confirm_v and_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o heaven_n god_n promise_v to_o hezekiah_n 15_o year_n but_o not_o to_o preserve_v his_o life_n by_o miracle_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o repair_v the_o wasting_n of_o nature_n by_o daily_a food_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v noxious_a and_o destructive_a to_o his_o body_n the_o apostle_n excite_v christian_n to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v none_o be_v a_o more_o easy_a conquest_n to_o the_o tempter_n than_o those_o who_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o strength_n we_o shall_v be_v always_o jealous_a of_o ourselves_o from_o the_o sad_a example_n of_o apostasy_n in_o every_o age._n decepit_fw-la st._n ambrose_n testify_v from_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o many_o after_o the_o courageous_a endure_v of_o cruel_a torment_n for_o 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choice_n aright_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o everlasting_a consequence_n it_o therefore_o become_v we_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a application_n of_o mind_n to_o consider_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o wisdom_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v not_o difficult_a between_o lie_v vanity_n and_o substantial_a blessedness_n if_o uncorrupted_a reason_n have_v the_o superior_a sway_n but_o in_o this_o lapse_v state_n of_o nature_n the_o understanding_n and_o willare_v so_o deprave_v that_o present_a thing_n please_v to_o sense_n ravish_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o compliance_n man_n be_v deceive_v not_o compel_v into_o ruin_n the_o subtle_a seducer_n prevail_v by_o fair_a temptation_n this_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o man_n as_o he_o consist_v of_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o act_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o intellective_a discern_a faculty_n the_o seat_n of_o reason_n capable_a to_o compare_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o thing_n and_o foresee_v their_o issue_n the_o body_n include_v the_o low_a faculty_n the_o sense_n fancy_n and_o passion_n that_o be_v coversant_a about_o present_a thing_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o will_n the_o principle_n of_o election_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o centre_n to_o which_o all_o their_o address_n flow_v now_o upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a good_a in_o order_n to_o choice_n the_o will_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o its_o own_o authority_n to_o rule_v the_o low_a passion_n but_o alas_o the_o mind_n have_v lose_v its_o primitive_a light_n and_o purity_n vigilance_n and_o integrity_n neglect_v its_o duty_n and_o from_o ignorance_n error_n and_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la often_o plead_v for_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o
sound_v and_o perfect_a health_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o art_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o honour_n or_o riches_n be_v not_o content_a with_o a_o mediocrity_n of_o success_n but_o drive_v on_o his_o affair_n to_o the_o full_a period_n of_o his_o desire_n a_o ardent_a lover_n of_o learning_n with_o a_o noble_a jealousy_n strive_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n in_o short_a no_o man_n design_n and_o belong_v for_o a_o thing_n as_o his_o happiness_n but_o will_v use_v all_o diligence_n to_o gain_v the_o present_a and_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o person_n sincere_o propound_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n as_o his_o end_n but_o love_n will_v make_v he_o fervent_a and_o industrious_a to_o be_v as_o heavenly_a as_o be_v possible_a here_o he_o will_v strive_v by_o bless_a and_o glorious_a gradation_n to_o ascend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o aim_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o be_v pure_a as_o christ_n be_v pure_a we_o have_v a_o admirable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o st_n paul_n who_o declare_v 14._o brethren_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n his_o progress_n be_v great_a yet_o that_o do_v not_o make_v he_o slack_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o end_n he_o labour_v to_o attain_v the_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n and_o life_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n entire_o and_o perfect_o as_o christ_n have_v apprehend_v he_o he_o be_v very_o diligent_a to_o improve_v the_o divine_a image_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v of_o lukewarm_a affection_n in_o religion_n the_o abhor_a character_n of_o laodicea_n who_o esteem_v it_o a_o prudent_a principle_n as_o convenient_a for_o their_o carnal_a ease_n and_o interest_n not_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o follow_v holiness_n vice_n in_o mediocrity_n be_v tolerable_a with_o they_o only_o the_o excess_n be_v condemn_v they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o mediocrity_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o secure_a as_o the_o church_n that_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o they_o boast_v as_o if_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o temperate_a region_n between_o the_o burn_a line_n and_o the_o freeze_a pole_n they_o account_v all_o that_o be_v above_o their_o degree_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v furious_a or_o indiscreet_a zeal_n and_o all_o below_o to_o be_v