thy_o mercy_n our_o friend_n relation_n and_o even_o our_o enemy_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o adversity_n we_o render_v thou_o thanks_o o_o lord_n for_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o this_o day_n in_o particular_a but_o especial_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v there_o enjoy_v hear_v o_o lord_n the_o prayer_n we_o have_v offer_v to_o thou_o bless_v thy_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o we_o whenever_o we_o enjoy_v they_o let_v they_o be_v thy_o power_n to_o our_o salvation_n we_o humble_o beg_v thy_o protection_n for_o this_o night_n and_o evermore_o even_o unto_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n hallow_v be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o pleasantness_n of_o religion_n demonstrate_v and_o improve_v let_v we_o pray_v prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o prov._n 3._o 17._o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n these_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o wisdom_n as_o you_o may_v see_v by_o verse_n 13._o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o solomon_n begin_v the_o commendation_n of_o that_o say_v happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n and_o the_o man_n that_o get_v understanding_n the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o than_o fine_a gold_n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n then_o he_o add_v her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o by_o wisdom_n of_o which_o he_o say_v these_o great_a thing_n he_o mean_v religion_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a live_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o do_v elsewhere_o plain_o give_v that_o name_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 the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n then_o mean_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n this_o he_o say_v be_v very_o pleasant_a he_o have_v joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o abundance_n who_o steady_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a and_o good_a course_n of_o life_n this_o be_v the_o import_n and_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a here_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a and_o important_a inducement_n to_o a_o good_a life_n contain_v in_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o usual_o more_o powerful_a and_o attractive_a with_o mankind_n than_o pleasure_n nothing_o which_o they_o more_o earnest_o or_o more_o universal_o covet_v if_o then_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o this_o even_a in_o well-doing_n this_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o allure_v man_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o to_o divert_v they_o from_o those_o course_n of_o wickedness_n which_o draw_v many_o into_o everlasting_a perdition_n by_o the_o allurement_n of_o pleasure_n to_o make_v this_o good_a and_o to_o prove_v what_o solomon_n here_o say_v will_v be_v the_o chief_a business_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v beyond_o any_o man_n power_n to_o deny_v or_o question_v this_o who_o shall_v sober_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o all_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n proceed_v and_o spring_v be_v love_n and_o that_o must_v needs_o render_v it_o high_o pleasant_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o must_v be_v the_o principle_n and_o spring_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n all_o the_o duty_n we_o perform_v towards_o god_n or_o man_n must_v proceed_v from_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man._n this_o must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o good_a action_n and_o wherever_o true_a love_n be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o good_a action_n all_o the_o instance_n of_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o be_v but_o such_o thing_n as_o love_v itself_o will_v put_v we_o upon_o such_o as_o love_v natural_o suggest_v and_o do_v incline_v to_o he_o that_o true_o love_v god_n can_v choose_v but_o seek_v what_o will_v please_v he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o that_o and_o he_o must_v endeavour_v to_o avoid_v whatever_o will_v offend_v god_n he_o must_v delight_v to_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o object_n that_o he_o love_v to_o adore_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o seek_v and_o promote_v the_o love_n and_o honour_n of_o he_o so_o he_o that_o love_v his_o neighbour_n sincere_o must_v delight_v in_o and_o desire_v the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n he_o must_v endeavour_v to_o promote_v it_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o will_v be_v far_o from_o wish_v or_o endeavour_v any_o evil_n to_o any_o man_n or_o from_o delight_v in_o what_o do_v happen_v to_o any_o and_o this_o now_o be_v even_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n that_o all_o of_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n he_o that_o be_v drive_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n by_o fear_n and_o terror_n perform_v indeed_o a_o ungrateful_a task_n and_o go_v on_o in_o these_o way_n with_o reluctancy_n and_o sorrow_n but_o he_o that_o be_v draw_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o love_n follow_v with_o joyfulness_n he_o will_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a who_o love_n inspire_v he_o mind_v not_o be_v not_o discourage_v with_o any_o ruggedness_n of_o the_o way_n but_o be_v rather_o please_v with_o difficulty_n and_o put_v on_o than_o trouble_v or_o retard_v because_o they_o give_v he_o opportunity_n to_o express_v the_o great_a love_n this_o render_v the_o labour_n of_o religion_n easy_a and_o even_a suffering_n delightful_a i_o take_v pleasure_n in_o infirmity_n in_o reproach_n in_o necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n say_v a_o great_a lover_n of_o jesus_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 10._o it_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o love_n in_o the_o primitive_a follower_n of_o jesus_n which_o make_v they_o very_o laborious_a and_o diligent_a in_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o suffer_v much_o even_o to_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o torment_a death_n and_o do_v both_o with_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n they_o prove_v what_o a_o great_a lover_n of_o god_n say_v long_o ago_o cant._n 