they_o bless_v who_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o forcible_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v they_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v not_o praise_n no_o reward_n belong_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o so_o violent_a and_o irresistible_a a_o evidence_n it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o improbable_a but_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n at_o all_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v because_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o dispute_n no_o objection_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o shake_v our_o assent_n unless_o we_o will_v run_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o scepticism_n for_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o we_o must_v yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n this_o do_v so_o violent_o enforce_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o as_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o will_v very_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o bless_a condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o after_o be_v tempt_v know_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v deprive_v he_o of_o that_o happiness_n or_o bring_v he_o into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n such_o a_o sight_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o affect_v a_o man_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v and_o leave_v such_o impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n that_o we_o may_v soon_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v conspire_v to_o kill_v one_o another_o than_o that_o such_o a_o man_n by_o consent_v to_o any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n shall_v wilful_o throw_v himself_o into_o those_o flame_n no_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v continual_o haunt_v with_o those_o fury_n he_o have_v see_v torment_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o fearful_a shriek_n and_o outcry_n of_o miserable_a soul_n will_v be_v perpetual_o ring_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o man_n will_v have_v so_o lively_a and_o terrible_a a_o imagination_n of_o the_o danger_n he_o be_v run_v himself_o upon_o that_o no_o temptation_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o conquer_v his_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o careless_a of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n after_o he_o have_v once_o see_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n obedience_n will_v be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o must_v be_v very_o little_a for_o what_o praise_n be_v due_a to_o any_o man_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o a_o perfect_a mad_a man_n will_v do_v for_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v be_v beside_o himself_o that_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n be_v seduce_v to_o live_v a_o wicked_a life_n after_o he_o have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o dismal_a event_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a course_n god_n have_v design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o place_n for_o this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n for_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o see_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o what_o argument_n will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o man_n virtue_n to_o forbear_v sin_v after_o he_o have_v be_v in_o hell_n and_o see_v the_o miserable_a end_n of_o sinner_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o observation_n namely_o that_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assent_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n now_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n may_v have_v its_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o of_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a it_o will_v not_o move_v we_o at_o all_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v good_a nor_o for_o the_o avoid_n and_o prevent_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o if_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o slight_v it_o as_o not_o worth_a our_o regard_n but_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o our_o faith_n be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n both_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v well_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o state_n concern_v thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n argue_v we_o into_o this_o persuasion_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v equal_o distribute_v we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o reason_n be_v true_a we_o have_v a_o most_o credible_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n from_o heaven_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o visible_a aseension_n into_o heaven_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n want_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o only_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o this_o present_a state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o all_o this_o but_o what_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o uncertainty_n which_o do_v not_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o which_o we_o ourselves_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o considerable_a interest_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o make_v they_o hesitate_n about_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o at_o last_o there_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n our_o condition_n after_o death_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n because_o all_o will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n but_o if_o thing_n fall_v out_o otherwise_o as_o most_o undoubted_o they_o will_v and_o our_o soul_n after_o this_o life_n do_v pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o our_o great_a interest_n plain_o lie_v in_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o this_o state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o secure_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o by_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o govern_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n by_o this_o belief_n for_o as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o transitory_a and_o consequent_o of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o set_v aside_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o promote_v and_o pursue_v to_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o a_o far_o great_a by_o he_o that_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o live_v according_o than_o by_o any_o other_o person_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o as_o all_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a
