holiness_n through_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a man_n no_o man_n ever_o deny_v and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n be_v attain_v by_o a_o more_o frequent_a sincere_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n all_o divine_n be_v agree_v the_o part_n therefore_o which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o his_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n for_o his_o grow_a better_a i.e._n more_o perfect_a in_o every_o grace_n and_o more_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o because_o some_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o diffusive_a influence_n upon_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n than_o other_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n chief_o consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o those_o radical_a grace_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v convey_v into_o all_o the_o branch_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o of_o these_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a root_n all_o other_o grace_n be_v feed_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o their_o proper_a fruit_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o noble_a and_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v all_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a property_n in_o he_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o fear_v he_o be_v because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v powerful_a and_o just_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a and_o we_o therefore_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o these_o grace_n so_o have_v they_o a_o radical_a virtue_n of_o their_o own_o a_o power_n i_o mean_v of_o diffuse_v holiness_n into_o all_o part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christirn_n life_n hence_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n say_v s._n john_n that_o have_v the_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a to_o grow_v therefore_o in_o these_o grace_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o grow_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n consist_v 2._o in_o be_v more_o frequent_o and_o carnest_o employ_v in_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o worship_v god_n with_o more_o life_n zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o do_v good_a with_o more_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o bear_v affliction_n with_o more_o evenness_n and_o patience_n in_o great_a industry_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o temporal_a calling_n in_o get_v a_o more_o absolute_a sway_n over_o our_o passion_n and_o reduce_v our_o affection_n to_o farthly_a thing_n to_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o moderate_a temper_n in_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n which_o have_v any_o apparent_a temptation_n in_o they_o in_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o insult_n of_o inordinate_a anger_n and_o the_o sudden_a start_n of_o any_o sinful_a inclination_n in_o prune_v off_o the_o undecency_n of_o our_o external_n behaviour_n in_o abate_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o use_v better_o care_n to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n herein_o lie_v our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o our_o endeavour_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v strict_o necessary_a if_o we_o aim_v as_o we_o ought_v at_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o our_o great_a example_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o here_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n of_o it_o must_v give_v it_o the_o more_o lively_a and_o finish_v stroke_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o use_n especial_o of_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n at_o first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v as_o well_o of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o of_o those_o that_o remain_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n 1._o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o mean_n s._n peter_n seem_v to_o recommend_v in_o the_o context_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n imply_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o grow_v in_o other_o grace_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o parallel_n exhortation_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n deliver_v without_o any_o deceit_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a food_n for_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o promote_a the_o growth_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o every_o way_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2.1_o 2_o tim._n 2.1_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a draught_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o they_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o god_n sacred_a will_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n from_o eternity_n here_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o kind_a invitation_n to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o saviour_n with_o the_o most_o admirable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v here_o unveil_v and_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v open_a to_o our_o view_n that_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n 3.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o frequent_a converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o observe_v the_o tenor_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o to_o a_o firm_a and_o rule_v judgement_n and_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o error_n and_o doubtfulness_n which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o impediment_n to_o our_o thrive_a in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v always_o quick_a and_o urgent_a upon_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o misery_n press_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o we_o shall_v thence_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o present_a answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n to_o gratify_v any_o sinful_a lust_n or_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n so_o that_o by_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o daily_a study_n and_o meditation_n we_o shall_v neither_o wander_v for_o want_v of_o light_n nor_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n through_o any_o mistrust_n of_o our_o way_n nor_o can_v we_o easy_o fail_v of_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o it_o be_v quicken_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o a_o present_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o encourage_v with_o a_o prospect_n of_o our_o reward_n 2._o regular_n and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o service_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o have_v our_o thought_n sequester_v from_o the_o world_n
