mankind_n be_v general_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v more_o influence_v by_o education_n and_o custom_n than_o reason_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n yet_o it_o go_v against_o the_o grain_n to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n for_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o mankind_n that_o which_o render_v one_o man_n more_o excellent_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n give_v the_o superiority_n for_o whoever_o be_v mistake_v must_v acknowledge_v his_o defect_n in_o wisdom_n or_o prudence_n at_o least_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a and_o that_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o fool_n which_o be_v the_o great_a reproach_n and_o imputation_n can_v be_v cast_v upon_o a_o man._n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o amid_o the_o hurry_n of_o worldly_a business_n and_o the_o many_o emergency_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o folly_n and_o oversight_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v few_o man_n willing_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o it_o be_v grace_n alone_o which_o by_o render_v we_o true_o humble_a can_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o miserable_a and_o indigent_a condition_n 3.17_o rev._n 3.17_o and_o how_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a we_o be_v these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v encounter_v withal_o by_o that_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o reprove_v his_o neighbour_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discourage_v any_o wise_a man_n from_o venture_v upon_o this_o province_n be_v he_o influence_v only_o by_o prudential_a principle_n and_o temporal_a inducement_n but_o since_o god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v iii_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o encouragement_n to_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v such_o as_o these_o consider_v 1._o that_o much_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 2._o much_o goodwill_n redound_v to_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o we_o ourselves_o shall_v reap_v much_o benefit_n thereby_o 4._o we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o mischief_n which_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o 1._o by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v bring_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o prevent_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v out_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n looseness_n and_o debauchery_n which_o of_o late_a year_n be_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v our_o ruin_n be_v vigorous_o and_o courageous_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o the_o stream_n and_o by_o show_v our_o open_a detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o if_o possible_a to_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o prevail_a vice_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o when_o the_o calamity_n be_v grow_v public_a there_o be_v no_o stand_a neuter_n he_o that_o be_v not_o active_a and_o zealous_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o discourage_v vice_n and_o profaneness_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n against_o virtue_n and_o religion_n for_o when_o man_n who_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o expect_v salvation_n through_o his_o merit_n shall_v sit_v still_o and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o jest_n and_o drollery_n of_o profane_a man_n his_o gospel_n ridicule_v his_o holy_a name_n dishonour_v and_o not_o be_v move_v and_o transport_v against_o such_o blasphemous_a discourse_n when_o they_o shall_v show_v no_o open_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n at_o unjust_a unrighteous_a or_o wicked_a action_n they_o give_v these_o impious_a wretch_n too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n with_o their_o mouth_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o fool_n 10.1_o psal_n 10.1_o as_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a true_a sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o a_o supreme_a be_v as_o themselves_o for_o what_o generous_a man_n can_v be_v content_v to_o sit_v still_o and_o hear_v his_o best_a friend_n reproach_v and_o speak_v ill_o off_o what_o dutiful_a son_n can_v endure_v that_o any_o aspersion_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o his_o father_n that_o his_o word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v ridicule_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o resent_v the_o affront_n much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o be_v zealous_a when_o we_o hear_v profane_a wretch_n set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o with_o one_o breath_n of_o his_o displeasure_n can_v reduce_v they_o into_o nothing_o or_o into_o a_o condition_n worse_o than_o nothing_o if_o good_a man_n will_v resent_v this_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n and_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o man_n may_v be_v private_o wicked_a but_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o public_o profane_a there_o may_v be_v many_o ill_a man_n but_o there_o will_v be_v very_o few_o ill_a example_n vice_n will_v be_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o keen_a weapon_n and_o most_o prevail_a argument_n fashionableness_n and_o imitation_n 12.3_o dan._n 12.3_o and_o if_o those_o who_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o firmament_n certain_o those_o who_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v other_o from_o be_v wicked_a shall_v not_o miss_v of_o a_o due_a reward_n 2._o our_o neighbour_n will_v receive_v much_o benefit_n by_o a_o friendly_a admonition_n for_o though_o at_o first_o reproof_n will_v be_v unwelcome_a and_o troublesome_a and_o he_o may_v be_v rather_o enrage_v than_o amend_v by_o it_o yet_o by_o degree_n a_o gentle_a reproof_n will_v make_v its_o way_n and_o gain_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o be_v reform_v he_o will_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o quiet_v of_o mind_n in_o this_o life_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o who_o can_v be_v just_o sensible_a what_o inestimable_a benefit_n he_o confer_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n and_o what_o apparent_a danger_n he_o deliver_v he_o from_o by_o be_v instrumental_a in_o his_o reformation_n and_o yet_o think_v any_o pain_n too_o great_a to_o bring_v about_o this_o excellent_a work_n for_o shall_v