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
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
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
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
and_o bereave_v my_o soul_n of_o good_a this_o be_v also_o vanity_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o sore_a travel_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v great_a vanity_n and_o folly_n than_o to_o be_v at_o certain_a pain_n and_o labour_n all_o the_o day_n of_o a_o man_n life_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v uncertain_a all_o the_o while_n for_o who_o it_o be_v that_o he_o drudge_v and_o take_v all_o these_o pain_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n the_o more_o it_o get_v still_o to_o covet_v the_o more_o then_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o think_v to_o gratify_v this_o appetite_n because_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o man_n can_v never_o be_v content_v because_o he_o can_v never_o have_v enough_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o that_o that_o every_o new_a accession_n to_o his_o fortune_n set_v his_o desire_n one_o degree_n far_o from_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o a_o covetous_a mind_n have_v no_o bound_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o man_n desire_n will_v increase_v much_o fast_a than_o his_o estate_n and_o then_o the_o rich_a he_o be_v he_o be_v still_o the_o poor_a because_o he_o be_v still_o the_o less_o content_v with_o his_o condition_n however_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o man_n desire_n shall_v ever_o be_v satisfy_v for_o desire_n be_v always_o first_o if_o the_o man_n desire_n of_o riches_n advance_v and_o go_v forward_o as_o fast_o as_o riches_n follow_v than_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o riches_n ever_o to_o overtake_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o hinder_a wheel_n of_o a_o coach_n can_v overtake_v those_o which_o be_v before_o because_o as_o they_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n at_o first_o set_v out_o so_o let_v they_o go_v never_o so_o far_o or_o so_o fast_o they_o keep_v the_o same_o distance_n still_o so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o design_n his_o own_o satisfaction_n by_o the_o perpetual_a increase_n of_o his_o fortune_n because_o contentment_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o what_o a_o man_n have_v but_o it_o must_v spring_v from_o the_o inward_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o true_a way_n to_o it_o be_v not_o to_o enlarge_v our_o estate_n but_o to_o contract_v our_o desire_n and_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n money_n and_o his_o mind_n may_v meet_v otherwise_o the_o pursuit_n be_v endless_a and_o the_o far_o a_o man_n follow_v contentment_n it_o will_v but_o flee_v so_o much_o the_o far_o from_o he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o revenue_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o france_n or_o the_o turkish_a empire_n he_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v than_o when_o he_o begin_v the_o world_n and_o have_v no_o more_o beforehand_o than_o will_v just_o pay_v for_o his_o next_o meal_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o four_o thing_n whereby_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o covetousness_n do_v appear_v because_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o riches_n and_o this_o be_v the_o argumeut_n which_o i_o shall_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n use_v here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o vice_n the_o life_n of_o man_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o this_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a consideration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o moderate_v man_n affection_n towards_o these_o thing_n every_o reasonable_a desire_n propound_v some_o end_n to_o itself_o now_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v any_o man_n desire_v to_o increase_v his_o wealth_n so_o vast_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o necessity_n and_o real_a occasion_n what_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n to_o have_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o than_o he_o know_v what_o to_o do_v withal_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n at_o present_a but_o refer_v it_o to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o three_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 after_o i_o have_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_a give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o represent_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o first_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 second_o because_o it_o tempt_v man_n to_o many_o thing_n which_o arâ—_n inconsistent_a with_o religion_n and_o direct_o contraâ—y_v to_o it_o three_o because_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o insatiable_a desireâ—_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o thing_n whereby_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o covetousness_n will_v yet_o far_o appear_v namely_o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o riches_n and_o abundance_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o somewhat_o the_o more_o large_o because_o it_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o sin_n the_o life_n of_o man_n consi_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v therefore_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a consideration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o moderate_v our_o affection_n towards_o these_o thing_n for_o every_o reasonable_a desire_n propound_v some_o end_n to_o itself_o now_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v any_o man_n desire_v to_o increase_v his_o wealth_n so_o vast_o and_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o necessity_n and_o real_a occasion_n what_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n can_v it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n to_o have_v a_o hundred_o or_o perhaps_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o he_o know_v what_o to_o do_v withal_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o world_n no_o man_n ever_o pretend_v that_o the_o heap_v up_o riches_n here_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o he_o there_o riches_n will_v not_o deliver_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o senseless_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o can_v take_v his_o estate_n along_o with_o he_o into_o the_o other_o world_n or_o if_o he_o can_v that_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v buy_v with_o money_n or_o that_o a_o great_a estate_n or_o a_o great_a many_o lordship_n will_v recommend_v he_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o man_n may_v so_o use_v riches_n in_o this_o world_n as_o thereby_o to_o promote_v and_o further_a