debase_v it_o they_o engage_v its_o thought_n and_o power_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o body_n they_o make_v it_o a_o slave_n and_o drudge_n to_o its_o inferior_a while_o it_o neglect_v and_o forget_v its_o own_o true_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n they_o hinder_v all_o honourable_a improvement_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o to_o our_o honour_n and_o comfort_n a_o man_n shall_v never_o become_v the_o wise_a or_o the_o more_o useful_a the_o more_o worthy_a and_o commendable_a for_o a_o large_a and_o excessive_a enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n his_o mind_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o more_o steady_a or_o strong_a or_o the_o more_o compose_v and_o easy_a for_o this_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o weak_a and_o inconstant_a disturb_a and_o unquiet_a and_o they_o will_v occasion_v in_o he_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o hurtful_a folly_n and_o passion_n and_o as_o little_a profit_n or_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n can_v arise_v from_o the_o wealth_n or_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n these_o can_v cure_v a_o shameful_a vice_n nor_o conceal_v but_o rather_o expose_v it_o they_o can_v allay_v a_o uneasy_a turbulent_a passion_n but_o rather_o inflame_v such_o they_o can_v heal_v any_o of_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n nor_o adorn_v it_o and_o make_v it_o amiable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n they_o can_v atone_v for_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o get_v they_o he_o that_o sell_v his_o soul_n for_o wealth_n can_v ransom_n it_o again_o therewith_o they_o be_v great_o mistake_v when_o they_o think_v that_o a_o few_o outward_a act_n of_o charity_n at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o covetousness_n and_o extortion_n rapine_n and_o fraud_n practise_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o they_o the_o sinner_n by_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o care_n get_v no_o interest_n in_o god_n the_o chief_a good_a though_o he_o possess_v vast_a heap_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o have_v no_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n though_o he_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o as_o he_o think_v for_o many_o year_n yet_o have_v he_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o a_o happy_a eternity_n he_o do_v not_o pursue_v and_o therefore_o can_v gain_v in_o his_o way_n the_o chief_a and_o most_o important_a good_a thing_n the_o most_o necessary_a and_o the_o eternal_a one_o he_o gain_v but_o some_o of_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a rank_n with_o the_o best_a success_n of_o all_o his_o endeavour_n very_o fit_o then_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v the_o wiseman_n say_v the_o treasure_n of_o wickedness_n profit_n nothing_o but_o righteousness_n deliver_v from_o death_n prov._n 10._o 2._o it_o be_v as_o nothing_o all_o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o receive_v from_o they_o in_o comparison_n to_o this_o great_a benefit_n which_o we_o want_v and_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bestow_v 3._o for_o further_a proof_n of_o our_o text_n it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o whatsoever_o worth_n or_o goodness_n there_o be_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n gain_v by_o wicked_a practice_n the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o it_o be_v mighty_o allay_v and_o sometime_o utter_o spoil_v by_o the_o usual_a attendant_n of_o their_o wickedness_n it_o be_v true_o say_v in_o scripture_n that_o evil_a pursuit_n sinner_n and_o this_o it_o do_v so_o fatal_o and_o sure_o that_o it_o common_o mar_v even_o their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v all_o the_o portion_n of_o good_a that_o they_o enjoy_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o which_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 22._o 17._o bread_n of_o deceit_n be_v sweet_a to_o a_o man_n but_o afterward_o his_o mouth_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o gravel_n something_n or_o other_o there_o shall_v usual_o be_v to_o spoil_v the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o wickedness_n i_o shall_v mention_v some_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v also_o the_o usual_a attendant_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o restless_a crave_n of_o inordinate_a lust_n do_v often_o spoil_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o a_o man_n enjoyment_n when_o he_o have_v what_o he_o seek_v and_o it_o may_v be_v sell_v his_o soul_n for_o it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v but_o rather_o increase_v and_o inflame_v the_o desire_n it_o feed_v vicious_a desire_n and_o the_o sinner_n be_v such_o a_o one_o be_v usual_o boundless_a and_o unsatiable_a too_o it_o do_v but_o increase_v with_o gain_v the_o thing_n that_o gratify_v it_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o honour_n solomen_n say_v he_o that_o love_v silver_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o silver_n nor_o he_o that_o love_v abundance_n with_o increase_n eccles_n 5._o 10._o and_o with_o respect_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n he_o say_v the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n with_o hear_v a_o exorbitant_a and_o vicious_a thirst_n be_v not_o quench_v by_o the_o large_a draught_n of_o pleasure_n though_o nature_n just_a and_o moderate_a desire_n may_v be_v and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o ambitious_a man_n one_o step_v of_o honour_n make_v he_o desirous_a of_o another_o and_o after_o the_o addition_n of_o one_o city_n or_o province_n to_o his_o dominion_n he_o thirst_v for_o more_o gather_v gold_n say_v one_o heap_v up_o silver_n build_v stately_a walk_n fill_v the_o house_n with_o slave_n the_o city_n with_o client_n or_o creditor_n if_o you_o can_v compose_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o you_o can_v put_v a_o end_n to_o unsatiable_a desire_n if_o you_o can_v free_v yourself_o from_o vex_v care_n and_o fear_n you_o but_o give_v wine_n to_o one_o in_o a_o high_a fever_n or_o honey_n to_o one_o sick_a of_o the_o jaundice_n this_o gratification_n do_v but_o increase_v the_o disease_n and_o then_o a_o man_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o lust_n and_o must_v toil_v with_o endless_a labour_n to_o satisfy_v that_o which_o can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v and_o his_o enjoyment_n do_v not_o so_o much_o sweeten_v his_o labour_n as_o his_o labour_n spoil_v his_o enjoyment_n this_o continual_a crave_n be_v like_o a_o continual_a thirst_n or_o a_o rage_a hunger_n his_o desire_n of_o have_v more_o often_o make_v he_o even_o despise_v what_o he_o have_v already_o gain_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o