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religion_n church_n necessary_a time_n 2,771 4 4.5803 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62644 Sixteen sermons, preached on several subjects. By the most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson late Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Being the third volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1696 (1696) Wing T1270; ESTC R218005 164,610 488

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of_o our_o religion_n but_o by_o their_o own_o writer_n also_o nor_o be_v this_o mischief_n only_o confine_v to_o that_o order_n their_o casuist_n in_o general_a and_o even_o the_o more_o ancient_a of_o they_o who_o write_v before_o the_o order_n of_o jesuit_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n have_v give_v such_o a_o liberty_n and_o loose_a to_o great_a immorality_n in_o several_a kind_n as_o be_v infinite_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o sir_n tho._n moor_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o great_a zealot_n for_o that_o religion_n can_v not_o forbear_v to_o make_v a_o loud_a complaint_n of_o it_o and_o to_o pass_v this_o severe_a censure_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o casuist_n that_o their_o great_a business_n seem_v to_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n but_o to_o teach_v they_o quam_fw-la propè_fw-la ad_fw-la pec●atum_fw-la liceat_fw-la accedere_fw-la sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la how_o near_o to_o sin_n they_o 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sixteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a subject_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o three_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chilwell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcvi_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o content_n sermon_n i._o galat._n i._n 8_o 9_o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v pag._n 1._o sermon_n two_o iii_o iu_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will●_n he_o shall_v 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wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god●_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n p._n 367_o 415._o sermon_n xvi_o john_n ix_o 4._o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v p._n 445._o a_o sermon_n on_o galat._n i._n 8_o 9_o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v before_o i_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o word_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v this_o some_o false_a 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ever_o commit_v to_o they_o they_o have_v with_o the_o slothful_a servant_n
and_o very_o frequent_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v for_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o almsgiving_n psal_n 37._o 25_o 26._o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o psal_n 112._o 9_o he_o have_v disperse_v he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o but_o righteousness_n in_o its_o large_a and_o most_o extend_a sense_n comprehend_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n our_o last_o end_n which_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o this_o end_n which_o be_v righteousness_n or_o that_o universal_a goodness_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o whereof_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o we_o for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v call_v his_o righteousness_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o our_o last_o end_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o righteousness_n be_v use_v in_o another_o place_n even_o of_o this_o sermon_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o mount_n matth._n 5._o 20._o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o righteousness_n be_v make_v the_o necessary_a mean_n and_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o this_o signify_v the_o great_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n about_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o attain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n such_o a_o seriousness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n as_o earthly-minded_n man_n use_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n do_v the_o gentile_n seek_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n signify_v a_o intense_a care_n and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v you_o who_o profess_v yourselves_o christian_n as_o intent_n upon_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o the_o heathen_a who_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n be_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o 2._o what_o by_o seek_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o the_o first_o a_o sincere_a and_o earnest_a seek_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v imply_v in_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o a_o fix_a design_n and_o resolution_n as_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n but_o that_o we_o be_v immovable_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o always_o have_v it_o in_o our_o aim_n and_o design_n that_o here_o we_o set_v up_o our_o resolution_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o that_o we_o have_v this_o end_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o not_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v always_o actual_o to_o think_v upon_o it_o but_o to_o have_v it_o frequent_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o habitual_o to_o intend_v and_o design_v it_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o action_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v either_o direct_o and_o immediate_o in_o order_n to_o it_o or_o some_o way_n or_o other_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o design_n or_o however_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o like_o the_o term_n and_o end_n of_o a_o man_n journey_n towards_o which_o the_o traveller_n be_v continual_o tend_v and_o have_v it_o always_o habitual_o in_o his_o intention_n though_o he_o do_v not_o always_o think_v of_o it_o every_o step_n that_o he_o take_v and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o always_o direct_o advance_v and_o move_v towards_o it_o yet_o he_o never_o know_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o though_o he_o bate_v and_o lodge_v by_o the_o way_n and_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o set_v he_o forward_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o journey_n or_o in_o prosecution_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o no_o wilful_a deviation_n from_o it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o we_o while_o we_o be_v sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n our_o fix_a aim_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o thither_o we_o shall_v be_v continual_o tend_v in_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n and_o if_o this_o resolution_n be_v deep_o root_v and_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v govern_v all_o our_o action_n and_o keep_v they_o steady_a to_o their_o main_n end_n whereas_o if_o we_o be_v uncertain_a and_o unresolved_a upon_o our_o great_a end_n and_o be_v divide_v between_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v fickle_a and_o unsteady_a in_o all_o our_o motion_n he_o that_o have_v two_o end_n can_v pursue_v neither_o vigorous_o but_o while_o he_o be_v move_v towards_o the_o one_o he_o lean_v and_o incline_v to_o the_o other_o and_o like_o a_o needle_n between_o two_o lodestone_n be_v always_o in_o a_o doubtful_a and_o tremble_a condition_n incline_v to_o both_o but_o be_v constant_a to_o neither_o and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o aphorism_n of_o st._n james_n the_o double-minded_n man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n he_o that_o be_v unresolved_a as_o to_o his_o main_a end_n have_v two_o mind_n and_o can_v prosecute_v nothing_o vigorous_o but_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v once_o fix_v and_o resolve_v that_o will_v determine_v and_o govern_v all_o our_o motion_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o diligence_n and_o zeal_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o our_o end_n second_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n imply_v incessant_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n that_o we_o make_v religion_n our_o business_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a at_o proper_a time_n and_o season_n with_o the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n as_o man_n do_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o profession_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o wealth_n and_o preferment_n especial_o on_o the_o lord's-day_n which_o god_n have_v take_v to_o himself_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n not_o that_o we_o be_v excuse_v from_o mind_v religion_n at_o other_o time_n but_o that_o those_o who_o be_v press_v and_o straighten_a by_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o mind_v it_o then_o and_o may_v have_v no_o colour_n of_o excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n which_o god_n have_v allot_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n and_o which_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o employ_v about_o our_o worldly_a affair_n god_n expect_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o at_o other_o time_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o a_o habitual_a sense_n of_o he_o and_o as_o solomon_n express_v it_o prov._n 23._o 17._o be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n long_o so_o as_o to_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o offend_v or_o transgress_v in_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o as_o to_o redeem_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n but_o this_o day_n he_o peremptory_o challenge_v to_o himself_o and_o expect_v we_o shall_v employ_v it_o in_o his_o service_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o religion_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n with_o the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o diligence_n as_o we_o do_v upon_o other_o day_n labour_v for_o the_o bread_n which_o perish_v and_o the_o less_o leisure_n we_o have_v upon_o other_o day_n for_o this_o purpose_n the_o more_o entire_o shall_v we_o devote_v and_o consecrate_v this_o day_n to_o the_o purpose_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n not_o but_o that_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o
