Five discourses on so many very important points of practical religion by John Kettlewell ... ; with a preface giving some account of the author's life.
         Kettlewell, John, 1653-1695.
      
       
         
           1696
        
      
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             Five discourses on so many very important points of practical religion by John Kettlewell ... ; with a preface giving some account of the author's life.
             Kettlewell, John, 1653-1695.
          
           [20], 170 p.
           
             Printed for A. and J. Chruchil ...,
             London :
             1696.
          
           
             "Never before printed."
             Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Kettlewell, John, 1653-1695.
           Great Britain -- Religion -- 17th century -- Sources.
        
      
    
     
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           FIVE
           DISCOURSES
           On
           so
           many
           Very
           Important
           Points
           OF
           Practical
           Religion
           .
        
         
           Never
           before
           Printed
           .
        
         
           By
           
             John
             Kettlewell
          
           ,
           late
           a
           Minister
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           .
        
         
           With
           a
           Preface
           giving
           some
           Account
           of
           the
           Author's
           Life
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           A.
           and
           
             J.
             Churchil
          
           at
           the
           Black
           Swan
           in
           Pater-Noster-Row
           .
           1696.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           The
           Preface
           .
        
         
           THE
           following
           Sermons
           are
           all
           that
           the
           Reverend
           Author
           left
           finish'd
           for
           the
           Press
           ;
           those
           which
           had
           not
           his
           last
           Hand
           ,
           were
           by
           his
           particular
           Order
           forbid
           to
           be
           Printed
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           Reader
           may
           be
           assured
           ,
           that
           as
           he
           is
           not
           imposed
           upon
           by
           imperfect
           Copies
           ,
           made
           entire
           by
           the
           care
           and
           diligence
           of
           Friends
           ;
           so
           neither
           must
           he
           expect
           any
           other
           Remains
           of
           this
           kind
           ,
           than
           those
           which
           are
           now
           offer'd
           to
           his
           charitable
           perusal
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           Discourses
           ,
           compos'd
           upon
           the
           weightiest
           Subjects
           ,
           handled
           with
           great
           Clearness
           ,
           and
           strength
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           animated
           with
           a
           true
           Spirit
           of
           Piety
           ,
           stood
           in
           need
           of
           any
           Recommendation
           ,
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           
             Worthy
             Mr.
             Kettlewell
          
           might
           go
           far
           to
           procure
           them
           a
           favourable
           reception
           :
           For
           such
           was
           the
           Lustre
           of
           his
           Eminent
           Sanctity
           ,
           that
           all
           Parties
           paid
           a
           due
           Veneration
           to
           his
           Character
           ;
           and
           how
           wide
           soever
           they
           differ'd
           in
           other
           Matters
           ,
           they
           own'd
           the
           Perfection
           of
           his
           Christian
           Morals
           :
           Indeed
           ,
           his
           
             great
             Piety
             ,
             useful
             Learning
          
           ,
           and
           
             solid
             Judgment
          
           ,
           
           rendred
           him
           a
           publick
           Blessing
           ,
           and
           a
           peculiar
           Ornament
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Age
           wherein
           he
           lived
           ;
           and
           the
           wise
           Improvement
           he
           made
           of
           such
           valuable
           Talents
           ,
           will
           cause
           his
           Light
           to
           shine
           bright
           to
           Posterity
           ,
           and
           future
           Generations
           shall
           call
           him
           Blessed
           .
        
         
           It
           must
           be
           confess'd
           ,
           that
           he
           has
           given
           the
           World
           a
           perfect
           Image
           of
           his
           own
           Mind
           in
           his
           admirable
           Writings
           ,
           the
           durable
           Monuments
           of
           his
           true
           Worth
           :
           But
           because
           't
           is
           much
           easier
           to
           prescribe
           wise
           Rules
           for
           the
           Conduct
           of
           others
           ,
           than
           to
           make
           use
           of
           them
           in
           the
           government
           of
           our
           own
           Lives
           ;
           and
           that
           to
           act
           reasonably
           ,
           is
           of
           greater
           value
           than
           to
           write
           well
           :
           I
           have
           good
           grounds
           to
           hope
           ,
           that
           a
           very
           skilful
           Artist
           will
           set
           this
           Pattern
           of
           
             Primitive
             Christianity
          
           in
           its
           true
           Light
           ,
           and
           convey
           him
           down
           to
           Posterity
           in
           his
           full
           proportion
           ,
           that
           the
           World
           may
           know
           how
           carefully
           he
           practised
           those
           Duties
           he
           preached
           to
           others
           ,
           and
           confirm'd
           his
           Doctrines
           by
           the
           powerful
           Attractive
           of
           a
           sutable
           Example
           ,
           which
           will
           make
           his
           Name
           to
           live
           ,
           and
           be
           mentioned
           with
           Reverence
           in
           the
           Records
           of
           Church-History
           .
        
         
           I
           know
           his
           great
           Modesty
           thought
           the
           Day
           of
           Judgment
           soon
           enough
           to
           lay
           open
           the
           several
           Particularities
           of
           his
           Life
           ;
           
           
             Where
             every
             Work
             shall
             be
             made
             manifest
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             good
             ,
             or
             whether
             it
             be
             evil
             :
          
           And
           all
           his
           Care
           was
           ,
           how
           to
           stand
           before
           the
           impartial
           Scrutiny
           of
           that
           Dreadful
           Tribunal
           ;
           yet
           as
           a
           Work
           of
           this
           nature
           ,
           may
           be
           a
           just
           Tribute
           to
           the
           Memory
           of
           one
           so
           truly
           Great
           ,
           if
           Wisdom
           and
           Piety
           ,
           Learning
           and
           Vertue
           ,
           and
           a
           large
           beneficent
           Mind
           ,
           may
           be
           allowed
           to
           constitute
           the
           Character
           :
           So
           ,
           moreover
           ,
           it
           may
           prove
           very
           advantagious
           to
           Christians
           in
           general
           ,
           especially
           to
           those
           who
           have
           the
           great
           Honour
           to
           attend
           at
           the
           Altar
           ,
           and
           are
           dedicated
           to
           the
           more
           immediate
           Service
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           furnishing
           them
           with
           so
           compleat
           a
           Model
           for
           their
           Direction
           ,
           Examples
           being
           allowed
           to
           have
           a
           mighty
           Force
           in
           forming
           us
           to
           a
           right
           Temper
           of
           Mind
           ,
           by
           a
           lively
           Representation
           in
           practice
           of
           the
           Possibility
           and
           Easiness
           of
           those
           Precepts
           which
           are
           so
           agreeable
           to
           our
           best
           Reason
           ,
           and
           which
           our
           Holy
           Religion
           requires
           of
           us
           .
        
         
           Now
           the
           Example
           of
           this
           
             Faithful
             Servant
             of
             God
          
           was
           fitted
           for
           Vniversal
           Imitation
           ,
           we
           find
           no
           Affectations
           of
           Singularity
           in
           indifferent
           Things
           ,
           no
           Stress
           laid
           upon
           some
           particular
           Duties
           to
           the
           prejudice
           and
           neglect
           of
           others
           ;
           but
           
             he
             had
             a
             respect
             to
             all
             God's
             Commands
          
           ;
           his
           Life
           was
           of
           a
           piece
           ,
           and
           he
           distinguish'd
           
           himself
           by
           nothing
           so
           much
           as
           solid
           and
           substantial
           Piety
           ;
           his
           Conversation
           gave
           frequent
           Instances
           of
           a
           profound
           Humility
           ,
           and
           admirable
           Meekness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           sweetness
           of
           Disposition
           ;
           an
           unspotted
           Integrity
           ,
           and
           a
           blameless
           Sincerity
           ;
           an
           universal
           Charity
           ,
           and
           a
           particular
           Concern
           for
           the
           Necessities
           of
           the
           Poor
           ;
           a
           great
           Tenderness
           for
           the
           Afflicted
           ,
           and
           an
           extreme
           Desire
           to
           do
           Good
           to
           all
           the
           World
           :
           There
           was
           remarkable
           in
           Him
           ,
           a
           great
           Love
           of
           Devotion
           ;
           an
           entire
           Submission
           to
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           true
           Contempt
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           by
           not
           suffering
           it
           to
           allure
           or
           affright
           Him
           from
           his
           Duty
           ;
           a
           mighty
           Patience
           under
           all
           Afflictions
           ,
           and
           so
           perfect
           an
           Abhorrence
           of
           all
           Sin
           ,
           that
           he
           started
           even
           at
           the
           very
           Appearance
           of
           it
           ;
           the
           Flame
           of
           prudent
           Zeal
           burnt
           bright
           in
           his
           Mind
           ;
           and
           as
           nothing
           gave
           him
           a
           greater
           Concern
           ,
           than
           the
           hazard
           Men
           expose
           themselves
           to
           ,
           by
           the
           neglect
           of
           their
           Eternal
           Salvation
           ,
           so
           his
           chief
           Sollicitude
           and
           Care
           was
           always
           to
           search
           and
           contrive
           Means
           to
           prevent
           their
           Everlasting
           Ruin
           ;
           and
           his
           Thoughts
           were
           employ'd
           how
           to
           rescue
           Souls
           from
           those
           Snares
           which
           are
           laid
           for
           them
           by
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           and
           the
           Devil
           .
        
         
         
           Though
           his
           Intellectual
           Faculties
           improved
           by
           the
           Advantages
           of
           a
           Learned
           Education
           ,
           might
           place
           him
           in
           the
           first
           Rank
           of
           considerable
           Men
           ;
           yet
           what
           he
           valued
           more
           in
           others
           ,
           and
           upon
           which
           account
           he
           was
           really
           more
           valuable
           himself
           ,
           were
           his
           Moral
           Accomplishments
           ,
           his
           Pious
           Temper
           ,
           and
           Disposition
           of
           Mind
           ,
           his
           true
           Christian
           Spirit
           :
           For
           Learning
           ,
           and
           Great
           Parts
           ,
           separated
           from
           Meekness
           and
           Humility
           ,
           are
           like
           a
           dangerous
           Weapon
           in
           the
           Hands
           of
           a
           Mad-man
           ,
           who
           uses
           it
           indifferently
           against
           himself
           and
           others
           ;
           and
           the
           Compiler
           of
           his
           Life
           will
           have
           no
           great
           difficulty
           to
           find
           variety
           of
           Instances
           to
           justifie
           this
           part
           of
           his
           Character
           ;
           for
           
             he
             showed
             out
             of
             a
             good
             Conversation
             his
             Works
             with
             Meekness
             of
             Wisdom
             .
          
        
         
           I
           cannot
           forbear
           upon
           this
           Occasion
           to
           mention
           his
           controversial
           Writings
           ,
           which
           bear
           evidence
           in
           this
           Case
           ,
           and
           are
           a
           genuine
           Proof
           of
           what
           was
           so
           very
           commendable
           in
           him
           ;
           He
           never
           treats
           his
           Adversaries
           with
           ill
           Language
           ,
           Scorn
           or
           Contempt
           ,
           nor
           with
           personal
           Reflections
           ,
           or
           injurious
           Surmises
           ;
           nor
           because
           he
           thought
           they
           erred
           in
           one
           Point
           ,
           did
           he
           ever
           endeavour
           to
           make
           them
           Guilty
           of
           all
           ;
           nor
           does
           he
           consecrate
           any
           unchristian
           heat
           under
           a
           pretence
           of
           defending
           Truth
           ;
           a
           dangerous
           
           Rock
           whereupon
           many
           Learned
           ,
           and
           otherways
           good
           men
           have
           fatally
           split
           ;
           as
           if
           while
           a
           Zeal
           was
           express'd
           in
           matters
           of
           Belief
           ,
           the
           weighty
           matters
           of
           Practice
           might
           be
           neglected
           ,
           and
           if
           while
           we
           shew
           our selves
           warmly
           concern'd
           for
           God's
           Honour
           ,
           we
           were
           exempted
           from
           all
           Christian
           Rules
           in
           the
           Prosecution
           of
           it
           ;
           
             but
             the
             Wrath
             of
             Man
             worketh
             not
             the
             Righteousness
             of
             God
          
           ;
           it
           being
           a
           very
           irregular
           Method
           to
           defend
           his
           Cause
           ,
           by
           the
           breach
           of
           many
           of
           his
           Precepts
           ,
           and
           as
           improper
           to
           expect
           to
           convince
           a
           Man's
           Reason
           ,
           when
           we
           provoke
           his
           Indignation
           by
           any
           uncivil
           Treatment
           .
           The
           Suggestions
           of
           a
           Heathen
           in
           this
           Particular
           are
           very
           pertinent
           ,
           who
           advises
           ,
           
             To
             give
             way
             to
             falshood
             with
             Mildness
             .
          
           Whereby
           as
           his
           Commentator
           ,
           
           Hierocles
           affirms
           ,
           
             He
             doth
             not
             mean
             we
             should
             embrace
             it
             ,
             but
             only
             give
             it
             a
             patient
             Hearing
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             count
             it
             such
             a
             strange
             thing
             ,
             if
             Men
             fall
             off
             sometimes
             from
             Truth
          
           And
           that
           excellent
           Moralist
           ,
           a
           little
           before
           admonishes
           those
           
             who
             are
             able
             to
             destroy
             Errour
             ,
             not
             to
             do
             it
             vehemently
             nor
             insolently
             .
          
        
         
           Moreover
           Plutarch
           ,
           that
           great
           Ornament
           of
           Moral
           ,
           
           as
           well
           as
           Historical
           Learning
           ,
           makes
           
             the
             way
             of
             managing
             a
             Discourse
             with
             modesty
             and
             mildness
             of
             
             Temper
             ,
             neither
             suffering
             our selves
             to
             engage
             with
             Vehemency
             and
             Passion
             ,
          
           
           
             nor
             to
             be
             hot
             and
             concern'd
             in
             urging
             an
             Argument
             ,
             nor
             to
             rail
             and
             give
             bad
             Words
             ,
             even
             tho'
             we
             are
             non-plush'd
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             true
             sign
             of
             a
             great
             Proficient
             in
             Vertue
             .
          
           
           And
           the
           celebrated
           Roman
           Orator
           ,
           gives
           it
           as
           his
           Opinion
           ,
           
             That
             Disputes
             accompanied
             with
             Reproaches
             ,
             and
             opprobrious
             Language
             ,
             with
             Passion
             ,
             and
             obstinate
             Contention
             ,
             are
             unworthy
             of
             that
             Man
             that
             makes
             Profession
             of
             Philosophy
             .
          
        
         
           I
           am
           sure
           the
           Precepts
           of
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           are
           full
           to
           that
           Purpose
           ,
           
             Quae
             cum
             legimus
             quem
             Philosophum
             non
             contemnimus
          
           ?
           And
           that
           perfect
           Model
           of
           Piety
           hath
           set
           an
           Example
           of
           great
           Meekness
           ,
           in
           instructing
           those
           that
           opposed
           themselves
           ,
           and
           exercised
           an
           abundance
           of
           Patience
           ,
           in
           bearing
           with
           the
           Infirmities
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           above
           all
           recommends
           the
           Pattern
           of
           his
           Meekness
           ,
           as
           the
           surest
           method
           of
           acquiring
           a
           Likeness
           to
           him
           ,
           to
           which
           Purpose
           he
           was
           pleased
           to
           be
           represented
           by
           a
           Lamb
           ;
           and
           the
           Spirit
           that
           taught
           Christianity
           came
           down
           in
           the
           shape
           of
           a
           Dove
           .
        
