after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n this_o the_o scripture_n condcmn_v though_o it_o be_v free_a from_o injustice_n as_o it_o seldom_o happen_v to_o be_v this_o insatiable_a desire_n of_o wealth_n god_n plain_o condemn_v by_o his_o prophet_n isa_n 5._o 8._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o join_v house_n to_o house_n and_o lay_v field_n to_o field_n till_o there_o be_v no_o place_n that_o they_o may_v be_v place_v alone_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a respect_n to_o when_o he_o caution_n man_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n as_o appear_v both_o from_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v of_o this_o caution_n and_o from_o the_o parable_n whereby_o he_o illustrate_v it_o from_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v of_o this_o caution_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v take_v great_a care_n to_o set_v some_o bound_n to_o your_o desire_n after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o whatever_o man_n may_v imagine_v it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o abundance_n of_o outward_a thing_n which_o make_v the_o life_n of_o man_n happy_a wealth_n and_o content_n do_v not_o always_o dwell_v together_o nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o perhaps_o they_o very_o seldom_o meet_v and_o the_o parable_n likewise_o which_o follow_v upon_o this_o caution_n do_v sufficient_o show_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n for_o he_o illustrate_v what_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o by_o a_o rich_a man_n who_o desire_n of_o wealth_n be_v never_o satisfy_v but_o he_o be_v continual_o increase_v his_o estate_n and_o enlarge_a his_o barn_n to_o make_v more_o room_n still_o for_o his_o fruit_n that_o he_o may_v lay_v up_o good_n in_o store_n for_o many_o year_n the_o parable_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v any_o indirect_a and_o unjust_a way_n of_o gain_n which_o this_o man_n use_v to_o increase_v his_o estate_n but_o condemn_v his_o insatiable_a desire_n and_o thirst_v after_o more_o so_o that_o even_o this_o alone_a be_v covetousness_n and_o a_o great_a fault_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o no_o other_o because_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o without_o end_n second_o there_o be_v covetousness_n likewise_o in_o get_v a_o estate_n and_o the_o vice_n or_o evil_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o covetousness_n consist_v chief_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o use_n of_o unlawful_a and_o unjust_a way_n to_o get_v or_o increase_v a_o estate_n he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n who_o by_o the_o greediness_n of_o gain_n be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o unjust_a action_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n or_o of_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o this_o perhaps_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v covetousness_n and_o this_o i_o â—ake_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v wherein_o be_v forbid_v all_o unjust_a desire_n of_o that_o which_o be_v another_o man_n and_o all_o unjust_a endeavour_n and_o attempt_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o it_o for_o so_o our_o saviour_n render_v it_o mark_v 10._o 19_o where_o he_o say_v to_o the_o young_a man_n that_o come_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n thou_o know_v the_o commandment_n do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n do_v not_o kill_v do_v not_o steal_v do_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v or_o rather_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o it_o he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d defraud_v not_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o a_o word_n be_v not_o injurious_a to_o thy_o neighbour_n in_o any_o kind_n in_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v to_o deprive_v he_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o as_o the_o roman_n in_o their_o law_n be_v wont_a to_o comprehend_v those_o crime_n which_o have_v no_o proper_a name_n by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o stellionatus_fw-la and_o dolus_fw-la malus_fw-la so_o here_o in_o the_o decalogue_n after_o god_n have_v instance_a in_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o common_a sort_n of_o injury_n which_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o their_o neighbour_n as_o murder_n adultery_n theft_n bear_v of_o false_a witness_n he_o sum_n up_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o be_v reckon_v particulary_a in_o this_o short_a and_o general_a prohibition_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v that_o be_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v injurious_a to_o thy_o neighbour_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n in_o his_o wife_n or_o servant_n or_o house_n or_o cattle_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o covetousness_n or_o any_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o that_o which_o be_v our_o neighbour_n be_v common_o the_o root_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o injury_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n st._n matthew_n instead_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n put_v this_o general_a precept_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o as_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o other_o word_n mat._n 19_o 18_o 19_o thou_o shall_v do_v no_o murder_n thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o this_o command_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n with_o that_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 7._o 12._o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o that_o be_v as_o thou_o will_v have_v no_o man_n to_o be_v injurious_a to_o thou_o in_o any_o thing_n so_o be_v not_o thou_o so_o to_o any_o other_o man_n in_o any_o kind_n and_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o 10._o show_v we_o upon_o what_o account_n this_o general_a precept_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o second_o table_n he_o that_o love_v another_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o this_o thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o commandment_n it_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o this_o say_v namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o then_o he_o add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n love_n work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n therefore_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v he_o that_o true_o love_v his_o neighbour_n will_v not_o be_v injurious_a to_o he_o in_o any_o kind_n therefore_o love_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o law_n the_o design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o show_v that_o he_o that_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o neighbour_n in_o his_o estate_n in_o any_o kind_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n which_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n so_o that_o all_o art_n of_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n whereby_o man_n endeavour_v to_o get_v and_o increase_v a_o estate_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o their_o neighbour_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n 2._o the_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n in_o get_v wealth_n do_v likewise_o consist_v in_o a_o anxious_a and_o torment_a care_n about_o obtain_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n the_o regular_a and_o due_a temper_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a endeavour_n and_o to_o refer_v the_o success_n of_o all_o to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v beyond_o this_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o evil_a root_n of_o covetousness_n we_o distrust_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n when_o after_o we_o have_v use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n and_o beg_v his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o we_o torment_v ourselves_o about_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o be_v sinful_a so_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n diligence_n in_o our_o business_n be_v the_o way_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o the_o rich_a for_o torment_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o take_v pain_n to_o get_v they_o be_v to_o make_v life_n
