matter_n have_v be_v right_o state_v than_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o take_v along_o with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o be_v preposterous_a and_o will_v prove_v folly_n in_o the_o issue_n second_o as_o religion_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n so_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v instruct_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 15._o 33._o be_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n say_v david_n psal_n 111._o 10._o have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n and_o he_o understand_v himself_o best_a who_o live_v most_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o may_v show_v by_o instance_v in_o particular_a virtue_n the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v much_o wise_a and_o every_o way_n more_o for_o our_o interest_n than_o the_o contrary_a vice_n but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o argument_n to_o engage_v in_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a brief_o to_o show_v that_o the_o chief_a character_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n do_v all_o meet_v in_o religion_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o the_o first_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o understand_v our_o true_a interest_n and_o to_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o in_o this_o religion_n will_v best_o instruct_v and_o direct_v we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o we_o can_v miscarry_v but_o if_o a_o man_n mistake_v in_o this_o he_o err_v fatal_o and_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v vanity_n and_o folly_n another_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v steady_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o our_o main_a end_n to_o oblige_v we_o hereto_o religion_n give_v we_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n the_o glorious_a happiness_n and_o the_o dismal_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n the_o next_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o become_v subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o main_n end_n and_o wherever_o religion_n bear_v sway_v it_o will_v make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n as_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n make_v every_o thing_n to_o submit_v and_o give_v way_n to_o their_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a and_o sensual_a design_n another_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o future_a and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o last_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o common_a folly_n among_o man_n to_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o the_o present_a as_o to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o future_a to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o man_n design_n and_o labour_n for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o their_o short_a continuance_n here_o in_o this_o world_n without_o take_v into_o serious_a consideration_n their_o main_a duration_n and_o their_o eternal_a abide_v in_o another_o world_n but_o religion_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o life_n after_o death_n and_o overlook_v time_n and_o make_v eternity_n always_o present_a to_o we_o and_o mind_n we_o of_o make_v timely_a provision_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o it_o take_v into_o consideration_n our_o whole_a duration_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o wisdom_n to_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o be_v present_a it_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a property_n of_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v the_o main_a chance_n and_o to_o run_v no_o hazard_n in_o that_o and_o this_o religion_n direct_v we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v fatal_a another_o mark_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o opportunity_n those_o especial_o which_o when_o they_o be_v once_o past_a will_v never_o return_v again_o there_o be_v some_o season_n wherein_o great_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v which_o if_o they_o be_v let_v slip_n be_v never_o to_o be_v retrieve_v a_o wise_a man_n will_v lay_v hold_n of_o these_o and_o improve_v they_o and_o religion_n inculcate_n this_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n upon_o we_o that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o of_o make_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o this_o very_a day_n and_o hour_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v the_o last_o and_o only_a opportunity_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n let_v we_o set_v about_o this_o necessary_a work_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n to_o morrow_n it_o may_v be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v it_o and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v cut_v we_o off_o whilst_o we_o be_v wilful_o delay_v it_o and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o save_v our_o immortal_a soul_n may_v vanish_v and_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n the_o next_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o to_o take_v timely_a care_n to_o prevent_v they_o the_o prudent_a man_n say_v solomon_n forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o that_o be_v shelter_n and_o secure_v himself_o against_o it_o but_o the_o simple_a pass_n on_o and_o be_v punish_v that_o be_v the_o evil_a overtake_v they_o and_o their_o folly_n be_v punish_v in_o their_o fatal_a ruin_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n even_o from_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n again_o another_o main_a point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o do_v as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o trust_v rather_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o prevention_n than_o to_o that_o of_o remedy_n religion_n first_o teach_v man_n innocency_n and_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o in_o case_n we_o do_v as_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o then_o direct_v we_o to_o repentance_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n but_o this_o certain_o be_v folly_n to_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v first_o to_o make_v work_n for_o repentance_n and_o then_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o for_o we_o may_v certain_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v repent_v and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o lay_v in_o before_o hand_n and_o to_o make_v work_n for_o trouble_n ne_fw-la tu_fw-la stultus_fw-la homuncio_fw-la es_fw-la qui_fw-la malis_fw-la veniam_fw-la precari_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la peccare_fw-la be_v a_o wise_a say_v of_o old_a cato_n thou_o be_v say_v he_o a_o silly_a man_n indeed_o who_o choose_v rather_o to_o ask_v forgiveness_n than_o not_o to_o offend_v if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v not_o make_v himself_o sick_a to_o try_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o know_a comparison_n and_o a_o very_a fit_a one_o that_o repentance_n be_v tabula_fw-la post_fw-la naâ—fragium_fw-la a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n but_o i_o be_o great_o afraid_a that_o thousand_o of_o soul_n who_o have_v trust_v to_o it_o have_v perish_v before_o they_o can_v get_v to_o land_n with_o this_o plank_n in_o their_o arm_n the_o last_o character_n of_o wisdom_n i_o shall_v mention_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o consult_v the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n without_o which_o nothing_o else_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o this_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v natural_o procure_v great_a peace_n have_v they_o say_v david_n that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o terrify_a apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o whosoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o prevent_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o discontent_n and_o lay_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n which_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o know_v the_o value_n of_o
this_o precious_a treasure_n to_o every_o body_n rapine_n and_o extortion_n and_o can_v quiet_o look_v on_o whilst_o man_n thrust_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o take_v it_o out_o by_o whole_a handful_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n than_o silver_n be_v in_o solomon_n day_n no_o more_o than_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n and_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v go_v all_o the_o silver_n and_o gold_n in_o the_o world_n can_v purchase_v and_o fetch_v back_o the_o least_o moment_n of_o it_o when_o perhaps_o we_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o that_o time_n which_o we_o part_v with_o upon_o such_o cheap_a and_o easy_a term_n good_a god_n what_o a_o stupid_a and_o senseless_a prodigality_n be_v this_o do_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v when_o we_o give_v away_o such_o large_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n to_o our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n to_o diversion_n and_o idleness_n to_o trifle_v and_o unprofitable_a conversation_n to_o the_o make_n and_o receive_v of_o impertinent_a visit_n and_o the_o usual_a and_o almost_o inseparable_a attendant_n thereof_o spiteful_a observation_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v present_a and_o slander_v and_o backbiting_a those_o that_o be_v absent_a for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o most_o people_n in_o visit_n be_v not_o to_o better_v one_o another_o but_o to_o spy_v and_o make_v fault_n and_o not_o to_o mend_v they_o to_o get_v time_n off_o their_o hand_n to_o show_v their_o fine_a clothes_n and_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mutual_a contempt_n of_o one_o another_o by_o a_o plentiful_a impertinence_n when_o we_o part_v with_o it_o by_o wholesale_n in_o sleep_n and_o dress_n and_o can_v spend_v whole_a morning_n between_o the_o comb_n and_o the_o glass_n and_o the_o afternoon_n at_o play_n and_o whole_a night_n in_o game_n or_o in_o riot_n and_o lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n in_o all_o which_o people_n common_o waste_v their_o money_n and_o their_o time_n together_o nay_o how_o do_v even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o misplace_v this_o precious_a treasure_n and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o employ_v it_o to_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o in_o work_n of_o iniquity_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a use_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o man_n by_o thus_o lay_v out_o this_o treasure_n we_o may_v lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o help_v other_o on_o in_o the_o way_n thither_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n employ_v his_o precious_a time_n in_o go_v about_o do_v good_a in_o all_o kind_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n heal_v the_o body_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o be_v his_o business_n and_o this_o be_v his_o delight_n it_o be_v his_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o his_o very_a life_n he_o spend_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o sacrifice_v his_o ease_n and_o his_o safety_n and_o his_o life_n to_o these_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o little_a time_n he_o have_v to_o do_v it_o in_o which_o make_v he_o incessant_o industrious_a in_o it_o and_o to_o run_v the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o with_o great_a speed_n and_o to_o work_v while_o it_o be_v day_n because_o he_o know_v the_o night_n will_v come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o observe_v from_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o limit_a time_n for_o every_o man_n to_o do_v this_o work_n in_o while_o it_o be_v day_n i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o whilst_o it_o be_v day_n and_o this_o day_n comprehend_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v soon_o be_v over_o and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v well_o spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v past_a before_o the_o season_n of_o work_v begin_v it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n begin_v and_o we_o come_v to_o have_v our_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a beâ—ore_o our_o understanding_n be_v ripe_a for_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o we_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o great_a design_n for_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n be_v but_o the_o dawning_n of_o this_o day_n and_o no_o fit_a time_n to_o work_v in_o and_o youth_n which_o be_v as_o the_o morning_n of_o this_o day_n though_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o our_o time_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a season_n of_o all_o other_o for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v usual_o possess_v by_o vanity_n and_o vice_n the_o common_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n have_v devote_v this_o best_a part_n of_o our_o age_n to_o the_o worst_a employment_n to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o lust_n how_o very_o few_o be_v there_o that_o lie_v hold_v of_o this_o opportunity_n and_o employ_v it_o to_o the_o best_a purpose_n and_o yet_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o our_o life_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o most_o person_n do_v continue_v and_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o set_v out_o at_o first_o whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o those_o who_o neglect_v to_o improve_v this_o first_o opportunity_n of_o their_o life_n do_v seldom_o recover_v themselves_o afterward_o god_n grace_n may_v seize_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o life_n but_o according_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a method_n of_o it_o the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v most_o common_o lay_v in_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n this_o be_v the_o great_a opportunity_n of_o our_o life_n which_o settle_v and_o fix_v most_o man_n either_o in_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a course_n and_o the_o fortune_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n do_v usual_o follow_v it_o and_o depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o our_o day_n continue_v many_o time_n a_o great_a while_n long_o and_o we_o be_v to_o work_v while_o it_o continue_v and_o it_o be_v never_o too_o late_o to_o begin_v to_o do_v well_o and_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o good_a course_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o proper_a and_o advantageous_a season_n for_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o work_n as_o in_o our_o youth_n and_o tender_a year_n this_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n god_n grace_n be_v then_o most_o forward_o and_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o and_o we_o be_v then_o least_o of_o all_o indispose_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o do_v then_o go_v deep_a into_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v most_o last_a and_o durable_a but_o if_o we_o neglect_v this_o opportunity_n we_o provoke_v god_n by_o degree_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o to_o take_v away_o his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o and_o by_o degree_n we_o settle_v in_o vicious_a habit_n and_o be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o harden_a through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v never_o too_o late_o to_o work_v while_o the_o day_n last_v but_o the_o soon_o we_o begin_v this_o work_n and_o set_v about_o it_o in_o good_a earnest_n the_o easy_a we_o shall_v find_v it_o if_o we_o defer_v it_o late_o every_o step_n will_v be_v up_o the_o hill_n and_o against_o the_o grain_n three_o after_o this_o season_n be_v expire_v there_o will_v be_v no_o â—urther_o opportunity_n of_o work_v when_o this_o day_n be_v once_o at_o a_o end_n then_o come_v the_o night_n when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v the_o night_n be_v a_o time_n unfit_a for_o work_v when_o we_o can_v hardly_o do_v any_o thing_n if_o we_o have_v never_o so_o great_a mind_n to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o night_n come_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v our_o work_n to_o do_v when_o the_o night_n overtake_v we_o there_o be_v usual_o a_o evening_n before_o this_o night_n when_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o we_o and_o next_o to_o impossible_a to_o do_v this_o work_n and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n in_o which_o man_n be_v common_o unfit_a for_o any_o work_n but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o which_o require_v the_o whole_a force_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o attempt_v this_o work_n
nor_o use_v any_o industry_n about_o they_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v neither_o for_o the_o body_n what_o you_o shall_v put_v on_o now_o to_o avoid_v all_o inconvenience_n from_o our_o saviour_n word_n i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v common_o say_v by_o interpreter_n that_o he_o do_v here_o only_o condemn_v a_o distrustful_a and_o anxious_a care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o a_o over-solicitous_a industry_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o but_o that_o he_o allow_v a_o prudent_a care_n and_o regular_a industry_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v very_o well_o say_v if_o it_o will_v agree_v with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n but_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n which_o be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o without_o any_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o they_o and_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o set_v before_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n behold_v say_v he_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n i_o say_v these_o instance_n which_o he_o give_v seem_v to_o exclude_v even_o all_o regular_a and_o ordinary_a care_n and_o diligence_n about_o these_o thing_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v by_o his_o religion_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o labour_n and_o industry_n in_o their_o calling_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o indeed_o so_o it_o certain_o be_v if_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v this_o for_o a_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n who_o constant_o charge_v christian_n to_o labour_n with_o great_a diligence_n in_o their_o calling_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n but_o this_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o a_o general_n and_o stand_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o design_v for_o his_o disciple_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o all_o care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o may_v attend_v upon_o his_o person_n and_o whole_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o that_o work_n to_o which_o he_o have_v call_v they_o and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n take_v notice_n that_o after_o he_o have_v caution_v his_o hearer_n in_o general_a against_o covetousness_n he_o apply_v himself_o particular_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v have_v they_o so_o far_o from_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o use_v that_o ordinary_a care_n and_o industry_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o necessary_a for_o man_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o direction_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o first_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v mat._n 10._o 9_o provide_v neither_o gold_n nâ—r_a silver_n nor_o brass_n in_o your_o purse_n neither_o coat_n nor_o scrip_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o understand_v as_o a_o general_a law_n to_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o a_o particular_a precept_n to_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o this_o caution_n against_o covetousness_n do_v forbid_v man_n to_o use_v a_o provident_a care_n and_o regular_a industry_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n three_o nor_o be_v every_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n condemn_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n but_o such_o a_o love_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o be_v true_o consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o due_a and_o serious_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v allow_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n st._n john_n indeed_o seem_v to_o condemn_v all_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o as_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 15._o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v to_o forbid_v thing_n absolute_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o comparative_o so_o mat._n 6._o 19_o lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n but_o lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n i._n e._n be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o luke_n 12._o 4._o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n that_o be_v fear_v they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o he_o that_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o luke_n 14._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v not_o love_v i_o more_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o john_n 6._o 27._o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n that_o be_v labour_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o eternity_n so_o likewise_o colos_n 3._o 2._o set_a your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n set_v they_o more_o on_o thing_n above_o than_o on_o earthly_a thing_n so_o here_o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v do_v not_o overvalue_v they_o do_v not_o love_v they_o so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o part_v with_o they_o for_o christ_n for_o if_o any_o man_n thus_o love_v the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o love_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v so_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n command_v we_o not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v comparative_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o love_v these_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o love_v theâ—e_n thing_n in_o a_o due_a degree_n and_o with_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o of_o infinite_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a than_o to_o recommend_v to_o man_n diligence_n in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n and_o employment_n as_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o do_v and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o to_o forbid_v we_o to_o love_v these_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o if_o man_n have_v no_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o they_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o diligence_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o will_v be_v take_v away_o beside_o that_o we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n now_o can_v any_o man_n love_v the_o giver_n for_o bestow_v such_o gift_n upon_o he_o which_o if_o he_o do_v as_o he_o ought_v he_o must_v not_o love_v you_o see_v then_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o condemn_v as_o any_o branch_n or_o degree_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n a_o provident_a care_n and_o a_o regular_a industry_n and_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v what_o be_v condemn_v in_o scripture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o covetousness_n and_o by_o this_o we_o shall_v best_o understand_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n do_v consist_v now_o covetousness_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a signification_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o most_o of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o man_n mind_n either_o in_o desire_v or_o get_v or_o in_o possess_v and_o use_v a_o estate_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o each_o of_o these_o several_o first_o covetousness_n in_o the_o desire_n of_o riches_n consist_v in_o a_o eager_a and_o unsatiable_a desire_n