heaven_n every_o man_n have_v time_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n every_o day_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o his_o preservation_n and_o support_n and_o to_o thank_v he_o hearty_o for_o all_o his_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n and_o a_o little_a time_n serious_o employ_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v have_v the_o same_o acceptance_n with_o god_n as_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o long_a devotion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n for_o they_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o time_n to_o serve_v god_n upon_o his_o own_o day_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o whole_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o care_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o when_o all_o be_v say_v be_v the_o case_n but_o of_o very_a few_o most_o of_o we_o have_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o complaint_n non_fw-la inopes_fw-la temporis_fw-la sed_fw-la prodigi_fw-la sumus_fw-la as_o seneca_n say_v we_o be_v not_o poor_a but_o prodigal_a of_o our_o time_n and_o lavish_a it_o away_o profuse_o upon_o folly_n and_o vanity_n our_o vice_n and_o lust_n our_o pleasure_n and_o diversion_n consume_v and_o divert_v those_o precious_a hour_n which_o shall_v be_v employ_v to_o these_o better_a purpose_n nay_o many_o time_n time_n oppress_v we_o and_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o we_o and_o lie_v upon_o our_o hand_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o let_v it_o run_v waste_n than_o to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n insomuch_o that_o i_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v with_o their_o time_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o spend_v it_o they_o will_v not_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o most_o necessary_a for_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o very_o best_a use_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o time_n to_o prepare_v and_o 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life_n can_v be_v crowd_v into_o so_o narrow_a a_o corner_n of_o it_o that_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n nay_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n well_o employ_v to_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v sufficient_a alas_o what_o can_v we_o then_o do_v that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v either_o acceptable_a to_o god_n or_o available_a for_o ourselves_o when_o we_o have_v not_o sense_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o temporal_a concernment_n and_o to_o make_v our_o will_n do_v we_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o repent_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n every_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o have_v saul_n fortune_n who_o when_o he_o be_v weary_v with_o seek_v his_o father_n ass_n meet_v with_o a_o kingdom_n we_o must_v not_o think_v when_o we_o be_v tire_v with_o pursue_v the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n to_o retire_v into_o heaven_n and_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v take_v care_n to_o caution_n we_o against_o this_o desperate_a folly_n by_o a_o parable_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o have_v trifle_v away_o their_o time_n till_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v come_v and_o neglect_v to_o get_v oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o those_o good_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i_o say_v have_v neglect_v their_o opportutunity_n of_o get_v this_o oil_n while_o they_o be_v look_v after_o it_o too_o late_a the_o door_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o they_o think_v to_o have_v repair_v all_o at_o last_o by_o borrow_v of_o other_o and_o supply_v themselves_o that_o way_n and_o thus_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o hope_v to_o be_v supply_v out_o of_o another_o store_n when_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o out_o of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o redundant_fw-la merit_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n of_o which_o some_o believe_v i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a stock_n which_o the_o pope_n may_v dispose_v of_o to_o supply_v those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o care_n to_o get_v oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n but_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n work_v of_o supererrogation_n be_v suppose_v the_o wise_a virgin_n know_v not_o of_o any_o merit_n they_o have_v to_o spare_v it_o be_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n only_o that_o entertain_v this_o senseless_a conceit_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o parable_n insinuate_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n have_v nothing_o to_o spare_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o other_o who_o have_v be_v careless_a of_o their_o soul_n the_o foolish_a 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observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o after_o the_o heathen_a persecution_n be_v cease_v persecution_n be_v first_o begin_v among_o christian_n by_o heretic_n and_o have_v since_o be_v take_v up_o and_o carry_v much_o beyond_o that_o bad_a pattern_n by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o beside_o a_o stand_a inquisition_n in_o all_o country_n which_o be_v entire_o of_o that_o religion_n a_o court_n the_o like_a whereto_o for_o the_o clancular_a and_o secret_a manner_n of_o proceed_v for_o the_o unjust_a and_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o it_o for_o the_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o man_n person_n and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o its_o torment_n to_o extort_v confession_n from_o they_o the_o sun_n never_o see_v erect_v under_o any_o government_n in_o the_o world_n by_o man_n of_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o i_o say_v which_o beside_o this_o court_n have_v by_o frequent_a croisadoe_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n and_o by_o many_o bloody_a massacre_n in_o france_n and_o ireland_n and_o 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no_o express_v and_o direct_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o common_a sense_n because_o the_o admit_v of_o transubstantiation_n do_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v more_o immediate_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o yea_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a animosity_n and_o indignation_n at_o confident_a nonsense_n a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v as_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v or_o swear_v that_o twice_o two_o do_v not_o make_v four_o but_o five_o as_o to_o profess_v his_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n yet_o all_o truth_n be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o 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their_o own_o mistake_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o kill_v his_o faithful_a servant_n so_o likewise_o may_v they_o be_v so_o far_o deceive_v as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o their_o own_o culpable_a error_n and_o mistake_v but_o this_o be_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o but_o that_o which_o come_v from_o beneath_o and_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v heat_n without_o light_n three_o and_o last_o nor_o can_v man_n true_o be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n yet_o he_o be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v to_o deny_v they_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v either_o to_o declare_v or_o defend_v they_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o peace_n at_o other_o time_n and_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o especial_o when_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o they_o will_v probable_o do_v no_o good_a to_o other_o and_o will_v certain_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v such_o truth_n will_v be_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v of_o erasmus_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v he_o mean_v it_o of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a adeo_fw-la invis●_n sunt_fw-la mihi_fw-la discordi●_n ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la contentiosa_fw-la displiceat_fw-la i_o be_o say_v he_o so_o perfect_a a_o hater_n of_o discord_n that_o i_o be_o even_o displease_v with_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n as_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o deny_v truth_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o if_o he_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n he_o can_v justify_v it_o to_o his_o own_o prudence_n nor_o have_v comfort_n in_o such_o suffering_n because_o he_o bring_v they_o needless_o upon_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n but_o in_o suffer_v for_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o when_o man_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o how_o far_o man_n may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o cause_n one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n first_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n or_o second_o in_o case_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o a_o temporary_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o by_o repentance_n and_o a_o great_a resolution_n and_o constancy_n under_o suffering_n i_o shall_v speak_v several_o to_o these_o 1._o either_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o
apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o though_o we_o that_o be_v he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v i._o that_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o give_v in_o this_o epistle_n for_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o false_a apostle_n with_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v circumcision_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o impose_v upon_o christian_n the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o false_a teacher_n we_o find_v express_o act_v 15._o 1._o and_o certain_a man_n which_o come_v down_o from_o judea_n teach_v the_o brethren_n and_o say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n y●_n can_v be_v save_v and_o ver_fw-la 24._o in_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o church_n abroad_o there_o be_v this_o account_n give_v of_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o certain_a which_o go_v out_o from_o we_o have_v trouble_v you_o with_o word_n subvert_v your_o soul_n say_v you_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o such_o commandment_n where_o you_o see_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o pernicious_a consequence_n tend_v to_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o here_o with_o one_o consent_n declare_v that_o they_o have_v give_v no_o such_o commandment_n that_o be_v have_v deliver_v no_o such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o nor_o put_v any_o such_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_n but_o on_o the_o con-contrary_a have_v declare_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n there_o be_v now_o no_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o be_v preach_v another_o gospel_n because_o it_o make_v a_o essential_a change_n in_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o declare_v salvation_n unto_o man_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n and_o no_o other_o now_o to_o add_v any_o other_o term_n to_o these_o as_o of_o equal_a necessity_n with_o they_o be_v to_o alter_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n by_o declare_v other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v declare_v which_o be_v to_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ii_o no_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorize_v and_o warrant_v the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n after_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v commissioned_n and_o inspire_a by_o he_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o all_o by_o the_o great_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a miracle_n that_o ever_o be_v no_o person_n whatever_o that_o bring_v any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o declare_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v what_o pretence_n soever_o he_o shall_v make_v to_o a_o divine_a commission_n or_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o supposition_n as_o high_a as_o can_v be_v though_o we_o say_v he_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v a_o anathema_n if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v divine_o commissioned_n and_o infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v afterward_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o it_o or_o declare_v any_o other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o those_o which_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v already_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o what_o claim_n soever_o any_o person_n may_v make_v to_o infallibility_n and_o what_o demonstration_n soever_o he_o may_v give_v of_o it_o we_o can_v possible_o believe_v he_o if_o he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o