8._o 6_o 7._o love_n be_v strong_a as_o death_n many_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n neither_o the_o flood_n drown_v it_o all_o the_o task_n of_o love_n be_v pleasant_a and_o nothing_o be_v count_v hard_a or_o uneasy_a which_o that_o enjoin_v we_o 2._o another_o thing_n that_o render_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n very_o pleasant_a and_o therefore_o prove_v it_o so_o be_v the_o fitness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o that_o which_o religion_n enjoin_v we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v most_o high_o equitable_a and_o just_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o be_v most_o perfect_o what_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o rom._n 12._o 1._o namely_o reasonable_a service_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o within_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o what_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n and_o reason_n upon_o serious_a consideration_n must_v needs_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v in_o nothing_o that_o he_o can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o or_o to_o think_v below_o he_o or_o unfit_a for_o he_o to_o do_v or_o that_o he_o can_v just_o upbraid_v or_o condemn_v himself_o for_o do_v how_o reasonable_a and_o just_a be_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n this_o will_v appear_v upon_o a_o fair_a state_v and_o proposal_n of_o they_o be_v it_o not_o high_o so_o that_o we_o reverence_n and_o adore_v a_o infinite_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a be_v that_o we_o trust_v the_o original_a truth_n that_o we_o love_v the_o sovereign_n and_o the_o fountain_n good_a that_o we_o obey_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o
the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n till_o his_o mind_n be_v form_v by_o they_o these_o thing_n have_v their_o influence_n upon_o we_o by_o our_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a meditation_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o but_o in_o grow_v person_n he_o do_v this_o in_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o thought_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o we_o must_v be_v ourselves_o the_o instrument_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o make_v man_n religious_a and_o virtuous_a that_o thereby_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v direct_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v so_o may_v be_v propose_v and_o set_v before_o they_o with_o strong_a reason_n and_o earnest_a exhortation_n thus_o then_o be_v the_o vanity_n or_o inconsiderateness_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o mischievous_a quality_n and_o worthy_a the_o hatred_n of_o he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v good_a as_o it_o hinder_v man_n from_o be_v good_a and_o by_o consequence_n from_o do_v well_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o mischievous_a too_o as_o it_o do_v exceed_o expose_v man_n to_o do_v evil_a and_o often_o betray_v they_o into_o sin_n and_o this_o effect_v it_o have_v by_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o as_o this_o vanity_n of_o mind_n abandon_v a_o man_n to_o his_o inclination_n 2._o as_o it_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o influence_n of_o temptation_n 1._o this_o inconsiderate_a vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n abandon_v a_o man_n to_o his_o inclination_n it_o make_v he_o follow_v these_o instead_o of_o lead_v they_o and_o to_o obey_v what_o he_o shall_v govern_v whatever_o the_o inclination_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n carry_v he_o after_o they_o and_o they_o be_v most_o to_o evil._n the_o ungoverned_a thought_n be_v usual_o employ_v by_o the_o reign_a sin_n and_o the_o man_n shall_v be_v muse_v on_o that_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o have_v not_o opportunity_n of_o commit_v in_o overt_a acts._n the_o covetous_a man_n idle_a thought_n be_v all_o upon_o gain_n and_o good_a bargain_n or_o great_a loss_n the_o proud_a man_n ungoverned_a thought_n be_v extol_v himself_o magnify_v every_o good_a quality_n in_o he_o if_o he_o have_v any_o into_o a_o mountain_n bulk_n and_o diminish_v his_o most_o enormous_a fault_n they_o be_v despise_v other_o and_o prefer_v he_o above_o they_o thus_o do_v these_o thought_n usual_o actuate_v and_o exercise_v in_o the_o mind_n the_o prevail_a vice_n and_o so_o our_o thought_n become_v sinful_a when_o they_o be_v inconsiderate_a they_o will_v not_o be_v only_o so_o but_o will_v be_v angry_a proud_a profane_a unclean_a or_o any_o thing_n else_o according_a to_o the_o inward_a character_n or_o tincture_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o then_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o do_v cherish_v and_o strengthen_v these_o inclination_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v they_o make_v they_o the_o less_o governable_a and_o ready_a and_o apt_a to_o break_v out_o into_o suitable_a action_n when_o temptation_n and_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v 2._o this_o state_n of_o mind_n mighty_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o temptation_n for_o it_o render_v he_o always_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o he_o that_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o his_o spirit_n say_v solomon_n be_v like_o a_o city_n that_o be_v break_v down_o and_o without_o wall_n prov._n 25._o 28._o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v easy_o send_v in_o his_o black_a troop_n of_o wicked_a suggestion_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o well_o guard_v against_o he_o and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v a_o inconsiderate_a man_n from_o receive_v any_o manner_n of_o temptation_n the_o adversary_n have_v not_o so_o little_a craft_n as_o to_o awaken_v he_o to_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v by_o tempt_v to_o the_o most_o enormous_a kind_n or_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n at_o first_o no_o he_o draw_v the_o careless_a sinner_n on_o to_o these_o by_o the_o step_v of_o lesser_a sin_n he_o watch_v to_o do_v mischief_n and_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o the_o vain_a ungoverned_a mind_n be_v a_o ready_a prey_n to_o he_o if_o we_o will_v not_o govern_v ourselves_o well_o we_o leave_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o he_o will_v govern_v we_o ill_o and_o