         
           How
           charitable
           and
           beneficial
           a
           Mind
           he
           had
           ,
           appeared
           in
           the
           whole
           Course
           of
           his
           Life
           ,
           which
           was
           spent
           in
           prosecuting
           the
           
           noblest
           Ends
           of
           making
           others
           Happy
           ;
           either
           by
           his
           pious
           Conversation
           ,
           or
           charitable
           Offices
           ,
           by
           his
           judicius
           Writings
           ,
           or
           profitable
           Sermons
           ,
           which
           were
           always
           adapted
           to
           the
           necessities
           of
           his
           Flock
           ,
           and
           gave
           warning
           of
           those
           Dangers
           which
           threatned
           them
           :
           He
           was
           ready
           upon
           all
           Occasions
           to
           supply
           the
           wants
           of
           the
           Poor
           according
           to
           his
           Abilities
           ;
           and
           the
           assistance
           he
           gave
           the
           Sick
           in
           his
           Parish
           by
           some
           skill
           he
           had
           that
           way
           ,
           was
           made
           use
           of
           as
           a
           favourable
           Opportunity
           to
           instill
           his
           heavenly
           Instructions
           ,
           and
           served
           as
           a
           Vehicle
           to
           convey
           Nourishment
           to
           their
           precious
           Souls
           ;
           nothing
           could
           set
           bounds
           to
           his
           large
           Mind
           ,
           but
           that
           Period
           which
           will
           set
           bounds
           to
           all
           things
           ;
           for
           his
           Inclinations
           of
           doing
           good
           were
           particularly
           conspicuous
           at
           his
           Death
           in
           that
           considerable
           Settlement
           he
           made
           for
           ever
           upon
           the
           Poor
           of
           the
           Parish
           where
           he
           was
           born
           in
           Yorkshire
           .
           I
           call
           it
           considerable
           ,
           because
           Five
           and
           twenty
           Pounds
           yearly
           Revenue
           in
           that
           County
           very
           well
           justifies
           it
           ;
           besides
           it
           will
           more
           deservedly
           appear
           so
           ,
           when
           the
           Reader
           shall
           know
           't
           was
           near
           half
           of
           his
           Estate
           ;
           the
           remainder
           was
           Dedicated
           to
           the
           assistance
           of
           those
           Relations
           ,
           whose
           Circumstances
           most
           requred
           his
           Help
           :
           but
           since
           God
           had
           not
           Blessed
           him
           with
           Children
           ,
           he
           gladly
           adopted
           the
           poor
           Members
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           
           Heirs
           to
           his
           paternal
           Inheritance
           ;
           and
           instead
           of
           entertaining
           the
           least
           repining
           thought
           for
           want
           of
           Issue
           ,
           he
           thanked
           God
           for
           the
           opportunity
           that
           was
           put
           into
           his
           hands
           ,
           of
           testifying
           his
           Love
           and
           Devotion
           towards
           him
           .
           And
           I
           believe
           there
           never
           was
           a
           Settlement
           of
           that
           kind
           made
           with
           greater
           Piety
           and
           Prudence
           ;
           the
           Qualifications
           of
           those
           who
           are
           to
           receive
           benefit
           by
           it
           ,
           are
           strict
           Obligations
           to
           the
           Vertues
           of
           a
           Christian
           Life
           ;
           he
           has
           laid
           down
           such
           Rules
           for
           the
           managing
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           in
           humane
           Probability
           may
           attain
           their
           End
           ;
           and
           has
           provided
           for
           all
           those
           Difficulties
           which
           might
           threaten
           to
           render
           it
           ineffectual
           ;
           which
           was
           all
           the
           labour
           of
           his
           own
           Brain
           ,
           and
           received
           only
           its
           form
           from
           the
           skilful
           in
           the
           Law
           ;
           't
           is
           possible
           the
           World
           may
           see
           the
           whole
           at
           length
           ,
           since
           it
           may
           serve
           to
           direct
           those
           whose
           hearts
           God
           shall
           touch
           with
           such
           charitable
           Dispositions
           .
           Thus
           while
           the
           World
           lasts
           he
           will
           be
           clothing
           the
           Naked
           ,
           feeding
           the
           Hungry
           ,
           visiting
           the
           Sick
           ,
           (
           having
           made
           a
           yearly
           allowance
           for
           their
           Necessities
           )
           instructing
           the
           Ignorant
           ,
           and
           powerfully
           perswading
           the
           Poor
           to
           apply
           themselves
           to
           the
           Service
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           making
           it
           the
           means
           of
           their
           support
           to
           obey
           him
           .
           Happy
           Soul
           !
           Thy
           joy
           of
           doing
           Good
           will
           be
           still
           encreasing
           by
           the
           Blessed
           fruit
           thy
           
           Zeal
           will
           bring
           forth
           even
           after
           thy
           Death
           ;
           and
           if
           in
           this
           Life
           where
           
             we
             see
             through
             a
             Glass
             darkly
             ,
          
           and
           where
           our
           best
           Services
           are
           allayed
           with
           the
           Infirmities
           of
           our
           frail
           Nature
           ,
           a
           good
           Man
           often
           thinks
           no
           Pleasure
           comparable
           to
           that
           of
           Glorifying
           God
           ;
           what
           an
           unconceivable
           Happiness
           must
           it
           be
           in
           the
           next
           Life
           ,
           where
           all
           the
           Excellencies
           of
           the
           Divine
           Being
           shall
           be
           clearly
           discovered
           ,
           and
           where
           Love
           is
           pure
           without
           the
           least
           mixture
           ,
           and
           inflam'd
           to
           its
           utmost
           Capacity
           ;
           to
           find
           that
           he
           still
           glorifies
           him
           whom
           he
           Loves
           ,
           and
           continues
           to
           make
           him
           yet
           loved
           by
           others
           ?
           And
           this
           his
           charitable
           Temper
           appeared
           not
           only
           in
           his
           Actions
           ,
           but
           also
           in
           his
           Discourse
           ,
           which
           was
           govern'd
           by
           favourable
           Interpretations
           of
           what
           others
           either
           did
           or
           said
           ;
           and
           where
           things
           were
           apprehended
           by
           him
           ,
           so
           apparently
           wicked
           and
           unrighteous
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           not
           admit
           of
           his
           Candor
           ,
           there
           he
           shewed
           his
           Charity
           in
           judging
           favourably
           of
           those
           Dispositions
           of
           mind
           wherewith
           they
           were
           done
           ,
           ascribing
           them
           ,
           if
           he
           could
           lay
           hold
           of
           any
           Colour
           and
           Pretence
           ,
           to
           the
           most
           excusable
           Principles
           .
        
         
           He
           excelled
           in
           all
           the
           suffering
           Vertues
           which
           are
           the
           peculiar
           Beauties
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           and
           which
           the
           wise
           and
           
           good
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           called
           upon
           him
           to
           exercise
           ;
           as
           
             Patience
             ,
             Meekness
             ,
             Trust
             in
             God
             ,
             dependance
             upon
             him
             for
             Succour
             ,
             Self-denial
             ,
             cheerfully
             taking
             up
             the
             Cross
             ,
             forgiving
             Injuries
             ,
          
           and
           
             doing
             good
             to
             those
             that
             despitefully
             used
             him
          
           ;
           and
           had
           he
           alwaies
           lived
           in
           a
           calm
           we
           could
           not
           have
           formed
           so
           just
           an
           Idea
           of
           his
           worth
           ;
           for
           we
           must
           be
           in
           a
           suffering
           state
           ,
           and
           exposed
           to
           the
           weight
           of
           many
           and
           great
           afflictions
           ,
           before
           we
           can
           be
           assured
           how
           patiently
           and
           contentedly
           ,
           how
           cheerfully
           and
           couragiously
           we
           can
           undergo
           them
           ;
           and
           agreeable
           to
           this
           't
           is
           remarkable
           that
           Plato
           to
           finish
           his
           Character
           of
           a
           Righteous
           man
           ,
           makes
           him
           pass
           through
           a
           scene
           of
           sufferings
           to
           justifie
           the
           principle
           of
           his
           vertue
           ;
           fleeting
           pains
           of
           this
           short
           life
           well
           recompenced
           with
           everlasting
           joys
           .
        
         
           His
           conduct
           in
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Ministry
           sufficiently
           evidenc'd
           to
           the
           world
           ,
           how
           truly
           he
           answered
           that
           important
           demand
           in
           Ordination
           ;
           
             Whether
             he
             trusted
             he
             was
             inwardly
             moved
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             to
             take
             upon
             him
             that
             Office
             and
             Ministration
             ?
          
        
         
           The
           constant
           application
           of
           his
           time
           and
           pains
           to
           the
           discharge
           of
           his
           
             Pastoral
             Duties
          
           ;
           the
           great
           neglect
           he
           always
           shewed
           in
           solliciting
           Preferments
           ,
           and
           his
           readiness
           and
           chearfulness
           in
           parting
           with
           that
           
           Station
           he
           was
           placed
           in
           ,
           when
           he
           apprehended
           the
           keeping
           of
           it
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           peace
           of
           his
           mind
           ,
           is
           a
           clear
           proof
           that
           the
           only
           design
           he
           aimed
           at
           by
           engaging
           in
           the
           
             Sacred
             Function
          
           ,
           was
           the
           Service
           of
           his
           Blessed
           Master
           ,
           and
           the
           Salvation
           of
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           espoused
           his
           Profession
           as
           a
           happy
           Instrument
           of
           doing
           good
           ,
           rather
           than
           of
           being
           rich
           and
           great
           .
        
         
           The
           last
           scene
           of
           his
           Life
           ,
           his
           Sickness
           and
           Death
           still
           maintained
           the
           character
           of
           strict
           Piety
           and
           Christian
           Devotion
           ;
           and
           when
           I
           shall
           tell
           the
           Reader
           that
           his
           admirable
           Book
           of
           
             Death
             made
             Comfortable
          
           ,
           the
           last
           effort
           of
           his
           Charity
           for
           the
           salvation
           of
           his
           Brethren
           ,
           was
           the
           subject-matter
           of
           his
           own
           practice
           ,
           and
           the
           constant
           exercise
           of
           his
           devout
           mind
           under
           that
           tedious
           and
           lingering
           sickness
           ,
           which
           put
           a
           period
           to
           his
           days
           ;
           he
           may
           be
           satisfied
           ,
           that
           
             he
             died
             the
             death
             of
             the
             Righteous
             ,
             and
             that
             his
             latter
             end
             was
             like
             his
             .
          
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           Good
           men
           alwaies
           die
           well
           ,
           because
           qualified
           for
           that
           happy
           state
           upon
           which
           they
           enter
           ;
           though
           the
           circumstances
           of
           their
           death
           be
           never
           so
           sudden
           ,
           and
           though
           the
           nature
           of
           their
           Disease
           deprives
           us
           of
           their
           edifying
           example
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           death-bed
           vertues
           ;
           yet
           when
           God
           gives
           time
           ,
           and
           the
           advantage
           of
           an
           undisturb'd
           understanding
           ,
           the
           pious
           soul
           is
           
           carefull
           to
           make
           use
           of
           such
           Blessings
           ,
           for
           the
           securing
           a
           happy
           Eternity
           .
        
         
           In
           order
           to
           this
           purpose
           our
           
             dying
             Saint
          
           ,
           whose
           lamp
           was
           never
           without
           oil
           ,
           thought
           his
           sickness
           a
           proper
           season
           to
           trim
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           provide
           for
           the
           Bridegroom
           's
           coming
           ;
           he
           prudently
           settled
           all
           his
           temporal
           affairs
           ,
           and
           after
           his
           large
           Legacy
           for
           charitable
           uses
           ,
           he
           acknowledg'd
           the
           kindness
           of
           his
           particular
           Friends
           by
           some
           gratefull
           Remembrance
           ,
           and
           rewarded
           the
           services
           of
           his
           Inferiors
           by
           decent
           Gratuities
           .
           As
           to
           the
           concerns
           of
           his
           Soul
           ,
           he
           carefully
           reflected
           upon
           all
           the
           Actions
           of
           his
           past
           Life
           ;
           diligently
           examined
           his
           Writings
           ,
           whether
           they
           afforded
           any
           matter
           for
           Repentance
           ,
           (
           a
           practice
           highly
           necessary
           to
           be
           imitated
           ,
           by
           those
           who
           have
           been
           ingaged
           in
           Controversie
           )
           he
           heartily
           bewailed
           all
           his
           Miscarriages
           ,
           and
           made
           those
           solemn
           professions
           of
           his
           Faith
           ,
           which
           the
           Church
           requires
           ,
           and
           which
           have
           a
           great
           Tendency
           to
           strengthen
           and
           confirm
           those
           that
           survive
           :
           he
           freely
           forgave
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           was
           ready
           and
           willing
           to
           make
           Compensation
           for
           any
           wrong
           that
           could
           be
           charged
           upon
           him
           ;
           he
           dayly
           joyned
           in
           the
           publick
           Prayers
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           frequently
           received
           the
           Blessed
           Sacrament
           ,
           once
           as
           the
           Viaticum
           of
           a
           dying
           Christian
           ,
           with
           the
           benefit
           of
           Absolution
           
           from
           an
           eminent
           Bishop
           of
           our
           Church
           ;
           the
           remnant
           of
           his
           strength
           he
           manag'd
           for
           the
           exercise
           of
           his
           private
           devotions
           ,
           upon
           which
           account
           he
           excused
           himself
           from
           receiving
           the
           frequent
           visits
           that
           would
           have
           been
           made
           him
           by
           many
           of
           his
           acquaintance
           :
           he
           bore
           his
           languishing
           condition
           without
           the
           least
           shadow
           of
           discontent
           ,
           and
           though
           his
           mind
           was
           eagerly
           bent
           upon
           Heaven
           ,
           he
           never
           betrayed
           the
           least
           desire
           for
           the
           removal
           of
           his
           pains
           ,
           till
           God's
           appointed
           time
           should
           come
           ,
           and
           was
           willing
           to
           bear
           yet
           longer
           those
           pressures
           under
           which
           he
           lay
           ,
           if
           God
           thought
           fit
           to
           continue
           them
           ,
           even
           though
           they
           delayed
           that
           happiness
           he
           so
           earnestly
           desired
           ,
           and
           so
           comfortably
           expected
           ,
           which
           answers
           S.
           Augustin's
           character
           of
           a
           good
           Christian
           ,
           
             Qui
             patienter
             vivit
             ,
             &
             delectabiliter
             moritur
             .
          
        
         
           No
           words
           can
           furnish
           us
           with
           a
           clearer
           Idea
           of
           his
           true
           Christian
           firmness
           of
           mind
           ,
           than
           those
           which
           fell
           from
           his
           own
           mouth
           upon
           the
           immediate
           approach
           of
           death
           ,
           when
           he
           expressed
           himself
           in
           this
           manner
           :
           
             I
             am
             entring
             upon
             my
             last
             labour
             ,
             the
             Lord
             gave
             and
             he
             is
             now
             taking
             away
             ,
             blessed
             be
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Lord
             ;
             for
             I
             thank
             my
             God
             I
             am
             going
             without
             any
             distrust
             ,
             without
             the
             least
             misgiving
             ,
             to
             a
             place
             of
             rest
             and
             joy
             and
             
             everlasting
             bliss
             ;
             there
             is
             no
             life
             like
             to
             a
             happy
             death
             .
             I
             have
             endeavoured
             even
             from
             my
             youth
             ,
             to
             approve
             my self
             a
             faithfull
             servant
             to
             my
             Great
             Master
             :
             I
             have
             taken
             some
             pains
             in
             writing
             several
             Books
             ;
             I
             have
             seriously
             considered
             them
             ,
             and
             am
             fully
             satisfied
          
           (
           looking
           on
           those
           about
           him
           )
           
             that
             you
             may
             find
             in
             them
             the
             way
             to
             Heaven
             ;
             the
             Christian
             duties
             contained
             therein
             have
             been
             my
             practice
             as
             well
             as
             study
             ,
             and
             now
             I
             find
             the
             advantage
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             therefore
             be
             carefull
             to
             read
             them
             often
             and
             seriously
             and
             live
             suitably
             thereunto
             ,
             that
             when
             you
             come
             to
             the
             condition
             I
             am
             now
             in
             ,
             you
             may
             die
             with
             comfort
             as
             you
             see
             me
             do
             :
             I
             have
             some
             little
             pain
             indeed
             ,
             but
             my
             pain
             is
             nothing
             so
             extraordinary
             as
             my
             hopes
             ;
             for
             I
             have
             earnestly
             repented
             of
             all
             my
             sins
             ,
             and
             verily
             believe
             ,
             that
             through
             the
             tender
             mercies
             of
             my
             God
             ,
             and
             merits
             of
             my
             Blessed
             Saviour
          
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           
             I
             shall
             be
             carried
             up
             into
          
           Abraham
           '
           
             s
             bosome
          
           .
           After
           which
           he
           made
           this
           short
           Prayer
           .
           
