Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n christian_a time_n true_a 2,835 4 3.9950 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B05977 The map of the little world, illuminated with religion being a practical treatise, directing man to a religious scope, and right measure, in all the periods of his life; with devotion suitable. To which is added an appendix, containing a gospel ministers legacie, in some sermons, upon 2 Pet. 1. 12, &c. / By Patrick Strachan minister of the gospel at St. Vigeans. Strachan, Patrick, fl. 1693. 1693 (1693) Wing S5775A; ESTC R184656 117,746 314

There are 10 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

to_o my_o p●●_n in_o his_o strength_n i_o count_v all_o thing_n loss_n 〈◊〉_d he_o who_o be_v my_o lord_n my_o love_n a●_n my_o choice_n i_o believe_v lord_z help_z 〈◊〉_d unbelief_n i_o renunce_v all_o affection_n to_o s●●_n and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v be_v by_o fa●●_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o choice_n the_o way_n 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n which_o produce_v peace_n an●_n assurance_n for_o ever_o this_o build_v our_o hou●_n upon_o the_o rock_n when_o we_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v trust_v that_o he_o 〈◊〉_d able_a to_o keep_v that_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o his_o trust_n a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a endurance_n be_v fair_a for_o the_o full_a assurance_n god_n be_v sure_a christ_n be_v fix_v the_o covenant_n be_v steady_a and_o duty_n the_o plain_a way_n to_o serenity_n and_o peace_n labour_v then_o to_o ensure_v unto_o your_o self_n this_o inneffable_a joy_n which_o be_v calcu●ed_v to_o the_o high_a aspiration_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n the_o prayer_n o_o exalt_v king_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o imperial_a heaven_n i_o long_o to_o be_v happy_a with_o thou_o ●ake_v my_o soul_n humble_a sia●ere_o and_o contrite_a to_o a_o spiritual_a throne_n to_o the_o high_a and_o exalt_a ●e_n purify_v and_o clarify_v my_o heart_n and_o nature_n ●at_a i_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o feed_v on_o these_o pleasure_n at_o ●hy_a right_a hand_n for_o ever_o set_v up_o heaven_n in_o i_o ●at_a i_o may_v be_v ripe_a for_o heaven_n give_v i_o to_o feel_v the_o ●wer_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o to_o be_v a_o overjoy_a citizen_n of_o zion_n and_o be_v the_o have_v free_a man_n ●or_a ever_o amen_n stage_n three_o treat_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o eternity_n shall_v suggest_v ss_z 1._o the_o best_a way_n to_o conceive_v eternity_n be_v to_o read_v the_o word_n that_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o to_o improve_v our_o short_a time_n and_o well_o digest_v in_o our_o mind_n what_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o more_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o this_o mortal_a state_n to_o have_v full_a conception_n of_o eternity_n for_o we_o roll_v in_o a_o course_n of_o time_n o●_n thought_n be_v measure_v by_o day_n a●_n year_n we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o too_o mu●●_n by_o speculation_n poor_a upon_o this_o vast_a expansion_n lest_o instead_o of_o clear_a conception_n we_o turn_v confuse_v rest_v therefore_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n in_o these_o modest_a consideration_n i._o th●_n eternity_n be_v the_o orb_n of_o the_o eternal_a go●_n &_o as_o by_o search_v we_o can_v find_v out_o th●_n almighty_n for_o no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n a●●_n live_v so_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o eterni●●_n it_o be_v only_a faith_n that_o get_v satisfaction_n 〈◊〉_d this_o matter_n while_o curiosity_n lie_v in_o th●_n dark_a eternity_n be_v much_o hide_v from_o m●●_n tal_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o inquire_v 〈◊〉_d it_o since_o it_o be_v hide_v look_v well_o then_o 〈◊〉_d thy_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o eternity_n and_o lea●●_n the_o uptake_n till_o thou_o be_v more_o capacitate_v by_o the_o beatific_a vision_n delay_v till_o tho●_n come_v to_o eternity_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v be_v very_o busy_a here_o because_o tho●●_n wo●ks_v for_o eternity_n ss_z 2._o 2ly_n after_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o th●_n angel_n of_o nimble_a conception_n but_o no●_n such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o it_o 〈◊〉_d supra_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o the_o instant_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the●●_n before_o as_o to_o speculation_n non_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o th●●_n interim_n of_o time_n we_o can_v scarce_o con●●eive_v of_o time_n much_o less_o of_o eternity_n our_o ●●ith_n prompt_v we_o to_o prepare_v for_o eternal_a life_n ●●t_v not_o to_o stand_v and_o poor_a in_o the_o sun_n ●●ast_v we_o dazzle_v our_o eye_n and_o fall_v in_o the_o ●●itch_n it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n then_o to_o number_v ●●wr_fw-mi day_n in_o time_n because_o we_o can_v number_v the_o age_n of_o eternity_n these_o two_o word_n never_o and_o ever_o have_v great_a emphasis_n o_o sad_a to_o be_v never_o happy_a and_o ever_o miserable_a o_o blessed_a thing_n to_o be_v ever_o happ●_n and_o never_o miserable_a sow_v then_o the_o good_a seed_n for_o eternity_n and_o fix_v thy_o house_n so_o in_o time_n as_o to_o bring_v thou_o through_o all_o the_o storm_n of_o life_n to_o have_v a_o house_n with_o god_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n lay_v up_o treasure_n ●o●_n yourself_o in_o heaven_n which_o may_v mantain_n you_o world_n without_o end_n work_z with_o intense_a project_n for_o eternity_n every_o seed_n we_o sow_v in_o our_o finite_a life_n tend_v to_o infinity_n and_o let_v a_o sinner_n be_v still_o state_v in_o his_o formercirum●_n stance_n he_o will_v sin_v in_o infinitum_fw-la and_o never_o cease_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o some_o of_o the_o school_n man_n give_v for_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o sinner_n as_o a_o sinner_n will_v live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a enmity_n against_o god_n but_o the_o seed_n sow_o by_o the_o godly_a have_v a_o great_a virtue_n to_o spring_v in_o time_n and_o last_o to_o eternity_n where_o grace_n be_v crown_v with_o glor●_n we_o shall_v therefore_o like_o noah_n build_v a●_n ark_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o the_o storm_n of_o lif●_n and_o make_v we_o ar●ive_v on_o a_o mountain_n mu●●_n more_o fix_v than_o ararat_n there_o to_o dwell_v 〈◊〉_d eternal_a splendour_n for_o mount_n ●ion_n 〈◊〉_d not_o be_v remove_v ex●rcise_v then_o your_o gra●_n aright_o that_o your_o faith_n may_v end_v in_o se●_n ing_z your_o hope_n in_o fruition_n and_o your_o labour_n in_o rest_n the_o prayer_n lord_z god_n of_o eternal_a perfection_n 〈◊〉_d glory_n before_o the_o world_n be_v shine_v and_o ●●dures_v to_o eternity_n fix_v my_o waver_a mind_n to_o centre_n and_o repose_n in_o thou_o and_o l●t_v never_o th●_n transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n hinder_v i_o fro●_n a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n of_o these_o pleasure_n at_o 〈◊〉_d right_a hand_n which_o be_v for_o evermore_o gi●●_n i_o to_o be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o large_a heart_n and_o high_a design_n above_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v work_v for_o eternity_n and_o through_o thy_o grace_n be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o enjoy_v thou_o o_o eternal_a god_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n stage_n last_o the_o content_n a_o lamentation_n for_o the_o sad_a decay_n of_o religion_n and_o apology_n for_o the_o devotion_n use_v in_o this_o treatise_n with_o a_o vale_n to_o the_o world_n and_o all_o sweeten_v with_o suitable_a devotion_n ss_z 1._o i_o shall_v thus_o conclude_v be_v not_o that_o i_o can_v well_o ommit_v to_o vent_v my_o lamentation_n for_o the_o great_a neglect_n and_o decay_v of_o practical_a religion_n and_o speak_v something_o concern_v the_o devotion_n use_v in_o this_o treatise_n ss_z 2._o and_o first_o of_o that_o pathetic_a throne_n and_o regrate_a for_o the_o great_a declension_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o practice_n which_o have_v be_v well_o handle_v by_o a_o unknown_a author_n and_o other_o some_o year_n ago_o but_o alas_o time_n have_v still_o produce_v great_a cause_n of_o regrate_a for_o such_o be_v the_o impiety_n irreligion_n and_o immorality_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n under_o the_o christian_a name_n that_o the_o first_o propogator_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n so_o perfective_a of_o humane_a nature_n will_v now_o misken_fw-mi the_o christian_a chutch_n and_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o rudera_fw-la and_o confusion_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o well_o compact_a beauty_n of_o zion_n for_o even_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o will_v enhance_v the_o whole_a prerogative_n thereof_o to_o their_o own_o romis●_n sect_n what_o error_n of_o doctrine_n what_o corruption_n of_o worship_n what_o jameness_n of_o moral_n be_v among_o they_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o such_o serious_a man_n as_o travel_n into_o these_o place_n what_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n what_o profanity_n what_o leaudness_n and_o abomination_n be_v there_o be_v but_o too_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n moreover_o that_o church_n that_o carry_v that_o glorious_a name_n of_o protestant_n and_o reform_v be_v much_o deform_v and_o degenerate_a in_o manner_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o pure_a primitive_a time_n and_o god_n law_n be_v violate_v by_o a_o profane_a age_n christ_n gospel_n office_n in_o stitutious_a and_o minister_n be_v all_o vilify_v contemn_v dissowened_a and_o almost_o utter_o reject_v by_o our_o licentious_a age_n and_o wicked_a generation_n o_o what_o boldness_n of_o man_n affront_o in_o the_o f●ce_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o incroatch_n &_o invade_v all_o thing_n sacred_a what_o swear_v for_o swear_v what_o profanity_n what_o pe●jur●_n do_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o chris●_n tian_n world_n
their_o holy_a principle_n and_o by_o their_o life●_n deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o alas_o if_o we_o descend_v to_o the_o dregs_o of_o time_n we_o shall_v find_v many_o name_v christian_n unchristian_a and_o antichristian_a in_o their_o way_n for_o such_o be_v now_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o unsuitable_a walk_n to_o it_o the_o despise_n of_o holy_a thing_n as_o the_o lord_n minister_n ordinance_n and_o day_n such_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o duty_n to_o god_n such_o be_v the_o heathenishness_n of_o family_n for_o want_v of_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o such_o horrid_a immorality_n among_o these_o call_v christian_n that_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o charity_n now_o say_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v as_o to_o their_o practice_n repea●ed_v th●t_o blasphemous_a say_n that_o god_n have_v now_o forsake_v the_o earth_n ez_fw-fr 9_o 9_o it_o be_v now_o then_o very_o worthy_a of_o our_o while_n to_o consider_v better_o of_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o people_n be_v not_o foster_v in_o their_o folly_n in_o boast_v of_o a_o name_n without_o the_o true_a life_n of_o religion_n this_o have_v be_v much_o declame_v against_o by_o pen_n and_o pulpit_n but_o alas_o people_n delight_n themselves_o in_o their_o delusion_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v say_v and_o do_v content_v themselves_o to_o be_v nominal_a not_o real_a christian_n i_o be_o tell_v that_o there_o be_v a_o little_a piece_n do_v by_o a_o foreign_a divine_a in_o latin_a arnd_v de_fw-la vero_fw-la christianismo_fw-la which_o give_v great_a clearness_n as_o to_o this_o and_o which_o perhaps_o if_o i_o have_v see_v may_v have_v save_v my_o labour_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v say_v on_o this_o purpose_n but_o the_o sad_a time_n and_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o