fit_a to_o content_v he_o and_o he_o do_v in_o effect_n want_v what_o he_o have_v while_o it_o can_v give_v he_o content_a and_o rest_n he_o want_v not_o the_o less_o for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v gain_v since_o his_o desire_n and_o lust_n increase_v with_o his_o acquisition_n he_o hazard_v what_o he_o have_v to_o gain_v more_o sometime_o and_o it_o may_v be_v like_o the_o dog_n in_o the_o fable_n lose_v it_o too_o thus_o be_v the_o sinner_n hinder_v from_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o gain_v by_o wickedness_n 2._o this_o also_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o from_o the_o hatred_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n which_o he_o incur_v by_o his_o wicked_a practice_n he_o that_o get_v what_o he_o have_v by_o the_o wrong_n and_o abuse_v of_o his_o neighbour_n must_v needs_o incur_v their_o hatred_n and_o envy_n with_o it_o if_o a_o man_n hand_n like_o ishmael_n be_v against_o every_o other_o man_n that_o he_o may_v promote_v his_o own_o advantage_n than_o every_o other_o man_n hand_n will_v be_v against_o he_o wickedness_n natural_o tend_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n but_o justice_n and_o goodness_n tend_v to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v it_o he_o that_o love_v shall_v be_v love_v he_o that_o hate_v shall_v be_v hate_v he_o that_o wrong_v man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o wrong_v he_o and_o he_o that_o seek_v no_o body_n good_a but_o his_o own_o no_o body_n will_v seek_v his_o good_n some_o render_v the_o word_n of_o our_o text_n he_o that_o sow_v iniquity_n shall_v reap_v iniquity_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v what_o measure_v you_o mete_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o you_o again_o but_o thus_o be_v the_o care_n and_o anxiety_n of_o the_o sinner_n increase_v which_o the_o mistake_a man_n think_v he_o shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o by_o his_o gain_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n nemo_fw-la autem_fw-la sollicito_fw-la bono_fw-mi fruitur_fw-la say_v the_o moralist_n this_o care_n and_o fear_n hinder_v the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n it_o be_v through_o many_o hazard_n and_o much_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n perhaps_o that_o he_o get_v what_o he_o have_v and_o now_o he_o have_v not_o a_o safe_a or_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o such_o man_n say_v they_o be_v set_v in_o slippery_a place_n psal_n 37._o 18._o when_o the_o sinner_n have_v good_n lay_v up_o sufficient_a for_o many_o year_n yet_o he_o can_v always_o say_v
let_v we_o further_o take_v notice_n and_o consider_v that_o this_o present_a life_n be_v altogether_o transitory_a the_o life_n of_o man_n flee_v as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o we_o may_v think_v it_o stay_v with_o we_o but_o it_o do_v not_o it_o continual_o pass_v away_o every_o shadow_n be_v in_o continual_a motion_n as_o the_o sun_n that_o make_v it_o do_v constant_o move_v and_o so_o this_o short_a life_n be_v continual_o pass_v away_o it_o never_o make_v one_o moment_n stop_v and_o sure_o that_o which_o be_v but_o short_a and_o yet_o be_v continual_o pass_v must_v needs_o be_v quick_o do_v we_o have_v here_o no_o continue_a city_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o heb._n 13._o 14._o we_o be_v but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o earth_n heb._n 11._o 13._o we_o can_v have_v here_o a_o settle_a abide_n state_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o apprehend_v how_o transitory_a our_o life_n be_v let_v we_o fix_v our_o eye_n sometime_o or_o our_o thought_n at_o present_a upon_o a_o rapid_a and_o violent_a stream_n as_o in_o a_o river_n one_o wave_n thrust_v on_o another_o and_o while_o we_o look_v on_o still_o new_a water_n succeed_v to_o our_o view_n so_o one_o year_n one_o day_n one_o moment_n thrust_v on_o and_o succeed_v another_o this_o day_n will_v not_o stay_v with_o we_o any_o more_o than_o all_o that_o be_v go_v before_o it_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o whatever_o we_o be_v do_v life_n spend_v and_o waste_v itself_o precious_a time_n be_v spend_v whatever_o else_o we_o save_v or_o get_v while_o we_o work_v while_o we_o sleep_v life_n go_v on_o if_o we_o be_v busy_a if_o we_o be_v idle_a it_o will_v not_o stay_v for_o we_o but_o pass_v away_o our_o life_n pass_v like_o a_o shadow_n with_o a_o very_a silent_a and_o unheeded_a pace_n but_o a_o very_a steady_a and_o constant_a one_o and_o thus_o indeed_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o steal_v away_o from_o a_o great_a many_o of_o we_o it_o be_v go_v ere_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o while_o we_o be_v promise_v ourselves_o what_o we_o will_v do_v for_o our_o own_o advantage_n and_o comfort_v hereafter_o while_o we_o be_v expect_v what_o the_o time_n to_o come_v will_v do_v for_o we_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v some_o of_o it_o come_v and_o go_v this_o time_n to_o come_v grow_v every_o day_n less_o and_o less_o time_n fly_v away_o we_o can_v hold_v it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v go_v will_v never_o be_v recall_v we_o can_v neither_o keep_v it_o with_o we_o nor_o bring_v it_o back_o again_o all_o the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o philosophy_n and_o physic_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o old_a man_n young_a we_o may_v redeem_v time_n by_o a_o wise_a and_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o that_o we_o have_v but_o can_v never_o recall_v it_o and_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v reckon_v a_o very_a transitory_a thing_n which_o be_v always_o spend_v and_o pass_v and_o will_v never_o recover_v or_o return_v this_o life_n we_o shall_v never_o live_v over_o again_o when_o it_o be_v once_o go_v this_o we_o can_v hope_v for_o though_o we_o may_v hope_v for_o or_o fear_v another_o i_o think_v enough_o be_v now_o say_v to_o illustrate_v the_o three_o particular_n contain_v in_o our_o text._n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o mention_v and_o urge_v the_o improvement_n and_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o this_o i_o shall_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n to_o direct_v our_o behaviour_n hereby_o both_o towards_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o for_o some_o important_a instruction_n regard_v both_o may_v be_v derive_v from_o these_o particular_n let_v we_o see_v first_o what_o behaviour_n they_o require_v of_o we_o relate_v to_o this_o world_n this_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o since_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o we_o in_o this_o world_n it_o shall_v make_v our_o desire_n towards_o all_o thing_n here_o very_o moderate_a and_o regular_a it_o can_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o