deliver_v doctrine_n which_o do_v plain_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o for_o if_o he_o speak_v true_a at_o first_o i_o can_v believe_v he_o declare_v the_o contrary_a afterward_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v true_a at_o first_o i_o can_v believe_v he_o at_o all_o because_o he_o can_v give_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o inspiration_n than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v neither_o because_o he_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a credential_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n than_o those_o have_v who_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v publish_v before_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o to_o submit_v his_o faith_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n against_o god_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v two_o revelation_n plain_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o obvious_a because_o every_o man_n do_v first_o and_o more_o firm_o believe_v this_o proposition_n or_o principle_n that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a than_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a than_o no_o revelation_n from_o god_n can_v signify_v any_o thing_n because_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v equal_o true_a and_o so_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o only_o make_v a_o supposition_n when_o he_o say_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o you_o but_o by_o this_o supposition_n he_o plain_o bar_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n from_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n any_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o i_o say_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n whatever_o authority_n or_o infallibility_n they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o because_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o clear_a commission_n and_o great_a evidence_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n than_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n it_o may_v indeed_o bring_v in_o question_n that_o which_o they_o have_v preach_v before_o but_o can_v not_o give_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o any_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o iii_o christian_n may_v judge_v and_o discern_v when_o another_o gospel_n be_v preach_v when_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n not_o enjoin_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v impose_v upon_o christian_n this_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v every_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v every_o particular_a christian_a that_o be_v due_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o and_o to_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o
secure_v against_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o whereby_o they_o may_v discern_v truth_n from_o imposture_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o there_o be_v two_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o do_v not_o real_o come_v from_o he_o first_o to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n this_o mistake_v the_o jew_n frequent_o fall_v into_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o true_a prophet_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n send_v to_o they_o slight_v their_o message_n and_o persecute_v their_o person_n but_o they_o miscarry_v most_o fatal_o and_o remarkable_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o they_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v and_o who_o god_n send_v at_o last_o to_o bring_v salvation_n to_o they_o but_o when_o he_o come_v they_o know_v he_o not_o nor_o will_v receive_v he_o but_o use_v he_o with_o all_o the_o despite_n and_o contempt_n imaginable_a not_o as_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n but_o as_o a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o reject_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o reject_v a_o divine_a message_n or_o revelation_n be_v to_o oppose_v god_n and_o fight_v against_o he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o in_o despise_v he_o they_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v he_o second_o there_o be_v also_o another_o dangerous_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o this_o likewise_o the_o jew_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o in_o receive_v the_o false_a prophet_n which_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o send_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o truth_n greedy_o to_o swallow_v error_n and_o delusion_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 43._o i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v this_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o jew_n be_v full_o accomplish_v for_o after_o they_o have_v reject_v he_o who_o give_v such_o abundant_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n they_o receive_v other_o who_o real_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o run_v after_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v in_o great_a number_n destroy_v with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v very_o just_a with_o god_n that_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n no●_n these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n which_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o those_o danger_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n i._o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o god_n providence_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o secure_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o shall_v be_v the_o two_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o he_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n first_o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n no_o man_n be_v so_o likely_a to_o have_v clear_a and_o true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n as_o a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o have_v transcribe_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v himself_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n what_o god_n be_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n job_n 28._o 28._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a be_v understanding_n and_o psal_n 111._o 10._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n whereas_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n darken_v their_o reason_n and_o distort_v their_o understanding_n and_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o gross_a and_o sensual_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o thereby_o render_v man_n unfit_a to_o discern_v 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convenient_a and_o comfortable_a and_o consequent_o he_o that_o torment_v himself_o about_o the_o get_n of_o these_o thing_n contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o design_n because_o he_o make_v his_o life_n miserable_a that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o comfortable_a 3._o the_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n in_o get_v consist_v in_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o thing_n infinite_o better_a and_o which_o be_v of_o far_o great_a and_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n who_o so_o mind_v the_o world_n as_o to_o neglect_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o busy_a and_o intent_n upon_o make_v provision_n for_o this_o life_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o other_o so_o concern_v for_o the_o few_o day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n here_o as_o to_o have_v no_o consideration_n and_o regard_n for_o his_o eternal_a abide_v in_o another_o world_n god_n allow_v we_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o life_n and_o consider_v the_o 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for_o many_o year_n design_v at_o last_o to_o have_v take_v his_o ease_n and_o have_v fall_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v get_v to_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o have_v be_v merry_a and_o this_o though_o it_o prove_v but_o a_o foolish_a design_n in_o the_o issue_n he_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o that_o very_a instant_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o point_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o enjoyment_n yet_o be_v it_o infinite_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n with_o a_o full_a resolution_n never_o to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o second_o man_n be_v covetous_a in_o keep_v a_o estate_n when_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o charitable_o when_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o spare_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o abundance_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n though_o a_o man_n get_v a_o estate_n without_o covetousness_n and_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o enjoy_v it_o yet_o so_o far_o he_o be_v covetous_a as_o he_o be_v uncharitable_a he_o love_v money_n more_o than_o he_o ought_v who_o have_v enough_o to_o spare_v choose_v rather_o to_o keep_v it_o than_o to_o do_v good_a with_o it_o and_o to_o use_v it_o to_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v a_o estate_n three_o they_o likewise_o be_v covetous_a who_o place_n their_o chief_a trust_n and_o happiness_n in_o riches_n who_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v job_n 31._o 24._o make_v gold_n their_o hope_n and_o say_v to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o covetousness_n be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n call_v idolatry_n because_o the_o covetous_a man_n set_v up_o his_o riches_n in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n put_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o they_o and_o set_v his_o whole_a heart_n upon_o they_o love_v they_o as_o he_o shall_v love_v god_n only_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o therefore_o mammon_n which_o signify_v riches_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n as_o a_o servant_n or_o worshipper_n of_o mammon_n so_o that_o in_o scripture_n he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n who_o place_v his_o chief_a felicity_n in_o a_o great_a fortune_n and_o will_v venture_v to_o lose_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o part_v with_o that_o who_o will_v quit_v his_o religion_n and_o violate_v his_o conscience_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n rather_o than_o forfeit_v his_o estate_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o advance_v it_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o this_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o difficulty_n be_v the_o great_a temptation_n to_o which_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v expose_v when_o a_o man_n may_v not_o only_o save_v himself_o but_o get_v considerable_a advantage_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o change_v his_o religigion_n may_v have_v a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n to_o boot_v or_o which_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o a_o good_a place_n this_o to_o a_o covetous_a mind_n be_v a_o very_a strong_a temptation_n and_o almost_o irresistible_a when_o error_n and_o delusion_n can_v bid_v so_o high_a and_o offer_v so_o good_a term_n no_o wonder_n if_o it_o gain_v some_o proselyte_n among_o the_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a part_n of_o mankind_n this_o the_o apostle_n give_v warning_n of_o as_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o rich_a man_n in_o time_n of_o suffer_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v lust_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sad_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n who_o choose_v rather_o to_o leave_v christ_n than_o to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v demas_n who_o forsake_v the_o apostle_n and_o christianity_n itself_o to_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n which_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n caution_n man_n so_o earnest_o against_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o vice_n but_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v i_o have_v make_v entrance_n into_o a_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o warn_v his_o hearer_n against_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n and_o three_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o caution_n because_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o second_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n do_v consist_v 2._o to_o show_v the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v dispatch_v and_o now_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n to_o show_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n now_o covetousness_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v
