word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o eternal_o happy_a but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o interest_n have_v desert_v the_o faith_n or_o live_v wicked_a life_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o say_v be_v man_n firm_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o i'faith_o even_o in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v a_o mighty_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o will_v make_v man_n to_o attempt_v and_o undergo_v strange_a and_o difficult_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o operative_a and_o powerful_a because_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o it_o present_v to_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n
name_n sake_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o a_o readiness_n and_o willingness_n when_o ever_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o to_o quit_v all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o the_o dear_a of_o all_o other_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o precept_n here_o in_o the_o text._n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v and_o renounce_v they_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n he_o must_v be_v my_o disciple_n in_o this_o manner_n he_o must_v follow_v i_o and_o in_o the_o text_n i_o mention_v before_o he_o declare_v again_o that_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o quit_v all_o his_o relation_n and_o even_a life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o can_v be_v his_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 so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o any_o temporal_a suffering_n we_o shall_v renounce_v and_o deny_v he_o he_o threaten_v to_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n i._n e._n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o sentence_n we_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n matth._n 10._o 32._o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o mark_v 8._o 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o that_o judgement_n for_o that_o by_o his_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o he_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o go_v before_o v._o 26_o 27._o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o than_o it_o follow_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n but_o because_o some_o have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o require_v thus_o much_o of_o christian_n but_o all_o that_o he_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n but_o not_o to_o make_v any_o outward_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n when_o the_o magistrate_n forbid_v it_o and_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o suffer_v for_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o examine_v what_o be_v pretend_v for_o so_o strange_a a_o assertion_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v the_o leviathan_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o not_o bind_v to_o confess_v christ_n but_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o deny_v he_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n require_v we_o so_o to_o do_v his_o word_n be_v these_o what_o if_o the_o sovereign_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o answer_v such_o forbid_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n because_o belief_n and_o unbelief_n never_o follow_v man_n command_n but_o what_o say_v he_o if_o we_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a prince_n to_o say_v with_o our_o tongue_n we_o believe_v not_o must_v we_o obey_v such_o command_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o profession_n with_o the_o tongue_n be_v but_o a_o external_n thing_n and_o no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o gesture_n whereby_o we_o signify_v our_o obedience_n and_o wherein_o a_o christian_a hold_v firm_o in_o his_o heart_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n which_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n allow_v to_o naaman_n but_o what_o then_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o answer_v to_o our_o saviour_n say_v whosoever_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n his_o answer_n be_v this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o whatsoever_o a_o subject_a be_v compel_v to_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n and_o do_v it_o not_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n the_o action_n be_v not_o he_o but_o his_o sovereign_n nor_o be_v it_o he_o that_o in_o this_o case_n deny_v christ_n before_o man_n but_o his_o governor_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n but_o can_v any_o man_n that_o in_o good_a earnest_n pay_v any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n think_v to_o baffle_v such_o plain_a word_n by_o so_o frivolous_a a_o answer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v man_n to_o deny_v christ_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n how_o will_v this_o excuse_v he_o that_o deny_v christ_n or_o break_v any_o other_o commandment_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o deny_v he_o though_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v they_o to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o confess_v or_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o put_v this_o very_a case_n of_o their_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n for_o confess_v he_o matth._n 10._o 17._o beware_v say_v he_o of_o man_n for_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o council_n and_o they_o will_v scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o testimony_n will_v this_o be_v against_o they_o if_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o deny_v christ_n at_o their_o command_n but_o our_o saviour_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n v_o 19_o but_o when_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o take_v you_o no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o very_a hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v but_o what_o need_v of_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n in_o the_o case_n if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o deny_v he_o when_o they_o be_v require_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v it_o and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n he_o bid_v they_o v_o 28._o not_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v that_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_v of_o any_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o suffer_v the_o magistrate_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o upon_o this_o discourse_n our_o saviour_n conclude_v v_o 32_o 33._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o now_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v confession_n of_o he_o before_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v do_v
obedience_n and_o self-denial_n he_o begin_v with_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o flood_n but_o insist_o chief_o upon_o the_o example_n of_o two_o eminent_a person_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o near_o to_o they_o and_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o one_o the_o father_n of_o their_o nation_n the_o other_o their_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o both_o of_o they_o the_o great_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o self-denial_n that_o the_o history_n of_o all_o former_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v afford_v i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n the_o constancy_n of_o who_o faith_n and_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o who_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o difficult_a case_n be_v so_o remarkable_a above_o all_o the_o other_o example_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o leave_v his_o kindred_n and_o his_o country_n not_o know_v whither_o he_o shall_v go_v by_o which_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v whole_o at_o god_n disposal_n and_o ready_a to_o follow_v he_o but_o this_o be_v no_o trial_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o here_o in_o my_o text_n when_o god_n command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n but_o such_o be_v the_o immutable_a steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o perfect_a submission_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o make_v the_o least_o check_n at_o it_o but_o out_o of_o perfect_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n he_o go_v about_o it_o as_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o as_o if_o god_n have_v bid_v he_o do_v some_o small_a thing_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o word_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_n second_o the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_a it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v tempt_v that_o be_v god_n intend_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v gen._n 22._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n do_v tempt_v abraham_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v now_o thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n now_o there_o be_v two_o difficulty_n concern_v this_o matter_n it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n that_o god_n shall_v tempt_v any_o man_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o god_n who_o know_v what_o every_o man_n will_v do_v need_v not_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o any_o man_n faith_n or_o obedience_n first_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n which_o say_v god_n tempt_v no_o man_n and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o he_o may_v try_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o great_a difficulty_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o illustrious_a thus_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o he_o permit_v job_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o reason_n that_o god_n who_o know_v what_o any_o man_n will_v do_v in_o any_o circumstance_n shall_v go_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o it_o but_o god_n do_v not_o try_v man_n for_o his_o own_o information_n but_o to_o give_v a_o illustrious_a proof_n and_o example_n to_o other_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o though_o after_o this_o trial_n of_o abraham_n god_n say_v to_o he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o as_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o god_n elsewhere_o speak_v to_o abraham_n concern_v sodom_n i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v altogether_o aecord_v to_o the_o cry_n which_o be_v come_v up_o unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n god_n accept_v of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o because_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o part_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v perform_v the_o rest_n if_o god_n have_v not_o countermand_v he_o and_o this_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o abraham_n will_v appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o second_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o resolution_n notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o hard_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o objection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n enough_o to_o shake_v a_o very_a strong_a faith_n there_o be_v three_o great_a objection_n against_o this_o command_n and_o such_o as_o may_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n doubtful_a whether_o this_o command_n be_v from_o god_n the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v the_o grievous_a scandal_n that_o may_v seem_v almost_o unavoidable_o to_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o former_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n void_a first_o the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v which_o be_v for_o a_o father_n to_o kill_v his_o own_o child_n this_o must_v needs_o appear_v very_o barbarous_a and_o unnatural_a and_o look_v like_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o to_o the_o true_a god_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o kindness_n and_o affection_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o there_o be_v no_o affection_n more_o natutural_a and_o strong_a than_o this_o for_o there_o be_v many_o person_n that_o will_v redeem_v the_o life_n of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o now_o that_o god_n have_v plant_v such_o a_o affection_n in_o nature_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n that_o increase_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o fact_n that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n first_o that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a it_o will_v grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o undutiful_a and_o disobedient_a so_o passionate_o be_v david_n affect_v with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n as_o to_o wish_v he_o have_v die_v for_o he_o though_o he_o die_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o though_o the_o save_n of_o his_o life_n have_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o government_n how_o deep_o then_o must_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o innocent_a son_n to_o death_n and_o such_o a_o son_n be_v isaac_n for_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o this_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n who_o his_o father_n love_v and_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o this_o can_v not_o but_o appear_v strange_a to_o a_o good_a man_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v a_o innocent_a person_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o second_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n but_o to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o spectator_n but_o to_o be_v the_o actor_n in_o this_o tragedy_n what_o father_n will_v not_o shrink_v and_o start_v back_o at_o such_o a_o command_n what_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o where_o nature_n be_v so_o hard_o press_v will_v not_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v look_v upon_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o rather_o as_o the_o suggestion_n and_o illusion_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n than_o a_o command_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o abraham_n faith_n be_v
the_o ethiopian_n have_v invade_v egypt_n and_o almost_o overrun_v it_o that_o pharaoh_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o oracle_n at_o memphis_n to_o make_v moses_n his_o general_n who_o by_o his_o extraordinary_a conduct_n and_o courage_n overthrow_v the_o ethiopian_n and_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n this_o moses_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o relate_v of_o himself_o but_o st._n stephen_n seem_v to_o allude_v to_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v and_o when_o he_o be_v full_o forty_o year_n old_a it_o come_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v at_o full_a maturity_n of_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o prosperity_n and_o reputation_n he_o quit_v the_o court_n of_o egypt_n and_o go_v to_o visit_v his_o afflict_a brethren_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n than_o to_o accept_v those_o great_a offer_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o passage_n in_o josephus_n concern_v moses_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o the_o contempt_n which_o he_o show_v afterward_o of_o the_o crown_n of_o egypt_n that_o when_o moses_n be_v about_o three_o year_n old_a thermuthis_n the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n bring_v the_o child_n to_o he_o who_o take_v he_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o put_v his_o diadem_n upon_o his_o head_n but_o moses_n take_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o trample_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n this_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a act_n and_o they_o who_o see_v it_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o for_o all_o his_o childish_a contempt_n of_o it_o then_o it_o it_o be_v put_v upon_o his_o head_n in_o good_a earnest_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o man_n he_o will_v hold_v it_o on_o fast_a and_o use_v it_o with_o more_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v some_o regard_n to_o this_o when_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n intimate_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o trample_v upon_o the_o diadem_n of_o pharaoh_n when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n but_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v better_a of_o those_o thing_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_a i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v great_o upon_o the_o integrity_n of_o moses_n can_v we_o think_v he_o so_o very_o conscientious_a a_o man_n who_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o pretend_a god_n direction_n in_o the_o case_n to_o cheat_v the_o egyptian_n of_o their_o jewel_n under_o a_o fraudulent_a pretence_n of_o borrow_v they_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o appear_v and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o with_o your_o favourable_a attention_n and_o free_a from_o prejudice_n to_o vindicate_v moses_n clear_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v common_o and_o true_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o thing_n may_v transfer_v the_o right_n of_o man_n from_o one_o to_o another_o because_o the_o objection_n do_v not_o lie_v against_o god_n right_a to_o take_v away_o from_o any_o man_n what_o he_o have_v give_v he_o but_o against_o the_o fraudulent_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o which_o seem_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o command_v or_o encourage_v now_o this_o matter_n i_o think_v be_v capable_a of_o another_o and_o much_o clear_a answer_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o and_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n as_o we_o find_v it_o relate_v ex._n 12._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v it_o seem_v design_n by_o this_o way_n to_o