a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_z mayor_z and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o gvild_a hall._n chappel_n july_n the_o 18_o 1686._o by_o james_n fen_n m._n a._n and_o vicar_n of_o goudhurst_n in_o kent_n london_n print_v by_o j._n derby_n for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1686._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n robert_n geoffrey_n lord_n mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o to_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n right_o honourable_a the_o controversial_a have_v so_o prevail_v over_o the_o practical_a divinity_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v more_o studious_a to_o defend_v a_o opinion_n than_o to_o live_v well_o and_o please_v themselves_o more_o in_o the_o bare_a notion_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o so_o that_o now_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n and_o to_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v become_v high_o necessary_a of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o design_n whereof_o be_v only_o to_o persuade_v that_o man_n will_v endeavour_v by_o a_o holy_a conversation_n to_o adorn_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o in_o word_n they_o dispute_v up_o and_o pretend_v so_o much_o zeal_n for_o and_o that_o they_o will_v manifest_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n by_o their_o victory_n over_o this_o that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v not_o only_o to_o protect_v you_o from_o the_o adversity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o also_o to_o enable_v you_o to_o despise_v and_o live_v above_o its_o prosperity_n as_o it_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o sermon_n so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o right_o honourable_a your_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n james_n fen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n 1_o john_n 5._o part_n of_o the_o four_o verse_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n no_o soon_o be_v our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o agent_n ready_a either_o total_o to_o stifle_v the_o belief_n of_o he_o or_o else_o to_o blast_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o belief_n good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n among_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n join_v a_o life_n which_o a_o sober_a heathen_a will_v have_v blush_v at_o for_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n free_v from_o the_o burdensome_a ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n they_o think_v they_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o free_a trade_n hold_v a_o open_a correspondence_n with_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n too_o they_o think_v that_o a_o empty_a belief_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n will_v at_o last_o carry_v they_o up_o thither_o though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n glue_v their_o affection_n to_o this_o world_n and_o walk_v in_o those_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n to_o such_o believer_n as_o these_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o infidel_n but_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o their_o creed_n st._n john_n apply_v himself_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o he_o have_v free_v they_o from_o misery_n and_o purchase_v heaven_n for_o they_o they_o must_v then_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o belief_n by_o their_o heavenly_a conversation_n and_o by_o live_v as_o become_v those_o who_o do_v indeed_o expect_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o glorious_a inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n nor_o must_v they_o now_o concern_v themselves_o with_o the_o world_n any_o far_a than_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o enemy_n and_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n against_o it_o and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n and_o to_o engage_v their_o utmost_a strength_n and_o policy_n in_o this_o spiritual_a expedition_n he_o use_v word_n which_o imply_v the_o beat_n of_o the_o brain_n the_o stretch_n of_o the_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n he_o speak_v of_o victory_n and_o overcome_v this_o be_v the_o victory_n say_v he_o which_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n from_o these_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v i._n what_o faith_n the_o gospel_n require_v not_o a_o notional_a or_o speculative_a but_o a_o active_a practical_a faith_n imply_v in_o this_o word_n victory_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v expect_v without_o industry_n and_o action_n ii_o consider_v we_o the_o thing_n conquer_v and_o that_o be_v the_o world_n where_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o place_n by_o the_o world_n and_o how_o faith_n overcome_v it_o iii_o the_o time_n when_o we_o must_v engage_v against_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v