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
off_o from_o all_o employment_n lest_o you_o put_v they_o in_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o be_v undo_v have_v a_o care_n of_o leave_v they_o no_o other_o business_n but_o to_o spend_v what_o you_o have_v leave_v they_o if_o you_o do_v so_o they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n do_v that_o work_v very_o effectual_o and_o make_v as_o much_o haste_n to_o be_v poor_a as_o you_o do_v to_o make_v they_o rich._n if_o man_n can_v but_o be_v content_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o their_o child_n they_o may_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o for_o themselves_o by_o dispose_v what_o they_o have_v to_o spare_v in_o charity_n three_o other_o will_v fain_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o this_o duty_n at_o present_a by_o tell_v what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v that_o be_v when_o they_o can_v keep_v what_o they_o have_v no_o long_o it_o seem_v than_o thou_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o thy_o executor_n to_o do_v good_a in_o thy_o stead_n this_o show_v thou_o have_v no_o great_a heart_n to_o the_o business_n when_o thou_o deferre_v it_o as_o long_o as_o ever_o thou_o can_v but_o why_o will_v thou_o trust_v another_o with_o the_o disposal_n of_o thy_o charity_n rather_o than_o thyself_o this_o be_v hardly_o to_o offer_v either_o a_o reasonable_a or_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n to_o do_v good_a only_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a it_o be_v well_o that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o man_n mortal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v otherwise_o some_o man_n will_v never_o do_v good_a at_o all_o wherefore_o set_v aside_o these_o and_o all_o other_o excuse_n which_o will_v not_o be_v admit_v nor_o will_v any_o of_o we_o have_v the_o face_n to_o plead_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o say_v setting_z aside_o all_o excuse_n whatsoever_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o do_v good_a with_o what_o we_o have_v whilst_o we_o can_v and_o to_o that_o end_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o some_o portion_n of_o what_o god_n have_v blessed_v we_o withal_o for_o the_o use_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o let_v it_o bear_v some_o decent_a proportion_n to_o what_o god_n have_v give_v we_o there_o be_v never_o want_v of_o proper_a object_n for_o our_o large_a charity_n and_o now_o less_o than_o ever_o beside_o those_o at_o home_n which_o present_v themselves_o to_o we_o in_o great_a number_n every_o day_n god_n have_v send_v we_o many_o from_o abroad_o who_o call_v loud_o upon_o we_o for_o our_o pity_n and_o help_v both_o as_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o be_v sufferer_n in_o the_o best_a cause_n that_o of_o our_o common_a religion_n which_o ought_v now_o to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o than_o ever_o let_v we_o show_v mercy_n now_o as_o we_o expect_v mercy_n from_o other_o in_o any_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n in_o this_o world_n and_o as_o ever_o we_o hope_v when_o ever_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n to_o find_v mercy_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o let_v this_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o your_o mind_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v a_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 in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n do_v in_o a_o long_a discourse_n caution_n his_o disciple_n against_o a_o inordinate_a care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o strict_a charge_n to_o make_v religion_n their_o first_o and_o great_a concernment_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v care_n to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o 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 etc._n etc._n in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v explain_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n second_o what_o by_o seek_v of_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o necessary_a and_o plain_a direction_n which_o if_o we_o observe_v we_o can_v miscarry_v in_o this_o matter_n four_o i_o shall_v set_v before_o you_o some_o of_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 among_o which_o i_o shall_v particular_o consider_v the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n here_o use_v in_o the_o text_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o 1._o i_o shall_v explain_v to_o you_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v two_o famous_a acceptation_n of_o this_o phrase_n and_o both_o of_o they_o very_o frequent_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o by_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n mark_v 1._o 15._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o be_v the_o state_n or_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o approach_v and_o ready_a to_o take_v place_n luke_n 17._o 20._o the_o pharisee_n demand_v of_o our_o saviour_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v that_o be_v when_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v commence_v he_o answer_v they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n that_o be_v not_o with_o any_o temporal_a pomp_n and_o splendour_n so_o as_o to_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o people_n after_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v vain_o imagine_v but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v among_o you_o not_o within_o you_o as_o our_o translation_n have_v improper_o render_v it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o tell_v they_o be_v already_o come_v unto_o you_o the_o messiah_n be_v among_o you_o and_o you_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o he_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n this_o phrase_n be_v use_v mat._n 21._o 43._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v use_v mat._n 11._o 11._o where_n speak_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n our_o saviour_n say_v that_o among_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n there_o have_v not_o rise_v a_o great_a than_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o great_a person_n than_o he_o under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v great_a than_o he_o now_o though_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n very_o usual_a likewise_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n and_o discourseâ—_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v that_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o glory_n which_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o in_o another_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v before_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o take_v you_o no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewithal_o shall_v we_o be_v clothe_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o inordinate_a and_o solicitous_a care_n about_o worldly_a thing_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o this_o life_n as_o about_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o this_o sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o very_o frequent_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v particular_a instance_n of_o it_o second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o righteousness_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n righteousness_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n signify_v the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n