             I
             wait
             ,
             O
             God
             ,
             for
             that
             everlasting
             rest
             which
             I
             want
             at
             present
             ,
             but
             shall
             not
             long
             ;
             I
             am
             ready
             when
             thou
             my
             God
             calls
             for
             me
             ,
             yet
             can
             stay
             with
             patience
             till
             thou
             pleasest
             ,
             for
             thy
             time
             is
             the
             best
             time
             ,
             and
             thy
             pleasure
             the
             best
             
             pleasure
             .
          
           Such
           a
           carefull
           and
           wise
           provision
           had
           he
           made
           for
           his
           last
           hours
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           able
           to
           look
           death
           in
           the
           face
           ,
           not
           only
           without
           amazement
           ,
           but
           even
           with
           a
           great
           degree
           of
           joy
           and
           consolation
           .
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           he
           was
           Learned
           without
           Pride
           ;
           Wise
           and
           Judicious
           without
           Cunning
           ;
           he
           served
           at
           the
           Altar
           without
           either
           Covetousness
           or
           Ambition
           ;
           he
           was
           Devout
           without
           Affectation
           ,
           sincerely
           Religious
           without
           Moroseness
           ,
           Courteous
           and
           Affable
           without
           Flattery
           or
           mean
           Compliances
           ;
           Just
           without
           Rigour
           ,
           Charitable
           without
           Vanity
           ,
           and
           heartily
           zealous
           for
           the
           Interest
           of
           Religion
           without
           Faction
           .
           May
           we
           that
           survive
           imitate
           the
           pattern
           of
           his
           piety
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           attain
           that
           happiness
           which
           he
           now
           possesses
           as
           the
           reward
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           in
           consort
           with
           him
           and
           all
           those
           blessed
           Souls
           who
           have
           departed
           this
           life
           in
           the
           faith
           and
           fear
           of
           God
           ,
           sing
           Allelujahs
           to
           the
           
             King
             of
             Saints
             ,
             salvation
             and
             glory
             ,
             honour
             and
             power
             to
             him
             that
             sitteth
             on
             the
             throne
             ,
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             God
             the
             Son
             ,
             and
             God
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             .
          
           Amen
           .
        
         
           
             
               14.
               
               Dec.
               1695.
               
            
             Blackheath
             .
          
           
             Nelson
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           CONTENTS
           .
        
         
           
             
               Discourse
               I.
               
            
             STating
             the
             Notion
             of
             Christian
             Salvavation
             ,
             and
             shewing
             it
             chiefly
             to
             consist
             in
             a
             Deliverance
             from
             our
             Sins
             ,
             
               Pag.
               1
            
             
               On
               
                 Matt.
                 1.21
                 .
              
               
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 call
                 his
                 Name
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 for
                 he
                 shall
                 save
                 his
                 People
                 from
                 their
                 Sins
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Discourse
               II.
               
            
             Shewing
             that
             this
             Deliverance
             ,
             and
             entire
             Obedience
             is
             neither
             impossible
             nor
             extream
             Difficult
             ,
             if
             sincere
             Christians
             set
             about
             it
             as
             they
             ought
             ,
             
               p.
               35
            
             
               On
               
                 Philip.
                 4.13
                 .
              
               
                 I
                 can
                 do
                 all
                 things
                 thro'
                 Christ
                 which
                 strengtheneth
                 me
                 .
              
            
          
           
           
             
               Discourse
               III.
               
            
             How
             to
             form
             such
             a
             Purpose
             of
             sincere
             Repentance
             ,
             and
             intire
             Obedience
             ,
             as
             will
             be
             effectual
             for
             this
             Purpose
             ,
             
               Pag.
               77
            
             
               On
               
                 Acts
                 11.23
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 exhorted
                 them
                 all
                 ,
                 that
                 with
                 purpose
                 of
                 Heart
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 cleave
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               Discourse
               .
               IV.
               
            
             How
             to
             take
             the
             truest
             Wisdom
             of
             worldly
             Men
             in
             their
             Managements
             ,
             and
             apply
             them
             with
             admirable
             Vse
             and
             Advantage
             in
             the
             Improvement
             ,
             and
             Perfection
             of
             Holy
             Obedience
             ,
             
               p.
               103
            
             
               
                 On
                 Luk.
                 16.8
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Children
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 are
                 wiser
                 in
                 their
                 Generation
                 ,
                 than
                 the
                 Children
                 of
                 Light.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               Discourse
               V.
               
            
             About
             the
             Return
             of
             Prayers
             ;
             or
             when
             we
             may
             ,
             when
             we
             may
             not
             Promise
             our selves
             the
             particular
             Things
             we
             ask
             for
             ,
             
               p.
               143
            
             
               
                 On
                 Matt.
                 
                   7.7
                   ,
                   8.
                
                 
              
               
                 Ask
                 and
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 given
                 you
                 ,
                 for
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 asketh
                 receiveth
                 .
              
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           DISCOURSE
           I.
           Stating
           the
           Notion
           of
           the
           Christian
           Salvation
           ,
           and
           shewing
           it
           chiefly
           to
           consist
           in
           a
           deliverance
           from
           our
           Sins
           .
        
         
           
             On
             
               Matt.
               1.21
            
             .
             Thou
             shalt
             call
             his
             Name
             Jesus
             :
             For
             he
             shall
             save
             his
             People
             from
             their
             sins
             .
          
        
         
           SINCE
           all
           men
           ,
           who
           make
           any
           Pretence
           to
           Sobriety
           and
           Religion
           ,
           profess
           themselves
           most
           earnestly
           desirous
           of
           Salvation
           ;
           and
           the
           great
           Errand
           of
           our
           blessed
           Lord
           into
           the
           world
           was
           to
           purchase
           it
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           tender
           of
           it
           to
           them
           ;
           it
           may
           well
           seem
           strange
           to
           us
           ,
           as
           once
           it
           did
           to
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           that
           yet
           for
           all
           this
           ,
           
             there
             are
             but
             few
             who
             shall
             be
             saved
             .
          
           For
           the
           far
           greater
           number
           of
           the
           Christian
           world
           ,
           are
           impenitently
           wicked
           ;
           
           they
           live
           all
           their
           days
           in
           a
           course
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           die
           without
           amendment
           ;
           and
           such
           men
           the
           Scripture
           assures
           us
           ,
           in
           the
           last
           Judgment
           will
           not
           be
           forgiven
           :
           so
           ,
           that
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           noise
           that
           is
           made
           about
           Salvation
           ,
           the
           greatest
           part
           have
           very
           little
           ,
           or
           no
           share
           in
           it
           ;
           it
           is
           but
           seldom
           found
           ,
           tho'
           it
           be
           often
           talked
           of
           ,
           and
           the
           generality
           of
           men
           seem
           to
           be
           as
           far
           from
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           Gospel
           had
           never
           come
           abroad
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           Now
           one
           chief
           Reason
           ,
           why
           so
           many
           men
           do
           at
           last
           miss
           of
           Salvation
           ,
           after
           they
           have
           put
           forth
           such
           eager
           desires
           ,
           and
           spent
           such
           zealous
           Pains
           upon
           it
           ,
           is
           because
           they
           mistake
           its
           Nature
           ,
           and
           understand
           not
           truly
           wherein
           it
           doth
           consist
           .
           They
           take
           it
           to
           be
           something
           else
           than
           what
           it
           is
           ▪
           and
           so
           are
           apt
           usually
           to
           hope
           well
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           ,
           to
           think
           they
           have
           attained
           to
           it
           ,
           when
           as
           ,
           alas
           !
           they
           are
           yet
           in
           a
           lost
           state
           ,
           and
           at
           a
           very
           great
           distance
           from
           it
           ;
           for
           altho'
           that
           Salvation
           which
           Christ
           dearly
           purchased
           ,
           and
           which
           the
           Gospel
           comes
           to
           promote
           in
           us
           ,
           be
           a
           Salvation
           from
           sin
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           see
           presently
           ;
           yet
           that
           which
           men
           ordinarily
           talk
           off
           ,
           and
           expect
           by
           him
           is
           nothing
           less
           .
           They
           think
           to
           be
           pardon'd
           without
           Obedience
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           
           saved
           from
           Punishment
           ,
           whilst
           they
           persevere
           in
           the
           Practice
           of
           their
           Sins
           .
           For
           if
           we
           come
           to
           the
           most
           profligate
           Sinner
           ,
           altho'
           it
           be
           upon
           his
           Death-bed
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           going
           out
           of
           the
           world
           with
           all
           his
           sins
           ,
           and
           unmortified
           Lusts
           about
           him
           ;
           yet
           even
           he
           ,
           who
           is
           thus
           lost
           in
           sin
           ,
           will
           still
           talk
           of
           his
           Saviour
           Christ
           ,
           and
           hopes
           to
           be
           saved
           by
           him
           notwithstanding
           .
        
         
           To
           prevent
           or
           redress
           such
           dangerous
           mistakes
           in
           a
           matter
           of
           so
           high
           moment
           ,
           I
           intend
           in
           discoursing
           upon
           these
           words
           ,
           
             
               First
               ,
               To
               represent
               to
               you
               what
               that
               Salvation
               is
               ,
               which
               Christ
               has
               purchased
               for
               us
               .
               And
               ,
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               To
               note
               some
               particular
               Uses
               and
               Improvements
               of
               it
               .
            
          
        
         
           First
           ,
           I
           shall
           represent
           to
           you
           what
           that
           Salvation
           is
           ,
           which
           Christ
           has
           purchas'd
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           To
           save
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             to
             deliver
             from
             evil
             and
             danger
          
           ;
           and
           may
           be
           extended
           to
           as
           many
           evils
           ,
           as
           men
           may
           be
           delivered
           from
           .
           Thus
           every
           where
           in
           
           David's
           Psalms
           ,
           the
           Deliverance
           of
           the
           righteous
           out
           of
           afflictions
           and
           troubles
           ,
           is
           called
           *
           his
           Salvation
           ;
           and
           Gideon
           is
           said
           to
           have
           
             saved
             
             Israel
          
           when
           
             he
             rescued
             them
             out
             of
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             Midianites
             ,
          
           Jud.
           6.14
           .
        
         
           Now
           as
           for
           those
           evils
           which
           Christ
           came
           to
           save
           us
           from
           ,
           in
           our
           Deliverance
           from
           which
           consists
           our
           Christian
           Salvation
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           the
           temporal
           evils
           and
           afflictions
           of
           this
           Life
           .
           
             His
             Kingdom
             was
             not
             of
             this
             world
          
           ;
           nor
           is
           his
           Protection
           always
           from
           the
           evils
           of
           it
           ;
           he
           himself
           
             was
             a
             man
             of
             sorrows
          
           ,
           and
           his
           Church
           must
           expect
           to
           be
           like
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           live
           under
           Persecutions
           .
           But
           they
           are
           ,
           
             
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Our
                 sins
              
               ;
               and
               consequent
               upon
               them
               ,
            
             
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Those
                 eternal
                 Punishments
              
               ,
               which
               are
               due
               unto
               us
               for
               them
               .
               Upon
               these
               accounts
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               he
               is
               
                 Christ
                 the
                 Saviour
                 ;
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 called
                 Jesus
                 ,
              
               or
               a
               Saviour
               saith
               the
               Angel
               ,
               
                 because
                 he
                 shall
                 save
                 his
                 people
                 from
                 their
                 sins
                 .
              
            
          
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           latter
           of
           these
           ,
           viz.
           the
           Deliverance
           from
           eternal
           Death
           ,
           and
           Hell-torments
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           Punishment
           that
           is
           due
           unto
           our
           Sins
           ;
           this
           Christ
           has
           undoubtedly
           purchased
           for
           all
           those
           that
           are
           his
           .
           
             There
             remains
             no
             Condemnation
             to
             them
             that
             are
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
          
           ;
           
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Rom.
           8.1
           .
           but
           
             they
             are
             passed
             over
             from
             death
             unto
             life
             ,
          
           Joh.
           5.24
           .
           God
           who
           should
           in
           anger
           exact
           those
           Punishments
           ,
           is
           
             reconciled
             to
             them
             by
             the
             death
             of
             his
             Son
             ,
          
           Rom.
           5.10
           .
           so
           that
           now
           they
           are
           no
           longer
           under
           his
           severity
           as
           an
           offended
           Lord
           ,
           but
           can
           look
           upon
           him
           as
           their
           Protector
           ,
           and
           Patron
           ,
           having
           
             received
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Adoption
             ,
             whereby
             they
             can
             call
             him
             Abba
             ,
          
           i.
           e.
           Father
           ,
           Rom.
           8.15
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           for
           this
           Deliverance
           ,
           from
           the
           worm
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           Pangs
           of
           Soul
           ,
           from
           the
           eternal
           Pains
           of
           Hell
           ,
           and
           the
           Horrors
           of
           Darkness
           ,
           we
           are
           generally
           apt
           to
           think
           it
           a
           Deliverance
           indeed
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           we
           have
           all
           great
           need
           of
           ;
           for
           who
           is
           willing
           to
           live
           with
           everlasting
           burnings
           ?
           Who
           would
           be
           content
           to
           roar
           in
           never
           ending
           Tortures
           ?
           There
           is
           no
           man
           who
           believes
           there
           is
           such
           a
           place
           as
           Hell
           ,
           but
           whensoever
           he
           seriously
           considers
           of
           it
           ,
           most
           earnestly
           desires
           to
           be
           secured
           from
           it
           ;
           and
           therefore
           among
           all
           those
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           Atheistical
           or
           desperately
           loose
           and
           inconsiderate
           ,
           we
           see
           there
           are
           few
           or
           none
           ,
           who
           will
           not
           make
           some
           profession
           and
           perform
           some
           outward
           and
           easie
           Acts
           of
           Religion
           ,
           that
           thereby
           they
           may
           quiet
           
           their
           own
           Consciences
           ,
           with
           some
           confidence
           ,
           altho'
           never
           so
           groundless
           ,
           of
           their
           share
           in
           this
           Salvation
           .
           But
           then
           ,
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           As
           for
           those
           other
           evils
           which
           Christ
           came
           to
           save
           us
           from
           ,
           
             viz.
             Our
             sins
          
           ;
           men
           are
           not
           ordinarily
           so
           fully
           perswaded
           of
           their
           illness
           ,
           nor
           think
           they
           have
           any
           great
           need
           to
           be
           saved
           from
           them
           .
           For
           their
           sins
           they
           dearly
           love
           and
           take
           delight
           in
           ;
           and
           therefore
           they
           do
           not
           look
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           Salvation
           ,
           but
           as
           a
           spoil
           ,
           to
           have
           them
           taken
           from
           them
           .
           And
           yet
           it
           is
           most
           certain
           ,
           that
           this
           was
           the
           great
           Salvation
           which
           Christ
           designed
           us
           ,
           and
           which
           he
           became
           man
           to
           procure
           for
           us
           ;
           
             he
             shall
             be
             called
             Jesus
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Angel
           ▪
           
             because
             he
             shall
             save
             his
             People
             from
             their
             sins
             .
          