make_v some_o reparation_n to_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o tyrannical_a usage_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o that_o first_o as_o the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o in_o give_v they_o favour_n with_o the_o egyptian_n who_o in_o truth_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o such_o troublesome_a guest_n be_v dispose_v to_o lend_v they_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v thus_o far_o all_o be_v right_a here_o be_v nothing_o but_o fair_a borrow_n and_o lend_v and_o if_o the_o israelite_n acquire_v a_o right_a to_o those_o thing_n afterward_o there_o be_v then_o no_o obligation_n to_o restitution_n let_v we_o see_v then_o how_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v this_o about_o namely_o by_o permit_v the_o egyptian_n afterward_o without_o cause_n and_o after_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o depart_v to_o pursue_v they_o with_o a_o design_n to_o have_v destroy_v they_o by_o which_o hostility_n and_o perfidiousness_n they_o plain_o forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o what_o they_o have_v only_o lend_v before_o for_o this_o hostile_a attempt_n which_o will_v have_v warrant_v the_o israelite_n to_o have_v spoil_v they_o of_o their_o jewel_n if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o egyptian_n do_v certain_o warrant_v they_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o they_o have_v they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o become_v rightful_a possessor_n of_o what_o they_o have_v only_o by_o loan_n before_o and_o can_v not_o have_v detain_v without_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n if_o this_o hostility_n of_o the_o egyptian_n have_v not_o give_v they_o a_o new_a title_n and_o clear_a right_n to_o they_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o prudence_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v abstract_n from_o the_o particular_a case_n of_o moses_n and_o show_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o prefer_v even_o a_o afflict_a state_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n before_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n upon_o account_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n consequent_a upon_o they_o 1._o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o this_o moses_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o make_v this_o choice_n for_o therefore_o he_o choose_v to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n because_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o though_o he_o have_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a discovery_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o future_a state_n yet_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v so_o much_o assurance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o firm_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n at_o the_o last_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o and_o we_o have_v no_o expectation_n beyond_o this_o world_n the_o wise_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v will_v be_v to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o the_o present_a contentment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o but_o if_o we_o be_v design_v for_o immortality_n and_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a or_o intorable_o miserable_a in_o another_o world_n according_a as_o we_o have_v demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o life_n then_o certain_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o long_a duration_n and_o be_v content_a to_o dispense_v with_o some_o present_a inconvenience_n for_o a_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_v and_o take_v pain_n for_o a_o little_a while_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a forever_o and_o this_o be_v account_v prudence_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n to_o part_v with_o a_o little_a in_o present_a for_o a_o far_o great_a future_a advantage_n but_o the_o disproportion_n betwixt_o time_n and_o eternity_n be_v so_o vast_a that_o do_v we_o but_o firm_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v too_o good_a to_o part_v withal_o or_o too_o grievous_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o upon_o this_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n beyond_o all_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v infinite_a gainer_n at_o the_o last_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v keep_v from_o sink_v under_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o fortify_v against_o all_o that_o the_o
present_a in_o hope_n to_o have_v more_o trouble_n afterward_o than_o the_o pleasure_n come_v to_o but_o especial_o no_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o hope_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o such_o sin_n without_o restitution_n and_o it_o be_v perfect_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n in_o hope_n of_o restore_v it_o again_o for_o so_o he_o must_v do_v that_o true_o repent_v of_o such_o a_o sin_n but_o 2._o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o will_v certain_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n how_o quiet_o soever_o a_o sinner_n may_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n or_o out_o of_o it_o misery_n will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o in_o the_o next_o unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a misery_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sharp_a pain_n and_o those_o sad_o aggravate_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o future_a ease_n from_o a_o sad_a apprehension_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n upon_o his_o inestimable_a loss_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o miserable_a sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o wicked_a depart_v from_o i_o sinner_n be_v not_o now_o sensible_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o estimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o loss_n but_o this_o stupidity_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o sinner_n continue_v only_o during_o this_o present_a state_n which_o afford_v man_n variety_n of_o object_n and_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n they_o will_v then_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n but_o the_o sad_a condition_n into_o which_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o they_o shall_v then_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n at_o once_o see_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o feel_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o torment_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n they_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sore_a and_o sharp_a pain_n and_o how_o grievous_a those_o shall_v be_v we_o may_v conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o they_o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a displeasure_n of_o anger_n and_o omnipotence_n meet_v together_o far_o great_a than_o can_v be_v describe_v by_o any_o pain_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v misery_n enough_o and_o need_v no_o frather_o aggravation_n but_o yet_o it_o have_v two_o terrible_a one_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n make_v present_a suffering_n more_o sharp_a and_o sensible_a for_o as_o nothing_o commend_v pleasure_n more_o and_o give_v a_o quick_a relish_n to_o happiness_n than_o precedent_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o in_o the_o sudden_a ease_n which_o a_o man_n find_v after_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n so_o nothing_o enrage_v affliction_n more_o and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o misery_n than_o to_o pass_v into_o great_a pain_n immediate_o out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n this_o be_v the_o sting_a aggravation_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n torment_n that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o have_v receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v fair_v so_o delicious_o every_o day_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o all_o be_v the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o such_o expression_n as_o do_v signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n matth._n 25._o and_o mark_v 9_o 43._o where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o in_o the_o revel_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o misery_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n and_o to_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o ever_o find_v the_o least_o ease_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v thing_n together_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o will_v certain_o overtake_v they_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o wise_a man_n choice_n and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v strange_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o blind_v by_o sense_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o will_v probable_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o there_o remain_v now_o