miscarry_v for_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o we_o and_o understand_v as_o we_o do_v our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o peter_n before_o his_o fall_n that_o his_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v final_o but_o though_o he_o fall_v through_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o himself_o he_o shall_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v he_o be_v enable_v to_o recover_v by_o repentance_n three_o the_o sincerity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v because_o we_o do_v not_o see_v into_o man_n heart_n but_o he_o who_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o a_o balance_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o where_o man_n be_v not_o sincere_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o hinder_v they_o from_o discover_v themselves_o and_o the_o fall_v of_o such_o person_n be_v no_o reflection_n upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o to_o presume_v that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o not_o a_o few_o and_o that_o like_a simon_n mâ—gus_n after_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a solemn_a profession_n of_o christianity_n their_o heart_n may_v not_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n four_o if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n at_o the_o hard_a that_o some_o that_o be_v very_o sincere_a after_o they_o have_v hâ—ld_v out_o a_o great_a while_n under_o the_o extremity_n of_o torment_n have_v at_o last_o faint_v under_o they_o and_o yield_v to_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o in_o this_o amazement_n and_o distraction_n have_v not_o long_o after_o expire_v without_o any_o testimony_n of_o their_o repentance_n in_o this_o case_n both_o reason_n and_o charity_n ought_v to_o restrain_v we_o from_o pass_v any_o very_a positive_a and_o severe_a sentence_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o such_o person_n for_o what_o do_v we_o know_v but_o god_n who_o goodness_n will_v certain_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n to_o human_a frailty_n that_o reason_n can_v require_v for_o he_o know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n he_o merciful_o consider_v every_o man_n case_n and_o weigh_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o in_o a_o exact_a balance_n i_o say_v who_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v god_n may_v gracious_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o constant_a suffer_v of_o great_a torment_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n for_o a_o true_a martyrdom_n and_o not_o expect_v a_o more_o than_o humane_a patience_n and_o resolution_n where_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o afford_v more_o than_o humane_a strength_n and_o support_n and_o whether_o he_o may_v not_o look_v upon_o their_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n at_o last_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o the_o indeliberate_a action_n of_o man_n in_o a_o frenzy_n and_o beside_o themselves_o and_o thus_o god_n may_v be_v say_v with_o the_o temptation_n to_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v or_o to_o give_v a_o happy_a issue_n to_o it_o since_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o bear_v it_o till_o be_v distract_v by_o their_o torment_n their_o understanding_n werâ—_n throw_v off_o the_o hinge_n and_o incapable_a of_o exercise_v any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o without_o some_o such_o equitable_a consideration_n of_o the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v some_o appearance_n of_o thing_n with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n however_o it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o uncharitable_a and_o peremptory_a censure_n of_o the_o final_a estate_n of_o such_o person_n especial_o till_o we_o ourselves_o have_v give_v great_a and_o better_a testimony_n of_o our_o constancy_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o merciful_a sentence_n of_o their_o master_n and_o we_o to_o who_o judgement_n we_o must_v all_o stand_v or_o fall_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v very_o ill_o become_v those_o who_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v escape_v those_o suffering_n and_o be_v at_o present_a out_o of_o danger_n themselves_o to_o â—it_a in_o judgement_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v leave_v to_o endure_v this_o terrible_a conflict_n and_o have_v perhaps_o hold_v out_o as_o long_o or_o long_o than_o they_o themselves_o will_v have_v do_v in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n let_v we_o rather_o earnest_o beg_v of_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o patience_n that_o he_o will_v endue_v we_o with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n if_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o which_o we_o lawful_o may_v after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o if_o it_o be_v his_o will_n he_o will_v let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o we_o and_o not_o try_v we_o with_o the_o like_a suffering_n lest_o we_o also_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o enquiry_n which_o i_o propose_v what_o ground_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o good_a man_n to_o expect_v the_o more_o peculiar_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o case_n of_o such_o suffering_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n but_o he_o exercise_v a_o more_o particular_a providence_n towards_o mankind_n and_o more_o peculiar_a yet_o towards_o those_o who_o study_v to_o please_v he_o by_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o do_v his_o will._n he_o that_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o he_o love_v god_n and_o will_v do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n love_v he_o and_o be_v concern_v for_o his_o happiness_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o afraid_a of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o by_o the_o wilful_a breach_n of_o his_o law_n have_v