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and_o so_o pursue_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o place_v felicity_n that_o if_o ever_o a_o competition_n arise_v between_o that_o end_n and_o any_o other_o that_o be_v prefer_v and_o still_o pursue_v the_o other_o neglect_v and_o lay_v aside_o and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o although_o it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a happiness_n though_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n itself_o which_o we_o have_v propound_v to_o ourselves_o as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o vanity_n such_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n such_o be_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o subtlety_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o find_v something_o of_o competition_n between_o this_o great_a and_o excellent_a end_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o other_o of_o infinite_o less_o importance_n we_o be_v compound_v of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o 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mind_n of_o man_n add_v hereunto_o that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o throng_n of_o ill_a example_n such_o as_o may_v toss_v we_o to_o and_o fro_o like_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o move_a crowd_n without_o a_o vigorous_a opposition_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v that_o if_o the_o liberty_n common_o use_v be_v not_o expedient_a or_o lawful_a for_o we_o neither_o câ—uld_v they_o be_v so_o to_o other_o person_n but_o see_v other_o plain_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o they_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v they_o so_o to_o we_o for_o as_o all_o man_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mould_n so_o be_v they_o under_o the_o same_o law_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o lose_v than_o other_o nor_o they_o any_o less_o to_o save_v than_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o devil_n a_o sleep_n or_o mindless_a how_o he_o may_v divert_v our_o course_n to_o heaven_n he_o walk_v about_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v 1_o pet._n 5.8_o his_o approach_n to_o we_o be_v invisible_a his_o insinuation_n quick_a and_o press_a and_o then_o especial_o apply_v and_o urge_v when_o he_o find_v we_o ruffle_v and_o discompose_v by_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o ill_a impression_n that_o other_o temptation_n have_v make_v upon_o we_o and_o thus_o it_o sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o virtuous_a person_n do_v by_o surprise_n either_o make_v a_o stand_n or_o a_o false_a step_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o here_o now_o be_v their_o great_a advantage_n that_o have_v former_o fix_v upon_o heaven_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o as_o their_o only_a happiness_n have_v deliberate_o choose_v piety_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o christ_n precept_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o arrive_v there_o this_o habit_n of_o mind_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n soon_o recover_v itself_o again_o recollect_n itself_o find_v its_o mistake_n rescue_v itself_o from_o the_o surprise_n and_o return_n to_o god_n and_o itself_o again_o just_a as_o the_o needle_n to_o 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happiness_n his_o hope_n will_v at_o length_n baffle_v his_o fear_n either_o remove_v the_o consideration_n and_o exclude_v the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n or_o else_o shake_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o or_o teach_v he_o some_o deceitful_a art_n of_o reconcile_a the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o lust_n for_o what_o man_n love_v and_o value_v most_o that_o will_v have_v the_o command_n of_o they_o in_o every_o contest_v and_o competition_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o lord_n take_v such_o care_n to_o give_v we_o a_o true_a account_n of_o thing_n to_o state_n their_o real_a value_n to_o we_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n how_o much_o the_o joy_n and_o treasure_n of_o heaven_n transcend_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v on_o earth_n see_v moth_n and_o rust_n consume_v the_o latter_a and_o that_o thief_n may_v rob_v and_o spoil_v we_o of_o they_o while_o the_o former_a be_v not_o only_o durable_a not_o only_o eternal_a in_o themselves_o but_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o theft_n and_o rapine_n thus_o do_v our_o lord_n adjust_a and_o rate_v the_o worth_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o choose_v aright_o to_o esteem_v that_o most_o which_o best_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o esteem_v to_o judge_v that_o best_a which_o be_v the_o best_a for_o have_v judge_v it_o so_o to_o be_v we_o shall_v fix_v our_o heart_n and_o desire_n upon_o it_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o gain_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o such_o degree_n and_o manner_n that_o when_o ever_o a_o competition_n happen_v between_o this_o end_n and_o any_o other_o this_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o all_o our_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o action_n 2._o have_v thus_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o what_o degree_n man_n set_v their_o heart_n upon_o their_o treasure_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o make_v their_o chief_a good_a i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o such_o conclusion_n from_o the_o word_n as_o deserve_v our_o especial_a consideration_n 1._o 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their_o sensual_a inclination_n in_o contradiction_n to_o christ_n precept_n and_o the_o just_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n they_o describe_v themselves_o in_o the_o 2_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n v._o 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n our_o time_n say_v they_o be_v a_o very_a shadow_n that_o pass_v away_o and_o after_o our_o end_n there_o be_v no_o return_v for_o it_o be_v fast_o seal_v so_o that_o no_o man_n come_v again_o come_v on_o therefore_o let_v we_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v present_a and_o let_v we_o speedy_o use_v the_o creature_n like_v as_o in_o youth_n let_v we_o we_o fill_v ourselves_o with_o costly_a wine_n and_o ointment_n and_o let_v no_o flower_n of_o the_o spring_n pass_v by_o we_o let_v we_o crown_v ourselves_o with_o rosebud_n before_o they_o be_v wither_v let_v none_o of_o