dead_a cold_a profaneness_n they_o censure_v those_o for_o hypocrisy_n or_o unnecessary_a strictness_n who_o be_v visible_o better_a and_o stand_v upon_o proud_a comparison_n with_o those_o who_o be_v visible_o worse_o and_o thus_o set_v off_o themselves_o by_o tax_v other_o but_o how_o easy_o do_v man_n deceive_v and_o damn_v themselves_o can_v we_o have_v too_o much_o of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o earth_n can_v we_o become_v too_o like_o god_n when_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o he_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o felicity_n indeed_o moral_a virtue_n consist_v in_o a_o mediocrity_n not_o of_o the_o habitual_a quality_n but_o of_o the_o affection_n and_o action_n between_o the_o vicious_a extremity_n fortitude_n consist_v in_o the_o mean_a between_o cowardice_n and_o rash_a boldness_n but_o how_o much_o the_o more_o confirm_v the_o courageous_a habit_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o that_o virtue_n liberality_n consist_v between_o a_o indiscreet_a profuseness_n and_o sordid_a avarice_n patience_n between_o a_o soft_a delicacy_n and_o stupid_a insensibility_n thus_o philosophic_a virtue_n glory_n in_o its_o beauty_n as_o pure_a and_o entire_a between_o two_o vicious_a deformity_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o many_o be_v paganism_n dress_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a fashion_n but_o this_o mediocrity_n only_o belong_v to_o inferior_a virtue_n that_o respect_v thing_n of_o create_a limit_a goodness_n and_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o divine_a grace_n respect_v a_o object_n supreme_o good_a and_o their_o perfection_n consist_v in_o their_o most_o excellent_a degree_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a affection_n and_o operation_n that_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o faith_n in_o its_o obedience_n hope_v in_o its_o assurance_n love_n in_o its_o ardour_n can_v never_o exceed_v when_o the_o object_n be_v infinite_a a_o mediocrity_n be_v vicious_a humility_n can_v never_o descend_v too_o low_a nor_o love_n ascend_v too_o high_a for_o reflect_v upon_o our_o natural_a and_o moral_a imperfection_n that_o we_o be_v raise_v from_o nothing_o that_o we_o be_v defile_v and_o debase_v with_o sin_n we_o can_v have_v too_o low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o and_o since_o god_n the_o sovereign_n be_v infinite_a in_o perfection_n and_o infinite_o amiable_a be_v the_o object_n no_o bound_n or_o measure_n must_v be_v set_v to_o our_o affection_n but_o with_o all_o our_o unite_a power_n all_o the_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o the_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o the_o strength_n we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o please_v he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v belove_v of_o he_o there_o be_v other_o will_v acknowledge_v their_o defect_n and_o tell_v you_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o eminent_a sanctity_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n nor_o aspire_v to_o their_o degree_n in_o glory_n they_o be_v content_a with_o a_o low_a place_n in_o heaven_n and_o less_o strict_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n this_o deceit_n be_v strengthen_v by_o popery_n that_o enervate_v and_o dissolve_v many_o of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n by_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o law_n oblige_v all_o christians_n to_o obedience_n that_o will_v attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o meritorious_o entitle_v to_o a_o rich_a crown_n and_o though_o man_n by_o impure_a indulgency_n please_v their_o sensual_a affection_n yet_o by_o taste_v purgatory_n in_o the_o way_n they_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n on_o easy_a term_n than_o a_o universal_a respect_n to_o god_n command_n and_o a_o equal_a care_n to_o observe_v they_o but_o death_n will_v confute_v all_o these_o feeble_a wretched_a pretence_n for_o though_o the_o saint_n above_o shine_n with_o a_o unequal_a brightness_n as_o the_o star_n differ_v in_o glory_n yet_o none_o be_v there_o but_o saint_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o mourn_v under_o their_o imperfection_n and_o unfeigned_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v better_a be_v never_o real_o good_a the_o slothful_a servant_n that_o do_v not_o waste_v but_o neglect_n to_o improve_v his_o talon_n be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o punishment_n in_o hell_n but_o the_o least_o miserable_a there_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o in_o short_a it_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n a_o prodigy_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v he_o be_v sincere_a in_o his_o choice_n and_o prepare_v in_o his_o affection_n for_o the_o pure_a glorious_a felicity_n in_o heaven_n that_o do_v not_o labour_n to_o cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n chap._n v._n the_o choice_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v early_o the_o pretence_n of_o man_n delay_v repentance_n the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o second_o the_o choice_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n must_v be_v early_o in_o the_o prime_n of_o our_o day_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o reason_n bind_v we_o to_o remember_v our_o creator_n in_o our_o youth_n to_o pay_v to_o he_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o our_o time_n and_o strength_n when_o we_o be_v surround_v with_o entice_a object_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v entire_a and_o most_o capable_a to_o enjoy_v they_o when_o the_o elect_a power_n be_v it_o their_o vigour_n then_o it_o be_v just_a we_o shall_v live_v to_o god_n obey_v he_o as_o our_o lawgiver_n and_o prefer_v the_o fruition_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n before_o as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o vanity_n it_o be_v very_o honourable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n to_o give_v the_o heart_n to_o he_o when_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n strong_o solicit_v to_o withdraw_v it_o it_o be_v a_o high_a endearment_n of_o the_o soâ—_n to_o he_o when_o his_o excellency_n be_v prevalent_a in_o the_o esteem_n and_o affection_n above_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o