nor_o use_v any_o industry_n about_o they_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v neither_o for_o the_o body_n what_o you_o shall_v put_v on_o now_o to_o avoid_v all_o inconvenience_n from_o our_o saviour_n word_n i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v common_o say_v by_o interpreter_n that_o he_o do_v here_o only_o condemn_v a_o distrustful_a and_o anxious_a care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o a_o over-solicitous_a industry_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o but_o that_o he_o allow_v a_o prudent_a care_n and_o regular_a industry_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v very_o well_o say_v if_o it_o will_v agree_v with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n but_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n which_o be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o without_o any_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o they_o and_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o set_v before_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n behold_v say_v he_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n i_o say_v these_o instance_n which_o he_o give_v seem_v to_o exclude_v even_o all_o regular_a and_o ordinary_a care_n and_o diligence_n about_o these_o thing_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v by_o his_o religion_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o labour_n and_o industry_n in_o their_o calling_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o indeed_o so_o it_o certain_o be_v if_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v this_o for_o a_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n who_o constant_o charge_v christian_n to_o labour_n with_o great_a diligence_n in_o their_o calling_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n but_o this_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o a_o general_n and_o stand_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o design_v for_o his_o disciple_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o all_o care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o may_v attend_v upon_o his_o person_n and_o whole_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o that_o work_n to_o which_o he_o have_v call_v they_o and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n take_v notice_n that_o after_o he_o have_v caution_v his_o hearer_n in_o general_a against_o covetousness_n he_o apply_v himself_o particular_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v have_v they_o so_o far_o from_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o use_v that_o ordinary_a care_n and_o industry_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o necessary_a for_o man_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o direction_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o first_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v mat._n 10._o 9_o provide_v neither_o gold_n nâ—r_a silver_n nor_o brass_n in_o your_o purse_n neither_o coat_n nor_o scrip_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o understand_v as_o a_o general_a law_n to_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o a_o particular_a precept_n to_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o this_o caution_n against_o covetousness_n do_v forbid_v man_n to_o use_v a_o provident_a care_n and_o regular_a industry_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n three_o nor_o be_v every_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n condemn_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n but_o such_o a_o love_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o be_v true_o consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o due_a and_o serious_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v allow_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n st._n john_n indeed_o seem_v to_o condemn_v all_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o as_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 15._o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v to_o forbid_v thing_n absolute_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o comparative_o so_o mat._n 6._o 19_o lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n but_o lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n i._n e._n be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o luke_n 12._o 4._o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n that_o be_v fear_v they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o he_o that_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o luke_n 14._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v not_o love_v i_o more_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o john_n 6._o 27._o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n that_o be_v labour_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o eternity_n so_o likewise_o colos_n 3._o 2._o set_a your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n set_v they_o more_o on_o thing_n above_o than_o on_o earthly_a thing_n so_o here_o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v do_v not_o overvalue_v they_o do_v not_o love_v they_o so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o part_v with_o they_o for_o christ_n for_o if_o any_o man_n thus_o love_v the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o love_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v so_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n command_v we_o not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v comparative_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o love_v these_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o love_v theâ—e_n thing_n in_o a_o due_a degree_n and_o with_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o of_o infinite_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a than_o to_o recommend_v to_o man_n diligence_n in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n and_o employment_n as_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o do_v and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o to_o forbid_v we_o to_o love_v these_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o if_o man_n have_v no_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o they_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o diligence_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o