establish_v religion_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o because_o we_o have_v thorough_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o rule_n which_o can_v fail_v we_o and_o do_v find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o we_o have_v take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o due_a confidweration_n and_o judgement_n it_o very_o high_o concern_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n and_o to_o be_v as_o steady_a in_o our_o walk_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o we_o go_v wide_a from_o the_o path_n we_o have_v make_v straight_o and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v to_o believe_v upon_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n we_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o triumph_v over_o we_o and_o to_o twist_v we_o with_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v of_o a_o reformation_n to_o make_v we_o worse_o than_o we_o need_v to_o have_v be_v without_o it_o we_o put_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n into_o their_o hand_n than_o any_o they_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o forge_v against_o it_o a_o witty_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o romish_a error_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v for_o a_o antichristian_a life_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o inveigh_v against_o popish_a indulgence_n while_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o sin_v as_o they_o do_v if_o we_o be_v heedless_a and_o undevout_a in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v blush_v to_o say_v we_o can_v dispense_v with_o latin_a service_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o at_o one_o whether_o he_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n eat_v or_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o do_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n or_o but_o one_o or_o what_o signisy_n a_o change_n or_o no_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o element_n to_o he_o that_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n or_o why_o may_v not_o a_o implicit_a faith_n serve_v to_o make_v a_o empty_a profession_n as_o well_o as_o any_o protestant_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o if_o that_o be_v all_o we_o design_n by_o be_v protestant_n it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o without_o holiness_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n we_o that_o be_v protestant_n profess_v a_o great_a veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o excuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o govern_v our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v not_o excuse_v our_o religion_n but_o raise_v objection_n against_o it_o out_o of_o those_o very_a action_n it_o express_o condemn_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o religion_n shall_v answer_v for_o the_o fault_n which_o it_o aim_v to_o rectify_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v own_v a_o real_a and_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o it_o to_o be_v contradict_v by_o its_o own_o professor_n and_o betray_v by_o those_o that_o pretend_v a_o hearty_n zeal_n and_o concernment_n for_o it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v cautious_a on_o this_o hand_n because_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o full_o justify_v by_o its_o learned_a advocate_n that_o it_o require_v nothing_o more_o for_o its_o defence_n and_o vindication_n from_o it_o be_v than_o that_o we_o shall_v adorn_v it_o by_o our_o holy_a conversation_n and_o keep_v the_o enemy_n out_o of_o those_o breach_n which_o our_o division_n have_v make_v and_o our_o lust_n have_v widen_v for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v our_o proper_a post_n in_o which_o we_o may_v do_v excellent_a service_n though_o we_o may_v not_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o engage_v in_o the_o field_n of_o controversy_n mere_o by_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o godliness_n by_o keep_v to_o the_o plain_a rule_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n this_o i_o say_v be_v our_o proper_a task_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v utter_o defeat_v our_o adversary_n and_o put_v they_o to_o the_o same_o straight_o that_o daniel_n do_v the_o chaldaean_n 6.5_o dan._n 6.5_o by_o leave_v they_o no_o occasion_n against_o we_o except_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n and_o for_o that_o we_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o try_v their_o utmost_a skill_n and_o if_o by_o fair_a reason_v and_o argument_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n they_o can_v win_v the_o victory_n let_v they_o wear_v it_o i_o wish_v the_o mean_a while_n we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v our_o religion_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v all_o show_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a conversation_n that_o our_o life_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o law_n as_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v just_o expect_v that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n shall_v live_v at_o the_o best_a rate_n that_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o know_v who_o we_o worship_n and_o have_v renounce_v the_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o spoil_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v be_v extreme_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o blemish_v our_o own_o that_o we_o do_v not_o stain_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o furnish_v man_n with_o objection_n against_o it_o by_o our_o vain_a and_o vicious_a conversation_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o happiness_n though_o a_o man_n know_v every_o foot_n of_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o crooked_a and_o deceitful_a path_n which_o other_o be_v lose_v and_o bewildred_n in_o yet_o if_o he_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o direct_v his_o step_n and_o keep_v on_o in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v he_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o that_o bless_a place_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o fly_v to_o heaven_n with_o a_o wish_n or_o to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v orthodox_n or_o excuse_v from_o do_v our_o duty_n because_o we_o know_v it_o though_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o faith_n without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o importance_n they_o will_v be_v to_o we_o but_o only_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o great_a damnation_n the_o sanction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o to_o man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n the_o worst_a of_o which_o will_v hardly_o deny_v that_o a_o good_a life_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o good_a christian_a as_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n faith_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v nor_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n nor_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n that_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n while_o we_o bid_v defiance_n to_o his_o law_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o only_o that_o obey_v he_o if_o we_o be_v ill_a man_n it_o matter_n not_o what_o we_o be_v beside_o any_o religion_n will_v serve_v a_o wicked_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a and_o become_v he_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o he_o and_o which_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n denounce_v the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n against_o its_o own_o professor_n that_o reject_v the_o mild_a and_o reasonable_a condition_n of_o it_o 2.7.8_o rom._n 2.7.8_o to_o they_o that_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n it_o promise_v eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n how_o zealous_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o denounce_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n so_o that_o if_o we_o live_v