address_n unto_o god_n either_o to_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o we_o or_o despise_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o general_n see_v then_o how_o high_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o awake_v into_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o a_o great_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o zeal_n and_o holy_a affection_n in_o all_o our_o address_n unto_o god_n think_v who_o it_o be_v in_o who_o you_o live_v in_o who_o you_o move_v and_o have_v your_o being_n think_v who_o it_o be_v who_o be_v the_o donor_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n relate_v to_o this_o or_o a_o better_a life_n think_v of_o your_o own_o daily_a want_n and_o of_o the_o numerous_a harm_n and_o danger_n the_o many_o temptation_n and_o seduction_n you_o be_v every_o day_n expose_v unto_o and_o think_v how_o just_o god_n may_v expose_v and_o give_v you_o up_o either_o to_o those_o danger_n or_o temptation_n unless_o you_o constant_o apply_v unto_o he_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o his_o protection_n and_o assistance_n for_o his_o good_a spirit_n to_o guide_v and_o help_v you_o to_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n to_o cleanse_v your_o heart_n to_o purge_v your_o affection_n to_o order_v your_o way_n and_o so_o to_o conduct_v you_o to_o life_n eternal_a the_o seven_o sermon_n 1_o joh._n 3.3_o and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v his_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o such_o person_n as_o labour_v under_o many_o trial_n and_o great_a indignity_n in_o the_o world_n be_v always_o wont_a to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o love_n of_o god_n to_o they_o under_o their_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o then_o that_o these_o very_a persecution_n be_v a_o signification_n of_o this_o love_n so_o this_o apostle_n begin_v this_o chapter_n behold_v say_v he_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o because_o it_o know_v he_o not_o and_o lest_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o by_o mere_a word_n to_o court_v they_o with_o a_o empty_a title_n while_o he_o say_v they_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o further_o add_v that_o they_o be_v real_o and_o true_o so_o for_o so_o he_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n belove_v now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v further_o understand_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o this_o relation_n he_o add_v to_o this_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v or_o as_o some_o other_o read_v the_o word_n when_o it_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v we_o shall_v enjoy_v he_o in_o that_o glory_n wherein_o he_o appear_v in_o heaven_n itself_o to_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v thither_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o not_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o both_o in_o purity_n and_o immortality_n see_v that_o none_o that_o be_v not_o so_o can_v possible_o so_o enjoy_v or_o see_v he_o and_o then_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o glory_n may_v prove_v effectual_a for_o its_o end_n by_o move_v every_o man_n to_o imitate_v he_o in_o this_o world_n who_o he_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v in_o that_o to_o come_v to_o purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a he_o let_v they_o know_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o very_a hope_n of_o enjoy_v god_n in_o immortal_a glory_n in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a where_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o these_o word_n purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a design_n and_o express_v a_o imitation_n not_o a_o equality_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o perfection_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v whole_o impossible_a to_o every_o creature_n the_o former_a necessary_a for_o every_o person_n that_o serious_o aim_v at_o immortality_n nor_o shall_v i_o stand_v to_o divide_v the_o word_n into_o any_o small_a minute_n part_n lest_o by_o insist_v upon_o they_o i_o shall_v as_o it_o happen_v in_o such_o case_n lose_v or_o obscure_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o trifle_v away_o the_o design_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o omit_v useless_a care_n and_o curiosity_n i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o hope_n which_o be_v say_v to_o purify_v they_o that_o have_v it_o 2._o and_o then_o second_o the_o several_a way_n whereby_o it_o have_v this_o effect_n upon_o they_o 3._o to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o consideration_n as_o consequence_n of_o the_o word_n before_o we_o and_o the_o discourse_n i_o shall_v make_v upon_o they_o 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o hope_n which_o purify_v man_n as_o god_n be_v pure_a see_v there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o hope_n and_o those_o of_o future_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n that_o have_v no_o such_o influence_n upon_o man_n as_o to_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v they_o from_o their_o lust_n but_o rather_o to_o move_v they_o to_o indulge_v they_o we_o plain_o find_v there_o be_v great_a number_n who_o profess_v the_o hope_n of_o future_a glory_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v but_o that_o they_o real_o hope_v for_o it_o according_a to_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o yet_o experience_n clear_o show_v that_o it_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o they_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o describe_v they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v this_o hope_n of_o they_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v here_o design_v it_o want_v the_o efficacy_n and_o success_n and_o therefore_o also_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o