express_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n overcome_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o have_v once_o oppose_v the_o world_n or_o do_v design_n it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v our_o present_a constant_a endeavour_n to_o complete_a and_o maintain_v the_o victory_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o these_o particular_n by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n what_o faith_n the_o gospel_n require_v not_o a_o notional_a or_o speculative_a but_o a_o active_a practical_a faith_n imply_v in_o this_o word_n victory_n victory_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v expect_v without_o industry_n and_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o consider_v how_o man_n content_a and_o delude_v themselves_o with_o a_o mere_a historical_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o think_v they_o can_v go_v a_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v they_o extol_v and_o cry_v up_o faith_n as_o if_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v they_o into_o abraham_n bosom_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n suffer_v the_o obedience_n and_o work_n of_o faith_n to_o lie_v grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o trample_v under_o foot_n for_o alas_o what_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o too_o many_o but_o either_o a_o bear_v not_o denial_n of_o those_o truth_n record_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o a_o receive_n christ_n only_o as_o a_o saviour_n without_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o lord_n or_o else_o a_o presume_v upon_o his_o mercy_n to_o pardon_v the_o neglect_n of_o that_o service_n which_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v as_o a_o most_o reasonable_a tribute_n for_o what_o he_o have_v suffer_v and_o do_v for_o sinner_n thus_o instead_o of_o humility_n patience_n temperance_n charity_n self-denial_n subdue_a the_o world_n etc._n etc._n man_n lay_v all_o their_o hope_n upon_o a_o idle_a lazy_a faith_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n and_o undermine_v of_o our_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n but_o if_o we_o look_v into_o scripture_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o several_a place_n which_o enjoin_v piety_n and_o good_a work_n as_o condition_n of_o salvation_n altogether_o as_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a as_o faith_n be_v and_o if_o we_o weigh_v those_o very_a text_n which_o the_o solifidian_n produce_v in_o vindication_n of_o his_o justify_v faith_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o imply_v those_o religious_a action_n which_o such_o a_o faith_n oblige_v to_o for_o can_v we_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o be_v our_o redeemer_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o not_o yield_v that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o such_o by_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o christ_n shall_v summon_v we_o before_o his_o tribunal_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v and_o sentence_v not_o only_o by_o our_o belief_n but_o by_o our_o action_n and_o not_o the_o know_v of_o our_o master_n but_o the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n must_v then_o plead_v for_o we_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n with_o lord_n lord_n in_o their_o mouth_n boast_v their_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n but_o because_o he_o shall_v find_v their_o faith_n void_a of_o work_n he_o beforehand_o pronounce_v their_o doom_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v for_o i_o be_v a_o hunger_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n i_o be_v thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n i_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o you_o take_v i_o not_o in_o naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o not_o sick_a and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o therefore_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o
curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n mat._n 25._o 41_o 42._o so_o that_o have_v brief_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n rest_v not_o in_o a_o bare_a speculation_n but_o proceed_v to_o work_n and_o action_n still_o breathe_v and_o reach_v after_o victory_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n do_v overcome_v and_o that_o be_v the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v how_o faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n let_v we_o see_v first_o how_o the_o world_n assault_v we_o it_o assault_v we_o two_o way_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n by_o prosperity_n on_o the_o left_a by_o adversity_n sometime_o it_o draw_v its_o force_n into_o open_a field_n display_v its_o bloody_a colour_n march_n against_o we_o with_o the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o affliction_n it_o handle_v we_o rough_o shake_v and_o gripe_v we_o severe_o but_o when_o by_o its_o threat_n