all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n but_o to_o tell_v sinner_n who_o secure_o proceed_v in_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v at_o last_o and_o notwithstanding_o their_o presumptuous_a repulse_n of_o god_n call_v to_o his_o service_n yet_o they_o may_v come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o be_v reward_v be_v to_o give_v countenance_n and_o protection_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o harden_v they_o to_o destruction_n poison_n be_v not_o cure_v by_o give_v food_n but_o antidote_n that_o put_v nature_n into_o a_o passion_n till_o it_o be_v expel_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v only_o prove_v medicinal_a to_o such_o deprave_a soul_n to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n let_v we_o serious_o consider_v the_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o father_n and_o a_o judge_n that_o justice_n and_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n be_v essential_a to_o his_o nature_n that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v according_o move_v towards_o he_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n presumption_n and_o despair_n be_v very_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n the_o one_o destroy_v the_o fear_n the_o other_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o hope_v contemper_v with_o fear_n have_v a_o excellent_a influence_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n as_o the_o ballast_n and_o the_o wind_n be_v both_o necessary_a that_o the_o ship_n may_v go_v safe_o and_o regular_o without_o the_o wind_n the_o ship_n can_v make_v no_o way_n and_o without_o ballast_n it_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o oversetting_n by_o every_o gust_n thus_o hope_v and_o fear_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o bring_v we_o safe_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n fear_v without_o hope_n stupefy_v the_o vigour_n and_o alacrity_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o god_n and_o hope_v without_o fear_n make_v it_o vain_a and_o careless_a of_o its_o duty_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o every_o please_a temptation_n brief_o let_v we_o right_o understand_v the_o tenor_n of_o evangelical_n promise_v of_o pardon_n and_o grace_n they_o be_v conditional_a and_o applicable_a only_o to_o penitent_a believer_n and_o unfeigned_a faith_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n purify_v the_o heart_n work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v the_o live_a principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n and_o repentance_n unto_o life_n be_v productive_a of_o all_o good_a fruit_n in_o their_o season_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v as_o a_o man_n sow_n so_o shall_v he_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a chap._n vi_o our_o choice_n must_v be_v constant._n perseverance_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n absolute_o require_v in_o order_n to_o attain_v the_o reward_n the_o various_a temptation_n that_o assault_v christian_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o heaven_n the_o reason_n why_o perseverance_n be_v necessary_a caution_n against_o presumption_n and_o a_o vicious_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n i_o shall_v proceed_v next_o to_o consider_v that_o our_o choice_n must_v be_v firm_a and_o last_a victorious_a over_o all_o temptation_n the_o two_o principal_a rule_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v and_o end_v well_o to_o fix_v and_o establish_v the_o main_a design_n for_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o from_o a_o determinate_a resolution_n and_o ratify_v purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o pursue_v it_o with_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n to_o live_v for_o heaven_n and_o with_o readiness_n and_o courage_n to_o die_v for_o it_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o require_v perseverance_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o all_o that_o will_v obtain_v the_o eternal_a reward_n for_o the_o clear_n this_o most_o important_a point_n i_o will_v first_o represent_v from_o scripture_n the_o idea_n of_o perseverance_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o salvation_n second_o confider_v why_o it_o be_v so_o strict_o require_v i._o save_v perseverance_n include_v the_o permanent_a residence_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v compose_v of_o the_o whole_a chain_n of_o grace_n the_o union_n of_o holy_a habit_n that_o be_v at_o first_o infuse_v into_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n when_o eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v to_o faith_n or_o love_n or_o hope_v it_o