the_o ethiopian_n have_v invade_v egypt_n and_o almost_o overrun_v it_o that_o pharaoh_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o oracle_n at_o memphis_n to_o make_v moses_n his_o general_n who_o by_o his_o extraordinary_a conduct_n and_o courage_n overthrow_v the_o ethiopian_n and_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n this_o moses_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o relate_v of_o himself_o but_o st._n stephen_n seem_v to_o allude_v to_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v and_o when_o he_o be_v full_o forty_o year_n old_a it_o come_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v at_o full_a maturity_n of_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o prosperity_n and_o reputation_n he_o quit_v the_o court_n of_o egypt_n and_o go_v to_o visit_v his_o afflict_a brethren_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n than_o to_o accept_v those_o great_a offer_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o passage_n in_o josephus_n concern_v moses_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o the_o contempt_n which_o he_o show_v afterward_o of_o the_o crown_n of_o egypt_n that_o when_o moses_n be_v about_o three_o year_n old_a thermuthis_n the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n bring_v the_o child_n to_o he_o who_o take_v he_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o put_v his_o diadem_n upon_o his_o head_n but_o moses_n take_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o trample_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n this_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a act_n and_o they_o who_o see_v it_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o for_o all_o his_o childish_a contempt_n of_o it_o then_o it_o it_o be_v put_v upon_o his_o head_n in_o good_a earnest_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o man_n he_o will_v hold_v it_o on_o fast_a and_o use_v it_o with_o more_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v some_o regard_n to_o this_o when_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n intimate_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o trample_v upon_o the_o diadem_n of_o pharaoh_n when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n but_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v better_a of_o those_o thing_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_a i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v great_o upon_o the_o integrity_n of_o moses_n can_v we_o think_v he_o so_o very_o conscientious_a a_o man_n who_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o pretend_a god_n direction_n in_o the_o case_n to_o cheat_v the_o egyptian_n of_o their_o jewel_n under_o a_o fraudulent_a pretence_n of_o borrow_v they_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o appear_v and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o with_o your_o favourable_a attention_n and_o free_a from_o prejudice_n to_o vindicate_v moses_n clear_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v common_o and_o true_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o thing_n may_v transfer_v the_o right_n of_o man_n from_o one_o to_o another_o because_o the_o objection_n do_v not_o lie_v against_o god_n right_a to_o take_v away_o from_o any_o man_n what_o he_o have_v give_v he_o but_o against_o the_o fraudulent_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o which_o seem_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o command_v or_o encourage_v now_o this_o matter_n i_o think_v be_v capable_a of_o another_o and_o much_o clear_a answer_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o and_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n as_o we_o find_v it_o relate_v ex._n 12._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v it_o seem_v design_n by_o this_o way_n to_o make_v some_o reparation_n to_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o tyrannical_a usage_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o that_o first_o as_o the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o in_o give_v they_o favour_n with_o the_o egyptian_n who_o in_o truth_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o such_o troublesome_a guest_n be_v dispose_v to_o lend_v they_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v thus_o far_o all_o be_v right_a here_o be_v nothing_o but_o fair_a borrow_n and_o lend_v and_o if_o the_o israelite_n acquire_v a_o right_a to_o those_o thing_n afterward_o there_o be_v then_o no_o obligation_n to_o restitution_n let_v we_o see_v then_o how_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v this_o about_o namely_o by_o permit_v the_o egyptian_n afterward_o without_o cause_n and_o after_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o depart_v to_o pursue_v they_o with_o a_o design_n to_o have_v destroy_v they_o by_o which_o hostility_n and_o perfidiousness_n they_o plain_o forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o what_o they_o have_v only_o lend_v before_o for_o this_o hostile_a attempt_n which_o will_v have_v warrant_v the_o israelite_n to_o have_v spoil_v they_o of_o their_o jewel_n if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o egyptian_n do_v certain_o warrant_v they_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o they_o have_v they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o become_v rightful_a possessor_n of_o what_o they_o have_v only_o by_o loan_n before_o and_o can_v not_o have_v detain_v without_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n if_o this_o hostility_n of_o the_o egyptian_n have_v not_o give_v they_o a_o new_a title_n and_o clear_a right_n to_o they_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o prudence_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v abstract_n from_o the_o particular_a case_n of_o moses_n and_o show_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o prefer_v even_o a_o afflict_a state_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n before_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n upon_o account_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n consequent_a upon_o they_o 1._o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o this_o moses_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o make_v this_o choice_n for_o therefore_o he_o choose_v to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n because_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o though_o he_o have_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a discovery_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o future_a state_n yet_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v so_o much_o assurance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o firm_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n at_o