elsewhere_o express_o make_v it_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n heb._n 5._o 9_o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o thereby_o imply_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o obey_v the_o gospel_n heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n rom._n 2._o 7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v give_v eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n i_o can_v well_o imagine_v what_o can_v reasonable_o be_v answer_v to_o such_o plain_a text_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v common_o answer_v namely_o that_o god_n give_v the_o condition_n which_o he_o require_v and_o therefore_o though_o these_o promise_v run_v in_o a_o conditional_a form_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v absolute_a because_o he_o that_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o another_o upon_o a_o condition_n which_o he_o will_v also_o perform_v do_v in_o effect_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n as_o if_o a_o man_n promise_v another_o such_o a_o estate_n upon_o condition_n he_o pay_v such_o a_o sum_n for_o it_o and_o do_v promise_n withal_o to_o furnish_v he_o with_o that_o sum_n this_o in_o effect_n amount_v to_o a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o this_o be_v very_o well_o argue_v if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o but_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o we_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n god_n may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v prevent_v man_n by_o his_o grace_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o continue_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v use_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n nay_o in_o case_n we_o do_v not_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o take_v away_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n from_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a but_o be_v real_o so_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v doubt_v of_o this_o who_o consider_v how_o frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o covenant_n since_o a_o covenant_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n between_o the_o party_n that_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o if_o the_o gospel_n contain_v only_a blessing_n which_o be_v promise_v on_o god_n part_n without_o any_o thing_n require_v to_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o blessing_n than_o the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o promise_n or_o deed_n of_o gift_n make_v over_o certain_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n to_o we_o but_o can_v in_o no_o propriety_n of_o language_n in_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o covenant_n but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v than_o the_o promise_n be_v plain_o conditional_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o that_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o you_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o not_o otherwise_o can_v there_o be_v any_o plain_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n than_o be_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v your_o trespass_n but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n who_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a in_o offer_v such_o great_a blessing_n to_o we_o upon_o any_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v grant_v to_o man_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v they_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o will._n four_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v to_o consider_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a namely_o when_o they_o find_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o promise_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o till_o then_o when_o a_o man_n have_v true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o when_o he_o do_v from_o his_o heart_n forgive_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o have_v lay_v down_o all_o animosity_n against_o they_o and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n then_o have_v he_o a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o may_v apply_v to_o himself_o in_o particular_a what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o general_a that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o all_o his_o transgression_n and_o remember_v his_o iniquity_n no_o more_o when_o a_o man_n do_v constant_o and_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o and_o do_v faithful_o make_v use_n of_o that_o strength_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o than_o he_o may_v expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o further_a degree_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sinsincere_a endeavour_n of_o his_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n than_o he_o may_v with_o comfort_n and_o joy_n wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n then_o he_o may_v with_o confidence_n depend_v upon_o god_n in_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v when_o he_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n than_o he_o may_v likewise_o triumph_v as_o he_o do_v henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o in_o that_o day_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o in_o these_o case_n man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n apply_v to_o themselves_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v so_o far_o he_o must_v necessary_o question_v his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o doctrine_n too_o uncomfortable_a and_o be_v willing_a to_o reject_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o man_n may_v cheat_v themselves_o if_o they_o please_v but_o most_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o find_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n in_o any_o other_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a account_n of_o a_o man_n confidence_n and_o good_a hope_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v any_o promise_n to_o himself_o before_o he_o find_v the_o condition_n in_o himself_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o either_o fancy_n or_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a course_n which_o many_o take_v to_o advise_v and_o exhort_v man_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a unbelief_n in_o not_o doint_v it_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o exhort_v man_n to_o be_v to_o â—ndeavour_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v any_o blessing_n to_o