his_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o but_o than_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o true_a that_o a_o man_n may_v so_o demean_v himself_o in_o a_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n as_o thereby_o to_o render_v himself_o as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o capable_a of_o as_o great_a a_o reward_n as_o the_o rich_a man_n can_v do_v the_o poor_a woman_n two_o mite_n cheerful_o give_v to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a uses_n will_v go_v as_o far_o in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o find_v as_o great_a a_o reward_n there_o as_o the_o rich_a man_n thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v as_o true_o generous_a and_o charitable_a of_o a_o little_a as_o out_o of_o the_o great_a fortune_n beside_o that_o the_o poor_a man_n contentedness_n in_o a_o mean_a condition_n be_v more_o admirable_a in_o itself_o and_o more_o valuable_a with_o god_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v so_o so_o that_o the_o great_a use_n of_o riches_n respect_v this_o world_n and_o the_o best_a use_n of_o they_o be_v in_o way_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o poor_a man_n charity_n though_o it_o can_v be_v of_o so_o great_a a_o extent_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o virtue_n and_o merit_n it_o may_v be_v equal_a to_o it_o now_o the_o two_o great_a design_n of_o man_n in_o regard_n to_o this_o world_n be_v these_o 1._o to_o maintain_v and_o support_v our_o life_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v 2._o to_o make_v our_o life_n as_o true_o happy_a and_o comfortable_a as_o we_o can_v to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o end_n namely_o the_o support_n of_o our_o life_n a_o very_a little_a will_v suffice_v and_o it_o be_v not_o much_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o other_o to_o render_v our_o life_n as_o true_o comfortable_a as_o this_o world_n can_v make_v they_o so_o that_o a_o vast_a estate_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o either_o of_o these_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 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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 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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 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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
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
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
excite_v we_o continual_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o obedience_n such_o as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n and_o temptation_n and_o in_o all_o our_o conflict_n with_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o make_v we_o victorious_a over_o they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v a_o principle_n within_o we_o more_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a than_o the_o lust_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o evil_a heart_n than_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o than_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o assistance_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o this_o strength_n which_o god_n afford_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o god_n we_o need_v not_o despair_v of_o victory_n and_o success_n for_o our_o strength_n will_v continual_o increase_v and_o the_o force_n and_o violence_n of_o our_o lust_n will_v be_v abate_v god_n will_v give_v we_o more_o grace_n and_o we_o shall_v walk_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n and_o our_o path_n will_v be_v as_o solomon_n say_v of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a as_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n conduct_n and_o manage_v this_o great_a work_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o by_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n upon_o our_o mind_n by_o represent_v to_o we_o with_o advantage_n such_o argument_n and_o consideration_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o yield_v to_o it_o by_o secret_a and_o gentle_a reprehension_n soften_a our_o hard_a heart_n and_o bâ—nding_v our_o stiff_a and_o stubborn_a will_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v that_o great_a work_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n the_o turn_v we_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n a_o new_a creation_n and_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o then_o by_o lead_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n by_o quicken_a our_o devotion_n and_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o holy_a desire_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n render_v we_o fit_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o a_o humble_a confidence_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o those_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o in_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n especial_o for_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o by_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n by_o way_n of_o inward_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n second_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v apt_a likewise_o to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o by_o way_n of_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o first_o a_o full_a pardon_n and_o indemnity_n for_o what_o be_v past_a be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n for_o we_o to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o forcible_a argument_n to_o keep_v we_o to_o it_o for_o the_o future_a for_o since_o god_n who_o have_v be_v so_o high_o injure_v and_o affront_v by_o we_o be_v so_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o as_o not_o only_o to_o provide_v and_o purchase_v for_o we_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o pardon_n by_o the_o grievous_a suffering_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n but_o to_o offer_v it_o so_o free_o and_o invite_v we_o so_o earnest_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o aught_o in_o all_o reason_n ingenuity_n and_o gratitude_n to_o melt_v we_o into_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o they_o and_o to_o inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o mighty_a love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o to_o make_v we_o extreme_o unwilling_a nay_o most_o firm_o resolve_v never_o more_o to_o offend_v that_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a god_n who_o be_v so_o slow_a to_o punish_v and_o so_o forward_o to_o forgive_v and_o effectual_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o dutiful_a and_o constant_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o god_n holy_a law_n and_o commandment_n lest_o by_o our_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o violation_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v