only_a the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a to_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v a_o quite_o contrary_a choice_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o wide_o mistake_v as_o to_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o conscience_n and_o religion_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o as_o brief_a a_o account_n as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n this_o wrong_a choice_n general_o proceed_v from_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o from_o want_n of_o consideration_n or_o of_o both_o 1._o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n be_v unbelief_n either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o think_v of_o be_v religious_a must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v infidel_n as_o to_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o great_a many_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o waver_a their_o faith_n be_v rather_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o their_o faith_n be_v rather_o a_o opinion_n than_o a_o root_a and_o well_o ground_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a a_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o like_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o other_o worthy_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o where_o faith_n be_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n it_o will_v have_v proportionable_a effect_n upon_o the_o resolution_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a it_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o forsake_fw-mi religion_n and_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n choose_v rather_o to_o sin_n than_o to_o suffer_v and_o will_v rather_o quit_v the_o truth_n than_o endure_v persecution_n for_o it_o these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v who_o receive_v receive_v the_o
a_o much_o clear_a revelation_n and_o much_o great_a assurance_n than_o former_a age_n and_o generation_n have_v and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o incur_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n this_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o so_o much_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n expose_v they_o to_o under_o the_o former_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n though_o good_a man_n receive_v good_a hope_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o the_o great_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n be_v temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o promise_n of_o long_a life_n and_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n in_o that_o good_a land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o the_o threaten_n of_o war_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o be_v deliver_v into_o captivity_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n and_o the_o great_a argument_n that_o bear_v sway_n with_o christian_n be_v the_o promise_v of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o be_v now_o the_o great_a principle_n that_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o good_a man_n for_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v that_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o as_o they_o do_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v fare_v with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o observation_n namely_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o we_o never_o see_v they_o and_o consequent_o can_v possible_o have_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n which_o those_o have_v who_o enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o endure_v the_o other_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o they_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n be_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o be_v so_o firm_a and_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o utmost_a pretence_n of_o a_o rational_a demonstration_n man_n will_v trust_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n against_o any_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n whatsoever_o but_o there_o be_v inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n as_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o person_n every_o way_n credible_a and_o this_o assurance_n we_o have_v in_o this_o state_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n we_o believe_v with_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o which_o be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o evidence_n in_o itself_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reasonable_a assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v that_o god_n have_v testify_v these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n which_o thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n to_o deny_v that_o this_o fall_v very_o much_o short_a of_o that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n which_o those_o person_n have_v concern_v these_o thing_n who_o be_v now_o in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o intimate_v here_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o faith_n and_o sight_n but_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 10._o we_o know_v now_o but_o in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o that_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o comparison_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o and_o verse_n 12._o we_o now_o see_v as_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o a_o riddle_n in_o which_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o obscurity_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v certain_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o abatement_n and_o diminution_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n or_o imperfect_a the_o apostle_n mean_v faith_n and_o hope_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v cease_v when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a meaning_n vision_n and_o sight_n be_v come_v we_o see_v likewise_o in_o experience_n that_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n be_v accompany_v with_o doubt_v concern_v these_o thing_n and_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n but_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n can_v possible_o if_o they_o will_v have_v any_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o however_o contentious_a man_n may_v dispute_v against_o common_a sense_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o will_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o state_n to_o expect_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n which_o the_o sight_n and_o sensible_a experience_n of_o they_o will_v give_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o and_o 2._o if_o it_o will_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v have_v it_o 1._o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v have_v that_o sensible_a experiment_n and_o trial_n how_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o other_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o and_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v have_v any_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o they_o till_o we_o ourselves_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n those_o who_o be_v already_o past_a into_o it_o know_v how_o thing_n be_v those_o happy_a soul_n who_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o joy_n which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a assurance_n concern_v they_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spirit_n who_o feel_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n do_v believe_v upon_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o state_n and_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 2._o if_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o such_o a_o overpower_v evidence_n will_v quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o obedience_n put_v the_o case_n that_o every_o man_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n be_v permit_v to_o visit_v the_o other_o world_n to_o assure_v he_o how_o thing_n be_v there_o to_o view_v the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o survey_v the_o dark_a and_o loathsome_a prison_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o hear_v the_o lamentable_a outcry_n of_o miserable_a and_o despair_v soul_n and_o to_o see_v the_o inconceivable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n they_o be_v in_o after_o this_o what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n he_o that_o have_v be_v there_o and_o see_v they_o can_v not_o disbelieve_v they_o if_o he_o will_v faith_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o be_v virtue_n but_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pronounce_v