put_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o care_n of_o his_o providence_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o our_o heart_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o we_o have_v make_v it_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o we_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o have_v good_a assurance_n and_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o we_o this_o comfort_n the_o mind_n of_o every_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v he_o from_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o god_n but_o to_o free_v we_o from_o all_o doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n god_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o so_o and_o give_v we_o plentiful_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o his_o word_n psal_n 11._o 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v favourable_a unto_o they_o psal_n 33._o 18._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 the_o eye_n of_o god_n signify_v his_o watchful_a care_n and_o providence_n over_o good_a men._n so_o that_o beside_o the_o sure_a and_o wellgrounded_n reason_v from_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n in_o â—the_v express_v declaration_n of_o god_n word_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o great_a temptation_n and_o suffering_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o vain_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n mâ—ny_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o all_o the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o delight_v in_o his_o way_n though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o utter_o be_v cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v their_o help_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o same_o promise_v we_o find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o your_o faith_n without_o waver_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o bath_n promise_v viz._n to_o
time_n of_o the_o general_a suspension_n of_o trade_n and_o business_n from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o approach_a trouble_n by_o reason_n whereof_o both_o the_o number_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v great_o and_o daily_o increase_v among_o we_o and_o beside_o the_o poor_a of_o our_o own_o nation_n god_n have_v send_v we_o great_a number_n from_o abroad_o i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v flee_v hither_o for_o shelter_n from_o that_o violent_a storm_n of_o persecution_n which_o have_v late_o fall_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o common_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o compassion_n we_o show_v to_o they_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n will_v either_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a suffering_n or_o gracious_o support_v we_o under_o they_o what_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o god_n be_v now_o try_v we_o and_o have_v purposely_o put_v this_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o prevent_v or_o mitigate_a or_o shorten_v our_o own_o suffering_n according_a as_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o pity_n to_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v so_o deep_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n seven_o provide_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o above_o all_o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o our_o religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v universal_o good_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o large_a sense_n of_o well-doing_n and_o the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o suffering_n and_o to_o give_v we_o courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o engage_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o we_o and_o concernment_n for_o we_o if_o he_o shall_v â—ee_n it_o fit_a to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v but_o if_o we_o live_v in_o open_a contempt_n and_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n if_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o action_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o well_o ground_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o his_o providence_n set_v itself_o against_o they_o for_o evil_a bad_a man_n draw_v many_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n upon_o themselves_o as_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o their_o action_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n haunt_v and_o pursue_v evil-doer_n and_o his_o just_a providence_n many_o time_n involve_v they_o in_o many_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n beside_o and_o beyond_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o wicked_a say_v david_n he_o will_v rain_v snare_n so_o that_o as_o ever_o we_o expect_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n we_o must_v live_v in_o a_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o god_n holy_a will_n and_o law_n bad_a man_n may_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v it_o though_o they_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o for_o all_o this_o out_o of_o mere_a generosity_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n they_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v threaten_v and_o terrify_v out_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o will_v endure_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n before_o they_o will_v renounce_v it_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n that_o they_o stand_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o hope_v perhaps_o thereby_o to_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o their_o bad_a practice_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v nothing_o give_v a_o man_n true_a courage_n and_o resolution_n like_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n concern_v our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o resolution_n and_o patience_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o to_o subdue_v his_o irregular_a passion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v not_o easy_o bring_v himself_o to_o submit_v to_o great_a suffering_n upon_o that_o account_n there_o be_v considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o resolute_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a to_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v we_o shall_v do_v than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o it_o and_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o upon_o another_o occasion_n he_o that_o can_v prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o live_v like_o a_o saint_n will_v much_o more_o hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o die_v a_o martyr_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o faithful_a creator_n do_v afford_v