the_o last_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o and_o we_o have_v no_o expectation_n beyond_o this_o world_n the_o wise_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v will_v be_v to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o the_o present_a contentment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o but_o if_o we_o be_v design_v for_o immortality_n and_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a or_o intorable_o miserable_a in_o another_o world_n according_a as_o we_o have_v demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o life_n then_o certain_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o long_a duration_n and_o be_v content_a to_o dispense_v with_o some_o present_a inconvenience_n for_o a_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_v and_o take_v pain_n for_o a_o little_a while_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a forever_o and_o this_o be_v account_v prudence_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n to_o part_v with_o a_o little_a in_o present_a for_o a_o far_o great_a future_a advantage_n but_o the_o disproportion_n betwixt_o time_n and_o eternity_n be_v so_o vast_a that_o do_v we_o but_o firm_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v too_o good_a to_o part_v withal_o or_o too_o grievous_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o upon_o this_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n beyond_o all_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v infinite_a gainer_n at_o the_o last_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v keep_v from_o sink_v under_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o fortify_v against_o all_o that_o the_o
malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o renounce_v his_o happiness_n but_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o do_v wise_o consider_v his_o own_o best_a and_o and_o most_o last_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o first_o ii_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n attend_v and_o consequent_a upon_o they_o that_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v short_a and_o but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o as_o to_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consquence_n of_o they_o that_o they_o end_n in_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a a_o wicked_a man_n may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n but_o even_o in_o laughter_n his_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o sincere_a pleasure_n in_o any_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o where_o ever_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v there_o must_v be_v guilt_n and_o wherever_o guilt_n be_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v restless_a and_o unquiet_a for_o there_o be_v two_o very_a troublesome_a and_o torment_a passion_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o guilt_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o fear_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v punish_v and_o these_o do_v continual_o haunt_v the_o sinner_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o inward_a horror_n and_o confusion_n in_o his_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o if_o sin_n be_v attend_v with_o no_o other_o trouble_n but_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o commit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o be_v but_o short_a upon_o this_o consideration_n moses_n set_v no_o great_a price_n and_o value_n upon_o they_o but_o prefer_v affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o good_a company_n and_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n before_o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v perfect_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n in_o they_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abatement_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a a_o continuance_n the_o pleasure_n of_o most_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o act_n of_o they_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v the_o delight_n vanish_v i_o can_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v several_a worldly_a advantage_n to_o be_v purchase_v by_o sin_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o riches_n and_o honour_n the_o common_a purchase_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o of_o that_o long_a train_n of_o inferior_a vice_n which_o attend_v upon_o they_o and_o minister_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o these_o enjoyment_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n of_o a_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o much_o more_o uncertain_a for_o be_v purchase_v by_o indirect_a and_o ill_a mean_n but_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o our_o life_n yet_o how_o short_a a_o duration_n be_v that_o compare_v with_o eternity_n make_v the_o utmu_v allowance_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v yet_o we_o can_v but_o enjoy_v they_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v stand_v before_o that_o high_a tribunal_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o least_o to_o have_v be_v prince_n and_o great_a man_n and_o judge_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o poor_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o this_o world_n will_v then_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o bige_a of_o we_o all_o for_o all_o mankind_n shall_v then_o stand_v upon_o a_o level_n and_o those_o civil_a distinction_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a of_o base_a and_o honourable_a which_o seem_v now_o so_o considerable_a and_o make_v such_o a_o glare_a difference_n among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v all_o then_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o moral_a difference_n shall_v only_o take_v place_n all_o the_o distinction_n which_o will_v then_o be_v make_v will_v be_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v real_o much_o great_a than_o ever_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o high_a and_o mean_a person_n in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v we_o value_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v only_o considerable_a and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o vain_a man_n during_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n but_o bear_v no_o price_n at_o all_o in_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o or_o if_o they_o do_v we_o can_v carry_v they_o along_o with_o we_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o indeed_o will_v follow_v we_o with_o a_o vengeance_n the_o injustice_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a art_n we_o have_v use_v for_o the_o get_n or_o keep_v of_o they_o especial_o if_o at_o once_o we_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o