they_o bless_v who_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o forcible_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v they_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v not_o praise_n no_o reward_n belong_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o so_o violent_a and_o irresistible_a a_o evidence_n it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o improbable_a but_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n at_o all_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v because_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o dispute_n no_o objection_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o shake_v our_o assent_n unless_o we_o will_v run_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o scepticism_n for_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o we_o must_v yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n this_o do_v so_o violent_o enforce_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o as_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o will_v very_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o bless_a condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o after_o be_v tempt_v know_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v deprive_v he_o of_o that_o happiness_n or_o bring_v he_o into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n such_o a_o sight_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o affect_v a_o man_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v and_o leave_v such_o impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n that_o we_o may_v soon_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v conspire_v to_o kill_v one_o another_o than_o that_o such_o a_o man_n by_o consent_v to_o any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n shall_v wilful_o throw_v himself_o into_o those_o flame_n no_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v continual_o haunt_v with_o those_o fury_n he_o have_v see_v torment_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o fearful_a shriek_n and_o outcry_n of_o miserable_a soul_n will_v be_v perpetual_o ring_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o man_n will_v have_v so_o lively_a and_o terrible_a a_o imagination_n of_o the_o danger_n he_o be_v run_v himself_o upon_o that_o no_o temptation_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o conquer_v his_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o careless_a of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n after_o he_o have_v once_o see_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n obedience_n will_v be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o must_v be_v very_o little_a for_o what_o praise_n be_v due_a to_o any_o man_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o a_o perfect_a mad_a man_n will_v do_v for_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v be_v beside_o himself_o that_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n be_v seduce_v to_o live_v a_o wicked_a life_n after_o he_o have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o dismal_a event_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a course_n god_n have_v design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o place_n for_o this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n for_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o see_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o what_o argument_n will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o man_n virtue_n to_o forbear_v sin_v after_o he_o have_v be_v in_o hell_n and_o see_v the_o miserable_a end_n of_o sinner_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o observation_n namely_o that_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assent_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n now_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n may_v have_v its_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o of_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a it_o will_v not_o move_v we_o at_o all_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v good_a nor_o for_o the_o avoid_n and_o prevent_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o if_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o slight_v it_o as_o not_o worth_a our_o regard_n but_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o our_o faith_n be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n both_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v well_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o state_n concern_v thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n argue_v we_o into_o this_o persuasion_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v equal_o distribute_v we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o reason_n be_v true_a we_o have_v a_o most_o credible_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n from_o heaven_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o visible_a aseension_n into_o heaven_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n want_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o only_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o this_o present_a state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o all_o this_o but_o what_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o uncertainty_n which_o do_v not_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o which_o we_o ourselves_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o considerable_a interest_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o make_v they_o hesitate_n about_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o at_o last_o there_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n our_o condition_n after_o death_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n because_o all_o will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n but_o if_o thing_n fall_v out_o otherwise_o as_o most_o undoubted_o they_o will_v and_o our_o soul_n after_o this_o life_n do_v pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o our_o great_a interest_n plain_o lie_v in_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o this_o state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o secure_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o by_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o govern_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n by_o this_o belief_n for_o as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o transitory_a and_o consequent_o of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o set_v aside_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o promote_v and_o pursue_v to_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o a_o far_o great_a by_o he_o that_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o live_v according_o than_o by_o any_o other_o person_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o as_o all_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a
this_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n mat._n 5._o 10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o small_a value_n for_o thing_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a to_o forego_v the_o transient_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o solid_a and_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a happiness_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o to_o exchange_v a_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v drive_v home_o to_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o our_o own_o native_a country_n and_o to_o be_v violent_o thrust_v out_o of_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n into_o those_o region_n of_o bliss_n where_o be_v joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n this_o consideration_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o support_v the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o their_o sharp_a and_o heavy_a suffering_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o our_o light_a affliction_n 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_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a so_o that_o our_o suffering_n bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o than_o finite_a do_v to_o infinite_a than_o temporal_a to_o eternal_a between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v concern_v this_o great_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o follow_v 1._o to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o that_o all_o these_o law_n and_o command_n even_o the_o hard_a and_o severe_a of_o they_o be_v so_o reasonable_a god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o give_v we_o our_o being_n have_v a_o entire_a and_o sovereign_a right_n over_o we_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o right_n may_v have_v impose_v very_o hard_a thing_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o without_o the_o give_a account_n to_o we_o of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n and_o without_o propound_v any_o reward_n to_o we_o so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o he_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o right_n the_o most_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v infinite_o gainer_n by_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o if_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a not_o only_o far_o beyond_o what_o it_o can_v deserve_v but_o beyond_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o imagine_v for_o this_o perish_a life_n and_o