be_v very_o much_o concern_v about_o matter_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o long_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o it_o be_v very_o foolish_a to_o let_v our_o thought_n abide_v and_o fix_v where_o we_o ourselves_o can_v since_o this_o life_n be_v frail_a and_o short_a and_o yet_o transitory_a too_o this_o utter_o forbid_v we_o to_o engage_v all_o our_o thought_n about_o it_o to_o let_v it_o employ_v all_o our_o care_n to_o suffer_v all_o our_o wish_n and_o endeavour_n and_o our_o whole_a soul_n to_o pursue_v any_o thing_n here_o it_o forbid_v a_o eager_a and_o uneasy_a concern_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v not_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o pine_v and_o grieve_v much_o for_o the_o want_n of_o that_o which_o i_o can_v but_o a_o little_a while_n enjoy_v since_o we_o can_v possess_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o a_o very_a little_a while_n we_o must_v be_v long_o without_o they_o and_o shall_v content_v and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v uneasy_a under_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n say_v to_o yourself_o if_o i_o can_v be_v a_o few_o day_n without_o such_o a_o thing_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v many_o year_n without_o it_o as_o i_o must_v be_v all_o the_o while_n that_o my_o body_n shall_v lie_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o my_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o this_o world_n how_o shall_v i_o bear_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o without_o it_o as_o i_o must_v be_v when_o all_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o at_o a_o end_n this_o further_a forbid_v all_o our_o anxiety_n and_o solicitude_n about_o the_o time_n to_o come_v some_o hardly_o enjoy_v what_o they_o be_v and_o have_v at_o present_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o care_n and_o fear_n about_o what_o may_v be_v hereafter_o the_o time_n to_o come_v can_v be_v a_o long_a time_n when_o it_o be_v but_o part_n of_o a_o short_a life_n and_o let_v every_o man_n think_v with_o himself_o while_o i_o be_o solicitous_a about_o the_o remainder_n of_o my_o day_n they_o grow_v still_o few_o and_o few_o and_o so_o i_o have_v still_o the_o less_o reason_n for_o my_o care_n about_o they_o further_o this_o shall_v effectual_o restrain_v man_n from_o all_o ill_a way_n of_o seek_v the_o convenience_n of_o this_o present_a life_n we_o desire_v that_o too_o much_o whatever_o be_v it_o that_o we_o resolve_v to_o obtain_v by_o any_o mean_v all_o the_o happiness_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v be_v not_o worthy_a of_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o he_o pay_v too_o dear_a for_o the_o best_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n who_o purchase_v they_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o his_o innocence_n treasure_n get_v by_o wickedness_n profit_v not_o he_o that_o allow_v himself_o to_o be_v wicked_a that_o he_o may_v accomplish_v his_o desire_n lose_v much_o to_o gain_v a_o little_a he_o forfeit_v the_o true_a happiness_n to_o gain_v a_o false_a one_o for_o transitory_a satisfaction_n he_o abdicate_v abide_v pleasure_n he_o lose_v eternal_a good_n to_o gain_v temporal_a and_o incur_v everlasting_a misery_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o very_a short_a and_o transient_a and_o small_a felicity_n what_o proportion_n can_v there_o be_v between_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o ravish_a most_o satisfy_a and_o eternal_a and_o the_o short_a flash_n of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n which_o this_o world_n afford_v or_o what_o recompense_n can_v these_o feeble_a and_o short_a pleasure_n make_v for_o the_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o most_o exquisite_a and_o eternal_a torment_n nothing_o then_o can_v be_v so_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o the_o guilty_a pursuit_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 2._o the_o shortness_n and_o frailty_n of_o this_o present_a life_n may_v teach_v we_o to_o use_v with_o fobriety_n and_o temperance_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n a_o quite_o contrary_a use_n i_o know_v be_v make_v of_o this_o consideration_n by_o too_o many_o but_o how_o absurd_o and_o foolish_o will_v appear_v upon_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n they_o allow_v themselves_o the_o most_o excessive_a gratification_n of_o their_o appetite_n in_o gluttony_n drunkenness_n and_o uncleanness_n yea_o they_o endeavour_v and_o study_v to_o inflame_v their_o appetite_n and_o make_v they_o immoderate_a and_o excessive_a that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o more_o pleasure_n in_o gratify_v they_o and_o because_o they_o can_v live_v but_o a_o little_a while_o they_o will_v live_v apace_o but_o unless_o the_o way_n be_v a_o great_a deal_n long_o to_o the_o grave_a than_o it_o be_v methinks_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o hurry_v thither_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o live_v out_o a_o short_a life_n apace_o thus_o they_o shorten_v the_o life_n which_o will_v not_o be_v very_o long_o
how_o easy_a and_o calm_v a_o condition_n may_v that_o man_n mind_n be_v in_o at_o all_o time_n who_o have_v this_o assurance_n further_o we_o must_v reckon_v that_o this_o consideration_n exceed_o heighten_v the_o sweetness_n of_o every_o good_a we_o enjoy_v to_o consider_v this_o be_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n to_o i_o i_o receive_v this_o enjoyment_n from_o the_o peculiar_a love_n of_o god_n to_o i_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o pain_n and_o labour_n add_v much_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o blessing_n contribute_v much_o more_o when_o i_o can_v say_v this_o that_o i_o now_o have_v proceed_v from_o that_o special_a favour_n of_o heaven_n which_o take_v care_n of_o i_o 4._o last_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n give_v to_o those_o who_o he_o so_o love_v a_o assure_a and_o safe_a right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o everlasting_a blessedness_n which_o be_v to_o come_v they_o be_v the_o certain_a heir_n of_o heaven_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o this_o love_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v they_o eternal_a life_n his_o love_n will_v never_o cease_v blessing_n they_o till_o it_o have_v make_v they_o perfect_o bless_v till_o it_o have_v cure_v all_o their_o imperfection_n have_v supply_v all_o their_o want_n have_v remove_v from_o they_o all_o evil_a and_o set_v they_o safe_a in_o perfect_a bliss_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o future_a blessedness_n which_o they_o be_v design_v for_o no_o desirable_a thing_n shall_v be_v want_v there_o neither_o shall_v any_o evil_a encumber_v it_o and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o