        
         
           Our
           greatest
           Evils
           are
           our
           sins
           ,
           and
           Christ's
           saving
           is
           his
           reforming
           ,
           and
           reducing
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           sinful
           and
           disobedient
           to
           the
           Obedience
           of
           the
           Just
           :
           He
           saves
           when
           he
           makes
           the
           bold
           ,
           irreligious
           man
           awful
           ,
           and
           the
           proud
           man
           humble
           ;
           when
           he
           possesseth
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           peevish
           and
           contentious
           ,
           of
           the
           envious
           and
           revengeful
           ,
           with
           Meekness
           and
           Patience
           ,
           Charity
           and
           Peace
           .
           He
           delivers
           the
           covetous
           man
           from
           his
           unsatiable
           love
           of
           riches
           ,
           the
           carnal
           mind
           from
           its
           intemperate
           
           desire
           of
           sensual
           Pleasures
           .
           In
           one
           word
           he
           saves
           us
           from
           our
           own
           Self-will
           ,
           and
           makes
           us
           to
           become
           entirely
           resign'd
           to
           the
           will
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           This
           reformation
           of
           our
           hearts
           and
           lives
           ,
           by
           rescuing
           us
           from
           all
           sinful
           Lusts
           and
           wicked
           Practices
           was
           the
           great
           Deliverance
           which
           Christ
           was
           sent
           to
           effect
           for
           us
           ,
           as
           might
           be
           evidenced
           from
           the
           
             blessing
             promised
             to
             Abraham
          
           ;
           which
           as
           St.
           Peter
           expounds
           it
           ,
           did
           principally
           intend
           it
           ;
           Act.
           3.25
           ,
           26.
           from
           the
           Predictions
           of
           Prophets
           concerning
           the
           Messiah
           ,
           which
           clearly
           foretold
           it
           ,
           Ezek.
           11.19
           ,
           20.
           
           Isa.
           62.25
           .
           Jer.
           32.39
           .
           from
           the
           Covenant
           promised
           to
           be
           made
           
             with
             the
             house
             of
             Israel
             in
             those
             days
          
           ;
           whereof
           Jeremiah
           speaks
           ,
           which
           in
           plain
           terms
           expresses
           it
           ;
           Jer.
           31.33
           .
           from
           the
           Declarations
           of
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           who
           every
           where
           proclaim
           ,
           that
           the
           end
           of
           his
           coming
           was
           
             to
             call
             Sinners
             to
             repentance
          
           ,
           Mat.
           9.13
           .
           
             To
             turn
             men
             from
             darkness
             to
             light
             ,
          
           Act.
           26.18
           .
           
             To
             redeem
             us
             from
             all
             iniquity
             ,
             and
             purifie
             unto
             himself
             a
             peculiar
             people
             zealous
             of
             good
             works
             ,
          
           Tit.
           2.14
           .
           and
           that
           his
           
             Gospel
             appears
             bringing
             Salvation
             in
             teaching
             us
             ,
             that
             denying
             all
             ungodliness
             and
             worldly
             Lusts
             ,
             we
             should
             live
             soberly
             ,
             godly
             ,
             and
             righteously
             in
             this
             present
             
             world
             ,
          
           Tit.
           2.11
           ,
           12.
           
           All
           these
           are
           so
           many
           direct
           Arguments
           ,
           and
           clear
           Proofs
           of
           Christ's
           design
           to
           save
           men
           ,
           by
           making
           them
           better
           ,
           and
           that
           his
           Deliverance
           was
           to
           consist
           chiefly
           in
           their
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           in
           rescuing
           them
           from
           the
           Bondage
           of
           their
           sins
           .
        
         
           But
           in
           regard
           the
           Gospel
           of
           Christ
           is
           the
           great
           means
           of
           working
           this
           Deliverance
           ,
           and
           the
           
             power
             of
             God
          
           as
           St.
           Paul
           calls
           it
           ,
           
             to
             Salvation
          
           ,
           I
           shall
           rather
           chuse
           at
           present
           to
           insist
           more
           particularly
           upon
           such
           parts
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           are
           peculiarly
           sitted
           for
           this
           design
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           the
           best
           way
           of
           demonstrating
           this
           Doctrine
           .
           And
           those
           are
           chiefly
           Three
           ;
           the
           Precepts
           ,
           the
           Promises
           ,
           the
           Threatnings
           ,
           which
           are
           declared
           to
           us
           therein
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           I
           shall
           consider
           
             the
             Precepts
             of
             the
             Gospel
          
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           great
           Salvation
           which
           these
           are
           designed
           to
           promote
           among
           us
           is
           this
           Deliverance
           from
           our
           sins
           ,
           is
           plain
           from
           hence
           ,
           because
           they
           do
           most
           fully
           ,
           and
           indispensibly
           exact
           it
           .
           Never
           did
           any
           Laws
           of
           former
           Legislators
           ,
           extend
           the
           compass
           of
           Vertue
           so
           wide
           ,
           and
           advance
           it
           to
           such
           a
           pitch
           ,
           as
           the
           Laws
           of
           Christ
           do
           ;
           they
           require
           a
           more
           full
           Obedience
           ,
           and
           a
           
           more
           perfect
           reformation
           ,
           than
           before
           that
           time
           the
           world
           had
           ever
           heard
           of
           ;
           they
           teach
           Vertue
           in
           the
           highest
           degrees
           ,
           and
           require
           Obedience
           in
           all
           imaginable
           Instances
           ;
           representing
           plainly
           the
           Nature
           of
           several
           sins
           ,
           and
           discovering
           clearly
           an
           irregularity
           ,
           and
           Sinfulness
           in
           several
           Actions
           ,
           which
           the
           Gentiles
           ,
           nay
           even
           the
           Jews
           themselves
           never
           dreamed
           of
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           They
           represent
           the
           Nature
           of
           several
           sins
           ,
           and
           discover
           an
           irregularity
           in
           several
           Actions
           ,
           which
           by
           the
           bare
           Light
           ,
           and
           Law
           of
           Nature
           the
           Gentiles
           never
           saw
           :
           They
           discern'd
           no
           evil
           in
           worshipping
           of
           Images
           ,
           and
           inferiour
           Deities
           ,
           in
           idolatrous
           Rites
           ,
           and
           superstitious
           Observances
           ;
           they
           knew
           no
           sin
           in
           hating
           of
           an
           Enemy
           ,
           in
           cursing
           and
           reproaching
           of
           him
           ,
           in
           returning
           his
           Affronts
           ,
           and
           revenging
           his
           Injuries
           ;
           Uncleanness
           and
           Lasciviousness
           ,
           Fornication
           and
           Whoredoms
           were
           held
           generally
           among
           them
           to
           be
           as
           lawful
           as
           their
           Meats
           and
           Drinks
           ;
           in
           these
           Actions
           as
           in
           several
           others
           ,
           they
           had
           no
           sense
           of
           sin
           ,
           nor
           any
           fears
           of
           punishment
           ;
           these
           things
           as
           the
           Psalmist
           says
           ,
           God
           afterwards
           
             shew'd
             to
             Jacob
             and
             declared
             to
             Israel
             ,
             but
             as
             for
             the
             heathen
             Nations
             ,
             they
             have
             not
             
             known
             them
             ,
          
           Psalm
           147.19
           ,
           20.
           but
           as
           for
           the
           Sinfulness
           of
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           the
           dreadful
           Sentence
           which
           shall
           be
           denounced
           upon
           all
           ,
           who
           continue
           in
           these
           Practices
           ,
           the
           Law
           of
           Christ
           is
           express
           and
           peremptory
           .
           
             He
             that
             looks
             upon
             a
             woman
             ,
          
           saith
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             to
             lust
             after
             her
             ,
             hath
             committed
             adultery
             with
             her
             already
             in
             his
             heart
             ,
          
           Matt.
           5.28
           .
           
             The
             works
             of
             the
             flesh
          
           ,
           saith
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
             are
             manifest
             ,
             Adultery
             ,
             Fornication
             ,
             Vncleanness
             ,
             Lasciviousness
             ;
             of
             the
             which
             I
             tell
             you
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             do
             such
             things
             ,
             shall
             not
             inherit
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
          
           Gal.
           5.19
           ,
           21.
           
           
             He
             who
             hates
             his
             Brother
          
           ,
           saith
           St.
           John
           ,
           by
           the
           Sentence
           of
           our
           Law
           ,
           is
           
             a
             Murderer
          
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           3.15
           .
           and
           he
           
             who
             is
             angry
             with
             him
             without
             a
             cause
          
           ;
           especially
           ,
           if
           he
           suffer
           his
           anger
           to
           transport
           him
           into
           reproachful
           words
           ,
           and
           contumelious
           Expressions
           ,
           such
           as
           Fool
           ,
           and
           Racha
           ,
           or
           empty
           Fellow
           ,
           
             He
             is
             liable
          
           ,
           says
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           to
           
             Hell
             fire
          
           ,
           Matt.
           5.22
           .
           
             Render
             to
             no
             man
             evil
             for
             evil
             ,
          
           says
           our
           Religion
           ,
           
             but
             love
             your
             enemies
             ;
             bless
             them
             that
             curse
             you
             ;
             do
             good
             to
             them
             that
             hate
             you
             ;
             and
             pray
             for
             them
             ,
             that
             despitefully
             use
             you
             ;
             that
             so
             you
             may
             be
             perfect
             ,
             and
             the
             true
             Children
             of
             your
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             who
             is
             kind
             even
             to
             the
             unthankful
             ,
             
             and
             the
             evil
             ,
          
           Matt.
           5.44
           ,
           45
           ,
           48.
           and
           as
           for
           the
           guidance
           and
           direction
           of
           all
           religious
           Worship
           ,
           we
           are
           forbid
           to
           give
           that
           to
           any
           Creature
           whatsoever
           ,
           whether
           Saint
           or
           Angel
           ;
           
             Thou
             shalt
             worship
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             ,
             and
             him
             only
             shalt
             thou
             serve
             ,
          
           Matt.
           4.10
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           all
           those
           Sins
           then
           ,
           which
           the
           Law
           of
           Nature
           did
           not
           discover
           at
           all
           ,
           or
           but
           very
           darkly
           ,
           to
           the
           Heathens
           of
           old
           ;
           they
           are
           almost
           plainly
           discovered
           to
           us
           Christians
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           Christ
           ;
           we
           are
           shew'd
           Sin
           more
           plainly
           ,
           and
           taught
           it
           more
           fully
           ,
           because
           we
           must
           be
           reformed
           from
           it
           ,
           more
           perfectly
           than
           ever
           they
           were
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Laws
           of
           Christ
           discover
           an
           Irregularity
           ,
           and
           Sinfulness
           in
           several
           Actions
           ,
           which
           
             the
             Jews
          
           discern'd
           not
           under
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Moses
          
           ;
           altho'
           they
           had
           a
           more
           perfect
           way
           to
           walk
           by
           ,
           than
           the
           Heathens
           had
           ,
           yet
           even
           their
           Obedience
           fell
           much
           short
           of
           that
           pitch
           which
           ours
           must
           attain
           to
           ;
           for
           in
           several
           things
           ,
           as
           
             the
             marrying
             of
             many
             Wives
          
           ,
           the
           
             putting
             away
             their
             Wives
             for
             every
             cause
             ,
          
           the
           
             praying
             against
             their
             Enemies
             ,
             and
             retaliating
             of
             their
             Injuries
          
           ;
           the
           Law
           it self
           was
           indulgent
           to
           them
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           hardness
           of
           their
           hearts
           .
           And
           as
           for
           other
           
           things
           ,
           whose
           Sinfulness
           the
           Law
           did
           really
           discover
           to
           them
           ;
           they
           were
           still
           kept
           in
           a
           general
           Ignorance
           of
           them
           ,
           thro'
           the
           corrupt
           Glosses
           ,
           and
           perverse
           Interpretations
           of
           their
           
             Wise
             Men.
          
           Of
           these
           our
           Saviour
           has
           given
           us
           several
           Instances
           ;
           for
           as
           for
           the
           main
           ,
           and
           most
           substantial
           Duties
           of
           the
           Law
           ;
           such
           as
           
             Justice
             ,
             Mercy
          
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ;
           they
           had
           made
           them
           needless
           ,
           by
           an
           Opinion
           of
           the
           sufficiency
           ,
           either
           of
           their
           Sacrifices
           ,
           for
           which
           the
           Prophets
           are
           often
           reproving
           them
           ,
           or
           of
           some
           cheap
           exterior
           Performances
           .
           
             Woe
             unto
             you
             Scribes
             and
             Pharisees
             ,
          
           says
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             for
             they
             pay
             tythe
             of
             Mint
             ,
             Anise
             and
             Cummin
             ;
             but
             omit
             the
             weightier
             Matters
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             as
             Judgment
             ,
             Mercy
             and
             Faith
          
           ;
           whereas
           
             these
             things
             chiefly
             ,
             ye
             ought
             to
             have
             done
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             have
             left
             the
             other
             undone
             ,
          
           Matt.
           23.23
           .
           They
           had
           taken
           off
           all
           
             Duty
             to
             Parents
          
           requir'd
           in
           the
           Fifth
           Commandment
           ,
           by
           an
           unrighteous
           Vow
           ,
           or
           Oath
           called
           Corban
           ,
           of
           their
           own
           devising
           .
           
             Ye
             say
          
           ,
           says
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           in
           opposition
           to
           what
           God
           has
           said
           in
           the
           Fifth
           Commandment
           ;
           
             That
             if
             a
             man
             shall
             say
             to
             his
             Father
             or
             Mother
             ,
             it
             is
             Corban
             ,
          
           i.
           e.
           
             a
             gift
             by
             whatsoever
             thou
             mightest
             be
             profited
             by
             me
             ;
             he
             shall
             be
             free
             .
             And
             ye
             suffer
             him
             
             no
             more
             to
             do
             any
             thing
             for
             his
             Father
             or
             Mother
             ,
          
           Mark
           7.11
           ,
           12.
           
           They
           had
           evacuated
           the
           Obligation
           ,
           and
           cancelled
           in
           great
           part
           the
           reverence
           that
           is
           due
           to
           Oaths
           ;
           by
           their
           corrupt
           Casuistry
           about
           them
           :
           
             Woe
             to
             you
             Scribes
             and
             Pharisees
             ,
          
           says
           Christ
           ,
           
             which
             say
             ,
             whosoever
             shall
             swear
             by
             the
             Temple
             ,
             it
             is
             nothing
             ;
             or
             whosoever
             shall
             swear
             by
             the
             Altar
             ,
             it
             is
             nothing
             ;
             but
             whosoever
             shall
             swear
             by
             the
             Gold
             of
             the
             Temple
             ,
             or
             the
             gift
             upon
             the
             Altar
             ,
             he
             is
          
           bound
           by
           his
           Oath
           to
           become
           
             a
             Debtor
          
           ,
           Matt.
           23.16
           ,
           18.
           