any_o gratitude_n in_o we_o any_o ingenious_a sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a debt_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o will_v strong_o engage_v we_o to_o make_v the_o best_a return_v and_o acknowledgement_n we_o be_v able_a know_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o 17.10_o luk._n 17.10_o we_o be_v but_o vnprositable_a servant_n and_o then_o the_o danger_n of_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o our_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o of_o drive_v away_o his_o grieve_v spirit_n from_o we_o and_o so_o cloud_v and_o shorten_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n how_o shall_v this_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n and_o inflame_v our_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n but_o there_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o enlarge_n upon_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o next_o particular_a which_o be_v this_o 5._o the_o strong_a we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o better_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n without_o which_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v throw_v away_o a_o constant_a proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o apostasy_n while_o we_o go_v on_o and_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o our_o fall_v away_o all_o the_o danger_n be_v while_o we_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o return_v to_o our_o former_a course_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n by_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v we_o be_v continual_o get_v ground_n for_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o the_o more_o we_o keep_v before_o they_o the_o less_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v surprise_v and_o overtake_v by_o they_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o our_o christian_a course_n so_o far_o as_o we_o advance_v towards_o the_o latter_a we_o leave_v the_o former_a behind_o we_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v at_o so_o much_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o apostasy_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o perseverance_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o get_v as_o forward_o in_o religion_n as_o we_o can_v and_o not_o rest_n in_o any_o mean_a attainment_n as_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o at_o any_o time_n good_a enough_o for_o heaven_n and_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o crown_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v begin_v our_o race_n we_o know_v not_o what_o trial_n we_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o or_o what_o degree_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n we_o shall_v need_v to_o support_v and_o carry_v we_o through_o they_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o be_v well_o prepare_v before_o hand_n and_o it_o therefore_o become_v we_o to_o be_v constant_o train_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n and_o daily_o reinforcing_a our_o resolution_n to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o obstruct_v our_o passage_n to_o glory_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n we_o shall_v very_o hardly_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o fall_v away_o we_o shall_v loose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o former_a labour_n and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v far_o worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n i_o know_v there_o be_v those_o that_o take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o fall_v from_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o will_v only_o remind_v those_o who_o be_v too_o flush_n and_o confident_n of_o it_o for_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o man_n to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o it_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a it_o may_v do_v they_o no_o service_n and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o many_o that_o have_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n among_o those_o that_o be_v true_o so_o have_v at_o last_o yield_v to_o the_o charm_n of_o this_o tempt_v world_n and_o neglect_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n have_v outlive_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o the_o fair_a opinion_n of_o the_o most_o candid_a and_o charitable_a person_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v be_v extreme_o cautious_a of_o presume_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o dash_v against_o the_o rock_n which_o many_o that_o have_v have_v the_o steerage_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o seem_v to_o set_v out_o with_o all_o advantage_n for_o heaven_n have_v fatal_o strike_v upon_o for_o want_v of_o that_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n as_o that_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o good_a man_n may_v grieve_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o resistance_n be_v a_o new_a provocation_n to_o he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o that_o the_o often_o he_o be_v repulse_v the_o more_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o his_o forsake_v those_o that_o withstand_v his_o bless_a motition_n and_o whether_o this_o may_v or_o may_v not_o proceed_v to_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o be_v cautious_a of_o it_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a end_n of_o some_o very_a hopeful_a beginner_n who_o if_o once_o they_o be_v not_o real_o good_a be_v deceive_v in_o themselves_o nay_o be_v so_o extreme_o like_o those_o that_o be_v good_a that_o they_o deceive_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n let_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o let_v we_o all_o endeavour_n by_o a_o sensible_a and_o constant_a improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n to_o grow_v steadfast_a and_o vnmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v our_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 6._o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n will_v daily_o lessen_v and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o increase_v the_o far_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o of_o god_n commandment_n appear_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o use_v to_o obey_v it_o for_o use_v and_o diligence_n make_v any_o thing_n easy_a and_o all_o excellent_a thing_n delightful_a and_o hence_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o seldomer_n we_o do_v any_o good_a the_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o it_o again_o and_o the_o more_o faint_o we_o set_v about_o it_o the_o less_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o now_o let_v we_o but_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o take_v care_n to_o do_v it_o but_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o we_o shall_v quick_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v please_v with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o good_a man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o do_v good_a