what_o then_o be_v the_o hope_n which_o our_o apostle_n here_o design_n a_o firm_a expectation_n of_o gain_v that_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v consist_v in_o purity_n and_o immortality_n upon_o the_o term_n whereupon_o it_o be_v promise_v and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v they_o that_o ask_v it_o this_o be_v style_v a_o hope_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o word_n in_o he_o respect_v not_o the_o person_n possess_v with_o but_o god_n upon_o who_o it_o be_v fix_v and_o settle_v a_o hope_v deficient_a in_o any_o of_o these_o will_v not_o purify_v they_o that_o have_v it_o a_o hope_n that_o be_v not_o so_o deficient_a must_v of_o necessity_n be_v thus_o qualify_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v a_o expectation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v a_o expectation_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o term_n whereupon_o it_o be_v promise_v 3._o it_o must_v be_v a_o firm_a and_o not_o a_o waver_a expectation_n 4._o it_o must_v be_v a_o firm_a expectation_n of_o it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o attain_v to_o it_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o not_o by_o the_o power_n or_o strength_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n these_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o hope_n that_o purge_v the_o heart_n and_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o consequent_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n no_o other_o kind_n of_o hope_n will_v do_v it_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v a_o expectation_n of_o that_o very_a happiness_n god_n have_v promise_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a purity_n and_o immortality_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o carnal_a sensual_a paradise_n will_v never_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v the_o spirit_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n defile_v and_o stain_v it_o for_o although_o it_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o that_o a_o man_n may_v possible_o deny_v himself_o one_o sensual_a pleasure_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o another_o great_a than_o that_o he_o forego_v at_o present_a yet_o be_v it_o a_o thing_n whole_o impossible_a that_o the_o hope_n of_o any_o sensual_a happiness_n shall_v any_o way_n mortify_v sensuality_n he_o that_o make_v any_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n of_o life_n and_o hope_n for_o this_o as_o for_o his_o happiness_n can_v never_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o hope_n study_v to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v sensual_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o hope_v which_o shall_v deliver_v and_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sensual_a and_o corrupt_a desire_n must_v be_v a_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v namely_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o purity_n as_o well_o as_o immortality_n 2._o nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a for_o
1._o easie_n 2._o pleasant_n and_o 3._o fit_a to_o promote_v and_o serve_v those_o end_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v apt_a to_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o piety_n while_o the_o lust_n be_v suffer_v to_o dwell_v within_o and_o man_n natural_o love_v their_o ease_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fair_a resemblance_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v favourable_a to_o the_o lust_n to_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o on_o that_o account_n man_n never_o quarrel_v with_o religion_n till_o it_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o lust_n they_o use_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v the_o baptist_n speak_v it_o fair_a and_o treat_v it_o kind_o and_o bear_v fair_a regard_n to_o it_o while_o it_o be_v content_a to_o oblige_v no_o further_o than_o to_o some_o plausible_a outward_a action_n it_o be_v never_o difficult_a till_o it_o require_v they_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v the_o lust_n within_o and_o those_o peculiar_a lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v predominant_a in_o themselves_o till_o it_o demand_v a_o eye_n or_o a_o hand_n something_o that_o be_v dear_a or_o ufeful_a to_o they_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o forsake_v it_o and_o cast_v it_o off_o when_o it_o grow_v press_v and_o importunate_a in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o appetite_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o it_o will_v indulge_v the_o lust_n within_o if_o it_o will_v permit_v pride_n and_o avarice_n and_o animosity_n to_o dwell_v there_o and_o content_v itself_o to_o paint_v and_o gild_v the_o outward_a man_n if_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o external_a show_n and_o action_n which_o be_v plausible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o thwart_v no_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n no_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n they_o be_v ready_a enough_o to_o entertain_v it_o now_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o those_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o former_o show_v at_o large_a be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v confine_v it_o to_o outward_a action_n and_o further_a yet_o to_o those_o that_o make_v the_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n add_v hereto_o a_o due_a care_n to_o omit_v the_o evil_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_o and_o gross_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v excuse_v either_o by_o misinterpret_v the_o law_n or_o by_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v their_o religion_n strange_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o through_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n we_o be_v all_o apt_a to_o study_v for_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n all_o mankind_n desire_v happiness_n but_o they_o desire_v it_o may_v cost_v they_o nothing_o to_o attain_v it_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o gnostic_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o deny_v christ_n to_o abjure_v