           They
           had
           undermin'd
           all
           Obligations
           of
           Conscience
           to
           Obedience
           towards
           the
           Roman
           Governours
           ,
           because
           they
           were
           Foreigners
           and
           Heathens
           ,
           and
           by
           a
           proud
           conceit
           of
           their
           own
           Freedom
           and
           Privileges
           ,
           as
           they
           were
           
           Abraham's
           Children
           .
           For
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           it
           was
           they
           came
           to
           Christ
           ,
           with
           that
           captious
           Question
           ,
           
             Master
             ,
             what
             thinkest
             thou
             ,
             is
             it
             lawful
             to
             give
             tribute
             unto
             Caesar
             or
             not
             ?
          
           hoping
           by
           his
           Answer
           to
           have
           matter
           to
           accuse
           him
           ,
           either
           of
           Disloyalty
           to
           Caesar
           if
           he
           denied
           ,
           or
           of
           betraying
           the
           Freedoms
           ,
           and
           Privileges
           of
           the
           
             Jewish
             Nation
          
           if
           he
           affirm'd
           it
           ,
           Matt.
           23.15
           ,
           16
           ,
           17.
           
        
         
           Thus
           defective
           was
           the
           Sense
           of
           Duty
           ,
           which
           even
           the
           Jews
           themselves
           were
           generally
           guided
           by
           under
           
           Moses's
           
           
           if
           they
           were
           admitted
           into
           it
           ,
           be
           a
           place
           of
           Pleasure
           to
           them
           .
           Thus
           for
           instance
           ,
           if
           a
           man
           is
           wholly
           given
           up
           to
           Lust
           and
           Intemperance
           ;
           if
           his
           greatest
           Pleasure
           be
           in
           Revellings
           and
           Drunkenness
           ,
           in
           Luxury
           and
           Wantonness
           ,
           in
           Licentiousness
           ,
           Mirth
           and
           Riotous
           ,
           Entertainments
           ,
           he
           would
           as
           soon
           be
           condemned
           to
           Abstinence
           and
           Fasting
           ,
           and
           other
           Religious
           Severities
           ,
           and
           Self-denials
           here
           on
           earth
           ,
           as
           to
           undergo
           the
           very
           same
           in
           Heaven
           .
           For
           there
           he
           must
           needs
           starve
           his
           eager
           desire
           ,
           and
           languish
           in
           the
           pain
           of
           an
           unsatisfied
           Appetite
           ,
           the
           place
           it self
           affording
           no
           such
           things
           ,
           as
           would
           content
           them
           :
           
             In
             the
             Resurrection
             from
             the
             dead
             ,
          
           says
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             they
             neither
             Marry
             ,
             nor
             are
             given
             in
             Marriage
             :
          
           That
           is
           a
           Fools
           wish
           ,
           and
           a
           Mahometan's
           Paradise
           ;
           they
           neither
           eat
           nor
           drink
           to
           sustain
           them
           ,
           since
           
             they
             cannot
             die
             any
             more
             ;
             being
          
           in
           these
           respects
           not
           like
           men
           on
           Earth
           ,
           but
           
             equal
             to
             the
             Angels
          
           of
           God
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           Luk.
           20.35
           ,
           36.
           
           Again
           ,
           if
           a
           man
           is
           turbulent
           and
           factious
           ,
           apt
           to
           set
           Friends
           at
           odds
           ,
           and
           to
           enflame
           Enmities
           ;
           if
           his
           whole
           delight
           is
           to
           stir
           up
           strife
           ,
           and
           to
           engage
           Parties
           ;
           in
           Heaven
           he
           must
           live
           alone
           ,
           for
           he
           will
           find
           no
           Abettors
           ,
           nor
           Encouragers
           ,
           nor
           after
           all
           his
           Labour
           
           procure
           so
           much
           as
           one
           adherent
           in
           that
           most
           peaceable
           and
           quiet
           place
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           if
           a
           man
           is
           ill
           natur'd
           and
           envious
           ;
           if
           he
           mourns
           because
           others
           rejoyce
           ,
           and
           grieves
           at
           the
           prosperity
           of
           his
           Neighbours
           ;
           to
           place
           him
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           where
           even
           the
           meanest
           Souls
           ,
           whom
           he
           most
           contemned
           on
           Earth
           ,
           are
           Crown'd
           with
           immortal
           Happiness
           ,
           would
           be
           the
           readiest
           way
           both
           infinitely
           to
           heighten
           ,
           and
           to
           perpetuate
           his
           Torments
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           if
           a
           Man's
           heart
           is
           full
           of
           hatred
           and
           malice
           ,
           if
           he
           delights
           in
           doing
           mischief
           ,
           and
           is
           glad
           at
           his
           Soul
           when
           he
           can
           work
           his
           spite
           ,
           and
           revenge
           an
           injury
           ;
           what
           should
           he
           do
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           nothing
           else
           but
           Mercy
           ,
           Forgiveness
           and
           Love.
           There
           are
           none
           there
           ,
           but
           who
           have
           loved
           ,
           not
           only
           their
           Friends
           ,
           but
           even
           their
           Enemies
           :
           they
           have
           sought
           the
           good
           of
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           have
           hazarded
           ;
           yea
           ,
           when
           it
           was
           needful
           ,
           laid
           down
           their
           own
           Lives
           to
           confirm
           ,
           or
           bring
           others
           to
           the
           truth
           and
           make
           them
           happy
           .
           This
           was
           the
           Gallantry
           of
           their
           Vertue
           then
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           their
           immortal
           Honour
           and
           Delight
           now
           ;
           they
           still
           reflect
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           always
           rejoyce
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           then
           to
           make
           such
           a
           man
           as
           this
           a
           constant
           Witness
           of
           
           that
           joy
           ,
           is
           to
           confute
           and
           reproach
           ,
           to
           shame
           and
           torment
           him
           for
           evermore
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           if
           a
           man
           is
           proud
           and
           ambitious
           ,
           if
           he
           give
           himself
           up
           to
           assume
           state
           ,
           and
           expect
           attendance
           ;
           if
           his
           highest
           aim
           be
           to
           be
           above
           his
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           them
           submit
           and
           pay
           a
           deference
           ,
           to
           bow
           and
           cringe
           to
           him
           ;
           what
           delight
           should
           he
           take
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           where
           he
           would
           find
           every
           Saint
           raised
           to
           Honour
           ,
           whilst
           he
           stands
           off
           at
           a
           distance
           ,
           only
           as
           a
           Looker
           on
           ;
           for
           all
           the
           Saints
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           yea
           ,
           even
           the
           very
           meanest
           whom
           he
           accounted
           unworthy
           to
           come
           into
           his
           Presence
           here
           on
           Earth
           ,
           are
           Christ's
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           God's
           Heirs
           ;
           they
           are
           set
           upon
           a
           Throne
           ,
           and
           Crown'd
           with
           an
           unspeakable
           and
           immortal
           weight
           of
           Glory
           .
           And
           this
           all
           the
           Saints
           about
           them
           ,
           whether
           higher
           or
           lower
           in
           Happiness
           and
           Honour
           ,
           according
           as
           the
           degrees
           of
           their
           Faith
           and
           Obedience
           in
           this
           World
           have
           been
           ,
           are
           infinitely
           pleased
           with
           .
           For
           whilst
           they
           were
           here
           on
           Earth
           ,
           they
           were
           
             wont
             to
             esteem
             others
             better
             than
             themselves
             ,
          
           Phil.
           2.3
           .
           And
           to
           
             look
             every
             man
             not
             so
             much
             upon
             his
             own
             things
             ,
          
           as
           
             the
             things
             of
             others
          
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           10.24
           .
           And
           this
           temper
           they
           carried
           to
           Heaven
           with
           them
           ,
           where
           every
           one
           rejoyces
           
           with
           each
           other
           ,
           and
           counts
           his
           Brothers
           Happiness
           his
           own
           :
           If
           this
           Man
           then
           were
           there
           ,
           he
           would
           see
           all
           those
           exalted
           ,
           whom
           his
           Pride
           would
           make
           low
           ;
           he
           would
           see
           them
           honoured
           ,
           whom
           he
           would
           have
           despised
           ;
           he
           would
           grieve
           and
           envy
           ,
           fret
           and
           fume
           alone
           ,
           and
           find
           them
           honour'd
           ,
           and
           himself
           unpitied
           ,
           and
           contemn'd
           to
           all
           Eternity
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           if
           a
           man
           is
           an
           Enemy
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           an
           hater
           of
           Religion
           ,
           if
           it
           has
           been
           his
           Practice
           to
           vilifie
           God's
           Saints
           ,
           and
           to
           deride
           his
           Ordinances
           ,
           to
           burlesque
           the
           Holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           or
           to
           blaspheme
           the
           Deity
           ;
           what
           content
           of
           heart
           think
           you
           could
           it
           be
           to
           him
           ,
           to
           see
           there
           is
           a
           God
           of
           utmost
           Majesty
           and
           Excellence
           ,
           mighty
           and
           irresistible
           in
           power
           to
           reward
           his
           Saints
           ,
           and
           as
           a
           flaming
           Fire
           to
           consume
           his
           Enemies
           ?
           To
           see
           ,
           that
           Heaven
           and
           Hell
           ,
           which
           he
           boldly
           and
           securely
           contemn'd
           as
           fabulous
           ,
           are
           dreadful
           Realities
           ?
           To
           see
           what
           being
           Religious
           comes
           to
           ,
           which
           he
           derided
           ;
           and
           all
           good
           men
           fixt
           in
           height
           of
           Glory
           whom
           he
           had
           despised
           ,
           and
           thence
           expect
           the
           miserable
           state
           of
           those
           men
           ,
           who
           had
           set
           themselves
           as
           he
           had
           done
           ,
           to
           laugh
           God's
           Servants
           out
           of
           their
           Religion
           ;
           or
           out-brave
           himself
           out
           of
           his
           
           Being
           ?
           Surely
           to
           such
           a
           Person
           ,
           this
           sight
           of
           Heaven
           could
           be
           nothing
           less
           than
           the
           first
           Horrors
           and
           Amazements
           ,
           the
           beginning
           and
           foretaste
           of
           Hell.
           
        
         
           And
           thus
           it
           appears
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           sins
           of
           Impiety
           towards
           God
           ,
           of
           Pride
           ,
           and
           Intemperance
           ,
           of
           Envy
           ,
           Hatred
           ,
           Uncharitableness
           ,
           and
           Unpeaceableness
           ,
           which
           take
           up
           in
           a
           manner
           ,
           the
           whole
           Compass
           of
           Transgressions
           ,
           are
           all
           so
           many
           direct
           Hindrances
           ,
           and
           utter
           Incapacities
           to
           our
           enjoying
           any
           Happiness
           in
           Heaven
           ;
           they
           make
           us
           dead
           to
           all
           the
           Enjoyments
           ,
           and
           wholly
           unfit
           for
           the
           Company
           of
           that
           place
           ;
           
             For
             what
             Communication
             hath
             God
             with
             wickedness
             ,
          
           
           
             what
             fellowship
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             hath
             righteousness
             with
             unrighteousness
             ,
             what
             Communion
             hath
             light
             with
             darkness
             ,
          
           1
           Cor.
           6.14
           .
           Nay
           the
           being
           in
           Heaven
           with
           all
           our
           sins
           unmortified
           about
           us
           ,
           would
           not
           only
           deprive
           us
           of
           all
           the
           Happiness
           and
           Pleasure
           of
           that
           blessed
           place
           ;
           but
           it
           would
           also
           render
           it
           an
           uneasie
           state
           ,
           and
           make
           Heaven
           it self
           become
           in
           part
           a
           Hell
           to
           us
           .
           For
           it
           would
           fill
           us
           as
           I
           have
           shown
           with
           shame
           and
           discontent
           ,
           with
           remorse
           of
           mind
           ,
           and
           grife
           of
           heart
           ,
           with
           eternal
           Torment
           and
           Vexation
           .
        
         
         
           As
           for
           this
           Reformation
           of
           our
           Lives
           and
           Natures
           ,
           and
           Deliverance
           from
           sin
           ,
           here
           then
           ,
           it
           is
           plainly
           requisite
           and
           indispensiblely
           necessary
           ,
           to
           fit
           and
           capacitate
           us
           for
           any
           Enjoyments
           of
           Happiness
           in
           Heaven
           hereafter
           .
           And
           this
           the
           Scriptures
           plainly
           affirm
           concerning
           it
           .
           St.
           Paul
           tells
           us
           ,
           That
           
             the
             Vessels
             of
             mercy
          
           ,
           must
           thro'
           that
           method
           of
           Faith
           and
           Repentance
           which
           God
           has
           prescribed
           ,
           be
           
             prepared
             unto
             Glory
          
           ,
           Rom.
           9.23
           .
           And
           that
           
             God's
             delivering
             us
             from
             the
             power
             of
             darkness
             hath
             made
             us
             meet
             to
             be
             partakers
             of
             the
             Inheritance
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             light
             ,
          
           Col.
           1.12
           ,
           13.
           
           And
           our
           Saviour
           says
           expresly
           ,
           That
           
             except
             we
          
           put
           off
           the
           old
           man
           which
           is
           corrupted
           by
           sinful
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           
             be
             born
             again
             ,
             we
             cannot
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
          
           Joh.
           3.3
           .
        
         
           This
           then
           is
           clear
           both
           from
           the
           Declarations
           of
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           the
           evidence
           of
           the
           thing
           ,
           that
           a
           Life
           of
           Vertue
           is
           plainly
           necessary
           to
           our
           future
           Happiness
           ;
           and
           that
           our
           being
           saved
           from
           sin
           in
           this
           World
           ;
           is
           indispensiblely
           requisite
           to
           our
           Salvation
           in
           the
           next
           .
           The
           eternal
           Life
           of
           Heaven
           is
           a
           Life
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           shewn
           ,
           that
           is
           after
           the
           
             likeness
             and
             similitude
             of
             God's
          
           ;
           a
           Life
           of
           unspotted
           Vertue
           ,
           and
           compleat
           Goodness
           ,
           that
           implies
           
           an
           entire
           Exemption
           ,
           and
           most
           absolute
           Deliverance
           from
           all
           manner
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           This
           Perfection
           and
           Compleatness
           of
           it
           we
           must
           expect
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           whereas
           St.
           Paul
           says
           ,
           
             The
             Spirits
             of
             just
             men
             are
             made
             perfect
             ,
          
           Heb.
           12.23
           .
           But
           as
           for
           the
           Life
           it self
           ,
           we
           must
           enter
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           begin
           it
           here
           .
           That
           Life
           of
           Vertue
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           which
           we
           engage
           upon
           at
           our
           becoming
           Christians
           is
           that
           very
           Life
           which
           never
           ends
           ,
           but
           which
           is
           to
           grow
           up
           to
           full
           degrees
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           eternal
           in
           the
           Heavens
           .
           And
           therefore
           ,
           the
           Scriptures
           as
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           full
           Perfection
           and
           Fruition
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           be
           had
           in
           the
           next
           World
           ,
           they
           are
           wont
           to
           speak
           of
           it
           as
           a
           thing
           future
           ;
           so
           in
           respect
           of
           that
           more
           imperfect
           Enjoyment
           ,
           which
           we
           have
           of
           it
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           they
           use
           sometimes
           to
           speak
           of
           it
           as
           a
           thing
           possess'd
           here
           .
           
             He
             that
             believes
             on
             me
          
           ,
           saith
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             hath
             eternal
             Life
          
           ,
           Joh.
           6.47
           .
           And
           again
           ,
           
             Whoso
             eateth
             my
             flesh
             and
             drinketh
             my
             blood
             hath
             eternal
             life
             ,
          
           Verse
           54.
           
           St.
           John
           bids
           them
           ,
           
             That
             believe
             on
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             know
             that
             they
             have
             eternal
             life
             ,
          
           1
           Joh.
           5.13
           .
           And
           that
           Grace
           or
           Goodness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           our
           Saviour
           expressed
           by
           water
           ,
           Joh.
           4.
           and
           which
           he
           bid
           
             the
             woman
             of
             Samaria
          
           to
           ask
           
           of
           him
           ,
           Verse
           10.
           he
           tells
           her
           ,
           
             Shall
             be
             a
             Well
             of
             water
             springing
             up
             to
             eternal
             life
             ,
          
           Verse
           14.
           
