the_o extirpation_n of_o heresy_n be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o artificial_a way_n of_o lie_v to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o law_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o heretical_a magistrate_n and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a casuist_n of_o all_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o such_o likewise_o be_v their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o extirpate_v heretic_n by_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o bloody_a mean_n and_o of_o break_v faith_n with_o they_o though_o give_v by_o emperor_n and_o prince_n in_o the_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n both_o which_o be_v the_o avow_a doctrine_n of_o their_o general_a council_n and_o have_v frequent_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o many_o million_o of_o christian_n better_o and_o more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o but_o we_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n who_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n they_o who_o be_v right_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a to_o bring_v other_o under_o suffer_v that_o they_o do_v not_o allow_v it_o in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o great_a suffering_n that_o can_v be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o 3._o provide_v also_o that_o we_o do_v trust_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o do_v indeed_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o it_o rely_v upon_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o entire_o submit_v and_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o disposal_n both_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n and_o the_o duration_n of_o our_o suffering_n believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o in_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n will_v be_v best_a for_o we_o that_o blessing_n wherewith_o moses_n the_o man_n of_o god_n blessed_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n before_o his_o death_n do_v belong_v to_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n he_o love_v his_o people_n and_o all_o his_o saint_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n deut._n 33._o 3._o innumerable_a be_v the_o promise_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o merciful_a providence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n psal_n 32._o 10._o many_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v to_o the_o wicked_a but_o he_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n mercy_n shall_v compass_v he_o about_o psal_n 33._o 18â—_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o behold_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n to_o deliver_v their_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o famine_n our_o soul_n wait_v for_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v our_o help_n and_o our_o shield_n for_o our_o heart_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o he_o because_o we_o have_v trust_v in_o his_o holy_a name_n let_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n be_v upon_o we_o according_a as_o we_o hope_v in_o thou_o psal_n 34._o 22._o the_o lord_n redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o none_o of_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o shall_v be_v desolate_a psal_n 37._o 39_o 40._o but_o thâ—_n salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v of_o the_o lorâ—_n he_o be_v their_o strength_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o he_o shall_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a and_o save_v they_o because_o they_o trust_v in_o he_o psal_n 31._o 19_o o_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o which_o thou_o have_v wrought_v for_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n psal_n 55._o 22._o cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o he_o shall_v never_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v move_v psal_n 125._o 1._o they_o that_o trust_v in_o thâ—_n lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_v zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o abide_v for_o ever_o esa_fw-la 26._o 3_o 4._o thou_o will_v keep_v he_o in_o perfect_a peace_n who_o mind_n be_v stay_v on_o thou_o because_o he_o trusâ—eth_v in_o thou_o trust_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o for_o in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n 4._o provide_v yet_o further_o that_o we_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o his_o gracious_a help_n and_o assistance_n for_o his_o merciful_a comfort_n and_o support_v under_o suffering_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o to_o increase_v and_o lengthen_v out_o our_o patience_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n of_o our_o suffering_n all_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o we_o earnest_o seek_v and_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o they_o psal_n 50._o 15._o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o ezek._n 36._o 37._o after_o a_o great_a deliverance_n and_o many_o blessing_n promise_v to_o they_o this_o condition_n be_v at_o last_o add_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v yet_o for_o this_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n mat._n 7._o 7._o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o and_o in_o this_o very_a case_n that_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o god_n expect_v that_o we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o he_o for_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o grace_n to_o behave_v ourselves_o under_o suffering_n as_o we_o ought_v jam._n 1._o 2_o 3_o 4._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o christian_n will_v be_v exercise_v withal_o he_o direct_v they_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o wisdom_n to_o demean_v themselves_o under_o persecution_n with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n and_o cheerfulness_n my_o brethren_n account_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n mean_v the_o temptation_n and_o trial_n of_o suffer_v in_o several_a kind_n know_v this_o that_o the_o try_v of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n but_o let_v patience_n have_v its_o perfect_a work_n and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a duty_n and_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o spiritual_a skill_n to_o demean_v ourselves_o under_o suffering_n as_o we_o ought_v therefore_o he_o add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o and_o this_o earnest_a application_n we_o be_v to_o make_v to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o seasonable_a help_n in_o time_n of_o need_n not_o to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o to_o testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o expectation_n of_o all_o good_a from_o he_o and_o we_o must_v likewise_o use_v great_a importunity_n in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o assist_v we_o and_o stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n heap_v up_o several_a word_n to_o denote_v the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o prayer_n bid_v we_o to_o ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o lay_v more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n upon_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o importunity_n he_o speak_v two_o several_a parable_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o first_o luke_n 11._o 5._o of_o the_o man_n who_o by_o mere_a importunity_n prevail_v with_o his_o friend_n to_o rise_v at_o midnight_n to_o do_v he_o a_o kindness_n which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v to_o encourage_v our_o importunity_n in_o prayer_n ver_fw-la 9_o and_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o the_o other_o be_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n and_o unjust_a judge_n relate_v by_o the_o same_o evangelist_n luke_n 18._o 1._o with_o this_o preface_n to_o it_o and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n unto_o they_o to_o this_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o seem_v at_o first_o sight_n two_o of_o the_o odd_a of_o all_o our_o saviour_n parable_n if_o the_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