wicked_a man_n take_v more_o pain_n to_o pervert_v and_o ruin_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o good_a man_n shall_v to_o save_v they_o alive_a shall_v the_o drunkard_n and_o lascivious_a person_n be_v more_o diligent_a to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n than_o the_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o those_o vice_n this_o will_v be_v to_o dishonour_v our_o christian_a profession_n and_o public_o to_o own_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o faithful_a servant_n than_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o make_v it_o his_o chief_a business_n to_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n 16.8_o john_n 16.8_o he_o come_v upon_o this_o errand_n live_v a_o laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v turn_v sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o promote_v virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reprove_v our_o neighbour_n be_v therefore_o the_o high_a instance_n of_o charity_n since_o hereby_o we_o design_v he_o the_o great_a good_a imaginable_a the_o happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o rather_o prevail_v upon_o to_o attempt_v since_o 3._o by_o reprove_v other_o we_o may_v reap_v much_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o ourselves_o first_o hereby_o we_o shall_v provide_v ourselves_o a_o friend_n to_o do_v the_o samekind_a office_n for_o we_o for_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o recriminate_a and_o when_o they_o be_v touch_v to_o the_o quick_a themselves_o they_o think_v to_o extenuate_v their_o crime_n by_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o who_o reprove_v they_o and_o since_o we_o be_v all_o weak_a and_o infirm_a creature_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o man_n a_o most_o excellent_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o such_o recrimination_n we_o may_v hence_o discover_v our_o most_o secret_a fault_n and_o form_v a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o amend_v they_o for_o 2._o it_o will_v make_v we_o ashamed_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n which_o
near_o we_o resemble_v he_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v of_o he_o in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o future_a state_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o consist_v in_o repeat_v act_n of_o love_n and_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o the_o better_a fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n by_o furnish_v our_o soul_n with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o those_o divine_a quality_n of_o humility_n meekness_n charity_n etc._n etc._n the_o more_o capable_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o partake_v of_o those_o heavenly_a pleasure_n 16.11_o psal_n 16.11_o which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o our_o time_n in_o this_o world_n be_v give_v we_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o we_o may_v furnish_v ourselves_o with_o such_o virtue_n and_o grace_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o fit_a guest_n for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o virtue_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n which_o we_o must_v obtain_v before_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v it_o but_o this_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n at_o present_a 1._o dr._n scot_n in_o his_o christian_a life_n part._n 1._o and_o have_v be_v already_o large_o treat_v on_o by_o a_o excellent_a hand_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_a remark_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o our_o future_a state_n from_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n or_o to_o take_v those_o figurative_a description_n of_o it_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v 12.25_o mark_v 12.25_o nor_o marry_v nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n a_o sensual_a paradise_n may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v by_o a_o turk_n or_o pagan_a but_o not_o by_o a_o christian_a who_o religion_n teach_v he_o to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o sinful_a lust_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o same_o it_o permit_v he_o indeed_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o render_v his_o pilgrimage_n more_o easy_a and_o his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n more_o comfortable_a but_o yet_o it_o teach_v he_o that_o his_o chief_a happiness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v place_v in_o transitory_a delight_n that_o they_o be_v joy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a nature_n such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o understand_v which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o who_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o such_o blessing_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o immortal_a part_n such_o as_o the_o bless_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a the_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n will_v be_v continual_o delight_v and_o transport_v in_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o creator_n if_o therefore_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o 12.14_o heb._n 12.14_o we_o must_v practice_v holiness_n in_o this_o life_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n we_o must_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o keep_v our_o passion_n within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o mortify_v our_o immoderate_a appetite_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n patience_n and_o charity_n this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o every_o one_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v persuade_v to_o embrace_v this_o pleasant_a course_n of_o life_n and_o methinks_v there_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o argument_n to_o prevail_v with_o you_o present_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o since_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o both_o for_o your_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a interest_n for_o what_o do_v god_n require_v of_o you_o which_o be_v not_o high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a what_o do_v he_o command_v you_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o love_v mercy_n 6.8_o micah_n 6.8_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o your_o god_n i._n e._n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o to_o act_n as_o become_v reasonable_a and_o dependent_a being_n