we_o have_v change_v our_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v much_o worse_o if_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o have_v betray_v it_o and_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o for_o the_o gain_n or_o secure_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o sorrow_n that_o though_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n the_o guilt_n of_o it_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o but_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n many_o time_n in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o 1._o in_o this_o world_n the_o very_o best_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v repentance_n and_o even_o this_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sensible_a pain_n and_o trouble_v in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v many_o time_n especial_o after_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o they_o accompany_v with_o much_o regret_n and_o horror_n with_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n with_o dismal_a and_o despair_a thought_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o with_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a consequence_n of_o sin_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a no_o man_n that_o consider_v and_o calculate_v thing_n wise_o will_v purchase_v the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n at_o the_o price_n of_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o sorrow_n as_o a_o true_a and_o deep_a repentance_n will_v cost_v he_o especial_o since_o a_o true_a repentance_n do_v in_o many_o case_n oblige_v man_n to_o the_o restitution_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v gain_v by_o sin_n if_o it_o have_v be_v get_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o another_o and_o this_o consideration_n quite_o take_v away_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o a_o ill_a get_v estate_n better_o never_o to_o have_v have_v it_o than_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o refund_v it_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v forbear_v the_o most_o pleasant_a meat_n if_o he_o know_v beforehand_o that_o they_o will_v make_v he_o deadly_a sick_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v at_o ease_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o up_o again_o no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o world_n will_v ever_o sin_v but_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o retrieve_v all_o again_o by_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o commit_v any_o sin_n upon_o this_o hope_n for_o that_o be_v to_o please_v one_o self_n for_o the_o
present_a in_o hope_n to_o have_v more_o trouble_n afterward_o than_o the_o pleasure_n come_v to_o but_o especial_o no_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o hope_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o such_o sin_n without_o restitution_n and_o it_o be_v perfect_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n in_o hope_n of_o restore_v it_o again_o for_o so_o he_o must_v do_v that_o true_o repent_v of_o such_o a_o sin_n but_o 2._o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o will_v certain_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n how_o quiet_o soever_o a_o sinner_n may_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n or_o out_o of_o it_o misery_n will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o in_o the_o next_o unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a misery_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sharp_a pain_n and_o those_o sad_o aggravate_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o future_a ease_n from_o a_o sad_a apprehension_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n upon_o his_o inestimable_a loss_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o miserable_a sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o wicked_a depart_v from_o i_o sinner_n be_v not_o now_o sensible_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o estimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o loss_n but_o this_o stupidity_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o sinner_n continue_v only_o during_o this_o present_a state_n which_o afford_v man_n variety_n of_o object_n and_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n they_o will_v then_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n but_o the_o sad_a condition_n into_o which_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o they_o shall_v then_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n at_o once_o see_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o feel_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o torment_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n they_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sore_a and_o sharp_a pain_n and_o how_o grievous_a those_o shall_v be_v we_o may_v conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o they_o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a displeasure_n of_o anger_n and_o omnipotence_n meet_v together_o far_o great_a than_o can_v be_v describe_v by_o any_o pain_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v misery_n enough_o and_o need_v no_o frather_o aggravation_n but_o yet_o it_o have_v two_o terrible_a one_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n make_v present_a suffering_n more_o sharp_a and_o sensible_a for_o as_o nothing_o commend_v pleasure_n more_o and_o give_v a_o quick_a relish_n to_o happiness_n than_o precedent_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o in_o the_o sudden_a ease_n which_o a_o man_n find_v after_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n so_o nothing_o enrage_v affliction_n more_o and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o misery_n than_o to_o pass_v into_o great_a pain_n immediate_o out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n this_o be_v the_o sting_a aggravation_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n torment_n that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o have_v receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v fair_v so_o delicious_o every_o day_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o all_o be_v the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o such_o expression_n as_o do_v signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n matth._n 25._o and_o mark_v 9_o 43._o where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o in_o the_o revel_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o misery_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n and_o to_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o ever_o find_v the_o least_o ease_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v thing_n together_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o will_v certain_o