we_o and_o when_o man_n find_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o they_o will_v without_o any_o great_a persuasion_n take_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o till_o they_o discern_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o himself_o for_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v he_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n than_o if_o such_o a_o promise_n have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a trouble_n which_o perplex_v many_o people_n that_o they_o can_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o whereas_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o their_o trouble_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o they_o will_v apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o other_o be_v a_o endless_a trouble_n let_v they_o but_o look_v to_o the_o condition_n and_o the_o promise_n will_v apply_v itself_o i_o speak_v all_o this_o on_o purpose_n to_o free_a man_n from_o those_o perplexity_n wherewith_o many_o have_v entangle_v themselves_o by_o false_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n either_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o we_o upon_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o or_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v comfortable_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v make_v such_o promise_n for_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a or_o expect_v thing_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v they_o may_v trouble_v themselves_o eternal_o and_o all_o the_o world_n can_v help_v it_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o thing_n viz._n what_o influence_n these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_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 i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v the_o promise_n 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 partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v do_v with_o and_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_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 a_o divine_a nature_n not_o that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o some_o have_v blasphemous_o affirm_v pretend_v in_o their_o cant_a and_o senseless_a language_n to_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o chri_v with_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o will_v be_v for_o man_n to_o become_v god_n and_o to_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n signify_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o have_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n rectify_v and_o purge_v from_o all_o sinful_a lust_n and_o irregular_a passion_n and_o from_o all_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n so_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o explain_v it_o these_o two_o way_n by_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o corruption_n or_o defilement_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o by_o a_o diligent_a endeavour_n after_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n faith_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o a_o universal_a charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o all_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o uncleanness_n and_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n such_o as_o wrath_n envy_n malice_n hatred_n strife_n revenge_n cruelty_n pride_n and_o the_o like_a perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v continual_o aspire_v still_o more_o and_o more_o after_o further_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o by_o practise_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v by_o degree_n raise_v and_o advance_v ourselves_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n imitate_v in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o term_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v partake_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n or_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n express_v it_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a this_o the_o gospel_n design_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o and_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o effect_v it_o these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o second_o by_o way_n of_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n both_o these_o way_n some_o or_o other_o of_o these_o promise_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o this_o influence_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o gracious_a help_n and_o assistance_n thereof_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n incline_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n and_o commiseration_n of_o that_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n which_o we_o have_v contract_v in_o that_o degenerate_a and_o deprave_a condition_n into_o which_o mankind_n be_v sink_v to_o help_v we_o who_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o that_o evil_a and_o miserable_a state_n into_o which_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o be_v fall_v to_o quicken_v we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o condition_n of_o unregenerate_a person_n to_o raise_v â—s_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o cherish_v this_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v common_o weak_a at_o first_o and_o to_o carry_v it_o through_o alldiscouragement_n and_o opposition_n to_o