unless_o god_n restrain_v grace_n prevent_v he_o will_v lead_v we_o captive_a at_o his_o will_n this_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v sow_v his_o tare_n there_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o be_v careless_a he_o perfect_o know_v our_o inclination_n too_o and_o what_o to_o suggest_v that_o shall_v most_o effectual_o prevail_v with_o we_o and_o so_o do_v the_o more_o certain_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n thus_o we_o be_v in_o continual_a danger_n from_o intestine_a and_o external_a foe_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v careless_a of_o ourselves_o but_o they_o will_v prevail_v over_o we_o and_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o these_o thought_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v very_o innocent_a one_o and_o to_o neglect_v as_o not_o worth_a their_o mind_v we_o may_v see_v do_v expose_v and_o betray_v we_o into_o such_o thought_n and_o by_o consequence_n dispose_v we_o for_o such_o action_n as_o be_v sinful_a and_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o some_o affect_v and_o be_v proud_a of_o as_o be_v call_v wit_n do_v prove_v but_o madness_n and_o folly_n it_o be_v not_o only_o unprofitable_a but_o also_o very_o hurtful_a and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o mischief_n of_o allow_v and_o entertain_v vain_a thought_n i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n propose_v the_o proper_a remedy_n of_o this_o vanity_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o mind_n and_o let_v none_o think_v that_o to_o do_v so_o be_v a_o impertinent_a or_o vain_a task_n for_o as_o the_o mischief_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o be_v great_a so_o the_o disease_n be_v common_a as_o the_o imagination_n be_v a_o faculty_n natural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o all_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o subject_a to_o the_o giddiness_n of_o it_o and_o liable_a to_o be_v divert_v from_o any_o good_a design_n or_o to_o be_v disturb_v and_o hinder_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o thereby_o this_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o distemper_n common_a to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n now_o to_o remedy_v this_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v these_o thing_n follow_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a 1._o a_o man_n must_v needs_o set_v himself_o some_o task_n and_o employment_n with_o a_o idle_a life_n it_o be_v cherish_v and_o will_v reign_v and_o throw_v a_o man_n into_o a_o thousand_o enormity_n something_o to_o do_v and_o a_o diligent_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o it_o tame_v the_o unruly_a thought_n use_v it_o to_o government_n and_o make_v it_o obedient_a and_o useful_a business_n mighty_o help_v consideration_n by_o exercise_n of_o think_v steady_o to_o some_o one_o purpose_n design_v and_o choose_v a_o man_n become_v habituate_v to_o the_o do_v so_o and_o be_v the_o more_o capable_a of_o fix_v his_o mind_n to_o any_o thing_n beside_o that_o this_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o great_a and_o extensive_a knowledge_n in_o all_o matter_n which_o we_o find_v in_o some_o person_n that_o be_v breed_v to_o a_o trade_n and_o in_o the_o capacity_n which_o we_o see_v in_o many_o such_o to_o apply_v their_o thought_n to_o any_o thing_n and_o to_o learn_v and_o make_v a_o good_a judgement_n of_o all_o matter_n those_o that_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v teach_v nothing_o in_o their_o young_a year_n who_o rather_o divert_v themselves_o with_o the_o teacher_n of_o some_o trifle_n than_o learn_v any_o thing_n have_v the_o more_o to_o learn_v now_o and_o the_o more_o to_o do_v when_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o danger_n the_o guilt_n the_o contemptibleness_n of_o a_o idle_a life_n and_o how_o many_o wise_a and_o great_a lady_n have_v employ_v their_o time_n and_o their_o hand_n in_o work_v for_o the_o poor_a to_o their_o own_o immortal_a honour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n together_o with_o these_o employment_n such_o may_v very_o well_o mingle_v a_o set_a task_n of_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n and_o so_o keep_v the_o mind_n well_o exercise_v as_o much_o as_o it_o need_v to_o be_v but_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o remedy_n of_o this_o distemper_n 2._o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o furnish_v our_o mind_n with_o good_a store_n of_o sacred_a knowledge_n ignorance_n and_o vanity_n as_o well_o
show_v mercy_n to_o all_o mankind_n pour_v out_o thy_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o and_o seek_v thou_o and_o find_v and_o praise_v thou_o and_o rejoice_v in_o thy_o abundant_a goodness_n let_v thy_o continual_a pity_n cleanse_v and_o defend_v thy_o church_n lord_n look_v down_o in_o mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o bless_v we_o that_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v fear_v thou_o we_o pray_v thou_o do_v good_a to_o these_o nation_n in_o which_o we_o live_v according_a thy_o infinite_a sufficiency_n and_o our_o necessity_n oh_o let_v not_o our_o iniquity_n withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a compassion_n blot_v out_o all_o our_o transgression_n bless_v our_o gracious_a king_n and_o queen_n and_o make_v the_o one_o a_o nurse_n father_n and_o the_o other_o a_o nurse_n mother_n to_o that_o part_n of_o thy_o church_n which_o thou_o have_v plant_v among_o we_o and_o let_v their_o good_a influence_n extend_v further_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o make_v they_o the_o honourable_a instrument_n of_o establish_v peace_n and_o truth_n not_o only_o in_o these_o but_o also_o in_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o great_a name_n bless_v all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n among_o we_o and_o make_v they_o to_o live_v to_o thy_o glory_n to_o be_v conformable_a and_o obedient_a to_o our_o governor_n and_o useful_a peaceable_a righteous_a and_o charitable_a one_o towards_o another_o in_o their_o several_a station_n we_o humble_o pray_v for_o all_o friend_n relation_n benefactor_n bless_v and_o preserve_v they_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o conduct_v they_o to_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n let_v this_o day_n oh_o lord_n be_v happy_a to_o we_o in_o the_o fruitful_a and_o effectual_a influence_n of_o thy_o