consider_v what_o can_v you_o wish_v for_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n 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 she_o shall_v give_v thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n 3.16_o pror_n 3.16_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o to_o honour_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n to_o thy_o head_n and_o as_o a_o chain_n about_o thy_o neck_n what_o allurement_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o perish_v even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n that_o you_o shall_v prefer_v they_o before_o those_o which_o flow_v from_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n and_o now_o may_v not_o god_n just_o expostulate_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n 5.4_o isa_n 5.4_o what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v to_o my_o vineyard_n which_o i_o have_v not_o do_v unto_o it_o what_o more_o probable_a and_o more_o rational_a method_n can_v god_n have_v take_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v good_a and_o by_o consequence_n happy_a than_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o he_o have_v address_v himself_o both_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n he_o have_v place_v eternal_a happiness_n on_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a misery_n on_o the_o other_o and_o moreover_o have_v strew_v our_o way_n to_o heaven_n with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o to_o take_v even_o hell_n by_o force_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o blame_v but_o our_o own_o stupendous_a folly_n we_o can_v sure_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o our_o service_n or_o that_o our_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n 35.6_o job_n 35.6_o for_o as_o elihu_n very_o well_o argue_v if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o at_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v only_o our_o welfare_n god_n seek_v it_o be_v our_o good_a he_o be_v so_o solicitous_a for_o and_o as_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o with_o a_o design_n to_o communicate_v happiness_n unto_o we_o so_o he_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o gracious_a intention_n towards_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o shall_v we_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o to_o defeat_v all_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v not_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o move_v we_o shall_v neither_o our_o eternal_a nor_o our_o temporal_a interest_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o we_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v such_o unaccountable_a folly_n and_o monstrous_a ingratitude_n as_o no_o consider_v person_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o let_v i_o therefore_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o you_o present_v your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v but_o your_o reasonable_a service_n let_v i_o beg_v and_o entreat_v of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o bless_a lord_n and_o redeemer_n that_o you_o will_v so_o far_o consult_v your_o own_o interest_n as_o to_o lead_v a_o pure_a holy_a and_o devout_a life_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o pass_v your_o time_n cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v sure_a of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v sermon_n ii_o psalm_n cxix_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o with_o great_a reason_n have_v
ordinance_n of_o religion_n be_v tiresome_a and_o a_o weariness_n to_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n tell_v we_o 12.6_o act_n 14.22_o heb._n 12.6_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o god_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n 7.4_o matth._n 7.4_o and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v so_o happy_a and_o pleasant_a a_o state_n of_o life_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v it_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v that_o many_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o difficulty_n attend_v a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o time_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v persecute_v by_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o even_o in_o our_o time_n when_o king_n be_v become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o to_o give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o entrance_n on_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o so_o great_a difficulty_n that_o it_o will_v become_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o easy_a and_o at_o last_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o they_o when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n accustom_a themselves_o to_o it_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o well-spent_a life_n will_v flow_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o nothing_o 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the_o dear-bought_a blessing_n more_o acceptable_a to_o they_o do_v they_o not_o undergo_v much_o great_a difficulty_n for_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n though_o their_o success_n be_v seldom_o answerable_a to_o their_o expectation_n do_v they_o not_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n leave_v their_o best_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n and_o dig_v even_o into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o quest_n of_o wealth_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o find_v a_o grave_a where_o they_o seek_v their_o treasure_n do_v they_o not_o toil_n and_o sweat_n and_o wade_v through_o a_o sea_n of_o blood_n in_o pursuit_n of_o honour_n though_o they_o expect_v no_o other_o recompense_n for_o their_o pain_n but_o a_o lawrel-wreath_n or_o the_o applause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v not_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n deserve_v our_o care_n shall_v we_o not_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n for_o a_o never_o fade_a crown_n as_o we_o do_v for_o a_o wither_a garland_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o great_a difficulty_n we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n suppose_v as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v that_o there_o be_v lion_n in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n mountain_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o our_o natural_a strength_n and_o ability_n yet_o even_o the_o most_o formidable_a evil_n will_v not_o