rich_a and_o bounteous_a and_o everlasting_a portion_n of_o those_o who_o god_n love_v they_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o good_a work_n of_o sanctification_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o they_o shall_v be_v perfect_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v keep_v they_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o preserve_v they_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o how_o comfortable_o must_v a_o man_n spend_v his_o day_n under_o this_o joyful_a expectation_n every_o thing_n here_o may_v mind_v he_o of_o his_o home_n the_o happy_a canaan_n above_o the_o good_a thing_n here_o may_v tell_v he_o of_o better_a there_o and_o when_o any_o of_o these_o please_v he_o can_v say_v how_o much_o more_o pleasant_a be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v there_o the_o grief_n on_o earth_n may_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o when_o any_o thing_n trouble_v he_o here_o he_o can_v consider_v there_o be_v no_o such_o trouble_n there_o the_o mutation_n of_o earthly_a thing_n may_v call_v to_o his_o mind_n the_o stability_n and_o durableness_n of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o this_o may_v comfort_v when_o the_o other_o vex_v he_o how_o pleasant_o do_v he_o spend_v his_o day_n that_o be_v all_o his_o life_n long_o travel_v towards_o heaven_n it_o do_v not_o trouble_v he_o to_o perceive_v his_o time_n waste_n and_o spend_v its_o self_n apace_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v remove_v to_o heaven_n already_o and_o he_o be_v glad_a that_o time_n make_v haste_n to_o remove_v his_o person_n thither_o too_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v continual_o do_v so_o he_o know_v that_o whenever_o time_n shall_v commit_v he_o to_o eternity_n he_o shall_v go_v from_o low_a degree_n of_o happiness_n to_o high_a from_o that_o which_o suffer_v some_o interruption_n here_o at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o to_o that_o which_o shall_v never_o know_v any_o interruption_n the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n may_v have_v some_o interval_n of_o darkness_n now_o mingle_v with_o it_o but_o than_o it_o shall_v shine_v bright_a upon_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o make_v a_o continual_o happy_a day_n of_o glory_n he_o go_v from_o a_o mix_a happiness_n to_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a one_o he_o do_v not_o go_v naked_a out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o well_o provide_v for_o in_o another_o since_o god_n will_v there_o be_v his_o everlasting_a portion_n and_o exceed_v great_a reward_n now_o i_o have_v do_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o desirable_a good_a and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o the_o best_a spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o comfort_n i_o have_v dwell_v long_o upon_o this_o as_o i_o say_v the_o discourse_n will_v chief_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o and_o may_v i_o think_v be_v excuse_v for_o stay_v long_o among_o so_o many_o pleasant_a thought_n as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n suggest_v application_n i_o shall_v say_v but_o little_a now_o for_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n because_o i_o intend_v the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o be_v applicatory_a of_o this_o for_o the_o present_a let_v we_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o do_v not_o these_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o condemn_v both_o in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o all_o the_o neglect_n there_o be_v among_o we_o of_o so_o matchless_a a_o benefit_n be_v it_o not_o a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o mankind_n shall_v neglect_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v common_a and_o general_a among_o man_n to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o concern_v for_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o the_o world_n the_o psalmist_n here_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o alas_o the_o many_o follow_v other_o good_n and_o neglect_v this_o they_o spend_v their_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o their_o money_n for_o that_o which_o will_v not_o profit_v and_o neglect_v the_o true_a felicity_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o little_o mind_v in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o secure_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o guilty_a of_o this_o that_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o in_o themselves_o let_v we_o see_v then_o who_o must_v be_v charge_v with_o this_o folly_n that_o so_o we_o may_v discover_v what_o there_o be_v of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o some_o look_n upon_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o a_o thing_n that_o will_v come_v of_o its_o self_n without_o any_o seek_n or_o endeavour_n after_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a cheap_a thing_n in_o their_o opinion_n of_o it_o they_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o they_o think_v he_o can_v be_v affront_v or_o displease_v but_o will_v love_v they_o however_o they_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o he_o they_o think_v he_o will_v love_v they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o much_o care_n for_o his_o love_n though_o they_o never_o seek_v though_o they_o continual_o forfeit_v and_o despise_v it_o they_o think_v indeed_o that_o he_o will_v cast_v pearl_n before_o swine_n many_o real_o do_v not_o value_v the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o necessity_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o they_o have_v god_n himself_o very_o little_a in_o their_o thought_n and_o so_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o they_o consider_v not_o the_o importance_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o his_o love_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o a_o overrule_v providence_n mingle_v its_o self_n with_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v all_o they_o enjoy_v from_o he_o that_o they_o must_v be_v behold_v to_o he_o for_o a_o happy_a life_n on_o earth_n and_o they_o banish_v utter_o from_o their_o thought_n all_o concern_v and_o care_n about_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v not_o any_o thing_n prefer_v by_o a_o great_a many_o before_o this_o that_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o do_v they_o not_o value_v a_o little_a unprofitabl_a gain_n a_o little_a foolish_a pleasure_n a_o little_a slippery_a honour_n and_o the_o most_o transient_a gratisication_n of_o their_o desire_n of_o any_o sort_n more_o than_o the_o love_n of_o a_o infinite_a eternal_a god_n do_v not_o man_n common_o expect_v their_o happiness_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n from_o what_o they_o can_v see_v or_o taste_v or_o feel_v be_v not_o sensible_a thing_n most_o sensible_a to_o the_o dull_a and_o carnal_a mind_n of_o man_n how_o little_a charm_n or_o invitation_n have_v this_o thin_a invisible_a blessing_n with_o it_o to_o a_o great_a many_o they_o forget_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a that_o spiritu-thing_n be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o considerable_a spiritual_a thing_n be_v as_o nothing_o to_o they_o they_o have_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o mind_n exercise_v to_o discern_v such_o thing_n and_o further_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o never_o have_v a_o