in_o well-doing_n the_o assurance_n of_o enjoy_v unspeakable_a and_o endless_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n and_o of_o escape_v extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n be_v a_o consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n as_o one_o will_v think_v can_v not_o fail_v of_o its_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o to_o put_v all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o bear_v down_o before_o we_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o this_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o we_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n with_o we_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o other_o argument_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o this_o be_v but_o as_o the_o very_a small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n for_o if_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o hope_n of_o perfect_a comfort_n and_o joy_n and_o felicity_n perpetual_a in_o duration_n and_o vast_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n such_o as_o â—ye_z have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o dread_a of_o the_o terrible_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n together_o with_o the_o insupportable_a torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o perpetual_a sting_n of_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o anguish_n for_o the_o wilful_a folly_n of_o our_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o rage_n of_o horrible_a despair_n of_o ever_o get_v out_o of_o so_o miserable_a a_o state_n if_o neither_o of_o these_o consideration_n if_o both_o of_o they_o will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v obtain_v one_o of_o these_o condition_n and_o may_v escape_v the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o any_o word_n that_o can_v be_v use_v any_o argument_n and_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v shall_v work_v upon_o we_o or_o take_v place_n with_o we_o he_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v by_o such_o hope_n nor_o to_o be_v terrify_v by_o such_o fear_n be_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o force_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o the_o influence_n they_o be_v apt_a and_o aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v our_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n first_o of_o all_o if_o we_o expect_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v indispensable_o require_v on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o that_o our_o part_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o rely_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o good_a though_o we_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v only_o a_o declaration_n of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o we_o without_o any_o expectation_n of_o duty_n from_o we_o this_o be_v a_o error_n which_o one_o can_v hardly_o think_v can_v ever_o enter_v into_o any_o who_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v attend_v to_o what_o they_o read_v and_o find_v there_o the_o three_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o very_o express_o contain_v in_o our_o saviour_n first_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n there_o we_o find_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n often_o repeat_v but_o never_o absolute_o make_v but_o upon_o certain_a condition_n and_o plain_o require_v on_o our_o part_n as_o repentance_n humility_n righteousness_n mercy_n peaceableness_n meekness_n patience_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v likewise_o promise_v but_o only_o to_o those_o that_o make_v a_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o and_o ask_v forgiveness_n for_o they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o grant_v that_o forgiveness_n to_o other_o which_o they_o beg_v of_o god_n for_o themselves_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v likewise_o there_o promise_v but_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n of_o our_o earnest_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n to_o god_n the_o gospel_n be_v every_o where_o full_a of_o precept_n enjoin_v duty_n and_o obedience_n on_o our_o part_n as_o well_o as_o of_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n assure_v blessing_n to_o we_o nay_o of_o terrible_a threaten_n also_o if_o we_o disobey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n paul_n give_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o very_a few_o and_o plain_a word_n declare_v upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o all_o man_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purisie_n unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n intimate_v that_o though_o man_n be_v very_o averse_a to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v inculcate_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o earnestness_n and_o those_o who_o oppose_v and_o despise_v it_o to_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v and_o with_o great_a reason_n because_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n do_v most_o effectual_o undermine_v and_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n second_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o if_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n and_o because_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v his_o part_n if_o we_o do_v not_o fail_v in_o we_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n where_o they_o put_v no_o bar_n and_o obstacle_n to_o it_o but_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n bless_a spirit_n and_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o obstinate_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n god_n will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o the_o gospel_n will_v raise_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o renew_v we_o after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o goodness_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o suffer_v these_o promise_n to_o have_v their_o due_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o we_o wilful_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o we_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o and_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o and_o by_o reject_v and_o despise_v his_o promise_n we_o provoke_v he_o to_o execute_v his_o threaten_n upon_o we_o three_o and_o last_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o work_v this_o great_a effect_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o make_v we_o good_a and_o just_o and_o merciful_a and_o patient_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o how_o do_v this_o