convenient_a and_o comfortable_a and_o consequent_o he_o that_o torment_v himself_o about_o the_o get_n of_o these_o thing_n contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o design_n because_o he_o make_v his_o life_n miserable_a that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o comfortable_a 3._o the_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n in_o get_v consist_v in_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o thing_n infinite_o better_a and_o which_o be_v of_o far_o great_a and_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n who_o so_o mind_v the_o world_n as_o to_o neglect_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o busy_a and_o intent_n upon_o make_v provision_n for_o this_o life_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o other_o so_o concern_v for_o the_o few_o day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n here_o as_o to_o have_v no_o consideration_n and_o regard_n for_o his_o eternal_a abide_v in_o another_o world_n god_n allow_v we_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o life_n and_o consider_v the_o necessity_n which_o do_v continual_o press_v we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o while_o we_o be_v make_v provision_n for_o these_o die_a body_n he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v remember_v that_o we_o have_v immortal_a soul_n which_o since_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o endless_a duration_n in_o another_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o with_o far_o great_a care_n it_o be_v a_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o riches_n when_o man_n so_o lay_v out_o all_o their_o care_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o as_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v as_o if_o no_o consideration_n at_o all_o be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o another_o world_n and_o of_o that_o better_a part_n of_o ourselves_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o all_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o riches_n which_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o allow_v man_n neither_o the_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n nor_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n which_o be_v here_o condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text._n 3._o there_o be_v covetousness_n likewise_o in_o possess_v or_o use_v a_o estate_n and_o this_o consist_v chief_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o when_o man_n be_v sordid_a towards_o themselves_o and_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o use_v and_o enjoy_v what_o they_o possess_v be_v continual_o add_v to_o their_o estate_n without_o any_o design_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o take_v infinite_a pain_n to_o raise_v a_o huge_a fortune_n not_o that_o they_o may_v use_v it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v it_o this_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o covetousness_n even_o beyond_o that_o of_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n after_o the_o text_n for_o he_o it_o seem_v after_o he_o have_v enlarge_v his_o barn_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o lay_v up_o good_n for_o many_o year_n design_v at_o last_o to_o have_v take_v his_o ease_n and_o have_v fall_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v get_v to_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o have_v be_v merry_a and_o this_o though_o it_o prove_v but_o a_o foolish_a design_n in_o the_o issue_n he_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o that_o very_a instant_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o point_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o enjoyment_n yet_o be_v it_o infinite_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n with_o a_o full_a resolution_n never_o to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o second_o man_n be_v covetous_a in_o keep_v a_o estate_n when_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o charitable_o when_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o spare_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o abundance_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n though_o a_o man_n get_v a_o estate_n without_o covetousness_n and_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o enjoy_v it_o yet_o so_o far_o he_o be_v covetous_a as_o he_o be_v uncharitable_a he_o love_v money_n more_o than_o he_o ought_v who_o have_v enough_o to_o spare_v choose_v rather_o to_o keep_v it_o than_o to_o do_v good_a with_o it_o and_o to_o use_v it_o to_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v a_o estate_n three_o they_o likewise_o be_v covetous_a who_o place_n their_o chief_a trust_n and_o happiness_n in_o riches_n who_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v job_n 31._o 24._o make_v gold_n their_o hope_n and_o say_v to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o covetousness_n be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n call_v idolatry_n because_o the_o covetous_a man_n set_v up_o his_o riches_n in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n put_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o they_o and_o set_v his_o whole_a heart_n upon_o they_o love_v they_o as_o he_o shall_v love_v god_n only_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o therefore_o mammon_n which_o signify_v riches_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n as_o a_o servant_n or_o worshipper_n of_o mammon_n so_o that_o in_o scripture_n he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n who_o place_v his_o chief_a felicity_n in_o a_o great_a fortune_n and_o will_v venture_v to_o lose_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o part_v with_o that_o who_o will_v quit_v his_o religion_n and_o violate_v his_o conscience_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n rather_o than_o forfeit_v his_o estate_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o advance_v it_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o this_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o difficulty_n be_v the_o great_a temptation_n to_o which_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v expose_v when_o a_o man_n may_v not_o only_o save_v himself_o but_o get_v considerable_a advantage_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o change_v his_o religigion_n may_v have_v a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n to_o boot_v or_o which_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o a_o good_a place_n this_o to_o a_o covetous_a mind_n be_v a_o very_a strong_a temptation_n and_o almost_o irresistible_a when_o error_n and_o delusion_n can_v bid_v so_o high_a and_o offer_v so_o good_a term_n no_o wonder_n if_o it_o gain_v some_o proselyte_n among_o the_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a part_n of_o mankind_n this_o the_o apostle_n give_v warning_n of_o as_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o rich_a man_n in_o time_n of_o suffer_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v lust_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sad_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n who_o choose_v rather_o to_o leave_v christ_n than_o to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v demas_n who_o forsake_v the_o apostle_n and_o christianity_n itself_o to_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n which_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n caution_n man_n so_o earnest_o against_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o vice_n but_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v i_o have_v make_v entrance_n into_o a_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o warn_v his_o hearer_n against_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n and_o three_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o caution_n because_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o second_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n do_v consist_v 2._o to_o show_v the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v dispatch_v and_o now_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n to_o show_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n now_o covetousness_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v
thing_n be_v without_o we_o they_o neither_o constitute_v our_o be_v nor_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o happiness_n but_o our_o soul_n be_v ourselves_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v our_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o with_o equal_a care_n and_o concernment_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o eternal_a misery_n and_o everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n and_o can_v we_o be_v at_o too_o much_o cost_n and_o pain_n upon_o such_o a_o design_n to_o escape_v so_o dismal_a a_o condition_n so_o dreadful_a a_o ruin_n as_o that_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n can_v any_o man_n be_v concern_v enough_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o great_a a_o good_a to_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o purchase_v it_o too_o dear_a whatever_o he_o give_v or_o part_v with_o for_o it_o a_o good_a so_o desirable_a and_o so_o durable_a as_o our_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o when_o we_o purchase_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o care_n and_o trouble_v we_o pay_v dear_a for_o trifle_n and_o fancy_n but_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o price_n that_o a_o wise_a merchant_n will_v have_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v it_o of_o such_o value_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o next_o to_o it_o be_v righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o means_n whereby_o this_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o we_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o earnestness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o a_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n and_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o end_n and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v valuable_a next_o to_o the_o end_n and_o almost_o equal_o with_o it_o and_o such_o be_v righteousness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o it_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o qualify_v we_o and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o that_o which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n constitute_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n to_o god_n which_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n bring_v we_o to_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n we_o have_v now_o of_o it_o be_v the_o very_a formal_a cause_n and_o essence_n of_o our_o blessedness_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v we_o do_v not_o now_o distinct_o understand_v wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n consist_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o know_v in_o general_a that_o it_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o hope_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o press_v you_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v by_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v universal_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o this_o bless_a state_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o than_o goodness_n any_o thing_n more_o desirable_a than_o a_o happiness_n which_o haâ—h_v no_o bound_n nor_o no_o end_n do_v not_o mind_v they_o nor_o look_v after_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o certain_o these_o aâ—e_a worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n second_o another_o consideration_n that_o shall_v very_o much_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o diligence_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o obtain_v they_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v no_o encouragement_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o whet_v our_o industry_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n when_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n use_v to_o quicken_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o eternal_a life_n mat._n 7._o 14._o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o luke_n 13._o 24._o 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 will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a seek_v here_o in_o opposition_n to_o strive_v be_v a_o faint_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n which_o will_v not_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a passage_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o miscarry_v who_o make_v some_o attempt_n towards_o heaven_n but_o they_o do_v not_o strive_v they_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o any_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o get_v thither_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v eternal_a happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o hard_a to_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o attain_v his_o righteousness_n as_o desirable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n to_o raise_v himself_o to_o that_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n so_o to_o subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n to_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o happiness_n and_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o difficulty_n be_v chief_o in_o ourselves_o but_o great_o increase_v by_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o without_o chief_o i_o say_v in_o ourselves_o from_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o our_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o the_o strong_a power_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o custom_n which_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v inveterate_a do_v tyrannize_v over_o we_o and_o make_v we_o perfect_a slave_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o that_o our_o nature_n must_v be_v quite_o change_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o we_o must_v be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v new_o mould_v and_o fashion_v we_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v create_v and_o bear_v again_o before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v positive_a and_o peremptory_a joh._n 3._o 3._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o difficulty_n indeed_o be_v great_a at_o first_o but_o it_o be_v considerable_a afterward_o till_o a_o through_o change_n be_v make_v and_o new_a inclination_n plant_v in_o we_o and_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v super-induced_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n be_v outward_a temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n which_o to_o withstand_v and_o resist_v require_v great_a courage_n and_o resolution_n great_a watchfulness_n and_o guard_n over_o ourselves_o but_o yet_o for_o our_o comfort_n these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o insuperable_a to_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n and_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purposeâ—_n great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o though_o the_o difficulty_n â—f_n work_v out_o our_o salvation_n be_v great_a yet_o if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n set_v about_o it_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o second_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v we_o with_o his_o gracious_a favour_n and_o to_o further_o we_o with_o his_o continual_a aid_n that_o
poetical_a number_n and_o skill_n in_o it_o than_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v we_o can_v easy_o understand_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o iâ—_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a namely_o to_o magnify_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o precept_n as_o that_o wherein_o true_a religion_n do_v main_o consist_v and_o indeed_o if_o we_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o every_o part_n of_o this_o psalm_n do_v with_o great_a variety_n of_o expression_n and_o yet_o very_o little_a difference_n of_o the_o sense_n descant_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n viz._n the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n aâ—d_a tâ—â—_n worâ—â—_n of_o tâ—â—_n teâ—t_v seem_v to_o be_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a psalm_n as_o any_o one_o sentence_n in_o it_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a these_o word_n be_v various_o render_v and_o understand_v by_o interpreter_n who_o yet_o in_o this_o variety_n do_v very_o much_o conspire_v and_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o sensâ—â—_n the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n render_v the_o word_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n about_o which_o i_o have_v employ_v my_o care_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v very_o large_a the_o syriac_a version_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o region_n and_o country_n that_o be_v i_o have_v find_v the_o compass_n of_o this_o habitable_a world_n to_o be_v â—iniâ—e_n and_o limit_v but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n other_o explain_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o be_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o man_n value_v and_o esteem_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rateâ—_n of_o all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o greatness_n which_o do_v all_o perish_v and_o pass_v away_o but_o thy_o law_n be_v eternal_a and_o still_o abide_v the_o same_o or_o as_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o express_v it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o thy_o law_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n natural_a and_o reveal_v or_o in_o a_o word_n religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n of_o godâ—_n be_v of_o great_a perfection_n than_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o high_o value_v in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o be_v infinite_a and_o of_o a_o vast_a influence_n and_o extent_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o our_o whole_a duration_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o law_n first_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o very_a good_a account_n of_o itself_o because_o it_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o firm_a basis_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o roll_a in_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n whereas_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n want_v a_o stable_a foundation_n â—t_a centre_n no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o substitute_n no_o principle_n no_o tenable_a and_o constituent_a scheme_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o its_o whole_a business_n be_v to_o unravel_v all_o thing_n to_o unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o shake_v all_o the_o common_a notion_n and_o receive_v principle_n of_o mankind_n it_o bend_v its_o whole_a force_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v but_o lay_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o thing_n upon_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o that_o which_o it_o pull_v down_o it_o run_v upon_o that_o great_a absurdity_n which_o aristotle_n who_o be_v always_o think_v a_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n do_v every_o where_o decry_v as_o a_o principle_n unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n namely_o a_o progress_n of_o cause_n in_o inâ—initum_fw-la and_o without_o end_n that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o and_o a_o three_o thing_n of_o that_o and_o so_o on_o without_o end_n which_o amount_v to_o just_a nothing_o and_o final_o resolve_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o effect_n into_o no_o first_o cause_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unskilful_a and_o bungle_a and_o less_o worthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n but_o this_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v at_o present_a to_o insist_v upon_o have_v treat_v large_o on_o the_o same_o subject_n upon_o another_o author_n occasion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v wisdom_n so_o say_v the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n indeed_o it_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n caput_fw-la sapientiae_fw-la the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o wisdom_n here_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o upon_o this_o foundation_n it_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o perfection_n and_o i_o shall_v in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n without_o this_o nor_o beyond_o it_o first_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o regard_v to_o his_o law_n this_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v build_v this_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v suppose_v and_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o man_n this_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o have_v a_o main_a influence_n upon_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o be_v the_o public_a good_a this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n about_o it_o so_o religion_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n by_o which_o all_o our_o action_n be_v to_o be_v conduct_v and_o govern_v and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o and_o lay_v religion_n for_o its_o foundation_n be_v preposterous_a and_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n and_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o the_o form_n of_o humane_a society_n every_o one_o in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o law_n shall_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o his_o own_o private_a and_o particular_a advantage_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a good_a which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o society_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o government_n and_o law_n and_o in_o the_o last_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n the_o only_a way_n to_o procure_v the_o settle_a welfare_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o last_a interest_n of_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o public_a good_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a policy_n to_o go_v about_o to_o found_v humane_a society_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n and_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o true_a happiness_n which_o do_v not_o bâ—gin_v with_o religion_n and_o lay_v its_o foundation_n there_o which_o do_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o not_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o principle_n will_v certain_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n in_o misery_n and_o ruin_n because_o it_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o stress_n of_o weather_n and_o assault_v by_o violent_a storm_n will_v undoubted_o fall_v and_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o this_o error_n every_o man_n commit_v who_o pursue_v happiness_n by_o follow_v his_o own_o inclination_n and_o gratify_v his_o irregular_a desire_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o restraint_n which_o his_o law_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o not_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o good_a for_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v