to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a censcience_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a and_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n to_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n one_o that_o be_v not_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a in_o his_o affection_n and_o kindness_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v true_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o will_v not_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o that_o of_o our_o being_n free_o confer_v upon_o we_o be_v but_o a_o earnest_n of_o god_n further_a kindness_n to_o we_o and_o future_a care_n of_o we_o if_o by_o our_o ill_a carriage_n towards_o he_o we_o do_v not_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a and_o incapable_a of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v kindness_n for_o we_o if_o he_o have_v not_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v excellent_o say_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n cap._n 11._o 23._o 24._o thou_o have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o for_o thou_o love_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o abhor_v nothing_o which_o thou_o have_v make_v for_o never_o will_v thou_o have_v make_v any_o thing_n if_o thou_o have_v hate_v it_o and_o ver_fw-la 26._o thou_o spare_v all_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o o_o lord_n thou_o lover_n of_o soul_n to_o who_o then_o may_v be_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n commit_v ourselves_o as_o to_o he_o who_o free_o give_v we_o our_o be_v from_o who_o may_v we_o expect_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o case_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o from_o this_o great_a founder_n and_o benefactor_n for_o he_o that_o make_v we_o know_v our_o frame_n and_o whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o how_o much_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v he_o consider_v our_o strength_n or_o rather_o our_o weakness_n and_o what_o courage_n and_o resolution_n he_o have_v endue_v we_o withal_o and_o what_o comfort_n and_o support_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o the_o day_n of_o tribulation_n and_o as_o they_o who_o make_v armour_n be_v wont_a to_o try_v that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v good_a and_o well_o temper_v with_o a_o strong_a charge_n not_o to_o break_v and_o hurt_v it_o but_o to_o prove_v and_o praise_v it_o so_o god_n exercise_v those_o who_o he_o have_v fit_v and_o tâ—mpered_v for_o it_o with_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o be_v much_o more_o precious_a thâ—n_n of_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o firâ—_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n do_v as_o i_o may_v say_v oblige_v he_o in_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o own_o act_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o his_o bring_v we_o into_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o afterward_o so_o as_o never_o to_o abandon_v we_o nor_o quite_o to_o take_v away_o his_o lovingkindness_n and_o mercy_n from_o we_o till_o we_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o and_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o make_v we_o that_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n a_o person_n or_o people_n must_v have_v proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o degeneracy_n when_o god_n will_v consider_v they_o no_o long_o as_o his_o creature_n nor_o show_v any_o pity_n or_o favour_n to_o they_o thing_n must_v be_v come_v to_o extremity_n when_o god_n deal_v
the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o only_a design_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n and_o a_o competency_n of_o outward_a thing_n he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a and_o better_a security_n from_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v by_o all_o their_o care_n and_o pain_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o mind_v these_o thing_n only_o as_o accessory_n that_o if_o he_o miss_v of_o they_o he_o have_v something_o better_a to_o support_v he_o in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o happiness_n which_o this_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v from_o he_o but_o now_o the_o worldly_a man_n if_o he_o be_v defeat_v in_o his_o design_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a because_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o comfort_v he_o nothing_o else_o to_o trust_v to_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o hope_n as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o have_v do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a as_o to_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o encouragement_n you_o see_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n our_o great_a care_n and_o business_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v these_o neglect_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o best_a of_o we_o god_n know_v not_o mind_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o they_o deserve_v what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o in_o excuse_n of_o so_o intolerable_a a_o folly_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o prâ—tend_v if_o not_o in_o justification_n yet_o in_o mitigation_n and_o excuse_n of_o this_o great_a neglect_n first_o they_o pretend_v great_a difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n this_o i_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a so_o far_o as_o to_o awaken_v our_o care_n and_o to_o whet_v our_o industry_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o despond_v and_o give_v over_o all_o care_n of_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n it_o be_v attend_v withal_o man_n who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o magnify_v they_o in_o their_o fancy_n beyond_o reason_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o type_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n represent_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n who_o they_o be_v to_o conquer_v more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v report_v to_o one_o another_o that_o the_o land_n be_v full_a of_o giant_n and_o son_n of_o anak_n man_n of_o prodigious_a stature_n which_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o this_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v to_o be_v the_o perpetual_a excuse_n of_o the_o slothful_a when_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n they_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n that_o be_v they_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o danger_n and_o terror_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o man_n who_o be_v averse_a from_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n be_v apt_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o monstrous_a and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o subdue_v his_o appetite_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n and_o to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n well!