and_o open_a hostility_n it_o can_v prevail_v it_o retreat_v to_o its_o policy_n make_v use_n of_o mild_a and_o gentle_a stratagem_n lay_v a_o ambush_n of_o its_o counterfeit_a glory_n and_o offer_v to_o give_v we_o all_o if_o we_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n but_o faith_n on_o the_o other_o side_n withstand_v the_o world_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o patient_o suffer_v its_o adversity_n 2._o by_o resist_v and_o despise_v its_o prosperity_n so_o that_o faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n 1._o by_o patient_o suffer_v its_o adversity_n adversity_n be_v so_o terrible_a so_o dreadful_a to_o those_o who_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o world_n that_o to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o it_o they_o willing_o undergo_v the_o great_a hardship_n they_o rise_v up_o early_o and_o sit_v up_o late_o contrive_v and_o plod_v labour_n and_o toil_n for_o more_o gain_n and_o profit_n deny_v themselves_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o comfort_n of_o what_o they_o already_o have_v and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o our_o saviour_n take_v too_o much_o think_v for_o to_o morrow_n nor_o be_v this_o fear_n of_o adversity_n the_o spring_n and_o source_n of_o this_o immoderate_a and_o unchristian_a care_n only_o but_o also_o of_o that_o injustice_n oppression_n deceit_n perjury_n and_o of_o all_o those_o other_o vice_n which_o with_o worldly_a man_n be_v in_o so_o great_a repute_n let_v but_o the_o least_o storm_n of_o adversity_n begin_v to_o arise_v and_o present_o to_o secure_v themselves_o they_o venture_v upon_o any_o sin_n and_o if_o at_o last_o the_o cloud_n do_v overtake_v and_o fall_v upon_o they_o like_o forlorn_a creature_n they_o despond_v cause_n their_o burden_n to_o sit_v uneasy_a by_o impatience_n and_o increase_v its_o weight_n by_o struggle_v under_o it_o their_o mean_a condition_n which_o be_v already_o miserable_a they_o make_v more_o miserable_a by_o discontent_n which_o turn_v that_o little_a bread_n they_o have_v into_o a_o stone_n and_o their_o few_o small_a fish_n into_o scorpion_n nor_o do_v they_o stop_v at_o this_o but_z as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o fight_v against_o god_n himself_o murmur_v and_o repine_v at_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n call_v his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n into_o question_n oppose_v their_o own_o corrupt_a desire_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a will_n account_v any_o state_n of_o life_n better_o than_o what_o their_o heavenly_a father_n know_v to_o be_v best_a and_o be_v please_v to_o place_v they_o in_o thus_o do_v the_o world_n through_o fear_n of_o adversity_n and_o impatience_n under_o it_o lead_v unbelieving_a and_o earthly-minded_n man_n into_o captivity_n and_o erect_v its_o trophy_n over_o they_o and_o no_o wonder_n it_o so_o easy_o subdue_v they_o for_z in_o the_o psalmist_n word_n these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o take_v not_o god_n for_o their_o strength_n psal_n 52._o 7._o and_o as_o infidelity_n thus_o yield_v so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n amid_o all_o its_o frown_n and_o cross_a event_n by_o a_o serene_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n faith_n take_v out_o the_o sting_n of_o adversity_n sweeten_v its_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n make_v its_o yoke_n light_n and_o easy_a by_o have_v its_o eye_n fix_v upon_o god_n who_o goodness_n as_o at_o first_o it_o be_v please_v to_o make_v we_o so_o still_o delight_v to_o preserve_v we_o who_o wisdom_n know_v well_o how_o to_o order_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a for_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o who_o power_n will_v never_o suffer_v any_o evil_a to_o approach_v we_o unless_o for_o our_o great_a good_n some_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v this_o faith_n instruct_v st._n paul_n in_o whatsoever_o state_n therewith_o to_o be_v content_a and_o to_o know_v how_o to_o want_v as_o well_o as_o to_o abound_v for_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o sword_n nor_o famine_n nor_o pestilence_n nor_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n though_o he_o may_v be_v deform_v with_o poverty_n mangle_v with_o the_o sword_n deface_v with_o sickness_n yet_o god_n love_n will_v own_v he_o in_o the_o most_o contemptible_a shape_n or_o habit_n and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v god_n favourite_n it_o trouble_v he_o not_o though_o the_o world_n frown_v such_o a_o faith_n such_o a_o belief_n in_o a_o deity_n support_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o heathen_n in_o their_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n who_o ready_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o repine_v at_o nothing_o that_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o the_o many_o example_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o among_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n may_v serve_v