christianity_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v glad_a to_o accommodate_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n not_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o absolve_v from_o sin_n upon_o mere_a profession_n of_o repentance_n to_o promise_v forgiveness_n and_o life_n eternal_a to_o they_o that_o will_v undergo_v the_o penance_n although_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o sin_n a_o easy_a religion_n easy_o recommend_v itself_o to_o man_n acceptance_n and_o inclination_n such_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n such_o in_o truth_n be_v all_o hypocrisy_n and_o therefore_o scarce_o to_o be_v avoid_v without_o considerable_a care_n and_o diligence_n 2._o and_o second_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o easy_a but_o a_o pleasant_a religion_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o exercise_v it_o elf_n in_o censure_v the_o vice_n scorn_v the_o person_n and_o oppose_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n all_o which_o thing_n as_o they_o pass_v for_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n so_o be_v they_o so_o far_o from_o be_v troublesome_a that_o they_o be_v singular_a gratification_n to_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o animosity_n 1._o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o be_v hypocrisy_n much_o consist_v in_o censure_v the_o vice_n of_o other_o person_n they_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o every_o man_n life_n except_o their_o own_o they_o have_v a_o reproof_n for_o every_o man_n fault_n great_a or_o small_a while_o they_o be_v indulgent_a to_o themselves_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o every_o other_o man_n behaviour_n far_o more_o than_o in_o their_o own_o life_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o as_o i_o observe_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n that_o they_o lay_v heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v on_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o move_v they_o with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n matth._n 23.4_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o sharp_a and_o quick_a they_o be_v in_o espy_v a_o mote_n in_o their_o brother_n eye_n not_o consider_v the_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o matth._n 7.3_o which_o as_o it_o pass_v for_o religion_n among_o the_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o use_v it_o so_o it_o be_v grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o natural_a passion_n of_o mankind_n it_o gratify_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n it_o gratify_v anger_n and_o animosity_n it_o feed_v self-love_n with_o great_a content_n as_o make_v the_o person_n very_o think_v that_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o detestation_n unto_o evil_n because_o he_o censure_v it_o in_o other_o person_n how_o eloquent_a and_o how_o free_a of_o speech_n be_v those_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o person_n how_o do_v the_o word_n gush_v like_o water_n from_o a_o fountain_n what_o heat_n what_o warmth_n what_o zeal_n and_o passion_n may_v you_o discover_v in_o their_o language_n and_o whence_o do_v all_o this_o rhetoric_n flow_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o eloquence_n but_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o the_o reproof_n in_o the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o neighbour_n sin_n so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o and_o delightful_a to_o censure_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n very_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o sinful_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o lie_v not_o only_o in_o censure_v the_o fault_n but_o deride_v the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o much_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n how_o much_o our_o very_a lord_n himself_o be_v scorn_v and_o deride_v by_o the_o pharisee_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o it_o pass_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n among_o some_o person_n to_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o other_o man_n to_o scorn_v a_o priest_n to_o deride_v a_o bishop_n to_o mock_v and_o scorn_v a_o whole_a profession_n be_v judge_v by_o some_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o invent_v opprobrious_a name_n and_o fable_n to_o forge_v to_o receive_v and_o spread_v report_n false_a and_o scandalous_a and_o disgraceful_a concern_v their_o person_n and_o their_o life_n be_v now_o become_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o accuse_v themselves_o for_o this_o but_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o it_o they_o do_v noton_o not_o believe_v themselves_o the_o worse_a but_o better_a man_n for_o so_o do_v this_o be_v their_o religion_n this_o be_v their_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o prize_v and_o value_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v deny_v this_o they_o will_v have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v little_a to_o plead_v for_o their_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o if_o you_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o their_o zeal_n in_o scorn_v those_o they_o ought_v to_o value_v if_o you_o shall_v quench_v all_o that_o heat_n that_o appear_v in_o anger_n and_o animosity_n against_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n if_o you_o shall_v require_v what_o god_n do_v what_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gosspel_n to_o show_v their_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o christian_a charity_n in_o patience_n gentleness_n and_o humility_n in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v rom._n 14.17_o you_o will_v find_v they_o far_o from_o be_v that_o which_o they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v namely_o true_a and_o real_a christian_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v it_o be_v so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o be_v so_o grateful_a