man_n stir_v i_o up_o to_o contribute_v my_o little_a mite_n to_o hold_v in_o the_o almost_o expire_a life_n of_o practical_a religion_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o consider_v these_o purpose_n follow_v 1_o st_z that_o the_o christian_a walk_n suitable_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o religion_n 2_o that_o he_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o full_a digest_v of_o the_o rule_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o guide_v his_o life_n by_o 3_o that_o he_o answer_v the_o gospel_n spirit_n and_o design_n 4_o that_o he_o knit_v his_o life_n suitable_o to_o the_o whole_a chain_n of_o grace_n virtue_n and_o duty_n 5_o that_o he_o answer_v the_o mean_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n 6_o that_o he_o advance_v to_o perfection_n in_o the_o heavenly_a exercise_n of_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o grace_n 7_o that_o he_o suit_n that_o great_a hope_n set_v before_o he_o of_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o 8_o that_o he_o be_v well_o prepare_v for_o a_o dimission_n from_o time_n to_o eternity_n and_o to_o clear_v the_o plain_a path_n of_o these_o to_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o life_n it_o will_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o seed_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v in_o our_o first_o conversion_n 2_o that_o grace_n proceed_v gradual_o 3_o that_o grace_n grow_v and_o go_v along_o with_o the_o conscionable_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n first_o that_o the_o seed_n and_o herb_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v together_o as_o our_o first_o conversion_n which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n john_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o we_o and_o by_o st._n paul_n the_o life_n of_o god_n gal_n 2._o 20._o or_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o believer_n do_v partake_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v 2_o pet_n 1._o 4._o for_o a_o new_a bear_v child_n if_o it_o want_v life_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o operation_n thereof_o no_o more_o can_v a_o new_a convert_n exercise_v grace_n without_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n now_o this_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n in_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v again_o consist_v not_o of_o one_o but_o of_o all_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o gracious_a operation_n flow_v from_o t●at_a life_n that_o animat_n all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o certain_o there_o be_v more_o than_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o external_a suasion_n from_o the_o word_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n till_o it_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o 2_o it_o be_v no_o l●●s_n clear_v that_o grace_n proceed_v by_o degree_n from_o childhood_n to_o manhood_n thus_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n 3_o that_o grace_n grow_v and_o go_v along_o with_o the_o conscionable_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o if_o our_o vineyard_n be_v not_o dress_v and_o well_o manure_v it_o will_v grow_v wild_a and_o full_a of_o weed_n it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v that_o carelessness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n may_v produce_v bad_a fruit_n even_o in_o a_o believer_n for_o a_o time_n but_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v and_o beget_v of_o god_n si●●eth_v not_o final_o but_o keep_v himself_o and_o the_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o joh_n 5._o 4._o have_v now_o premise_v these_o thing_n for_o clear_v i_o proceed_v to_o handle_v the_o several_a rank_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o 8_o forementioned_a particular_n first_o then_o that_o the_o christian_a walk_n suitable_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v in_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n especial_o in_o these_o four_o particular_n follow_v 1_o st_z the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o sinful_a misery_n by_o nature_n which_o call_v for_o humility_n reformation_n and_o a_o new_a life_n 2_o as_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o essence_n indeed_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o mortal_n yet_o be_v so_o clear_o discover_v by_o christ_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o have_v reveal_v h●m_o unto_o we_o that_o beside_o his_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o immensitle_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n and_o omnipresence_n be_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v so_o amiable_a in_o his_o purity_n holiness_n goodness_n mercy_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o rational_a soul_n can_v but_o love_n choice_n and_o embrace_v he_o 3_o as_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o mediator_n and_o 4_o the_o clear_a path_n wa●_n to_o happiness_n so_o full_o discover_v by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o call_v for_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o embrace_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o threefold_a office_n second_o that_o be_v walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o full_a d●gest_v of_o the_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o guide_v his_o life_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a &_o so_o full_o clear_v from_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o pharisee_n by_o christ_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n that_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o light_n no_o man_n can_v pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o rule_n but_o either_o he_o that_o be_v negligent_a or_o prejudge_v at_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o best_a can_v reach_v it_o in_o its_o spirituality_n and_o extent_n but_o yet_o a_o sincere_a christian_a may_v and_o shall_v come_v the_o length_n of_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n psal_n 119._o 29._o and_o the_o hatred_n of_o every_o false_a way_n 3_o that_o he_o answer_v the_o gospel_n spirit_n and_o design_n this_o be_v a_o great_a property_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o know_v what_o spirit_n he_o be_v of_o and_o that_o he_o close_o with_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o holy_a design_n not_o only_o to_o seek_v salvation_n by_o christ_n but_o sanctification_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o salvation_n and_o this_o call_v for_o sincerity_n humility_n patience_n and_o self_n denial_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o spirit_n as_o suit_n its_o design_n and_o the_o heavenliness_n of_o its_o author_n 4_o that_o he_o knit_v his_o life_n suitable_o to_o the_o whole_a chain_n of_o grace_n virtue_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v a_o great_a character_n and_o require_v a_o perfect_a exactness_n not_o to_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom_n 8._o 1._o not_o to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o crucify_v it_o with_o the_o lust_n and_o affection_n thereof_o and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal_n 5._o 18._o which_o call_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n as_o we_o be_v call_v and_o relate_v 5_o that_o be_v answer_v the_o mean_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n he_o be_v a_o too_o high_a tower_a christian_a that_o neglect_v the_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n since_o the_o lord_n do_v institute_v they_o for_o excellent_a end_n to_o propagate_v and_o perfect_v practical_a religion_n this_o call_v for_o a_o meek_a submission_n to_o the_o lord_n appointment_n especial_o in_o the_o right_a improvement_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n answer_v our_o cognizance_n and_o have_v with_o the_o apostle_n a_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n 6_o that_o he_o advance_v to_o perfection_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d exercise_n of_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o grace_n grace_n be_v of_o a_o grow_a nature_n all_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o advancement_n thereof_o true_a life_n can_v lurk_v but_o will_v send_v forth_o emanation_n and_o exercise_n and_o although_o we_o shall_v not_o co●nt_v ourselves_o to_o have_v apprehend_v phil._n 3._o 13._o yet_o shall_v we_o follow_v fast_o towards_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v and_o this_o be_v very_o much_o evidence_v in_o ourselves_o denyat●_n mottification_n victory_n over_o the_o world_n by_o say_v and_o our_o affection_n more_o sublime_a than_o ●●put_fw-la sue_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n col._n 3._o 3_o for_o the_o conversation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o heaven_n phil._n 3._o 2._o the_o true_a christian_a then_o after_o many_o labour_n tenration_n eclipse_n and_o difficulty_n come_v to_o be_v experience_v and_o now_o as_o a_o proficient_a and_o a_o expert_a soul●●●_n ri●teth_v to_o a_o high_a 〈◊〉_d of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o this_o call_v for_o a_o heavenly_a elevate_a mind_n and_o a_o faith_n that_o will_v make_v we_o steady_a and_o faithful_a unto_o death_n 7_o that_o be_v suit_n that_o great_a hope_n set_v before_o he_o of_o the_o grow_v of_o glory_n this_o ●●●●tily_o animal_n a_o christian_n and_o carry_v he_o through_o difficulty_n it_o fix_v he_o in_o ●●●pests_n as_o a_o anchor_n upon_o the_o rock_n i●_n sanctify_v and_o save_v the_o christian_n we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n rom_n 8._o 24._o say_fw-la st._n paul_n it_o help_v we_o much_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o whoever_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o ●●●fies_v himself_o as_o christ_n i●_n pure_a this_o call_v for_o courage_n resolution_n confidence_n and_o patience_n and_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n expel_v that_o dreadful_a disease_n of_o 〈◊〉_d dence_z and_o despair_n 8_o that_o he_o be_v well_o prepare_v for_o a_o dimission_n from_o time_n to_o eternity_n it_o be_v happy_a for_o we_o that_o god_n find_v we_o at_o our_o work_n that_o the_o lion_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v gir●_n up_o that_o we_o be_v wait_v our_o 〈◊〉_d call_v shall_v our_o account_n be_v clear_v and_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o heart_n in_o a_o humble_a way_n be_v full_a of_o joy_n and_o peace_n with_o a_o ●lerophorv_v or_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o our_o eye_n be_v close_v upon_o the_o world_n &_o open_a to_o heaven_n that_o we_o have_v christ_n in_o our_o heart_n &_o then_o we_o may_v say_v ●une_n dimittas_fw-la now_o let_v thy_o servant_n dep●●_n in_o peace_n this_o call_v for_o a_o fix_a preparation_n for_o death_n judgement_n and_o 〈◊〉_d clear_a conscience_n a_o willingness_n and_o with_o submission_n and_o entire_a resignation_n a_o desire_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o i_o shall_v conclude_v then_o in_o lot_v you_o know_v that_o the_o great_a mean_a to_o state_n you_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v action_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o your_o religion_n i_o can_v have_v enlarge_v and_o add_v many_o other_o thing_n but_o that_o deserve_v a_o particular_a treatise_n and_o as_o for_o motive_n to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o you_o improve_v your_o faith_n look_v to_o your_o claim_n and_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n look_v to_o the_o splendour_n of_o that_o crown_n prepare_v for_o a_o true_a christian_a which_o you_o shall_v wear_v with_o christ_n world_n without_o end_n amen_o the_o end_n