to_o fortify_v we_o against_o the_o great_a adversity_n and_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o grieve_v or_o murmur_v at_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o consider_v we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o his_o will_n the_o law_n we_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o this_o one_o consideration_n alone_o that_o god_n give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o government_n and_o disposal_n of_o we_o be_v enough_o to_o engage_v our_o patience_n under_o his_o afflict_a hand_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o place_v we_o upon_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o life_n cheerful_o and_o obedient_o to_o act_v our_o part_n not_o dispute_v it_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n but_o then_o as_o christian_n as_o believer_n when_o we_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o begin_v to_o recollect_v with_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v make_v not_o only_o to_o obey_v god_n here_o but_o to_o enjoy_v he_o hereafter_o no_o affliction_n then_o can_v any_o long_o seem_v grievous_a which_o yield_v such_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 12._o 11._o set_a before_o you_o therefore_o the_o glorious_a company_n of_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o noble_a army_n of_o martyr_n but_o above_o all_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o see_v how_o all_o these_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v before_o they_o endure_v their_o cross_n and_o sundry_a kind_n of_o death_n and_o be_v now_o set_v down_o upon_o the_o throne_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n when_o st._n paul_n begin_v to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n present_o his_o affliction_n be_v but_o light_n it_o be_v then_o but_o for_o a_o moment_n our_o light_a affliction_n say_v he_o which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o so_o that_o however_o rigid_a and_o severe_a the_o world_n may_v be_v to_o we_o now_o unwilling_a to_o allot_v we_o any_o portion_n here_o below_o but_o mournful_a golgotha_n unwil_v to_o allow_v we_o property_n in_o any_o element_n beside_o the_o water_n of_o marah_n grudge_v we_o the_o very_a air_n we_o breath_n in_o unless_o so_o much_o as_o may_v furnish_v we_o with_o sigh_n yet_o let_v this_o faith_n and_o belief_n comfort_v we_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o life_n to_o come_v will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o our_o sorrow_n here_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v once_o enter_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o those_o vast_a region_n of_o bliss_n we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o more_o storm_n take_v our_o rest_n and_o happy_a repose_n upon_o a_o calm_a and_o serene_a eternity_n where_o we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o receive_v blessing_n and_o sing_v praise_n to_o the_o
god_n that_o give_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o world_n assault_v we_o with_o adversity_n to_o force_v we_o to_o stoop_v and_o yield_v faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n teach_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o oppose_v and_o overcome_v it_o by_o reason_v thus_o alas_o why_o shall_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o sin_n against_o our_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v poverty_n or_o trouble_v or_o what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o we_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n conspire_v it_o can_v make_v we_o miserable_a but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o at_o last_o it_o can_v but_o take_v away_o our_o life_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v we_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o its_o reach_n for_o ever_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n can_v follow_v we_o no_o far_o than_o the_o grave_a they_o can_v never_o come_v near_o the_o soul_n to_o destroy_v the_o least_o ingredient_n of_o its_o happiness_n and_o so_o long_o as_o that_o be_v safe_a and_o well_o we_o be_v happy_o provide_v for_o but_o if_o we_o cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o make_v he_o our_o enemy_n we_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o for_o he_o can_v punish_v we_o everlasting_o away_o therefore_o all_o you_o vain_a care_n and_o discontent_n at_o what_o befall_v we_o here_o we_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o the_o world_n can_v do_v unto_o we_o but_o we_o will_v take_v the_o sure_a course_n to_o secure_v ourselves_o from_o misery_n we_o will_v fear_v god_n and_o set_v he_o always_o before_o we_o who_o after_o this_o transitory_a life_n be_v at_o a_o end_n if_o we_o now_o displease_v he_o can_v make_v we_o miserable_a for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n whereby_o faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n viz._n by_o patient_o suffer_v its_o adversity_n 2._o faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n