unexperienced_a man_n and_o those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n with_o themselves_o imagine_v what_o thought_n and_o consideration_n what_o care_n and_o attention_n what_o resolution_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n what_o diligence_n and_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o true_o good_a man_n such_o a_o one_o as_o st._n paul_n describe_v that_o be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a and_o want_v nothing_o that_o follow_v god_n full_o and_o fulfil_v every_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o be_v either_o wise_a enough_o for_o his_o own_o direction_n or_o good_a enough_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o know_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o have_v both_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_v to_o do_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o ought_v after_o our_o best_a care_n and_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n the_o most_o of_o we_o will_v still_o find_v a_o great_a many_o defect_n in_o our_o life_n and_o can_v but_o discern_v great_a and_o manifold_a imperfection_n in_o our_o very_a best_a duty_n and_o service_n insomuch_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o make_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n concern_v they_o which_o solomon_n do_v concern_v the_o imperfection_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o reason_n to_o say_v not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o have_v cause_n likewise_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o many_o respect_v wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n and_o so_o very_o far_o from_o have_v do_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o the_o most_o of_o we_o have_v do_v be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v work_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o best_a and_o great_a mind_n for_o the_o long_a and_o best_a order_v life_n the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o broad_a and_o a_o obedience_n in_o any_o good_a measure_n equal_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o after_o all_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n say_v with_o tear_n to_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mar._n 9_o 24._o so_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v say_v and_o say_v it_o with_o tear_n too_o concern_v every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o they_o excel_v most_o lord_n i_o aspire_v i_o endeavour_v after_o it_o be_v thou_o please_v to_o assist_v my_o weakness_n and_o to_o help_v i_o by_o thy_o grace_n continual_o to_o do_v better_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o best_a and_o make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o for_o god_n value_v this_o more_o than_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n more_o than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oâ—l_n because_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o duty_n comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o great_a commandment_n sincere_o practise_v by_o we_o though_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o imperfection_n will_v certain_o be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a bless_a be_v they_o say_v st._n john_n very_o plain_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o obscure_a book_n of_o his_o revelation_n bless_v be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n rev._n 22._o 14._o i_o speak_v now_o to_o a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o command_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o whether_o we_o think_v of_o it_o or_o not_o be_v very_o near_o at_o hand_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v desirable_a upon_o earth_n and_o upon_o which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o value_v themselves_o so_o much_o in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n and_o yield_v true_a comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o wish_v that_o we_o have_v make_v religion_n the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v exercise_v repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o another_o world_n that_o after_o our_o departure_n hence_o we_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n where_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o of_o what_o rank_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n think_v himself_o too_o great_a to_o be_v good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o be_v religious_a and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n and_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n since_o nothing_o but_o this_o will_v approve_v itself_o it_o to_o be_v true_a wisdom_n at_o the_o last_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v a_o end_n with_o this_o life_n but_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n and_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o whole_a duration_n and_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o life_n be_v end_v will_v put_v we_o into_o the_o secure_a possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v â—e_n if_o you_o do_v they_o which_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jefus_fw-la 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 dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o connection_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o foâ—mer_n be_v somewhat_o obscure_a but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o advantage_n which_o conduce_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o religious_a in_o this_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o â—s_n exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n whereâ—â—_n this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o forego_n verse_n as_o if_o it_o have_v beeâ—â—â—id_v christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o all_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o good_a or_o else_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v by_o a_o hebraism_n frequent_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n put_v for_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o then_o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o conduce_v to_o a_o godly_a life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o promise_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o
that_o beside_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n how_o exempt_a soever_o his_o condition_n be_v from_o the_o common_a care_n anâ—gdrudgery_n of_o humane_a life_n may_v find_v work_n enough_o wherein_o he_o may_v useful_o employ_v all_o his_o time_n and_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o and_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o god_n expect_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n from_o such_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v employ_v himself_o in_o some_o work_n or_o other_o suitable_a to_o the_o station_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o this_o world_n second_o the_o work_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o further_o and_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o this_o chief_o lie_v upon_o we_o who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v commit_v we_o be_v more_o especial_o commissioned_n and_o appointed_n for_o this_o work_n and_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n to_o beseech_v man_n in_o his_o stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n we_o be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o appoint_v for_o this_o very_a work_n to_o watch_v for_o man_n soul_n and_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o who_o be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o have_v this_o work_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o vigorous_a and_o industrious_a in_o iâ—â—_n and_o this_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o employment_n or_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o employment_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o most_o honourable_a work_v that_o mortal_a man_n can_v be_v employ_v in_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o kind_n and_o in_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n oâ—_n it_o with_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n for_o we_o also_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o by_o god_n to_o minister_n for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n we_o be_v the_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o man_n send_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o about_o the_o term_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n to_o offer_v salvation_n to_o they_o and_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o procure_v it_o nay_o we_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o very_a same_o work_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n to_o seeâ—_n and_o to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o that_o work_n whereof_o he_o himself_o â—aid_v the_o foundation_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o great_a honour_n can_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n than_o to_o help_v forward_o that_o glorious_a design_n and_o undertake_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v a_o employment_n no_o less_o happy_a than_o honourable_a it_o be_v not_o to_o drudge_n about_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n a_o perpetual_a toil_n and_o care_n about_o what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o wherewithal_o we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o worldly_a employment_n but_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a seek_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o a_o continual_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v these_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o labour_n of_o our_o body_n and_o in_o bodily_a toil_n but_o in_o the_o delightful_a exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a object_n god_n and_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n in_o a_o earnest_n and_o faithful_a endeavour_n by_o all_o wise_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o gain_v soul_n to_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o next_o to_o the_o procure_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o noble_a work_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v employ_v in_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o employment_n we_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n carry_v on_o both_o these_o design_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v timothy_n when_o he_o exhort_v he_o upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n to_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o this_o bless_a work_n because_o say_v he_o in_o do_v this_o thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 16._o and_o when_o two_o of_o the_o great_a and_o best_a design_n in_o the_o world_n our_o own_o happiness_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o do_v so_o happy_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o be_v joint_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o same_o labour_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a spur_n and_o incitement_n to_o we_o to_o be_v vigorous_a and_o unwearied_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n as_o st._n paul_n charge_v timothy_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o awful_a manner_n before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a at_o his_o appear_v and_o his_o kingdom_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 12._o and_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1._o and_o then_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o this_o work_n if_o we_o be_v faithful_a and_o industrious_a in_o it_o it_o will_v advance_v we_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n they_o that_o be_v wise_a say_v the_o prophet_n dan._n 12._o 3._o shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v industrious_a in_o this_o work_n as_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n in_o this_o world_n so_o they_o shall_v shine_v with_o a_o double_a glory_n and_o lustre_n in_o the_o other_o but_o though_o this_o work_n of_o promote_a the_o salvation_n of_o other_o be_v chief_o incumbent_a upon_o those_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v upon_o this_o very_a thing_n yet_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o concern_v in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n we_o have_v for_o it_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o help_v forward_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o not_o to_o let_v he_o perish_v if_o he_o can_v help_v it_o and_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o contribute_v something_o to_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o save_v other_o by_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n by_o kind_n and_o gentle_a reproof_n but_o especial_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n by_o a_o shine_a virtue_n which_o have_v a_o silent_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_a charm_n and_o attraction_n to_o draw_v and_o allure_v other_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o three_o and_o in_o order_n to_o both_o these_o the_o save_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o this_o work_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o the_o careful_a use_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o our_o time_n for_o without_o this_o neither_o of_o the_o other_o can_v be_v promote_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o any_o purpose_n time_n be_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n of_o carry_v on_o of_o any_o work_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o valuable_a thing_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o wasteful_o spend_v and_o more_o prodigal_o squander_v away_o by_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o this_o which_o next_o to_o our_o immortol_n soul_n be_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n most_o precious_a because_o upon_o the_o right_a use_n or_o abuse_v of_o our_o time_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n do_v depend_v man_n have_v general_o some_o guard_n upon_o themselves_o as_o to_o their_o money_n and_o estate_n and_o will_v not_o with_o eye_n open_v suffer_v other_o to_o rob_v and_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o but_o we_o will_v let_v any_o body_n almost_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o time_n and_o be_v content_v to_o expose_v
very_o evil_a and_o unreasonable_a upon_o these_o follow_a account_n i._o because_o it_o take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n ii_o because_o it_o tempt_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o religion_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o iii_o because_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o insatiable_a desire_n iv._o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o riches_n v._o because_o riches_n do_v very_o often_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o misery_n and_o infelicity_n of_o men._n first_o covetousness_n take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o covetous_a man_n be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o this_o world_n and_o his_o inordinate_a desire_n after_o these_o thing_n make_v he_o to_o neglect_n god_n and_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o employ_v all_o his_o time_n and_o care_n and_o thought_n about_o these_o temporal_a thing_n and_o his_o vehement_a love_n and_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o these_o thing_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n from_o god_n rob_v he_o of_o his_o time_n and_o of_o all_o opportunity_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o divert_v he_o from_o all_o serious_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v mat._n 6._o 24._o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n so_o different_a as_o god_n and_o the_o world_n be_v because_o they_o will_v give_v cross_a command_n and_o enjoin_v contrary_a thing_n god_n he_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o mind_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n to_o have_v a_o serious_a regard_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o business_n and_o a_o eager_a appetite_n of_o be_v rich_a call_v we_o off_o from_o these_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a employment_n or_o disturb_v we_o in_o they_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o distribute_v and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o our_o covetousness_n pull_v we_o back_o and_o hale_v we_o another_o way_n and_o check_v all_o merciful_a and_o charitable_a inclination_n in_o we_o god_n call_v we_o to_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o command_v we_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o world_n inspire_v we_o with_o other_o thought_n and_o whisper_v to_o we_o to_o save_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v righteous_a over_o much_o and_o rather_o to_o trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n than_o man_n with_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n strong_o upon_o any_o thing_n they_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o object_n which_o they_o be_v conversant_a about_o for_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v as_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o if_o a_o great_a estate_n be_v our_o chief_a end_n and_o design_n if_o riches_n be_v our_o treasure_n and_o our_o happiness_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v find_v among_o the_o stuff_n we_o can_v bestow_v our_o affection_n free_o upon_o two_o object_n we_o can_v intense_o love_v god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v two_o ultimate_a end_n two_o principal_a design_n our_o riches_n may_v increase_v but_o if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o and_o give_v they_o the_o chief_a place_n in_o our_o affection_n we_o make_v they_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n whatever_o we_o make_v our_o ultimate_a end_n we_o give_v it_o a_o sovereignty_n and_o empire_n over_o we_o we_o put_v ourselves_o under_o its_o dominion_n and_o make_v ourselves_o subject_a to_o all_o its_o command_n so_o that_o if_o it_o bid_v we_o go_v we_o must_v go_v come_v we_o must_v come_v do_v this_o we_o must_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v under_o authority_n the_o world_n be_v our_o master_n and_o we_o be_v its_o slave_n now_o he_o that_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n of_o this_o master_n must_v withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n decline_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n this_o worldly_a covetous_a disposition_n be_v that_o which_o make_v those_o in_o the_o parable_n to_o make_v so_o many_o excuse_n when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o supper_n luke_n 14._o 18._o one_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n and_o he_o can_v not_o come_v another_o have_v buy_v so_o many_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v riches_n do_v so_o fill_v the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n and_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v no_o room_n leave_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o any_o other_o guest_n intus_fw-la existens_fw-la prohibet_fw-la alienum_fw-la that_o which_o be_v full_a already_o can_v receive_v no_o more_o the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o keep_v out_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o better_a thing_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o this_o degree_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat._n 13._o 7._o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o thorn_n which_o spring_v up_o among_o the_o seed_n and_o stifle_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v any_o permanent_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o ezek._n 33._o 31._o god_n give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prophet_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o come_v unto_o thou_o say_v god_n there_o to_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n a_o heart_n that_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n will_v stand_v out_o against_o all_o the_o invitation_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n invite_v such_o person_n it_o be_v like_o make_v love_n to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o fix_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n elsewhere_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n signify_v but_o very_o little_a to_o such_o man_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a thing_n and_o all_o their_o affection_n be_v bend_v that_o way_n all_o their_o hope_n and_o desire_n be_v worldly_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o abound_v in_o wealth_n and_o all_o their_o fear_n be_v of_o poverty_n and_o loss_n now_o such_o a_o man_n can_v only_o be_v move_v with_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a thing_n for_o no_o promise_n have_v any_o effect_n upon_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o good_a which_o we_o care_v for_o and_o value_n nor_o be_v any_o threaten_n apt_a to_o move_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o we_o dread_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o therefore_o when_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o world_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n he_o do_v not_o desire_v it_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o sensible_a of_o the_o value_n of_o itâ—_n the_o man_n heart_n be_v full_a already_o of_o other_o hope_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n promise_v to_o such_o a_o man_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o eternity_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v to_o such_o a_o man_n any_o good_a or_o happiness_n that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o or_o know_v how_o to_o relish_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n threaten_v he_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a separation_n from_o that_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o with_o the_o unspeakable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n these_o thing_n though_o they_o be_v terrible_a yet_o they_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v enure_v to_o sense_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v move_v with_o thing_n present_a and_o