hide_v but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v moreover_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o exact_a impletion_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v he_o even_o unto_o the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o his_o incarnation_n con●●●tion_n birth_n breed_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o have_v a_o accumulation_n of_o proof_n for_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v its_o original_a the_o purity_n of_o its_o precept_n the_o glory_n of_o its_o design_n the_o comfort_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o proposal_n we_o may_v acquiesce_v here_o and_o confess_v its_o truth_n and_o verity_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v confront_v it_o with_o other_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v but_o temporary_a of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v but_o vanity_n of_o the_o mabumitant_n which_o be_v a_o devilish_a delusion_n make_v up_o of_o lie_n and_o impossibility_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n remain_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o glory_n always_o holy_a victorious_a and_o triumphant_a over_o impiety_n and_o confirm_v by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o million_o of_o martyl_n approve_v by_o general_a council_n and_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o clear_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o god_n that_o a_o christian_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n say_v sit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la cum_fw-la christiani●_fw-la let_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o the_o christian_n but_o there_o be_v so_o much_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o i_o can_v add_v but_o to_o resume_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o christianity_n be_v not_o fabulous_a but_o infallible_a truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n to_o true_a and_o holy_a religion_n and_o the_o different_a sentiment_n of_o the_o papal_a and_o protestant_n church_n and_o even_o difference_n among_o themselves_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o di_o gress_n from_o the_o path_n of_o t●u●_n to_o assert_v that_o true_a protestanis●n_n in_o true_a christianity_n it_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o pure_a and_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v make_v sucession_n from_o the_o spurious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o degenerate_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o trash_n of_o its_o impure_a doctrine_n its_o lie_a wonder_n and_o legend_n do_v expose_v that_o church_n to_o the_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a expression_n of_o one_o of_o its_o pope_n who_o say_v quantum_fw-la nob●●_n prodest_fw-la haec_fw-la fabula_fw-la christi_fw-la what_o avail_n be_v that_o fable_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o and_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v full_o demonstrate_v so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o power_n wherewith_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v attend_v it_o will_v seem_v from_o isaiah_n 53._o that_o he_o come_v in_o weakness_n and_o so_o do_v the_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a world_n look_v upon_o he_o but_o they_o take_v that_o measure_n from_o outward_a appearance_n and_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o virtue_n that_o be_v in_o he_o as_o god_n and_o god_n man_n which_o make_v his_o manger_n more_o glorious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n than_o a_o palace_n or_o bed_n of_o state_n he_o be_v crucify_a through_o weakness_n yet_o conceal_v his_o power_n for_o who_o may_v abide_v the_o day_n of_o his_o first_o come_n mal._n 3._o 2._o he_o be_v glorious_a in_o his_o abaseour_n honourable_a in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n son_n in_o his_o pilgrimage_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n in_o his_o meekness_n but_o a_o lion_n in_o his_o power_n he_o come_v to_o dash_v the_o dark_a kingdom_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o cast_v down_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n to_o deliver_v his_o people_n from_o bondage_n and_o to_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a to_o tread_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n to_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o seraphic_a and_o angelical_a purity_n yet_o in_o a_o wondrous_a condescension_n and_o familiarity_n attend_v with_o such_o glorious_a miracle_n famous_a monument_n &_o powerful_a doctrine_n with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n that_o we_o shall_v see_v his_o glory_n conspicuous_a under_o the_o veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o umbrage_n of_o his_o life_n serve_v to_o raise_v his_o glory_n to_o a_o high_a pitchy_a as_o the_o sun_n be_v more_o conspicuous_a after_o a_o cloud_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a and_o observable_a that_o christ_n first_o come_v be_v with_o power_n doct._n 2_o and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o propagate_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n let_v his_o people_n therefore_o be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n and_o learn_v to_o be_v sway_v with_o the_o right_a sceptre_n of_o this_o kingdom_n if_o a_o foelix_n tremble_v before_o a_o prisoner_n in_o a_o chain_n if_o king_n agrippa_z be_v almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v a_o christian●_n let_v we_o learn_v to_o give_v our_o neck_n to_o his_o powerful_a though_o easy_a yoke_n lest_o he_o dash_v we_o i●_n piece_n when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v let_v we_o not_o stumble_v with_o the_o jew_n nor_o count_v it_o foolishness_n with_o the_o greek_a but_o believe_v it_o and_o we_o shall_v behold_v christ_n the_o power_n of_o god●_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n although_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o further_a witness_n yet_o the_o more_o to_o confirm_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v this_o apostle_n and_o other_o with_o he_o be_v oculati_fw-la testes_fw-la of_o christ_n majesty_n famous_a and_o unanimous_a in_o their_o testimony_n who_o can_v say_v vincit_fw-la veritas_fw-la vidi_n scivi_fw-la &_o audivi_fw-la truth_n prevail_v and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n and_o man_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n and_o every_o one_o that_o have_v receive_v this_o testimony_n have_v put_v t●o_fw-la their_z seal_v that_o god_n be_v true_a the_o grea●_n improvement_n that_o improv_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o whole_a purpose_n be_v that_o the_o character_n of_o our_o life_n ccrrespond_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v ethical_o of_o true_a and_o moral_o true_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n that_o we_o be_v not_o paint_v ed_z formal_a and_o false_a as_o to_o a_o real_a way_n bus_fw-la suitable_a to_o the_o excellent_a principle_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n if_o you_o abide_v in_o my_o word_n say_v christ_n you_o be_v my_o disciple_n indeed_o joh._n 8_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o a_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o approve_v we_o to_o god._n many_o have_v a_o name_n not_o only_o general_a as_o christian_n but_o as_o more_o eminent_a professor_n i_o say_v a_o name_n that_o they_o be_v live_v when_o dead_a rev_n 3._o 1._o many_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o a_o profession_n and_o church_n privilege_n even_o into_o the_o end_n and_o will_v say_v have_v we_o not_o eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o thy_o presence_n have_v thou_o not_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n to_o who_o christ_n will_v say_v depart_v from_o i_o etc._n etc._n i_o never_o own_v nor_o approve_v you_o as_o i_o many_o have_v christ_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o can_v say_v lord_z lord_z but_o do_v not_o the_o work_n that_o he_o bid_v they_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a disease_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n for_o the_o circumcise_a l_o ive_v as_o the_o uncircumcised_a moab_n ammon_n and_o amalek_n be_v uncircumcised_a and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n uncircumcised_a in_o their_o heart_n this_o the_o prophet_n cry_v out_o against_o reprove_v people_n that_o boast_v of_o the_o temple_n jer_n 8._o and_o yet_o live_v in_o villainy_n but_o god_n and_o his_o temple_n be_v not_o sanctu_fw-la arie_a to_o profanity_n and_o such_o boasting_n be_v so_o fan_v from_o excuse_v that_o they_o aggravate_v people_n fault_n and_o in_o effect_n god_n say_v to_o the_o wicked_a what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statue_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n the_o filthy_a gnostic_n be_v great_a boaster_n of_o knowledged_a and_o privilege_n and_o profanity_n come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o irreligion_n become_v to_o be_v patronise_v by_o false_a prophet_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n jezeb●l_n and_o uther_n and_o this_o spirit_n of_o lie_n be_v just_o pour_v out_o upon_o many_o for_o not_o suitable_a to_o
their_o fancy_n who_o deny_v christ_n office_n minister_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v parent_n religious_o to_o go_v about_o the_o baptism_n of_o their_o child_n and_o remember_v the_o great_a obligation_n they_o stand_v under_o for_o their_o pious_a education_n and_o of_o child_n baptize_v to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n and_o to_o improve_v it_o well_o by_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o tutor_n who_o serious_a instruction_n grave_a example_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o young_a one_o may_v help_v to_o instill_v and_o drop_v in_o such_o counsel_n into_o their_o easy_a and_o blank_a mind_n as_o may_v leave_v some_o relish_n as_o a_o vessel_n may_v still_o keep_v something_o of_o the_o taste_n and_o smell_v of_o the_o first_o liquor_n according_a to_o that_o ancient_n observe_v quo_fw-la semel_fw-la est_fw-la imbuta_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o this_o stage_n of_o our_o life_n may_v be_v reckon_v to_o the_o four_o year_n of_o our_o age._n stage_n second_o the_o content_n of_o the_o particular_a care_n of_o parent_n and_o governor_n as_o to_o child_n from_o four_o year_n old_a to_o twelve_o of_o study_v their_o nature_n and_o genius_n and_o the_o in●●●ling_n and_o droop_a in_o some_o clear_a and_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o regeneration_n and_o when_o the_o child_n come_v to_o be_v about_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n of_o their_o solemn_a confirmation_n §_o 1._o as_o the_o child_n grow_v so_o shall_v the_o care_n of_o their_o parent_n increase_v towards_o they_o its_o dangerous_a to_o suffer_v the_o evil_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o take_v root_n for_o than_o it_o will_v turn_v tenacious_a and_o obstinate_a it_o be_v better_a to_o take_v the_o little_a fox_n that_o hurt_v their_o tender_a garden_n cant._n 2._o 6._o and_o by_o religious_a conduct_n use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o eradicate_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o correct_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o disorder_n that_o be_v natural_o in_o they_o by_o frequent_a and_o gradual_a drop_v of_o good_a counsel_n into_o their_o heart_n especial_o by_o fix_v in_o they_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o fear_v of_o he_o of_o honour_v their_o parent_n and_o withal_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o their_o baptismal_a dedication_n and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o open_v up_o unto_o they_o the_o m●sterie_n of_o their_o redemption_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o not_o only_o they_o know_v to_o repeat_v the_o law_n the_o creed_n and_o lord_n prayer_n but_o also_o to_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o understand_v these_o thus_o enter_v knowledge_n into_o their_o heart_n as_o a_o little_a drop_n by_o frequent_a fall_n make_v a_o cavity_n and_o hollowness_n in_o the_o stone_n §_o 2._o although_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n like_o the_o wind_n blow_v when_o where_o and_o how_o he_o please_v joh._n 3._o v._n 8._o and_o call_v some_o soon_o some_o late_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o improper_a to_o set_v it_o down_o here_o for_o that_o same_o lord_n that_o bless_a bab_n can_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o of_o this_o regeneration_n