this_o comparison_n when_o he_o clear_o discern_v and_o firm_o judge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o this_o comparison_n represent_v they_o when_o he_o apply_v this_o judgement_n to_o every_o instance_n of_o life_n and_o action_n be_v it_o not_o a_o effectual_a principle_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o every_o wilful_a sin_n to_o urge_v and_o press_v he_o to_o every_o duty_n will_v he_o choose_v what_o be_v no_o way_n recommend_v and_o refuse_v what_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o under_o all_o the_o motive_n to_o choice_n and_o practice_n no_o man_n choose_v or_o do_v amiss_o but_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a or_o forgetful_a either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o in_o the_o case_n let_v the_o charm_n of_o the_o world_n entice_v to_o evil_n he_o know_v they_o be_v deceit_n and_o vanity_n and_o can_v believe_v what_o he_o know_v be_v false_a nor_o be_v cheat_v by_o what_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v let_v the_o dread_v and_o calamity_n of_o the_o world_n encumber_v and_o perplex_v his_o duty_n he_o reckon_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o rom._n 8.18_o this_o give_v he_o courage_n strength_n and_o patience_n and_o make_v he_o choose_v afflict_v innocence_n rather_o than_o guilty_a and_o short_a prosperity_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o great_a example_n of_o the_o high_a and_o the_o noble_a virtue_n all_o these_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n that_o be_v record_v in_o sacred_a history_n all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v do_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v suffer_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n have_v spring_v from_o a_o settle_a resolution_n ground_v upon_o stable_a judgement_n never_o to_o vary_v from_o god_n will_n and_o the_o way_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n so_o moses_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n heb._n 11.16_o so_o christ_n himself_o for_o that_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n heb._n 12.2_o and_o so_o do_v his_o first_o and_o faithful_a follower_n for_o the_o secure_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o the_o reward_n thereunto_o belong_v patient_o endure_v all_o their_o suffering_n as_o know_v that_o their_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n wrought_v for_o they_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o thus_o be_v the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a that_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o there_o declare_v and_o recommend_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o wit_n ignorance_n doubt_v and_o vanity_n but_o also_o a_o constant_a guide_n and_o monitor_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o 2._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o it_o the_o second_o head_n before_o propound_v 1._o and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v that_o since_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o it_o must_v be_v seek_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n man_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o powerful_a mere_o by_o the_o permission_n of_o providence_n by_o practice_n not_o allow_v by_o god_n by_o fraud_n and_o injury_n and_o oppression_n but_o no_o man_n be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v this_o special_a grace_n but_o where_o it_o be_v diligent_o seek_v of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o st_n paul_n so_o often_o put_v it_o into_o his_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v man_n with_o this_o wisdom_n so_o he_o pray_v for_o timothy_n that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o understand_v in_o all_o thing_n 2_o tim._n 2.7_o for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o eph._n 1.17_o for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n col._n 1.9_o and_o last_o for_o the_o philippian_n here_o that_o there_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a from_o all_o which_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o wisdom_n for_o sound_a judgement_n in_o all_o our_o duty_n as_o represent_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o fervent_a prayer_n especial_o see_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o that_o in_o a_o promise_n confirm_v by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o common_a and_o know_a experience_n for_o so_o be_v that_o luke_n 11.13_o if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o 2._o nor_o shall_v i_o need_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o to_o our_o prayer_n for_o the_o illumination_n of_o god_n grace_n something_o of_o industry_n must_v be_v join_v in_o the_o study_n both_o our_o of_o duty_n themselves_o and_o the_o motive_n that_o recommend_v they_o to_o we_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n both_o these_o thing_n be_v partly_o so_o write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o express_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o we_o need_v not_o weary_a or_o waste_v our_o body_n nor_o vex_v and_o torment_v our_o understanding_n to_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o either_o of_o they_o we_o need_v not_o now_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v down_o christ_n from_o above_o to_o reveal_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o we_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v to_o bring_v up_o christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v confirm_v that_o revelation_n both_o these_o thing_n be_v already_o do_v so_o that_o now_o as_o the_o apostle_n add_v rom._n 10.8_o 9_o the_o word_n be_v high_a thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v that_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o that_o firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n can_v scarce_o fail_v in_o the_o very_a practice_n much_o less_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o be_v all_o our_o duty_n reveal_v and_o so_o effectual_o recommend_v in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o so_o that_o what_o be_v now_o main_o requisite_a to_o gain_v a_o clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o the_o good_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o antecedent_n probity_n so_o much_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n as_o that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v his_o will_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o