very_o evil_a and_o unreasonable_a upon_o these_o follow_a account_n i._o because_o it_o take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n ii_o because_o it_o tempt_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o religion_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o iii_o because_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o insatiable_a desire_n iv._o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o riches_n v._o because_o riches_n do_v very_o often_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o misery_n and_o infelicity_n of_o men._n first_o covetousness_n take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o covetous_a man_n be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o this_o world_n and_o his_o inordinate_a desire_n after_o these_o thing_n make_v he_o to_o neglect_n god_n and_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o employ_v all_o his_o time_n and_o care_n and_o thought_n about_o these_o temporal_a thing_n and_o his_o vehement_a love_n and_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o these_o thing_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n from_o god_n rob_v he_o of_o his_o time_n and_o of_o all_o opportunity_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o divert_v he_o from_o all_o serious_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v mat._n 6._o 24._o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n so_o different_a as_o god_n and_o the_o world_n be_v because_o they_o will_v give_v cross_a command_n and_o enjoin_v contrary_a thing_n god_n he_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o mind_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n to_o have_v a_o serious_a regard_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o business_n and_o a_o eager_a appetite_n of_o be_v rich_a call_v we_o off_o from_o these_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a employment_n or_o disturb_v we_o in_o they_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o distribute_v and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o our_o covetousness_n pull_v we_o back_o and_o hale_v we_o another_o way_n and_o check_v all_o merciful_a and_o charitable_a inclination_n in_o we_o god_n call_v we_o to_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o command_v we_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o world_n inspire_v we_o with_o other_o thought_n and_o whisper_v to_o we_o to_o save_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v righteous_a over_o much_o and_o rather_o to_o trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n than_o man_n with_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n strong_o upon_o any_o thing_n they_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o object_n which_o they_o be_v conversant_a about_o for_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v as_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o if_o a_o great_a estate_n be_v our_o chief_a end_n and_o design_n if_o riches_n be_v our_o treasure_n and_o our_o happiness_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v find_v among_o the_o stuff_n we_o can_v bestow_v our_o affection_n free_o upon_o two_o object_n we_o can_v intense_o love_v god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v two_o ultimate_a end_n two_o principal_a design_n our_o riches_n may_v increase_v but_o if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o and_o give_v they_o the_o chief_a place_n in_o our_o affection_n we_o make_v they_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n whatever_o we_o make_v our_o ultimate_a end_n we_o give_v it_o a_o sovereignty_n and_o empire_n over_o we_o we_o put_v ourselves_o under_o its_o dominion_n and_o make_v ourselves_o subject_a to_o all_o its_o command_n so_o that_o if_o it_o bid_v we_o go_v we_o must_v go_v come_v we_o must_v come_v do_v this_o we_o must_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v under_o authority_n the_o world_n be_v our_o master_n and_o we_o be_v its_o slave_n now_o he_o that_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n of_o this_o master_n must_v withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n decline_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n this_o worldly_a covetous_a disposition_n be_v that_o which_o make_v those_o in_o the_o parable_n to_o make_v so_o many_o excuse_n when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o supper_n luke_n 14._o 18._o one_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n and_o he_o can_v not_o come_v another_o have_v buy_v so_o many_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v riches_n do_v so_o fill_v the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n and_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v no_o room_n leave_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o any_o other_o guest_n intus_fw-la existens_fw-la prohibet_fw-la alienum_fw-la that_o which_o be_v full_a already_o can_v receive_v no_o more_o the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o keep_v out_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o better_a thing_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o this_o degree_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat._n 13._o 7._o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o thorn_n which_o spring_v up_o among_o the_o seed_n and_o stifle_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v any_o permanent_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o ezek._n 33._o 31._o god_n give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prophet_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o come_v unto_o thou_o say_v god_n there_o to_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n a_o heart_n that_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n will_v stand_v out_o against_o all_o the_o invitation_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n invite_v such_o person_n it_o be_v like_o make_v love_n to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o fix_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n elsewhere_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n signify_v but_o very_o little_a to_o such_o man_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a thing_n and_o all_o their_o affection_n be_v bend_v that_o way_n all_o their_o hope_n and_o desire_n be_v worldly_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o abound_v in_o wealth_n and_o all_o their_o fear_n be_v of_o poverty_n and_o loss_n now_o such_o a_o man_n can_v only_o be_v move_v with_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a thing_n for_o no_o promise_n have_v any_o effect_n upon_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o good_a which_o we_o care_v for_o and_o value_n nor_o be_v any_o threaten_n apt_a to_o move_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o we_o dread_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o therefore_o when_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o world_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n he_o do_v not_o desire_v it_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o sensible_a of_o the_o value_n of_o it●_n the_o man_n heart_n be_v full_a already_o of_o other_o hope_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n promise_v to_o such_o a_o man_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o eternity_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v to_o such_o a_o man_n any_o good_a or_o happiness_n that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o or_o know_v how_o to_o relish_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n threaten_v he_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a separation_n from_o that_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o with_o the_o unspeakable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n these_o thing_n though_o they_o be_v terrible_a yet_o they_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v enure_v to_o sense_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v move_v with_o thing_n present_a and_o
sensible_a he_o can_v extend_v his_o fear_n so_o far_o as_o another_o world_n so_o long_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o well_o and_o at_o ease_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n if_o we_o will_v affect_v such_o a_o man_n we_o must_v offer_v to_o his_o consideration_n something_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o work_v upon_o he_o threaten_v he_o with_o break_v open_a his_o house_n and_o ri●●ing_v his_o coffer_n and_o carry_v away_o his_o full_a bag_n with_o question_v his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n or_o start_v a_o precedent_a mortgage_n or_o something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v dreadful_a and_o terrible_a to_o he_o now_o you_o speak_v intelligible_o to_o he_o and_o he_o understand_v what_o you_o mean_v tell_v he_o of_o a_o good_a bargain_n or_o a_o advantageous_a purchase_n offer_v he_o decent_o a_o good_a bribe_n or_o give_v he_o notice_n of_o a_o young_a heir_n that_o may_v be_v circumvent_v and_o draw_v in_o than_o you_o say_v something_o to_o he_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o regard_n and_o attention_n the_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v by_o such_o offer_v and_o promise_v as_o these_o but_o discourse_n to_o he_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o m●●_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o glory_n and_o happiness_n that_o shall_v neither_o have_v bound_n nor_o end_n and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o upon_o a_o instrument_n for_o he_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o he_o will_v not_o do_v they_o as_o the_o prophet_n express_v it_o ezek._n 33._o 32._o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o fine_a talk_n or_o a_o melodious_a ●ound_n that_o vanish_v into_o air_n but_o leave_v no_o impression_n behind_o it_o perhaps_o even_o these_o dull_a and_o stupid_a kind_n of_o man_n be_v affect_v a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a with_o the_o liveliness_n of_o the_o romance_n and_o the_o poetical_a vein_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o these_o thing_n pass_v away_o like_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v but_o have_v no_o last_a effect_n upon_o they_o so_o effectual_o do_v covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n obstruct_v all_o those_o passage_n through_o which_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n shall_v enter_v into_o our_o mind_n second_o as_o covetousness_n hinder_v man_n from_o religion_n and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o a_o due_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o it_o many_o time_n tempt_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o the_o parent_n of_o most_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n he_o that_o will_v engage_v deep_a in_o the_o world_n must_v use_v much_o more_o guard_n and_o caution_n than_o most_o man_n do_v to_o do_v it_o without_o sin_n how_o many_o temptation_n be_v the_o covetous_a man_n expose_v to_o in_o the_o get_n and_o in_o the_o