i_o shall_v only_o remember_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n nature_n and_o evidence_n thereof_o first_o as_o to_o the_o necessity_n our_o saviour_n be_v very_o positive_a job_n 3._o v._n 2._o and_o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o no_o outward_a exercise_n of_o religion_n can_v avail_v we_o without_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o old-man_n must_v be_v crucify_a and_o the_o newman_n form_v and_o nourish_v ere_o we_o can_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n and_o 2_o we_o can_v better_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o than_o by_o consider_v the_o author_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o produce_v this_o work_n it_o be_v only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o do_v it_o so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 8._o of_o his_o own_o will_n begatt_fw-mi he_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o first_o fruit_n of_o his_o creature_n jam_fw-la 1._o 18._o this_o new_a creature_n than_o be_v clear_o the_o product_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o do_v this_o work_n mediate_o by_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n especial_o by_o the_o word_n o●_n truth_n and_o other_o holy_a engine_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o work_n produce_v of_o any_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o concourse_n of_o the_o principal_a agent_n the_o word_n illuminat_n and_o persuade_v but_o there_o be_v more_o than_o moral_a suasion_n in_o this_o work_n for_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o our_o inward_a part_n jer_n 3._o 33._o they_o receive_v by_o their_o conversion_n a_o heavenly_a seed_n which_o abide_v in_o they_o that_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o sin_n as_o the_o wicked_a do_v john_n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god._n yet_o as_o to_o the_o production_n of_o this_o new_a creature_n it_o may_v be_v so_o secret_a for_o a_o time_n like_o the_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n so_o cloud_v and_o overpower_v by_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n that_o it_o do_v little_o appear_v and_o it_o take_v a_o long_a time_n ere_o it_o become_v perfect_a in_o degree_n and_o visible_o complete_a as_o to_o part_n althô_o the_o child_n though_o little_a and_o weak_a be_v potential_o a_o perfect_a man_n parent_n then_o and_o governor_n shall_v with_o st._n paul_n travel_n in_o birth_n till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o their_o child_n 3_o as_o to_o its_o evidence_n the_o apostle_n manifest_v it_o full_o 2_o cor_fw-la 5._o 17_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a the_o man_n be_v whole_o renew_v in_o quality_n though_o not_o in_o substance_n so_o that_o he_o may_v very_o well_o say_v ego_fw-la non_fw-la sum_fw-la ego_fw-la he_o have_v a_o more_o generous_a spirit_n with_o caleb_n a_o better_a heart_n with_o david_n a_o more_o shine_a face_n with_o moses_n and_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o righteous_a feed_v many_o and_o though_o no_o man_n ca●_n make_v this_o change_n yet_o be_v he_o exhort_v to_o make_v he_o a_o new_a heart_n ezek._n 18_o 31._o th●●_n be_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o well_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n beget_v this_o ne●_n creature_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n jam_fw-la 1_o 18_o that_o such_o may_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o first_o fruit_n of_o h●●_n creature_n and_o for_o himself_o to_o show_v forth●_n his_o praise_n who_o have_v call_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n §_o 3._o it_o be_v very_o promotive_a of_o grace_n also_o when_o child_n come_v to_o this_o state_n of_o life_n that_o they_o be_v confirm_v after_o they_o can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o of_o their_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o bless_a pattern_n the_o lord_n prayer_n for_o we_o read_v frequent_o in_o the_o act_n of_o confirm_v the_o disciple_n after_o they_o be_v prose●●ted_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o the_o new_a plantation_n be_v fix_v and_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n they_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o service_n by_o their_o voluntar_n consent_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o if_o simple_o do_v and_o not_o elevate_v unto_o a_o sacrament_n be_v laudable_a and_o promotive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o it_o be_v quarrel_v with_o by_o some_o in_o this_o nation_n yet_o if_o it_o can_v be_v get_v well_o do_v in_o every_o particular_a parish_n since_o the_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v always_o vacant_a it_o may_v be_v think_v no_o disorder_n for_o the_o parish_n minister_v every_o year_n as_o occasion_n offer_v to_o do_v this_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o parent_n and_o famous_a witness_n personal_o and_o particular_o to_o join_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o alas_o too_o great_a incuriousness_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o mean_a so_o helpful_a to_o the_o end_n thereof_o may_v be_v put_v in_o use_n so_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v reinforce_v my_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o christian_a parent_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o child_n for_o this_o particular_a instance_n of_o their_o care_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o remember_v gospel_n minister_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o to_o this_o and_o since_o through_o the_o unsetledness_n of_o the_o time_n it_o can_v
solid_a foundation_n by_o religion_n 2_o that_o thou_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o serious_a and_o last_a state_n of_o life_n with_o the_o good_a advice_n of_o god_n &_o under_o he_o of_o those_o of_o experience_n 3_o that_o thou_o propose_v the_o most_o pheasable_a mean_n and_o good_a end_n for_o the_o comfort_n and_o contentment_n of_o thy_o life_n 4_o that_o thou_o fall_v upon_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o approve_a method_n to_o attain_v these_o ends._n and_o last_o when_o engage_v in_o this_o relation_n of_o conjugal_a life_n that_o thou_o carry_v well_o therein_o and_o behave_v as_o a_o solid_a christian_a in_o thy_o family_n first_o except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o bui●●_n it_o psal_n 127._o 1._o see_v that_o thou_o marry_v i●_n the_o lord_n and_o that_o thou_o set_v he_o befo●●_n thou_o that_o he_o may_v be_v at_o thy_o right-handed_a and_o keep_v thy_o heart_n still_o in_o his_o hand●_n that_o thy_o choice_n may_v be_v dexterous_a an●_n fortunate_a learn_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a an●_n espouse_v christ_n ere_o thou_o be_v a_o husband_n o●_n a_o wife_n for_o religion_n be_v the_o bond_n the_o ble●●ing_n the_o beauty_n and_o the_o thrift_n of_o thy_o relation_n and_o will_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n 〈◊〉_d thy_o family_n and_o the_o sweet_a converse_n 〈◊〉_d the_o marry_a twain_o psal_n 128_o 2._o and_o ma●●_n they_o live_v together_o as_o heir_n of_o the_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d life_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 7._o 3_o thou_o shall_v no●_n enter_v rash_o unto_o this_o covenant_n consider_v what_o thou_o do_v seek_v counsel_n at_o go●_n and_o good_a man_n especial_o of_o thy_o parent●●_n let_v not_o pride_n haste_n passion_n and_o indiscretion_n engage_v thou_o to_o make_v such_o a_o adventure_n and_o if_o the_o council_n of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n be_v want_v thou_o may_v be_v fond_a this_o night_n and_o faint_a to_o morrow_n and_o begin_v to_o repent_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o and_o can_v propose_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o which_o be_v desperate_a 3_o have_v a_o right_a design_n before_o thou_o marry_o rational_o and_o with_o discretion_n consider_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v marriage_n and_o never_o think_v to_o accomplish_v they_o except_o thou_o shape_v out_o fit_a mean_n to_o obtain_v they_o bewar_n of_o be_v unequal_o yoke_v let_v thy_o match_n be_v suitable_a if_o thou_o will_v have_v it_o profitable_a consider_v how_o thou_o shall_v live_v in_o that_o relation_n that_o thou_o may_v live_v well_o in_o it._n bewar_n of_o the_o snare_n of_o poverty_n nor_o too_o greedy_o look_v after_o gain_n keep_v the_o middle_a mean_n and_o that_o be_v to_o propose_v a_o honest_a and_o unchargeable_a way_n of_o live_v say_v with_o agnostus_n give_v i_o neither_o poverty_n nor_o riches_n but_o what_o be_v convenient_a for_o i_o be_v not_o too_o confident_a in_o that_o thou_o be_v perhaps_o young_a and_o strong_a to_o provide_v for_o thyself_o for_o thy_o youth_n may_v soon_o fade_v and_o thy_o strength_n decay_n a_o laudable_a seek_v after_o a_o creditable_a way_n of_o live_v be_v rhy_z duty_n that_o thou_o have_v some_o talon_n and_o stock_n to_o use_v well_o which_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v improve_v and_o thy_o family_n provide_v 4_o that_o thou_o fall_v upon_o most_o clear_a and_o approve_a method_n to_o attain_v these_o end_n beside_o what_o be_v already_o hint_v thou_o be_v to_o engage_v in_o this_o settle_a state_n with_o consent_n of_o parent_n if_o they_o be_v live_v for_o if_o thou_o ought_v to_o honour_n or_o obey_v thy_o parent_n as_o god_n word_n direct_v eph._n 6._o 1._o then_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d not_o be_v but_o culpable_a if_o in_o this_o thou_o co●●_n contrary_a to_o their_o will_n and_o if_o the_o scepture_n give_v it_o as_o a_o note_n of_o profane_a e●●_n that_o by_o his_o marriage_n he_o be_v a_o grie●●_n heart_n to_o isaac_n and_o rebekah_n whe●●_n jacob_n follow_v his_o father_n cou●●_n thou_o shall_v find_v it_o most_o agreeable_a to_o foll●●_n jacob_n rod_n and_o if_o thy_o parent_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d too_o tyrannical_a and_o self_n will_v in_o this_o 〈◊〉_d imp_v thou_o for_o their_o own_o end_n or_o as_o 〈◊〉_d apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o chastisement_n for_o their_o own_o pleasure_n yet_o shall_v thou_o be_v very_o submiss_a b●●_n they_o be_v unreasonable_o wilful_a thou_o ha●●_n fuge_fw-la in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v po●●_n to_o call_v parent_n to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o t●●ciousness_n but_o this_o point_n be_v so_o full_o h●●led_v by_o divine_n and_o determine_v by_o 〈◊〉_d church_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v this_o trea●●_n upon_o it_o only_o i_o will_v commend_v this_o ●●siness_n to_o be_v orderly_o do_v with_o all_o th●●_n necessary_o previous_a to_o its_o consummat●●_n and_o with_o suitable_a solemnity_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o gods_n church_n and_o not_o after_o some_o ●●sual_a caruse_v nor_o do_v like_o a_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d dare_v not_o hold_v up_o its_o face_n but_o do_v 〈◊〉_d and_o sneak_v in_o corner_n as_o the_o person_n eng●●ing_v be_v ashamed_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v kno●●_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n whereas_o they_o must_v give_v a_o ●●count_n of_o it_o before_o god_n angel_n and_o men._n and_o make_v that_o suspect_v to_o the_o people_n which_o they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o the_o regular_a church_n the_o blessing_n whereof_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d be_v despise_v by_o any_o private_a man._n 5_o ●o_o carry_v christianly_o in_o this_o relation_n ●hat_n man_n or_o wife_n make_v conscience_n of_o ●●eir_n mutual_a duty_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n ●hat_n concern_v the_o husband_n be_v religious_a and_o conjugal_a love_n to_o his_o wife_n which_o the_o apostle_n so_o full_o press_v eph._n 5._o give_v the_o man_n a_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o free_a sincere_a full_a and_o constant_a love_n of_o christ_n to_o ●he_n church_n and_o the_o great_a specific_a of_o ●he_n wife_n duty_n be_v reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o her_o husband_n as_o the_o head_n for_o this_o rational_a and_o religious_a