and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o he_o shall_v for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o that_o deal_v in_o it_o which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o when_o he_o pray_v 14.14_o pro._n 14.14_o or_o meditate_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n with_o due_a attention_n and_o devotion_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o while_n and_o never_o enjoy_v himself_o more_o than_o when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n well_o which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o he_o that_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o at_o last_o do_v it_o but_o with_o half_a a_o consent_n be_v fain_o to_o struggle_v with_o himself_o before_o he_o proceed_v so_o far_o and_o so_o lose_v all_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o give_v free_o and_o cheerful_o have_v no_o trouble_n in_o himself_o about_o it_o but_o be_v high_o please_v with_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o find_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o thus_o can_v i_o run_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christian_a practice_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o gain_v this_o conclusion_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v easie_n and_o pleasant_n if_o it_o be_v but_o do_v as_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o we_o improve_v and_o the_o better_a we_o discharge_v our_o duty_n the_o fast_o we_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o make_v our_o progress_n the_o more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v no_o romantic_a fancy_n
dictate_v as_o essentiael_v to_o christianity_n which_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o ancient_n and_o venerable_a write_n do_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o there_o be_v those_o that_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o have_v often_o prove_v we_o so_o as_o clear_o as_o fire_n and_o faggot_n can_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v so_o straitlaced_n as_o to_o believe_v but_o just_a so_o many_o truth_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v so_o nice_a and_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o for_o several_a age_n and_o in_o several_a council_n have_v decree_v the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n i.e._n the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o fair_o recommend_v it_o as_o a_o eminent_a test_n of_o catholic_n zeal_n other_o at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v who_o with_o mighty_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o secret_a motion_n and_o immediate_a warrant_n from_o heaven_n to_o worry_v and_o destroy_v all_o that_o shall_v withstand_v they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n i_o may_v tire_v you_o with_o instance_n of_o both_o kind_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o christian_n against_o one_o another_o have_v in_o point_n of_o fierceness_n and_o cruelty_n far_o exceed_v the_o pattern_n in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o may_v but_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v a_o short_a review_n of_o the_o ruin_n which_o romish_n zeal_n have_v make_v in_o protestant_a country_n from_o our_o own_o to_o the_o very_a border_n of_o the_o ottoman_a empire_n to_o keep_v near_a home_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o holy_a league_n of_o france_n for_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o more_o than_o many_o thousand_o christian_n in_o the_o unite_a province_n 1._o grot._n annal_n lib._n 1._o i_o mean_v before_o the_o quarrel_n begin_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n i_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o inquisition_n invasion_n and_o massacre_n to_o the_o burn_a zeal_n of_o the_o marian_n day_n and_o the_o powder_n conspiracy_n here_o in_o england_n that_o masterpiece_n of_o inhumanity_n design_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o long_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n we_o enjoy_v under_o the_o pious_a and_o gentle_a reign_n of_o our_o immortal_a virgin_n queen_n after_o these_o it_o be_v cold_a and_o endless_a to_o mention_v all_o the_o impious_a and_o unnatural_a artifices_fw-la of_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o life_n of_o our_o prince_n the_o felicity_n of_o our_o government_n usurp_v foulis_n hist_o of_o romish_a treason_n and_o usurp_v and_o the_o vital_n of_o our_o religion_n one_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a you_o may_v observe_v that_o when_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v lose_v any_o thing_n by_o dint_n of_o argument_n she_o have_v present_o betake_v herself_o to_o sharp_a and_o deadly_a weapon_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o and_o methinks_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o wonder_n that_o a_o churchpampered_a with_o power_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n that_o think_v herself_o fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v her_o unquestionable_a right_n and_o duty_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o do_v it_o shall_v not_o wave_v her_o principle_n and_o content_v herself_o to_o admonish_v and_o weep_v over_o obstinate_a heretic_n as_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v over_o jerusalem_n when_o her_o design_n call_v for_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o man_n will_v not_o be_v make_v obedient_a without_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o refine_v the_o reformation_n have_v shameful_o violate_v the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o i_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o the_o wicked_a outrage_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n at_o munster_n and_o the_o terrible_a battle_n which_o have_v be_v fight_v for_o little_a fancy_n and_o affect_v singularity_n in_o religion_n i_o may_v call_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o many_o insurrection_n and_o what_o i_o even_o tremble_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o the_o late_a archbishop_n in_o scotland_n i_o may_v desire_v you_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a attempt_n which_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v manage_v upon_o the_o five_o monarchy_n principles_n in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v carry_v you_o to_o the_o tomb_n of_o king_n nobles_z and_o prelate_n of_o worthy_a patriot_n and_o minister_n of_o justice_n of_o preacher_n and_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n who_o by_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o use_v the_o apostle_n phrase_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n of_o your_o faith_n which_o some_o call_v heresy_n and_o according_a to_o which_o we_o now_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n now_o to_o apply_v these_o allusion_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o chief_a actor_n and_o party_n in_o they_o have_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o confess_v that_o they_o very_o think_v they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n many_o apology_n have_v be_v make_v and_o many_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v for_o they_o yea_o many_o have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o pronounce_v it_o with_o their_o last_o breath_n that_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o die_v