way_n to_o pursue_v it_o he_o that_o find_v not_o this_o in_o one_o sort_n and_o train_n of_o vice_n will_v hope_v to_o find_v it_o in_o another_o he_o that_o see_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o voluptuousness_n and_o pleasure_n will_n after_o that_o think_v there_o be_v great_a reward_n in_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n great_a happiness_n in_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n which_o he_o think_v to_o gain_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o delusion_n continue_v with_o many_o man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n and_o to_o their_o final_a and_o eternal_a vexation_n and_o disappointment_n i_o shall_v therefore_o industrious_o prove_v this_o truth_n and_o then_o add_v some_o application_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o this_o that_o he_o that_o sow_v iniquity_n shall_v reap_v vanity_n if_o we_o will_v consider_v well_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o sinner_n do_v not_o always_o gain_v the_o thing_n he_o pursue_v by_o his_o guilty_a endeavour_n a_o overrule_a providence_n govern_v all_o thing_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v whatsoever_o the_o universal_a and_o sovereign_a disposer_n please_v and_o this_o providence_n often_o blast_v the_o endeavour_n of_o wicked_a men._n the_o lawless_a voluptuary_n can_v always_o catch_v the_o guilty_a pleasure_n he_o pursue_v every_o covetous_a man_n can_v be_v rich_a nor_o do_v ambition_n certain_o rise_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n and_o respect_n it_o aspire_v to_o we_o may_v often_o see_v man_n give_v themselves_o up_o to_o worldly_a pursuit_n and_o neglect_v every_o thing_n else_o and_o yet_o that_o they_o can_v with_o all_o this_o application_n and_o endeavour_n gain_v but_o very_o little_a of_o this_o world_n we_o may_v often_o see_v that_o the_o very_a way_n they_o take_v to_o accomplish_v their_o desire_n as_o seem_v to_o they_o the_o most_o likely_a to_o do_v so_o do_v tend_v to_o frustrate_v they_o the_o wise_a man_n express_v this_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o covetousness_n prov._n 11._o 24._o there_o be_v that_o scatter_v and_o yet_o increase_v say_v he_o and_o there_o be_v that_o withholdeth_a more_o than_o be_v meet_v and_o it_o tend_v to_o poverty_n a_o man_n may_v liberal_o bestow_v all_o that_o be_v due_a to_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o generosity_n and_o yet_o increase_v and_o another_o may_v think_v to_o grow_v rich_a by_o fordo_v save_v by_o withhold_v his_o neighbour_n due_a by_o crafty_a and_o fraudulent_a bargain_n by_o refrain_v from_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o generosity_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o thrive_a trick_n may_v be_v but_o poor_a in_o this_o respect_n be_v their_o iniquity_n vain_a that_o it_o do_v not_o always_o attain_v the_o thing_n it_o seek_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n must_v sometime_o meet_v with_o this_o sort_n of_o disappointment_n since_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wicked_a prov._n 3._o 33._o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o shall_v work_v to_o the_o sinner_n vexation_n and_o misery_n in_o one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o it_o do_v this_o sometime_o in_o this_o way_n though_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o god_n do_v many_o time_n give_v man_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o seek_v even_o by_o guilty_a endeavour_n he_o let_v the_o wicked_a voluptuary_n accomplish_v his_o guilty_a desire_n and_o the_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a person_n thrive_v in_o wealth_n and_o rise_v to_o honour_n by_o ill_a art_n there_o be_v many_o a_o villainy_n thus_o far_o prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o to_o make_v good_a still_o what_o our_o text_n say_v it_o may_v be_v add_v 2._o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v gain_v by_o wickedness_n be_v of_o very_o little_a worth_n and_o goodness_n the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o empty_a thing_n the_o sinner_n gain_v but_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n the_o accommodation_n of_o this_o present_a life_n he_o at_o best_o enjoy_v but_o creature_n and_o they_o have_v all_o their_o sufficiency_n from_o god_n their_o great_a goodness_n come_v from_o his_o blessing_n and_o that_o the_o sinner_n can_v enjoy_v with_o they_o they_o be_v like_o gaudy_a cloud_n but_o such_o as_o be_v empty_a and_o without_o rain_n they_o be_v as_o break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n the_o sinner_n feed_v on_o husk_n like_o the_o wretched_a prodigal_n these_o thing_n may_v please_v he_o much_o while_o they_o be_v new_a but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o have_v suck_v out_o all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o they_o and_o they_o please_v no_o more_o and_o like_o the_o bee_n he_o often_o spoil_v the_o flower_n which_o he_o suck_v the_o honey_n of_o his_o pleasure_n from_o how_o often_o may_v we_o see_v those_o enjoyment_n after_o a_o little_a while_n loathe_v and_o disdain_v which_o be_v seek_v with_o the_o most_o earnest_a desire_n which_o the_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o gain_v they_o and_o which_o at_o first_o perhaps_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v take_v a_o great_a and_o a_o long_a delight_n in_o what_o he_o think_v will_v be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n and_o happiness_n he_o after_o a_o little_a while_n find_v to_o be_v a_o ungrateful_a drudgery_n and_o that_o which_o he_o expect_v will_v be_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o life_n prove_v the_o redious_a burden_n of_o it_o man_n common_o expect_v more_o from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v and_o so_o be_v disappoint_v beside_o the_o goodness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v get_v by_o wickedness_n terminate_v in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n all_o the_o reward_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o outward_a good_n they_o may_v serve_v sometime_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o his_o body_n