love_n of_o the_o husband_n will_v last_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n shall_v expire_v and_o evanish_v and_o that_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o wife_n to_o the_o husband_n as_o it_o will_v endear_v his_o heart_n to_o she_o more_o and_o more_o so_o shall_v it_o make_v she_o to_o be_v take_v among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o godly_a woman_n especial_o sarah_n 1_o peter_n 3_o 6._o who_o reverence_v her_o hnsband_n and_o call_v he_o lord_z so_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v observe_v they_o may_v be_v free_a for_o a_o good_a understand●●_n among_o themselves_o to_o govern_v their_o fa●●ly_n with_o discretion_n and_o their_o affair_n 〈◊〉_d frugality_n and_o virtue_n 2_o as_o to_o y●●_n entrance_n into_o the_o exercise_n of_o your_o piacular_a call_v be_v well_o advise_v that_o it_o quadrate_n with_o thy_o general_n call_v as_o a_o chri●●an_n be_v as_o virtuous_a as_o thou_o may_v but_o 〈◊〉_d not_o thy_o bussiness_n hinder_v thou_o from_o work_v out_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o own_o salvation_n ●●gin_v and_o end_v the_o day_n with_o god_n a●●_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a●●_n his_o righteousness_n mat._n 6._o 20._o and_o ne●●_n say_v that_o thou_o have_v not_o time_n for_o if_o th●●_n improve_v thy_o time_n with_o frugality_n th●●_n will_v never_o want_v leisure_n to_o seek_v and_o se●●_n god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v thou_o want_v wi●●_n and_o there_o lie_v the_o root_n of_o the_o evil_n th●●_n will_v also_o take_v care_n to_o employ_v thy_o se●●_n well_o in_o a_o approve_a call_v beware_v 〈◊〉_d the_o snare_n thereof_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no●●_n interest_n rule_v thy_o conscience_n be_v hone●●_n in_o thy_o call_v beware_v of_o fraud_n an●●_n sneak_v way_n and_o work_v not_o in_o th●●_n call_v to_o be_v call_v a_o cheat_n take_v right●●_n measure_n true_a balance_n and_o the_o same_o weight_n otherways_o thy_o trick_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n consult_v the_o most_o approve_a proportion_n for_o thy_o gain_n ●nd_v if_o thou_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o laborious_a work_n of_o the_o husbandman_n let_v grace_n ●uide_v thy_o georgic_n and_o consider_v that_o in_o 〈◊〉_d beginning_n such_o a_o call_v pay_v fruit_n ●o_o god_n gen_n 4._o 3._o he_o make_v the_o ground_n ●●st_n up_o to_o thou_o and_o brutish_a animal_n ●eed_v thou_o clothe_v thou_o and_o serve_v thou_o the_o lord_n bring_v food_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 104._o 14._o and_o make_v the_o senseless_a clod_n and_o tur●_n produce_v corn_n and_o grain_n and_o all_o thy_o labour_n without_o his_o blessing_n will_v not_o profit_v thou_o thou_o can_v therefore_o
yourselves_o and_o ere_o you_o give_v slumber_n to_o your_o eye_n lid_n seek_v out_o a_o habitation_n for_o the_o mighty_a god_n of_o jacob_n that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o house_n and_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o evening_n prayer_n o_o most_o gracious_a god_n and_o father_n of_o mercy_n we_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n come_v this_o night_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n to_o present_v our_o evening_n oblation_n through_o the_o perfect_a sacrifice_n of_o thy_o son_n our_o saviour_n once_o offer_v and_o still_o effectual_a through_o his_o containued_a intercession_n in_o present_v that_o meritorious_a blood_n on_o our_o behalf_n we_o adore_v thou_o our_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o thy_o name_n confess_v our_o sinfulness_n original_a and_o actual_a and_o our_o escape_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n we_o have_v sin_v alace_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o thy_o mercy_n and_o the_o warning_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o rod_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o all-seeing_a god_n lord_n give_v we_o repentance_n and_o remission_n and_o from_o henceforth_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n lord_z watch_v over_o we_o this_o night_n that_o we_o may_v be_v refresh_v under_o the_o cloud_n of_o thy_o covert_n and_o have_v matter_n of_o rejoice_v in_o thou_o in_o the_o morning_n prepare_v we_o for_o all_o duty_n and_o all_o trial_n and_o our_o last_o trial_n be_v with_o we_o to_o the_o end_n and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o hereafter_o receive_v we_o into_o thy_o glory_n lord_n let_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v have_v mercy_n on_o the_o world_n heal_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n power_n out_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n truth_n peace_n and_o charity_n upon_o it_o be_v with_o all_o our_o friend_n and_o all_o that_o fear_v thou_o give_v we_o charity_n to_o give_v and_o forgive_v as_o thou_o require_v we_o commit_v ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o to_o thy_o keep_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o we_o for_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n §_o 9_o if_o thou_o can_v read_v or_o if_o there_o be_v some_o few_o to_o sing_v a_o psalm_n god_n word_n and_o praise_n may_v help_v to_o hallow_n your_o house_n if_o not_o fail_v not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o prayer_n till_o thou_o get_v better_o and_o be_v more_o dexterous_a in_o devotion_n and_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n shun_v idleness_n and_o sin_n and_o wander_v from_o your_o house_n which_o will_v obstruct_v this_o work_n and_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o begin_v well_o and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o this_o season_n use_n make_v perfection_n and_o you_o can_v not_o breathe_v a_o free_a air_n till_o you_o dwell_v in_o the_o wholesome_a region_n of_o religion_n make_v progress_n under_o the_o gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n stir_v up_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v holy_a &_o happy_a in_o the_o flower_n of_o your_o age_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o dimidium_fw-la facti_fw-la qui_fw-la bene_fw-la cepit_fw-la habet_fw-la that_o a_o good_a beginning_n be_v a_o great_a progress_n for_o true_a wisdom_n hew_v her_o pillar_n and_o build_v her_o house_n prov._n 9_o 1._o the_o prayer_n o_o lord_n through_o thy_o providence_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o some_o consi●●ence_n of_o age_n i_o thank_v thou_o for_o the_o happy_a opportunity_n i_o have_v enjoy_v of_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o word_n teach_v i_o to_o be_v wise_a sober_a solid_a just_a and_o honest_a and_o have_v i_o improve_v well_o i_o have_v be_v a_o expert_a soldier_n of_o christ_n pardon_v my_o f●●lours_n wherein_o i_o have_v be_v shake_v by_o temptation_n i_o desire_v now_o to_o stand_v under_o the_o guard_n of_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god._n lord_z thou_o have_v lead_v i_o by_o thy_o invisible_a hand_n through_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o childhood_n and_o indigested_a youth_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n i_o have_v not_o spleet_v upon_o rock_n and_o ruin_v but_o by_o grace_n i_o stand_v lord_z unite_v my_o heart_n to_o fear_v 〈◊〉_d name_n i_o know_v that_o difficulty_n attend_v i_o 〈◊〉_d the_o credit_n of_o my_o course_n the_o assistance_n of_o my_o c●●tain_n the_o honour_n of_o my_o engagement_n and_o 〈◊〉_d comfort_n of_o my_o reward_n do_v animat_fw-la i_o 〈◊〉_d to_o faint_a for_o in_o due_a time_n i_o shall_v reap_v thro●●_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n stage_n three_o which_o commence_v from_o the_o 30_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d year_n of_o our_o age_n or_o there_o about_o which_o be_v a_o very_a material_a part_n of_o our_o life_n i_o shall_v for_o clearness_n sake_n consider_v in_o three_o course_n 1._o of_o the_o order_v thy_o person_n famil●●_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o vert●●_n and_o religion_n 2._o a_o discourse_n to_o several_a rank_n of_o peopl●●_n with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o modesty_n 3._o what_o fine_a your_o labour_n in_o virtue_n piety_n good_a government_n of_o your_o lif●●_n and_o family_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o your_o religion_n the_o order_n of_o your_o house_n and_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o your_o children_n to_n laudable_a and_o lawful_a calling_n and_o settlement_n have_v come_v to_o course_n first_o the_o content_n of_o the_o right_a method_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o the_o order_v of_o our_o person_n our_o family_n and_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n in_o this_o long_a and_o serious_a course_n of_o our_o life_n with_o mean_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o further_a of_o these_o end_n and_o suitable_a devotion_n §_o 1._o have_v lead_v thou_o hitherto_o to_o some_o digest_v and_o settle_a course_n of_o life_n and_o help_v thou_o by_o the_o light_n and_o guidance_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o dark_a cell_n of_o minority_n to_o clear_a air_n and_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o thy_o majority_n a_o very_a difficult_a scene_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o the_o consistence_n of_o thirty_o year_n of_o thy_o age_n wherein_o if_o ever_o thou_o look_v to_o be_v virtuous_a thou_o will_v make_v some_o ground_n of_o hope_n bud_n f●rth_o this_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o thou_o must_v either_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a or_o a_o mushroom_n and_o a_o grape_n of_o unsavoury_a fruit_n ●ook_v first_o then_o to_o thy_o by-gone_a way_n if_o thy_o work_n be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o hitherto_o or_o yet_o any_o solid_a work_n of_o grace_n very_o imperfect_a and_o scarce_o well_o found_v for_o experience_n an●●_n perhaps_o thy_o own_o sense_n if_o exercise●●_n will_v make_v thou_o feel_v thy_o proneness_n to_o 〈◊〉_d off_o and_o delay_v make_v ●ound_n work_v therefore_o and_o follow_v the_o straight_a line_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n redeem_v misspe●●_n time_n cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o because_o thy_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d inconstant_a say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n un●●_n my_o heart_n o_o lord_n to_o fear_v thy_o nam●●_n psal_n 36._o 12_o serve_v thy_o generation_n an●_n carry_v worthy_o in_o it_o 2_o after_o this_o reflection_n see_v what_o form_n thou_o now_o be_v it●_n if_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_o and_o steadfast_a in_o th●_n covenant_n if_o thou_o be_v free_a of_o visible_a blemish_n deut_n 32._o 5._o which_o be_v no●_n the_o spot_n of_o god_n child_n if_o thy_o lif●_n and_o family_n begin_v to_o blink_v with_o an●_n lustre_n if_o thou_o be_v thrive_a in_o virtue_n an●_n piety_n if_o thou_o carry_v creditable_o and_o be_v repute_v to_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o religio●●_n family_n and_o grace_n and_o peace_n beautify_v the_o same_o 3ly_a if_o thou_o grow_v in_o grace_n for_o grace_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o new_a life_n i●_n may_v lie_v hide_v in_o the_o root_n for_o some_o season_n as_o a_o plant_n or_o a_o tree_n in_o winter_n after_o which_o verdant_a greenness_n do_v appear_v so_o be_v it_o with_o grace_n it_o may_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o come_v forth_o with_o great_a life_n and_o fruit_n and_o this_o will_v distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o real_a and_o counterfeit_n christian_a his_o light_n life_n and_o fruit_n will_v declare_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o this_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o the_o decay_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a vigour_n of_o virtue_n in_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n and_o david_n the_o house_n of_o saul_n wax_v weak_a and_o weak_a the_o house_n of_o david_n strong_a and_o strong_a thou_o must_v be_v as_o joseph_n a_o fruitful_a bough_n both_o in_o thy_o general_n and_o paricular_a call_v water_n thy_o garden_n every_o morning_n for_o the_o refresh_n of_o thy_o tender_a plant_n learn_v the_o