for_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o look_v towards_o the_o world_n be_v do_v out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o thonght_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v they_o as_o contrary_a and_o dishonourable_a as_o they_o real_o be_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o to_o show_v whece_n it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o man_n to_o be_v warm_a and_o zealous_a for_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o sentimest_n ill_o so_o much_o that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n have_v not_o always_o the_o charity_n and_o good-nature_n that_o shall_v attend_v it_o but_o that_o this_o inclination_n shall_v so_o mighty_o raise_v the_o spleen_n and_o fire_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v grow_v so_o violent_a quarrelsome_a and_o impetuous_a as_o to_o scorn_v the_o restraint_n of_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o break_v down_o all_o the_o fonce_n of_o government_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n foe_fw-mi christ_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o so_o meek_a a_o master_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o so_o charitable_a and_o oblige_a so_o holy_a and_o healing_n a_o institution_n as_o christianity_n be_v shall_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o promote_v every_o crude_a opinion_n with_o the_o sword_n nay_o that_o inspire_v and_o as_o they_o call_v themselves_o infallible_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n so_o exceed_o fierce_a and_o angry_a with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o present_v and_o eternal_a ruin_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o extreme_o full_a of_o scandal_n and_o contradiction_n that_o without_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v scarce_o charity_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o they_o but_o let_v we_o do_v that_o right_n to_o christianity_n and_o ourselves_o as_o to_o see_v where_o the_o fault_n lie_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n have_v wrought_v so_o much_o misery_n and_o coufusion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o assign_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n will_v require_v more_o time_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o present_a occasion_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o such_o as_o i_o think_v have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o answer_v for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v bad_a education_n which_o have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o change_v the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n into_o the_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a temper_n the_o great_a spring_n and_o mover_n of_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o information_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o education_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o impression_n we_o receive_v of_o thing_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n be_v
the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o flourish_a of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n in_o short_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o humble_a and_o teachable_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a jesus_n and_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o divine_a virtue_n and_o quality_n in_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v in_o the_o last_o place_n 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v you_o see_v as_o plain_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o gospel_n urge_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o comprehensive_a one_o but_o our_o encouragement_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o carry_v our_o endeavour_n successful_o through_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a exception_n against_o it_o especial_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o be_v the_o very_o great_a condition_n the_o high_a and_o noble_a attainment_n we_o can_v possible_o aspire_v after_o holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o humane_a and_o angelical_a perfection_n so_o that_o every_o time_n we_o attain_v to_o a_o new_a degree_n of_o grace_n we_o acquire_v a_o new_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o excellency_n the_o righteous_a say_v solomon_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n 12.26_o pro._n 12.26_o and_o the_o more_o righteous_a he_o be_v the_o more_o he_o advance_v in_o real_a worth_n and_o dignity_n above_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o conquest_n the_o enlargement_n of_o empire_n and_o the_o affectation_n of_o deep_a &_o curious_a knowledge_n be_v but_o childish_a and_o mean_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n since_o therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n lie_v in_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v room_n for_o improvement_n in_o the_o best_a of_o we_o we_o shall_v great_o neglect_v ourselves_o and_o stand_v in_o our_o own_o light_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o continual_o aim_v to_o grow_v better_a than_o we_o be_v and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n depend_v upon_o our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o can_v argue_v strong_o from_o the_o first_o essay_n of_o goodness_n while_o our_o grace_n be_v weak_a our_o good_a resolution_n untried_a or_o our_o relapse_n frequent_v and_o while_o we_o slaken_o our_o diligence_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o hover_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o settle_a understanding_n of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n but_o now_o no_o man_n doubt_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n while_o he_o study_v to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v offensive_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o his_o mind_n never_o trouble_v he_o while_o he_o be_v well_o employ_v unless_o it_o be_v first_o cloud_v with_o melancholy_a which_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a case_n but_o when_o he_o grow_v remiss_a in_o his_o know_a duty_n or_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o wilful_a sin_n or_o deviation_n from_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o this_o trouble_n and_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o integrity_n for_o the_o future_a be_v to_o return_v into_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o proceed_v vigorous_o in_o they_o the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o evident_a will_v our_o good_a condition_n be_v the_o far_a we_o pierce_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o more_o plain_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 4.18_o col._n 1.13_o prov._n 4.18_o and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_v light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n as_o the_o sun_n shine_v the_o bright_a the_o high_a he_o rise_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o the_o light_n of_o the_o righteous_a his_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n increase_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n by_o which_o he_o advance_v to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v of_o that_o quick_a and_o active_a temper_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v