sensible_a he_o can_v extend_v his_o fear_n so_o far_o as_o another_o world_n so_o long_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o well_o and_o at_o ease_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n if_o we_o will_v affect_v such_o a_o man_n we_o must_v offer_v to_o his_o consideration_n something_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o work_v upon_o he_o threaten_v he_o with_o break_v open_a his_o house_n and_o riâ—â—ing_v his_o coffer_n and_o carry_v away_o his_o full_a bag_n with_o question_v his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n or_o start_v a_o precedent_a mortgage_n or_o something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v dreadful_a and_o terrible_a to_o he_o now_o you_o speak_v intelligible_o to_o he_o and_o he_o understand_v what_o you_o mean_v tell_v he_o of_o a_o good_a bargain_n or_o a_o advantageous_a purchase_n offer_v he_o decent_o a_o good_a bribe_n or_o give_v he_o notice_n of_o a_o young_a heir_n that_o may_v be_v circumvent_v and_o draw_v in_o than_o you_o say_v something_o to_o he_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o regard_n and_o attention_n the_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v by_o such_o offer_v and_o promise_v as_o these_o but_o discourse_n to_o he_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o mâ—â—_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o glory_n and_o happiness_n that_o shall_v neither_o have_v bound_n nor_o end_n and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o upon_o a_o instrument_n for_o he_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o he_o will_v not_o do_v they_o as_o the_o prophet_n express_v it_o ezek._n 33._o 32._o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o fine_a talk_n or_o a_o melodious_a â—ound_n that_o vanish_v into_o air_n but_o leave_v no_o impression_n behind_o it_o perhaps_o even_o these_o dull_a and_o stupid_a kind_n of_o man_n be_v affect_v a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a with_o the_o liveliness_n of_o the_o romance_n and_o the_o poetical_a vein_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o these_o thing_n pass_v away_o like_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v but_o have_v no_o last_a effect_n upon_o they_o so_o effectual_o do_v covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n obstruct_v all_o those_o passage_n through_o which_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n shall_v enter_v into_o our_o mind_n second_o as_o covetousness_n hinder_v man_n from_o religion_n and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o a_o due_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o it_o many_o time_n tempt_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o the_o parent_n of_o most_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n he_o that_o will_v engage_v deep_a in_o the_o world_n must_v use_v much_o more_o guard_n and_o caution_n than_o most_o man_n do_v to_o do_v it_o without_o sin_n how_o many_o temptation_n be_v the_o covetous_a man_n expose_v to_o in_o the_o get_n and_o in_o the_o secure_n and_o in_o the_o spend_n and_o enjoy_v of_o a_o great_a estate_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o reckon_v they_o up_o and_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o escape_v or_o resi_v they_o and_o yet_o each_o of_o these_o temptation_n bring_v he_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o great_a many_o sin_n for_o i._o in_o the_o get_n of_o a_o estate_n he_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o those_o vice_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o this_o design_n nothing_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o more_o and_o great_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n than_o covetousness_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich._n it_o be_v solomon_n observation_n prov._n 28._o 20._o he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o he_o speak_v as_o if_o there_o be_v all_o the_o probability_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v in_o so_o much_o haste_n will_v almost_o unavoidable_o fall_v into_o a_o great_a many_o oversight_n and_o fault_n and_o the_o heathen_a poet_n make_v the_o very_a same_o observation_n in_o more_o word_n ind_n ferè_fw-la scelerum_fw-la causae_fw-la nec_fw-la plura_fw-la venena_fw-la miscuit_fw-la aut_fw-la ferro_fw-la grassatur_fw-la saepiùs_fw-la ullum_fw-la humanae_fw-la mentis_fw-la vitium_fw-la quam_fw-la saeva_fw-la cupido_fw-la immodici_fw-la censûs_fw-la nam_fw-la dive_v qui_fw-la fieri_fw-la vult_fw-la et_fw-la cito_fw-la vult_fw-la fieri_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la reverentia_fw-la legum_n quis_fw-la metus_fw-la aut_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la unquam_fw-la properantis_fw-la avari_fw-la this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o sin_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o vice_n of_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o more_o murder_n and_o poison_v than_o a_o furious_a desire_n of_o immoderate_a wealth_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a will_v make_v haste_n to_o be_v so_o and_o what_o reverence_n of_o law_n what_o fear_n or_o shame_n be_v ever_o see_v in_o any_o man_n that_o be_v in_o in_o haste_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n this_o peremptory_a resolution_n of_o be_v rich_a 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n if_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n once_o reign_v in_o we_o if_o we_o have_v once_o fix_v our_o end_n and_o set_v up_o this_o resolution_n with_o ourselves_o that_o we_o will_v be_v rich_a we_o shall_v then_o make_v every_o thing_n stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o this_o design_n a_o covetous_a man_n will_v make_v his_o principle_n and_o his_o conscience_n to_o bend_v to_o his_o resolution_n of_o be_v rich_a and_o to_o bow_v to_o that_o interest_n the_o eager_a desire_n of_o riches_n make_v man_n to_o pursue_v they_o in_o indirect_a and_o uncharitable_a way_n by_o falsehood_n and_o perjury_n by_o undermine_v and_o overreach_v by_o dissemble_v and_o flattery_n by_o corrupt_v and_o embase_v of_o commodity_n by_o false_a weight_n and_o measure_n by_o take_v fee_n with_o both_o hand_n by_o make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n and_o wit_n to_o oppress_v and_o defraud_v their_o brother_n by_o impose_v upon_o his_o ignorance_n and_o simplicity_n or_o by_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o necessity_n covetousness_n many_o time_n make_v man_n cruel_a and_o unjust_a nay_o it_o make_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n for_o as_o one_o say_v well_o the_o covetous_a man_n oppress_v his_o neighbour_n not_o for_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v not_o enjoy_v what_o he_o tear_n and_o rent_n from_o other_o so_o that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o most_o hateful_a kind_n of_o beast_n of_o prey_n that_o kill_v other_o creature_n not_o to_o eat_v they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o lie_v dead_a by_o they_o lion_n and_o wolf_n kill_v out_o of_o hunger_n but_o the_o covetous_a man_n like_o a_o serpent_n or_o scorpion_n sting_n and_o bite_v other_o to_o death_n not_o for_o his_o need_n but_o for_o his_o pleasure_n and_o recreation_n covetousness_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a sin_n because_o it_o fix_v a_o man_n in_o a_o resolution_n of_o get_v a_o estate_n by_o any_o mean_n if_o falseness_n and_o deceit_n violence_n and_o oppression_n will_v further_o this_o end_n the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o end_n tempt_v man_n to_o use_v any_o sort_n of_o mean_n whereby_o the_o end_n may_v be_v compass_v and_o though_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o averseness_n from_o they_o at_o first_o yet_o that_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o the_o strong_a desire_n of_o the_o end_n reconcile_v a_o man_n at_o last_o to_o the_o love_n and_o like_n of_o the_o mean_n how_o wicked_a and_o unwarrantable_a soever_o covetousness_n tempt_v achan_n to_o steal_v the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o gehazi_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ahab_n to_o oppress_v and_o murder_n naboth_n nay_o a_o small_a sum_n tempt_v the_o covetous_a mind_n of_o judas_n to_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o his_o saviour_n and_o how_o do_v many_o man_n every_o day_n strain_v their_o conscience_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n and_o hazard_v their_o soul_n for_o money_n nay_o exchange_v their_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o a_o very_a small_a portion_n of_o it_o ii_o there_o be_v likewise_o many_o other_o temptation_n which_o
end_n for_o a_o man_n may_v live_v by_o have_v what_o be_v necessary_a and_o may_v live_v comfortable_o by_o have_v that_o which_o be_v convenient_a no_o man_n live_v the_o long_o by_o have_v abundance_n it_o be_v many_o time_n a_o occasion_n of_o shorten_v a_o man_n life_n by_o minister_a to_o excess_n and_o intemperance_n but_o seldom_o of_o prolong_v it_o and_o set_v aside_o the_o vain_a fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o man_n no_o man_n live_v the_o more_o happy_o for_o have_v more_o than_o he_o have_v real_a use_n and_o occasion_n for_o these_o two_o head_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a speak_v to_o to_o make_v out_o the_o full_a force_n of_o this_o reason_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o use_v namely_o that_o a_o man_n life_n consi_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v i._o that_o riches_n do_v not_o contribute_v to_o the_o support_n of_o our_o life_n nor_o ii_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o comfort_n of_o they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o either_o of_o these_o ends._n for_o by_o riches_n i_o mean_v whatever_o be_v beyond_o a_o sufficient_a competency_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o aâ—e_v requisite_a to_o the_o real_a uses_n and_o occasion_n of_o humane_a life_n first_o riches_n and_o abundance_n do_v not_o contribute_v to_o the_o support_n of_o our_o life_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n very_o well_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n who_o be_v continual_o increase_a his_o estate_n so_o that_o he_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n but_o he_o live_v not_o one_o jot_n the_o long_o for_o be_v provide_v of_o the_o conveniency_n of_o life_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n beforehand_o for_o whilst_o he_o be_v blessing_n himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v secure_v his_o happiness_n sufficient_o for_o this_o world_n he_o be_v uncertain_a of_o his_o continuance_n in_o it_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o take_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o enter_v upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o lay_v up_o god_n say_v to_o he_o thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o and_o than_o who_o shall_v those_o thing_n be_v which_o thou_o have_v provide_v that_o be_v what_o good_a then_o will_v all_o these_o thing_n do_v thou_o when_o thou_o have_v no_o far_o use_v and_o occasion_n for_o they_o so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o poor_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o next_o meal_n he_o may_v have_v live_v as_o long_o as_o he_o do_v with_o all_o his_o store_n you_o see_v then_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v for_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o great_a barn_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o fruit_n he_o have_v stow_v in_o they_o he_o do_v not_o live_v one_o jot_n the_o long_o than_o the_o poor_a man_n may_v have_v do_v second_o nor_o do_v riches_n contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v buy_v and_o purchase_v together_o with_o great_a lordship_n it_o depend_v upon_o a_o great_a many_o cause_n among_o which_o a_o competency_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v one_o but_o riches_n and_o abundance_n be_v none_o of_o they_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_n and_o 2._o in_o a_o state_n of_o freedom_n from_o evil._n now_o riches_n do_v not_o necessary_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a in_o either_o of_o these_o respect_n first_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a a_o competent_a estate_n suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o station_n in_o which_o god_n have_v set_v we_o in_o this_o world_n will_v give_v a_o man_n whatever_o nature_n and_o reason_n can_v desire_v and_o abundance_n can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o than_o he_o need_v he_o can_v but_o enjoy_v it_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o man_n for_o if_o he_o consult_v his_o own_o happiness_n and_o will_v tru_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v he_o must_v eat_v and_o drink_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o temperance_n and_o health_n and_o must_v wear_v no_o more_o clothes_n than_o be_v for_o his_o convenience_n it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o put_v on_o a_o new_a suit_n every_o day_n which_o be_v to_o be_v uneasy_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n and_o may_v drink_v if_o he_o please_v every_o time_n out_o of_o a_o new_a cup_n which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a expense_n and_o a_o great_a trouble_n to_o his_o servant_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o convenience_n to_o himself_o but_o then_o if_o riches_n fall_v into_o the_o covetous_a man_n hand_n they_o can_v be_v no_o happiness_n to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o enjoy_v they_o he_o have_v indeed_o the_o estate_n of_o a_o rich_a man_n but_o he_o want_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v all_o the_o felicity_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a fortune_n what_o we_o enjoy_v be_v we_o but_o what_o we_o lie_v up_o be_v from_o that_o time_n not_o we_o but_o some_o body_n else_o he_o that_o heap_v up_o riches_n and_o enjoy_v they_o not_o be_v rich_a only_a for_o his_o heir_n but_o a_o beggar_n for_o himself_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v poor_a man_n and_o too_o apt_a to_o despise_v they_o but_o sure_o no_o man_n condition_n be_v more_o to_o be_v deplore_v than_o he_o who_o starve_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o plenty_n and_o be_v surround_v with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n turn_v they_o into_o the_o great_a curse_n for_o it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a curse_n not_o to_o use_v a_o estate_n when_o one_o have_v it_o than_o not_o to_o have_v it_o it_o be_v like_o a_o plentiful_a table_n without_o a_o appetite_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o have_v a_o great_a estate_n though_o a_o man_n never_o use_v it_o the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v it_o and_o tell_v it_o over_o may_v be_v like_o the_o remove_n of_o billet_n which_o may_v warm_v a_o man_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v spend_v and_o consume_v they_o but_o this_o be_v real_a and_o the_o other_o only_o imaginary_a i_o doubt_v not_o many_o covetous_a man_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n in_o ruminate_v upon_o their_o wealth_n and_o in_o recounting_a what_o they_o have_v but_o they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o torment_a care_n and_o fear_n about_o it_o and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o understand_v where_o the_o reasonable_a pleasure_n and_o happiness_n lie_v of_o have_v thing_n to_o no_o end_n it_o be_v at_o the_o best_a like_o that_o of_o some_o foolish_a bird_n which_o they_o say_v take_v pleasure_n in_o steal_v money_n that_o they_o may_v hide_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n for_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n to_o dig_v silver_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o melt_v it_o down_o and_o stamp_v it_o and_o bury_v it_o there_o again_o but_o many_o necessity_n may_v happen_v which_o we_o can_v foresee_v and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o provide_v against_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o bad_a but_o something_o may_v be_v say_v in_o excuse_n of_o it_o and_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o provident_a care_n against_o the_o common_a accident_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v very_o commendable_a but_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v of_o provide_v against_o all_o possibility_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o foresee_v or_o prevent_v it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o after_o a_o man_n have_v get_v the_o great_a estate_n imaginable_a he_o may_v lose_v it_o all_o by_o some_o fatal_a accident_n and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o this_o provision_n make_v when_o that_o which_o be_v so_o long_a a_o time_n a_o get_n and_o lay_v up_o be_v lose_v at_o once_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o necessity_n can_v happen_v to_o a_o covetous_a man_n to_o give_v he_o a_o occasion_n of_o use_v his_o estate_n he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o himself_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v convenient_a nay_o almost_o necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o his_o life_n for_o no_o man_n can_v feed_v his_o servant_n more_o penurious_o than_o he_o do_v himself_o all_o the_o religion_n he_o value_v himself_o upon_o be_v a_o strict_a observance_n of_o the_o lessian_a diet_n which_o he_o recommend_v to_o those_o few_o