be_v upon_o supposal_n that_o those_o grace_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n shall_v final_o prosper_v 2._o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n shall_v inherit_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n 13._o it_o be_v love_n that_o never_o fail_v that_o shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o glorious_a fruition_n if_o grace_n be_v disseise_v by_o a_o usurp_a lust_n apostasy_n will_v follow_v and_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o right_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o grace_n must_v be_v continual_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n according_a to_o our_o several_a state_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o various_a occasion_n that_o happen_v in_o our_o course_n through_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v light_a in_o the_o lord_n be_v command_v to_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n to_o signify_v the_o excellency_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n must_v walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o a_o conspicuous_a course_n of_o holiness_n declare_v the_o vigour_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a principle_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o paulum_fw-la sepultae_fw-la distat_fw-la inertiae_fw-la celata_fw-la virtus_fw-la virtue_n that_o break_v not_o forth_o into_o visible_a action_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o name_n the_o mere_a abstain_v from_o evil_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o all_o the_o positive_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o be_v constant_o do_v in_o discharge_v both_o these_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n complete_a religion_n be_v express_v and_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n consist_v 3._o perseverance_n include_v not_o only_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n but_o fervour_n and_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n there_o be_v two_o fix_a state_n the_o one_o in_o heaven_n the_o other_o in_o hell_n the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n of_o holiness_n the_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n be_v sink_v to_o the_o low_a extremity_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o middle_a state_n here_o grace_n in_o the_o saint_n be_v a_o rise_a grow_a light_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o wicked_a improve_v every_o day_n like_o poison_n in_o a_o serpent_n that_o become_v more_o deadly_a by_o his_o age._n we_o be_v enjoin_v not_o to_o remain_v in_o our_o first_o imperfection_n but_o to_o follow_v holiness_n to_o the_o utmost_a issue_n of_o our_o life_n to_o its_o entire_a consummation_n for_o this_o end_n all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v improve_v whether_o prosperous_a or_o afflict_a and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 4._o perseverance_n be_v require_v notwithstanding_o all_o temptation_n that_o may_v allure_v or_o terrify_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n what_o ever_o affect_v we_o one_o way_n or_o other_o while_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o frail_a flesh._n it_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o that_o be_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o servant_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o even_o to_o be_v crucify_v with_o he_o rather_o than_o wilful_o forfeit_v his_o integrity_n and_o loyalty_n to_o christ._n he_o must_v by_o a_o 22_o sacred_a fix_a resolution_n divest_v himself_o of_o all_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o value_a and_o desirable_a in_o the_o present_a world_n and_o actual_o forsake_v they_o nay_o entertain_v what_o be_v most_o distasteful_a and_o resist_v unto_o blood_n rather_o than_o desert_n his_o duty_n 1._o he_o must_v with_o unfainting_a patience_n continue_v in_o do_v his_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o misery_n and_o calamity_n loss_n disgrace_n torment_n or_o death_n itself_o which_o wicked_a man_n and_o great_a enemy_n the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v inflict_v upon_o we_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o terrible_a suffering_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v for_o christ_n sake_n shall_v be_v save_v in_o this_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v the_o express_a
shall_v be_v despise_v for_o paint_a trifle_n if_o a_o spark_n of_o true_a reason_n of_o sincere_a love_n to_o our_o soul_n be_v leave_v we_o shall_v count_v all_o thing_n but_o dross_n and_o dung_n that_o we_o may_v gain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n thus_o eternity_n enlighten_v thus_o it_o counsel_v we_o chap._n xi_o other_o motive_n propound_v god_n desire_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n all_o that_o unfeigned_o seek_v it_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o the_o term_n be_v gracious_a and_o easy_a upon_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o men._n to_o excite_v we_o further_a to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o shall_v propound_v other_o motive_n to_o consideration_n 1._o god_n be_v very_o willing_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o partake_v of_o his_o glory_n for_o this_o end_n he_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n have_v dispel_v the_o darkness_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o render_v the_o bless_a and_o eternal_a state_n so_o clear_a and_o so_o visible_a that_o