thing_n be_v without_o we_o they_o neither_o constitute_v our_o be_v nor_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o happiness_n but_o our_o soul_n be_v ourselves_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v our_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o with_o equal_a care_n and_o concernment_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o eternal_a misery_n and_o everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n and_o can_v we_o be_v at_o too_o much_o cost_n and_o pain_n upon_o such_o a_o design_n to_o escape_v so_o dismal_a a_o condition_n so_o dreadful_a a_o ruin_n as_o that_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n can_v any_o man_n be_v concern_v enough_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o great_a a_o good_a to_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o purchase_v it_o too_o dear_a whatever_o he_o give_v or_o part_v with_o for_o it_o a_o good_a so_o desirable_a and_o so_o durable_a as_o our_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o when_o we_o purchase_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o care_n and_o trouble_v we_o pay_v dear_a for_o trifle_n and_o fancy_n but_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o price_n that_o a_o wise_a merchant_n will_v have_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v it_o of_o such_o value_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o next_o to_o it_o be_v righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o means_n whereby_o this_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o we_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o earnestness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o a_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n and_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o end_n and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v valuable_a next_o to_o the_o end_n and_o almost_o equal_o with_o it_o and_o such_o be_v righteousness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o it_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o qualify_v we_o and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o that_o which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n constitute_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n to_o god_n which_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n bring_v we_o to_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n we_o have_v now_o of_o it_o be_v the_o very_a formal_a cause_n and_o essence_n of_o our_o blessedness_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v we_o do_v not_o now_o distinct_o understand_v wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n consist_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o know_v in_o general_a that_o it_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o hope_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o press_v you_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v by_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v universal_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o this_o bless_a state_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o than_o goodness_n any_o thing_n more_o desirable_a than_o a_o happiness_n which_o haâ—h_v no_o bound_n nor_o no_o end_n do_v not_o mind_v they_o nor_o look_v after_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o certain_o these_o aâ—e_a worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n second_o another_o consideration_n that_o shall_v very_o much_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o diligence_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o obtain_v they_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v no_o encouragement_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o whet_v our_o industry_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n when_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n use_v to_o quicken_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o eternal_a life_n mat._n 7._o 14._o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o luke_n 13._o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a seek_v here_o in_o opposition_n to_o strive_v be_v a_o faint_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n which_o will_v not_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a passage_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o miscarry_v who_o make_v some_o attempt_n towards_o heaven_n but_o they_o do_v not_o strive_v they_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o any_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o get_v thither_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v eternal_a happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o hard_a to_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o attain_v his_o righteousness_n as_o desirable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n to_o raise_v himself_o to_o that_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n so_o to_o subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n to_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o happiness_n and_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o difficulty_n be_v chief_o in_o ourselves_o but_o great_o increase_v by_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o without_o chief_o i_o say_v in_o ourselves_o from_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o our_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o the_o strong_a power_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o custom_n which_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v inveterate_a do_v tyrannize_v over_o we_o and_o make_v we_o perfect_a slave_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o that_o our_o nature_n must_v be_v quite_o change_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o we_o must_v be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v new_o mould_v and_o fashion_v we_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v create_v and_o bear_v again_o before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v positive_a and_o peremptory_a joh._n 3._o 3._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o difficulty_n indeed_o be_v great_a at_o first_o but_o it_o be_v considerable_a afterward_o till_o a_o through_o change_n be_v make_v and_o new_a inclination_n plant_v in_o we_o and_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v super-induced_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n be_v outward_a temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n which_o to_o withstand_v and_o resist_v require_v great_a courage_n and_o resolution_n great_a watchfulness_n and_o guard_n over_o ourselves_o but_o yet_o for_o our_o comfort_n these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o insuperable_a to_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n and_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purposeâ—_n great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o though_o the_o difficulty_n â—f_n work_v out_o our_o salvation_n be_v great_a yet_o if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n set_v about_o it_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o second_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v we_o with_o his_o gracious_a favour_n and_o to_o further_o we_o with_o his_o continual_a aid_n that_o