will_v be_v take_v away_o beside_o that_o we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n now_o can_v any_o man_n love_v the_o giver_n for_o bestow_v such_o gift_n upon_o he_o which_o if_o he_o do_v as_o he_o ought_v he_o must_v not_o love_v you_o see_v then_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o condemn_v as_o any_o branch_n or_o degree_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n a_o provident_a care_n and_o a_o regular_a industry_n and_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v what_o be_v condemn_v in_o scripture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o covetousness_n and_o by_o this_o we_o shall_v best_o understand_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n do_v consist_v now_o covetousness_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a signification_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o most_o of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o man_n mind_n either_o in_o desire_v or_o get_v or_o in_o possess_v and_o use_v a_o estate_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o each_o of_o these_o several_o first_o covetousness_n in_o the_o desire_n of_o riches_n consist_v in_o a_o eager_a and_o unsatiable_a desire_n
very_o evil_a and_o unreasonable_a upon_o these_o follow_a account_n i._o because_o it_o take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n ii_o because_o it_o tempt_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o religion_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o iii_o because_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o insatiable_a desire_n iv._o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o riches_n v._o because_o riches_n do_v very_o often_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o misery_n and_o infelicity_n of_o men._n first_o covetousness_n take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o covetous_a man_n be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o this_o world_n and_o his_o inordinate_a desire_n after_o these_o thing_n make_v he_o to_o neglect_n god_n and_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o employ_v all_o his_o time_n and_o care_n and_o thought_n about_o these_o temporal_a thing_n and_o his_o vehement_a love_n and_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o these_o thing_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n from_o god_n rob_v he_o of_o his_o time_n and_o of_o all_o opportunity_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o divert_v he_o from_o all_o serious_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v mat._n 6._o 24._o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n so_o different_a as_o god_n and_o the_o world_n be_v because_o they_o will_v give_v cross_a command_n and_o enjoin_v contrary_a thing_n god_n he_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o mind_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n to_o have_v a_o serious_a regard_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o business_n and_o a_o eager_a appetite_n of_o be_v rich_a call_v we_o off_o from_o these_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a employment_n or_o disturb_v we_o in_o they_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o distribute_v and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o our_o covetousness_n pull_v we_o back_o and_o hale_v we_o another_o way_n and_o check_v all_o merciful_a and_o charitable_a inclination_n in_o we_o god_n call_v we_o to_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o command_v we_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o world_n inspire_v we_o with_o other_o thought_n and_o whisper_v to_o we_o to_o save_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v righteous_a over_o much_o and_o rather_o to_o trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n than_o man_n with_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n strong_o upon_o any_o thing_n they_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o object_n which_o they_o be_v conversant_a about_o for_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v as_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o if_o a_o great_a estate_n be_v our_o chief_a end_n and_o design_n if_o riches_n be_v our_o treasure_n and_o our_o happiness_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v find_v among_o the_o stuff_n we_o can_v bestow_v our_o affection_n free_o upon_o two_o object_n we_o can_v intense_o love_v god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v two_o ultimate_a end_n two_o principal_a design_n our_o riches_n may_v increase_v but_o if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o and_o give_v they_o the_o chief_a place_n in_o our_o affection_n we_o make_v they_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n whatever_o we_o make_v our_o ultimate_a end_n we_o give_v it_o a_o sovereignty_n and_o empire_n over_o we_o we_o put_v ourselves_o under_o its_o dominion_n and_o make_v ourselves_o subject_a to_o all_o its_o command_n so_o that_o if_o it_o bid_v we_o go_v we_o must_v go_v come_v we_o must_v come_v do_v this_o we_o must_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v under_o authority_n the_o world_n be_v our_o master_n and_o we_o be_v its_o slave_n now_o he_o that_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n of_o this_o master_n must_v withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n decline_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n this_o worldly_a covetous_a disposition_n be_v that_o which_o make_v those_o in_o the_o parable_n to_o make_v so_o many_o excuse_n when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o supper_n luke_n 14._o 18._o one_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n and_o he_o can_v not_o come_v another_o have_v buy_v so_o many_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v riches_n do_v so_o fill_v the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n and_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v no_o room_n leave_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o any_o other_o guest_n intus_fw-la existens_fw-la prohibet_fw-la alienum_fw-la that_o which_o be_v full_a already_o can_v receive_v no_o more_o the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o keep_v out_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o better_a thing_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o this_o degree_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat._n 13._o 7._o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o thorn_n which_o spring_v up_o among_o the_o seed_n and_o stifle_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v any_o permanent_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o ezek._n 33._o 31._o god_n give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prophet_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o come_v unto_o thou_o say_v god_n there_o to_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n a_o heart_n that_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n will_v stand_v out_o against_o all_o the_o invitation_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n invite_v such_o person_n it_o be_v like_o make_v love_n to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o fix_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n elsewhere_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n signify_v but_o very_o little_a to_o such_o man_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a