ordinance_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n let_v we_o not_o be_v forgetful_a hearer_n but_o be_v doer_n of_o thy_o word_n that_o we_o may_v be_v blessed_v in_o our_o deed._n grant_v we_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o peace_n this_o night_n to_o rest_v in_o safety_n and_o be_v thou_o o_o god_n our_o portion_n and_o refuge_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o hereafter_o our_o exceed_a great_a reward_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n and_o word_n we_o further_o present_v our_o request_n unto_o thou_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n hallow_v be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a amen_n the_o heavenly_a mind_n describe_v and_o urge_v let_v we_o pray_v prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o colos_n 3._o 2._o set_a your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n how_o well_o do_v the_o bounteous_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n contrive_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n for_o the_o make_v he_o exceed_o happy_a he_o put_v into_o our_o constitution_n a_o immortal_a spirit_n join_v to_o a_o live_n and_o sensible_a body_n and_o so_o he_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o delight_n of_o both_o world_n the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o material_a by_o our_o soul_n we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v and_o delight_n in_o spiritual_a object_n and_o their_o property_n and_o quality_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o rational_a spiritual_a delight_n in_o sensible_a object_n and_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o infinite_a eternal_a perfection_n and_o by_o our_o body_n which_o be_v ally_v to_o this_o world_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o sensual_a delight_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o enjoy_v and_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o property_n virtue_n and_o quality_n belong_v to_o material_a thing_n so_o bounteous_a and_o kind_a be_v the_o creator_n to_o man_n in_o the_o form_n of_o he_o but_o alas_o man_n have_v not_o be_v kind_a to_o himself_o he_o do_v not_o remain_v long_o in_o the_o happy_a state_n which_o he_o be_v first_o set_v in_o but_o by_o follow_v too_o much_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o sense_n he_o lose_v all_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o his_o mind_n by_o eat_v the_o forbid_v fruit_n he_o sin_v against_o god_n lose_v his_o favour_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o become_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o his_o mind_n become_v subject_a to_o the_o shameful_a disease_n of_o sensuality_n a_o low_a and_o sordid_a propensity_n to_o earthly_a thing_n do_v from_o henceforth_o possess_v he_o and_o a_o wretched_a incapacity_n and_o averseness_n towards_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o be_v condemn_v to_o enjoy_v only_o the_o low_a and_o weak_a and_o the_o least_o part_n of_o our_o happiness_n to_o gnaw_v as_o it_o be_v on_o the_o shell_n of_o pleasure_n and_o enjoy_v no_o more_o than_o the_o brute_n beast_n do_v we_o follow_v the_o unhappy_a fall_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v amuse_n and_o entertain_v ourselves_o only_o with_o the_o poor_a object_n of_o sense_n utter_o forget_v and_o neglect_v our_o high_a capacity_n and_o our_o true_a happiness_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o to_o recover_v we_o from_o this_o shameful_a and_o deadly_a fall_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o this_o our_o wretched_a attachment_n to_o this_o world_n and_o turn_v we_o from_o a_o false_a happiness_n to_o a_o true_a one_o the_o scope_n and_o aim_n of_o all_o its_o doctrine_n precept_n promise_n threaten_n motive_n and_o assistance_n be_v this_o to_o make_v we_o true_o happy_a and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v to_o in_o say_v set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n by_o thing_n above_o he_o mean_v those_o very_a thing_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o you_o by_o the_o discourse_n immediate_o forego_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o true_a object_n of_o our_o happiness_n he_o mean_v god_n himself_o who_o be_v our_o chief_a good_a and_o the_o expression_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o love_n he_o meâ—â—â—_n the_o grace_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o perfect_a and_o adorn_v and_o compose_v the_o mind_n he_o mean_v the_o everlasting_a blessedness_n which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o happiness_n and_o joy_n of_o heaven_n by_o advise_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o those_o thing_n he_o mean_v they_o shall_v be_v much_o the_o object_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o intend_v the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o they_o and_o the_o employ_v of_o all_o our_o power_n about_o they_o the_o original_a word_n which_o we_o render_v here_o set_v your_o affection_n have_v this_o large_a import_n and_o signification_n and_o may_v be_v render_v mind_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o let_v your_o judgement_n esteem_v they_o your_o will_n choose_v and_o your_o affection_n follow_v they_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v rather_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n to_o express_v thus_o when_o it_o only_o intend_v to_o prefer_v the_o former_a thing_n it_o speak_v of_o before_o the_o latter_a so_o in_o hos_n 6._o 6._o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v rather_o than_o sacrifice_n he_o intend_v to_o express_v god_n preference_n of_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n here_o then_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v a_o hebrew_n of_o hebrew_n speak_v after_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o language_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o mean_v set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o rather_o than_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n mind_v those_o thing_n most_o let_v they_o have_v the_o preference_n with_o you_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v nor_o do_v our_o religion_n forbid_v the_o moderate_a seek_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v unsensible_a of_o their_o goodness_n to_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o nor_o absolute_o and_o whole_o to_o refuse_v or_o reject_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_a and_o