scoff●rs_n at_o religion_n so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o text_n in_o th●se_a verese_n which_o contain_v a●_n application_n of_o the_o precede_a doctri●e_n conect_v the_o privilidge_n &_o property_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o particle_n six_o wherefore_o quamobrem_fw-la upon_o which_o account_n etc._n etc._n 2_o the_o apostle_n care_v to_o inculcat_fw-la the_o truth_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o write_v 3_o the_o sense_n the_o apostle_n have_v of_o improve_n the_o opportunity_n in_o do_v so_o as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n 4_o the_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o death_n and_o resolution_n with_o it_o 5_o his_o provident_a and_o frugal_a care_n to_o store_v his_o people_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o may_v improve_v after_o his_o decease_n so_o the_o spiritual_a pa●●●tlayes_n up_o for_o his_o child_n against_o the_o time_n to_o com●_n when_o he_o be_v go_v 6_o the_o ba●e_n and_o sure_a foundation_n of_o gospel_n truth_n verse_n 16._o the_o first_o clearly_n discover_v to_o we_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o christian_n who_o doctor_n preten●●_n to_o the_o high_a privilege_n of_o his_o holy_a religion_n must_v be_v accomplish_v with_o the_o true_a ppoperty_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o special_a art_n to_o advance_v practical_a religion_n &_o twist_v together_o the_o christian_a privilege_n and_o property_n our_o crown_n and_o our_o claim_n profession_n and_o practice_n promise_v and_o precept_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n glory_n and_o duty_n the_o race_n and_o the_o prize_n and_o labour_n and_o rest_n the_o gospel_n net_n must_v be_v well_o knit_v and_o we_o must_v follow_v the_o line_n and_o thread_n of_o duty_n ou●_n salvation_n be_v link_v in_o a_o chain_n there_o be_v a_o corner_n stone_n that_o knit_v the_o building_n from_o the_o foundation_n to_o the_o top_n rom_n 8_o 26._o there_o must_v be_v the_o prima_fw-la media_fw-la &_o vltima_fw-la we_o must_v begin_v proceed_v and_o perfect_a our_o work_n for_o non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la to_o stand_v in_o our_o religion_n hinder_v our_o race_n we_o must_v add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n for_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n peter_n here_o and_z formerly_z chap._n 1._o 5._o 6._o 7._o but_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 2._o and_o they_o both_o writing_n to_o the_o jew_n have_v need_v to_o press_v this_o for_o that_o people_n spleet_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o their_o privilege_n to_o who_o st._n paul_n give_v a_o check_n rom._n 2_o 1._o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o inward_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n test_n much_o here_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v lord_z lord_z when_o they_o do_v not_o the_o work_n that_o he_o command_v they_o and_o so_o become_v partial_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o leave_v the_o half_a of_o it_o unpractised_a they_o can_v take_v christ_n for_o a_o saviour_n but_o not_o a_o sancti●er_n and_o follow_v he_o for_o l●aus_n but_o n●t_n for_o duty_n and_o labour_n they_o can_v cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 7._o 4._o but_o study_v not_o the_o new_a creature_n they_o may_v keep_v the_o ordinance_n but_o not_o observe_v their_o design_n and_o can_v be_v hire_v to_o help_v to_o build_v a_o a●k_n but_o not_o to_o enter_v it_o 2_o all_o desi●e_n to_o be_v happy_a but_o all_o take_v not_o the_o r●ght_a way_n to_o happiness_n they_o leap_v after_o the_o ●nd_n but_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n and_o neglect_v the_o mean_n that_o promove_v the_o end_n whereas_o true_a blessedness_n come_v only_o to_o the_o vndefilea_n in_o the_o way_n psal_n 119._o 1._o and_o the_o psalmist_n j●●ns_v justification_n and_o sanctification_n together_o in_o order_n to_o blessedness_n psal_n 32._o 1._o sin_n can_v enter_v heaven_n no_o more_o a_o sinner_n but_o we_o must_v ascend_v the_o mount_n and_o carry_v nothing_o with_o we_o that_o be_v defile_v we_o must_v be_v meet_a for_o the_o inheritance_n for_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v god_n elijah_n chariot_n can_v not_o carry_v a_o wicked_a ahab_n to_o glory_n and_o the_o best_a must_v be_v with_o elijah_n purge_v by_o fire_n ere_o they_o enter_v the_o splendour_n of_o glory_n god_n have_v a_o furnace_n to_o purge_v we_o a_o plummat_n to_o square_v we_o we_o must_v be_v pure_a and_o refine_a ere_o we_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o work_n rom._n 4._o 6_o 4._o ye●_n must_v we_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n for_o though_o god_n justifi_v the_o ungodly_a yet_o he_o only_o save_v the_o right_n 〈…〉_o 3_o wherefore_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o die_a apostle_n and_o learn_v appius_n to_o make_v our_o holy_a religion_n practical_a fo●_n by_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o make_v ou●_n call_v and_o election_n sure_a but_o hereby_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o we_o unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o ●ord_n je●us_a christ_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v glad_a to_o make_v this_o improvement_n the_o more_o cheerful_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o tend_v most_o 1._o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god._n 2_o the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n 3_o to_o our_o own_o good_a and_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o 4_o it_o assure_v our_o interest_n in_o glory_n much_o more_o than_o all_o the_o instinct_n enthusiasm_n and_o rapture_n man_n can_v be_v affect_v with_o 1._o this_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n our_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v ●o_o solid_a and_o visible_a that_o they_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o grace_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n till_o it_o be_v more_o radiant_a in_o glory_n god_n glory_n i●_n the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o right_a conversation_n glorify_v he_o and_o tend_v to_o our_o salvation_n psal_n 50._o 23._o holiness_n proclaim_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o thrice_o holy_a holy_a holy_a god_n and_o god_n delight_v more_o in_o it_o than_o in_o hecatomb_n of_o sacrifice_n we_o need_v not_o say_v with_o moses_n lord_z show_v i_o thy_o glory_n for_o holiness_n i●_n the_o very_a ray_n and_o beam_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a emanation_n of_o that_o light_n and_o life_n that_o be_v in_o god_n the_o holy_a person_n be_v the_o only_a fruit_n bear_v tree_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n giu●s_v god_n the_o glory_n discover_v heaven_n and_o perfect_v the_o beleiver_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o ●●●an_n can_v see_v god._n 2_o as_o nothing_o disparage_v our_o religion_n more_o than_o hypocrisy_n so_o nothing_o advance_v its_o reputation_n more_o than_o a_o well_o qualify_v christian_n for_o if_o once_o practical_a religion_n do_v exert_v its_o native_a power_n and_o quality_n it_o will_v commend_v itself_o as_o th●_n product_v of_o god_n it_o will_v appear_v a_o wonder_n it_o will_v make_v the_o so●s_n of_o man_n say_v with_o pharaoh_n magician_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o more_o noble_a spirit_n than_o the_o world_n i●_n will_v make_v we_o the_o fi●st_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o pattake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o will_v make_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o another_o case_n fall_v upon_o their_o face_n and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n it_o will_v appear_v no_o phantasm_n or_o contrivance_n to_o ammuse_v the_o world_n and_o will_v make_v the_o true_o godly_a religion_n as_o their_o bage_n and_o cognizance_n and_o make_v man_n say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n it_o will_v make_v we_o like_o christ_n to_o be_v pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o superstition_n flow_v from_o fear_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v a_o lively_a amiable_a and_o lovely_a thing_n and_o attract_v man_n heart_n it_o will_v make_v the_o hypocrisy_n cast_v off_o his_o mask_n the_o profane_a put_v off_o shame_n and_o the_o formalist_n seck_fw-mi after_o substance_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n it_o will_v make_v man_n saint_n and_o turn_v angel_n and_o be_v so_o excellent_a as_o to_o delight_v other_o psal_n 16_o 2_o and_o in_o fine_a make_v they_o elect_v and_o precious_a as_o their_o faith_n be_v 3_o this_o will_v also_o afford_v solid_a meat_n and_o the_o kernal_a of_o religion_n to_o refresh_v we_o it_o will_v be_v to_o we_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o hide_a manna_n and_o more_o refresh_v than_o the_o nectaer_fw-mi and_o ambrosia_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o when_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o we_o then_o have_v we_o light_a life_n and_o comfort_n then_o shall_v we_o eat_v the_o kernal_a of_o religion_n when_o the_o shell_n be_v
the_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o practical_a religion_n and_o the_o short_a while_o that_o gospel_n minister_n ca●_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n i_o thi●k_v i●_n meet_v as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o this_o tabernacle_n to_o remember_v you_o of_o these_o thing_n verse_n 13._o this_o serious_a and_o experience_a apostle_n do_v in_o this_o verse_n vent_v unto_o we_o the_o result_n of_o his_o maturest_n thought_n that_o he_o judge_v it_o expedient_a to_o use_v all_o laudable_a mean_n for_o the_o serve_v of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o declare_v his_o fix_a resolution_n to_o the_o term_n of_o his_o life_n end_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v in_o h●s_a tabernacle_n so_o to_o do_v which_o afford_v to_o we_o these_o follow_v observe_v one_a the_o expediency_n vsefulness_n and_o conveniency_n of_o all_o laudable_a and_o approve_a mean_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v more_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n but_o during_o their_o abide_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o first_o minister_n shall_v preach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v expedient_a useful_a and_o tend_v to_o edification_n doct._n 1_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o select_v and_o wile_n well_o what_o they_o say_v that_o with_o the_o preacher_n they_o may_v search_v out_o fit_a and_o acceptable_a word_n ecc_n 12._o 9_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a to_o i_o say_v st._n paul_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a every_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o its_o season_n and_o every_o pastor_n shall_v learn_v of_o christ_n to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o soul_n but_o i_o shall_v insist_v most_o upon_o the_o expediency_n of_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n for_o god_n that_o have_v ordain_v the_o end_n have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n whereby_o to_o attain_v it_o now_o the_o great_a mean_a to_o know_v god_n and_o the_o mediator_n be_v by_o drop_v in_o wholesome_a doctrine_n into_o the_o ear_n and_o heart_n of_o people_n yea_o also_o all_o the_o subservient_fw-fr mean_n for_o that_o end_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o the_o conviction_n of_o sin_n the_o discovery_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n the_o beauty_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n sound_a and_o solid_a diretion_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o glory_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o animate_v christian_n to_o a_o strict_a and_o religious_a life_n and_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a i_o shall_v comprehend_v this_o in_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v 2_o the_o expediency_n 3_o what_o thing_n be_v not_o convenient_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o 4_o what_o thing_n be_v most_o useful_a and_o