fright_v we_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n if_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o low_a and_o most_o afflict_a condition_n the_o good_a man_n enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o quiet_a mind_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a compensation_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o can_v possible_o endure_v in_o this_o life_n all_o other_o evil_n be_v supportable_a and_o may_v be_v undergo_v by_o a_o stable_n and_o well_o resolve_v mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n 18.14_o prov._n 18.14_o but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v this_o be_v the_o only_a load_n which_o be_v insupportable_a and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o lot_n of_o the_o prosperous_a wicked_a man._n 2._o the_o good_a man_n be_v furnish_v with_o never-failing_a remedy_n against_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o present_a life_n he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o affliction_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o god_n dispose_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o a_o indulgent_a father_n that_o the_o wheel_n of_o god_n providence_n have_v a_o eye_n within_o they_o which_o always_o guide_v they_o to_o some_o wise_a end_n or_o other_o 12.9_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v proportion_v his_o assistance_n to_o his_o want_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v call_v he_o out_o to_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n he_o will_v also_o give_v he_o strength_n to_o undergo_v the_o fiery_a trial_n and_o cheerful_o to_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o flame_n and_o 3._o the_o good_a man_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o suffer_v will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o the_o time_n draw_v on_o apace_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o all_o his_o trouble_n 7.17_o rev._n 7.17_o have_v all_o tear_n wipe_v away_o from_o his_o eye_n and_o receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n for_o all_o those_o momentary_a affliction_n he_o have_v undergo_v in_o this_o life_n whilst_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n his_o faith_n show_v he_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n and_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o it_o make_v he_o not_o only_o patient_a but_o thankful_a for_o and_o cheerful_a under_o affliction_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o st._n paul_n when_o in_o chain_n and_o under_o all_o his_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n be_v infinite_o more_o content_v than_o caesar_n or_o seneca_n than_o any_o of_o the_o most_o fortunate_a prince_n or_o wise_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a true_a pleasure_n to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o debauch_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n 2._o that_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v a_o comfortable_a life_n even_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a 3._o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v fall_v into_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o most_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o if_o so_o then_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v i.e._n that_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n be_v best_a secure_v by_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n it_o only_o remain_v that_o i_o show_v second_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n only_o differ_v in_o degree_n grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v and_o glory_n be_v grace_n perfect_v and_o consummate_v so_o that_o every_o good_a action_n and_o religious_a duty_n that_o we_o perform_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n it_o both_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o and_o lead_v we_o near_o to_o it_o for_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n we_o copy_n out_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o become_v more_o like_a god_n and_o the_o
our_o way_n as_o to_o turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o 2_o tim_n iii_o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o this_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n ver._n 1._o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n periolous_a time_n shall_v come_v because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n and_o all_o which_o he_o comprehend_v under_o one_o character_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o time_n will_v be_v so_o perilous_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o wicked_a person_n shall_v conceal_v their_o crime_n under_o a_o form_n and_o show_v of_o godliness_n be_v they_o profess_o and_o open_o wicked_a there_o be_v some_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o their_o impudence_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tax_v or_o upbraid_v with_o hypocrisy_n be_v they_o covetous_a proud_a blasphemer_n without_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n than_o all_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v and_o detect_v they_o 55.12_o psal_n 55.12_o and_o from_o a_o open_a enemy_n i_o will_v have_v hide_v myself_o say_v david_n shelf_n and_o quicksand_n that_o have_v light_n always_o burn_v to_o discover_v they_o by_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o avoid_v and_o we_o be_v forewarn_v against_o the_o dog_n that_o bark_v first_o but_o these_o deceiver_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v have_v a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a outside_n though_o they_o be_v foul_a within_o these_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o be_v great_a professor_n of_o religion_n they_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o great_a sin_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a company_n and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o observe_v the_o caution_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n iii_o how_o we_o may_v discover_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o else_o only_a the_o form_n of_o it_o iu._n and_o last_o how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o godliness_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o devout_a and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o according_a to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o describe_v it_o more_o full_o and_o express_o 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_a