wonder_v not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o gain_n of_o stable_a judgement_n in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o very_a belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n may_v produce_v in_o every_o man_n so_o believe_v if_o a_o man_n have_v nothing_o of_o inclination_n to_o do_v god_n will_v when_o he_o shall_v know_v it_o why_o shall_v god_n reveal_v it_o to_o he_o or_o suppose_v what_o be_v so_o indeed_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o how_o unapt_a a_o man_n be_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v and_o what_o if_o believe_v and_o not_o practise_v will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a anguish_n to_o he_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o powerful_a lust_n and_o passion_n bribe_n and_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n for_o a_o man_n to_o prevaricate_v with_o himself_o and_o baffle_v and_o cheat_v his_o own_o mind_n but_o where_o there_o
kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o pearl_n of_o such_o a_o price_n and_o rate_n as_o that_o the_o person_n who_o once_o see_v it_o sell_v all_o he_o have_v forth_o purchase_v of_o it_o matt._n 13.46_o esteem_v nothing_o too_o dear_a or_o precious_a to_o obtain_v a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a value_n namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n kingdom_n 2._o again_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o although_o the_o subdue_a of_o our_o lust_n and_o oppose_v our_o sinful_a inclination_n be_v troublesome_a unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n promise_v a_o supernatural_a power_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o correct_v our_o nature_n hence_o that_o profession_n of_o st_n paul_n phil._n 4.13_o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o hence_o that_o exhortation_n also_o phil._n 2.12_o 13._o work_n out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n afford_v his_o assistance_n to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o attain_v the_o end_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n we_o can_v attain_v can_v perform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n 3._o add_v hereunto_o that_o be_v quicken_v be_v assist_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n that_o temperance_n holiness_n and_o humility_n that_o resignation_n to_o god_n will_v that_o mercy_n and_o charity_n unto_o man_n which_o be_v before_o hard_a and_o difficult_a irksome_a and_o troublesome_a to_o our_o nature_n be_v now_o make_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o we_o that_o yoke_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o before_o judge_v to_o be_v press_v and_o uneasy_a be_v now_o make_v light_n and_o easy_a to_o we_o so_o that_o the_o man_n who_o find_v the_o duty_n find_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n now_o find_v his_o affection_n and_o inclination_n great_o reconcile_v unto_o they_o and_o can_v now_o please_v himself_o in_o any_o evil_n but_o find_v it_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n be_v alter_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st_n john_n suggest_v 1_o ep._n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n but_o his_o feed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n as_o that_o of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n shall_v attend_v the_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v difficult_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o though_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o the_o reward_n promise_v to_o we_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o deserve_v the_o undertakd_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o we_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v we_o in_o those_o difficulty_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v our_o duty_n first_o possible_a and_o afterward_o easy_a to_o we_o 3._o the_o last_o occasion_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v that_o some_o man_n take_v to_o judge_v themselves_o to_o be_v righteous_a person_n to_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n although_o they_o be_v servant_n to_o corruption_n be_v a_o false_a notion_n they_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n they_o fancy_n that_o god_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o have_v do_v what_o christ_n do_v and_o also_o suffer_v what_o he_o suffer_v that_o be_v to_o say_v both_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n represent_v god_n as_o judge_v of_o thing_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v what_o they_o have_v neither_o do_v nor_o suffer_v which_o be_v to_o impute_v a_o error_n to_o he_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v that_o god_n be_v please_v in_o consideration_n of_o that_o righteousness_n to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n and_o accept_v the_o person_n not_o of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o not_o sincere_o obey_v the_o gospel_n but_o of_o those_o only_a who_o do_v believe_v and_o so_o obey_v it_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o christ_n righteousness_n shall_v quit_v and_o deliver_v from_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o it_o for_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n upon_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n shall_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n 1_o pet._n 2.24_o 3._o and_o now_o to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o last_o general_n before_o propound_v 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o great_a success_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o be_v not_o any_o defect_n in_o it_o but_o in_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o wilful_a mistake_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o render_v the_o gospel_n unsuccessful_a in_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n the_o gospel_n give_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o for_o any_o to_o think_v themselves_o righteous_a or_o hope_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o be_v not_o true_a and_o faithful_a penitent_n who_o do_v not_o forsake_v their_o vicious_a course_n if_o man_n shall_v promise_v themselves_o