every_o eye_n may_v see_v it_o our_o assurance_n of_o it_o be_v upon_o infallible_a principle_n and_o though_o the_o excellent_a glory_n of_o it_o be_v inexpressible_a yet_o it_o be_v represent_v under_o variety_n of_o fair_a and_o lovely_a type_n to_o invite_v our_o affection_n beside_o god_n make_v a_o earnest_a offer_n of_o life_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n he_o command_v counsel_n excite_v urge_v nay_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v with_o infinite_a tenderness_n that_o man_n will_v accept_v of_o it_o thus_o the_o apostle_n declare_v now_o than_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a then_o beyond_o the_o most_o jealous_a suspicion_n god_n be_v desirous_a of_o our_o happiness_n can_v we_o imagine_v any_o design_n any_o insincerity_n in_o his_o word_n why_o shall_v heaven_n court_v a_o worm_n it_o be_v his_o love_n to_o soul_n that_o express_v itself_o in_o that_o condescend_v compassionate_a manner_n to_o melt_v and_o overcome_v the_o perverse_a and_o harden_a in_o sin_n and_o as_o his_o word_n so_o his_o work_n be_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o his_o will_n his_o most_o gracious_a sustain_n and_o support_v of_o sinful_a man_n his_o innumerable_a benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o provision_n of_o good_a and_o preservation_n from_o evil_a be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o merciful_a providence_n they_o may_v be_v lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o receive_v to_o grace_n and_o the_o temporal_a judgement_n inflict_v on_o sinner_n be_v medecinal_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o design_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o sin_n to_o prevent_v their_o final_a ruin_n if_o they_o prove_v mortal_a to_o any_o it_o be_v from_o their_o obstinate_a corruption_n the_o time_n allow_v to_o those_o who_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o his_o justice_n every_o hour_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a reprieve_n from_o torment_n but_o a_o space_n of_o repentance_n to_o sue_v out_o a_o pardon_n they_o be_v spare_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 9_o the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a to_o usward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n but_o above_o all_o his_o other_o work_n the_o give_v of_o his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o incomparable_a demonstration_n how_o much_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n since_o god_n have_v be_v at_o such_o cost_n to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o obtain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o unchangeable_a glory_n far_o transcend_v the_o earthly_a paradise_n that_o be_v forfeit_v by_o sin_n we_o have_v the_o strong_a assurance_n that_o he_o desire_v their_o felicity_n and_o how_o guilty_a and_o miserable_a will_v those_o sinner_n be_v that_o when_o christ_n have_v open_v heaven_n to_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o when_o brutus_n propound_v to_o a_o philosopher_n his_o design_n to_o restore_v rome_n to_o liberty_n he_o reply_v that_o the_o action_n will_v be_v glorious_a indeed_o but_o that_o so_o many_o servile_a spirit_n that_o tame_o stoop_v under_o tyranny_n be_v not_o worthy_a that_o a_o man_n of_o virtue_n and_o courage_n shall_v hazard_v himself_o to_o recover_v that_o for_o they_o which_o they_o do_v so_o light_o esteem_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n be_v without_o controversy_n the_o most_o glorious_a work_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o concurrence_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o attribute_n appear_v in_o that_o excellent_a manner_n that_o only_o his_o miraculous_a wisdom_n can_v find_v out_o but_o how_o astonish_a be_v the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n who_o wretched_o neglect_v salvation_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n purchase_v by_o a_o life_n full_a of_o sorrow_n and_o a_o death_n of_o infinite_a suffering_n bless_a redeemer_n may_v it_o be_v speak_v with_o the_o humble_a affectionate_a and_o thankful_a sense_n of_o thy_o die_a love_n why_o do_v thou_o give_v thyself_o a_o ransom_n for_o those_o who_o be_v charm_v with_o their_o misery_n and_o with_o the_o most_o foul_a ingratitude_n disvalue_n so_o precious_a a_o redemption_n how_o just_o shall_v they_o be_v for_o ever_o deprive_v of_o it_o behold_v you_o despiser_n and_o wonder_v and_o perish_v 2._o consider_v this_o glorious_a blessedness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o that_o unfeigned_o choose_v it_o and_o earnest_o seek_v it_o this_o motive_n be_v enclose_v in_o the_o first_o but_o deserve_v a_o separate_a consideration_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v infallible_a assurance_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o anchor_n fasten_v in_o heaven_n and_o beside_o the_o fidelity_n of_o his_o word_n god_n have_v give_v we_o security_n of_o the_o reward_n the_o life_n of_o his_o son_n this_o methinks_v shall_v turn_v the_o current_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o heaven_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o toil_n and_o sweat_n the_o labour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o night_n for_o the_o obtain_n earthly_a thing_n yet_o we_o many_o time_n fall_v short_a of_o our_o aim_n and_o hope_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n i_o return_v and_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o yet_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o