expedient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n first_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n how_o can_v they_o believe_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v soul_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom_n 4_o 18_o for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a god_n can_v indeed_o work_v without_o mean_n and_o above_o they_o because_o he_o be_v absolute_a master_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o he_o have_v choose_v this_o way_n have_v sanctify_v it_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o prophet_n by_o his_o son_n while_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n after_o christ_n which_o have_v be_v that_o approve_a and_o wonderful_a engine_n to_o convert_v the_o world_n and_o to_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o the_o church_n who_o officer_n since_o the_o apostle_n stand_v under_o a_o apostolic_a precept_n 2_o tim_n 4._o 2_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v very_o self-conceited_a proud_a and_o presumptuous_a that_o think_v it_o below_o they_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n for_o although_o man_n speak_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o although_o they_o may_v use_v other_o mean_n as_o read_v and_o conference_n yet_o god_n have_v command_v we_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o and_o many_o have_v find_v it_o experimental_o true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o latent_fw-la energy_n and_o force_n in_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o blessing_n 2_o the_o expediency_n of_o preach_v some_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a but_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a be_v always_o expedient_a especial_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v absosolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o expediency_n pheasableness_n convenience_n and_o usefulness_n of_o gospel_n preach_v as_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o have_v it_o be_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n from_o moses_n to_o christ_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v drop_n by_o preach_v and_o from_o the_o 1_o st_z to_z the_o 2_o d_o advent_v of_o christ_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a special_a presence_n in_o church_n assembly_n the_o influence_n that_o a_o auditory_a may_v have_v upon_o the_o preacher_n and_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a voice_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n make_v it_o out_o to_o be_v very_o pheasable_a and_o expedient_a to_o have_v the_o gospel_n not_o only_o read_v but_o explain_v and_o apply_v every_o lord_n day_n this_o except_o people_n be_v obdurate_a send_v in_o light_n to_o the_o soul_n warm_v the_o heart_n with_o cheerful_a affection_n and_o produce_v so_o much_o good_a as_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o fear_v if_o the_o church_n door_n be_v shu●_n that_o the_o expediencie_n and_o necessity_n of_o preach_v will_v too_o soon_o appear_v and_o the_o people_n carriage_n will_v but_o too_o sad_o answer_v the_o apostle_n question_v how_o shall_v they_o believe_v without_o a_o preacher_n then_o perhaps_o some_o who_o contemn_v the_o church_n and_o public_a preach_v may_v wander_v from_o one_o sea_n bank_n to_o another_o to_o seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o find_v it_o amos_n 8._o 12._o 3_o what_o thing_n be_v not_o convenient_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o in_o preach_v and_o first_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o be_v too_o dare_v in_o our_o doctrine_n anent_o the_o council_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n especial_o to_o conclude_v from_o they_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v encroatch_n upon_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o our_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n it_o be_v better_a with_o humble_a modesty_n to_o cry_v out_o wih_o st._n paul_n o_o the_o depth_n etc._n etc._n 2_o it_o be_v not_o very_o needful_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o circumstance_n for_o such_o be_v but_o time-purpose_n and_o the_o least_o of_o policy_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n and_o it_o have_v be_v well_o for_o this_o church_n if_o these_o have_v be_v much_o more_o mi●igat●●_n and_o mutilated_a and_o true_a gospel_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n have_v be_v more_o pursue_v neither_o 3ly_a ●●_o it_o fit_a to_o cry_v out_o public_o against_o 〈◊〉_d except_o there_o have_v be_v lawful_a previous_a admonition_n for_o reflection_n may_v exasperate_v and_o embitter_v the_o heart_n whereas_o the_o gospel_n spirit_n be_v tender_a me●k_v kind_o and_o gentle_a and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o desirable_a to_o be_v a_o barnabas_n a_o son_n of_o consolation_n than_o boanerges_n son_n of_o thunder_n it_o be_v true_a to_o cry_v aloud_o and_o not_o spare_v may_v be_v sometime_o seasonable_a but_o a_o calm_a voice_n have_v god_n in_o it_o and_o may_v be_v much_o more_o profitable_a 4_o it_o be_v not_o very_o safe_a to_o be_v too_o peremptory_a about_o mark_n l●st_v we_o mistake_v the_o mark_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n indeed_o give_v mark_n in_o scripture●_n particular_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o saint_n john_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v fallible_a as_o to_o the_o application_n 4_o what_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v on_o and_o that_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o whole_a council_n of_o god_n act_v 20._o 29._o judas_n 20._o etc._n etc._n 2_o to_o build_v up_o people_n in_o their_o holy_a faith_n 3_o to_o wa●●_n every_o man_n in_o all_o wisdom_n 4_o to_o preach_v up_o morality_n whatever_o thing_n be_v just_a honest_a and_o of_o good_a report_n col._n 1._o 28_o p●il_n 4._o 8._o etc._n etc._n to_o persuade_v people_n to_o these_o 2_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v their_o great_a work_n doctrine_n 2_o ado_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n here_o be_v the_o
who_o bring_v these_o thing_n to_o ou●_n remembrance_n the_o labour_n of_o faithful_a minister_n the_o short_a and_o clear_o digest_v of_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o gospel_n design_n as_o to_o good_a work_n frequent_a prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o pain_n and_o to_o digest_v these_o thing_n well_o in_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o they_o may_v take_v impression_n never_o to_o be_v obliterated_a 2_o res_fw-la retenta_fw-la the_o thing_n remember_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o concern_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o what_o be_v conducive_a to_o advance_v they_o the_o first_o and_o second_o relate_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o three_o and_o four_o concern_v people_n as_o to_o their_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v your_o care_n to_o know_v god_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o if_o thou_o have_v have_v any_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o heart_n to_o understand_v thou_o may_v be_v a_o great_a proficient_a but_o alas_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o many_o for_o which_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o hebrew_n heb._n 5._o 12._o and_o second_o if_o people_n will_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o light_n they_o have_v they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o this_o practice_n will_v give_v they_o the_o more_o facility_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n they_o know_v 3_o the_o help_n of_o the_o remembrance_n which_o consist_v in_o his_o prayer_n and_o patience_n that_o he_o weary_a not_o in_o his_o work_n that_o he_o in●_n strike_v and_o warn_v every_o man_n that_o he_o preach_v sound_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n that_o he_o press_v and_o propagate_v the_o essence_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v not_o please_v himself_o much_o with_o circumstance_n and_o time_n debate_v and_o that_o which_o the_o most_o of_o our_o people_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o and_o never_o a_o white_a the_o better_a though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o necessary_a thing_n be_v our_o great_a instruction_n from_o our_o great_a master_n and_o to_o press_v these_o qui_fw-la populariter_fw-la docet_fw-la optime_fw-la docet_fw-la so_o popular_o as_o luther_n say_v most_o profitable_o and_o we_o must_v be_v intent_n upon_o our_o work_n and_o press_v people_n to_o cooperate_v with_o god_n and_o we_o and_o be_v busy_a themselves_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n let_v minister_n also_o rule_v well_o their_o own_o life_n that_o it_o may_v correspond_v with_o their_o doctrine_n and_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o holy_a man_n who_o ash_n seem_v yet_o to_o exhale_v from_o their_o tomb_n a_o sweet_a savour_n which_o make_v their_o memory_n for_o ever_o bless_v and_o if_o we_o put_v the_o brethren_n in_o mind_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v good_a minister_n 4_o people_n improvement_n by_o right_n remember_v memoria_fw-la excolendo_fw-la augetur_fw-la culture_n and_o industrie_n will_v make_v a_o barren_a ground_n fertile_a improve_v well_o the_o many_o remembrance_n thou_o get_v from_o the_o word_n and_o that_o monument_n christ_n build_v for_o himself_o by_o the_o sacrament_n remember_v the_o novissima_fw-la the_o last_o thing_n the_o prima_fw-la media_fw-la &_o ultima_fw-la to_o wit_n thy_o conversion_n progress_n and_o perfection_n therein_o consider_v what_o thou_o have_v be_v what_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o thou_o shall_v be_v be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n consider_v the_o beacon_n set_v up_o in_o the_o scripture_n a●_n against_o sin_n remember_v lot_n wife_n jam_fw-la 1._o 22._o and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n keep_v a_o diary_n as_o to_o thy_o time_n have_v thy_o memorandum_n and_o labour_n still_o by_o remember_v to_o practice_n and_o do_v sermon_n vi._n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o the_o infallible_a proof_n thereof_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o such_o as_o own_v it_o for_o we_o have_v no●_n follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v upto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 16._o this_o be_v the_o base_a and_o find_v of_o all_o religion_n which_o as_o it_o convince_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o so_o do_v it_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o apostle_n be_v very_o competent_a to_o give_v his_o sentiment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n be_v call_v by_o power_n enlighten_v by_o knowledge_n and_o have_v see_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o oracle_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o master_n so_o do_v he_o direct_a gospel_n minister_n to_o inculcate_v upon_o their_o people_n the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o every_o faithful_a pastor_n may_v have_v the_o occasion_n to_o attract_v people_n to_o the_o obedience_n o●_n the_o faith_n and_o in_o their_o measure_n to_o say_v unto_o they_o we_o preach_v not_o unto_o you_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a thing_n but_o the_o magnalia_fw-la veritatis_fw-la the_o great_a thing_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v great_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o gospel_n minister_n that_o he_o can_v refresh_v his_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o satisfy_v the_o people_n that_o he_o have_v preach_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o god._n for_o when_o the_o account_n of_o the_o stewartship_n be_v call_v for_o it_o will_v afford_v but_o small_a peace_n to_o the_o pastor_n to_o reflect_v that_o he_o have_v be_v take_v up_o with_o ventilation_n of_o controversy_n circumstance_n and_o external_n polity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o have_v be_v biguit_fw-la about_o his_o belove_a sect_n that_o he_o have_v pharisaical_o insist_v upon_o gerimony_n and_o much_o