overtake_v they_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o wise_a man_n choice_n and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v strange_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o blind_v by_o sense_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o will_v probable_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o there_o remain_v now_o only_a the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a to_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v a_o quite_o contrary_a choice_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o wide_o mistake_v as_o to_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o conscience_n and_o religion_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o as_o brief_a a_o account_n as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n this_o wrong_a choice_n general_o proceed_v from_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o from_o want_n of_o consideration_n or_o of_o both_o 1._o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n be_v unbelief_n either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o think_v of_o be_v religious_a must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v infidel_n as_o to_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o great_a many_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o waver_a their_o faith_n be_v rather_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o their_o faith_n be_v rather_o a_o opinion_n than_o a_o root_a and_o well_o ground_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a a_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o like_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o other_o worthy_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o where_o faith_n be_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n it_o will_v have_v proportionable_a effect_n upon_o the_o resolution_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a it_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o forsake_fw-mi religion_n and_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n choose_v rather_o to_o sin_n than_o to_o suffer_v and_o will_v rather_o quit_v the_o truth_n than_o endure_v persecution_n for_o it_o these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v who_o receive_v receive_v the_o
small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n what_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n can_v stand_v against_o that_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n if_o we_o will_v consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o weigh_v they_o in_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a balance_n the_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n be_v of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a and_o vast_a concernment_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o happy_a or_o miserable_a condition_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o this_o vast_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v bargain_v away_o and_o part_v with_o by_o we_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n this_o world_n can_v offer_v there_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n of_o a_o sordid_a spirit_n than_o to_o put_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o thing_n of_o little_a worth_n and_o no_o great_a mark_n of_o folly_n than_o to_o make_v a_o unequal_a bargain_n to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o great_a price_n for_o a_o slender_a and_o trifle_a consideration_n as_o if_o a_o man_n of_o great_a fortune_n and_o estate_n shall_v sell_v the_o inheritance_n of_o it_o for_o a_o picture_n which_o when_o he_o have_v it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o yield_v so_o much_o as_o will_v maintain_v he_o for_o one_o year_n the_o folly_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a in_o thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a value_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o quit_v god_n and_o religion_n to_o sell_v the_o truth_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o part_v with_o his_o everlasting_a inheritance_n for_o a_o convenient_a service_n for_o a_o good_a customer_n and_o some_o present_a advantage_n in_o his_o trade_n and_o profession_n or_o indeed_o for_o any_o condition_n which_o the_o foolish_a language_n of_o this_o world_n call_v a_o high_a place_n or_o a_o great_a preferment_n the_o thing_n which_o these_o man_n part_v with_o upon_o these_o cheap_a term_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n be_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v themselves_o and_o the_o just_a value_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n thing_n of_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o not_o to_o be_v part_v with_o by_o a_o considerate_a man_n for_o any_o price_n that_o this_o world_n can_v bid_v and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v buy_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n upon_o such_o low_a term_n and_o so_o easy_o part_v from_o it_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o religion_n to_o hold_v fast_o 2._o as_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o this_o world_n so_o likewise_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o fear_n be_v a_o passion_n of_o great_a force_n and_o if_o man_n be_v not_o very_o resolute_a and_o constant_a will_v be_v apt_a to_o stagger_v they_o and_o to_o move_v they_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o case_n of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n happen_v we_o have_v need_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sower_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o when_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o though_o bless_a be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o now_o our_o case_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v the_o general_a case_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o several_a age_n after_o though_o with_o some_o intermission_n and_o interval_n of_o ease_n it_o be_v then_o a_o general_a rule_n and_o the_o common_a expectation_n of_o christian_n that_o through_o many_o tribulation_n they_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o must_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o in_o several_a age_n since_o those_o primitive_a time_n the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n have_v in_o divers_a place_n be_v expose_v to_o most_o grievous_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n in_o several_a place_n the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v exercise_v with_o the_o sharp_a and_o sore_a trial_n that_o perhaps_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o age_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n be_v torment_v and_o kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n it_o be_v their_o hard_a