heritage_n govern_v they_o and_o lift_v they_o up_o for_o ever_o and_o make_v all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n due_o concern_v to_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n let_v thy_o gracious_a presence_n dwell_v in_o the_o land_n of_o our_o nativity_n bless_v we_o with_o peace_n and_o plenty_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o cleanse_v our_o heart_n to_o heal_v our_o division_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a our_o several_a duty_n towards_o thou_o give_v health_n and_o happiness_n to_o our_o king_n and_o queen_n and_o teach_v we_o and_o all_o their_o subject_n our_o duty_n towards_o they_o bless_v and_o direct_v all_o inferior_a magistrate_n make_v they_o a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n and_o a_o praise_n to_o they_o that_o do_v well_o let_v those_o that_o minister_n in_o holy_a thing_n be_v a_o good_a example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o make_v we_o follower_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v of_o christ_n we_o implore_v thy_o mercy_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v in_o affliction_n especial_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n give_v they_o patience_n under_o their_o suffering_n and_o a_o happy_a issue_n out_o of_o all_o their_o affliction_n accept_v our_o humble_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o we_o have_v this_o day_n offer_v to_o thou_o in_o thy_o son_n name_n and_o make_v the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v to_o have_v such_o influence_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n as_o thou_o do_v expect_v from_o it_o give_v we_o a_o night_n of_o safe_a and_o comfortable_a rest_n preserve_v we_o from_o fear_n and_o danger_n and_o when_o we_o awake_v in_o the_o morning_n let_v we_o cheerful_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n in_o all_o our_o way_n acknowledge_v thou_o and_o do_v thou_o gracious_o direct_v our_o step_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o word_n we_o conclude_v these_o our_o poor_a imperfect_a address_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n hallow_v be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o easiness_n of_o religion_n explain_v and_o improve_v let_v we_o pray_v prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o mat._n 11._o 29_o 30._o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a it_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a degeneracy_n that_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v fall_v under_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o wonderful_a averseness_n that_o be_v in_o all_o mankind_n to_o a_o religious_a and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n religion_n be_v the_o great_a ornament_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o all_o our_o defect_n and_o disparagement_n it_o be_v our_o true_a and_o complete_a perfection_n and_o yet_o we_o common_o appear_v to_o be_v most_o easy_o withhold_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o we_o devise_v excuse_n to_o neglect_v it_o we_o receive_v the_o most_o false_a and_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o without_o any_o examination_n of_o they_o we_o do_v often_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o wickedness_n against_o the_o most_o weighty_a inducement_n to_o do_v well_o these_o word_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n have_v teach_v we_o as_o well_o as_o die_v for_o we_o do_v meet_v with_o one_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v very_o common_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v the_o imagination_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o task_n too_o hard_o for_o humane_a nature_n and_o utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v because_o we_o must_v indeed_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o be_v religious_a our_o lazy_a and_o unwilling_a soul_n magnify_v the_o little_a opposition_n into_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o make_v we_o think_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o get_v over_o they_o and_o the_o way_n down_o to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n seem_v easy_a and_o smooth_a be_v strew_v with_o pleasure_n riches_n and_o worldly_a honour_n and_o these_o thing_n easy_o allure_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o follow_v that_o against_o this_o fatal_a and_o discourage_a prejudice_n our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o text_n take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o that_o be_v charge_v yourselves_o with_o the_o keep_n my_o command_n submit_v to_o my_o government_n for_o this_o mean_v the_o word_n yoke_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a it_o shall_v be_v possible_a to_o you_o to_o keep_v my_o command_n you_o shall_v find_v i_o do_v not_o require_v of_o you_o that_o which_o you_o can_v perform_v that_o the_o difficulty_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o be_v not_o invincible_a and_o further_o to_o encourage_v the_o take_n up_o his_o yoke_n he_o add_v learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n if_o you_o take_v up_o this_o yoke_n you_o but_o take_v up_o that_o which_o i_o have_v bear_v myself_o i_o be_o of_o a_o meek_a and_o submissive_a mind_n i_o do_v not_o disdain_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n i_o then_o command_v you_o nothing_o but_o what_o i_o have_v practise_v myself_o and_o your_o obedience_n to_o these_o law_n will_v be_v your_o imitation_n of_o i_o and_o he_o add_v further_a you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n this_o shall_v be_v peace_n and_o happiness_n to_o you_o in_o discourse_v upon_o these_o word_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o better_a promote_a the_o design_n of_o they_o to_o insist_v upon_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o to_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o command_v of_o god_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v observe_v which_o will_v be_v both_o explication_n and_o proof_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n 2._o to_o suggest_v by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v best_o render_v this_o easy_a to_o ourselves_o 3._o to_o urge_v by_o some_o proper_a motive_n the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o may_v understand_v