_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v difficult_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o to_o get_v a_o estate_n and_o to_o rise_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n the_o true_a pain_n which_o man_n take_v about_o these_o thing_n show_v that_o they_o be_v difficult_a only_o when_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n but_o buckle_v to_o it_o and_o grapple_v with_o it_o be_v religion_n difficult_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o law_n a_o difficult_a and_o crabbed_a study_n do_v it_o not_o require_v great_a labour_n and_o perpetual_a drudge_a to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v master_n of_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n in_o a_o word_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n worthy_a the_o have_v that_o be_v to_o be_v get_v without_o pain_n and_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n the_o only_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o so_o great_a a_o good_a shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o faint_a and_o idle_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o lazy_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n for_o what_o reason_n nay_o with_o what_o conscience_n can_v we_o bid_v less_o for_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n than_o man_n be_v content_v to_o give_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n thing_n of_o no_o value_n in_o comparison_n not_o worthy_a the_o toil_a for_o not_o sure_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o all_o our_o endeavour_n thing_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o which_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n one_o fit_a of_o a_o fever_n may_v shatter_v our_o understanding_n and_o confound_v all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o turn_v we_o into_o fool_n and_o idiot_n a_o inundation_n or_o a_o fire_n may_v sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v our_o estate_n a_o succession_n of_o calamity_n may_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n make_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n as_o poor_a as_o job_n and_o set_v he_o upon_o a_o dunghill_n but_o be_v the_o difficulty_n what_o it_o will_v of_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v at_o any_o rate_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o we_o miserable_a and_o undo_v if_o we_o have_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v considerable_a but_o then_o they_o be_v much_o great_a aâ—_n first_o and_o will_v every_o day_n abate_v and_o grow_v less_o and_o the_o work_n by_o degree_n will_v become_v eaâ—â—e_n and_o turn_v into_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n a_o pleasure_n so_o great_a as_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o will_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o all_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n second_o other_o pretend_v want_n of_o time_n for_o the_o mind_v of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o all_o person_n have_v not_o equal_a leisure_n for_o this_o purpose_n some_o be_v much_o more_o straighten_a than_o other_o and_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v put_v no_o man_n upon_o this_o hard_a necessity_n that_o for_o want_v of_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o neglect_v his_o body_n and_o his_o health_n his_o family_n and_o estate_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o distress_n it_o be_v well_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o secure_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o neglect_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v most_o straighten_a for_o time_n have_v so_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o require_v time_n but_o resolution_n and_o care_n not_o to_o commit_v sin_n not_o to_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v intemperate_a to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v not_o spend_v time_n but_o save_v it_o for_o better_a purpose_n so_o that_o every_o man_n have_v time_n not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o for_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o in_o the_o external_n act_v of_o religion_n no_o man_n be_v so_o distress_v but_o he_o have_v time_n to_o think_v of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n time_n to_o love_n god_n to_o esteem_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o very_o acceptable_o while_o he_o be_v labour_v and_o travel_v about_o his_o worldly_a affair_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v upon_o the_o blow_n his_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o god_n and_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o upon_o earth_n his_o thought_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v in_o
heaven_n every_o man_n have_v time_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n every_o day_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o his_o preservation_n and_o support_n and_o to_o thank_v he_o hearty_o for_o all_o his_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n and_o a_o little_a time_n serious_o employ_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v have_v the_o same_o acceptance_n with_o god_n as_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o long_a devotion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n for_o they_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o time_n to_o serve_v god_n upon_o his_o own_o day_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o whole_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o care_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o when_o all_o be_v say_v be_v the_o case_n but_o of_o very_a few_o most_o of_o we_o have_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o complaint_n non_fw-la inopes_fw-la temporis_fw-la sed_fw-la prodigi_fw-la sumus_fw-la as_o seneca_n say_v we_o be_v not_o poor_a but_o prodigal_a of_o our_o time_n and_o lavish_a it_o away_o profuse_o upon_o folly_n and_o vanity_n our_o vice_n and_o lust_n our_o pleasure_n and_o diversion_n consume_v and_o divert_v those_o precious_a hour_n which_o shall_v be_v employ_v to_o these_o better_a purpose_n nay_o many_o time_n time_n oppress_v we_o and_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o we_o and_o lie_v upon_o our_o hand_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o let_v it_o run_v waste_n than_o to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n insomuch_o that_o i_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v with_o their_o time_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o