thing_n be_v without_o we_o they_o neither_o constitute_v our_o be_v nor_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o happiness_n but_o our_o soul_n be_v ourselves_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v our_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o with_o equal_a care_n and_o concernment_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o eternal_a misery_n and_o everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n and_o can_v we_o be_v at_o too_o much_o cost_n and_o pain_n upon_o such_o a_o design_n to_o escape_v so_o dismal_a a_o condition_n so_o dreadful_a a_o ruin_n as_o that_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n can_v any_o man_n be_v concern_v enough_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o great_a a_o good_a to_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o purchase_v it_o too_o dear_a whatever_o he_o give_v or_o part_v with_o for_o it_o a_o good_a so_o desirable_a and_o so_o durable_a as_o our_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o when_o we_o purchase_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o care_n and_o trouble_v we_o pay_v dear_a for_o trifle_n and_o fancy_n but_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o price_n that_o a_o wise_a merchant_n will_v have_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v it_o of_o such_o value_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o next_o to_o it_o be_v righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o means_n whereby_o this_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o we_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o earnestness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o a_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n and_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o end_n and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v valuable_a next_o to_o the_o end_n and_o almost_o equal_o with_o it_o and_o such_o be_v righteousness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o it_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o qualify_v we_o and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o that_o which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n constitute_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n to_o god_n which_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n bring_v we_o to_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n we_o have_v now_o of_o it_o be_v the_o very_a formal_a cause_n and_o essence_n of_o our_o blessedness_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._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 we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v we_o do_v not_o now_o distinct_o understand_v wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n consist_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o know_v in_o general_a that_o it_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o hope_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o press_v you_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v by_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v universal_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o this_o bless_a state_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o than_o goodness_n any_o thing_n more_o desirable_a than_o a_o happiness_n which_o haâ—h_v no_o bound_n nor_o no_o end_n do_v not_o mind_v they_o nor_o look_v after_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o certain_o these_o aâ—e_a worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n second_o another_o consideration_n that_o shall_v very_o much_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o diligence_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o obtain_v they_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v no_o encouragement_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o whet_v our_o industry_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n when_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n use_v to_o quicken_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o eternal_a life_n mat._n 7._o 14._o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o luke_n 13._o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a seek_v here_o in_o opposition_n to_o strive_v be_v a_o faint_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n which_o will_v not_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a passage_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o miscarry_v who_o make_v some_o attempt_n towards_o heaven_n but_o they_o do_v not_o strive_v they_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o any_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o get_v thither_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v eternal_a happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o hard_a to_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o attain_v his_o righteousness_n as_o desirable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n to_o raise_v himself_o to_o that_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n so_o to_o subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n to_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o happiness_n and_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o difficulty_n be_v chief_o in_o ourselves_o but_o great_o increase_v by_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o without_o chief_o i_o say_v in_o ourselves_o from_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o our_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o the_o strong_a power_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o custom_n which_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v inveterate_a do_v tyrannize_v over_o we_o and_o make_v we_o perfect_a slave_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o that_o our_o nature_n must_v be_v quite_o change_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o we_o must_v be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v new_o mould_v and_o fashion_v we_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v create_v and_o bear_v again_o before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v positive_a and_o peremptory_a joh._n 3._o 3._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o difficulty_n indeed_o be_v great_a at_o first_o but_o it_o be_v considerable_a afterward_o till_o a_o through_o change_n be_v make_v and_o new_a inclination_n plant_v in_o we_o and_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v super-induced_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n be_v outward_a temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n which_o to_o withstand_v and_o resist_v require_v great_a courage_n and_o resolution_n great_a watchfulness_n and_o guard_n over_o ourselves_o but_o yet_o for_o our_o comfort_n these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o insuperable_a to_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n and_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purposeâ—_n great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o though_o the_o difficulty_n â—f_n work_v out_o our_o salvation_n be_v great_a yet_o if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n set_v about_o it_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o second_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v we_o with_o his_o gracious_a favour_n and_o to_o further_o we_o with_o his_o continual_a aid_n that_o