        
         
           A
           Life
           of
           Vertue
           and
           Obedience
           then
           ,
           is
           not
           only
           a
           necessary
           Qualification
           for
           our
           Salvation
           ,
           and
           eternal
           Life
           in
           Heaven
           ;
           but
           in
           a
           degree
           it
           is
           that
           very
           Salvation
           and
           eternal
           Life
           it self
           ;
           our
           Deliverance
           from
           our
           sins
           ,
           is
           not
           only
           the
           way
           to
           Happiness
           ,
           but
           in
           an
           imperfect
           measure
           it
           is
           that
           very
           Happiness
           ,
           whose
           perfection
           and
           compleat
           Degrees
           we
           are
           bid
           to
           hope
           for
           in
           Heaven
           .
           The
           Misery
           that
           befell
           us
           all
           in
           Adam
           ,
           was
           
             our
             falling
             from
             God's
             image
          
           ,
           wherein
           he
           and
           all
           his
           Holy
           Angels
           are
           infinitely
           Happy
           ;
           and
           that
           Happiness
           and
           Salvation
           which
           is
           promised
           to
           us
           in
           Christ
           ,
           is
           our
           Restoration
           to
           it
           .
           So
           that
           as
           for
           the
           Promises
           of
           God
           ,
           't
           is
           clear
           from
           them
           ,
           that
           the
           great
           Salvation
           which
           they
           are
           designed
           for
           is
           this
           Deliverance
           from
           our
           sins
           ;
           since
           all
           other
           promised
           Blessings
           are
           made
           to
           depend
           upon
           it
           ,
           since
           it
           is
           not
           possible
           they
           should
           be
           had
           without
           it
           ;
           nay
           ,
           since
           this
           Deliverance
           is
           the
           chief
           promis'd
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           even
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           eternal
           Life
           it self
           ;
           and
           as
           to
           the
           third
           part
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           I
           proposed
           to
           speak
           to
           viz.
           
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Those
           Threatnings
           which
           are
           contain'd
           therein
           ,
           the
           Salvation
           which
           they
           aim
           at
           ,
           is
           evidently
           this
           Deliverance
           from
           our
           Sins
           ,
           which
           are
           those
           very
           things
           they
           are
           all
           denounced
           to
           .
           The
           Gospel
           tho'
           it
           breath
           out
           nothing
           but
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           to
           the
           Penitent
           ,
           is
           yet
           the
           severest
           Dispensation
           that
           ever
           was
           to
           all
           incorrigible
           Men.
           For
           therein
           God
           declares
           himself
           an
           utter
           Enemy
           to
           all
           that
           will
           not
           be
           reformed
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           will
           inflict
           a
           most
           terrible
           Punishment
           ,
           and
           exemplary
           Vengeance
           on
           them
           ;
           the
           Author
           of
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           Christ
           himself
           hath
           spoken
           it
           ,
           
             That
             except
             we
             repent
             we
             shall
             all
             perish
             ,
          
           Luk.
           13.3
           .
           And
           St.
           Paul
           tells
           us
           plainly
           ,
           That
           at
           the
           last
           Day
           ,
           God
           
             will
             render
             to
             all
             that
             obey
             not
             the
             truth
             ,
             but
             obey
             unrighteousness
             ,
             indignation
             and
             wrath
             ,
             tribulation
             and
             anguish
             ,
             and
             that
             upon
             every
             soul
             of
             man
             ,
             whether
             he
             be
             Jew
             or
             Gentile
             ,
          
           Rom.
           2.6
           ,
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           Our
           sins
           then
           are
           plainly
           those
           Evils
           ,
           which
           the
           Threatnings
           of
           the
           Gospel
           would
           fright
           us
           from
           ;
           and
           our
           Deliverance
           from
           them
           is
           that
           Salvation
           which
           they
           would
           enforce
           upon
           us
           .
           Their
           end
           is
           evidently
           to
           make
           us
           leave
           all
           evil
           ways
           ,
           for
           fear
           least
           they
           should
           be
           inflicted
           on
           us
           for
           our
           perseverance
           in
           them
           .
        
         
         
           As
           for
           that
           Salvation
           then
           ,
           which
           Christ
           came
           to
           purchase
           for
           us
           ,
           from
           what
           I
           have
           deliver'd
           it
           appears
           ,
           I
           suppose
           ,
           most
           evidently
           what
           it
           is
           .
           The
           Declarations
           of
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           of
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           the
           prime
           end
           of
           the
           Precepts
           ,
           the
           Promises
           ,
           and
           the
           Threatnings
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Happiness
           ;
           in
           a
           word
           ,
           the
           Design
           of
           our
           whole
           Religion
           ,
           and
           Christianity
           ,
           make
           it
           clear
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           our
           Reformation
           ;
           or
           ,
           as
           the
           Angel
           expressed
           it
           ,
           our
           Deliverance
           from
           our
           sins
           .
           
             He
             shall
             be
             called
             Jesus
             ,
             because
             he
             shall
             save
             his
             people
             from
             their
             sins
             .
          
        
         
           And
           thus
           having
           represented
           what
           that
           Salvation
           is
           ,
           which
           Christ
           came
           to
           purchase
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           shewn
           ,
           I
           think
           clearly
           ,
           that
           the
           great
           Deliverance
           design'd
           us
           by
           him
           ,
           and
           promoted
           by
           his
           Gospel
           ,
           is
           our
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           a
           Freedom
           from
           our
           Sins
           .
           I
           proceed
           now
           ,
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           To
           note
           some
           Uses
           ,
           and
           particular
           Improvements
           of
           this
           Discourse
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Then
           from
           what
           has
           been
           discoursed
           upon
           the
           Nature
           of
           the
           
             Christian
             Salvation
          
           we
           may
           plainly
           understand
           ,
           what
           Faith
           ,
           what
           Repentance
           ,
           what
           Grace
           ,
           
           what
           Preaching
           ,
           what
           Ordinances
           are
           saving
           .
           For
           if
           Salvation
           mainly
           consists
           in
           our
           Deliverance
           from
           our
           Sins
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           evidently
           seen
           it
           doth
           ;
           then
           that
           is
           a
           saving
           Faith
           which
           makes
           us
           obedient
           ;
           and
           that
           a
           saving
           Repentance
           which
           works
           our
           Amendment
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           saving
           Grace
           ,
           which
           enables
           us
           to
           a
           pious
           Practice
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           saving
           Preaching
           ,
           which
           is
           fitted
           ,
           not
           to
           fill
           us
           with
           vain
           Delights
           ,
           or
           learned
           Niceties
           ,
           or
           abstract
           Speculations
           ,
           or
           mysterious
           Notions
           ,
           but
           to
           awaken
           our
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           reform
           our
           Lives
           ;
           and
           those
           are
           saving
           Ordinances
           ,
           which
           are
           powerful
           and
           proper
           means
           of
           our
           Conversion
           ,
           and
           vertuous
           Performances
           .
           This
           is
           to
           be
           the
           end
           of
           all
           the
           helps
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           this
           the
           Excellency
           of
           all
           the
           means
           of
           Grace
           ,
           that
           they
           tend
           strongly
           to
           make
           us
           leave
           our
           sins
           ,
           and
           rescue
           us
           from
           Disobedience
           .
           Our
           Salvation
           is
           a
           Deliverance
           from
           our
           sins
           ,
           and
           then
           any
           thing
           is
           saving
           when
           it
           delivers
           and
           frees
           us
           from
           them
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           A
           second
           Use
           which
           I
           shall
           note
           of
           this
           Discourse
           ,
           is
           for
           the
           
             Tryal
             of
             our
             State
          
           ;
           to
           know
           whether
           we
           are
           indeed
           of
           the
           number
           of
           the
           saved
           or
           no
           ;
           for
           if
           Salvation
           consists
           in
           our
           Deliverance
           from
           our
           sins
           ,
           then
           they
           are
           not
           saved
           
           but
           lost
           men
           ,
           who
           still
           live
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           are
           enslaved
           to
           them
           .
           Is
           any
           man
           then
           a
           contemner
           ,
           or
           prophaner
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           his
           dreadful
           Name
           ,
           or
           of
           his
           holy
           word
           ?
           Doth
           he
           spend
           his
           time
           in
           Luxury
           and
           Wantonness
           ,
           Pride
           and
           Covetousness
           ?
           are
           his
           hands
           full
           of
           violence
           ?
           or
           is
           he
           a
           stranger
           to
           the
           ways
           of
           Peace
           ?
           In
           sine
           ,
           if
           he
           doth
           not
           make
           it
           his
           business
           and
           care
           ,
           to
           fear
           God
           and
           keep
           his
           Commandments
           ,
           to
           be
           humble
           ,
           chaste
           and
           temperate
           ;
           to
           do
           all
           men
           Justice
           ,
           and
           to
           speak
           the
           Truth
           ,
           and
           love
           all
           ,
           even
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           and
           employ
           himself
           in
           all
           the
           instances
           of
           Duty
           ,
           which
           must
           at
           the
           last
           and
           great
           Day
           be
           the
           matter
           of
           his
           Account
           ,
           he
           has
           either
           no
           share
           at
           all
           ,
           or
           not
           enough
           ,
           in
           Christ's
           Salvation
           .
           The
           chiefest
           Grace
           which
           they
           enjoy
           ,
           is
           the
           Grace
           of
           forbearance
           .
           God
           doth
           not
           snatch
           some
           of
           them
           away
           in
           their
           deplorable
           ,
           nor
           others
           in
           their
           insecure
           Condition
           ,
           but
           allows
           them
           time
           and
           opportunities
           of
           Reformation
           ;
           and
           the
           only
           advice
           which
           I
           can
           give
           them
           ,
           is
           to
           renounce
           their
           evil
           Courses
           ,
           and
           to
           live
           as
           new
           men
           ;
           and
           then
           they
           may
           comfortably
           conclude
           ;
           that
           they
           are
           in
           a
           safe
           state
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           without
           their
           part
           in
           that
           Salvation
           which
           Christ
           came
           to
           procure
           for
           them
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           A
           third
           Use
           and
           Improvement
           ,
           which
           I
           shall
           make
           of
           this
           Discourse
           is
           for
           the
           directing
           of
           our
           Charity
           ;
           in
           showing
           what
           things
           we
           ought
           most
           chiefly
           to
           desire
           and
           endeavour
           after
           for
           our
           Brethren
           .
           For
           if
           our
           greatest
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           the
           great
           Salvation
           which
           Christ
           came
           to
           procure
           for
           us
           ,
           consist
           in
           our
           Deliverance
           from
           our
           sins
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           to
           love
           our
           Brethren
           ,
           as
           Christ
           loved
           us
           ;
           then
           't
           is
           plain
           ,
           that
           the
           great
           benefit
           which
           we
           are
           to
           seek
           for
           them
           ,
           is
           their
           vertuous
           Life
           and
           Reformation
           .
           Holiness
           is
           the
           greatest
           Kindness
           which
           they
           can
           receive
           ,
           or
           we
           can
           endeavour
           to
           promote
           in
           them
           :
           And
           therefore
           ,
           among
           all
           those
           endeavours
           ,
           which
           are
           very
           commendably
           used
           for
           our
           Brethrens
           good
           ,
           whether
           in
           their
           Bodies
           ,
           good
           Names
           ,
           or
           Fortunes
           ,
           let
           us
           still
           be
           sure
           to
           have
           an
           Eye
           to
           their
           highest
           good
           of
           all
           ,
           their
           increase
           in
           good
           Living
           ,
           and
           their
           Deliverance
           from
           their
           sins
           ;
           let
           our
           greatest
           care
           be
           to
           make
           them
           better
           ,
           rather
           than
           richer
           ,
           and
           more
           honourable
           than
           they
           were
           .
           For
           this
           is
           true
           Kindness
           and
           Love
           indeed
           to
           show
           our selves
           most
           concern'd
           for
           that
           whereby
           they
           will
           be
           infinitely
           most
           advantag'd
           .
        
         
         
           This
           Deliverance
           from
           their
           Sins
           then
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           above
           all
           things
           ,
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           procure
           for
           them
           ;
           and
           as
           this
           should
           be
           the
           great
           aim
           of
           all
           our
           Labours
           for
           their
           advantage
           ,
           so
           should
           it
           be
           of
           those
           more
           especially
           ,
           which
           are
           employ'd
           for
           reclaiming
           them
           from
           a
           false
           Religion
           ,
           or
           establishing
           them
           in
           a
           right
           one
           .
           For
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           are
           necessary
           to
           Salvation
           in
           all
           Parties
           ,
           and
           must
           carry
           men
           (
           whose
           other
           errours
           God
           shall
           see
           fit
           to
           excuse
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           Pityableness
           of
           their
           ignorance
           )
           to
           Heaven
           in
           all
           the
           Sects
           of
           the
           Christian
           World.
           And
           therefore
           ,
           if
           we
           convert
           a
           man
           to
           a
           Party
           ,
           but
           not
           to
           Obedience
           ,
           we
           win
           a
           Proselyte
           but
           half
           way
           ,
           
           and
           have
           not
           
             saved
             a
             soul
             from
             death
          
           ,
           till
           we
           have
           reduced
           him
           ,
           as
           from
           errour
           ,
           so
           from
           sin
           too
           .
           In
           all
           our
           endeavours
           therefore
           of
           this
           sort
           ,
           let
           us
           strive
           at
           least
           as
           much
           to
           win
           men
           to
           the
           Practice
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           Profession
           of
           the
           truth
           .
           Let
           us
           seek
           as
           much
           to
           rectifie
           their
           hearts
           ,
           as
           their
           understandings
           ,
           and
           to
           get
           them
           over
           unto
           an
           entire
           Obedience
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           to
           an
           external
           Communion
           with
           our selves
           .
        
         
           Some
           indeed
           instead
           of
           endeavouring
           to
           save
           ,
           and
           rescue
           others
           from
           their
           sins
           ;
           
           take
           a
           pride
           in
           inveagling
           ,
           and
           insnaring
           them
           into
           sin
           .
           They
           will
           Glory
           in
           making
           a
           sober
           man
           drunk
           ;
           or
           in
           corrupting
           a
           modest
           Vertue
           ,
           and
           drawing
           it
           Captive
           at
           last
           to
           Acts
           ,
           and
           places
           of
           Debauchery
           ;
           and
           some
           set
           up
           to
           ridicule
           all
           Religion
           and
           Vertue
           ,
           making
           them
           the
           Topicks
           of
           their
           Jests
           and
           Merryment
           ,
           this
           way
           driving
           those
           out
           of
           all
           Professions
           ,
           and
           open
           owning
           thereof
           ,
           who
           cannot
           bear
           to
           be
           laugh'd
           at
           .
        
         
           Now
           these
           men
           ,
           who
           thus
           make
           it
           their
           business
           ,
           to
           decoy
           men
           into
           sin
           ,
           are
           not
           only
           unchristian
           ,
           but
           base
           and
           barbarous
           .
           They
           betray
           them
           under
           a
           pretence
           of
           Kindness
           ,
           and
           seek
           eternally
           to
           destroy
           them
           under
           a
           Mask
           of
           Friendship
           .
           They
           are
           vile
           Wretches
           and
           mischievous
           Instruments
           ;
           nay
           I
           might
           say
           they
           are
           Devils
           ,
           and
           Destroyers
           in
           the
           very
           same
           Sence
           that
           Christ
           is
           a
           Saviour
           :
           For
           he
           saves
           in
           rescuing
           ,
           and
           delivering
           men
           from
           their
           sins
           ,
           and
           they
           destroy
           them
           in
           entangling
           them
           therein
           ,
           and
           making
           them
           subject
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           these
           are
           the
           Uses
           which
           I
           think
           fit
           to
           draw
           from
           the
           foregoing
           Notion
           ,
           and
           Explication
           of
           the
           Christian
           Salvation
           .
        