by_o resist_v and_o despise_v its_o prosperity_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n in_o themselves_o which_o furnish_v this_o world_n for_o our_o delight_n and_o service_n we_o must_v pronounce_v what_o once_o the_o great_a creator_n do_v of_o they_o behold_v all_o very_a good_n but_o alas_o by_o our_o too_o much_o admire_v this_o goodness_n we_o turn_v it_o into_o vanity_n and_o what_o be_v at_o first_o bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o comfort_n through_o our_o own_o folly_n become_v vexation_n of_o spirit_n we_o provoke_v our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o send_v a_o curse_n upon_o his_o very_a blessing_n whilst_o we_o pay_v that_o adoration_n to_o they_o which_o be_v due_a only_a to_o the_o giver_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o become_v the_o author_n of_o our_o comfort_n he_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n about_o we_o useful_a glorious_a and_o beautiful_a to_o engage_v our_o gratitude_n and_o win_v our_o love_n to_o himself_o but_o we_o ungrateful_a and_o unkind_a forsake_v the_o maker_n and_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o his_o creature_n set_v they_o up_o as_o our_o chief_a end_n and_o happiness_n which_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v use_v in_o way_n to_o it_o we_o pursue_v the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n court_v the_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n because_o we_o propound_v these_o to_o ourselves_o as_o the_o great_a and_o high_a good_n upon_o this_o mistake_n we_o be_v so_o perpetual_o busy_a and_o restless_a and_o so_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o belove_a vanity_n here_o below_o that_o heaven_n eternity_n and_o god_n himself_o be_v seldom_o think_v on_o we_o study_v and_o contrive_v labour_n and_o contend_v for_o this_o world_n and_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o we_o in_o the_o next_o so_o we_o can_v but_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v here_o thus_o the_o false_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n like_o glowworm_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o dark_a have_v once_o dazzle_v our_o eye_n we_o follow_v shadow_n for_o the_o substantial_a good_a and_o stoop_v to_o the_o lure_n of_o every_o trifle_n like_o perpetual_a inhabitant_n of_o these_o low_a region_n we_o mind_v thing_n that_o be_v only_o present_a and_o live_v as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o death_n or_o a_o life_n to_o come_v now_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v our_o mind_n and_o hold_v we_o fast_o bind_v in_o these_o chain_n of_o darkness_n lead_v we_o in_o triumph_n exercise_v a_o dominion_n over_o we_o and_o begin_v to_o command_v to_o command_v our_o time_n scarce_o allow_v we_o a_o few_o minute_n for_o our_o devotion_n for_o how_o often_o be_v our_o prayer_n either_o total_o forget_v or_o else_o wilful_o lay_v aside_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o little_a worldly_a business_n a_o idle_a visit_n or_o perhaps_o some_o worse_a diversion_n and_o when_o we_o do_v enter_v into_o our_o closet_n as_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o religious_a duty_n the_o world_n follow_v and_o command_v we_o there_o too_o it_o command_v our_o thought_n bid_v they_o come_v to_o this_o sinful_a object_n and_o they_o come_v go_v to_o that_o vanity_n and_o they_o go_v it_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n engage_v all_o that_o be_v spiritual_a to_o itself_o and_o afford_v we_o nothing_o for_o god_n but_o bodily_a service_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o profit_v little_a we_o bend_v indeed_o the_o knee_n to_o god_n but_o worship_n mammon_n this_o be_v the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o earthly-minded_n man_n who_o so_o eager_o covet_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o can_v relish_v nothing_o that_o be_v heavenly_a they_o loathe_v the_o celestial_a manna_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o will_v run_v after_o the_o garlic_n the_o onion_n and_o the_o trash_n of_o egypt_n the_o world_n have_v total_o subdue_v and_o conquer_v they_o use_v they_o as_o its_o slave_n and_o vassal_n exact_v all_o their_o care_n their_o industry_n and_o affection_n as_o its_o proper_a tribute_n and_o through_o a_o seem_a paradise_n lead_v they_o into_o perpetual_a bondage_n but_o now_o see_v how_o faith_n obtain_v the_o victory_n and_o triumph_n over_o the_o world_n by_o a_o pious_a contempt_n of_o all_o its_o glory_n it_o look_v through_o their_o paint_n and_o varnish_v and_o find_v they_o to_o be_v but_o of_o a_o fade_a perish_a constitution_n not_o worthy_a we_o shall_v lavish_a out_o our_o thought_n and_o desire_n upon_o they_o it_o consider_v man_n too_o though_o lord_n of_o all_o below_o to_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a mortal_a creature_n of_o a_o dependent_a be_v each_o moment_n more_o and_o more_o moulder_n into_o corruption_n and_o haste_v into_o his_o native_a dust_n upon_o the_o