the_o transitory_a trifle_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o uncorruptible_a crown_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n for_o these_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o we_o shall_v infallible_o find_v they_o true_a that_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n great_a shall_v be_v our_o reward_n in_o heaven_n if_o we_o part_v with_o our_o temporal_a life_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o that_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n and_o believe_v the_o glory_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reveal_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o much_o offend_v at_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n so_o long_o as_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n will_v work_v for_o he_o a_o for_o more_o exceed_o and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o see_v this_o be_v require_v of_o every_o christian_a to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n resolve_v to_o be_v christian_n we_o ought_v to_o fit_v down_o and_o consider_v well_o with_o ourselves_o what_o our_o religion_n will_v cost_v we_o and_o whether_o we_o be_v content_a to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o price_n of_o it_o if_o we_o value_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n above_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o if_o it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v either_o renounce_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n or_o quit_v our_o temporal_a interest_n if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o forego_v these_o nay_o and_o to_o part_v even_o with_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o these_o be_v the_o term_n of_o our_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v require_v in_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o this_o very_a consideration_n infer_v that_o all_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n shall_v consider_v serious_o beforehand_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n of_o it_o luke_o 14._o 28._o which_o of_o you_o say_v he_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o war_n with_o another_o king_n do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consult_v whether_o with_o 10000_o he_o be_v able_a to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o 20000._o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o forsake_v not_o all_o he_o have_v can_v be_v my_o disciple_n you_o see_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v christian_n we_o must_v always_o be_v prepare_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o put_v upon_o this_o trial_n 3._o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o all_o those_o who_o deny_v themselves_o and_o suffer_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o account_n 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terrible_a soever_o their_o suffering_n be_v they_o do_v but_o tread_v in_o the_o step_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o he_o who_o be_v their_o great_a example_n in_o suffer_v will_v likewise_o be_v their_o support_n and_o their_o exceed_a great_a reward_n so_o that_o though_o suffer_v for_o christ_n be_v account_v great_a self-denial_n and_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v so_o to_o accept_v it_o because_o in_o deny_v thing_n present_a and_o sensible_a for_o thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a we_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v our_o affection_n to_o he_o but_o our_o great_a faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o by_o show_v that_o we_o rely_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o venture_v all_o upon_o the_o security_n which_o he_o offer_v we_o in_o
be_v in_o expectation_n that_o it_o will_v one_o day_n become_v the_o inheritance_n of_o their_o posterity_n now_o in_o this_o as_o by_o a_o type_n and_o shadow_n the_o apostle_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o good_a man_n while_o they_o be_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n they_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o time_n as_o the_o patriarch_n do_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o settle_a condition_n hereafter_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a say_v the_o apostle_n at_o the_o 16_o vers_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n that_o which_o i_o design_v from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o condition_n that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o be_v go_v before_o we_o be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 39_o 12._o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n with_o thou_o and_o a_o sojourner_n as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v it_o be_v a_o condition_n very_o troublesome_a and_o very_a unsettled_a such_o as_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n use_v to_o be_v this_o we_o must_v all_o acknowledge_v if_o we_o judge_v right_o of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a and_o happy_a condition_n in_o reversion_n so_o it_o follow_v just_a after_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n this_o bear_v up_o the_o patriarch_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n that_o they_o expect_v a_o inheritance_n and_o a_o quiet_a and_o settle_a possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o answerable_o to_o which_o good_a man_n do_v expect_v after_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n in_o this_o world_n be_v over_o a_o bless_a inheritance_n in_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o with_o bless_a abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a they_o look_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o good_a patriarch_n at_o the_o ten_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v very_o frequent_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o other_o author_n to_o represent_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n by_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o foreign_a country_n for_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o man_n and_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o native_n of_o heaven_n and_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n shall_v be_v over_o be_v design_v to_o return_v to_o that_o heavenly_a country_n from_o which_o they_o come_v and_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o phil._n 3._o 20._o that_o christian_n have_v relation_n to_o heaven_n as_o their_o native_a place_n and_o country_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n so_o we_o render_v the_o word_n but_o they_o proper_o signify_v that_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o that_o city_n and_o society_n which_o be_v above_o and_o though_o they_o converse_v at_o present_a here_o below_o while_o they_o be_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n yet_o heaven_n be_v the_o country_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o whither_o they_o be_v continual_o tend_v sedes_fw-la ubi_fw-la fata_fw-la quietas_fw-la ostendunt_fw-la where_o a_o quiet_a habitation_n and_o a_o perpetual_a rest_n be_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o they_o this_o acknowledgement_n david_n make_v concern_v himself_o and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n 29._o 15._o for_o we_o be_v stranger_n before_o thou_o and_o sojourner_n as_o be_v all_o our_o father_n our_o day_n on_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o a_o shadow_n and_o there_o be_v none_o abide_v so_o likewise_o st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 17._o pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n and_o chap._n 2._o v._n 11._o dear_o belove_v i_o beseech_v you_o as_o strangers_z and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lusts._n and_o not_o only_o the_o inspire_a writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o heathen_a author_n do_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o this_o allusion_n plato_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_n and_o almost_o in_o every_o man_n mouth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o pilgrimage_n and_o tully_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n de_fw-fr senectute_n concern_v old_a age_n bring_v in_o cato_n describe_v our_o passage_n out_o of_o this_o world_n not_o as_o a_o departure_n from_o our_o home_n but_o like_o a_o man_n leave_v his_o inn_n in_o which_o he_o have_v lodge_v for_o a_o night_n or_o two_o ex_fw-la vitâ_fw-la istâ_fw-la discedo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la hospitio_fw-la non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la domo_fw-la commorandi_fw-la enim_fw-la natura_fw-la diversorium_fw-la nobis_fw-la non_fw-la habitandi_fw-la dedit_fw-la when_o i_o leave_v this_o world_n say_v he_o i_o look_v upon_o myself_o as_o depart_v out_o of_o a_o inn_n and_o not_o as_o quit_v my_o own_o home_n and_o habitation_n nature_n have_v assign_v this_o world_n to_o we_o as_o a_o place_n to_o sojourn_v but_o not_o to_o devil_n in_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o text_n concern_v the_o