         
         
           And
           God
           grant
           ,
           that
           whilst
           we
           are
           all
           talking
           and
           hoping
           for
           Salvation
           ,
           we
           may
           not
           appear
           at
           last
           ,
           to
           have
           been
           all
           the
           while
           lost
           men
           ;
           but
           that
           we
           may
           all
           make
           it
           our
           chiefest
           care
           ,
           to
           get
           rid
           of
           all
           sinful
           habits
           and
           wicked
           Courses
           ,
           whilst
           we
           are
           in
           this
           World
           ;
           that
           so
           we
           may
           be
           qualified
           for
           the
           joys
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           the
           Conversation
           of
           blessed
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           delivered
           from
           those
           eternal
           Punishments
           which
           will
           be
           inflicted
           on
           all
           that
           are
           irreclamably
           disobedient
           ,
           in
           the
           World
           to
           come
           ,
           Amen
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           DISCOURSE
           II.
           Showing
           that
           this
           Deliverance
           ,
           and
           intire
           Obedience
           ,
           is
           neither
           impossible
           ,
           nor
           extreme
           difficult
           ,
           if
           sincere
           Christians
           set
           about
           it
           as
           they
           ought
           .
        
         
           
             On
             
               Phil.
               4.13
            
             .
             I
             can
             do
             all
             things
             thro'
             Christ
             which
             strengthens
             me
             .
          
        
         
           THE
           things
           St.
           Paul
           here
           Glories
           himself
           able
           to
           perform
           ,
           are
           the
           Duties
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           even
           those
           that
           are
           the
           greatest
           Tryal
           of
           a
           strong
           ,
           and
           well
           fixed
           mind
           ,
           and
           have
           more
           than
           ordinary
           Temptation
           in
           them
           ;
           such
           as
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           serving
           God
           in
           a
           prosperous
           ,
           and
           trusting
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           being
           contented
           in
           a
           necessitous
           ,
           State.
           And
           that
           which
           gives
           him
           this
           Ability
           he
           confesses
           ,
           is
           not
           any
           power
           of
           Nature
           derived
           from
           
           Adam
           ,
           but
           the
           super-induced
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           aids
           and
           strengthens
           him
           .
           In
           that
           forlorn
           state
           ,
           wherein
           
           Adam's
           sin
           left
           all
           mankind
           ,
           subject
           to
           strong
           Lusts
           ,
           surrounded
           with
           numerous
           and
           powerful
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           stript
           of
           all
           Divine
           aids
           ,
           and
           super-natural
           Assistances
           ,
           they
           all
           lay
           open
           to
           be
           made
           a
           prey
           ,
           and
           were
           easie
           to
           be
           overcome
           .
           But
           since
           Christ
           has
           been
           the
           restorer
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           recover'd
           more
           Grace
           and
           Strength
           for
           us
           than
           ever
           Adam
           forfeited
           ;
           they
           are
           again
           enabled
           to
           withstand
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           perform
           all
           Duties
           unto
           God
           ,
           even
           those
           which
           seem
           to
           have
           most
           hardship
           in
           them
           .
           
             I
             know
             both
             how
             to
             be
             abased
             ,
          
           or
           live
           meanly
           ,
           
             and
             how
             to
             abound
          
           in
           Honour
           and
           Plenty
           ;
           
             every
             where
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             places
             ,
             I
             am
             instructed
             both
             to
             be
             full
          
           without
           forgetting
           God
           ,
           
             and
             to
             be
             hungry
          
           without
           repining
           at
           him
           ;
           
             both
             to
             abound
          
           ,
           and
           still
           be
           humble
           and
           temperate
           ,
           
             and
             to
             suffer
             need
          
           ,
           and
           at
           the
           same
           time
           praise
           and
           trust
           God
           ,
           and
           rest
           contented
           ;
           
             I
             can
             do
             all
             things
             thro'
             Christ
             that
             strengthens
             me
             ,
          
           Verse
           12
           ,
           13.
           
        
         
           By
           this
           performance
           of
           all
           Duties
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           to
           understand
           such
           a
           perfection
           of
           Obedience
           to
           them
           ,
           as
           is
           intermixed
           with
           no
           Escapes
           ;
           for
           so
           Christ
           doth
           not
           
           enable
           any
           of
           his
           Servants
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           no
           not
           St.
           Paul
           himself
           .
           To
           live
           without
           all
           sin
           is
           not
           to
           be
           expected
           from
           any
           mortal
           man
           ,
           but
           only
           from
           the
           strength
           of
           an
           Angel
           ,
           or
           a
           just
           Soul
           made
           perfect
           in
           Heaven
           .
           Some
           sins
           of
           ignorance
           ,
           or
           forgetfulness
           ,
           hast
           and
           surprize
           ,
           such
           as
           
             Paul's
             Speech
          
           to
           Ananias
           ,
           Acts
           23.3
           .
           will
           adhere
           to
           the
           best
           men
           whilst
           they
           have
           earthly
           Bodies
           about
           them
           :
           And
           Christ
           ,
           who
           being
           in
           our
           Nature
           has
           a
           fellow-feeling
           of
           all
           our
           Infirmities
           ,
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           sit
           as
           our
           Judge
           will
           make
           fair
           allowances
           for
           them
           ,
           Heb.
           5.2
           .
        
         
           But
           it
           implies
           such
           a
           perfection
           of
           Obedience
           ,
           as
           admits
           of
           no
           damning
           Sins
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           of
           no
           sins
           which
           are
           wilfully
           incurred
           ,
           against
           knowledge
           ,
           or
           it
           may
           be
           against
           Checks
           and
           loud
           Alarms
           of
           Conscience
           ;
           and
           which
           are
           also
           persisted
           in
           without
           true
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           Amendment
           of
           the
           same
           .
           These
           sins
           deprive
           us
           of
           the
           favour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           destroy
           a
           Soul
           ;
           and
           therefore
           ,
           Christ
           must
           strengthen
           men
           against
           all
           these
           ,
           before
           he
           proves
           a
           Saviour
           to
           them
           .
           And
           this
           strength
           St.
           Paul
           says
           he
           found
           ,
           as
           all
           other
           Christians
           will
           ,
           who
           will
           make
           the
           Experiment
           as
           he
           did
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           wanting
           to
           themselves
           ,
           or
           fail
           to
           make
           use
           of
           it
           .
           
           Tho'
           they
           will
           not
           be
           strengthned
           against
           all
           involuntary
           surprizes
           ;
           yet
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           as
           careful
           to
           employ
           this
           Grace
           as
           Christ
           is
           ready
           to
           afford
           it
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           strengthned
           against
           all
           wilful
           Breaches
           of
           any
           Commandments
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           against
           all
           impenitent
           continuance
           in
           the
           same
           ,
           when
           at
           any
           time
           they
           have
           wilfully
           broken
           any
           .
           
             I
             can
             do
             all
             things
             thro'
             Christ
             that
             strengthens
             me
             .
          
        
         
           My
           design
           from
           these
           words
           ,
           is
           to
           show
           that
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           is
           ready
           to
           enable
           all
           Christians
           to
           obey
           his
           Laws
           ;
           who
           are
           not
           wanting
           in
           their
           own
           Care
           and
           good
           Endeavours
           .
           He
           earnestly
           desires
           the
           Obedience
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           affords
           them
           aid
           sufficient
           to
           help
           it
           on
           :
           So
           that
           no
           Christian
           can
           ever
           fail
           to
           do
           his
           Duty
           ,
           but
           thro'
           his
           own
           fault
           ,
           when
           he
           either
           neglects
           ,
           or
           rejects
           that
           Help
           and
           Grace
           ,
           which
           our
           Saviour
           Christ
           holds
           out
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           Indeed
           the
           great
           excuse
           which
           disobedient
           men
           are
           wont
           to
           make
           for
           themselves
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           do
           better
           if
           they
           knew
           how
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           and
           are
           therefore
           only
           ill
           ,
           because
           they
           cannot
           help
           it
           .
           They
           would
           plead
           impotence
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           impracticable
           heights
           ,
           and
           impossibilities
           in
           God's
           Commandments
           .
           And
           if
           this
           were
           true
           as
           it
           
           is
           most
           false
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           a
           serviceable
           Plea
           indeed
           ,
           and
           excuse
           them
           both
           for
           being
           ill
           ,
           and
           also
           for
           being
           idle
           :
           for
           if
           they
           cannot
           avoid
           being
           disobedient
           ,
           why
           should
           they
           be
           blamed
           for
           it
           ?
           And
           if
           they
           are
           not
           able
           to
           obey
           ,
           do
           what
           they
           can
           ,
           why
           should
           they
           throw
           away
           their
           Pains
           in
           vain
           Attempts
           ,
           and
           fruitlesly
           endeavour
           after
           it
           ?
           There
           is
           neither
           Duty
           ,
           nor
           Discretion
           in
           attempting
           impossibilities
           ,
           and
           labouring
           after
           that
           which
           is
           not
           to
           be
           done
           :
           so
           that
           if
           Obedience
           were
           impossible
           ,
           every
           man
           might
           as
           innocently
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           wisely
           ,
           disobey
           at
           first
           ,
           as
           at
           last
           ,
           when
           he
           has
           striven
           in
           vain
           against
           it
           ;
           and
           it
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           censured
           as
           the
           fault
           of
           his
           Choice
           ,
           but
           pitied
           as
           his
           invincible
           misfortune
           .
        
         
           Now
           as
           for
           this
           impotence
           ,
           and
           impossibility
           of
           performing
           all
           Duties
           ,
           it
           is
           often
           pleaded
           by
           those
           ,
           who
           seem
           willing
           and
           desirous
           to
           perform
           them
           .
           And
           in
           regard
           it
           gives
           some
           Colour
           to
           this
           complaint
           ,
           because
           we
           hear
           it
           from
           those
           ;
           who
           have
           tryed
           the
           Hardship
           ,
           and
           so
           from
           their
           own
           Experience
           are
           best
           able
           to
           judge
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           who
           express
           a
           Good-will
           for
           their
           Duty
           ,
           and
           so
           may
           be
           presumed
           to
           complain
           of
           nothing
           but
           what
           they
           find
           .
           In
           treating
           of
           this
           Subject
           ,
           I
           shall
           ,
           
        
         
         
           2.
           
           Generally
           such
           as
           endeavour
           wrong
           ,
           without
           using
           those
           fit
           means
           ,
           which
           should
           make
           them
           obedient
           .
           The
           means
           and
           instruments
           of
           Duty
           ,
           are
           the
           way
           that
           leads
           us
           to
           the
           performance
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           in
           these
           it
           concerns
           us
           much
           to
           be
           careful
           ,
           what
           Choice
           we
           make
           if
           we
           pursue
           any
           Vertue
           ,
           without
           the
           use
           of
           any
           means
           at
           all
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           should
           set
           our selves
           to
           the
           dispatch
           of
           any
           business
           with
           our
           hands
           behind
           us
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           use
           improper
           and
           unsuitable
           ones
           ,
           like
           men
           who
           labour
           with
           ill
           Instruments
           in
           any
           Craft
           ,
           we
           shall
           make
           but
           rugged
           work
           ,
           and
           find
           that
           too
           to
           prove
           very
           toilsome
           and
           difficult
           ;
           and
           after
           much
           time
           and
           Pains
           is
           spent
           ,
           see
           but
           a
           very
           little
           Fruit
           of
           all
           .
           The
           means
           of
           Vertue
           are
           ,
           as
           I
           say
           ,
           the
           way
           to
           it
           :
           And
           therefore
           ,
           there
           is
           much
           depends
           upon
           the
           means
           we
           use
           ,
           when
           we
           would
           be
           vertuous
           ,
           as
           upon
           the
           way
           we
           take
           ,
           when
           we
           would
           travel
           to
           any
           Town
           or
           Place
           ;
           we
           may
           go
           the
           straight
           Road
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           brings
           us
           thither
           in
           a
           short
           time
           ,
           and
           without
           being
           much
           wearied
           ;
           but
           if
           either
           we
           take
           a
           contrary
           path
           ,
           or
           go
           much
           about
           ,
           we
           shall
           spend
           much
           more
           time
           ,
           and
           be
           much
           more
           tyred
           in
           going
           ;
           yea
           forced
           ,
           perhaps
           ,
           at
           last
           to
           sit
           down
           short
           of
           our
           Journeys-end
           .
        
         
         
           And
           this
           now
           is
           an
           ordinary
           fault
           of
           those
           Complainers
           ,
           who
           endeavour
           to
           obey
           without
           Success
           ,
           and
           cannot
           compass
           any
           Vertue
           ,
           tho'
           they
           do
           take
           Pains
           for
           it
           .
           The
           reason
           why
           they
           fail
           ,
           is
           because
           they
           are
           not
           well
           directed
           ,
           and
           their
           Labour
           is
           not
           wisely
           manag'd
           ,
           and
           laid
           out
           in
           the
           use
           of
           such
           means
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           practice
           of
           such
           Rules
           ,
           as
           are
           most
           proper
           and
           likely
           to
           gain
           the
           Point
           ,
           and
           introduce
           the
           Vertue
           which
           they
           wanted
           .
        
         
           To
           illustrate
           this
           by
           some
           Instances
           ;
           one
           man
           is
           of
           an
           irritable
           hasty
           Temper
           ;
           and
           he
           complains
           that
           he
           has
           striven
           ,
           but
           is
           not
           able
           to
           bridle
           and
           conquer
           his
           Passion
           ;
           he
           labours
           ,
           and
           doth
           what
           he
           can
           ;
           but
           such
           is
           the
           distracting
           Variety
           of
           his
           business
           ,
           the
           Crossness
           or
           Carelesness
           of
           those
           he
           is
           concern'd
           with
           ,
           or
           the
           number
           of
           his
           Provocations
           one
           way
           or
           other
           ,
           that
           notwithstanding
           all
           his
           Care
           ,
           his
           Passion
           is
           still
           too
           strong
           for
           him
           .
        
         
           But
           I
           would
           ask
           that
           Person
           ,
           who
           says
           his
           Labour
           is
           lost
           ,
           whether
           he
           advised
           well
           upon
           what
           he
           did
           ,
           and
           took
           the
           ready
           ,
           and
           the
           right
           way
           to
           this
           Conquest
           ?
           Has
           he
           for
           instance
           ,
           besides
           his
           earnest
           Prayers
           to
           God
           for
           Grace
           to
           master
           
           his
           Passion
           ,
           avoided
           moreover
           as
           much
           ,
           as
           the
           concerns
           of
           Life
           will
           suffer
           him
           ,
           all
           unnecessary
           Discourse
           ,
           especially
           Disputes
           ,
           with
           wrathful
           ,
           loud
           ,
           cross
           ,
           or
           scornful
           Persons
           ;
           has
           he
           watched
           over
           himself
           daily
           at
           such
           times
           ,
           and
           places
           ,
           and
           in
           such
           Business
           and
           Company
           ,
           wherein
           he
           was
           like
           to
           meet
           with
           Provocations
           ,
           and
           particularly
           resolv'd
           within
           himself
           ,
           not
           only
           long
           before
           ;
           but
           at
           those
           very
           times
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           not
           be
           transported
           by
           them
           ?
           And
           above
           all
           Lastly
           ,
           has
           he
           made
           this
           a
           constant
           Law
           to
           himself
           to
           forbear
           speaking
           ,
           or
           acting
           any
           thing
           suddenly
           ,
           when
           he
           feels
           a
           Passion
           stirr'd
           in
           him
           ;
           but
           to
           turn
           aside
           ,
           and
           say
           over
           the
           Lord's
           Prayer
           ,
           or
           some
           devout
           Ejaculation
           to
           himself
           ,
           which
           will
           both
           gain
           him
           time
           for
           Consideration
           ,
           and
           likewise
           call
           God
           and
           Goodness
           into
           his
           mind
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           the
           most
           effectual
           means
           of
           all
           to
           restrain
           him
           ?
           If
           these
           or
           such
           like
           means
           have
           not
           been
           used
           ,
           he
           has
           not
           taken
           the
           best
           ways
           he
           can
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           will
           set
           himself
           to
           bridle
           his
           Nature
           in
           this
           way
           ,
           I
           doubt
           not
           ,
           but
           God
           will
           bless
           him
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           then
           let
           him
           complain
           he
           cannot
           restrain
           himself
           ,
           if
           he
           find
           reason
           .
        