yet_o favour_v to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o all_o indeed_o such_o be_v the_o order_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o world_n there_o must_v be_v different_a condition_n of_o man_n here_o some_o rich_a other_o poor_a some_o noble_a other_o mean_a some_o in_o command_v other_o in_o subjection_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o neither_o dignity_n nor_o riches_n nor_o pleasure_n be_v the_o happiness_n of_o man._n for_o it_o be_v not_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v that_o the_o last_o end_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n which_o though_o seek_v with_o sincerity_n and_o diligence_n may_v not_o be_v obtain_v or_o of_o which_o without_o his_o own_o consent_n he_o may_v be_v deprive_v but_o civil_a distinction_n and_o quality_n be_v of_o no_o value_n and_o consideration_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o obtain_n or_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a that_o be_v in_o a_o exalt_a state_n have_v not_o a_o more_o easy_a ascent_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o low_a degree_n the_o star_n appear_v with_o the_o same_o bigness_n to_o he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o deep_a valley_n as_o on_o the_o high_a hill_n be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o despise_v be_v they_o not_o equal_o the_o offspring_n of_o god_n and_o equal_o ransom_v by_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n be_v they_o not_o equal_o capable_a of_o eternal_a reward_n be_v not_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n equal_o address_v to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v faithful_a to_o his_o duty_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o shall_v inspire_v all_o with_o flame_a desire_n and_o draw_v forth_o their_o utmost_a industry_n and_o make_v they_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o to_o abound_v
in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n i_o know_v the_o carnal_a will_n be_v impetuous_a and_o impatient_a of_o delay_n and_o earnest_n for_o what_o be_v present_a with_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o future_a glory_n but_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a and_o strange_a thing_n to_o sow_v in_o hope_n of_o reap_v a_o harvest_n for_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a and_o active_a on_o land_n and_o sea_n for_o future_a advantage_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n the_o merchant_n the_o husbandman_n the_o student_n the_o soldier_n and_o every_o man_n in_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o call_v be_v visible_a instance_n of_o this_o and_o though_o many_o time_n the_o most_o flourish_a hope_n be_v blast_v they_o be_v not_o discourage_v and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sight_n full_a of_o wonder_n to_o observe_v man_n cheerful_a in_o labour_n and_o hardship_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o world_n to_o carry_v it_o so_o light_o as_o if_o they_o have_v wing_n and_o all_o for_o a_o poor_a and_o uncertain_a recompense_n and_o to_o be_v slow_a and_o languid_a in_o their_o endeavour_n for_o a_o reward_n as_o great_a and_o as_o sure_a as_o god_n be_v glorious_a and_o true_a how_o many_o ambitious_o strive_v to_o please_v a_o prince_n and_o wait_v long_o in_o his_o service_n who_o be_v but_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o variable_a in_o his_o temper_n and_o state_n sometime_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v and_o sometime_o can_v do_v what_o he_o will_v to_o reward_v his_o servant_n and_o be_v there_o not_o infinite_o more_o reason_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o please_v god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o liberal_a and_o rich_a and_o certain_a rewarder_n of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o 3._o consider_v how_o gracious_a the_o term_n be_v upon_o which_o heaven_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n law_n be_v so_o holy_a just_a and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o good_a to_o man_n even_o in_o their_o present_a performance_n that_o their_o own_o excellence_n and_o equity_n and_o sweetness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o without_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o obedience_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n what_o pleasure_n be_v comparable_a to_o that_o which_o spring_v from_o a_o pure_a conscience_n from_o a_o godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a conversation_n how_o joyful_a be_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o service_n which_o more_o immediate_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o sacred_a action_n we_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o felicity_n and_o receive_v from_o his_o fullness_n in_o the_o affectionate_a praise_n of_o god_n we_o be_v companion_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o be_v not_o integrity_n and_o honesty_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n more_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a than_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n be_v it_o not_o troublesome_a to_o be_v always_o under_o a_o mask_n to_o use_v art_n and_o disguise_n to_o avoid_v the_o reproach_n and_o revenge_n that_o attend_v unjust_a action_n when_o discover_v be_v temperance_n and_o chastity_n as_o hurtful_a to_o the_o body_n as_o luxury_n and_o lasciviousness_n the_o essential_a part_n of_o carnal_a felicity_n how_o miserable_o distract_v be_v