but_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o they_o can_v serve_v all_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o body_n neither_o so_o little_a goodness_n and_o worth_n be_v in_o they_o a_o man_n wealth_n and_o great_a estate_n can_v give_v he_o a_o strong_a constitution_n nor_o certain_o preserve_v he_o in_o health_n nor_o always_o purchase_v the_o recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v as_o by_o all_o our_o take_n think_v we_o can_v make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a nor_o add_v one_o cubit_n to_o the_o stature_n wealth_n can_v make_v the_o crooked_a body_n straight_o nor_o the_o deform_a beautiful_a the_o body_n may_v be_v please_v but_o it_o be_v hurt_v too_o by_o guilty_a and_o intemperate_a pleasure_n they_o destroy_v the_o appetite_n they_o please_v they_o impair_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o wither_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v usual_o close_o attend_v with_o uneasy_a loathe_n and_o painful_a disease_n wealth_n and_o honour_n can_v defend_v a_o man_n from_o a_o pestilential_a air_n nor_o possible_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v sometime_o incommode_v by_o extremity_n of_o wether_n they_o can_v purchase_v he_o a_o fair_a day_n nor_o a_o warm_a or_o cool_a one_o according_a as_o he_o have_v occasion_n these_o can_v reprieve_v a_o man_n from_o the_o grave_a nor_o cure_v he_o of_o mortality_n the_o rich_a as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a the_o honourable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_a must_v die_v and_o go_v down_o to_o the_o place_n of_o darkness_n and_o contempt_n they_o that_o trust_v in_o their_o wealth_n and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o riches_n say_v the_o psalmist_n none_o of_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n redeem_v his_o brother_n nor_o give_v to_o god_n a_o ransom_n for_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o not_o see_v corruption_n psal_n 49._o 6_o 7_o 9_o thus_o they_o be_v but_o some_o of_o our_o necessity_n that_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n can_v serve_v and_o they_o be_v only_o outward_a one_o too_o as_o well_o as_o not_o all_o they_o and_o beside_o as_o be_v say_v these_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v his_o noble_a part_n his_o soul_n be_v utter_o neglect_v and_o the_o interest_n of_o that_o be_v forget_v and_o quit_v while_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n pursue_v and_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o mind_n can_v take_v no_o delight_n in_o guilty_a and_o forbid_a pleasure_n it_o be_v never_o exercise_v in_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o they_o but_o with_o pain_n and_o torment_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o solomon_n say_v of_o they_o prov._n 14._o 13._o in_o laughter_n the_o heart_n be_v say_v and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n and_o as_o it_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o these_o so_o much_o rather_o have_v it_o no_o profit_n or_o advantage_n from_o they_o they_o indeed_o hurt_v and_o prejudice_v the_o soul_n they_o suppress_v and_o
soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n eat_v drink_n and_o be_v merry_a because_o he_o be_v alarm_v with_o fear_n of_o lose_v what_o he_o have_v and_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o condition_n he_o be_v now_o perhaps_o in_o more_o care_n and_o engage_v in_o great_a toil_n and_o labour_n to_o keep_v than_o it_o cost_v he_o to_o get_v what_o he_o have_v and_o thus_o be_v he_o further_o hinder_v from_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o 3._o this_o very_a often_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o smart_a lash_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n his_o own_o mind_n will_v not_o let_v he_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v with_o any_o comfort_n while_o that_o be_v upbraid_v and_o condemn_v he_o for_o base_a treachery_n and_o perfidiousness_n or_o barbarous_a cruelty_n and_o oppression_n which_o he_o use_v in_o the_o get_n it_o that_o give_v he_o great_a disturbance_n while_o it_o call_v he_o fool_n and_o brute_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o guilty_a pleasure_n and_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o hurt_v his_o body_n impair_v his_o estate_n wrong_n his_o neighbour_n offend_v god_n while_o he_o follow_v they_o what_o pleasure_n can_v a_o man_n take_v in_o the_o applause_n of_o flatterer_n in_o the_o respect_n of_o inferior_n while_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o god_n above_o hate_n and_o despise_v he_o with_o the_o world_n of_o holy_a spirit_n he_o be_v odious_a and_o contemptible_a there_o can_v be_v no_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o a_o man_n have_v while_o his_o mind_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v all_o forfeit_v by_o his_o sin_n he_o have_v it_o not_o with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o with_o his_o displeasure_n that_o he_o who_o he_o have_v offend_v in_o get_v it_o can_v take_v it_o away_o when_o he_o please_v that_o he_o be_v therefore_o in_o continual_a danger_n of_o lose_v it_o all_o he_o be_v always_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o he_o can_v hope_v to_o defend_v himself_o from_o man_n he_o can_v hope_v to_o defend_v himself_o from_o god_n how_o unhappy_a must_v he_o be_v who_o consider_v that_o as_o he_o have_v heap_v up_o riches_n he_o have_v treasure_v wrath_n too_o that_o this_o wrath_n shall_v be_v likely_a to_o course_v his_o family_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v gather_v for_o they_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v lie_v heavy_a upon_o himself_o at_o far_a when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o must_v go_v to_o give_v a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o it_o be_v no_o profit_n to_o a_o man_n so_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o if_o he_o will_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n for_o it_o and_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o the_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v often_o afflict_v a_o man_n with_o but_o the_o sting_n and_o rebuke_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v make_v themselves_o incomparable_o more_o sensible_a than_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n can_v be_v for_o while_o these_o stroke_n and_o tickle_v the_o sense_n and_o reach_v but_o to_o the_o body_n they_o pierce_v even_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o some_o philosopher_n will_v speak_v and_o fix_v themselves_o and_o dwell_v there_o 4._o this_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o sinner_n here_o we_o may_v remember_v again_o what_o be_v say_v before_o that_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o in_o judgement_n