._n of_o one_o that_o be_v only_o outward_o and_o hypocritical_o righteous_a these_o text_n will_v be_v downright_a nonsense_n and_o must_v mean_v this_o which_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o when_o the_o righteous_a i._n e._n the_o hypocrite_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n i._n e._n his_o hypocrifie_n he_o shall_v die_v certain_o god_n will_v never_o threaten_v to_o punish_v any_o soul_n with_o death_n for_o turn_v away_o from_o hypocrifie_n neither_o will_v he_o oppose_v hypocrifie_n to_o iniquity_n as_o a_o thing_n contrary_n to_o it_o when_o he_o have_v so_o frequent_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n that_o hypocrifie_n itself_o be_v most_o gross_a iniquity_n such_o as_o his_o soul_n abhor_v since_o therefore_o we_o can_v suppose_v god_n here_o to_o speak_v of_o counterfeit_n and_o hypocritical_a righteousness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v from_o these_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o who_o be_v once_o true_o righteous_a may_v turn_v from_o such_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n may_v fall_v from_o grace_n into_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n and_o that_o he_o may_v continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o die_v in_o his_o sin_n again_o three_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o our_o saviour_n parable_n john_n 15.1_o 2._o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n and_o my_o father_n be_v the_o husbandman_n every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n he_o take_v away_o now_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o this_o heavenly_a vine_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n but_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n declare_v here_o that_o such_o a_o branch_n as_o this_o that_o be_v once_o in_o he_o may_v cease_v to_o bear_v fruit_n and_o thereupon_o be_v take_v away_o such_o a_o man_n may_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o fall_v from_o christ_n four_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o passage_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o unto_o which_o place_n that_o of_o hebrew_n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o be_v parallel_n from_o both_o which_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v 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 that_o they_o who_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n by_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o for_o none_o but_o such_o can_v enable_v any_o man_n to_o escape_v those_o pollution_n may_v notwithstanding_o all_o this_o fall_n away_o ay_o and_o fall_v so_o too_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n i_o may_v produce_v many_o more_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o those_o which_o i_o have_v already_o cite_v and_o for_o the_o further_a proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o some_o few_o example_n of_o holy_a and_o just_a man_n in_o scripture_n who_o have_v fall_v from_o grace_n which_o certain_o be_v record_v on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v we_o this_o excellent_a lesson_n here_o in_o my_o text_n that_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v may_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v omit_v the_o case_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n who_o be_v once_o holy_a but_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n and_o the_o case_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o though_o they_o be_v create_v by_o god_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n yet_o quick_o fall_v from_o that_o happy_a condition_n into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n but_o the_o example_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o shall_v be_v these_o 1._o saul_n who_o certain_o at_o the_o first_o be_v a_o pious_a and_o good_a king_n though_o afterward_o he_o become_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o be_v final_o reject_v of_o god_n for_o his_o disobedience_n the_o adversary_n to_o thâ—â—_n doctrine_n object_n that_o saul_n never_o be_v real_o good_a nor_o endue_v with_o true_a grace_n but_o for_o all_o that_o the_o story_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v upon_o saul_n and_o rest_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o behave_v himself_o well_o and_o that_o afterward_o he_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o a_o evil_a spirit_n from_o the_o lord_n trouble_v he_o and_o certain_o unto_o whosoever_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o come_v grace_n and_o true_a grace_n too_o must_v needs_o come_v along_o with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o author_n of_o it_o and_o if_o ever_o he_o depart_v though_o but_o for_o a_o season_n grace_n can_v never_o stay_v behind_o he_o they_o therefore_o that_o deny_v that_o saul_n have_v once_o true_a grace_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n deny_v that_o the_o man_n in_o the_o parable_n matth._n 25._o that_o receive_v but_o one_o talon_n ever_o have_v a_o true_a talon_n and_o then_o he_o have_v very_o hard_a measure_n to_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o put_v it_o to_o the_o exchanger_n when_o he_o have_v receive_v nothing_o but_o false_a coyn._n but_o if_o this_o example_n be_v not_o satisfactory_a perhaps_o the_o next_o may_v and_o that_o shall_v be_v that_o of_o david_n who_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o he_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o by_o those_o two_o grievous_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n he_o fall_v from_o this_o grace_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o month_n together_o and_o never_o think_v of_o repentance_n until_o he_o be_v restore_v again_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o adulterer_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 6.9_o and_o s._n john_n say_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o 1_o john_n 3.15_o it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o that_o by_o these_o sin_n david_n do_v fall_v from_o grace_n and_o have_v he_o die_v without_o repentance_n must_v have_v perish_v eternal_o i_o may_v instance_n further_o in_o solomon_n who_o be_v once_o belove_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o in_o his_o old_a age_n become_v a_o idolater_n in_o s._n peter_n who_o deny_v his_o saviour_n in_o demas_n who_o be_v once_o one_o of_o the_o fellow-labourer_n with_o s._n paul_n and_o perhaps_o one_o of_o those_o he_o mean_v phil._n 4.3_o who_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n yet_o he_o forsake_v s._n paul_n have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o but_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o true_a believer_n may_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o fall_v from_o grace_n i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o rubric_n after_o the_o order_n of_o public_a baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o god_n word_n that_o child_n which_o be_v baptize_v die_v before_o they_o commit_v actual_a sin_n be_v