love_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a whereby_o we_o be_v incite_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a towards_o man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o word_n be_v imply_v our_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o be_v express_v by_o st._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o paul_n by_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v mean_v a_o outward_a resemblance_n a_o colourable_a show_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o godliness_n when_o a_o man_n put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n act_n and_o mimic_n it_o so_o well_o as_o to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o judge_v according_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a holy_a and_o religious_a man_n though_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v nothing_o less_o he_o may_v not_o only_o deceive_v other_o but_o delude_v himself_o also_o and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o form_n must_v be_v like_o the_o pattern_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o form_n at_o all_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o picture_n or_o statue_n be_v such_o a_o man_n picture_n or_o statue_n unless_o it_o bear_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o his_o look_n and_o person_n thus_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n must_v be_v such_o a_o show_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o hue_n and_o complexion_n with_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o it_o though_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o imply_v that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o internal_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o action_n which_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v as_o st._n 8.12_o 1_o tiâ—â—_n 41_o 8.12_o paul_n say_v a_o example_n of_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v he_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o a_o man_n have_v charity_n in_o conversation_n faith_n and_o purity_n in_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o in_o himself_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o and_o godly_a towards_o his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n then_o be_v his_o soul_n and_o body_n entire_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n then_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o work_v mighty_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n of_o god_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o reduce_v the_o most_o stiffnecked_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n in_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o leave_v their_o belove_a sin_n and_o bosom_n vice_n and_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o subdue_a the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o unruly_a passion_n such_o as_o pride_n envy_n malice_n and_o revenge_n those_o sin_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o and_o in_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o men._n the_o lion_n become_v a_o lamb_n and_o the_o serpent_n a_o dove_n a_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n whole_o spiritual_a and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o child_n of_o god_n he_o aim_v at_o new_a end_n act_n by_o new_a principle_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v his_o life_n by_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o those_o hypocrite_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n be_v without_o here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v defective_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o show_v 2._o that_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v forewarn_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o for_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o his_o servant_n can_v put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n nay_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o true_a gospel_n with_o such_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a efficacy_n
to_o keep_v at_o home_n and_o find_v that_o a_o right_a management_n of_o his_o own_o action_n be_v a_o full_a employ_v sufficient_a to_o take_v up_o all_o his_o time_n and_o thought_n he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o intermeddle_v with_o other_o man_n concern_v or_o to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o business_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o or_o he_o be_v sensible_a that_o he_o himself_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o miscarriage_n and_o the_o reflection_n on_o his_o own_o infirmity_n withhold_v he_o from_o reprove_v the_o failure_n of_o other_o man_n who_o as_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v be_v better_o than_o himself_o 2._o a_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o err_v on_o the_o charitable_a side_n he_o be_v with_o difficulty_n persuade_v to_o believe_v ill_o of_o his_o neighbour_n though_o the_o crime_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o be_v apparent_o and_o notorious_o true_a charity_n will_v find_v out_o many_o excuse_n turn_v the_o best_a side_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v the_o most_o 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austere_a man_n say_v the_o lord_n to_o his_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a servant_n take_v up_o that_o i_o lay_v not_o down_o 19.22_o luk._n 19.22_o and_o reap_v that_o i_o do_v not_o sow_v wherefore_o then_o give_v thou_o not_o my_o money_n into_o the_o bank_n i._n e._n since_o nothing_o but_o a_o diligent_a and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o duty_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v all_o our_o strength_n and_o industry_n turn_v every_o stone_n use_v all_o just_a and_o likely_a mean_n which_o will_v yield_v we_o any_o help_n and_o assistance_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o difficulty_n of_o perform_v this_o duty_n will_v appear_v still_o great_a by_o consider_v 2._o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v reprove_v for_o we_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o kind_n and_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o what_o we_o design_v for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n many_o man_n be_v like_o those_o swine_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o throw_v the_o pearl_n of_o good_a advice_n before_o they_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v themselves_o behold_v to_o we_o for_o this_o our_o kind_n and_o charitable_a