pardon_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n menace_v death_n eternal_a to_o the_o impenitent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o if_o man_n shall_v still_o believe_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v their_o error_n their_o wilful_a error_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o be_v it_o the_o gospel_n that_o deceive_v they_o but_o they_o deceive_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o 2._o last_o see_v it_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o to_o judge_v themselves_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o will_v very_o much_o concern_v we_o all_o due_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o make_v reflection_n upon_o our_o life_n first_o let_v we_o very_o well_o consider_v whether_o we_o do_v not_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o some_o sin_n yet_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o hope_n of_o pardon_n though_o we_o continue_v in_o such_o indulgence_n thereunto_o although_o we_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o this_o we_o labour_v under_o a_o great_a imposture_n a_o imposture_n which_o if_o not_o correct_v will_v rob_v we_o of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n it_o be_v hard_a for_o man_n of_o the_o true_a principle_n to_o subdue_v their_o inordinate_a inclination_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o that_o strait_a gate_n which_o lead_v unto_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o if_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o man_n if_o the_o mind_n itself_o be_v possess_v with_o error_n and_o with_o a_o error_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o promise_v life_n eternal_a to_o they_o while_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o evil_a there_o be_v no_o hope_n no_o expectation_n of_o reformation_n till_o the_o error_n itself_o be_v quite_o remove_v now_o therefore_o if_o thy_o life_n be_v vicious_a if_o stain_v with_o any_o one_o sin_n which_o thou_o indulge_v in_o thyself_o awake_v and_o excite_v and_o examine_v thyself_o and_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o give_v encouragement_n to_o that_o indulgence_n and_o if_o thou_o be_v serious_a with_o thyself_o and_o search_v the_o bottom_n of_o thy_o heart_n thou_o will_v find_v it_o be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o a_o presumpti-of_a thy_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n sometime_o hereafter_o or_o a_o belief_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v save_v although_o thou_o continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n without_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n the_o great_a impudence_n in_o the_o world_n the_o latter_a the_o most_o destructive_a error_n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o folly_n no_o such_o imprudence_n in_o all_o the_o world_n as_o to_o defer_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o a_o time_n uncertain_a a_o time_n thou_o may_v never_o live_v to_o see_v or_o if_o thou_o do_v may_v use_v as_o ill_o as_o that_o which_o be_v already_o past_a that_o which_o be_v now_o present_a with_o thou_o and_o then_o to_o believe_v a_o sin_n pardon_v while_o it_o be_v indulge_v be_v such_o a_o error_n as_o do_v not_o only_o open_v a_o gate_n to_o all_o sin_n but_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o all_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n
weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o who_o glory_n be_v their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o then_o further_o many_o other_o study_n to_o find_v out_o easy_a way_n to_o life_n eternal_a and_o rather_o choose_v to_o lose_v their_o end_n in_o the_o use_n of_o false_a and_o deceitful_a mean_n than_o to_o attain_v it_o by_o those_o endeavour_n that_o seem_v more_o difficult_a although_o they_o be_v more_o certain_a likewise_o if_o they_o can_v think_v of_o any_o method_n whereby_o they_o may_v hope_v to_o gain_v a_o pardon_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o retain_v their_o sin_n if_o they_o can_v find_v out_o any_o art_n to_o reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n if_o any_o such_o method_n offer_v itself_o as_o promise_n everlasting_a happiness_n and_o yet_o permit_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n or_o admit_v a_o commutation_n for_o they_o a_o penance_n instead_o of_o reformation_n this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o they_o will_v choose_v this_o be_v a_o religion_n they_o will_v embrace_v so_o they_o choose_v their_o own_o delusion_n and_o study_v to_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o our_o lord_n have_v leave_v this_o caution_n with_o we_o as_o necessary_a for_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n matt._n 5.29_o 30._o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o thou_o that_o one_o of_o thy_o member_n shall_v perish_v and_o not_o that_o thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n and_o who_o will_v think_v but_o that_o such_o a_o caution_n shall_v firm_o settle_v this_o belief_n that_o every_o reign_v that_o be_v every_o habitual_a lust_n exclude_v a_o man_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o infinite_a number_n who_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o do_v both_o permit_v their_o lust_n to_o reign_v in_o they_o and_o hope_v to_o attain_v to_o life_n eternal_a they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o false_a and_o deceitful_a art_n and_o shift_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o so_o do_v not_o they_o that_o make_v the_o world_n their_o great_a end_n they_o choose_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a although_o more_o difficult_a in_o execution_n than_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o effectual_a 2._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o they_o who_o make_v this_o world_n their_o end_n have_v once_o conclude_v of_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v most_o proper_a most_o effectual_a for_o this_o purpose_n use_v no_o delay_n in_o execution_n they_o sleep_v not_o over_o their_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v their_o interest_n and_o advantage_n they_o do_v not_o defer_v that_o till_o the_o morrow_n which_o have_v