final_o by_o his_o mercy_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n three_o another_o powerful_a argument_n to_o care_n and_o diligence_n be_v the_o fatal_a danger_n of_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n we_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o he_o break_v with_o our_o saviour_n only_o upon_o one_o point_n he_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o distribute_v they_o in_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o thereupon_o he_o leave_v our_o saviour_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o find_v never_o return_v to_o he_o again_o if_o the_o world_n govern_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n first_o and_o make_v these_o our_o chief_a care_n and_o design_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v add_v unto_o we_o iâ—_n we_o will_v not_o mind_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v accessory_n and_o if_o upon_o any_o one_o point_n we_o miscarry_v either_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o world_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o other_o lust_n or_o vice_n that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v withal_o our_o miscarriage_n be_v fatal_a and_o the_o ruin_n which_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o irreparable_a for_o the_o soul_n once_o lose_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o if_o we_o have_v neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v never_o return_v into_o our_o power_n again_o death_n will_v shut_v the_o door_n against_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n four_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o sincere_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o fair_a probability_n of_o obtain_v they_o but_o all_o the_o security_n we_o can_v desire_v man_n may_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n may_v love_v they_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o we_o see_v too_o many_o do_v and_o seek_v they_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o strength_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n may_v be_v shameful_o frustrate_v and_o disappoint_v of_o their_o end_n there_o be_v many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n daily_o before_o our_o eye_n and_o yet_o man_n be_v not_o discourage_v from_o seek_v these_o thing_n a_o fair_a probability_n nay_o almost_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v they_o be_v enough_o to_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n to_o drudge_n and_o toil_n for_o they_o why_o the_o same_o â—_z the_o â—ame_n zeal_n the_o same_o unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n will_v infallible_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a but_o true_a say_v of_o cardinal_n wolsey_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n have_v i_o be_v but_o as_o careful_a to_o please_v god_n as_o i_o have_v be_v to_o serve_v my_o prince_n he_o will_v not_o have_v forsake_v i_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o my_o gray_a hair_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o less_o diligence_n and_o care_n about_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n than_o many_o man_n use_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n will_v secure_v our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o but_o very_o few_o will_v be_v save_v and_o who_o will_v not_o place_v his_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n upon_o a_o design_n in_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o miscarry_v if_o he_o do_v but_o hearty_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n pursue_v it_o especial_o when_o it_o will_v be_v of_o infinite_a great_a advantage_n to_o he_o than_o any_o design_n he_o can_v propound_v to_o himself_o for_o this_o world_n if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v certain_o happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o the_o same_o or_o easy_a term_n than_o he_o can_v ordinary_o compass_v any_o of_o those_o little_a design_n which_o man_n propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o this_o world_n who_o will_v not_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v most_o worthy_a the_o have_v and_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v five_o and_o last_o the_o encouragement_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v not_o inconsiderable_a that_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a tempt_a consideration_n for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o reconcile_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o man_n do_v not_o general_o like_o our_o saviour_n method_n they_o will_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o seek_v the_o one_o and_o have_v the_o other_o cast_v in_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o seek_n but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v this_o way_n will_v not_o do_v and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o one_o will_v think_v can_v in_o reason_n be_v desire_v he_o have_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o will_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o a_o competent_a portion_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n godliness_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o a_o man_n thrive_a in_o his_o temporal_a estate_n nay_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o promote_v and_o advance_v it_o by_o engage_v we_o to_o diligence_n in_o our_o call_v and_o by_o derive_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o honest_a and_o lawful_a endeavour_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n and_o commerce_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o establish_v a_o clear_a and_o solid_a reputation_n and_o good_a esteem_n among_o man_n which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o business_n and_o at_o the_o long_o run_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o last_a instrument_n of_o prosperity_n and_o success_n beside_o that_o religion_n free_v a_o man_n from_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o dissipate_v and_o ruin_v man_n estate_n as_o intemperance_n and_o lewdness_n which_o be_v every_o way_n chargeable_a vice_n and_o do_v not_o only_o take_v man_n off_o from_o business_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o it_o but_o waste_v their_o estate_n and_o bring_v many_o other_o inconvenience_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o family_n religion_n make_v man_n meek_a and_o peaceable_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n which_o be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o chargeable_a suit_n and_o contention_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o injury_n and_o affront_v from_o other_o among_o all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o only_o promise_v temporal_a happiness_n to_o meekness_n bless_a be_v the_o meek_a for_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n they_o who_o provoke_v and_o offend_v no_o body_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v least_o disturb_a and_o disquiet_v by_o other_o in_o their_o possession_n and_o enjoment_n who_o will_v harm_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a some_o may_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o persecute_v a_o man_n for_o his_o goodness_n but_o it_o rare_o happen_v most_o man_n have_v not_o only_o a_o kindness_n but_o a_o veneration_n for_o true_a goodness_n by_o all_o these_o way_n religion_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o their_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n beside_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v very_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n and_o a_o special_a blessing_n attend_v they_o in_o all_o their_o undertake_n so_o that_o except_v the_o case_n of_o persecution_n which_o god_n will_v particular_o consider_v and_o reward_v in_o another_o world_n the_o religious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n stand_v as_o fair_a and_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n for_o all_o