secure_n and_o in_o the_o spend_n and_o enjoy_v of_o a_o great_a estate_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o reckon_v they_o up_o and_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o escape_v or_o resi_v they_o and_o yet_o each_o of_o these_o temptation_n bring_v he_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o great_a many_o sin_n for_o i._o in_o the_o get_n of_o a_o estate_n he_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o those_o vice_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o this_o design_n nothing_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o more_o and_o great_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n than_o covetousness_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich._n it_o be_v solomon_n observation_n prov._n 28._o 20._o he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o he_o speak_v as_o if_o there_o be_v all_o the_o probability_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v in_o so_o much_o haste_n will_v almost_o unavoidable_o fall_v into_o a_o great_a many_o oversight_n and_o fault_n and_o the_o heathen_a poet_n make_v the_o very_a same_o observation_n in_o more_o word_n ind_n ferè_fw-la scelerum_fw-la causae_fw-la nec_fw-la plura_fw-la venena_fw-la miscuit_fw-la aut_fw-la ferro_fw-la grassatur_fw-la saepiùs_fw-la ullum_fw-la humanae_fw-la mentis_fw-la vitium_fw-la quam_fw-la saeva_fw-la cupido_fw-la immodici_fw-la censûs_fw-la nam_fw-la dive_v qui_fw-la fieri_fw-la vult_fw-la et_fw-la cito_fw-la vult_fw-la fieri_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la reverentia_fw-la legum_n quis_fw-la metus_fw-la aut_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la unquam_fw-la properantis_fw-la avari_fw-la this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o sin_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o vice_n of_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o more_o murder_n and_o poison_v than_o a_o furious_a desire_n of_o immoderate_a wealth_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a will_v make_v haste_n to_o be_v so_o and_o what_o reverence_n of_o law_n what_o fear_n or_o shame_n be_v ever_o see_v in_o any_o man_n that_o be_v in_o in_o haste_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n this_o peremptory_a resolution_n of_o be_v rich_a 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n if_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n once_o reign_v in_o we_o if_o we_o have_v once_o fix_v our_o end_n and_o set_v up_o this_o resolution_n with_o ourselves_o that_o we_o will_v be_v rich_a we_o shall_v then_o make_v every_o thing_n stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o this_o design_n 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to_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v not_o enjoy_v what_o he_o tear_n and_o rent_n from_o other_o so_o that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o most_o hateful_a kind_n of_o beast_n of_o prey_n that_o kill_v other_o creature_n not_o to_o eat_v they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o lie_v dead_a by_o they_o lion_n and_o wolf_n kill_v out_o of_o hunger_n but_o the_o covetous_a man_n like_o a_o serpent_n or_o scorpion_n sting_n and_o bite_v other_o to_o death_n not_o for_o his_o need_n but_o for_o his_o pleasure_n and_o recreation_n covetousness_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a sin_n because_o it_o fix_v a_o man_n in_o a_o resolution_n of_o get_v a_o estate_n by_o any_o mean_n if_o falseness_n and_o deceit_n violence_n and_o oppression_n will_v further_o this_o end_n the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o end_n tempt_v man_n to_o use_v any_o sort_n of_o mean_n whereby_o the_o end_n may_v be_v compass_v and_o though_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o averseness_n from_o they_o at_o first_o yet_o that_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o the_o strong_a desire_n of_o the_o end_n reconcile_v a_o man_n at_o last_o to_o the_o love_n and_o like_n of_o the_o mean_n how_o wicked_a and_o unwarrantable_a soever_o covetousness_n tempt_v achan_n to_o steal_v the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o gehazi_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ahab_n to_o oppress_v and_o murder_n naboth_n nay_o a_o small_a sum_n tempt_v the_o covetous_a mind_n of_o judas_n to_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o his_o saviour_n and_o how_o do_v many_o man_n every_o day_n strain_v their_o conscience_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n and_o hazard_v their_o soul_n for_o money_n nay_o exchange_v their_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o a_o very_a small_a portion_n of_o it_o ii_o there_o be_v likewise_o many_o other_o temptation_n which_o
the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o only_a design_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n and_o a_o competency_n of_o outward_a thing_n he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a and_o better_a security_n from_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v by_o all_o their_o care_n and_o pain_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o mind_v these_o thing_n only_o as_o accessory_n that_o if_o he_o miss_v of_o they_o he_o have_v something_o better_a to_o support_v he_o in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o happiness_n which_o this_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v from_o he_o but_o now_o the_o worldly_a man_n if_o he_o be_v defeat_v in_o his_o design_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a because_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o comfort_v he_o nothing_o else_o to_o trust_v to_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o hope_n as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o have_v do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a as_o to_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o encouragement_n you_o see_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n our_o great_a care_n and_o business_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v these_o neglect_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o best_a of_o we_o god_n know_v not_o mind_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o they_o deserve_v what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o in_o excuse_n of_o so_o intolerable_a a_o folly_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o pr●tend_v if_o not_o in_o justification_n yet_o in_o mitigation_n and_o excuse_n of_o this_o great_a neglect_n first_o they_o pretend_v great_a difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n this_o i_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a so_o far_o as_o to_o awaken_v our_o care_n and_o to_o whet_v our_o industry_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o despond_v and_o give_v over_o all_o care_n of_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n it_o be_v attend_v withal_o man_n who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o magnify_v they_o in_o their_o fancy_n beyond_o reason_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o type_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n represent_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n who_o they_o be_v to_o conquer_v more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v report_v to_o one_o another_o that_o the_o land_n be_v full_a of_o giant_n and_o son_n of_o anak_n man_n of_o prodigious_a stature_n which_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o this_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v to_o be_v the_o perpetual_a excuse_n of_o the_o slothful_a when_o they_o 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set_v upon_o it_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n but_o buckle_v to_o it_o and_o grapple_v with_o it_o be_v religion_n difficult_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o law_n a_o difficult_a and_o crabbed_a study_n do_v it_o not_o require_v great_a labour_n and_o perpetual_a drudge_a to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v master_n of_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n in_o a_o word_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n worthy_a the_o have_v that_o be_v to_o be_v get_v without_o pain_n and_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n the_o only_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o so_o great_a a_o good_a shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o faint_a and_o idle_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o lazy_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n for_o what_o reason_n nay_o with_o what_o conscience_n can_v we_o bid_v less_o for_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n than_o man_n be_v content_v to_o give_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n thing_n of_o no_o value_n in_o comparison_n not_o worthy_a the_o toil_a for_o not_o sure_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o all_o our_o endeavour_n thing_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o which_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n one_o fit_a of_o a_o fever_n may_v shatter_v our_o understanding_n and_o confound_v all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o turn_v we_o into_o fool_n and_o idiot_n a_o inundation_n or_o a_o fire_n may_v sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v our_o estate_n a_o succession_n of_o calamity_n may_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n make_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n as_o poor_a as_o job_n and_o set_v he_o upon_o a_o dunghill_n but_o be_v the_o difficulty_n what_o it_o will_v of_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v at_o any_o rate_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o we_o miserable_a and_o undo_v if_o we_o have_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v considerable_a but_o then_o they_o be_v much_o great_a a●_n first_o and_o will_v every_o day_n abate_v and_o grow_v less_o and_o the_o work_n by_o degree_n will_v become_v ea●●e_n and_o turn_v into_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n a_o pleasure_n so_o great_a as_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o will_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o all_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n second_o other_o pretend_v want_n of_o time_n for_o the_o mind_v of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o all_o person_n have_v not_o equal_a leisure_n for_o this_o purpose_n some_o be_v much_o more_o straighten_a than_o other_o and_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v put_v no_o man_n upon_o this_o hard_a necessity_n that_o for_o want_v of_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o neglect_v his_o body_n and_o his_o health_n his_o family_n and_o estate_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o distress_n it_o be_v well_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o secure_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o neglect_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v most_o straighten_a for_o time_n have_v so_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o require_v time_n but_o resolution_n and_o care_n not_o to_o commit_v sin_n not_o to_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v intemperate_a to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v not_o spend_v time_n but_o save_v it_o for_o better_a purpose_n so_o that_o every_o man_n have_v time_n not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o for_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o in_o the_o external_n act_v of_o religion_n no_o man_n be_v so_o distress_v but_o he_o have_v time_n to_o think_v of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n time_n to_o love_n god_n to_o esteem_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o very_o acceptable_o while_o he_o be_v labour_v and_o travel_v about_o his_o worldly_a affair_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v upon_o the_o blow_n his_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o god_n and_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o upon_o earth_n his_o thought_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v in_o