office_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v again_o and_o rend_v we_o 7.6_o matth._n 7.6_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o lose_v their_o good_a opinion_n and_o friendship_n and_o that_o they_o will_v become_v our_o enemy_n because_o we_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n for_o 1._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o some_o man_n think_v themselves_o too_o great_a to_o be_v reprove_v they_o be_v indeed_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o fail_n they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o scandalous_a crime_n and_o gross_a immorality_n but_o yet_o they_o fancy_n that_o they_o may_v live_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o restraint_n because_o they_o be_v above_o the_o common_a rank_n and_o level_n of_o mankind_n they_o have_v plenty_n of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n sufficient_a to_o maintain_v they_o in_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n without_o a_o servile_a dependence_n on_o any_o one_o and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o their_o privilege_n to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o word_n or_o action_n or_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o their_o evil_a deed_n though_o with_o never_o so_o much_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n mildness_n and_o submission_n what_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o man_n of_o plentiful_a fortune_n to_o lavish_a out_o those_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n providence_n of_o which_o they_o be_v only_o the_o steward_n and_o trustee_n in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n chamber_v and_o wantonness_n on_o this_o false_a supposition_n that_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o please_v with_o what_o they_o through_o mistake_n call_v their_o own_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o fill_v all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v with_o oath_n and_o execration_n and_o the_o blasphemous_a abuse_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a name_n and_o yet_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o rudeness_n ill-breeding_a and_o a_o intolerable_a affront_n shall_v any_o one_o reprove_v they_o for_o so_o do_v 2._o other_o there_o be_v and_o those_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n who_o think_v themselves_o too_o good_a to_o be_v reprove_v there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o pharisaical_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n that_o they_o make_v their_o own_o word_n and_o action_n the_o standard_n whereby_o they_o try_v all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n they_o first_o lie_v it_o down_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o that_o church_n or_o party_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o upon_o earth_n they_o fancy_n themselves_o the_o only_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o make_v this_o false_a and_o dangerous_a inference_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o think_v nor_o act_n amiss_o for_o since_o they_o be_v the_o elect_n and_o precious_a in_o who_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n therefore_o it_o be_v high_a injustice_n for_o any_o one_o else_o to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n to_o how_o little_a purpose_n will_v it_o be_v to_o reprove_v a_o man_n that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n that_o he_o think_v he_o have_v attain_v unto_o perfection_n and_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o performance_n that_o he_o aspire_v to_o work_n of_o supererogation_n for_o to_o be_v so_o humble_a as_o to_o disclaim_v any_o pretence_n to_o merit_n and_o to_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o our_o own_o want_n be_v a_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o render_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o receive_v benefit_n by_o good_a advice_n and_o last_o most_o man_n be_v too_o wise_a to_o be_v reprove_v self-conceit_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o graceful_a a_o vice_n that_o all_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o give_v to_o it_o 3.5_o prov._n 3.5_o 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call_v sordidness_n be_v only_a foresight_n and_o frugality_n admonish_v the_o prodigal_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o will_v soon_o squander_v away_o what_o his_o more_o frugal_a ancestor_n take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o rake_v together_o and_o he_o will_v smile_v upon_o you_o and_o make_v you_o this_o answer_n that_o he_o hate_v to_o be_v sneak_v and_o niggardly_a and_o what_o you_o term_v profuseness_n and_o luxury_n he_o mis-calls_a liberality_n you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o persuade_v the_o superstitious_a that_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o splendid_a show_n or_o ritual_a performance_n or_o the_o blind_a zealot_n that_o whilst_o he_o destroy_v his_o brother_n he_o do_v not_o do_v god_n good_a service_n or_o the_o giddy_a enthusiast_n that_o his_o tongue_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n
faith_n which_o he_o former_o persecute_v and_o from_o a_o enemy_n to_o become_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v he_o now_o as_o a_o christian_a and_o then_o you_o will_v find_v he_o remarkable_a for_o the_o exact_a government_n of_o his_o life_n his_o grace_n his_o affliction_n his_o infirmity_n 1._o he_o be_v remarkable_a for_o his_o austere_a life_n and_o conversation_n like_o one_o who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n he_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v hinder_v he_o in_o his_o christian_a course_n 15.10_o 1_o cor._n 9.27_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o beat_v down_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n travel_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n from_o city_n to_o city_n never_o weary_v with_o preach_v never_o baffle_v with_o opposition_n never_o tire_v with_o dispute_v and_o all_o this_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o he_o 2_o 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stripe_n above_o measure_n in_o prison_n frequent_a in_o death_n oft_o of_o the_o jew_n five_o time_n receive_v he_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o thrice_o be_v he_o beat_v with_o rod_n once_o be_v he_o stone_v thrice_o he_o suffer_v shipwreck_n a_o night_n and_o a_o day_n he_o be_v in_o the_o deep_a in_o journeying_n