man_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v rend_v with_o numberless_a vanity_n the_o affection_n divide_v between_o various_a object_n how_o quiet_a and_o compose_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o the_o affection_n joyful_o conspire_v in_o his_o service_n can_v it_o then_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v heavy_a and_o his_o law_n hard_a or_o be_v his_o promise_n uncertain_a and_o his_o reward_n small_a no_o his_o command_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o the_o keep_v they_o there_o be_v a_o great_a reward_n a_o present_a paradise_n religion_n will_v make_v we_o happy_a hereafter_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o happy_a here_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n be_v the_o same_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o gospel_n require_v we_o to_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o mortify_v the_o dear_a lust_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sharp_a suffering_n for_o his_o honour_n that_o we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o deprave_a state_n only_o relish_v such_o object_n as_o pleasant_o insinuate_v with_o the_o carnal_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v bitter_a as_o death_n to_o bind_v up_o the_o affection_n from_o they_o but_o grace_n give_v a_o new_a divine_a nature_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lusts._n to_o make_v this_o more_o clear_a by_o a_o sensible_a instance_n suppose_v a_o disease_a person_n who_o stomach_n be_v oppress_v with_o corrupt_a humour_n and_o his_o throat_n and_o mouth_n so_o heat_v with_o choler_n and_o continual_a thirst_n that_o he_o think_v it_o impossible_a though_o for_o his_o life_n to_o abstain_v from_o immoderate_a drink_v if_o a_o physician_n by_o some_o powerful_a medicine_n cleanse_v the_o stomach_n and_o temper_n the_o internal_a heat_n he_o then_o can_v easy_o restrain_v himself_o from_o excess_n thus_o a_o carnal_a man_n that_o be_v full_a of_o false_a estimation_n and_o irregular_a desire_n while_o there_o be_v pleasure_n without_o and_o passion_n unsubdued_a within_o though_o his_o salvation_n depend_v on_o it_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a appetite_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o gentile_n think_v it_o strange_a christian_n do_v not_o run_v with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n but_o divine_a grace_n so_o clarify_v and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n so_o purify_v and_o elevate_v the_o affection_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a to_o abstain_v from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n st._n austin_n before_o his_o conversion_n be_v astonish_v that_o many_o in_o the_o vigour_n of_o youth_n and_o in_o a_o frail_a world_n live_v chaste_o and_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o be_v encourage_v by_o this_o thought_n that_o which_o such_o and_o such_o observe_v why_o shall_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o i_o to_o observe_v and_o upon_o serious_a trial_n by_o the_o prosperous_a influence_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o conqueror_n over_o all_o carnal_a temptation_n nay_o after_o his_o holy_a change_n istis_fw-la the_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o vicious_a delight_n be_v inexpressible_o more_o sweet_a than_o his_o former_a enjoy_n of_o they_o and_o be_v there_o not_o many_o visible_a example_n of_o holy_a heavenly_a christian_n to_o who_o grosser_n sensual_a pleasure_n be_v unsavoury_a and_o contemptible_a you_o may_v as_o well_o tell_v the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v practise_v religion_n in_o its_o strictness_n and_o purity_n and_o by_o their_o enlighten_v conversation_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v their_o body_n take_v from_o the_o vein_n of_o a_o rock_n and_o not_o compose_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v their_o passion_n like_o solomon_n brazen_a sea_n unmoveable_a by_o any_o wind_n of_o temptation_n be_v they_o entire_o exempt_v from_o the_o impression_n of_o object_n and_o the_o low_a affection_n no_o they_o be_v alive_a and_o sensible_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o ravish_v the_o affection_n of_o carnal_a man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n despise_v and_o overcome_v they_o and_o this_o grace_n be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o that_o sincere_o desire_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a wretched_a pretence_n that_o religion_n bind_v to_o hard_a service_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o sometime_o religion_n expose_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o heavy_a suffering_n i_o answer_v indeed_o the_o gospel_n be_v plain_a and_o peremptory_a in_o this_o if_o we_o will_v reign_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v suffer_v with_o he_o when_o we_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o give_v a_o noble_a testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o extraordinary_a elevation_n no_o point_n of_o perfection_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a in_o the_o disposition_n and_o resolution_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o actual_a martyrdom_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n require_v it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n to_o suffer_v transient_a affliction_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o happy_a immortality_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o