belief_n and_o consideration_n of_o this_o see_v what_o a_o note_n of_o ignomy_n david_n set_v upon_o the_o worldly_a man_n prosperity_n he_o compare_v it_o to_o nothing_o better_a than_o to_o a_o dream_n and_o to_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n psal_n 73._o 20._o as_o a_o dream_n when_o one_o awake_v so_o o_o lord_n when_o thou_o awake_v thou_o shall_v despise_v their_o image_n though_o these_o man_n may_v think_v themselves_o true_o happy_a yet_o when_o death_n shall_v stir_v up_o and_o awake_v their_o soul_n they_o will_v then_o find_v themselves_o naked_a and_o poor_a and_o their_o earthly_a possession_n no_o more_o able_a to_o help_v they_o or_o supply_v their_o want_n than_o be_v the_o imaginary_a riches_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o in_o psalm_n 39_o 6._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n walk_v in_o a_o vain_a shadow_n and_o disquiet_v himself_o in_o vain_a he_o heap_v up_o riches_n and_o can_v tell_v who_o shall_v gather_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o continual_a trouble_n man_n put_v themselves_o to_o in_o increase_v their_o possession_n will_v avail_v they_o but_o little_a in_o the_o end_n for_o they_o must_v die_v and_o leave_v what_o they_o have_v hoard_v up_o to_o they_o know_v not_o who_o for_o they_o be_v not_o sure_a what_o manner_n of_o person_n their_o heir_n may_v prove_v or_o what_o may_v befall_v he_o or_o who_o shall_v enjoy_v their_o wealth_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o man_n to_o break_v their_o rest_n and_o disquiet_v themselves_o about_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a uncertainty_n for_o say_v the_o psalmist_n he_o heap_v up_o riches_n and_o can_v tell_v who_o shall_v gather_v they_o agreeable_a be_v this_o to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o covetous_a man_n luke_n 12._o 20._o thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o and_o than_o who_o shall_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v though_o man_n may_v flatter_v themselves_o with_o provision_n for_o this_o world_n and_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n and_o bid_v their_o soul_n take_v its_o ease_n yet_o one_o time_n or_o other_o death_n will_v seize_v upon_o they_o and_o strip_v they_o of_o all_o they_o place_v their_o trust_n and_o delight_n in_o here_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v luke_n 16._o 24._o in_o the_o rich_a man_n who_o be_v
we_o there_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o enjoyment_n not_o worth_a the_o look_v after_o but_o true_a believer_n when_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o desire_v or_o to_o covet_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n check_v those_o vain_a motion_n by_o argue_v with_o themselves_o thus_o the_o glory_n we_o expect_v in_o heaven_n will_v outshine_v all_o these_o we_o will_v not_o therefore_o neglect_v the_o joy_n above_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v great_a or_o glorious_a here_o it_o be_v below_o we_o to_o think_v upon_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o subject_a for_o a_o turk_n or_o barbarian_a and_o such_o as_o know_v not_o christ_n a_o believer_n have_v a_o noble_a theme_n for_o his_o thought_n to_o work_v upon_o he_o be_v think_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o ever-glorious_a trinity_n he_o be_v meditate_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v admit_v to_o stand_v about_o the_o throne_n he_o be_v meditate_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o that_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v like_o they_o this_o be_v a_o subject_a fit_a for_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n and_o do_v indeed_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o st._n paul_n word_n be_v in_o titus_n 2._o 13._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o my_o text_n and_o that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o we_o must_v set_v ourselves_o against_o the_o world_n express_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n overcome_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o have_v once_o oppose_v the_o world_n or_o do_v design_n it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v our_o present_a constant_a endeavour_n to_o complete_a and_o maintain_v the_o victory_n he_o be_v no_o true_a soldier_n who_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o prepare_v for_o the_o war_n when_o the_o trumpet_n be_v sound_v the_o retreat_n and_o it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o world_n when_o the_o time_n of_o our_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o one_o can_v work_v when_o as_o solomon_n express_v it_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v tremble_v and_o the_o strong_a man_n shall_v bow_v themselves_o eccles_n 12._o 3._o when_o the_o vigorous_a spirit_n shall_v be_v waste_v and_o nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o dregs_o of_o life_n not_o strength_n enough_o to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o infirmity_n of_o