better_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o constant_a danger_n of_o decline_v in_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o grow_v worse_o something_o we_o must_v be_v do_v to_o quiet_a our_o restless_a desire_n and_o faculty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o tempter_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n will_v find_v we_o other_o employment_n and_o the_o world_n will_v inveigle_v we_o with_o gay_a promise_n and_o more_o charm_a invitation_n than_o any_o the_o gospel_n have_v to_o gratify_v our_o sensual_a inclination_n with_o if_o we_o once_o make_v a_o stop_n in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o give_v our_o cunning_a adversary_n the_o devil_n a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o practise_v his_o wiles_n and_o delusion_n upon_o we_o he_o know_v the_o activity_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o observe_v which_o way_n our_o thought_n rove_v and_o our_o affection_n wander_v what_o duty_n be_v most_o tiresome_a to_o we_o and_o what_o vanity_n we_o most_o hanker_v after_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v his_o train_n and_o manage_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o have_v find_v the_o weak_a side_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o assault_v we_o where_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v the_o great_a execution_n upon_o we_o it_o therefore_o mighty_o concern_v we_o have_v begin_v prosperous_o to_o keep_v on_o the_o grow_v hand_n and_o not_o lose_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v gain_v and_o the_o conquest_n we_o have_v make_v over_o our_o lust_n and_o vice_n by_o stand_v still_o while_o we_o see_v they_o fall_v before_o we_o with_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o sleeve_n till_o the_o enemy_n renew_v the_o war_n and_o we_o be_v drive_v back_o from_o all_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o be_v force_v to_o retire_v with_o shame_n and_o anguish_n to_o review_n the_o wound_v we_o receive_v in_o our_o dishonourable_a retreat_n from_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n 4._o we_o may_v next_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n unless_o we_o shorten_v it_o ourselves_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v always_o grow_v to_o great_a persection_n in_o it_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o ever_o he_o withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o we_o and_o make_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n short_a than_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n nothing_o but_o our_o incurable_a barrenness_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n can_v provoke_v he_o to_o so_o high_a a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o severity_n but_o that_o this_o will_v do_v it_o his_o declare_v upon_o oath_n that_o the_o revolt_a ifraelites_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o our_o saviour_n curse_v the_o figtree_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o leave_n let_v no_o fruit_n grow_v on_o thou_o hence_o forward_o for_o ever_o be_v very_o dreadful_a intimation_n this_o consideration_n therefore_o shall_v excite_v we_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n â—â—_o phil._n 1._o â—â—_o which_o be_v by_o jesus_n cnrist_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o wait_v for_o our_o improvement_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o ability_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o and_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o not_o to_o exact_a at_o once_o the_o whole_a sum_n in_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v to_o he_o but_o accept_v our_o obedience_n in_o such_o small_a parcel_n and_o poor_a degree_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v he_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a favour_n that_o god_n overlook_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o best_a service_n and_o allow_v we_o time_n and_o grace_n for_o a_o gradual_a improvement_n and_o this_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v
vice_n to_o hurry_v they_o out_o of_o this_o world_n before_o they_o have_v any_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a or_o have_v make_v any_o tolerable_a preparation_n for_o it_o there_o be_v infinite_a odds_o between_o a_o state_n of_o hope_n in_o this_o life_n and_o of_o endless_a dispair_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o next_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 then_o what_o a_o desperate_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o life_n when_o all_o our_o hope_n &_o interest_n in_o both_o world_n do_v depend_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v so_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a a_o action_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n the_o honour_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o eternal_a desire_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o constitution_n of_o every_o rational_a be_v that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n want_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o can_v we_o be_v so_o monstrous_a and_o unnatural_a as_o to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o restraint_n of_o humanity_n &_o religion_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o destroy_v ourselves_o rather_o than_o submit_v to_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o god_n to_o save_v we_o shall_v we_o massacre_v our_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o think_v his_o own_o life_n too_o dear_a a_o sacrifice_n for_o shall_v we_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o all_o advantage_n for_o secure_v eternal_a life_n to_o gratify_v a_o passion_n that_o never_o pretend_v to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o pleasure_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o let_v we_o make_v all_o the_o have_v we_o can_v to_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o future_a state_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n our_o time_n shall_v lie_v upon_o our_o hand_n death_n without_o our_o assistence_n will_v soon_o take_v it_o off_o and_o eternity_n will_v require_v and_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a preparation_n we_o can_v possible_o make_v for_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v wise_a and_o since_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o may_v live_v and_o be_v happy_a and_o weather_n out_o the_o storm_n of_o this_o angry_a and_o tempestuous_a world_n let_v we_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n and_o value_v our_o life_n as_o one_o of_o the_o choice_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o not_o judge_n ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n by_o refuse_v to_o wait_v for_o it_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o appoint_a time_n till_o our_o change_n come_v sermon_n viii_o concern_v the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o life_n james_n 4.14_o for_o what_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v even_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n expostulate_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o proling_z and_o busy_a man_n that_o be_v lay_v a_o long_a train_n of_o design_n to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o god_n providence_n or_o ask_v his_o leave_n to_o thrive_v and_o be_v happy_a go_v too_o now_o