unexperienced_a man_n and_o those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n with_o themselves_o imagine_v what_o thought_n and_o consideration_n what_o care_n and_o attention_n what_o resolution_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n what_o diligence_n and_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o true_o good_a man_n such_o a_o one_o as_o st._n paul_n describe_v that_o be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a and_o want_v nothing_o that_o follow_v god_n full_o and_o fulfil_v every_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o be_v either_o wise_a enough_o for_o his_o own_o direction_n or_o good_a enough_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o know_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o have_v both_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_v to_o do_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o ought_v after_o our_o best_a care_n and_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n the_o most_o of_o we_o will_v still_o find_v a_o great_a many_o defect_n in_o our_o life_n and_o can_v but_o discern_v great_a and_o manifold_a imperfection_n in_o our_o very_a best_a duty_n and_o service_n insomuch_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o make_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n concern_v they_o which_o solomon_n do_v concern_v the_o imperfection_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o reason_n to_o say_v not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o have_v cause_n likewise_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o many_o respect_v wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n and_o so_o very_o far_o from_o have_v do_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o the_o most_o of_o we_o have_v do_v be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v work_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o best_a and_o great_a mind_n for_o the_o long_a and_o best_a order_v life_n the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o broad_a and_o a_o obedience_n in_o any_o good_a measure_n equal_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o after_o all_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n say_v with_o tear_n to_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mar._n 9_o 24._o so_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v say_v and_o say_v it_o with_o tear_n too_o concern_v every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o they_o excel_v most_o lord_n i_o aspire_v i_o endeavour_v after_o it_o be_v thou_o please_v to_o assist_v my_o weakness_n and_o to_o help_v i_o by_o thy_o grace_n continual_o to_o do_v better_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o best_a and_o make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o for_o god_n value_v this_o more_o than_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n more_o than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oâ—l_n because_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o duty_n comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o great_a commandment_n sincere_o practise_v by_o we_o though_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o imperfection_n will_v certain_o be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a bless_a be_v they_o say_v st._n john_n very_o plain_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o obscure_a book_n of_o his_o revelation_n bless_v be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n rev._n 22._o 14._o i_o speak_v now_o to_o a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o command_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o whether_o we_o think_v of_o it_o or_o not_o be_v very_o near_o at_o hand_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v desirable_a upon_o earth_n and_o upon_o which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o value_v themselves_o so_o much_o in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n and_o yield_v true_a comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o wish_v that_o we_o have_v make_v religion_n the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v exercise_v repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o another_o world_n that_o after_o our_o departure_n hence_o we_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n where_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o of_o what_o rank_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n think_v himself_o too_o great_a to_o be_v good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o be_v religious_a and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n and_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n since_o nothing_o but_o this_o will_v approve_v itself_o it_o to_o be_v true_a wisdom_n at_o the_o last_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v a_o end_n with_o this_o life_n but_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n and_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o whole_a duration_n and_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o life_n be_v end_v will_v put_v we_o into_o the_o secure_a possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v â—e_n if_o you_o do_v they_o which_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jefus_fw-la 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 dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o connection_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o foâ—mer_n be_v somewhat_o obscure_a but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o advantage_n which_o conduce_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o religious_a in_o this_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o â—s_n exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n whereâ—â—_n this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o forego_n verse_n as_o if_o it_o have_v beeâ—â—â—id_v christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o all_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o good_a or_o else_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v by_o a_o hebraism_n frequent_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n put_v for_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o then_o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o conduce_v to_o a_o godly_a life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o promise_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o
violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o final_a miscarriage_n after_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o suffering_n in_o a_o religious_a course_n by_o be_v overbear_v at_o last_o by_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o very_a violent_a and_o powerful_a temptation_n not_o but_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o have_v a_o prudent_a distrust_n of_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o security_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o counsel_n be_v not_o high_a mind_v but_o fear_v and_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v because_o till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o possibility_n of_o fall_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o may_v hope_v by_o the_o sincerity_n and_o firmness_n of_o our_o resolution_n under_o the_o usual_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o like_o man_n in_o ordinary_a case_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v represent_v to_o ourselves_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o good_a man_n and_o his_o merciful_a providence_n which_o continual_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o steer_v their_o course_n for_o they_o in_o this_o world_n among_o those_o many_o rock_n which_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o split_v upon_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o fall_v and_o to_o present_v we_o faultless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o hâ—s_n glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forsake_v he_o and_o forfeit_v his_o care_n and_o protection_n he_o will_v keep_v we_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n either_o by_o his_o merciful_a foresight_n and_o prevention_n of_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v probable_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o or_o if_o he_o think_v fit_a they_o shall_v befall_v we_o by_o support_v we_o under_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o best_a man_n do_v own_o their_o security_n and_o perseverance_n in_o goodness_n much_o more_o to_o the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n prevent_v the_o assault_n of_o violent_a and_o dangerous_a temptation_n than_o to_o the_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o own_o resolution_n for_o there_o be_v very_o few_o person_n of_o so_o firm_a and_o resolute_a virtue_n but_o that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o a_o temptation_n may_v assault_v they_o upon_o such_o a_o disadvantage_n as_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n not_o only_o stagger_v they_o but_o bear_v they_o down_o now_o herein_o thâ—â—â—ovidence_n of_o god_n towards_o good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o remarkable_a in_o secuâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d â—rom_n those_o temptation_n which_o 〈◊〉_d â—oo_o strong_a for_o they_o to_o grapple_v wiâ—â—al_a like_o a_o kind_n and_o tender_a father_n who_o if_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o dutiful_a disposition_n of_o his_o child_n towards_o he_o will_v not_o try_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o utmost_a nor_o permit_v too_o strong_a a_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o come_v in_o his_o way_n so_o the_o psalmist_n represent_v god_n tender_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o child_n psal_n 103._o 13_o 14._o like_a as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o for_o he_o know_v our_o frame_n he_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v dust_n that_o be_v he_o consider_v we_o as_o man_n and_o deal_v with_o we_o according_o provide_v we_o be_v sincere_a he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o temptation_n that_o be_v too_o big_a for_o we_o andtherefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o that_o excellent_a prayer_n which_o he_o have_v recommend_v to_o we_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v we_o shall_v every_o day_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o his_o providence_n will_v keep_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a temptation_n as_o know_v that_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o than_o any_o strength_n and_o resolution_n of_o our_o own_o second_o or_o in_o case_n of_o such_o violent_a and_o extraordinary_a temptation_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o they_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o do_v afford_v comfort_n to_o they_o under_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n but_o god_n never_o make_v so_o express_v and_o general_a a_o promise_n of_o this_o to_o all_o good_a man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n never_o be_v so_o constant_a a_o presence_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n vouchsafe_v and_o assure_v to_o man_n under_o any_o dispensation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o that_o sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n but_o of_o support_n and_o comfort_n under_o the_o heavy_a pressure_n and_o suffering_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n say_v to_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o any_o other_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v ever_o make_v to_o mankind_n we_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o be_v very_o much_o dishearten_v and_o cast_v down_o at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o great_a suffering_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v st._n paul_n use_v very_o high_a expression_n about_o this_o matter_n eph._n 1._o 19_o that_o you_o may_v know_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o all_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v accord_v to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v endow_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n be_v able_a as_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o to_o do_v and_o to_o endure_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v he_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o powerful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n reside_v in_o every_o true_a christian_a that_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v we_o up_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n overcome_v the_o world_n for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a principle_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n and_o patience_n under_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o suffering_n than_o that_o evil_a spirit_n which_o rule_v in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o set_v on_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o world_n against_o we_o you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n he_o speak_v this_o to_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a christian_n you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o malice_n and_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o great_a but_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n good_a man_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bear_v up_o and_o comfort_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a manner_n under_o the_o great_a tribulation_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a signal_n and_o remarkable_a manner_n afford_v to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o those_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v and_o this_o may_v still_o be_v expect_v in_o like_a case_n of_o extraordinary_a suffering_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n truth_n if_o you_o be_v reproach_v say_v st._n peter_n in_o this_o four_o