patriarch_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o concern_v all_o christian_n chap._n 13._o 14._o here_o we_o have_v no_o continue_a city_n but_o we_o seek_v one_o to_o come_v but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o follow_v the_o metaphor_n too_o close_o and_o to_o vex_v and_o torture_v it_o by_o pursue_v all_o those_o little_a parallel_n and_o similitude_n which_o a_o lively_a fancy_n may_v make_v or_o find_v betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n during_o he_o abide_v and_o passage_n through_o this_o world_n i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v by_o this_o metaphor_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n 2._o it_o imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settle_v and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n into_o which_o we_o shall_v enter_v when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n after_o the_o text_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o that_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o have_v live_v in_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n travel_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o as_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n do_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o he_o solemn_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n do_v hereby_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o expect_v some_o happy_a condition_n hereafter_o wherein_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o god_n will_v be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o to_o the_o full_a and_o these_o be_v two_o very_a weighty_a and_o useful_a consideration_n that_o we_o shall_v both_o understand_v our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o our_o future_a hope_n and_o expectation_n after_o our_o departure_n out_o of_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v demean_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o both_o these_o condition_n both_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o this_o world_n and_o likewise_o as_o it_o become_v those_o who_o seek_v and_o expect_v a_o better_a country_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v to_o both_o these_o and_o then_o show_v what_o effect_n and_o influence_n the_o serious_a meditation_n of_o these_o two_o point_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o
be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v here_o below_o we_o often_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n as_o happy_a as_o this_o world_n can_v put_v they_o into_o by_o the_o great_a accommodation_n towards_o it_o be_v yet_o as_o far_o or_o far_o from_o happiness_n as_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o great_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n be_v think_v to_o consist_v many_o time_n it_o so_o happen_v that_o they_o who_o have_v all_o the_o furniture_n and_o requisite_n all_o the_o material_n and_o ingredient_n of_o a_o worldly_a felicity_n at_o their_o command_n and_o in_o their_o power_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o skill_n and_o ability_n out_o of_o all_o these_o to_o frame_v a_o happy_a condition_n of_o life_n to_o themselves_o they_o have_v health_n and_o friend_n and_o reputation_n and_o estate_n in_o abundance_n and_o all_o outward_a accommodation_n that_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a felicity_n they_o be_v uneasy_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n express_v it_o in_o their_o sufficiency_n they_o be_v in_o straits_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v surfeit_v even_o of_o happiness_n itself_o and_o do_v so_o fantastical_o and_o unaccountable_o nauseate_a the_o good_a condition_n they_o be_v in_o that_o though_o they_o want_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a yet_o they_o can_v think_v themselves_o so_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n to_o molest_v and_o disgust_v they_o yet_o they_o can_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o create_v as_o much_o trouble_n to_o themselves_o out_o of_o nothing_o as_o they_o who_o have_v the_o real_a and_o substantial_a cause_n of_o discontent_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o happiness_n here_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o after_o our_o inquiry_n after_o it_o we_o shall_v see_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o take_v up_o solomon_n conclusion_n that_o all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o that_o aphorism_n of_o david_n his_o father_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o that_o man_n in_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n but_o what_o happiness_n soever_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v most_o assure_o full_a of_o uncertainty_n and_o unsettlement_n we_o can_v enjoy_v it_o long_o and_o every_o moment_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o whatever_o degree_n of_o earthly_a felicity_n we_o be_v possess_v of_o we_o have_v no_o security_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n but_o when_o we_o be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o this_o world_n can_v make_v we_o may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o we_o by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n but_o suppose_v it_o to_o abide_v and_o continue_v we_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o we_o must_v die_v and_o in_o that_o very_a day_n all_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o hope_n as_o to_o this_o world_n will_v perish_v with_o we_o for_o here_o be_v no_o abide_v place_n we_o have_v no_o continue_a city_n so_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o design_n a_o happiness_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o be_v not_o to_o stay_v in_o it_o but_o only_o travel_v and_o pass_v through_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a 2._o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o state_n of_o pilgrimage_n do_v imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settlement_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n hereafter_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n reason_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n that_o be_v they_o who_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o yet_o withal_o profess_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fidelity_n of_o his_o promise_n do_v plain_o declare_v that_o they_o seek_v another_o country_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n who_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o thereby_o declare_v that_o they_o seek_v another_o country_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n this_o can_v be_v the_o country_n from_o whence_o they_o first_o come_v ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n v_o 15._o and_o true_o if_o they_o have_v be_v mindful_a of_o that_o country_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v out_o they_o may_v have_v have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o return_v thither_o and_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o country_n which_o they_o seek_v be_v a_o better_a country_n than_o any_o in_o this_o world_n v._o 16._o but_o now_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a therefore_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n for_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n this_o plain_o refer_v to_o that_o famous_a declaration_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o be_v their_o god_n i_o be_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o god_n of_o jacob._n now_o certain_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v signify_v some_o very_a great_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n to_o those_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n above_o other_o this_o be_v not_o make_v good_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n where_o then_o be_v the_o blessing_n speak_v of_o and_o signify_v by_o the_o great_a word_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n they_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n as_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o promise_n from_o hence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v that_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a wherefore_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n since_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n and_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n do_v immediate_o design_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o earthly_a jerusalem_n yet_o the_o apostle_n extend_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v typify_v by_o it_o viz._n a_o heavenly_a country_n the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o which_o at_o the_o 10_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v call_v a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n and_o now_o see_v god_n have_v design_v and_o prepare_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n for_o they_o in_o another_o world_n well_o may_v he_o be_v call_v their_o god_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v though_o the_o full_a mean_v and_o importance_n