take_v their_o leave_n of_o we_o we_o shall_v hardly_o entertain_v they_o now_o if_o a_o man_n have_v place_v his_o chief_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o covetous_a man_n do_v in_o his_o riches_n his_o great_a trouble_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v will_v be_v that_o he_o must_v leave_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o severe_o say_v to_o the_o covetous_a man_n than_o that_o which_o god_n say_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o and_o then_o who_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v for_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n such_o man_n can_v endure_v to_o think_v of_o part_v with_o these_o thing_n or_o that_o what_o they_o have_v get_v with_o such_o great_a care_n and_o labour_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o another_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v so_o hot_a and_o eager_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o we_o in_o a_o die_a hour_n and_o this_o consideration_n well_o imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n will_v make_v we_o very_o careful_a to_o treasure_n up_o other_o kind_n of_o comfort_n to_o ourselves_o against_o such_o a_o time_n and_o to_o labour_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v never_o grow_v out_o of_o conceit_n withal_o but_o shall_v value_v they_o to_o the_o last_o and_o then_o most_o of_o all_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o leave_v this_o world_n for_o as_o a_o poet_n of_o our_o own_o say_v excellent_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o first_o we_o love_v but_o what_o die_v we_o approve_v thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n whereby_o the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o covetousness_n do_v appear_v namely_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o great_a estate_n the_o life_n of_o man_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o covetousness_n be_v very_o different_a the_o great_a end_n which_o religion_n propose_v to_o itself_o be_v happiness_n but_o the_o great_a end_n which_o covetousness_n propose_v be_v riches_n which_o be_v neither_o a_o necessary_a nor_o a_o probable_a mean_n of_o happiness_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o particular_a namely_o that_o riches_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o they_o usual_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o our_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o the_o labour_n and_o care_n which_o covetous_a man_n be_v at_o in_o the_o get_v of_o a_o great_a estate_n second_o the_o anxiety_n of_o keep_v it_o together_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o three_o the_o trouble_v and_o vexation_n of_o have_v lose_v it_o and_o four_o the_o dreadful_a and_o heavy_a account_n which_o every_o man_n must_v give_v of_o a_o great_a estate_n but_o these_o particular_n together_o with_o the_o application_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o four_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o my_o two_o last_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a i_o have_v represent_v the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n in_o four_o particular_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o particular_a whereby_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o evils_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v vice_n that_o riches_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o they_o usual_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o our_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n as_o will_v evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o the_o labour_n and_o care_n which_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v at_o in_o the_o get_n of_o a_o great_a estate_n second_o the_o anxiety_n of_o keep_v it_o together_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o three_o the_o trouble_v and_o vexation_n of_o have_v lose_v it_o four_o the_o heavy_a and_o dreadful_a account_n which_o every_o man_n must_v give_v of_o a_o great_a estate_n first_o the_o labour_n and_o care_n which_o the_o covetous_a man_n have_v in_o get_v a_o great_a estate_n he_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a must_v sweat_v for_o it_o and_o refuse_v no_o pain_n and_o trouble_n he_o must_v rise_v up_o early_o and_o lie_v down_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n a_o slave_n that_o diggs_n in_o the_o mine_n or_o row_v in_o the_o galley_n be_v not_o a_o great_a drudge_n than_o some_o covetous_a worldling_n be_v only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o covetous_a man_n think_v that_o he_o labour_n and_o take_v all_o these_o pain_n for_o himself_o whereas_o the_o slave_n understand_v the_o matter_n more_o true_o and_o think_v that_o he_o do_v it_o for_o another_o but_o beside_o the_o pain_n he_o take_v he_o be_v full_a of_o care_n and_o anxiety_n how_o be_v he_o through_o the_o greedy_a desire_n of_o have_v rack_v between_o the_o hope_n of_o get_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o miss_v what_o he_o seek_v the_o apostle_n observe_v what_o torment_v care_n accompany_v this_o vice_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 10._o the_o love_n of_o money_n â—aith_o he_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a not_o only_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n but_o of_o the_o evil_a likewise_o of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v for_o it_o follow_v which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n variety_n of_o trouble_n attend_v they_o that_o will_v be_v rich._n second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o anxiety_n of_o keep_v what_o they_o have_v get_v together_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o again_o this_o be_v another_o great_a part_n of_o a_o covetous_a man_n infelicity_n the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o the_o parable_n after_o the_o text_n when_o he_o see_v his_o estate_n come_v upon_o he_o so_o fast_o cry_v out_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v poor_a man_n who_o will_v not_o pity_v his_o condition_n to_o see_v he_o put_v to_o this_o difficulty_n and_o distress_n and_o to_o hear_v he_o make_v as_o heavy_a a_o moan_n as_o the_o poor_a man_n can_v do_v now_o that_o he_o have_v a_o plentiful_a harvest_n and_o his_o crop_n have_v answer_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a his_o covetous_a desire_n he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o perplexity_n and_o almost_o at_o his_o wit_n end_v how_o to_o dispose_v of_o it_o he_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a lest_o any_o of_o it_o shall_v be_v lose_v for_o want_v of_o a_o secure_a place_n to_o store_v it_o up_o in_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o bestow_v my_o fruit_n where_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o why_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o lose_v his_o fruit_n and_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o lay_v out_o money_n to_o secure_v they_o but_o upon_o far_a consideration_n he_o resolve_v of_o the_o two_o evil_n to_o choose_v the_o least_o and_o he_o say_v this_o will_v i_o do_v i_o will_v pull_v down_o my_o barn_n and_o build_v great_a and_o there_o will_v i_o bestow_v all_o my_o fruit_n and_o my_o good_n but_o why_o can_v he_o not_o let_v the_o barn_n he_o have_v stand_v and_o build_v more_o no_o that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v so_o well_o he_o love_v to_o see_v all_o his_o good_a thing_n at_o one_o view_n and_o what_o a_o goodly_a show_n they_o will_v make_v together_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o humour_n of_o covetousness_n when_o it_o break_v out_o into_o expense_n to_o overdo_v the_o miser_n building_n be_v like_o his_o feast_n always_o extravagant_a the_o covetous_a man_n as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o expense_n be_v like_o a_o coward_n as_o to_o fight_v he_o decline_v it_o as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v but_o when_o he_o be_v push_v to_o the_o last_o necessity_n he_o grow_v desperate_a and_o lay_v about_o he_o tantis_fw-la parta_fw-la malis_fw-la curâ_fw-la majore_fw-la metuque_fw-la servantur_fw-la miserable_fw-la est_fw-la magni_fw-la custodia_fw-la censûs_fw-la riches_n which_o be_v get_v with_o so_o much_o trouble_n be_v not_o keep_v without_o great_a fear_n and_o care_n a_o covetous_a man_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o miserable_a than_o in_o the_o anxiety_n and_o care_n of_o dispose_v and_o secure_v what_o he_o have_v get_v when_o a_o man_n desire_n be_v endless_a his_o care_n and_o fear_n will_v be_v so_o too_o three_o as_o great_a a_o evil_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a be_v the_o vexation_n of_o have_v lose_v these_o thing_n if_o by_o any_o accident_n the_o man_n happen_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o
be_v but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o world_n as_o all_o our_o father_n be_v that_o we_o have_v here_o no_o abide_v place_n no_o continue_a city_n but_o be_v travel_v towards_o our_o own_o country_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o load_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o journey_n and_o cumber_v ourselves_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o there_o whither_o we_o be_v a_o go_v but_o the_o great_a wonder_n of_o all_o be_v that_o this_o vice_n shall_v so_o strong_o reign_v and_o even_o grow_v upon_o man_n in_o old_a age_n and_o get_v strength_n as_o weakness_n creep_v upon_o we_o this_o very_a thought_n that_o we_o be_v to_o die_v shall_v work_v in_o we_o a_o great_a indifferency_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o when_o man_n be_v convince_v they_o can_v live_v long_o and_o that_o every_o step_n they_o take_v they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o stumble_v into_o the_o grave_a this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v wean_v our_o affection_n from_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o usual_o none_o take_v so_o fast_o hold_v of_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o so_o kind_o as_o old_a man_n like_o friend_n who_o though_o they_o know_v they_o must_v leave_v one_o another_o yet_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v do_v we_o not_o see_v many_o pursue_v these_o thing_n with_o as_o much_o eagerness_n and_o appetite_n when_o they_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o stay_v in_o it_o a_o hundred_o year_n long_o so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o they_o be_v child_n again_o and_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o these_o toy_n as_o if_o they_o be_v just_a beginning_n the_o world_n and_o set_v out_o for_o their_o whole_a life_n 3._o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o to_o be_v serious_o think_v on_o and_o provide_v for_o with_o great_a care_n and_o do_v man_n firm_o believe_v this_o they_o will_v not_o with_o martha_n busy_a themselves_o about_o many_o thing_n but_o will_v mind_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o with_o mary_n choose_v that_o better_a part_n which_o can_v not_o be_v take_v from_o they_o they_o will_v overlook_v the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n and_o scarce_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o be_v only_a intent_n upon_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v but_o temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n will_v employ_v their_o utmost_a care_n and_o their_o best_a thought_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v remember_v that_o this_o be_v not_o our_o home_n nor_o the_o place_n of_o our_o rest_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n do_v in_o a_o inn_n we_o shall_v make_v a_o shift_n with_o those_o indifferent_a accommodation_n which_o the_o world_n will_v afford_v we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v have_v upon_o easy_a term_n without_o too_o much_o trouble_v and_o stir_v because_o we_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v long_o here_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o shall_v cheer_v up_o ourselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o plenty_n of_o our_o father_n house_n and_o of_o that_o full_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o we_o shall_v meet_v withal_o when_o we_o come_v to_o those_o everlasting_a habitation_n so_o that_o our_o great_a care_n shall_v be_v to_o provide_v for_o eternity_n if_o we_o have_v unbounded_a desire_n let_v we_o place_v they_o upon_o such_o object_n as_o be_v worthy_a of_o they_o let_v we_o earnest_o covet_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a riches_n we_o shall_v so_o mind_v the_o world_n as_o to_o make_v heaven_n our_o great_a care_n as_o to_o make_v sure_a to_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o where_o no_o thief_n approach_v neither_o moth_n corrupt_v as_o our_o saviour_n advise_v luke_n 12._o 33._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o counsel_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 17_o 18_o 19_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n willing_a to_o distribute_v ready_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v also_o be_v render_v a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v fail_v in_o a_o short_a space_n we_o shall_v either_o be_v strip_v of_o they_o or_o separate_v from_o they_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o shall_v look_v over_o to_o that_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o must_v short_o enter_v upon_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v as_o nothing_o to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n have_v take_v up_o so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n and_o care_n and_o that_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n of_o all_o eternity_n have_v be_v so_o little_o mind_v and_o regard_v by_o we_o now_o see_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v pardon_v i_o if_o i_o earnest_o beg_v of_o you_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o your_o worldly_a care_n to_o have_v some_o consideration_n for_o your_o immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v no_o wise_a provide_v for_o by_o a_o great_a estate_n but_o be_v design_v for_o noble_a enjoyment_n than_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v when_o you_o be_v take_v care_n to_o feed_v and_o clothe_v these_o die_a body_n remember_v that_o better_a part_n of_o yourselves_o which_o be_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o let_v not_o all_o your_o enquiry_n be_v what_o shall_v i_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v i_o drink_v or_o wherewithal_o shall_v i_o be_v clothe_v but_o sometime_o ask_v yourselves_o this_o question_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o have_v a_o immortal_a spirit_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a some_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o that_o to_o train_v it_o up_o to_o eternity_n and_o to_o make_v it_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v the_o firm_a belief_n and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n can_v sure_o but_o cool_a the_o heat_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o these_o die_a and_o perish_v thing_n and_o make_v we_o resolve_v not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v violate_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n or_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n 2._o by_o way_n of_o remedy_n against_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o condition_n this_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v as_o the_o best_a cure_n of_o this_o vice_n heb._n 13._o 5._o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v without_o covetousness_n and_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v content_v with_o the_o present_a and_o think_v that_o sufficient_a a_o covetous_a man_n can_v enjoy_v the_o present_a for_o fear_v of_o the_o future_a either_o out_o of_o fear_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o want_v or_o out_o of_o a_o sickness_n and_o uneasiness_n of_o mind_n which_o make_v that_o nothing_o please_v he_o but_o if_o we_o can_v bring_v our_o mind_n to_o our_o condition_n and_o be_v content_v with_o what_o we_o have_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o eager_a and_o impatient_a after_o more_o this_o contentedness_n with_o our_o present_a condition_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o man_n by_o providence_n and_o industry_n and_o lawful_a endeavour_n may_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o more_o plentiful_a fortune_n than_o they_o have_v at_o present_a for_o provide_v a_o man_n use_v no_o indirect_a and_o dishonest_a way_n to_o increase_v his_o estate_n and_o do_v not_o torment_v himself_o with_o anxious_a care_n do_v neither_o make_v himself_o guilty_a nor_o miserable_a that_o he_o may_v be_v rich_a provide_v he_o do_v not_o neglect_v better_a thing_n to_o attain_v these_o and_o have_v not_o a_o insatiable_a appetite_n towards_o they_o provide_v he_o do_v not_o idolise_v his_o estate_n and_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o enjoy_v they_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o other_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v content_v with_o his_o present_a condition_n and_o yet_o take_v all_o fair_a opportunity_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n of_o enlarge_a his_o fortune_n it_o be_v a_o good_a character_n which_o the_o poet_n give_v of_o aristippus_n
government_n of_o religion_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o continual_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o we_o shall_v take_v as_o much_o pain_n and_o be_v as_o hearty_o concern_v to_o be_v good_a man_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o grow_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o so_o much_o more_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v a_o better_a and_o noble_a design_n to_o improve_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o prosper_v and_o thrive_v in_o our_o temporal_a estate_n and_o we_o do_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o our_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o subdue_v our_o lust_n and_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o reform_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o inward_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o our_o outward_a conversation_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o do_v require_v great_a diligence_n and_o attention_n and_o care_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o become_v true_o and_o thorough_o good_a to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o patient_a and_o content_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o placable_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v these_o be_v great_a and_o difficult_a thing_n and_o whatever_o we_o think_v not_o the_o work_n of_o a_o wish_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a resolution_n before_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n no_o nor_o the_o fruit_n of_o frequent_a and_o â—ervent_a prayer_n without_o the_o hearty_a concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o render_v our_o life_n such_o as_o we_o pray_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o be_v three_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v further_a imply_v zeal_n and_o earnestness_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n and_o this_o be_v a_o degree_n above_o diligence_n for_o zeal_n be_v a_o ardour_n and_o fervency_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o a_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o be_v great_o concern_v and_o which_o we_o vehement_o desire_v to_o obtain_v it_o be_v the_o hot_a and_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n mix_v with_o anger_n at_o every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o our_o way_n and_o hinder_v we_o from_o obtain_v what_o we_o seek_v after_o such_o a_o heat_n as_o ambition_n do_v common_o inspire_v man_n withal_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o power_n and_o preferment_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o edge_n of_o our_o spirit_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o do_v usual_o possess_v man_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o and_o aspire_v after_o not_o like_o the_o unstable_a and_o totter_a kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o so_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o design_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o what_o we_o seek_v after_o will_v justify_v and_o warrant_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o discreet_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n use_v word_n that_o import_v the_o great_a vehemency_n and_o earnestness_n bid_v we_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n to_o labour_v and_o watch_v to_o run_v and_o wrestle_v and_o fight_v and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a last_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v imply_v patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o they_o and_o that_o we_o never_o cease_v our_o pursuit_n of_o they_o till_o we_o have_v obtain_v they_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o this_o we_o must_v expect_v and_o reckon_v upon_o beforehand_o to_o encounter_v many_o difficulty_n and_o find_v many_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n as_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o nay_o we_o must_v count_v to_o be_v grievous_o persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o if_o god_n see_v it_o good_a for_o we_o to_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n before_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o a_o very_a firm_a and_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o bear_v up_o and_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o all_o these_o for_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o our_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n so_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o mat._n 10._o 22._o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n we_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n declare_v rom._n 2._o 7._o that_o they_o only_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n you_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v thâ—_n kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n it_o remain_v brief_o to_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v these_o first_o seek_v you_o fâ—rst_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v let_v this_o be_v your_o main_a and_o principal_a design_n so_o as_o to_o take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o in_o your_o esteem_n and_o affection_n in_o your_o aim_n and_o endeavour_v in_o comparison_n of_o this_o mind_n nothing_o else_o not_o the_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n no_o not_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o what_o you_o shall_v drink_v and_o wherewithal_o you_o shall_v be_v clothe_v these_o you_o see_v our_o saviour_n instance_v in_o before_o the_o text_n as_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o take_v care_n of_o when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o that_o not_o only_o none_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v value_v against_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n but_o that_o even_o this_o temporal_a life_n itself_o as_o dear_a as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v part_v withal_o and_o give_v up_o rather_o than_o to_o quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n mat._n 10._o 37._o 38._o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v son_n or_o daughter_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o he_o instance_v in_o the_o near_a relation_n those_o towards_o who_o we_o have_v the_o most_o tender_a and_o relent_a affection_n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n of_o these_o nay_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o more_o strong_o and_o vehement_o luke_n 14._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o that_o be_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o my_o religigion_n and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n when_o these_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o be_v to_o regard_v and_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o hatred_n but_o to_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o affection_n to_o they_o so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v tempt_v we_o from_o constancy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n his_o meaning_n be_v thaâ—_n religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o they_o in_o another_o world_n shall_v be_v our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n and_o that_o all_o