you_o that_o say_v to_o day_n or_o to_o morrow_n we_o will_v go_v into_o such_o a_o city_n and_o continue_v there_o a_o year_n 13._o verse_n 13._o and_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o get_v gain_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v reckon_v to_o fast_o you_o be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o that_o you_o count_n upon_o nor_o consider_v in_o who_o hand_n your_o life_n be_v or_o on_o who_o pleasure_n your_o fine_a project_n depend_v you_o reckon_v as_o if_o you_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o time_n and_o have_v the_o world_n in_o a_o string_n and_o can_v draw_v the_o wealth_n and_o traffic_n of_o it_o into_o your_o own_o hand_n as_o you_o please_v you_o talk_v of_o great_a matter_n and_o be_v very_o free_a of_o what_o be_v none_o of_o your_o own_o while_o you_o dispose_v of_o a_o year_n to_o come_v as_o if_o you_o know_v the_o just_a number_n of_o your_o day_n and_o be_v sure_a your_o life_n will_v hold_v out_o as_o long_o as_o you_o have_v occasion_n for_o they_o whereas_o you_o know_v not_o what_o shall_v be_v on_o the_o morrow_n 14._o verse_n 14._o or_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o you_o may_v sicken_v and_o die_v before_o to_o morrow_n come_v or_o you_o may_v finish_v your_o journey_n and_o breath_n your_o last_o in_o the_o next_o village_n before_o you_o come_v to_o the_o city_n where_o your_o design_n be_v lay_v for_o what_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v even_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o these_o word_n be_v a_o lively_a and_o emphatical_a description_n of_o the_o frailty_n and_o shortness_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o question_n what_o be_v your_o life_n as_o st._n james_n seem_v to_o propose_v it_o to_o take_v down_o the_o confidence_n of_o presumptuous_a man_n imply_v it_o to_o be_v next_o to_o nothing_o a_o thing_n not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v trust_v or_o rely_v upon_o alas_o what_o be_v your_o life_n and_o the_o answer_n lessen_v it_o a_o much_o it_o be_v a_o vapour_n a_o thin_a vagrant_n fume_v or_o flash_n that_o rather_o appear_v than_o subsist_v and_o that_o but_o for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o that_o be_v it_o present_o sink_v into_o that_o nothing_o as_o to_o this_o world_n which_o wyile_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v so_o little_o raise_v above_o but_o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o vain_a and_o short_a as_o it_o be_v deserve_v his_o most_o serious_a thought_n because_o there_o lie_v a_o mighty_a weight_n upon_o it_o no_o less_o than_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o whole_a eternity_n and_o therefore_o the_o shortness_n and_o fickleness_n of_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v a_o careless_a manner_n of_o live_v or_o prompt_v we_o to_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o weighty_a consideration_n to_o quicken_v our_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a life_n and_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o well_o spend_v of_o this_o since_o there_o be_v a_o eternity_n to_o be_v gain_v or_o lose_v by_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a management_n of_o it_o our_o great_a hindrance_n to_o this_o duty_n be_v that_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o misreckon_v our_o life_n be_v willing_a to_o believe_v they_o will_v last_v as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v invent_v business_n for_o they_o or_o hope_v to_o find_v any_o pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o need_v to_o be_v often_o reminded_a of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o life_n for_o so_o many_o year_n as_o we_o reckon_v upon_o more_o than_o we_o have_v to_o live_v we_o borrow_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o be_v therefore_o like_a to_o pay_v dear_o for_o they_o and_o especial_o since_o we_o can_v never_o enjoy_v they_o we_o shall_v live_v indeed_o to_o eternity_n but_o our_o stay_n here_o will_v be_v short_a and_o yet_o what_o we_o do_v for_o eternity_n must_v be_v do_v here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o take_v a_o right_a measure_n of_o our_o present_a be_v and_o not_o think_v that_o our_o life_n will_v stretch_v as_o our_o fancy_n and_o desire_n of_o live_v do_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o strong_a our_o hope_n of_o life_n be_v and_o the_o more_o year_n we_o reckon_v we_o have_v before_o we_o the_o great_a our_o temptation_n will_v be_v to_o put_v off_o the_o main_a and_o necessary_a work_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o a_o too_o late_a and_o fallacious_a repentance_n of_o be_v harden_a by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o fall_v at_o last_o into_o the_o rave_n and_o distraction_n of_o die_a sinner_n the_o sad_a presage_n of_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n this_o we_o have_v often_o see_v the_o trial_n of_o in_o other_o with_o that_o ill_a success_n that_o of_o all_o thing_n methinks_v we_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v avoid_v if_o we_o do_v as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o we_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v gull_v with_o the_o flattery_n of_o this_o present_a world_n into_o a_o fond_a expectation_n of_o a_o long_a and_o happy_a continuance_n here_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o fatal_a error_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o season_v our_o mind_n with_o frequent_a and_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v apply_v they_o to_o the_o
the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v our_o care_n about_o earthly_a thing_n and_o submit_v all_o our_o design_n and_o purpose_n to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o providence_n over_o we_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a absurdity_n which_o the_o overbusy_a and_o design_v man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o they_o love_v it_o better_o than_o their_o life_n though_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o they_o they_o complain_v that_o their_o life_n be_v short_a and_o yet_o sell_v they_o very_o cheap_a to_o purchase_v a_o little_a estate_n or_o honour_n and_o wear_v they_o out_o much_o fast_a than_o they_o need_v to_o do_v by_o immoderate_a toyal_a and_o labour_n only_o to_o have_v a_o name_n for_o leave_v something_o behind_o they_o to_o die_v rich_a they_o kill_v themselves_o with_o pierce_v and_o vexatious_a care_n and_o have_v hardly_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o fool_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o ease_v and_o refresh_v their_o soul_n though_o they_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n and_o scarce_o know_v where_o or_o on_o who_o to_o bestow_v they_o and_o methinks_v of_o all_o person_n such_o man_n shall_v not_o tax_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o allow_v they_o so_o short_a a_o time_n in_o this_o world_n since_o they_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o shorten_v it_o themselves_o and_o can_v afford_v to_o live_v out_o the_o time_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v allow_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n where_o be_v the_o wisdom_n see_v our_o life_n be_v so_o short_a of_o lay_v a_o long_a train_n of_o design_n reach_v into_o future_a age_n and_o promise_v ourselves_o success_n upon_o any_o little_a encouragement_n