thing_n and_o all_o their_o affection_n be_v bend_v that_o way_n all_o their_o hope_n and_o desire_n be_v worldly_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o abound_v in_o wealth_n and_o all_o their_o fear_n be_v of_o poverty_n and_o loss_n now_o such_o a_o man_n can_v only_o be_v move_v with_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a thing_n for_o no_o promise_n have_v any_o effect_n upon_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o good_a which_o we_o care_v for_o and_o value_n nor_o be_v any_o threaten_n apt_a to_o move_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o we_o dread_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o therefore_o when_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o world_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n he_o do_v not_o desire_v it_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o sensible_a of_o the_o value_n of_o itâ—_n the_o man_n heart_n be_v full_a already_o of_o other_o hope_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n promise_v to_o such_o a_o man_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o eternity_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v to_o such_o a_o man_n any_o good_a or_o happiness_n that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o or_o know_v how_o to_o relish_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n threaten_v he_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a separation_n from_o that_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o with_o the_o unspeakable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n these_o thing_n though_o they_o be_v terrible_a yet_o they_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v enure_v to_o sense_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v move_v with_o thing_n present_a and_o
abomination_n to_o he_o and_o his_o soul_n hate_v they_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n be_v less_o considerable_a than_o the_o substantial_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o religion_n of_o less_o consideration_n than_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o aught_o always_o to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n comprehend_v under_o the_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n because_o they_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o matter_n of_o mere_a positive_a institution_n and_o where_o they_o can_v stand_v togother_n that_o which_o be_v positive_a aught_o to_o be_v set_v aside_o and_o to_o give_v way_n for_o the_o present_a to_o that_o which_o be_v moral_a and_o good_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v for_o in_o this_o case_n god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n upon_o which_o ground_n our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o work_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n peace_n and_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v value_v above_o matter_n of_o nicety_n and_o scruple_n of_o doubtful_a dispute_n and_o controversy_n because_o the_o former_a be_v unquestionable_o good_a the_o latter_a doubtful_o and_o uncertain_o so_o all_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v a_o man_n sincere_o and_o wise_o religious_a for_o man_n may_v keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o some_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o diligent_a zealous_a and_o earnest_a about_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o inward_a and_o real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n which_o alone_o can_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o five_o and_o last_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o charity_n or_o almsgiving_n this_o be_v very_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v righteousness_n as_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerty_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n particular_o direct_v to_o as_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 12._o 33._o after_o this_o general_a exhortation_n to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o instance_v in_o charity_n as_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o give_v alm_n provide_v for_o yourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o and_o elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o will_v make_v way_n for_o our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n luke_n 16._o 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o make_v to_o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o or_o you_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o lay_v in_o store_n for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o this_o place_n a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 19_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o main_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n jam._n 1._o 27._o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n final_o our_o lord_n instance_v in_o this_o as_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o will_v admit_v we_o into_o or_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n by_o the_o performance_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v absolve_v and_o for_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n mat._n 25._o so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o righteousness_n or_o religion_n ought_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o because_o upon_o the_o performance_n or_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n only_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n but_o this_o will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o matth_n vi_o 33._o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o these_o word_n which_o i_o begin_v to_o discourse_n upon_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o strict_a charge_n and_o command_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o argument_n first_o i_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n second_o i_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v these_o and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o three_o i_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o this_o great_a business_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n some_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n among_o which_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n particular_o consider_v the_o encouragement_n here_o give_v in_o the_o text_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o 1._o my_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a and_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n which_o to_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o tempt_v our_o ambition_n the_o more_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v to_o obtain_v that_o what_o pain_n will_v they_o not_o take_v what_o hazard_n will_v they_o not_o run_v what_o difficulty_n will_v they_o not_o grapple_v with_o and_o break_v through_o if_o they_o can_v to_o come_v at_o a_o kingdom_n which_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v they_o be_v expose_v to_o as_o many_o and_o common_o to_o more_o care_n and_o fear_n to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o the_o keep_n than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o get_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o man_n will_v do_v for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n for_o one_o of_o the_o petty_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v continual_o totter_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v overturn_v by_o open_a violence_n or_o to_o be_v undermine_v by_o secret_a treachery_n but_o the_o kingdom_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o and_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v not_o like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o excellency_n and_o stability_n of_o it_o as_o much_o beyond_o any_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o crown_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o sceptre_n which_o can_v be_v wrest_v from_o we_o but_o to_o quit_v the_o metaphor_n and_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n import_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o say_v of_o our_o soul_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o immortal_a duration_n be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o any_o of_o the_o perish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o dear_a to_o we_o other_o