give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o violent_a lust_n he_o condemn_v they_o to_o suffer_v the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o appetite_n their_o heart_n shall_v be_v continual_o knaw_v with_o envy_n their_o spirit_n may_v be_v oppress_v with_o excessive_a grief_n even_o for_o the_o small_a or_o for_o mere_o imaginary_a inconvenience_n their_o mind_n shall_v be_v roast_v and_o continual_o agitate_a with_o vain_a fear_n doubtful_a and_o anxious_a hope_n with_o restless_a and_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o what_o comfort_n can_v a_o man_n take_v in_o his_o life_n when_o he_o be_v torment_v with_o these_o painful_a disease_n of_o the_o mind_n what_o can_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o offence_n and_o distaste_n weariness_n and_o tribulation_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o moderate_v a_o passion_n to_o curb_v a_o desire_n to_o mortify_v a_o vice_n and_o so_o be_v subject_a to_o divers_a master_n be_v enslave_v to_o many_o tyrant_n and_o expose_v to_o a_o multitude_n of_o tormentor_n which_o like_o a_o legion_n of_o devil_n will_v not_o let_v a_o man_n rest_n day_n nor_o night_n beside_o we_o be_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n surround_v with_o many_o outward_a calamity_n expose_v to_o innumerable_a evil_n and_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a among_o they_o but_o from_o the_o constant_a protection_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o this_o the_o sinner_n have_v no_o right_a to_o and_o he_o often_o want_v it_o the_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n often_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o assault_n of_o these_o and_o sometime_o one_o cross_n shall_v make_v he_o uneasy_a and_o when_o that_o be_v go_v another_o shall_v vex_v he_o one_o while_o he_o shall_v be_v afflict_v with_o pain_n at_o another_o time_n with_o loss_n at_o another_o with_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n set_v himself_o to_o mingle_v sorrow_n and_o grief_n and_o inconvenience_n with_o his_o portion_n he_o will_v not_o let_v he_o enjoy_v any_o thing_n pure_a or_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o some_o sorrow_n in_o it_o and_o further_o there_o be_v sometime_o a_o strange_a and_o secret_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n attend_v the_o sinner_n which_o hinder_v he_o from_o take_v any_o delight_n or_o comfort_n in_o what_o he_o have_v and_o we_o can_v hardly_o tell_v why_o he_o do_v not_o this_o be_v express_v by_o solomon_n eccles._n 6._o 2._o where_o he_o say_v he_o have_v see_v a_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v riches_n wealth_n and_o honour_n so_o that_o he_o want_v nothing_o for_o his_o soul_n of_o all_o that_o he_o desire_v yet_o god_n have_v not_o give_v he_o power_n to_o eat_v thereof_o that_o be_v god_n withhold_v from_o he_o a_o power_n to_o enjoy_v to_o comfort_v himself_o and_o take_v delight_n in_o what_o he_o have_v this_o be_v a_o strange_a case_n but_o be_v what_o we_o may_v see_v sometime_o happen_v we_o may_v see_v some_o pine_a and_o discontent_a in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o they_o think_v to_o be_v very_o happy_a and_o they_o can_v give_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o they_o can_v take_v delight_n in_o what_o they_o think_v will_v have_v be_v very_o delightful_a and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o to_o other_o but_o the_o power_n to_o enjoy_v be_v it_o seem_v from_o god_n and_o be_v another_o and_o a_o different_a gift_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o possess_v and_o the_o sinner_n may_v gain_v large_a possession_n by_o his_o guilty_a endeavour_n but_o may_v want_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o power_n to_o enjoy_v they_o how_o many_o covetous_a person_n may_v we_o see_v want_v what_o they_o have_v while_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o use_v it_o to_o their_o credit_n or_o comfort_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v such_o man_n make_v rich_a and_o many_o may_v we_o see_v think_v themselves_o mighty_a unhappy_a in_o circumstance_n which_o other_o be_v ready_a to_o envy_v and_o afflict_v themselves_o with_o imaginary_a inconvenience_n while_o they_o be_v under_o no_o other_o real_a one_o but_o only_o that_o of_o their_o own_o sick_a and_o foolish_a imagination_n thus_o do_v the_o powerful_a curse_n of_o god_n mingle_v its_o self_n with_o the_o sinner_n portion_n and_o spoil_v the_o pleasure_n of_o what_o he_o have_v while_o he_o possess_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o proof_n of_o our_o text._n 4._o it_o may_v be_v say_v he_o that_o sow_v iniquity_n shall_v reap_v but_o vanity_n in_o that_o all_o the_o felicity_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v of_o a_o very_a short_a and_o a_o transitory_a duration_n let_v he_o gain_v what_o he_o will_v let_v he_o take_v what_o delight_n and_o comfort_n he_o can_v in_o it_o this_o will_v last_v but_o a_o very_a little_a while_n it_o be_v a_o felicity_n but_o of_o a_o few_o moment_n continuance_n his_o happiness_n be_v like_o a_o fire_n of_o thorn_n which_o be_v almost_o as_o soon_o out_o as_o it_o be_v kindle_v it_o can_v last_v no_o long_o than_o this_o present_a life_n and_o then_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v short_a this_o life_n be_v continual_o haste_v away_o and_o so_o be_v all_o his_o happiness_n the_o psalmist_n true_o say_v man_n
a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o he_o flee_v also_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o to_o know_v who_o it_o be_v that_o these_o word_n of_o job_n do_v describe_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o disparage_v a_o character_n we_o need_v but_o look_v back_o to_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o be_v speak_v of_o man._n it_o be_v man_n that_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o he_o flee_v as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o represent_v by_o this_o expression_n the_o contemptible_a and_o wretched_a condition_n of_o our_o present_a life_n which_o we_o very_o foolish_o and_o unreasonable_o dote_v upon_o and_o admire_v this_o life_n on_o earth_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v our_o happy_a state_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v fall_v much_o below_o that_o degree_n of_o happiness_n which_o the_o creator_n have_v intend_v it_o shall_v enjoy_v yet_o this_o pitiful_a state_n be_v that_o the_o wretched_a son_n of_o man_n be_v most_o extreme_o fond_a of_o here_o they_o will_v always_o be_v this_o take_v up_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o care_n they_o know_v or_o at_o least_o mind_n no_o heaven_n but_o earth_n and_o think_v to_o heap_v up_o felicity_n as_o they_o gather_v worldly_a enjoyment_n we_o study_v how_o to_o live_v happy_o till_o we_o die_v and_o dote_v upon_o fade_a pleasure_n