often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o robber_n in_o peril_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o peril_n by_o his_o own_o countryman_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o city_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o sea_n in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n in_o weariness_n and_o painfulness_n in_o watch_n often_o in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o fast_n often_o in_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n etc._n etc._n and_o at_o last_o after_o forty_o year_n persecution_n he_o be_v behead_v at_o rome_n have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o he_o can_v not_o have_v suffer_v so_o courageous_o nor_o have_v glory_v in_o his_o suffering_n with_o such_o christian_a bravery_n nor_o have_v promise_v himself_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n with_o such_o a_o earnest_a hope_n and_o steadfast_a assurance_n and_o last_o we_o have_v his_o infirmity_n there_o be_v send_v he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n disease_n s._n chryso_n the_o iliack_a passion_n tertul._n the_o headache_n cyprian_a some_o bodily_a disease_n as_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o by_o which_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n understand_v some_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n with_o more_o probability_n affirm_v that_o by_o this_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v not_o any_o particular_a evil_n but_o all_o manner_n of_o temptation_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n strive_v either_o to_o undermine_v his_o faith_n or_o to_o beat_v he_o from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a of_o all_o these_o and_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n god_n promise_v he_o his_o grace_n and_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o we_o find_v by_o the_o consequence_n that_o it_o have_v its_o desire_a effect_n this_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v he_o humble_a when_o he_o behold_v the_o most_o glorious_a revelation_n and_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n to_o support_v he_o amid_o the_o most_o grievous_a tribulation_n and_o affliction_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v he_o under_o temptation_n and_o though_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n he_o can_v not_o obtain_v a_o present_a deliverance_n from_o his_o temptation_n yet_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o reap_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o a_o addition_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o obtain_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o eternal_a and_o never-fading_a crown_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o direct_v our_o thought_n from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o word_n in_o the_o general_n to_o consider_v the_o influence_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v on_o our_o particular_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v such_o inference_n as_o natural_o flow_v from_o the_o truth_n already_o deliver_v and_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n to_o state_n the_o case_n plain_o between_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n whether_o he_o have_v get_v save_v grace_n or_o no_o for_o since_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v a_o man_n in_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v he_o steady_a under_o all_o the_o turn_v and_o vicissitude_n of_o humane_a affair_n it_o certain_o behoove_v every_o one_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o this_o jewel_n of_o great_a price_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o counterfeit_v ed_z and_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n try_v and_o examine_v well_o yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n that_o you_o must_v have_v this_o true_a save_a grace_n of_o god_n unless_o you_o be_v reprobate_n take_v heed_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n often_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v and_o read_v god_n word_n and_o pray_v frequent_o and_o fervent_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v the_o true_a gift_n of_o understanding_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n he_o may_v say_v the_o apostle_n give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v 3._o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o all_o his_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o yet_o not_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o love_n he_o may_v have_v a_o faith_n sufficient_a to_o remove_v mountain_n and_o yet_o be_v nothing_o he_o may_v have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o prophecy_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o utter_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v only_o a_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n but_o a_o true_a save_a grace_n will_v discover_v itself_o by_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o by_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n a_o fervent_a charity_n to_o your_o neighbour_n and_o a_o sober_a meekness_n in_o the_o estimation_n of_o yourselves_o if_o you_o have_v a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n you_o will_v avoid_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a out_o of_o such_o principle_n and_o motive_n as_o these_o because_o the_o one_o be_v please_v the_o other_o hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n because_o sin_n debase_v our_o nature_n and_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o you_o have_v fervent_a charity_n to_o your_o neighbour_n you_o will_v love_v he_o for_o god_n sake_n because_o he_o enjoin_v it_o and_o maintain_v a_o universal_a charity_n for_o all_o man_n as_o well_o enemy_n as_o friend_n 6.13_o luk._n 6.13_o you_o will_v love_v those_o who_o hate_v you_o bless_v those_o who_o curse_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o if_o you_o have_v sober_a meekness_n and_o a_o just_a valuation_n of_o yourselves_o you_o will_v have_v a_o low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o yourself_o and_o your_o performance_n and_o ready_o acknowledge_v your_o own_o frailty_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o infirmity_n and_o confess_v that_o natural_o you_o be_v insufficient_a for_o every_o good_a work_n 15.10_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n grace_n alone_o that_o you_o be_v what_o you_o be_v you_o will_v rely_v on_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sole_a merit_n