matter_n have_v be_v right_o state_v than_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o take_v along_o with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o be_v preposterous_a and_o will_v prove_v folly_n in_o the_o issue_n second_o as_o religion_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n so_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v instruct_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 15._o 33._o be_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n say_v david_n psal_n 111._o 10._o have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n and_o he_o understand_v himself_o best_a who_o live_v most_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o may_v show_v by_o instance_v in_o particular_a virtue_n the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v much_o wise_a and_o every_o way_n more_o for_o our_o interest_n than_o the_o contrary_a vice_n but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o argument_n to_o engage_v in_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a brief_o to_o show_v that_o the_o chief_a character_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n do_v all_o meet_v in_o religion_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o the_o first_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o understand_v our_o true_a interest_n and_o to_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o in_o this_o religion_n will_v best_o instruct_v and_o direct_v we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o we_o can_v miscarry_v but_o if_o a_o man_n mistake_v in_o this_o he_o err_v fatal_o and_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v vanity_n and_o folly_n another_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v steady_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o our_o main_a end_n to_o oblige_v we_o hereto_o religion_n give_v we_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n the_o glorious_a happiness_n and_o the_o dismal_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n the_o next_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o become_v subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o main_n end_n and_o wherever_o religion_n bear_v sway_v it_o will_v make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n as_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n make_v every_o thing_n to_o submit_v and_o give_v way_n to_o their_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a and_o sensual_a design_n another_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o future_a and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o last_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o common_a folly_n among_o man_n to_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o the_o present_a as_o to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o future_a to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o man_n design_n and_o labour_n for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o their_o short_a continuance_n here_o in_o this_o world_n without_o take_v into_o serious_a consideration_n their_o main_a duration_n and_o their_o eternal_a abide_v in_o another_o world_n but_o religion_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o life_n after_o death_n and_o overlook_v time_n and_o make_v eternity_n always_o present_a to_o we_o and_o mind_n we_o of_o make_v timely_a provision_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o it_o take_v into_o consideration_n our_o whole_a duration_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o wisdom_n to_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o be_v present_a it_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a property_n of_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v the_o main_a chance_n and_o to_o run_v no_o hazard_n in_o that_o and_o this_o religion_n direct_v we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v fatal_a another_o mark_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o opportunity_n those_o especial_o which_o when_o they_o be_v once_o past_a will_v never_o return_v again_o there_o be_v some_o season_n wherein_o great_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v which_o if_o they_o be_v let_v slip_n be_v never_o to_o be_v retrieve_v a_o wise_a man_n will_v lay_v hold_n of_o these_o and_o improve_v they_o and_o religion_n inculcate_n this_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n upon_o we_o that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o of_o make_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o this_o very_a day_n and_o hour_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v the_o last_o and_o only_a opportunity_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n let_v we_o set_v about_o this_o necessary_a work_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n to_o morrow_n it_o may_v be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v it_o and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v cut_v we_o off_o whilst_o we_o be_v wilful_o delay_v it_o and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o save_v our_o immortal_a soul_n may_v vanish_v and_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n the_o next_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o to_o take_v timely_a care_n to_o prevent_v they_o the_o prudent_a man_n say_v solomon_n forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o that_o be_v shelter_n and_o secure_v himself_o against_o it_o but_o the_o simple_a pass_n on_o and_o be_v punish_v that_o be_v the_o evil_a overtake_v they_o and_o their_o folly_n be_v punish_v in_o their_o fatal_a ruin_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n even_o from_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n again_o another_o main_a point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o do_v as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o trust_v rather_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o prevention_n than_o to_o that_o of_o remedy_n religion_n first_o teach_v man_n innocency_n and_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o in_o case_n we_o do_v as_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o then_o direct_v we_o to_o repentance_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n but_o this_o certain_o be_v folly_n to_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v first_o to_o make_v work_n for_o repentance_n and_o then_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o for_o we_o may_v certain_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v repent_v and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o lay_v in_o before_o hand_n and_o to_o make_v work_n for_o trouble_n ne_fw-la tu_fw-la stultus_fw-la homuncio_fw-la es_fw-la qui_fw-la malis_fw-la veniam_fw-la precari_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la peccare_fw-la be_v a_o wise_a say_v of_o old_a cato_n thou_o be_v say_v he_o a_o silly_a man_n indeed_o who_o choose_v rather_o to_o ask_v forgiveness_n than_o not_o to_o offend_v if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v not_o make_v himself_o sick_a to_o try_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o know_a comparison_n and_o a_o very_a fit_a one_o that_o repentance_n be_v tabula_fw-la post_fw-la na●fragium_fw-la a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n but_o i_o be_o great_o afraid_a that_o thousand_o of_o soul_n who_o have_v trust_v to_o it_o have_v perish_v before_o they_o can_v get_v to_o land_n with_o this_o plank_n in_o their_o arm_n the_o last_o character_n of_o wisdom_n i_o shall_v mention_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o consult_v the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n without_o which_o nothing_o else_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o this_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v natural_o procure_v great_a peace_n have_v they_o say_v david_n that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o terrify_a apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o whosoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o prevent_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o discontent_n and_o lay_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n which_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o know_v the_o value_n of_o
upbraid_v the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n which_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n so_o that_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o read_v the_o gospel_n profectò_fw-la aut_fw-la hoc_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la evangelium_fw-la aut_fw-la nos_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la evangelici_fw-la either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o read_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v or_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v man_n to_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v degenerate_v into_o beast_n and_o devil_n wallow_v in_o abominable_a and_o filthy_a lust_n indulge_v ourselves_o in_o those_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o strife_n and_o discord_n of_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n of_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o demean_v themselves_o at_o another_o rate_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v over_o we_o or_o if_o they_o can_v do_v that_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o peter_n iu_o 19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o towards_o the_o heathen_a or_o gentile_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o more_o particular_o to_o arm_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o those_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o foretell_v will_v short_o overtake_v they_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v happen_v they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v and_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a and_o unexpected_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o 12_o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n belove_v think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o that_o be_v do_v not_o wonder_v and_o be_v not_o astonish_v at_o it_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o you_o and_o then_o he_o instruct_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o under_o those_o trial_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o shall_v happen_v not_o only_o with_o patience_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o exercise_v under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n upon_o what_o account_n and_o cause_n soever_o but_o with_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n consider_v the_o glorious_a example_n and_o reward_n of_o they_o v_o 13._o but_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v you_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o at_o the_o 14._o ver_fw-la he_o tell_v they_o that_o beside_o the_o encouragement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o example_n and_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n they_o shall_v be_v support_v and_o assist_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n with_o they_o v._n 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a copy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o power_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n re_v upon_o you_o that_o be_v the_o glorious_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v present_a with_o you_o to_o comfort_v and_o bear_v up_o your_o spirit_n under_o these_o suffering_n but_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o thei●_n suffering_n be_v for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n v._n 15._o but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evildoer_n that_o be_v as_o a_o offender_n in_o any_o kind_n against_o human_a law_n make_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n