as_o if_o we_o be_v always_o to_o enjoy_v they_o we_o common_o live_v here_o as_o if_o after_o this_o life_n we_o be_v to_o be_v no_o long_o and_o there_o be_v no_o better_a thing_n attainable_a than_o what_o this_o life_n possess_v and_o while_o we_o mind_v this_o world_n we_o neglect_v the_o other_o we_o do_v not_o seek_v the_o better_a happiness_n of_o that_o and_o lose_v it_o for_o want_n of_o seek_v it_o yea_o we_o forfeit_v that_o happiness_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o deserve_v and_o incur_v everlasting_a misery_n by_o what_o our_o too_o great_a love_n of_o this_o life_n and_o its_o enjoyment_n do_v engage_v we_o in_o very_o much_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o be_v due_a to_o this_o unhappy_a cause_n to_o render_v a_o temporal_a life_n happy_a as_o we_o suppose_v we_o spoil_v a_o eternal_a one_o or_o incur_v a_o eternal_a death_n we_o serve_v our_o body_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o great_a folly_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n suggest_v by_o that_o question_n mark_v 8._o 36._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 soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n to_o meet_v with_o this_o unhappy_a and_o dangerous_a error_n as_o much_o as_o this_o text_n without_o strain_v it_o will_v allow_v i_o shall_v employ_v the_o follow_a discourse_n about_o three_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o other_o scripture_n what_o intimation_n concern_v our_o present_a life_n this_o text_n afford_v we_o 2._o i_o shall_v insist_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o illustration_n of_o those_o intimation_n 3._o i_o shall_v add_v the_o due_a improvement_n and_o application_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o compare_v this_o text_n of_o scripture_n with_o other_o that_o we_o may_v derive_v from_o it_o the_o more_o certain_o and_o evident_o the_o instruction_n it_o contain_v in_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 24._o it_o be_v say_v all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n fall_v away_o and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o add_v but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o by_o this_o opposition_n of_o the_o word_n that_o endure_v to_o the_o grass_n and_o the_o flower_n of_o it_o which_o fall_v away_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o by_o the_o comparison_n of_o a_o flower_n the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v teach_v we_o this_o life_n be_v not_o of_o long_a continuance_n the_o flower_n be_v the_o short_a live_a part_n even_o of_o those_o plant_n that_o have_v the_o short_a duration_n and_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n fit_a to_o mind_v we_o of_o the_o short_a continuance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n further_o in_o ps_n 103._o v._n 15_o 16._o we_o be_v tell_v as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v go_v this_o short_a live_v flower_n be_v expose_v as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n it_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o destructive_a and_o mortal_a accident_n yea_o if_o but_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o it_o be_v go_v it_o be_v most_o easy_o destroy_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n may_v look_v fair_a and_o beautiful_a but_o have_v very_o little_a strength_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o man_n be_v the_o psalmist_n mean_v here_o he_o be_v as_o feeble_a as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n a_o small_a mischief_n may_v snatch_v he_o away_o in_o his_o prime_n thus_o the_o scripture_n teach_v by_o this_o comparison_n the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o shortness_n of_o human_a life_n again_o in_o psal_n 102._o v._n 11._o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o himself_o say_v my_o day_n be_v like_o a_o shadow_n that_o decline_v which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v while_o my_o affliction_n last_o and_o i_o hope_v for_o better_a day_n my_o life_n decline_v apace_o it_o waste_v continual_o away_o in_o psal_n 144._o v._n 4._o it_o be_v say_v man_n be_v like_a to_o vanity_n his_o day_n be_v as_o a_o shadow_n that_o pass_v away_o from_o these_o scripture_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o by_o the_o comparison_n of_o a_o shadow_n be_v teach_v we_o how_o transitory_a our_o present_a life_n be_v it_o be_v continual_o pass_v away_o and_o spend_v itself_o and_o the_o rather_o may_v we_o be_v allow_v to_o conclude_v this_o from_o our_o present_a text_n because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o man_n he_o flee_v as_o a_o shadow_n and_o then_o it_o be_v add_v too_o he_o continue_v not_o from_o this_o text_n than_o it_o appear_v we_o may_v learn_v these_o three_o serious_a intimation_n 1._o the_o present_a life_n of_o mortal_a man_n be_v very_o short_a as_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o a_o flower_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o feeble_a and_o frail_a be_v most_o easy_o cut_v off_o and_o destroy_v and_o yet_o be_v expose_v too_o as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n 3._o this_o our_o present_a life_n in_o this_o world_n be_v altogether_o transitory_a it_o be_v continual_o pass_v away_o as_o a_o shadow_n always_o move_v and_o pass_v on_o till_o it_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o night_n universal_a darkness_n these_o be_v very_o obvious_a truth_n and_o such_o as_o every_o man_n thought_n may_v easy_o suggest_v to_o he_o and_o they_o be_v very_o important_a and_o worth_a our_o consider_v and_o will_v be_v to_o those_o that_o will_v well_o consider_v they_o the_o spring_n of_o much_o peace_n and_o wisdom_n but_o as_o obvious_a and_o useful_a as_o they_o be_v it_o appear_v they_o be_v much_o neglect_v and_o man_n common_o live_v as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n at_o lest_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o seldom_o or_o never_o consider_v they_o let_v we_o then_o not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o they_o for_o a_o little_a while_n at_o present_a and_o let_v none_o fear_v any_o harm_n will_v follow_v if_o thereby_o they_o shall_v make_v impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n and_o for_o the_o future_a so_o stay_v there_o as_o never_o to_o be_v forget_v again_o the_o next_o thing_n then_o that_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v be_v to_o illustrate_v these_o particular_n to_o express_v and_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o a_o few_o more_o word_n on_o purpose_n that_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v detain_v a_o while_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v they_o some_o advantage_n to_o make_v a_o due_a impression_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o 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