spend_v it_o they_o will_v not_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o most_o necessary_a for_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o very_o best_a use_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o time_n to_o prepare_v and_o provide_v for_o eternity_n three_o other_o pretend_v it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o mind_v these_o thing_n hereafter_o but_o this_o as_o bad_a excuse_n seldom_o hang_v together_o and_o agree_v with_o one_o another_o direct_o contradict_v the_o former_a pretence_n which_o suppose_v so_o much_o time_n necessary_a and_o more_o than_o many_o have_v to_o spare_v and_o yet_o now_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o a_o very_a little_a time_n will_v suffice_v for_o this_o work_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n even_o just_a when_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o strange_a interpretation_n of_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n first_o to_o put_v it_o off_o to_o the_o very_a last_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o great_a error_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o think_v that_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o quick_o to_o be_v dispatch_v and_o that_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o life_n can_v be_v crowd_v into_o so_o narrow_a a_o corner_n of_o it_o that_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n nay_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n well_o employ_v to_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v sufficient_a alas_o what_o can_v we_o then_o do_v that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v either_o acceptable_a to_o god_n or_o available_a for_o ourselves_o when_o we_o have_v not_o sense_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o temporal_a concernment_n and_o to_o make_v our_o will_n do_v we_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o repent_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n every_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o have_v saul_n fortune_n who_o when_o he_o be_v weary_v with_o seek_v his_o father_n ass_n meet_v with_o a_o kingdom_n we_o must_v not_o think_v when_o we_o be_v tire_v with_o pursue_v the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n to_o retire_v into_o heaven_n and_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v take_v care_n to_o caution_n we_o against_o this_o desperate_a folly_n by_o a_o parable_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o have_v trifle_v away_o their_o time_n till_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v come_v and_o neglect_v to_o get_v oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o those_o good_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i_o say_v have_v neglect_v their_o opportutunity_n of_o get_v this_o oil_n while_o they_o be_v look_v after_o it_o too_o late_a the_o door_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o they_o think_v to_o have_v repair_v all_o at_o last_o by_o borrow_v of_o other_o and_o supply_v themselves_o that_o way_n and_o thus_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o hope_v to_o be_v supply_v out_o of_o another_o store_n when_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o out_o of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o redundant_fw-la merit_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n of_o which_o some_o believe_v i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a stock_n which_o the_o pope_n may_v dispose_v of_o to_o supply_v those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o care_n to_o get_v oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n but_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n work_v of_o supererrogation_n be_v suppose_v the_o wise_a virgin_n know_v not_o of_o any_o merit_n they_o have_v to_o spare_v it_o be_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n only_o that_o entertain_v this_o senseless_a conceit_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o parable_n insinuate_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n have_v nothing_o to_o spare_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o other_o who_o have_v be_v careless_a of_o their_o soul_n the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o but_o the_o wise_a answer_v say_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o but_o go_v you_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v no_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n that_o they_o know_v of_o but_o they_o do_v ironical_o send_v they_o to_o a_o market_n that_o be_v set_v up_o somewhere_o and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v sell_v but_o how_o they_o speed_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o parable_n tell_v we_o that_o whilst_o they_o be_v run_v about_o in_o great_a haste_n to_o make_v this_o purchase_n of_o the_o merit_n and_o good_a work_n of_o other_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o the_o wise_a virgin_n that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v shut_v out_o and_o there_o be_v those_o likewise_o among_o ourselves_o who_o have_v be_v careless_a to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n hope_v to_o be_v supply_v out_o of_o the_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o christ_n merit_n but_o this_o also_o be_v a_o vain_a hope_n for_o though_o there_o be_v merit_n enough_o in_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n to_o save_v all_o mankind_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v lay_v claim_n thereto_o who_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o think_v by_o send_v for_o the_o minister_n when_o the_o physician_n have_v give_v they_o over_o to_o receive_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n such_o advice_n and_o direction_n as_o will_v do_v their_o business_n as_o effectual_o as_o if_o they_o have_v mind_v religion_n all_o their_o life_n long_o and_o that_o a_o few_o devout_a prayer_n say_v over_o they_o when_o they_o be_v just_o embarking_a for_o another_o world_n will_n like_o a_o magical_a wind_n immediate_o waft_v they_o over_o into_o the_o region_n of_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o we_o may_v defer_v the_o business_n so_o long_o till_o we_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o our_o late_a application_n to_o god_n and_o cry_v to_o he_o lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o but_o that_o severe_a answer_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v if_o we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o our_o doom_n let_v we_o first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o so_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n a_o sermon_n on_o psal._n cxix_o 96._o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a this_o psalm_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o