decrepit_a age_n or_o to_o support_v we_o under_o the_o sad_a reflection_n upon_o a_o ill-spent_a life_n under_o the_o horror_n of_o die_a and_o the_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n to_o come_v can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o settle_a conquest_n and_o undisturbed_a dominion_n which_o all_o our_o life_n long_o the_o world_n have_v have_v over_o we_o can_v be_v cast_v off_o and_o overthrow_v with_o our_o faint_a last_o breath_n with_o a_o few_o sigh_n and_o groan_n upon_o our_o deathbed_n which_o very_o sigh_v too_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o a_o real_a enmity_n to_o the_o world_n as_o from_o a_o grief_n that_o we_o can_v no_o long_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o yield_v ourselves_o its_o servant_n as_o before_o and_o yet_o how_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a victory_n lay_v aside_o to_o the_o very_a last_o minute_n as_o if_o the_o pale_a ghastly_a fright_o look_v of_o a_o die_a man_n can_v in_o a_o moment_n daunt_v and_o put_v to_o flight_v our_o spiritual_a adversary_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n put_v we_o upon_o another_o course_n in_o order_n to_o our_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n he_o advise_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o betimes_o and_o to_o stand_v always_o upon_o our_o defence_n ephes_n 6._o 13._o take_v unto_o you_o say_v he_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o withstand_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n in_o the_o evil_a day_n i._n e._n in_o the_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a time_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n because_o the_o world_n all_o our_o life_n long_o continual_o assault_v we_o with_o its_o temptation_n that_o we_o may_v become_v its_o prey_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o such_o a_o strict_a charge_n to_o arm_v ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v always_o prepare_v to_o oppose_v the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v our_o present_a work_n and_o business_n we_o must_v not_o defer_v or_o put_v off_o this_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n till_o we_o come_v to_o die_v no_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n that_o faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n now_o and_o be_v always_o in_o arm_n against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o exhort_v we_o to_o take_v to_o ourselves_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o instruct_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o prepare_v and_o in_o continual_a readiness_n to_o resist_v the_o world_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o arm_n ourselves_o against_o the_o world_n lest_o we_o shall_v despair_v of_o victory_n our_o saviour_n give_v we_o encouragement_n from_o his_o own_o conquest_n over_o the_o world_n john_n 16._o 33._o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n say_v he_o i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v when_o i_o command_v you_o to_o subdue_v the_o world_n i_o put_v you_o upon_o no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o have_v perform_v myself_o and_o now_o the_o conquest_n can_v seem_v impossible_a or_o difficult_a to_o you_o since_o i_o your_o leader_n have_v show_v you_o the_o way_n i_o have_v already_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o but_o a_o maim_a enemy_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o if_o we_o do_v but_o implore_v relief_n from_o heaven_n and_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n to_o aid_v our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n he_o will_v give_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o mighty_a spirit_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v rom._n 8._o 37._o he_o say_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n i_o e._n we_o shall_v win_v a_o great_a victory_n and_o more_o renown_n than_o all_o the_o ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a man_n of_o the_o world_n though_o they_o subdue_v kingdom_n we_o shall_v merit_v more_o true_a applause_n than_o do_v your_o hot_a fiery_a furious_a spirit_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n murderer_n of_o this_o age_n who_o upon_o the_o least_o punctillio_fw-la and_o scarce_o discernible_a point_n of_o honour_n as_o they_o call_v it_o pride_n themselves_o in_o stab_v wound_a kill_v one_o another_o who_o forget_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n of_o fight_v under_o the_o banner_n of_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o bloody_a service_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n such_o as_o these_o be_v but_o poor_a unhappy_a conqueror_n and_o triumph_v only_o in_o their_o own_o slavery_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o unruly_a passion_n so_o that_o true_a believer_n who_o overcome_v the_o world_n if_o compare_v to_o these_o may_v well_o be_v style_v more_o than_o conqueror_n their_o victory_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n