abomination_n to_o he_o and_o his_o soul_n hate_v they_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n be_v less_o considerable_a than_o the_o substantial_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o religion_n of_o less_o consideration_n than_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o aught_o always_o to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n comprehend_v under_o the_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n because_o they_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o matter_n of_o mere_a positive_a institution_n and_o where_o they_o can_v stand_v togother_n that_o which_o be_v positive_a aught_o to_o be_v set_v aside_o and_o to_o give_v way_n for_o the_o present_a to_o that_o which_o be_v moral_a and_o good_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v for_o in_o this_o case_n god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n upon_o which_o ground_n our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o work_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n peace_n and_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v value_v above_o matter_n of_o nicety_n and_o scruple_n of_o doubtful_a dispute_n and_o controversy_n because_o the_o former_a be_v unquestionable_o good_a the_o latter_a doubtful_o and_o uncertain_o so_o all_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v a_o man_n sincere_o and_o wise_o religious_a for_o man_n may_v keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o some_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o diligent_a zealous_a and_o earnest_a about_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o inward_a and_o real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n which_o alone_o can_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o five_o and_o last_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o charity_n or_o almsgiving_n this_o be_v very_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v righteousness_n as_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerty_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n particular_o direct_v to_o as_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 12._o 33._o after_o this_o general_a exhortation_n to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o instance_v in_o charity_n as_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o give_v alm_n provide_v for_o yourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o and_o elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o will_v make_v way_n for_o our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n luke_n 16._o 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o make_v to_o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o or_o you_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o lay_v in_o store_n for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o this_o place_n a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 19_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o main_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n jam._n 1._o 27._o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n final_o our_o lord_n instance_v in_o this_o as_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o will_v admit_v we_o into_o or_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n by_o the_o performance_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v absolve_v and_o for_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n mat._n 25._o so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o righteousness_n or_o religion_n ought_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o because_o upon_o the_o performance_n or_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n only_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n but_o this_o will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o matth_n vi_o 33._o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o these_o word_n which_o i_o begin_v to_o discourse_n upon_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o strict_a charge_n and_o command_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o argument_n first_o i_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n second_o i_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v these_o and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o three_o i_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o this_o great_a business_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n some_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n among_o which_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n particular_o consider_v the_o encouragement_n here_o give_v in_o the_o text_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o 1._o my_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a and_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n which_o to_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o tempt_v our_o ambition_n the_o more_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v to_o obtain_v that_o what_o pain_n will_v they_o not_o take_v what_o hazard_n will_v they_o not_o run_v what_o difficulty_n will_v they_o not_o grapple_v with_o and_o break_v through_o if_o they_o can_v to_o come_v at_o a_o kingdom_n which_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v they_o be_v expose_v to_o as_o many_o and_o common_o to_o more_o care_n and_o fear_n to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o the_o keep_n than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o get_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o man_n will_v do_v for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n for_o one_o of_o the_o petty_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v continual_o totter_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v overturn_v by_o open_a violence_n or_o to_o be_v undermine_v by_o secret_a treachery_n but_o the_o kingdom_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o and_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v not_o like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o excellency_n and_o stability_n of_o it_o as_o much_o beyond_o any_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o crown_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o sceptre_n which_o can_v be_v wrest_v from_o we_o but_o to_o quit_v the_o metaphor_n and_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n import_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o say_v of_o our_o soul_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o immortal_a duration_n be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o any_o of_o the_o perish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o dear_a to_o we_o other_o
final_o by_o his_o mercy_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n three_o another_o powerful_a argument_n to_o care_n and_o diligence_n be_v the_o fatal_a danger_n of_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n we_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o he_o break_v with_o our_o saviour_n only_o upon_o one_o point_n he_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o distribute_v they_o in_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o thereupon_o he_o leave_v our_o saviour_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o find_v never_o return_v to_o he_o again_o if_o the_o world_n govern_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n first_o and_o make_v these_o our_o chief_a care_n and_o design_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v add_v unto_o we_o iâ—_n we_o will_v not_o mind_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v accessory_n and_o if_o upon_o any_o one_o point_n we_o miscarry_v either_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o world_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o other_o lust_n or_o vice_n that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v withal_o our_o miscarriage_n be_v fatal_a and_o the_o ruin_n which_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o irreparable_a for_o the_o soul_n once_o lose_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o if_o we_o have_v neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v never_o return_v into_o our_o power_n again_o death_n will_v shut_v the_o door_n against_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n four_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o sincere_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o fair_a probability_n of_o obtain_v they_o but_o all_o the_o security_n we_o can_v desire_v man_n may_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n may_v love_v they_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o we_o see_v too_o many_o do_v and_o seek_v they_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o strength_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n may_v be_v shameful_o frustrate_v and_o disappoint_v of_o their_o end_n there_o be_v many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n daily_o before_o our_o eye_n and_o yet_o man_n be_v not_o discourage_v from_o seek_v these_o thing_n a_o fair_a probability_n nay_o almost_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v they_o be_v enough_o to_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n to_o drudge_n and_o toil_n for_o they_o why_o the_o same_o â—_z the_o â—ame_n zeal_n the_o same_o unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n will_v infallible_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a but_o true_a say_v of_o cardinal_n wolsey_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n have_v i_o be_v but_o as_o careful_a to_o please_v god_n as_o i_o have_v be_v to_o serve_v my_o prince_n he_o will_v not_o have_v forsake_v i_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o my_o gray_a hair_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o less_o diligence_n and_o care_n about_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n than_o many_o man_n use_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n will_v secure_v our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o but_o very_o few_o will_v be_v save_v and_o who_o will_v not_o place_v his_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n upon_o a_o design_n in_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o miscarry_v if_o he_o do_v but_o hearty_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n pursue_v it_o especial_o when_o it_o will_v be_v of_o infinite_a great_a advantage_n to_o he_o than_o any_o design_n he_o can_v propound_v to_o himself_o for_o this_o world_n if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v certain_o happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o the_o same_o or_o easy_a term_n than_o he_o can_v ordinary_o compass_v any_o of_o those_o little_a design_n which_o man_n propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o this_o world_n who_o will_v not_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v most_o worthy_a the_o have_v and_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v five_o and_o last_o the_o encouragement_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v not_o inconsiderable_a that_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a tempt_a consideration_n for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o reconcile_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o man_n do_v not_o general_o like_o our_o saviour_n method_n they_o will_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o seek_v the_o one_o and_o have_v the_o other_o cast_v in_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o seek_n but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v this_o way_n will_v not_o do_v and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o one_o will_v think_v can_v in_o reason_n be_v desire_v he_o have_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o will_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o a_o competent_a portion_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n godliness_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o a_o man_n thrive_a in_o his_o temporal_a estate_n nay_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o promote_v and_o advance_v it_o by_o engage_v we_o to_o diligence_n in_o our_o call_v and_o by_o derive_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o honest_a and_o lawful_a endeavour_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n and_o commerce_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o establish_v a_o clear_a and_o solid_a reputation_n and_o good_a esteem_n among_o man_n which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o business_n and_o at_o the_o long_o run_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o last_a instrument_n of_o prosperity_n and_o success_n beside_o that_o religion_n free_v a_o man_n from_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o dissipate_v and_o ruin_v man_n estate_n as_o intemperance_n and_o lewdness_n which_o be_v every_o way_n chargeable_a vice_n and_o do_v not_o only_o take_v man_n off_o from_o business_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o it_o but_o waste_v their_o estate_n and_o bring_v many_o other_o inconvenience_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o family_n religion_n make_v man_n meek_a and_o peaceable_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n which_o be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o chargeable_a suit_n and_o contention_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o injury_n and_o affront_v from_o other_o among_o all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o only_o promise_v temporal_a happiness_n to_o meekness_n bless_a be_v the_o meek_a for_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n they_o who_o provoke_v and_o offend_v no_o body_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v least_o disturb_a and_o disquiet_v by_o other_o in_o their_o possession_n and_o enjoment_n who_o will_v harm_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a some_o may_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o persecute_v a_o man_n for_o his_o goodness_n but_o it_o rare_o happen_v most_o man_n have_v not_o only_o a_o kindness_n but_o a_o veneration_n for_o true_a goodness_n by_o all_o these_o way_n religion_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o their_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n beside_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v very_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n and_o a_o special_a blessing_n attend_v they_o in_o all_o their_o undertake_n so_o that_o except_v the_o case_n of_o persecution_n which_o god_n will_v particular_o consider_v and_o reward_v in_o another_o world_n the_o religious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n stand_v as_o fair_a and_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n for_o all_o
the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o only_a design_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n and_o a_o competency_n of_o outward_a thing_n he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a and_o better_a security_n from_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v by_o all_o their_o care_n and_o pain_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o mind_v these_o thing_n only_o as_o accessory_n that_o if_o he_o miss_v of_o they_o he_o have_v something_o better_a to_o support_v he_o in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o happiness_n which_o this_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v from_o he_o but_o now_o the_o worldly_a man_n if_o he_o be_v defeat_v in_o his_o design_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a because_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o comfort_v he_o nothing_o else_o to_o trust_v to_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o hope_n as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o have_v do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a as_o to_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o encouragement_n you_o see_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n our_o great_a care_n and_o business_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v these_o neglect_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o best_a of_o we_o god_n know_v not_o mind_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o they_o deserve_v what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o in_o excuse_n of_o so_o intolerable_a a_o folly_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o prâ—tend_v if_o not_o in_o justification_n yet_o in_o mitigation_n and_o excuse_n of_o this_o great_a neglect_n first_o they_o pretend_v great_a difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n this_o i_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a so_o far_o as_o to_o awaken_v our_o care_n and_o to_o whet_v our_o industry_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o despond_v and_o give_v over_o all_o care_n of_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n it_o be_v attend_v withal_o man_n who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o magnify_v they_o in_o their_o fancy_n beyond_o reason_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o type_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n represent_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n who_o they_o be_v to_o conquer_v more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v report_v to_o one_o another_o that_o the_o land_n be_v full_a of_o giant_n and_o son_n of_o anak_n man_n of_o prodigious_a stature_n which_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o this_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v to_o be_v the_o perpetual_a excuse_n of_o the_o slothful_a when_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n they_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n that_o be_v they_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o danger_n and_o terror_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o man_n who_o be_v averse_a from_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n be_v apt_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o monstrous_a and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o subdue_v his_o appetite_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n and_o to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n well!_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v difficult_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o to_o get_v a_o estate_n and_o to_o rise_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n the_o true_a pain_n which_o man_n take_v about_o these_o thing_n show_v that_o they_o be_v difficult_a only_o when_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n but_o buckle_v to_o it_o and_o grapple_v with_o it_o be_v religion_n difficult_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o law_n a_o difficult_a and_o crabbed_a study_n do_v it_o not_o require_v great_a labour_n and_o perpetual_a drudge_a to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v master_n of_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n in_o a_o word_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n worthy_a the_o have_v that_o be_v to_o be_v get_v without_o pain_n and_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n the_o only_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o so_o great_a a_o good_a shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o faint_a and_o idle_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o lazy_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n for_o what_o reason_n nay_o with_o what_o conscience_n can_v we_o bid_v less_o for_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n than_o man_n be_v content_v to_o give_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n thing_n of_o no_o value_n in_o comparison_n not_o worthy_a the_o toil_a for_o not_o sure_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o all_o our_o endeavour_n thing_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o which_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n one_o fit_a of_o a_o fever_n may_v shatter_v our_o understanding_n and_o confound_v all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o turn_v we_o into_o fool_n and_o idiot_n a_o inundation_n or_o a_o fire_n may_v sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v our_o estate_n a_o succession_n of_o calamity_n may_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n make_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n as_o poor_a as_o job_n and_o set_v he_o upon_o a_o dunghill_n but_o be_v the_o difficulty_n what_o it_o will_v of_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v at_o any_o rate_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o we_o miserable_a and_o undo_v if_o we_o have_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v considerable_a but_o then_o they_o be_v much_o great_a aâ—_n first_o and_o will_v every_o day_n abate_v and_o grow_v less_o and_o the_o work_n by_o degree_n will_v become_v eaâ—â—e_n and_o turn_v into_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n a_o pleasure_n so_o great_a as_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o will_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o all_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n second_o other_o pretend_v want_n of_o time_n for_o the_o mind_v of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o all_o person_n have_v not_o equal_a leisure_n for_o this_o purpose_n some_o be_v much_o more_o straighten_a than_o other_o and_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v put_v no_o man_n upon_o this_o hard_a necessity_n that_o for_o want_v of_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o neglect_v his_o body_n and_o his_o health_n his_o family_n and_o estate_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o distress_n it_o be_v well_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o secure_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o neglect_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v most_o straighten_a for_o time_n have_v so_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o require_v time_n but_o resolution_n and_o care_n not_o to_o commit_v sin_n not_o to_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v intemperate_a to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v not_o spend_v time_n but_o save_v it_o for_o better_a purpose_n so_o that_o every_o man_n have_v time_n not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o for_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o in_o the_o external_n act_v of_o religion_n no_o man_n be_v so_o distress_v but_o he_o have_v time_n to_o think_v of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n time_n to_o love_n god_n to_o esteem_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o very_o acceptable_o while_o he_o be_v labour_v and_o travel_v about_o his_o worldly_a affair_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v upon_o the_o blow_n his_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o god_n and_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o upon_o earth_n his_o thought_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v in_o