neglect_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god._n now_o more_o particular_o to_o take_v up_o the_o scope_n and_o part_n of_o this_o text_n i_o shall_v reduce_v it_o to_o these_o point_n follow_v 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o eunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o though_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n in_o weakness_n yet_o to_o a_o right_a discerner_n his_o come_n be_v with_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n 3._o as_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o evident_a by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n so_o be_v it_o band_v down_o to_o we_o and_o confirm_v by_o eye-witness_n first_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o cunning_o devise_v doct._n 1_o fable_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god._n it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptance_n 2_o tin_n 2._o 1●_n nor_o a_o cunning_a fable_n and_o a_o subtle_a contrivance_n to_o impose_v upon_o and_o deceive_v the_o world_n no_o ●ut_fw-la let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o all_o man_n liar_n first_o then_o it_o be_v no_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o but_o it_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o wise_a council_n of_o god_n transact_v in_o heaven_n and_o give_v to_o man_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v the_o emanation_n of_o the_o love_n and_o good_a will_v of_o god_n to_o man_n through_o a_o mediator_n have_v i_o not_o write_v unto_o thou_o thing_n excellent_a that_o thou_o may_v know_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n say_v god_n by_o solomon_n it_o be_v as_o true_a as_o christ_n himself_o and_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n if_o he_o himself_o be_v real_o upon_o earth_n which_o be_v evident_a as_o a_o demonstration_n and_o the_o most_o verify_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o clancular_o but_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o friend_n and_o foe_n for_o he_o do_v more_o miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o discover_v of_o his_o person_n than_o ever_o be_v d●ne_v before_o he_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n so_o great_a and_o stupendous_a that_o have_v not_o the_o ancient_a people_n be_v prejudge_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o humility_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o ruler_n all_o jury_n have_v go_v after_o he_o and_o further_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o doctrine_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v upon_o jew_n and_o gentile_n all_o these_o write_v the_o verity_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o gospel_n cannot_v be_v
full_o make_v up_o in_o the_o perpetual_a festival_n which_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v in_o their_o father_n house_n where_o we_o hope_v luther_n and_o calvin_n and_o their_o biguit_fw-la adherent_n have_v keep_v the_o main_a of_o religion_n be_v now_o agree_v and_o all_o the_o debate_n about_o modus_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o manner_n of_o our_o lord_n presence_n in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v now_o settle_v and_o satisfy_v in_o the_o celestial_a communion_n where_o all_o debate_n anent_o the_o outward_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v evanish_v when_o we_o come_v to_o a_o continual_a doxology_n of_o the_o trine-une_a god_n an●_n attain_v unto_o the_o general_n assemly_a of_o the_o first-born_a where_o also_o we_o hope_v that_o papist_n who_o have_v walk_v suitable_o to_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n yet_o through_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o education_n have_v be_v under_o a_o sort_n of_o invincible_a ignorance_n shall_v join_v with_o the_o protestant_n where_o also_o we_o do_v charitable_o h●pe_v that_o many_o who_o be_v without_o a●d_v have_v answer_v their_o light_n in_o morality_n and_o have_v implicit_o close_v with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o take_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o its_o communication_n may_v come_v to_o share_v of_o the_o deepth_n of_o that_o mercy_n which_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o that_o tremendous_a justice_n which_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n and_o impartial_a judge_v such_o as_o be_v under_o and_o such_o as_o a●●_n without_o law_n and_o particulary_a we_o ho●●_n that_o all_o the_o private_a contest_v among_o fam_n 〈…〉_o lie_v and_o relation_n which_o have_v flowe●●_n from_o humour_n weakness_n temptation_n and_o incumberance_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v all_o be_v go_v when_o the_o warm_a flame_n of_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n shall_v fill_v their_o heart_n §_o 15._o away_o with_o all_o biguit_fw-la adherance_n to_o a_o sect_n or_o party_n since_o neither_o papis●_n nor_o protestanism_n parity_n nor_o prelacy_n will_v save_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o real_a christian_n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o search_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v what_o be_v best_a but_o withal_o we_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o lean_v to_o our_o own_o understanding_n but_o follow_v after_o charity_n that_o ephraim_n no_o more_o vex_v israel_n but_o all_o be_v join_v in_o one_o faith_n to_o the_o lord_n §_o 16._o away_o with_o all_o fear_n of_o the_o frown_n of_o providence_n for_o there_o be_v a_o wise_a disposer_n away_o with_o all_o vexation_n about_o the_o trouble_n of_o revolution_n since_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v citizen_n of_o a_o continue_v city_n that_o have_v a_o foundation_n let_v we_o labour_n to_o vanquish_v the_o world_n by_o faith_n and_o be_v still_o do_v good_a and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v ss_z 17._o adieu_n all_o relative_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o leave_v you_o to_o the_o ●race_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n farewell_o sun_n ●nd_v m●on_n and_o that_o glorious_a canopy_n of_o ●he_n firmament_n bespangle_v with_o divided_a light_n for_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v above_o ●he_n cloud_n in_o our_o father_n house_n where_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sun_n because_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n be_v there_o we_o leave_v all_o the_o flower_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n to_o feed_v upon_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o last_o of_o all_o farewell_n belove_a body_n the_o spirit_n and_o voice_n of_o our_o belove_a say_v come_v we_o must_v gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o leave_v thou_o to_o the_o dust_n but_o we_o hope_v to_o return-again_a for_o though_o thou_o have_v be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n yet_o now_o sanctify_v by_o the_o bless_a body_n of_o christ_n we_o lay_v thou_o down_o as_o precious_a dust_n to_o be_v refine_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n our_o soul_n can_v not_o be_v full_o perfect_a without_o thou_o therefore_o go_v to_o thy_o dormitory_n and_o sleep_a house_n till_o the_o last_o trump_n sound_n and_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n the_o devotion_n suitable_a and_o now_o what_o clog_v and_o fetter_n thou_o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o see_v what_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n can_v do_v linger_v not_o but_o arise_v for_o this●●_n not_o thy_o rest_n look_v to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n with_o moses_n think_v upon_o the_o calmness_n of_o a_o better_a life_n in_o the_o ●_z of_o this_o fight_z the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o god_n will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n prepare_v for_o judgement_n and_o eternity_n for_o the_o judge_n be_v a●_n the_o door_n the_o prayer_n lord_z make_v up_o my_o want_n and_o remove_v what_o be_v superfluous_a in_o i_o adorn_v i_o with_o the_o we●ing_a garment_n and_o deck_v my_o soul_n that_o through_o thy_o grace_n i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o enter_v in_o courage_n courage_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o christ_n mercy_n and_o grace_n i●_n before_o thou_o let_v not_o death_n be_v irksome_a to_o thou_o but_z lord_z grant_v i_o the_o wish_v that_o i_o have_v long_o breathe_v for_o to_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o lay_v down_o my_o tabernacle_n with_o joy_n and_o render_v up_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n with_o delight_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n in_o the_o short_a span_n of_o my_o life_n i_o have_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o like_o a_o scroll_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a but_o in_o thou_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n but_o thy_o word_n endure_v for_o ever_o i_o have_v see_v riches_n flee_v away_o with_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o strength_n and_o vigour_n turn_v to_o weakness_n but_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a portion_n of_o thy_o people_n i_o count_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o thou_o &_o i_o have_v none_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o none_o be_v there_o on_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o i_o aquiesce_v in_o thou_o as_o my_o repose_n for_o ever_o thou_o be_v all_o my_o bless_v and_o happiness_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o end_v a_o appendix_n the_o pastoral_a legacy_n and_o latter_a will_n of_o a_o gospel_n minister_n to_o his_o flock_n in_o some_o sermous_n upon_o 2_o pet_n chap._n 1._o from_o five_o 12._o to_o the_o middle_n of_o 16._o preach_v from_o the_o 2_o sunday_n of_o april_n to_o the_o four_o sunday_n of_o june_n 1693._o to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o my_o life_n be_v under_o often_o infirmity_n some_o year_n bygon_n to_o which_o i_o humble_o submit_v and_o kiss_v the_o hand_n that_o smite_v i_o consider_v also_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n not_o know_v how_o soon_o i_o may_v be_v turn_v out_o i_o do_v resolve_v to_o leave_v this_o valedictarie_n behind_o i_o for_o the_o good_a of_o my_o flock_n and_o of_o any_o that_o shall_v pursue_v it_o which_o i_o dedicate_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n moses_n take_v high_a leave_n of_o israel_n and_o leave_v direction_n after_o he_o deut._n 1._o 32._o so_o do_v solomon_n eccl._n 12._o 8._o and_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o solomon_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v his_o farewell_n sermon_n john_n chap_n 14_o 15_o 16_o saint_n paul_n act_v 20_o 29._o and._n st._n peter_n here_o so_o i_o desire_v to_o leave_v my_o flock_n with_o some_o advertisement_n and_o monument_n of_o my_o care_n for_o they_o sermon_n i._n contain_v the_o compact_a chain_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n exact_o knit_v the_o privilege_n and_o property_n of_o a_o christian_a together_o in_o one_o link_n in_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o such_o as_o write_v upon_o the_o whole_a epistle_n to_o vendicate_v it_o from_o the_o false_a aspersion_n of_o some_o who_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v canonical_a of_o who_o eus_n speak_v in_o his_o church_n history_n 3_o book_n 25._o chap_n which_o indeed_o be_v very_o unjust_a since_o the_o epistle_n savour_v of_o its_o author_n and_o the_o genius_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o its_o like_a whoever_o they_o be_v that_o refuse_v it_o to_o be_v canonic_a can_v not_o b●●_n be_v among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o false_a propher_n mention_v by_o this_o apostle_n chap_n 2_o do_v verse_n 1._o or_o of_o ●hese_n scoffer_n of_o who_o he_o write_v chap_n 3_o d_o verse_n 1._o neither_o shall_v i_o insist_v upon_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n since_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o manifest_a to_o any_o that_o ●eads_v it_o mention_v the_o great_a privilege_n and_o property_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o preserv_v ●ive_a against_o false_a propher_n and_o