unexperienced_a man_n and_o those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n with_o themselves_o imagine_v what_o thought_n and_o consideration_n what_o care_n and_o attention_n what_o resolution_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n what_o diligence_n and_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o true_o good_a man_n such_o a_o one_o as_o st._n paul_n describe_v that_o be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a and_o want_v nothing_o that_o follow_v god_n full_o and_o fulfil_v every_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o be_v either_o wise_a enough_o for_o his_o own_o direction_n or_o good_a enough_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o know_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o have_v both_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_v to_o do_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o ought_v after_o our_o best_a care_n and_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n the_o most_o of_o we_o will_v still_o find_v a_o great_a many_o defect_n in_o our_o life_n and_o can_v but_o discern_v great_a and_o manifold_a imperfection_n in_o our_o very_a best_a duty_n and_o service_n insomuch_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o make_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n concern_v they_o which_o solomon_n do_v concern_v the_o imperfection_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o reason_n to_o say_v not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o have_v cause_n likewise_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o many_o respect_v wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n and_o so_o very_o far_o from_o have_v do_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o the_o most_o of_o we_o have_v do_v be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v work_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o best_a and_o great_a mind_n for_o the_o long_a and_o best_a order_v life_n the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o broad_a and_o a_o obedience_n in_o any_o good_a measure_n equal_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o after_o all_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n say_v with_o tear_n to_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mar._n 9_o 24._o so_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v say_v and_o say_v it_o with_o tear_n too_o concern_v every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o they_o excel_v most_o lord_n i_o aspire_v i_o endeavour_v after_o it_o be_v thou_o please_v to_o assist_v my_o weakness_n and_o to_o help_v i_o by_o thy_o grace_n continual_o to_o do_v better_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o best_a and_o make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o for_o god_n value_v this_o more_o than_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n more_o than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oâ—l_n because_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o duty_n comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o great_a commandment_n sincere_o practise_v by_o we_o though_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o imperfection_n will_v certain_o be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a bless_a be_v they_o say_v st._n john_n very_o plain_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o obscure_a book_n of_o his_o revelation_n bless_v be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n rev._n 22._o 14._o i_o speak_v now_o to_o a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o command_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o whether_o we_o think_v of_o it_o or_o not_o be_v very_o near_o at_o hand_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v desirable_a upon_o earth_n and_o upon_o which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o value_v themselves_o so_o much_o in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n and_o yield_v true_a comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o wish_v that_o we_o have_v make_v religion_n the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v exercise_v repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o another_o world_n that_o after_o our_o departure_n hence_o we_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n where_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o of_o what_o rank_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n think_v himself_o too_o great_a to_o be_v good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o be_v religious_a and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n and_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n since_o nothing_o but_o this_o will_v approve_v itself_o it_o to_o be_v true_a wisdom_n at_o the_o last_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v a_o end_n with_o this_o life_n but_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n and_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o whole_a duration_n and_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o life_n be_v end_v will_v put_v we_o into_o the_o secure_a possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v â—e_n if_o you_o do_v they_o which_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jefus_fw-la christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o connection_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o foâ—mer_n be_v somewhat_o obscure_a but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o advantage_n which_o conduce_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o religious_a in_o this_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o â—s_n exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n whereâ—â—_n this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o forego_n verse_n as_o if_o it_o have_v beeâ—â—â—id_v christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o all_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o good_a or_o else_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v by_o a_o hebraism_n frequent_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n put_v for_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o then_o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o conduce_v to_o a_o godly_a life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o promise_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o