they_o bear_v about_o with_o they_o in_o their_o body_n not_o the_o wound_n and_o mark_v of_o their_o injure_a and_o provoke_v brother_n but_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n their_o boast_n be_v that_o they_o have_v lose_v a_o right_a hand_n and_o a_o right_a eye_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v overcome_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o humility_n its_o luxury_n by_o their_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n its_o covetousness_n by_o their_o liberality_n its_o malice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n by_o their_o charity_n and_o brotherly_a love_n such_o a_o victory_n as_o this_o will_v make_v we_o more_o than_o conqueror_n as_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v and_o will_v be_v reward_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n with_o comfort_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o with_o eternal_a rest_n in_o heaven_n i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o conclusion_n by_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o particular_n of_o my_o text._n i_o have_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a notional_a or_o speculative_a but_o a_o active_a practical_a faith_n imply_v in_o this_o word_n victory_n etc._n etc._n 1._o that_o this_o faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n two_o way_n 1._o by_o patient_o suffer_v its_o adversity_n 2._o by_o resist_v its_o prosperity_n iii_o i_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o time_n when_o we_o must_v set_v ourselves_o against_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v express_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n overcome_v it_o must_v be_v our_o present_a constant_a endeavour_n to_o oppose_v the_o world_n and_o now_o if_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v practical_a and_o active_a what_o remain_v but_o to_o frame_v our_o life_n answerable_a to_o our_o faith_n serious_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v we_o say_v when_o we_o rehearse_v the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v we_o not_o then_o solemn_o profess_v that_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v we_o who_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o at_o last_o to_o be_v our_o judge_n from_o who_o tribunal_n we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o place_n either_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o endless_a misery_n and_o if_o we_o real_o believe_v all_o this_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n look_v for_o and_o hasten_v to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o day_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 11._o st._n john_n tell_v we_o in_o 1_o epist_n 3._o 2._o that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o but_o then_o he_o add_v verse_n 3._o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o to_o be_v like_o god_n purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a he_o must_v keep_v himself_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n suppose_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o draw_v aside_o this_o veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o worldling_n soul_n now_o as_o it_o be_v daily_o mudle_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n hug_v as_o it_o be_v each_o piece_n of_o dunghill_n salute_v every_o fulsome_a object_n roll_a itself_o in_o the_o dirt_n and_o mire_n can_v we_o imagine_v such_o a_o soul_n as_o this_o in_o the_o least_o fit_a for_o heaven_n where_o nothing_o enter_v in_o that_o defile_v fit_a to_o associate_v with_o those_o clean_a inhabitant_n above_o and_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o holy_a god_n no_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a which_o must_v render_v we_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o live_v above_o it_o i_o advise_v unto_o frequent_a meditation_n upon_o our_o divine_a original_a that_o we_o be_v descend_v of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o family_n with_o angel_n and_o arch-angel_n relate_v to_o the_o cherubim_n and_o near_o ally_v to_o the_o eternal_a king_n and_o shall_v we_o now_o degenerate_a and_o so_o live_v as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o relation_n no_o alliance_n but_o as_o job_n speak_v corruption_n for_o our_o father_n and_o the_o worm_n for_o our_o mother_n and_o for_o our_o brother_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o expect_v a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n let_v we_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o those_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n let_v our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o we_o look_v for_o the_o saviour_n and_o then_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o be_v now_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o it_o which_o reward_v god_n for_o his_o own_o mercy_n and_o for_o his_o son_n sake_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o all_o amen_n finis_fw-la