this_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o will_v be_v sufficient_o represent_v in_o the_o three_o follow_v particular_n 1._o this_o be_v easy_a to_o a_o vigorous_a and_o earnest_a endeavour_n '_o tit_n true_a there_o will_v be_v continual_a opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o that_o corruption_n that_o have_v get_v possession_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o frequent_a assault_n of_o temptation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v difficulty_n that_o shall_v be_v overcome_v by_o a_o earnest_n and_o diligent_a endeavour_n our_o saviour_n say_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a luke_n 13._o 24._o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n he_o mean_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o opposition_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o our_o own_o unworthy_a averseness_n do_v render_v a_o strait_a gate_n this_o we_o can_v pass_v without_o strive_v and_o a_o good_a endeavour_n but_o with_o this_o he_o intimate_v we_o may_v do_v so_o this_o will_v ccomplish_v what_o we_o desire_v but_o many_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o lazy_a wish_n it_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a indeed_o invincible_o difficult_a to_o be_v religious_a he_o that_o can_v persuade_v himself_o to_o strive_v with_o earnestness_n and_o patience_n shall_v never_o become_v so_o and_o this_o
be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o remain_v with_o many_o so_o discourage_v a_o difficulty_n all_o their_o day_n they_o never_o proceed_v further_o than_o to_o a_o few_o lazy_a wish_n or_o at_o most_o to_o a_o few_o short_a and_o faint_a endeavour_n they_o be_v good_a sometime_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o temptation_n or_o provocation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o but_o whenever_o these_o assault_n they_o present_o yield_v and_o renew_v their_o sin_n 2._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n with_o that_o assistance_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n afford_v they_o who_o diligent_o seek_v it_o it_o be_v good_a and_o safe_a for_o a_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o succeed_v by_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o endeavour_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v also_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o conclude_v from_o our_o own_o weakness_n the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o keep_v the_o command_v of_o god_n because_o we_o may_v obtain_v sufficient_a assistance_n from_o above_o he_o that_o have_v say_v his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a have_v as_o we_o may_v say_v therein_o bind_v himself_o to_o make_v good_a his_o own_o gracious_a word_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o will_v do_v this_o our_o great_a and_o kind_a saviour_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v be_v ready_a and_o able_a to_o help_v we_o in_o all_o our_o difficulty_n and_o weakness_n we_o have_v not_o a_o highpriest_n say_v the_o apostle_n of_o he_o that_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n heb._n 4._o 15._o and_o from_o thence_o he_o add_v in_o the_o 16_o chapter_n let_v we_o therefore_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n since_o we_o have_v such_o a_o highpriest_n such_o a_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o upon_o earnest_n and_o sincere_a seek_v we_o shall_v obtain_v sufficient_a grace_n we_o may_v come_v bold_o for_o this_o may_v ask_v with_o a_o assure_a expectation_n to_o receive_v according_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n he_o may_v ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o jam._n 1._o 5._o but_o let_v we_o also_o know_v since_o we_o be_v bid_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n that_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o enter_v in_o without_o our_o strive_v as_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n must_v make_v our_o strive_v successful_a so_o our_o strive_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_v the_o effectual_a grace_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v notice_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o what_o god_n say_v by_o his_o prophet_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o ezek._n 11._o in_o the_o 18_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o mention_n their_o earnest_a application_n of_o themselves_o towards_o the_o make_n a_o reformation_n among_o they_o and_o then_o in_o verse_n 19_o and_o 20._o he_o say_v i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v put_v a_o new_a spirit_n within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o their_o flesh_n and_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o do_v they_o if_o then_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o in_o great_a earnest_n to_o be_v religious_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v put_v this_o new_a spirit_n into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v renew_v in_o the_o inner_a man_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o we_o to_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n restore_v our_o decay_a power_n and_o rectify_v our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n when_o this_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prevail_v it_o will_v be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o we_o to_o perform_v good_a action_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o the_o water_n to_o flow_v these_o will_v be_v as_o agreeable_a and_o easy_a as_o natural_a action_n to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o perfect_a health_n and_o strength_n the_o grace_n wrought_v in_o we_o in_o this_o rectify_v of_o our_o nature_n do_v altogether_o conduce_v to_o the_o easy_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o love_n which_o in_o the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n be_v sweet_a and_o easy_a love_n to_o god_n will_v make_v we_o ready_a and_o incline_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man._n there_o be_v strength_n in_o love_n it_o can_v do_v more_o than_o without_o it_o we_o can_v think_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v it_o rise_v against_o difficulty_n and_o will_v never_o cease_v till_o it_o surmount_v and_o overcome_v they_o this_o make_v crooked_a way_n straight_o and_o rough_a place_n plain_a it_o be_v very_o laborious_a and_o