due_o consider_v and_o all_o account_n cast_v up_o it_o will_v appear_v upon_o a_o just_a calculation_n of_o thing_n that_o all_o the_o restraint_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n lay_v upon_o man_n be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o great_o for_o their_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o do_v not_o abridge_v we_o of_o any_o true_a pleasure_n or_o happiness_n but_o be_v wise_a and_o merciful_a provision_n of_o heaven_n to_o prevent_v our_o harm_n and_o mischief_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o wise_a if_o we_o act_v without_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o who_o love_v we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o true_o design_v our_o happiness_n and_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o direct_o tend_v to_o it_o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a constitution_n and_o mere_a instance_n of_o sovereign_n will_v and_o power_n but_o wise_a rule_n and_o mean_n to_o procure_v and_o advance_v our_o happiness_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o that_o wisdom_n which_o man_n use_v to_o compass_v their_o worldly_a design_n of_o riches_n and_o greatness_n without_o consideration_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o it_o for_o the_o success_n of_o our_o affair_n be_v all_o perfect_a folly_n and_o mistake_n for_o though_o the_o design_n be_v never_o so_o well_o lay_v and_o vigorous_o prosecute_v and_o no_o mean_n which_o humane_a wisdom_n can_v devise_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o our_o end_n have_v be_v omit_v by_o we_o yet_o if_o we_o leave_v god_n out_o of_o the_o account_n we_o forget_v that_o which_o be_v principal_a and_o signify_v more_o to_o the_o success_n of_o any_o design_n than_o all_o other_o thing_n put_v together_o for_o if_o god_n favour_v our_o design_n the_o most_o improbable_a shall_v take_v effect_n and_o if_o he_o blow_v upon_o they_o the_o most_o likely_a shall_v miscarry_v whenever_o he_o please_v to_o interâ—oâ—e_v to_o cross_v the_o counsel_n and_o desigâ—â—_n of_o mâ—n_z the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n â—o_o the_o wise_a nor_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o all_o so_o that_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n not_o to_o consider_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o our_o design_n and_o undertake_n not_o to_o implore_v his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n without_o which_o nothing_o that_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n can_v prosper_v that_o which_o be_v principal_a to_o any_o purpose_n aught_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v attempt_v either_o without_o or_o against_o it_o and_o such_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o humane_a affair_n it_o be_v more_o considerable_a to_o the_o promote_a or_o hinder_v of_o any_o event_n than_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o therefore_o all_o policy_n which_o set_v aside_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n be_v vain_a because_o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n nor_o understanding_n nor_o counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n so_o likewise_o all_o that_o wisdom_n which_o only_o consider_v and_o regard_v this_o short_a life_n and_o the_o narrow_a concernment_n of_o it_o and_o make_v provision_n only_o for_o our_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v tempt_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o temporal_a advantage_n and_o terrify_v only_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o temporal_a evil_n and_o suffering_n but_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n within_o we_o no_o prospect_n of_o a_o life_n after_o death_n no_o consideration_n of_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n infinite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o time_n and_o sense_n i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v a_o preposterous_a and_o pernicious_a wisdom_n and_o proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n and_o a_o quite_o contrary_a scheme_n of_o thing_n to_o what_o real_o be_v and_o consequent_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o it_o do_v run_v upon_o a_o perpetual_a mistake_n and_o a_o false_a state_v of_o our_o own_o case_n and_o whatever_o we_o do_v pursuant_n to_o this_o mistake_n be_v foolish_a and_o hurtful_a and_o so_o far_o from_o conduce_v to_o our_o true_a interest_n that_o it_o be_v all_o either_o beside_o it_o or_o contrary_a to_o it_o because_o we_o act_n upon_o a_o supposal_n only_o of_o this_o life_n and_o a_o be_v only_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o to_o be_v fear_v or_o hope_v for_o beyond_o it_o and_o be_v thus_o gross_o mistake_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n only_o upon_o temporal_a thing_n and_o study_v our_o present_a security_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o in_o all_o our_o counsel_n and_o action_n be_v sway_v only_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a of_o the_o present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o disturbance_n and_o pain_n of_o our_o fleshly_a and_o sensual_a part_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o immortality_n and_o of_o that_o everlasting_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o in_o another_o world_n but_o there_o be_v my_o brethren_n most_o certain_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o we_o be_v not_o beast_n if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v ourselves_o so_o and_o if_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v not_o die_v like_o they_o neither_o shall_v our_o last_o end_n be_v like_o they_o for_o whatever_o we_o may_v think_v or_o wish_v it_o will_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o extinguish_v our_o own_o being_n when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o and_o to_o choose_v whether_o or_o no_o we_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o false_a scheme_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v frame_v to_o ourselves_o and_o proceed_v upon_o as_o undoubted_o it_o be_v than_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v one_o great_a error_n and_o a_o perpetual_a mistake_n and_o we_o be_v quite_o wrong_a in_o all_o â—hat_n we_o design_v to_o do_v our_o wisdom_n haâ—â—_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o false_a calculation_n and_o account_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v put_v our_o case_n otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v and_o the_o far_o we_o proceed_v ugon_v this_o mistake_n our_o miscarriage_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o fatal_a in_o the_o issue_n but_o if_o our_o wisdom_n begin_v at_o the_o right_a end_n and_o our_o case_n be_v true_o state_v that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o these_o frail_a and_o mortal_a body_n of_o we_o immortal_a spirit_n that_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o have_v send_v uâ—_n into_o this_o world_n to_o sojourn_v here_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o to_o be_v discipline_v and_o train_v up_o for_o eternity_n and_o that_o after_o a_o short_a proof_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o shall_v be_v translate_v into_o a_o everlasting_a state_n of_o unspeakable_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a as_o we_o have_v demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o believe_v this_o to_o bâ—_n true_o our_o case_n our_o interest_n be_v then_o plain_o before_o we_o and_o we_o see_v where_o our_o happiness_n lie_v and_o what_o remain_v for_o we_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v to_o suffer_v if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o now_o this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v for_o ourselves_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o our_o future_a state_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o everlasting_a happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o our_o maker_n and_o our_o sovereign_n have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o and_o according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v one_o day_n sentence_n we_o to_o eternal_a reward_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o all_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o be_v bound_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n trouble_v and_o suffer_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o regard_v by_o we_o in_o competition_n with_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o that_o sin_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o most_o mischievous_a to_o our_o main_a interest_n and_o therefore_o with_o all_o possible_a care_n to_o be_v avoid_v and_o that_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v provide_v for_o at_o any_o pain_n and_o expense_n whatsoever_o and_o even_o with_o the_o hazard_n and_o loss_n of_o our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n yea_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o now_o if_o this_o
it_o too_o well_o to_o part_v with_o it_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o which_o always_o prove_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n and_o for_o the_o little_a sweetness_n which_o they_o yield_v leave_v a_o terrible_a sting_n behind_o they_o thus_o have_v i_o brief_o represent_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o of_o a_o vast_a influence_n and_o extent_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n the_o happiness_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o to_o our_o whole_a duration_n the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o for_o godliness_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o piety_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o now_o where_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o full_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v such_o real_a effect_n as_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n bear_v a_o proportion_n to_o the_o power_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o nothing_o certain_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a in_o its_o definition_n than_o true_a religion_n be_v but_o alas_o how_o imperfect_a be_v it_o in_o the_o subject_a i_o mean_v in_o we_o who_o ought_v to_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n the_o best_a demonstration_n of_o the_o excellent_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n what_o a_o conflict_n and_o struggle_a do_v the_o best_a man_n find_v between_o their_o inclination_n and_o their_o duty_n how_o hard_o to_o reconcile_v our_o practice_n and_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o make_v our_o life_n to_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n how_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n in_o this_o dangerous_a and_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n either_o so_o wise_a or_o so_o good_a as_o he_o ought_v how_o rare_a be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nature_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v without_o be_v often_o betray_v into_o some_o weakness_n and_o sinful_a compliance_n especial_o in_o the_o bad_a company_n of_o our_o better_n how_o next_o to_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o be_v strict_a and_o severe_a in_o our_o life_n without_o be_v sour_a to_o govern_v our_o life_n with_o that_o perpetual_a caution_n and_o to_o maintain_v that_o evenness_n of_o temper_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sometime_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a and_o when_o we_o be_v so_o not_o to_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o jonah_n we_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a there_o be_v two_o precept_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o nice_a of_o all_o other_o and_o hard_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n one_o be_v that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o innocent_a as_o dove_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o hit_v upon_o the_o just_a temper_n of_o wisdom_n and_o innocency_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o hurt_v no_o body_n to_o be_v innocent_a without_o be_v silly_a the_o other_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v angry_a and_o sin_v not_o how_o difficult_a be_v this_o never_o to_o be_v angry_a but_o upon_o just_a cause_n and_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o anger_n be_v just_a not_o to_o be_v transport_v beyond_o due_a bound_n either_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o anger_n or_o as_o to_o the_o duration_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v so_o very_o nice_a a_o matter_n that_o one_o will_v be_v almost_o tempt_v to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o prohibition_n of_o anger_n in_o any_o case_n be_v you_o angry_a and_o sin_v not_o be_v you_o so_o if_o you_o can_v without_o sin_n i_o believe_v whosoever_o observe_v it_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o suppress_v this_o passion_n at_o any_o time_n as_o to_o give_v way_n to_o it_o without_o offend_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n be_v it_o to_o be_v much_o in_o company_n and_o free_a in_o conversation_n and_o not_o to_o be_v infect_v by_o it_o to_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n and_o yet_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o the_o vice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n please_v so_o as_o neither_o to_o injure_v our_o health_n nor_o to_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n nor_o to_o offend_v against_o conscience_n to_o fast_o often_o without_o be_v conceit_v of_o it_o and_o bargain_v as_o it_o be_v with_o god_n for_o some_o great_a liberty_n in_o another_o kind_n and_o without_o censure_v those_o who_o do_v not_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o our_o strict_a rule_n either_o of_o piety_n or_o abstinence_n when_o perhaps_o they_o have_v neither_o the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o nor_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o that_o we_o have_v nay_o perhaps_o have_v a_o much_o better_a reason_n for_o not_o do_v just_a as_o we_o do_v for_o no_o man_n be_v to_o prescribe_v to_o other_o his_o own_o private_a method_n either_o of_o fast_v or_o of_o devotion_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o his_o example_n a_o kind_n of_o proclamation_n enjoin_v all_o his_o neighbour_n the_o same_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n which_o he_o himself_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o think_v fit_a to_o observe_v and_o then_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o be_v cheerful_a without_o be_v vain_a and_o grave_a and_o serious_a without_o be_v morose_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o instructive_a to_o other_o in_o our_o conversation_n and_o discourse_n without_o assume_v too_o much_o authority_n to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o do_v good_a to_o other_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o have_v rather_o take_v a_o hint_n and_o intimation_n from_o another_o to_o advise_v himself_o and_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o imitate_v the_o silent_a good_a example_n which_o they_o see_v in_o another_o than_o to_o have_v either_o his_o advice_n or_o his_o example_n impose_v upon_o they_o how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n equal_a to_o every_o condition_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o mean_a and_o moderate_a thing_n to_o be_v patient_n in_o adversity_n and_o humble_a in_o prosperity_n and_o meek_a upon_o sudden_a and_o violent_a provocation_n to_o keep_v our_o passion_n free_a from_o get_v head_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o zeal_n from_o out-running_a our_o knowledge_n to_o have_v a_o will_v perfect_o submit_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o when_o it_o lie_v cross_a and_o thwart_a to_o we_o so_o that_o whatever_o please_v god_n shall_v please_v we_o to_o be_v resolute_a when_o our_o duty_n happen_v to_o be_v difficult_a and_o dangerous_a or_o even_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n though_o it_o certain_o be_v so_o which_o be_v very_o inconvenient_a for_o we_o to_o do_v to_o hold_v out_o and_o be_v unwearied_a in_o well-doing_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v our_o life_n and_o yet_o upon_o a_o great_a occasion_n and_o whenever_o god_n call_v for_o they_o to_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v they_o down_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o innocent_a man_n in_o understanding_n and_o yet_o in_o malice_n child_n to_o have_v many_o great_a virtue_n and_o not_o to_o want_v that_o which_o give_v the_o great_a lustre_n to_o they_o all_o i_o mean_v real_a and_o unaffected_a modesty_n and_o humility_n in_o short_a how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o have_v regard_n to_o â—ll_a god_n commandment_n and_o to_o hate_v every_o evil_a and_o false_a way_n to_o have_v our_o duty_n continual_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n upon_o every_o proper_a occasion_n to_o have_v god_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n always_o before_o we_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o operative_a upon_o our_o practice_n to_o live_v as_o those_o that_o know_v they_o must_v die_v and_o to_o have_v our_o thought_n perpetual_o awake_a and_o intent_n upon_o the_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n these_o be_v great_a thing_n indeed_o easy_a to_o be_v talk_v of_o but_o hard_o to_o be_v do_v nay_o not_o to_o be_v do_v at_o all_o without_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o the_o continual_a aid_n and_o supply_n of_o his_o grace_n not_o without_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n a_o vigorous_a resistance_n of_o temptation_n and_o many_o a_o sore_a conflict_n with_o our_o own_o perverse_a will_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n not_o without_o a_o perpetual_a guard_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o our_o life_n and_o our_o unruly_a appetite_n and_o passion_n little_o do_v
upbraid_v the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n which_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n so_o that_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o read_v the_o gospel_n profectò_fw-la aut_fw-la hoc_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la evangelium_fw-la aut_fw-la nos_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la evangelici_fw-la either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o read_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v or_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v man_n to_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v degenerate_v into_o beast_n and_o devil_n wallow_v in_o abominable_a and_o filthy_a lust_n indulge_v ourselves_o in_o those_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o strife_n and_o discord_n of_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n of_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o demean_v themselves_o at_o another_o rate_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v over_o we_o or_o if_o they_o can_v do_v that_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o peter_n iu_o 19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o towards_o the_o heathen_a or_o gentile_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o more_o particular_o to_o arm_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o those_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o foretell_v will_v short_o overtake_v they_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v happen_v they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v and_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a and_o unexpected_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o 12_o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n belove_v think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o that_o be_v do_v not_o wonder_v and_o be_v not_o astonish_v at_o it_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o you_o and_o then_o he_o instruct_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o under_o those_o trial_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o shall_v happen_v not_o only_o with_o patience_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o exercise_v under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n upon_o what_o account_n and_o cause_n soever_o but_o with_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n consider_v the_o glorious_a example_n and_o reward_n of_o they_o v_o 13._o but_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v you_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o at_o the_o 14._o ver_fw-la he_o tell_v they_o that_o beside_o the_o encouragement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o example_n and_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n they_o shall_v be_v support_v and_o assist_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n with_o they_o v._n 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a copy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o power_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n re_v upon_o you_o that_o be_v the_o glorious_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v present_a with_o you_o to_o comfort_v and_o bear_v up_o your_o spirit_n under_o these_o suffering_n but_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o theiâ—_n suffering_n be_v for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n v._n 15._o but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evildoer_n that_o be_v as_o a_o offender_n in_o any_o kind_n against_o human_a law_n make_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n or_o as_o a_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n that_o be_v as_o a_o pragmatical_a person_n that_o meddle_v out_o of_o his_o own_o sphere_n to_o the_o disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n of_o human_a society_n for_o to_o suffer_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o trouble_v but_o not_o of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n but_o if_o they_o suffer_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o they_o but_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o call_v they_o to_o suffer_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o upon_o so_o glorious_a a_o account_n v._o 16._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a if_o that_o be_v his_o only_a crime_n let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v gâ—d_v on_o this_o behalf_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o at_o this_o time_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o end_n that_o the_o first_o calamity_n and_o suffering_n shall_v fall_v upon_o christian_n the_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o trial_n and_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o god_n be_v now_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o iâ—_n first_o begin_v at_o we_o that_o be_v at_o we_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n that_o be_v how_o much_o more_o severe_o will_v god_n deal_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v that_o be_v if_o good_a man_n be_v save_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o must_v through_o so_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o ungodly_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n where_o shall_v they_o appear_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n in_o the_o last_o ver_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o apostle_n forego_v discourse_n i_o shall_v explain_v the_o several_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n and_o then_o handle_v the_o main_a point_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o expression_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v these_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n what_o by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n â—s_a unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o what_o by_o well-doing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n such_o as_o god_n will_v approve_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o probable_a because_o this_o be_v mention_v afterward_o in_o the_o follow_a expression_n of_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n that_o be_v in_o suffer_v upon_o a_o good_a account_n and_o therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o
genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n and_o the_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v appoint_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n shall_v demean_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v to_o suffer_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o like_a expression_n chap._n 3._o of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o be_v if_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a second_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n that_o be_v to_o deposit_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n and_o custody_n of_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o providence_n who_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v faithful_o keep_v what_o we_o commit_v to_o he_o for_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o will_v not_o abandon_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n to_o support_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o to_o reward_v they_o for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a encouragement_n in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n cause_n and_o truth_n to_o commit_v our_o soul_n to_o his_o care_n and_o custody_n our_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o for_o so_o the_o word_n soul_n be_v frequent_o use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n psal_n 7._o 5._o let_v the_o enemy_n persecute_v my_o soul_n and_o take_v it_o that_o be_v my_o life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n yea_o let_v he_o tread_v doâ—n_o my_o life_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o psal_n 54._o 3._o oppressor_n seek_v after_o my_o soul_n and_o psal_n 59_o 3._o they_o lie_v in_o waâ—t_n for_o my_o soul_n that_o be_v my_o life_n and_o psal_n 16._o 10._o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n my_o soul_n that_o be_v myself_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o will_v raise_v i_o up_o to_o life_n again_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mar._n 8._o 35._o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o shall_v save_v it_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v life_n in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n be_v render_v soul_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o be_v his_o life_n and_o so_o likewise_o joâ—_n 12._o 25._o he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n signify_v soul_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v who_o neglect_v and_o expose_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a and_o luke_n 9_o 25._o that_o which_o the_o other_o evangelist_n render_v by_o the_o word_n soul_n or_o life_n he_o render_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n advantage_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n three_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n by_o well-doing_n be_v here_o mean_v a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o do_v our_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 7._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n it_o signify_v sometime_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o charity_n but_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o chap._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n that_o be_v by_o a_o resolute_a constancy_n in_o a_o good_a course_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n and_o ver_fw-la 20._o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o sâ—ffer_v for_o it_o that_o be_v if_o when_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n and_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 6._o as_o long_o as_o you_o do_v well_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a with_o any_o amazement_n that_o be_v be_v resolute_a and_o constant_a in_o do_v your_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o threaten_n and_o terror_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a that_o be_v for_o your_o religion_n and_o constancy_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n as_o christian_n and_o not_o as_o criminal_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v wherefore_o be_v forewarn_v of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o direction_n and_o advice_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n commit_v yourselves_o in_o the_o constant_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o the_o faithful_a creator_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a point_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o first_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n second_o always_o provide_v that_o we_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n if_o we_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o god_n providence_n will_v not_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n three_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n afford_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n first_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o good_a assurance_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o not_o 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o these_o suffering_n 3._o what_o â—â—ound_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o more_o particular_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o case_n of_o such_o suffering_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n and_o when_o not_o in_o these_o case_n first_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o not_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o declare_v against_o it_o and_o apostatise_v from_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n about_o suffer_v for_o religion_n do_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o among_o christian_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n
thus_o with_o we_o as_o he_o threaten_v the_o people_n of_o issrâ—el_n isa_n 27._o 11._o when_o the_o bough_n be_v wither_v they_o shall_v be_v break_v off_o and_o set_v on_o fire_n for_o it_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o point_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o handle_v from_o this_o text_n and_o the_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o they_o do_v all_o along_o apply_v itself_o by_o direct_v we_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o suffer_v especial_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n viz._n in_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o by_o a_o firm_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o dâ—vine_a providence_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o who_o make_v we_o and_o know_v our_o frame_n will_v have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o we_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a and_o as_o to_o our_o present_a danger_n and_o that_o terrible_a storm_n which_o threaten_v we_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o divert_v it_o but_o if_o otherwise_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o it_o and_o let_v we_o be_v fervent_a and_o earnest_a in_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o our_o importunity_n but_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v qualify_v and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o mercy_n which_o we_o beg_v of_o he_o and_o let_v we_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v without_o it_o to_o breaâ—_n off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o to_o turn_v every_o one_o of_o we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o waysâ—_n that_o hereby_o we_o may_v render_v god_n propitious_a to_o we_o and_o put_v ourselves_o under_o the_o more_o immediate_a care_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o we_o may_v prevent_v his_o judgement_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n from_o we_o as_o he_o do_v once_o from_o a_o great_a and_o sinful_a city_n and_o people_n upon_o their_o sincere_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n jonah_n 3._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o people_n of_o niniveh_n that_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o above_o all_o let_v we_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o nothing_o will_v bear_v we_o up_o under_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n like_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o apostolical_a blessing_n and_o prayer_n colos_n 1._o 10_o 11._o that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o his_o glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n and_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 16_o 17._o now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n comfort_v your_o heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_v to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o john_n ix_o 4._o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v these_o word_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o certain_a work_n and_o employment_n appoint_v he_o during_o he_o abide_v in_o it_o a_o great_a work_n indeed_o to_o instruct_v and_o reform_v and_o save_v mankind_n a_o work_n of_o great_a labour_n and_o pain_n and_o patience_n not_o to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o yet_o the_o time_n for_o do_v it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o begin_v it_o and_o after_o he_o begin_v it_o the_o time_n of_o work_v be_v not_o long_o before_o the_o night_n come_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v but_o this_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o proper_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o no_o other_o may_v yeâ—_n be_v accommodate_v to_o every_o man_n with_o some_o allowance_n for_o the_o difference_n and_o disproportion_n for_o though_o every_o man_n be_v not_o send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n after_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n and_o upon_o so_o particular_a and_o vast_a a_o design_n yet_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n every_o man_n be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o this_o world_n and_o have_v a_o work_n give_v he_o to_o do_v in_o it_o which_o he_o be_v concern_v vigorous_o to_o mind_n and_o to_o prosecute_v with_o all_o his_o may_v and_o though_o every_o man_n be_v not_o send_v to_o save_v the_o whole_a world_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o every_o man_n be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v in_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n accommodate_v these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o handle_v these_o word_n according_a to_o this_o moral_a accommodation_n of_o they_o and_o apply_v what_o our_o saviour_n here_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o every_o man_n have_v a_o work_n assign_v he_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n by_o he_o that_o send_v he_o into_o it_o and_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n say_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v of_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o second_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o limit_a time_n for_o every_o man_n to_o do_v this_o work_n in_o while_o it_o be_v day_n three_o that_o after_o this_o season_n be_v expire_v theâ—e_n will_v be_v no_o further_o opportunity_n of_o work_v the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v first_o every_o man_n have_v a_o work_n assign_v he_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n by_o he_o that_o send_v he_o into_o it_o and_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n say_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v of_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o â—ent_v i_o god_n who_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o have_v endow_v he_o with_o faculty_n whereby_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o serve_v he_o have_v appoint_v he_o a_o work_n and_o service_n suitable_a to_o these_o faculty_n and_o have_v infuse_v a_o immortal_a soul_n into_o this_o earthy_a body_n have_v certain_o design_v he_o for_o a_o state_n beyond_o this_o life_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a as_o he_o use_v and_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o the_o work_n which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o that_o eternal_a duration_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o after_o death_n for_o the_o life_n which_o we_o live_v now_o in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o time_n of_o exercise_n a_o short_a state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o a_o durable_a and_o endless_a state_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v immutable_o â—ixt_v in_o another_o world_n this_o world_n into_o which_o we_o be_v now_o send_v for_o a_o little_a while_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n school_n in_o which_o immortal_a spirit_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n be_v train_v and_o breed_v up_o for_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a
other_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o great_a design_n and_o be_v no_o further_o mind_v by_o we_o than_o they_o real_o be_v so_o for_o that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a end_n will_v subdue_v all_o other_o thing_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o subjection_n to_o it_o and_o will_v reject_v they_o and_o throw_v they_o aside_o if_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o if_o heaven_n be_v our_o utmost_a aim_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o it_o be_v our_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a this_o resolution_n and_o design_n sincere_o entertain_v will_v over-rule_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o make_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o stoop_v and_o give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o be_v our_o chief_a end_n the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o plain_a rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n first_o let_v we_o always_o live_v under_o a_o lively_a and_o powerful_a sense_n of_o another_o world_n that_o we_o be_v place_v here_o in_o this_o world_n but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o that_o whole_o in_o order_n to_o our_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o a_o happy_a life_n let_v this_o thought_n be_v often_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o eternity_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a duration_n and_o the_o next_o world_n the_o place_n of_o our_o everlasting_a abode_n where_o we_o must_v dwell_v and_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o our_o present_a state_n be_v but_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o consideration_n to_o we_o but_o only_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a and_o everlasting_a condition_n we_o may_v please_v ourselves_o here_o for_o a_o little_a while_n with_o toy_n and_o trifle_n with_o dream_n and_o shadow_n of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o some_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n for_o a_o short_a space_n for_o a_o moment_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o all_o eternity_n but_o the_o substantial_a and_o durable_a happiness_n or_o misery_n remain_v for_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v their_o portion_n according_a as_o they_o have_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n now_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o put_v we_o upon_o vigorous_a preparation_n for_o another_o world_n and_o to_o make_v we_o whole_o intent_n upon_o our_o eternal_a concernment_n and_o to_o resolve_v whatever_o become_v of_o we_o in_o this_o world_n to_o take_v effectual_a care_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o he_o that_o firm_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o a_o life_n after_o death_n which_o will_v never_o have_v a_o end_n must_v needs_o take_v into_o consideration_n his_o whole_a duration_n and_o bend_v all_o his_o care_n and_o thought_n how_o he_o may_v avoid_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a misery_n and_o secure_a to_o himself_o a_o immortality_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n second_o let_v we_o be_v always_o under_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o that_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v the_o one_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n and_o qualification_n for_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n without_o endeavour_v after_o his_o righteousness_n there_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o connexion_n between_o they_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o be_v well_o and_o at_o ease_n without_o health_n as_o to_o be_v happy_a without_o holiness_n for_o this_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o our_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o order_n to_o our_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a blessedness_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o will_v effectual_o engage_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n three_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o righteousness_n be_v of_o a_o great_a extent_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o goodness_n it_o take_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o ingredient_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o good_a man._n to_o denominate_v a_o man_n righteous_a all_o cause_n must_v concur_v all_o the_o essential_a principle_n and_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n must_v meet_v together_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n faith_n and_o good_a work_n right_a opinion_n and_o real_a virtue_n a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o do_v of_o righteousness_n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o unspotted_a manner_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o bridle_v of_o our_o tongue_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n charity_n which_o be_v the_o band_n of_o perfection_n for_o righteousness_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o unrighteousness_n and_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o it_o now_o this_o if_o it_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a will_v be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a equal_o respect_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o will_v not_o content_v itself_o with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o one_o or_o two_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n though_o never_o so_o considerable_a and_o then_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o neglect_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n have_v put_v this_o very_a case_n and_o determine_v it_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v only_o that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n our_o righteousness_n must_v be_v universal_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o must_v we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n in_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o action_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o any_o one_o reign_v sin_n and_o vice_n any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a defect_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n will_v spoil_v all_o our_o righteousness_n and_o will_v effectual_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n four_o let_v we_o wise_o subordinate_a the_o several_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o intrinsical_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v mind_v every_o part_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o signify_v nothing_o unless_o they_o produce_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o prayer_n and_o fast_v diligent_a read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reverent_a and_o devout_a receive_v of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v of_o less_o account_n and_o value_n than_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o inward_o and_o real_o good_a and_o fruitful_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o use_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o these_o end_n without_o which_o they_o be_v mere_a formalility_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o instead_o of_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n they_o be_v a_o