run_v ourselves_o into_o a_o deep_a guilt_n and_o aggravate_v our_o condemnation_n now_o that_o by_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n we_o be_v make_v whole_a we_o shall_v be_v infinite_o afraid_a to_o sin_v any_o more_o lest_o worse_a thing_n come_v to_o we_o lest_o we_o relapse_n into_o a_o more_o incurable_a state_n and_o bring_v a_o heavy_a load_n of_o guilt_n and_o misery_n upon_o ourselves_o second_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v likewise_o a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n engage_v we_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n that_o our_o soul_n and_o mind_n may_v be_v a_o fit_a temple_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o will_v not_o dwell_v in_o a_o impure_a soul_n and_o likewise_o encourage_v we_o hereto_o by_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o have_v so_o unerring_a a_o guide_n to_o counsel_n and_o direct_v we_o so_o powerful_a a_o assistant_n to_o strengthen_v we_o with_o all_o might_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n to_o stand_v by_o we_o in_o all_o our_o conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o to_o make_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o though_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o our_o lust_n strong_a our_o enemy_n many_o and_o temptation_n mighty_a and_o violent_a yet_o we_o need_v not_o be_v dishearten_v so_o long_o as_o we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v with_o we_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n sufficient_a for_o we_o against_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n and_o hell_n though_o our_o duty_n be_v hard_a and_o our_o strength_n small_a yet_o we_o can_v fail_v of_o success_n if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o omnipotent_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o second_v our_o sincere_a though_o never_o so_o weak_a endeavour_n so_o that_o when_o we_o see_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n draw_v up_o in_o array_n against_o we_o we_o may_v encourage_v ourselves_o as_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n do_v his_o servant_n when_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o a_o host_n compass_v the_o city_n with_o horse_n and_o chariot_n and_o say_v alas_o my_o master_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o he_o answer_v fear_v not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v with_o they_o 2_o king_n 6._o 16._o or_o as_o hezekiah_n comfort_v the_o people_n when_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o mighty_a force_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n 2_o chron._n 32._o 7_o 8._o be_v strong_a and_o courageous_a be_v not_o afraid_a nor_o dismay_v for_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n nor_o for_o all_o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v with_o he_o for_o there_o be_v more_o with_o we_o than_o with_o he_o with_o he_o be_v a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n but_o with_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o help_v we_o and_o to_o fight_v for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o christian_a the_o force_n that_o be_v against_o we_o be_v finite_a and_o limit_v but_o the_o almighty_a god_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o fight_v for_o we_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n philip._n 4._o 13._o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o three_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n if_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v have_v a_o mighty_a force_n in_o it_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o patient_a continuance_n
in_o well-doing_n the_o assurance_n of_o enjoy_v unspeakable_a and_o endless_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n and_o of_o escape_v extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n be_v a_o consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n as_o one_o will_v think_v can_v not_o fail_v of_o its_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o to_o put_v all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o bear_v down_o before_o we_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o this_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o we_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n with_o we_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o other_o argument_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o this_o be_v but_o as_o the_o very_a small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n for_o if_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o hope_n of_o perfect_a comfort_n and_o joy_n and_o felicity_n perpetual_a in_o duration_n and_o vast_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n such_o as_o â—ye_z have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o dread_a of_o the_o terrible_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n together_o with_o the_o insupportable_a torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o perpetual_a sting_n of_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o anguish_n for_o the_o wilful_a folly_n of_o our_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o rage_n of_o horrible_a despair_n of_o ever_o get_v out_o of_o so_o miserable_a a_o state_n if_o neither_o of_o these_o consideration_n if_o both_o of_o they_o will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v obtain_v one_o of_o these_o condition_n and_o may_v escape_v the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o any_o word_n that_o can_v be_v use_v any_o argument_n and_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v shall_v work_v upon_o we_o or_o take_v place_n with_o we_o he_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v by_o such_o hope_n nor_o to_o be_v terrify_v by_o such_o fear_n be_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o force_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o the_o influence_n they_o be_v apt_a and_o aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v our_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n first_o of_o all_o if_o we_o expect_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v indispensable_o require_v on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o that_o our_o part_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o rely_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o good_a though_o we_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v only_o a_o declaration_n of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o we_o without_o any_o expectation_n of_o duty_n from_o we_o this_o be_v a_o error_n which_o one_o can_v hardly_o think_v can_v ever_o enter_v into_o any_o who_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v attend_v to_o what_o they_o read_v and_o find_v there_o the_o three_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o very_o express_o contain_v in_o our_o saviour_n first_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n