diligent_a and_o do_v alleviate_v and_o sweeten_v labour_n and_o diligence_n it_o delight_v to_o do_v whatever_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o to_o express_v by_o all_o possible_a way_n a_o honour_n and_o esteem_v of_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v by_o our_o saviour_n if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o command_n thus_o if_o our_o deprave_a nature_n be_v but_o rectify_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o perform_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v easy_a in_o themselves_o to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o do_v true_o love_v he_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o intimate_v in_o the_o 1_o epist_n of_o john_n and_o the_o 5_o chap._n by_o the_o connextion_n of_o the_o 3d._a verse_n there_o those_o than_o that_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o careful_o obey_v they_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v they_o will_v find_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ready_a to_o assist_v they_o and_o after_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o to_o will_n he_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o be_v according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n to_o do_v so_o and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o conclude_v and_o expect_v from_o this_o which_o he_o have_v declare_v concern_v himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v to_o he_o and_o live_v 3._o religion_n be_v easy_a in_o comparison_n to_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n or_o be_v true_o much_o more_o easy_a than_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n than_o wickedness_n be_v virtue_n however_o seldom_o it_o can_v be_v find_v and_o though_o it_o be_v account_v difficult_a be_v for_o all_o that_o agree_v and_o suitable_a to_o the_o essential_a constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o wickedness_n however_o common_a and_o familiar_a it_o be_v be_v a_o adventitious_a and_o adverse_a thing_n the_o former_a be_v that_o we_o be_v make_v for_o and_o suit_v and_o fit_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o then_o the_o latter_a must_v by_o consequence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o contrivance_n of_o our_o nature_n religion_n be_v the_o rectitude_n of_o our_o nature_n wickedness_n be_v the_o disorder_n of_o it_o vice_n be_v a_o aberration_n from_o nature_n and_o the_o deformity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o vehement_a passion_n and_o unlawful_a lust_n be_v departure_n from_o true_a and_o right_a nature_n but_o from_o hence_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o wickeness_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a and_o troublesome_a of_o the_o two_o what_o be_v most_o natural_a must_v needs_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o virtue_n be_v in_o truth_n most_o natural_a according_o how_o do_v a_o violent_a and_o furious_a passion_n disorder_v the_o mind_n confound_v our_o thought_n and_o dissipate_v and_o spend_v the_o spirit_n be_v not_o a_o excessive_a and_o inordinate_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n more_o troublesome_a than_o a_o calm_a and_o gentle_a one_o and_o be_v it_o not_o easy_a and_o soon_o do_v to_o use_v with_o moderation_n and_o temperance_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n than_o to_o use_v they_o with_o excess_n the_o one_o soothe_v and_o cherish_v nature_n the_o other_o weaken_v fret_n and_o hurt_v it_o beside_o may_v we_o not_o observe_v that_o vice_n must_v be_v learned_a that_o no_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n without_o take_v some_o pain_n with_o himself_o for_o this_o further_o it_o
our_o inclination_n to_o evil_n will_v always_o be_v strong_a when_o it_o be_v excite_v by_o temptation_n and_o favour_v with_o opportunity_n to_o exert_v its_o self_n temptation_n and_o opportunity_n be_v to_o our_o evil_a inclination_n like_o oil_n to_o a_o fire_n which_o pour_v on_o it_o will_v increase_v its_o strength_n and_o fury_n as_o we_o put_v out_o fire_n by_o withdraw_a the_o fuel_n so_o we_o must_v extinguish_v and_o weaken_v the_o fire_n of_o concupiscence_n by_o avoid_v temptation_n those_o circumstance_n which_o we_o have_v find_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n we_o must_v careful_o shun_v they_o if_o we_o can_v these_o be_v the_o endeavour_n which_o must_v be_v oppose_v to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v render_v it_o very_o easy_a to_o ourselves_o if_o man_n will_v but_o diligent_o take_v this_o care_n they_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o find_v it_o true_a which_o our_o saviour_n say_v my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a now_o because_o our_o saviour_n himself_o add_v some_o motive_n to_o the_o take_v up_o his_o yoke_n beside_o this_o assurance_n of_o its_o easiness_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o urge_v this_o too_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a at_o our_o first_o attempt_n as_o we_o will_v desire_v we_o may_v yet_o not_o be_v discourage_v but_o persist_v in_o our_o endeavour_n and_o constant_o take_v this_o course_n which_o have_v be_v direct_v to_o diminish_v the_o difficulty_n we_o meet_v with_o to_o which_o purpose_n let_v these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v which_o thing_n will_v also_o help_v to_o settle_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o good_a resolution_n and_o so_o will_v promote_v the_o easiness_n of_o religion_n 1._o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o obedience_n will_v be_v no_o excuse_n for_o our_o neglect_v it_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o he_o be_v very_o merciful_a and_o forgive_a for_o certain_o this_o do_v not_o disannul_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v we_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o endeavour_v and_o strive_v to_o obey_v and_o the_o rather_o because_o upon_o our_o good_a endeavour_n and_o strive_v we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o those_o difficulty_n which_o we_o may_v overcome_v can_v excuse_v if_o they_o do_v discourage_v we_o and_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o such_o shall_v discourage_v we_o we_o have_v no_o fortitude_n in_o we_o no_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n oblige_v goodness_n of_o his_o terrible_a wrath_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o