be_v better_o do_v to_o day_n but_o careful_o improve_v every_o moment_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o they_o have_v design_v but_o lord_n what_o tedious_a delay_n be_v use_v by_o many_o profess_v christianity_n before_o they_o will_v serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o gain_v the_o end_n of_o that_o profession_n or_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o how_o many_o trifle_a art_n be_v use_v to_o put_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o secure_v their_o darling_n belove_v lust_n what_o mean_a excuse_n be_v pretend_v to_o defend_v and_o justify_v their_o delay_n how_o many_o resolution_n be_v make_v and_o break_v how_o many_o time_n be_v set_v and_o put_v off_o for_o this_o great_a work_n this_o necessary_a business_n of_o reformation_n how_o many_o conviction_n must_v they_o suffer_v how_o often_o must_v conscience_n be_v awaken_v what_o pang_n and_o regret_v must_v it_o endure_v what_o flame_n must_v god_n kindle_v upon_o it_o before_o they_o will_v serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o consider_v their_o end_n and_o the_o way_n unto_o it_o shake_v of_o their_o lust_n and_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n see_v how_o our_o lord_n represent_v this_o case_n luk._n 9_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n where_o when_o he_o command_v one_o to_o follow_v he_o his_o answer_n be_v lord_n suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o father_n another_o receive_v the_o like_a command_n present_o return_v a_o like_a answer_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o let_v i_o first_o go_v and_o bid_v they_o farewell_n which_o be_v at_o home_n at_o my_o house_n so_o we_o even_o too_o too_o many_o of_o we_o be_v urge_v to_o mind_n our_o great_a end_n to_o secure_v our_o everlasting_a happiness_n resolve_v indeed_o upon_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n but_o delay_v to_o practice_v our_o resolution_n this_o man_n put_v off_o so_o oft_o so_o long_o with_o such_o opposition_n to_o their_o own_o reason_n such_o contradiction_n to_o their_o conscience_n till_o at_o last_o they_o utter_o lay_v aside_o the_o very_a design_n and_o purpose_n of_o it_o and_o never_o think_v any_o more_o of_o it_o unless_o perhaps_o the_o arrest_n of_o sickness_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o approach_v near_o to_o death_n revive_v their_o former_a resolution_n and_o then_o the_o minister_n be_v call_v for_o than_o the_o sacrament_n than_o absolution_n be_v desire_v with_o what_o success_n god_n only_o know_v i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o say_v however_o thus_o much_o i_o may_v pronounce_v that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o imprudent_a person_n do_v not_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n with_o so_o little_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n as_o these_o the_o concernment_n of_o life_n eternal_a 3._o as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n use_v no_o delay_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o judge_v most_o proper_a for_o their_o end_n so_o they_o be_v not_o heedless_a and_o incogitant_fw-la but_o strange_o diligent_a in_o the_o execution_n they_o do_v entire_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n which_o they_o have_v choose_v they_o mind_n they_o pursue_v this_o one_o thing_n only_o they_o do_v not_o halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n but_o sacrifice_v every_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o service_n of_o their_o main_a design_n they_o will_v deny_v their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o will_v deny_v their_o reputation_n they_o will_v bridle_v their_o natural_a lust_n and_o passion_n they_o will_v do_v any_o violence_n to_o themselves_o to_o attain_v the_o end_n they_o have_v propound_v as_o the_o great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o life_n but_o how_o do_v they_o many_o of_o they_o behave_v themselves_o who_o profess_v the_o hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o life_n to_o be_v their_o chief_a and_o principal_a end_n do_v they_o submit_v all_o end_n to_o this_o do_v they_o consecrate_v all_o their_o labour_n to_o it_o do_v they_o entire_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n do_v they_o not_o halt_v between_o christ_n and_o belial_n be_v it_o no_o part_n of_o their_o design_n to_o serve_v any_o other_o end_n but_o one_o do_v not_o god_n and_o mammon_n divide_v their_o thought_n have_v not_o mammon_n a_o share_n with_o god_n be_v there_o no_o darling_n belove_v lust_n that_o cool_v their_o affection_n check_v their_o endeavour_n after_o heaven_n how_o shall_v we_o answer_v these_o question_n alas_o they_o be_v answer_v by_o our_o experience_n experience_n show_v how_o much_o the_o man_n that_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a mind_n and_o endeavour_v other_o end_n even_o more_o than_o that_o one_o needful_a thing_n that_o chief_a principal_a end_n of_o all_o of_o attain_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o these_o man_n while_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o serve_v this_o design_n only_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n sacrifice_v to_o their_o lust_n sacrifice_n to_o their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n sacrifice_n to_o their_o pride_n and_o avarice_n divide_v their_o heart_n and_o share_v their_o endeavour_n between_o the_o present_a and_o future_a thing_n and_o do_v not_o so_o hearty_o seek_v for_o heaven_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o present_a world_n seek_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o last_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n pursue_v their_o end_n and_o interest_n in_o it_o without_o cessation_n or_o interruption_n nothing_o shall_v divert_v nothing_o interrupt_v nothing_o break_v off_o their_o labour_n after_o it_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o gaze_v on_o trifle_n to_o please_v their_o eye_n to_o fill_v their_o ear_n with_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v but_o still_o persist_v and_o persevere_v in_o steady_a pursuit_n of_o their_o design_n but_o they_o that_o seem_v they_o that_o pretend_v to_o seek_v after_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o