or_o as_o a_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n that_o be_v as_o a_o pragmatical_a person_n that_o meddle_v out_o of_o his_o own_o sphere_n to_o the_o disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n of_o human_a society_n for_o to_o suffer_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o trouble_v but_o not_o of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n but_o if_o they_o suffer_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o they_o but_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o call_v they_o to_o suffer_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o upon_o so_o glorious_a a_o account_n v._o 16._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a if_o that_o be_v his_o only_a crime_n let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v g●d_v on_o this_o behalf_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o at_o this_o time_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o end_n that_o the_o first_o calamity_n and_o suffering_n shall_v fall_v upon_o christian_n the_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o trial_n and_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o god_n be_v now_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o i●_n first_o begin_v at_o we_o that_o be_v at_o we_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n that_o be_v how_o much_o more_o severe_o will_v god_n deal_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v that_o be_v if_o good_a man_n be_v save_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o must_v through_o so_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o ungodly_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n where_o shall_v they_o appear_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n in_o the_o last_o ver_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o apostle_n forego_v discourse_n i_o shall_v explain_v the_o several_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n and_o then_o handle_v the_o main_a point_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o expression_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v these_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n what_o by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n ●s_a unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o what_o by_o well-doing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n such_o as_o god_n will_v approve_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o probable_a because_o this_o be_v mention_v afterward_o in_o the_o follow_a expression_n of_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n that_o be_v in_o suffer_v upon_o a_o good_a account_n and_o therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o
the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v so_o to_o improve_v the_o short_a and_o uncertain_a time_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o the_o next_o or_o as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o that_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o this_o work_n consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n second_o in_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o three_o and_o in_o order_n to_o both_o these_o in_o the_o careful_a improvement_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o our_o time_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n 2._o in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a law_n 1._o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n consist_v in_o the_o pious_a and_o devout_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o we_o honour_v he_o and_o pay_v he_o that_o homage_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a from_o creature_n to_o he_o that_o make_v they_o and_o be_v the_o great_a sovereign_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o he_o and_o that_o we_o express_v this_o by_o all_o solemn_a externalacknowledgment_n of_o he_o as_o by_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n by_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o set_v apart_o constant_a and_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o that_o when_o we_o be_v employ_v in_o they_o we_o be_v serious_a and_o hearty_a and_o attentive_a to_o what_o we_o be_v about_o and_o perform_v every_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o those_o circumstance_n of_o reverence_n and_o respect_n which_o may_v 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themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a call_v for_o necessary_a use_n that_o be_v for_o the_o support_n of_o their_o family_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v great_a weight_n and_o stress_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a great_a duty_n tit._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n these_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o profitable_a unto_o man_n that_o be_v of_o general_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o mankind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n call_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o religion_n but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o by_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o their_o proper_a season_n and_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o time_n in_o any_o honest_a and_o useful_a employment_n we_o may_v make_v our_o whole_a life_n a_o perpetual_a serve_v of_o god_n we_o may_v glorify_v god_n in_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o in_o all_o other_o lawful_a and_o useful_a action_n of_o life_n in_o serve_v the_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n of_o life_n with_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o in_o manage_v our_o worldly_a commerce_n with_o justice_n and_o integrity_n we_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o perform_v considerable_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o provide_v we_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a and_o manage_v the_o action_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n with_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o subserviency_n to_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o eternity_n we_o may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v provide_v for_o ourselves_o and_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a call_v for_o god_n who_o have_v design_v this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o allow_v we_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o there_o be_v some_o person_n indeed_o who_o birth_n and_o condition_n set_v they_o above_o the_o common_a employment_n of_o life_n and_o the_o work_n of_o a_o ordinary_a call_v but_o these_o also_o have_v a_o work_n give_v they_o to_o do_v for_o god_n have_v send_v no_o man_n into_o the_o world_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o only_o to_o take_v his_o pastime_n therein_o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ita_fw-la generati_fw-la sumus_fw-la à_fw-la natura_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la ludum_fw-la &_o jocum_fw-la facti_fw-la esse_fw-la videamur_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la severitatem_fw-la potius_fw-la &_o quaedam_fw-la studia_fw-la graviora_fw-la atque_fw-la majora_fw-la for_o ●e_n be_v not_o say_v tully_n de_fw-fr off._n lib._n 1._o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n as_o if_o we_o be_v make_v for_o sport_n and_o jest_n but_o for_o more_o serious_a employment_n and_o for_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n and_o those_o who_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o particular_a call_v may_v allow_v so_o much_o large_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o god_n likewise_o expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v useful_a to_o mankind_n in_o some_o high_a and_o noble_a way_n according_a to_o the_o publickness_n of_o their_o station_n and_o influence_n such_o person_n may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o their_o country_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o government_n and_o in_o the_o care_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o may_v employ_v their_o time_n in_o prepare_v and_o render_v themselves_o more_o fit_a for_o this_o service_n they_o may_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o good_a government_n of_o their_o family_n and_o in_o the_o prudent_a care_n and_o management_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o in_o reconcile_a difference_n among_o their_o neighbour_n and_o in_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o provide_v for_o their_o supply_n so_o
that_o beside_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n how_o exempt_a soever_o his_o condition_n be_v from_o the_o common_a care_n an●gdrudgery_n of_o humane_a life_n may_v find_v work_n enough_o wherein_o he_o may_v useful_o employ_v all_o his_o time_n and_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o and_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o god_n expect_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n from_o such_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v employ_v himself_o in_o some_o work_n or_o other_o suitable_a to_o the_o station_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o this_o world_n second_o the_o work_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o further_o and_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o this_o chief_o lie_v upon_o we_o who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v commit_v we_o be_v more_o especial_o commissioned_n and_o appointed_n for_o this_o work_n and_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n to_o beseech_v man_n in_o his_o stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n we_o be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o appoint_v for_o this_o very_a work_n to_o watch_v for_o man_n soul_n and_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o who_o be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o have_v this_o work_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o vigorous_a and_o industrious_a in_o i●●_n and_o this_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o employment_n or_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o employment_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o most_o honourable_a work_v that_o mortal_a man_n can_v be_v employ_v in_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o 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the_o son_n of_o man_n than_o to_o help_v forward_o that_o glorious_a design_n and_o undertake_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v a_o employment_n no_o less_o happy_a than_o honourable_a it_o be_v not_o to_o drudge_n about_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n a_o perpetual_a toil_n and_o care_n about_o what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o wherewithal_o we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o worldly_a employment_n but_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a seek_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o a_o continual_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v these_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o labour_n of_o our_o body_n and_o in_o bodily_a toil_n but_o in_o the_o delightful_a exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a object_n god_n and_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n in_o a_o earnest_n and_o faithful_a endeavour_n by_o all_o wise_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o gain_v soul_n to_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o next_o to_o the_o procure_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o noble_a work_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v employ_v in_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o employment_n we_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n carry_v on_o both_o these_o design_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v timothy_n when_o he_o exhort_v he_o upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n