lot_n to_o be_v call_v to_o these_o cruel_a and_o bitter_a suffering_n and_o our_o happy_a opportunity_n to_o be_v call_v upon_o for_o their_o relief_n those_o of_o they_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v escape_v that_o terrible_a storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o have_v take_v refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n here_o among_o we_o and_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n great_a humanity_n and_o goodness_n be_v by_o his_o public_a letter_n recommend_v to_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o distress_a protestant_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o much_o easy_o our_o lot_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v than_o they_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o compassionate_v the_o suffering_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o distress_n of_o other_o than_o to_o be_v such_o sufferer_n and_o in_o such_o distress_n ourselves_o let_v we_o make_v their_o case_n our_o own_o and_o then_o we_o ourselves_o will_v be_v the_o best_a judge_n how_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n we_o ought_v to_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o they_o let_v we_o put_v on_o their_o case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v the_o sufferer_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o they_o for_o refuge_n the_o same_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n the_o same_o tender_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o sad_a case_n the_o same_o liberal_a and_o effectual_a relief_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o expect_v and_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v show_v and_o afford_v to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o give_v to_o they_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v want_v no_o fit_a comfort_n and_o support_v from_o we_o we_o enjoy_v bless_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o great_a peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o freedom_n from_o evil_a and_o suffer_a and_o sure_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o have_v these_o blessing_n continue_v to_o we_o and_o our_o tranquillity_n prolong_v be_v to_o consider_v and_o relieve_v those_o who_o want_v the_o blessing_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o provoke_v god_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o these_o blessing_n be_v to_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o our_o compassion_n from_o our_o distress_a brethren_n god_n can_v easy_o change_v the_o scene_n and_o make_v our_o suffering_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n yet_o in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o equal_a to_o they_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v remember_v the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n and_o say_v as_o his_o brethren_n do_v when_o they_o fall_v into_o trouble_n we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o god_n alone_o know_v what_o storm_n the_o devil_n may_v yet_o raise_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n religion_n to_o consider_v well_o beforehand_o and_o to_o calculate_v the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n it_o may_v expose_v they_o to_o and_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n against_o the_o fierce_a assault_n of_o temptation_n consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o all_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o they_o and_o the_o lightness_n of_o they_o too_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o another_o world_n to_o which_o every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o forsake_v god_n and_o renounce_v his_o truth_n and_o wound_n his_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n and_o though_o fear_v in_o many_o case_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o death_n and_o extreme_a suffer_v be_v a_o great_a excuse_n for_o several_a action_n because_o it_o may_v cadere_fw-la in_o constantem_fw-la virum_fw-la happen_v to_o a_o resolute_a man_n yet_o in_o
a_o much_o clear_a revelation_n and_o much_o great_a assurance_n than_o former_a age_n and_o generation_n have_v and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o incur_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n this_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o so_o much_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n expose_v they_o to_o under_o the_o former_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n though_o good_a man_n receive_v good_a hope_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o the_o great_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n be_v temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o promise_n of_o long_a life_n and_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n in_o that_o good_a land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o the_o threaten_n of_o war_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o be_v deliver_v into_o captivity_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n and_o the_o great_a argument_n that_o bear_v sway_n with_o christian_n be_v the_o promise_v of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o be_v now_o the_o great_a principle_n that_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o good_a man_n for_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v that_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o as_o they_o do_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v fare_v with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o observation_n namely_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o we_o never_o see_v they_o and_o consequent_o can_v possible_o have_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n which_o those_o have_v who_o enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o endure_v the_o other_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o they_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n be_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o be_v so_o firm_a and_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o utmost_a pretence_n of_o a_o rational_a demonstration_n man_n will_v trust_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n against_o any_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n whatsoever_o but_o there_o be_v inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n as_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o person_n every_o way_n credible_a and_o this_o assurance_n we_o have_v in_o this_o state_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n we_o believe_v with_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o which_o be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o evidence_n in_o itself_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reasonable_a assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v that_o god_n have_v testify_v these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n which_o thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n to_o deny_v that_o this_o fall_v very_o much_o short_a of_o that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n which_o those_o person_n have_v concern_v these_o thing_n who_o be_v now_o in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o intimate_v here_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o faith_n and_o sight_n but_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 10._o we_o know_v now_o but_o in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o that_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o comparison_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o and_o verse_n 12._o we_o now_o see_v as_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o a_o riddle_n in_o which_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o obscurity_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v certain_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o abatement_n and_o diminution_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n or_o imperfect_a the_o apostle_n mean_v faith_n and_o hope_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v cease_v when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a meaning_n vision_n and_o sight_n be_v come_v we_o see_v likewise_o in_o experience_n that_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n be_v accompany_v with_o doubt_v concern_v these_o thing_n and_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n but_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n can_v possible_o if_o they_o will_v have_v any_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o however_o contentious_a man_n may_v dispute_v against_o common_a sense_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o will_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o state_n to_o expect_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n which_o the_o sight_n and_o sensible_a experience_n of_o they_o will_v give_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o and_o 2._o if_o it_o will_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v have_v it_o 1._o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v have_v that_o sensible_a experiment_n and_o trial_n how_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o other_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o and_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v have_v any_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o they_o till_o we_o ourselves_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n those_o who_o be_v already_o past_a into_o it_o know_v how_o thing_n be_v those_o happy_a soul_n who_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o joy_n which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a assurance_n concern_v they_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spirit_n who_o feel_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n do_v believe_v upon_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o state_n and_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 2._o if_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o such_o a_o overpower_v evidence_n will_v quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o much_o 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a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o we_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o our_o persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n join_v these_o together_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o what_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n which_o the_o more_o firm_o any_o man_n believe_v the_o more_o active_a and_o industrious_a will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v have_v a_o constant_a and_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v frequent_o revolve_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o of_o that_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o shall_v short_o 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this_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n mat._n 5._o 10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o small_a value_n for_o thing_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a to_o forego_v the_o transient_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o solid_a and_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a happiness_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o to_o exchange_v a_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v drive_v home_o to_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o our_o own_o native_a country_n and_o to_o be_v violent_o thrust_v out_o of_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n into_o those_o region_n of_o bliss_n where_o be_v joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n this_o consideration_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o support_v the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o their_o sharp_a and_o heavy_a suffering_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o 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his_o matter_n and_o without_o propound_v any_o reward_n to_o we_o so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o he_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o right_n the_o most_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v infinite_o gainer_n by_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o if_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a not_o only_o far_o beyond_o what_o it_o can_v deserve_v but_o beyond_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o imagine_v for_o this_o perish_a life_n and_o the_o transitory_a trifle_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o uncorruptible_a crown_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n for_o these_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o we_o shall_v infallible_o find_v they_o true_a that_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n great_a shall_v be_v our_o reward_n in_o heaven_n if_o we_o part_v with_o our_o temporal_a life_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o that_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n and_o believe_v the_o glory_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reveal_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o much_o offend_v at_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n so_o long_o as_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n will_v work_v for_o he_o a_o for_o more_o exceed_o and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o see_v this_o be_v require_v of_o every_o christian_a to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n 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