honour_n of_o religion_n if_o such_o difficulty_n can_v discourage_v we_o we_o trample_v upon_o all_o the_o inducement_n to_o obedience_n and_o be_v not_o good_a only_o because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o but_o further_a this_o difficulty_n arise_v from_o ourselves_o from_o the_o guilty_a corruption_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a and_o we_o be_v carnal_a that_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a we_o be_v unholy_a and_o sell_v under_o sin_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o difficult_a to_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o be_v unable_a so_o that_o we_o have_v contract_v our_o own_o inability_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o this_o will_v excuse_v we_o as_o well_o may_v a_o man_n think_v his_o prodigal_a waste_n of_o his_o estate_n shall_v make_v what_o he_o owe_v not_o due_a to_o his_o creditor_n as_o that_o this_o shall_v excuse_v our_o keep_n the_o command_n of_o god_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o quicken_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v not_o that_o inward_a hindrance_n of_o it_o which_o we_o be_v unhappy_o encumber_a with_o but_o yet_o even_o he_o be_v not_o free_a from_o many_o external_a discouragement_n and_o temptation_n he_o suffer_v many_o indignity_n and_o persecution_n from_o man_n he_o die_v for_o the_o testimony_n that_o he_o bear_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o ignominious_a and_o miserable_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o do_v his_o father_n will_n and_o fulfil_v the_o work_n that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n about_o and_o it_o great_o recommend_v the_o yoke_n which_o he_o call_v we_o to_o take_v up_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o he_o have_v bear_v himself_o he_o bid_v we_o learn_v of_o he_o in_o the_o text_n to_o learn_v submission_n and_o obedience_n by_o his_o example_n he_o spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o a_o willing_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n he_o condescend_v to_o make_v himself_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o consider_v it_o be_v for_o our_o sake_n that_o he_o become_v so_o to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n on_o our_o behalf_n and_o satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o it_o which_o we_o can_v full_o satisfy_v and_o so_o to_o purchase_v for_o we_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n it_o be_v he_o who_o have_v thus_o oblige_v we_o who_o call_v we_o to_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o please_v he_o who_o deny_v himself_o so_o much_o and_o condescend_v so_o far_o for_o our_o advantage_n we_o see_v that_o he_o expect_v this_o of_o we_o he_o require_v we_o to_o learn_v of_o he_o and_o follow_v he_o in_o obedience_n and_o can_v we_o think_v he_o will_v ever_o own_v we_o if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o this_o be_v not_o then_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o find_v favour_n with_o he_o of_o obtain_v his_o intercession_n for_o we_o and_o of_o his_o own_v we_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n 3._o let_v we_o then_o set_v the_o inconvenience_n that_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n against_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o consider_v which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v choose_v whether_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v overcome_v or_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o can_v be_v avoid_v and_o be_v intolerable_a certain_o these_o latter_a thing_n be_v not_o enough_o consider_v when_o man_n forsake_v their_o duty_n because_o of_o the_o little_a labour_n and_o self-denial_n that_o it_o will_v put_v we_o to_o let_v i_o then_o brief_o propose_v to_o you_o some_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v further_o think_v on_o at_o your_o leisure_n 1._o consider_v the_o grievous_a and_o heavy_a calamity_n in_o this_o life_n which_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n always_o expose_v they_o to_o and_o often_o bring_v they_o under_o evil_n pursue_v sinner_n it_o be_v say_v and_o how_o often_o do_v we_o see_v that_o it_o overtake_v they_o too_o with_o a_o very_a sudden_a and_o terrible_a vengeance_n the_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n often_o mix_v with_o the_o sinner_n pleasant_a and_o profitable_a sin_n and_o do_v utter_o spoil_v and_o embitter_v they_o idleness_n drunkenness_n and_o uncleanness_n bring_v a_o man_n often_o to_o rag_n and_o poverty_n disease_n painful_a loathsome_a and_o mortal_a be_v the_o frequent_a troublesome_a effect_n of_o intemperance_n and_o lawless_a lust_n though_o the_o world_n be_v very_o lamentable_o wicked_a yet_o be_v some_o sin_n matter_n of_o ignominy_n and_o shame_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n have_v make_v penal_a law_n against_o some_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n and_o he_o who_o will_v take_v no_o pain_n to_o restrain_v and_o regulate_v himself_o be_v often_o leave_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v into_o those_o sin_n which_o subject_n he_o to_o the_o ignominy_n and_o loss_n and_o pain_n of_o those_o penalty_n the_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n be_v very_o grievous_a and_o uneasy_a to_o whoever_o fall_v under_o they_o and_o he_o that_o constant_o provoke_v almighty_a god_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o expose_v to_o they_o and_o these_o be_v most_o heavy_a and_o sensible_a to_o the_o wretched_a sinner_n who_o heart_n be_v set_v on_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o who_o want_v those_o inward_a consolation_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o support_v good_a man_n under_o their_o affliction_n sin_n in_o its_o nature_n tend_v to_o misery_n be_v it_o not_o our_o wisdom_n then_o to_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o avoid_v sin_n rather_o than_o to_o expose_v ourselves_o for_o want_n of_o that_o pain_n to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o misery_n to_o the_o suffering_n of_o much_o affliction_n and_o that_o too_o from_o the_o wrath_n and_o incense_a justice_n of_o god_n which_o will_v give_v what_o ever_o we_o can_v endure_v the_o great_a sharpness_n and_o aggravation_n that_o it_o can_v possible_o have_v 2._o the_o sinner_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o anguish_n and_o pang_n of_o a_o