of_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v good_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v accomplish_v to_o the_o full_a in_o the_o happiness_n which_o be_v design_v for_o they_o in_o another_o life_n and_o god_n need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n imply_v that_o if_o nothing_o have_v be_v mean_v by_o it_o beyond_o this_o world_n this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v their_o god_n will_v have_v fall_v shameful_o short_a of_o what_o it_o seem_v to_o import_v and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o this_o promise_n as_o to_o pitch_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o resurrection_n that_o be_v of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n there_o be_v many_o consideration_n apt_a to_o persuade_v good_a man_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o as_o that_o mankind_n be_v general_o possess_v with_o this_o hope_n and_o persuasion_n and_o that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n have_v be_v the_o more_o plain_o have_v they_o apprehend_v the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n and_o the_o better_a have_v they_o be_v content_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n as_o if_o see_v far_o than_o other_o man_n they_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o the_o happiness_n they_o be_v enter_v upon_o but_o above_o all_o that_o god_n have_v make_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n so_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a as_o if_o he_o have_v design_v on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o seek_v for_o happiness_n elsewhere_o and_o to_o elevate_v and_o raise_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o condition_n better_o and_o more_o durable_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o
in_o this_o world_n which_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o itself_o extreme_o credible_a have_v thus_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v dispatch_v the_o two_o particular_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v what_o influence_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o these_o our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n as_o to_o another_o life_n if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o look_v for_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a this_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o these_o follow_a respect_n which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v but_o very_o brief_o mention_v 1._o let_v we_o entangle_v and_o encumber_v ourselves_o as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n let_v we_o not_o engage_v our_o affection_n too_o far_o in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v and_o settle_v in_o it_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o it_o a_o little_a will_v serve_v for_o our_o passage_n and_o accommodation_n in_o this_o journey_n and_o beyond_o that_o why_o shall_v we_o so_o earnest_o covet_v and_o seek_v more_o 2._o if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n than_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o blameless_o and_o inoffensive_o remember_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o people_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v will_v be_v very_o curious_a and_o observant_a of_o our_o manner_n and_o carriage_n 3._o let_v we_o be_v cheerful_a and_o patient_a under_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n they_o who_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a country_n must_v expect_v to_o encounter_v many_o injury_n and_o affront_v and_o to_o be_v put_v to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hazard_n which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bear_v with_o that_o cheerfulness_n as_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o a_o journey_n use_v to_o bear_v foul_a way_n and_o bad_a wether_n and_o inconvenient_a lodging_n and_o accommodation_n 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o future_a hope_n shall_v set_v we_o above_o the_o fondness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n for_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v raise_v to_o their_o true_a pitch_n and_o hight_n till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n conquer_v these_o two_o passion_n and_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o what_o do_v we_o see_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o strange_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o quae_fw-la miseri_fw-la lucis_fw-la tam_fw-la dira_fw-la cupido_fw-la this_o world_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a place_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o bear_v himself_o towards_o it_o with_o the_o most_o indifferent_a affection_n that_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o patient_a to_o stay_v in_o it_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v 5._o we_o shall_v always_o prefer_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o the_o world_n because_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n more_o valuable_a if_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o do_v survive_v in_o another_o world_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n reason_v with_o himself_o from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o exercise_v myself_o always_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n last_o if_o we_o be_v sojourner_n and_o traveller_n we_o shall_v often_o think_v of_o our_o end_n and_o careful_o mind_v the_o way_n to_o it_o our_o end_n be_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n when_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n inquire_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n say_v good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o be_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n we_o may_v easy_o mistake_v our_o way_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o therefore_o we_o shall_v often_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o david_n do_v psalm_n 119._o 19_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o and_o psalm_n 139._o 23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n xi_o 13._o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v late_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o a_o particular_a day_n and_o occasion_n begin_v to_o handle_v these_o word_n i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o the_o head_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v and_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v and_o that_o which_o i_o design_v from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o condition_n that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n and_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o say_v with_o david_n psal._n 39_o 12._o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n with_o thou_o and_o a_o sojourner_n as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v it_o be_v very_o frequent_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o other_o author_n to_o represent_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n by_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o far_a country_n for_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o man_n and_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o native_n of_o heaven_n and_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v be_v design_v to_o return_v to_o that_o heavenly_a country_n from_o which_o they_o come_v and_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o metaphor_n i_o insist_v only_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o 1._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n ii_o it_o imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settlement_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n into_o which_o we_o shall_v enter_v when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o these_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v two_o very_a weighty_a and_o useful_a consideration_n that_o we_o shall_v both_o understand_v our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o our_o future_a hope_n and_o expectation_n after_o our_o departure_n out_o of_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v demean_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o both_o these_o condition_n both_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o those_o who_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o this_o world_n and_o likewise_o as_o it_o become_v those_o who_o seek_v and_o expect_v a_o better_a country_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n i._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a and_o this_o be_v principal_o intend_v by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n they_o have_v no_o constant_a abide_v and_o fix_v habitation_n but_o be_v continual_o wander_v from_o one_o kingdom_n and_o country_n to_o another_o in_o which_o travel_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o great_a many_o danger_n and_o suffering_n affront_v and_o injury_n as_o we_o read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o history_n of_o their_o travel_n