from_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o affair_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v live_v to_o see_v or_o be_v competent_o assure_v of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o they_o who_o that_o read_v campanellas_n discourse_n concern_v the_o spanish_a monarchy_n can_v forbear_v to_o smile_v at_o the_o simplicity_n or_o admire_v the_o confidence_n of_o crow_v mortal_n who_o undertake_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n in_o future_a time_n and_o instruct_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n how_o to_o demean_v itself_o in_o relation_n to_o they_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o a_o mortal_a man_n to_o undertake_v for_o the_o event_n of_o a_o single_a day_n it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o he_o to_o trouble_v himself_o and_o the_o world_n with_o project_n which_o be_v never_o like_a to_o take_v effect_n in_o his_o day_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o brag_v what_o great_a thing_n he_o will_v do_v at_o such_o a_o time_n which_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v ten_o or_o twenty_o year_n after_o he_o be_v go_v to_o his_o grave_n st._n james_n have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o man_n teach_v they_o immediate_o after_o the_o text_n to_o express_v themselves_o in_o a_o more_o modest_a and_o christian_a style_n for_o that_o say_v he_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o shall_v live_v and_o do_v this_o or_o that_o since_o your_o project_n depend_v upon_o your_o life_n and_o your_o life_n upon_o god_n you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v he_o into_o your_o counsel_n and_o propose_v none_o but_o reasonable_a and_o moderate_a thing_n always_o submit_v yourselves_o and_o they_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o conduct_n to_o leave_v future_a time_n and_o event_n to_o god_n overrule_a providence_n to_o do_v your_o present_a duty_n and_o not_o interest_n yourselves_o in_o the_o world_n any_o far_a than_o you_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o it_o 5._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o great_a instability_n of_o they_o shall_v engage_v the_o young_a of_o we_o to_o begin_v they_o well_o and_o to_o use_v all_o the_o care_n and_o frugality_n that_o they_o can_v in_o the_o spend_n of_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v not_o hold_v out_o for_o the_o great_a purpose_n of_o live_v while_o we_o be_v young_a we_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n of_o die_v and_o go_v to_o heaven_n as_o when_o we_o be_v old_a all_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n and_o as_o much_o our_o concernment_n now_o as_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o youth_n be_v the_o best_a and_o perhaps_o the_o only_a opportunity_n that_o a_o young_a man_n will_v ever_o have_v of_o be_v good_a and_o happy_a old-age_n be_v no_o necessary_a part_n of_o huamen_n life_n there_o be_v more_o that_o die_v young_a than_o that_o live_v to_o be_v old_a and_o of_o those_o that_o do_v so_o there_o be_v few_o that_o live_v well_o that_o do_v not_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v not_o a_o early_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n consider_v therefore_o you_o that_o be_v young_a how_o much_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o make_v religion_n your_o first_o and_o immediate_a care_n if_o you_o will_v aim_v to_o do_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o important_a work_n of_o your_o life_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n you_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o escape_v two_o mighty_a hazard_n by_o it_o viz._n the_o danger_n of_o die_v young_a which_o be_v over_o when_o you_o be_v fit_v for_o heaven_n by_o a_o early_a piety_n and_o that_o of_o defer_v your_o repentance_n till_o you_o be_v old_a or_o you_o know_v not_o when_o which_o seldom_o come_v to_o any_o thing_n or_o at_o most_o but_o to_o a_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n that_o you_o do_v not_o repent_v soon_o when_o you_o have_v life_n and_o quickness_n of_o thought_n opportunity_n and_o ability_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o lay_v a_o good_a and_o last_a foundation_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o then_o by_o consecrate_v your_o green_a and_o bloom_a year_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n you_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o make_v the_o most_o of_o a_o short_a life_n you_o will_v soon_o find_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n pleasant_a and_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o they_o will_v engage_v you_o to_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n which_o will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o by_o set_v out_o early_o towards_o heaven_n and_o take_v the_o morning_n of_o your_o day_n you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o much_o easy_a journey_n than_o they_o general_o do_v who_o think_v to_o ride_v it_o off_o in_o a_o few_o hour_n in_o the_o evening_n be_v soon_o benight_a and_o force_v to_o travel_v without_o any_o certain_a guide_n or_o light_n till_o they_o stumble_v into_o a_o dark_a grave_n and_o a_o doubtful_a immortality_n and_o shall_v you_o live_v but_o to_o a_o competent_a age_n yet_o begin_v young_a and_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o your_o short_a time_n you_o may_v do_v very_o great_a and_o eminent_a thing_n for_o god_n honour_n and_o your_o own_o and_o the_o good_a of_o humane_a society_n for_o your_o comfort_n in_o this_o and_o your_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o so_o may_v live_v more_o in_o your_o little_a time_n than_o they_o that_o live_v long_o by_o many_o year_n than_o the_o late_a evening_n convert_v or_o the_o sinner_n that_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a for_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v to_o live_v till_o we_o be_v alive_a to_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n and_o begin_v to_o look_v towards_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o great_a end_n of_o live_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v make_v the_o best_a of_o our_o time_n as_o we_o have_v need_v to_o do_v that_o have_v so_o little_a in_o store_n we_o must_v begin_v at_o the_o right_a end_n and_o engage_v betimes_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o not_o think_v it_o enough_o when_o we_o have_v spend_v the_o flower_n of_o our_o age_n upon_o his_o and_o our_o own_o great_a enemy_n to_o put_v he_o off_o with_o a_o few_o of_o our_o blast_a and_o wither_a day_n in_o which_o we_o have_v no_o pleasure_n and_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o concern_v we_o have_v begin_v well_o to_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o to_o get_v as_o forward_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o heaven_n in_o the_o next_o stage_n of_o our_o life_n remember_v that_o our_o life_n be_v now_o short_a than_o they_o be_v and_o that_o our_o time_n be_v every_o day_n more_o precious_a than_o other_o the_o value_n of_o it_o improve_n as_o the_o stock_n decrease_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o our_o progress_n in_o welldoing_a can_v secure_v our_o hopeful_a beginning_n that_o every_o good_a work_n we_o do_v will_v both_o help_v to_o insure_v and_o enhance_v our_o reward_n and_o that_o the_o true_a way_n of_o lengthen_v our_o time_n be_v to_o