there_o we_o find_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n often_o repeat_v but_o never_o absolute_o make_v but_o upon_o certain_a condition_n and_o plain_o require_v on_o our_o part_n as_o repentance_n humility_n righteousness_n mercy_n peaceableness_n meekness_n patience_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v likewise_o promise_v but_o only_o to_o those_o that_o make_v a_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o and_o ask_v forgiveness_n for_o they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o grant_v that_o forgiveness_n to_o other_o which_o they_o beg_v of_o god_n for_o themselves_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v likewise_o there_o promise_v but_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n of_o our_o earnest_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n to_o god_n the_o gospel_n be_v every_o where_o full_a of_o precept_n enjoin_v duty_n and_o obedience_n on_o our_o part_n as_o well_o as_o of_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n assure_v blessing_n to_o we_o nay_o of_o terrible_a threaten_n also_o if_o we_o disobey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n paul_n give_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o very_a few_o and_o plain_a word_n declare_v upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o all_o man_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purisie_n unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n intimate_v that_o though_o man_n be_v very_o averse_a to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v inculcate_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o earnestness_n and_o those_o who_o oppose_v and_o despise_v it_o to_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v and_o with_o great_a reason_n because_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n do_v most_o effectual_o undermine_v and_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n second_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o if_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n and_o because_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v his_o part_n if_o we_o do_v not_o fail_v in_o we_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n where_o they_o put_v no_o bar_n and_o obstacle_n to_o it_o but_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n bless_a spirit_n and_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o obstinate_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n god_n will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o the_o gospel_n will_v raise_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o renew_v we_o after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o goodness_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o suffer_v these_o promise_n to_o have_v their_o due_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o we_o wilful_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o we_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o and_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o and_o by_o reject_v and_o despise_v his_o promise_n we_o provoke_v he_o to_o execute_v his_o threaten_n upon_o we_o three_o and_o last_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o work_v this_o great_a effect_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o make_v we_o good_a and_o just_o and_o merciful_a and_o patient_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o how_o do_v this_o
upbraid_v the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n which_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n so_o that_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o read_v the_o gospel_n profectò_fw-la aut_fw-la hoc_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la evangelium_fw-la aut_fw-la nos_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la evangelici_fw-la either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o read_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v or_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v man_n to_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v degenerate_v into_o beast_n and_o devil_n wallow_v in_o abominable_a and_o filthy_a lust_n indulge_v ourselves_o in_o those_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o strife_n and_o discord_n of_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n of_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o demean_v themselves_o at_o another_o rate_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v over_o we_o or_o if_o they_o can_v do_v that_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o peter_n iu_o 19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o towards_o the_o heathen_a or_o gentile_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o more_o particular_o to_o arm_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o those_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o foretell_v will_v short_o overtake_v they_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v happen_v they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v and_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a and_o unexpected_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o 12_o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n belove_v think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o that_o be_v do_v not_o wonder_v and_o be_v not_o astonish_v at_o it_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o you_o and_o then_o he_o instruct_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o under_o those_o trial_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o shall_v happen_v not_o only_o with_o patience_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o exercise_v under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n upon_o what_o account_n and_o cause_n soever_o but_o with_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n consider_v the_o glorious_a example_n and_o reward_n of_o they_o v_o 13._o but_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v you_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o at_o the_o 14._o ver_fw-la he_o tell_v they_o that_o beside_o the_o encouragement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o example_n and_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n they_o shall_v be_v support_v and_o assist_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n with_o they_o v._n 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a copy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o power_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n re_v upon_o you_o that_o be_v the_o glorious_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v present_a with_o you_o to_o comfort_v and_o bear_v up_o your_o spirit_n under_o these_o suffering_n but_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o 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
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
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