to_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o this_o bless_a work_n because_o say_v he_o in_o do_v this_o thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 16._o and_o when_o two_o of_o the_o great_a and_o best_a design_n in_o the_o world_n our_o own_o happiness_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o do_v so_o happy_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o be_v joint_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o same_o labour_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a spur_n and_o incitement_n to_o we_o to_o be_v vigorous_a and_o unwearied_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n as_o st._n paul_n charge_v timothy_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o awful_a manner_n before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a at_o his_o appear_v and_o his_o kingdom_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 12._o and_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1._o and_o then_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o this_o work_n if_o we_o be_v faithful_a and_o industrious_a in_o it_o it_o will_v advance_v we_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n they_o that_o be_v wise_a say_v the_o prophet_n dan._n 12._o 3._o shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v industrious_a in_o this_o work_n as_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n in_o this_o world_n so_o they_o shall_v shine_v with_o a_o double_a glory_n and_o lustre_n in_o the_o other_o but_o though_o this_o work_n of_o promote_a the_o salvation_n of_o other_o be_v chief_o incumbent_a upon_o those_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v upon_o this_o very_a thing_n yet_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o concern_v in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n we_o have_v for_o it_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o help_v forward_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o not_o to_o let_v he_o perish_v if_o he_o can_v help_v it_o and_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o contribute_v something_o to_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o save_v other_o by_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n by_o kind_n and_o gentle_a reproof_n but_o especial_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n by_o a_o shine_a virtue_n which_o have_v a_o silent_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_a charm_n and_o attraction_n to_o draw_v and_o allure_v other_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o three_o and_o in_o order_n to_o both_o these_o the_o save_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o this_o work_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o the_o careful_a use_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o our_o time_n for_o without_o this_o neither_o of_o the_o other_o can_v be_v promote_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o any_o purpose_n time_n be_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n of_o carry_v on_o of_o any_o work_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o valuable_a thing_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o wasteful_o spend_v and_o more_o prodigal_o squander_v away_o by_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o this_o which_o next_o to_o our_o immortol_n soul_n be_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n most_o precious_a because_o upon_o the_o right_a use_n or_o abuse_v of_o our_o time_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n do_v depend_v man_n have_v general_o some_o guard_n upon_o themselves_o as_o to_o their_o money_n and_o estate_n and_o will_v not_o with_o eye_n open_v suffer_v other_o to_o rob_v and_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o but_o we_o will_v let_v any_o body_n almost_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o time_n and_o be_v content_v to_o expose_v
then_o we_o shall_v go_v very_o heartles_o about_o it_o and_o do_v it_o very_o imperfect_o and_o be_v force_v to_o slubber_v it_o over_o and_o to_o huddle_n it_o up_o in_o great_a haste_n and_o confusion_n and_o so_o as_o we_o can_v hardly_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v it_o for_o how_o unfit_a be_v man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v full_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o life_n itself_o be_v become_v so_o great_a a_o burden_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v hardly_o fit_a to_o stand_v under_o it_o how_o uncapable_a shall_v we_o then_o be_v of_o do_v the_o great_a and_o most_o momentous_a work_n of_o our_o life_n when_o our_o faculty_n be_v almost_o quite_o spend_v and_o wear_v out_o and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o life_n ar●_n decay_v in_o we_o when_o our_o understanding_n be_v dark_a and_o dull_a our_o memory_n frail_a and_o treacherous_a and_o our_o heart_n hard_a &_o deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n when_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n overtake_v we_o we_o shall_v then_o find_v to_o our_o sorrow_n that_o sufficient_a for_o that_o day_n be_v the_o evil_a thereof_o we_o shall_v have_v need_n then_o of_o nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o bear_v our_o infirmity_n with_o patience_n and_o decency_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o can_v rally_v together_o of_o the_o break_a force_n of_o our_o reason_n so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a guard_n to_o we_o against_o peevishness_n and_o discontent_n we_o have_v need_v then_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a to_o be_v sick_a and_o die_v beside_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o any_o work_n that_o we_o do_v at_o such_o a_o time_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o put_v off_o god_n with_o the_o dregs_o of_o our_o life_n or_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o the_o service_n of_o those_o year_n which_o we_o ourselves_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o if_o we_o offer_v the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o we_o offer_v the_o blind_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n and_o see_v if_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o thou_o and_o sickness_n be_v common_o as_o bad_a a_o time_n as_o old_a age_n and_o usual_o encumber_v with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o clog_v with_o more_o indisposition_n if_o a_o violent_a distemper_n seize_v upon_o we_o it_o many_o time_n take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o consideration_n it_o make_v we_o both_o insensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o incapable_a of_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o avoid_v it_o and_o if_o we_o have_v neglect_v religion_n before_o and_o have_v put_v off_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o our_o opportunity_n be_v irrevocable_o lose_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v in_o religion_n when_o our_o reason_n be_v once_o depart_v from_o we_o the_o night_n be_v then_o come_v indeed_o and_o darkness_n have_v overtake_v we_o and_o though_o we_o be_v still_o alive_a yet_o be_v we_o as_o unfit_a for_o any_o work_n as_o if_o we_o be_v natural_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v no_o such_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a case_n for_o it_o happen_v to_o many_o and_o every_o man_n that_o wilful_o defer_v the_o work_n of_o religion_n and_o repentance_n to_o a_o hour_n have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v thus_o surprise_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n deprive_v of_o all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n but_o if_o god_n be_v more_o merciful_a unto_o we_o and_o visit_v we_o with_o such_o a_o sickness_n as_o leave_v we_o the_o use_n of_o our_o understanding_n yet_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n at_o such_o a_o time_n proceed_v from_o so_o violent_a a_o cause_n from_o the_o present_a terror_n of_o death_n and_o the_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o that_o eternal_a misery_n which_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o swallow_v we_o up_o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o for_o other_o but_o even_o for_o ourselves_o to_o know_v whether_o our_o resolution_n and_o this_o sudden_a and_o hasty_a fit_a of_o repentance_n be_v sincere_a or_o not_o for_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o almost_o unavoidable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o execution_n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o this_o man_n will_v do_v if_o his-life_n be_v spare_v whether_o his_o repentance_n will_v hold_v good_a and_o he_o will_v become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o change_v his_o former_a course_n of_o life_n or_o relapse_n into_o it_o again_o and_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n certain_a that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o he_o be_v before_o because_o we_o see_v many_o who_o when_o they_o lie_v upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n give_v all_o imaginable_a testimony_n of_o a_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o a_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n who_o yet_o upon_o their_o recovery_n return_v to_o their_o former_a sin_n with_o a_o great_a appetite_n and_o make_v themselves_o ten_o time_n more_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n than_o they_o be_v before_o so_o that_o all_o the_o work_n that_o we_o can_v do_v at_o such_o a_o time_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v much_o reckon_v upon_o and_o can_v give_v we_o little_a or_o no_o comfort_n because_o it_o be_v so_o infinite_o uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a and_o whether_o the_o effect_n of_o so_o violent_a a_o cause_n will_v last_v and_o continue_v if_o the_o cause_n be_v remove_v therefore_o we_o shall_v work_v while_o it_o be_v day_n for_o whatever_o we_o do_v in_o this_o evening_n of_o our_o life_n will_v be_v do_v with_o very_o great_a difficulty_n and_o with_o very_o doubtful_a success_n but_o beside_o this_o evening_n there_o be_v a_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v death_n will_v seize_v upon_o we_o and_o then_o our_o state_n will_v be_v irrecoverable_o conclude_v after_o that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o our_o own_o salvation_n or_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n do_v for_o we_o by_o other_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_a will_v not_o avail_v the_o dead_a as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n nor_o counsel_n nor_o device_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o we_o be_v go_v therefore_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n what_o our_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v let_v we_o do_v it_o with_o our_o might_n this_o counsel_n concern_v all_o age_n and_o person_n i_o will_v apply_v it_o to_o the_o young_a in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n eccles_n 12._o 1._o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n draw_v nigh_o when_o thou_o sh●lt_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o age_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isa_n ch._n 55._o 6._o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v you_o upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v old_a in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o prophet_n jer._n 13._o 16._o give_v glory_n to_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n before_o he_o cause_v darkness_n and_o before_o your_o foot_n stumble_v upon_o the_o dark_a mountain_n and_o while_o you_o look_v for_o light_n he_o turn_v it_o into_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o make_v it_o gross_a darkness_n and_o let_v we_o every_o one_o of_o we_o of_o what_o age_n or_o condition_n soever_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v finis_fw-la finis_fw-la vide_fw-la serm._n one_a of_o the_o first_o vol._n publish_a by_o the_o author_n