         
         
           Again
           ,
           another
           who
           has
           accustomed
           himself
           to
           Oaths
           ,
           complains
           that
           he
           is
           convinced
           he
           ought
           ,
           and
           endeavours
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           but
           that
           he
           is
           not
           able
           to
           refrain
           swearing
           .
           But
           besides
           his
           fervent
           Prayers
           to
           God
           ,
           has
           such
           a
           Complainer
           labour'd
           withal
           to
           possess
           his
           Conscience
           ,
           with
           a
           great
           sense
           and
           dread
           of
           it
           ?
           Has
           he
           particularly
           call'd
           to
           mind
           ,
           and
           resolved
           against
           it
           ,
           not
           only
           when
           it
           was
           at
           a
           distance
           ,
           but
           when
           he
           was
           expecting
           any
           Disappointment
           ,
           or
           coming
           into
           the
           way
           of
           any
           Provocation
           ,
           which
           would
           tempt
           him
           to
           it
           ?
           And
           because
           men
           subject
           to
           this
           Vice
           ,
           swear
           oft
           in
           eagerness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           know
           it
           ,
           has
           he
           desired
           some
           true
           Friend
           ,
           to
           be
           his
           Monitor
           ,
           to
           warn
           him
           of
           it
           before
           ,
           or
           tell
           him
           when
           't
           is
           past
           ,
           that
           afterwards
           he
           may
           be
           more
           careful
           to
           prevent
           it
           ,
           or
           to
           punish
           himself
           for
           it
           ?
           And
           in
           regard
           men
           who
           shun
           it
           at
           other
           times
           ,
           are
           generally
           push'd
           on
           to
           swear
           in
           haste
           ,
           thro'
           the
           surprize
           of
           a
           Provocation
           ,
           in
           the
           eagerness
           of
           Sport
           ,
           or
           thro'
           the
           suddenness
           of
           some
           cross
           Accident
           and
           Disappointment
           :
           Has
           he
           taken
           Care
           lastly
           to
           speak
           nothing
           rashly
           ,
           especially
           whilst
           he
           is
           in
           heat
           and
           eagerness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           but
           to
           bridle
           his
           Tongue
           ,
           and
           consider
           what
           he
           
           is
           about
           to
           say
           before
           he
           utter
           it
           ,
           that
           so
           if
           it
           prove
           to
           be
           ill
           he
           may
           forbear
           it
           ?
           These
           and
           such
           like
           ways
           ,
           are
           the
           proper
           method
           for
           curing
           this
           Sin
           ;
           and
           if
           a
           man
           has
           labour'd
           against
           it
           ,
           without
           them
           ,
           he
           has
           sought
           the
           end
           without
           the
           means
           ,
           and
           pursued
           the
           cure
           without
           the
           right
           Prescriptions
           .
           And
           therefore
           ,
           if
           he
           will
           correct
           that
           Errour
           ,
           and
           begin
           again
           to
           labour
           in
           right
           ways
           ,
           I
           question
           not
           ,
           but
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           succeed
           well
           ,
           and
           find
           the
           effect
           thro'
           God's
           blessing
           .
        
         
           Thus
           do
           men
           ,
           who
           endeavour
           in
           vain
           for
           these
           ,
           or
           for
           any
           other
           Vertues
           ,
           plainly
           miscarry
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           chusing
           right
           ways
           ;
           the
           Duties
           are
           not
           impossible
           to
           be
           attain'd
           ,
           if
           the
           right
           Course
           were
           used
           to
           attain
           them
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           their
           own
           neglect
           of
           means
           ,
           or
           mistaken
           Choice
           of
           bad
           ones
           ,
           which
           makes
           the
           Disappointment
           .
           And
           therefore
           ,
           if
           they
           would
           labour
           to
           effect
           ,
           let
           them
           be
           careful
           to
           pursue
           good
           things
           ,
           by
           wise
           and
           proper
           methods
           .
           When
           they
           are
           resolved
           to
           endeavour
           after
           any
           Vertue
           ,
           let
           them
           learn
           from
           good
           Books
           ,
           or
           from
           their
           spiritual
           Guides
           ,
           or
           the
           advice
           of
           any
           wise
           or
           judicious
           Persons
           ,
           what
           Rules
           serve
           most
           to
           compass
           it
           :
           And
           if
           they
           
           carefully
           and
           diligently
           follow
           them
           ,
           the
           Duty
           which
           seem'd
           before
           impossible
           ,
           will
           prove
           a
           very
           possible
           thing
           .
           And
           this
           again
           would
           rid
           us
           of
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           those
           Complainers
           who
           fail
           at
           last
           ,
           but
           yet
           endeavour
           something
           :
           for
           most
           of
           them
           ,
           when
           they
           endeavour
           to
           obey
           ,
           do
           not
           endeavour
           wisely
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           use
           of
           such
           proper
           and
           discreet
           Methods
           ,
           a
           sure
           sit
           to
           work
           Obedience
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           But
           if
           any
           complain
           still
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           taken
           advice
           about
           the
           best
           Course
           and
           follow'd
           it
           ;
           but
           yet
           all
           their
           labour
           has
           been
           without
           the
           desired
           effect
           :
           Yet
           are
           they
           always
           ,
        
         
           3.
           
           Such
           ,
           as
           when
           they
           use
           right
           means
           ,
           endeavour
           but
           by
           halves
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           go
           thro'
           with
           them
           .
        
         
           A
           faint
           Endeavourer
           ,
           will
           never
           go
           thro'
           with
           any
           work
           ,
           which
           requires
           either
           length
           of
           time
           ,
           or
           strength
           of
           Labour
           .
           If
           he
           put
           little
           strength
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           will
           not
           conquer
           the
           difficulty
           of
           the
           Task
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           is
           soon
           wearied
           ,
           he
           will
           give
           over
           before
           it
           comes
           to
           an
           end
           .
           So
           that
           a
           man
           must
           apply
           himself
           to
           the
           same
           ,
           both
           earnestly
           and
           long
           ,
           if
           he
           would
           succeed
           when
           he
           has
           begun
           ,
           and
           go
           on
           to
           finish
           and
           compleat
           it
           .
        
         
         
           Now
           our
           obeying
           God
           ,
           and
           amending
           of
           our
           Lives
           ,
           is
           a
           work
           of
           this
           kind
           .
           For
           our
           sins
           being
           many
           in
           number
           ,
           they
           will
           require
           a
           considerable
           space
           of
           time
           ,
           before
           they
           are
           all
           amended
           ;
           and
           our
           hindrances
           in
           leaving
           them
           being
           great
           ,
           and
           the
           Temptations
           strong
           that
           daily
           assault
           and
           draw
           us
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           a
           treacherous
           Enemy
           in
           our
           own
           Bosoms
           ,
           being
           always
           ready
           to
           take
           their
           parts
           and
           strike
           in
           with
           them
           ,
           it
           requires
           a
           great
           Watchfulness
           ,
           and
           a
           constant
           Care
           ,
           and
           an
           earnest
           vigorous
           endeavour
           to
           overcome
           them
           .
           And
           this
           the
           Scripture
           tells
           us
           plainly
           we
           must
           use
           ,
           if
           ever
           we
           expect
           to
           prevail
           against
           them
           ;
           St.
           Peter
           tells
           us
           ,
           we
           must
           
             give
             all
             diligence
          
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           1.5
           ,
           10.
           
           St.
           Paul
           that
           we
           must
           
             be
             circumspect
          
           ,
           Eph.
           5.15
           .
           Our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           that
           we
           must
           
             watch
             always
          
           ,
           and
           be
           ever
           standing
           upon
           our
           Guard
           ,
           Mark
           13.37
           .
           and
           
             strive
             to
             enter
             in
             at
             the
             strait
             gate
             ,
          
           Luk.
           13.24
           .
           which
           striving
           is
           call'd
           a
           warfare
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           10.4
           .
           and
           
             a
             fight
          
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           6.12
           .
           All
           which
           show
           the
           Greatness
           of
           that
           care
           ,
           and
           both
           the
           Earnestness
           and
           Constancy
           of
           that
           endeavour
           ,
           which
           we
           must
           lay
           out
           upon
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           now
           is
           the
           fault
           of
           all
           those
           Strivers
           ,
           who
           ,
           pursuing
           Obedience
           by
           
           right
           and
           proper
           Methods
           ,
           do
           yet
           miss
           of
           it
           at
           last
           .
           They
           endeavour
           but
           by
           halves
           ,
           and
           seek
           it
           ,
           either
           by
           too
           short
           ,
           or
           too
           sleight
           Pains
           .
           They
           have
           not
           either
           the
           Resolution
           to
           set
           manfully
           about
           it
           ,
           or
           the
           Patience
           to
           go
           thorow
           with
           it
           ;
           and
           so
           being
           either
           faint
           in
           their
           pursuit
           ,
           or
           falling
           off
           before
           they
           are
           got
           to
           the
           end
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           reclaim'd
           from
           their
           sins
           by
           all
           their
           Pains
           ,
           but
           continue
           subject
           ,
           and
           enslaved
           to
           them
           still
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           when
           they
           fail
           on
           this
           account
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           because
           they
           cannot
           ,
           but
           because
           they
           will
           not
           help
           it
           .
           They
           might
           become
           good
           ,
           if
           they
           would
           be
           at
           the
           trouble
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           persevere
           with
           Patience
           ,
           till
           they
           have
           finished
           it
           ;
           but
           if
           they
           will
           use
           only
           sleight
           Endeavours
           and
           short
           Onsets
           ;
           their
           missing
           of
           Success
           ,
           must
           not
           be
           charged
           upon
           the
           impossibility
           of
           God's
           Laws
           ,
           but
           upon
           their
           own
           sloth
           and
           remissness
           in
           performing
           them
           ;
           they
           can
           and
           do
           take
           great
           and
           incessant
           Pains
           to
           be
           rich
           ,
           or
           great
           ,
           or
           compass
           a
           worldly
           Interest
           :
           And
           if
           they
           please
           they
           can
           labour
           as
           vigorously
           ,
           and
           as
           incessantly
           too
           to
           be
           good
           ,
           and
           do
           what
           God
           Commands
           them
           .
           And
           if
           once
           they
           would
           do
           this
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           the
           best
           
           Demonstration
           ,
           how
           possible
           a
           thing
           Obedience
           is
           ;
           since
           less
           Pains
           than
           this
           comes
           to
           ,
           will
           ordinarily
           suffice
           them
           to
           that
           purpose
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           will
           stop
           the
           mouths
           of
           all
           those
           Complainers
           ,
           who
           have
           not
           been
           silenced
           by
           the
           two
           former
           Considerations
           .
           If
           they
           have
           not
           complain'd
           before
           they
           tryed
           ,
           and
           if
           in
           trying
           to
           be
           good
           ,
           they
           took
           a
           right
           method
           ;
           yet
           want
           they
           one
           thing
           still
           ,
           they
           endeavoured
           but
           by
           halves
           ,
           and
           were
           not
           vigorous
           and
           constant
           enough
           in
           their
           endeavours
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           the
           reason
           why
           they
           failed
           :
           Whereas
           ,
           if
           they
           will
           try
           again
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           not
           only
           wisely
           ,
           but
           also
           vigorously
           and
           incessantly
           ,
           they
           will
           most
           certainly
           be
           enabled
           to
           perform
           their
           Duty
           :
           And
           their
           doing
           it
           actually
           ,
           will
           be
           the
           most
           effectual
           Conviction
           that
           't
           is
           possible
           to
           be
           done
           .
        
         
           Having
           said
           this
           ,
           to
           remove
           the
           prejudice
           that
           lies
           against
           this
           possibility
           of
           performing
           the
           Laws
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           the
           Complaints
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           say
           they
           find
           it
           otherwise
           :
           I
           proceed
           now
           ,
        
         
           2.
           
           To
           shew
           that
           among
           Christians
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           cause
           for
           such
           Complaints
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           will
           be
           strengthned
           to
           the
           
           performance
           of
           all
           Duties
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           not
           wanting
           to
           themselves
           .
        
         
           They
           must
           be
           careful
           as
           I
           have
           observ'd
           ,
           to
           use
           their
           own
           endeavours
           ,
           because
           God
           that
           made
           them
           ,
           will
           not
           also
           save
           them
           without
           themselves
           .
           And
           these
           endeavours
           must
           be
           in
           wise
           ways
           ,
           since
           we
           must
           not
           expect
           God
           should
           give
           effects
           to
           unsuitable
           means
           ,
           and
           be
           at
           the
           expence
           of
           Miracles
           ,
           to
           supply
           for
           our
           Follies
           .
           And
           when
           we
           endeavour
           thus
           wisely
           ,
           we
           must
           do
           it
           also
           vigorously
           and
           incessantly
           ;
           Obedience
           being
           a
           work
           of
           time
           and
           Pains
           ,
           that
           requires
           both
           the
           earnestness
           ,
           and
           the
           continuance
           of
           our
           Applications
           .
           These
           things
           are
           required
           on
           our
           part
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           take
           care
           to
           perform
           that
           ,
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           will
           make
           up
           the
           rest
           ,
           and
           most
           certainly
           enable
           us
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           to
           do
           all
           things
           which
           he
           indispensibly
           requires
           of
           us
           ;
           he
           will
           give
           us
           some
           strength
           at
           first
           ,
           and
           as
           we
           employ
           that
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           great
           Rule
           of
           Gospel
           Distribution
           ,
           
             To
             him
             that
             hath
             shall
             be
             given
             ,
          
           Matt.
           25.29
           .
           he
           will
           add
           more
           ,
           till
           at
           last
           we
           perform
           as
           much
           ,
           as
           is
           indispensibly
           required
           ,
           
             i·
             e.
          
           as
           ●
           noted
           ,
           either
           not
           sinning
           wilfully
           ,
           or
           sincerely
           repenting
           ,
           and
           amending
           whensoever
           we
           
           do
           .
           If
           they
           are
           thus
           careful
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           in
           their
           own
           endeavours
           ,
           this
           strength
           all
           Christians
           shall
           surely
           receive
           from
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           to
           these
           performances
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           in
           the
           Text
           declares
           of
           himself
           ;
           
             I
             can
             do
          
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           Now
           that
           every
           wise
           ,
           earnest
           ,
           and
           incessant
           Endeavourer
           ,
           shall
           be
           thus
           enabled
           to
           perform
           all
           Duties
           ,
           will
           appear
           from
           these
           three
           things
           ,
           
             
               First
               ,
               Because
               God
               indispensibly
               requires
               ,
               and
               passionately
               exhorts
               us
               to
               this
               performance
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               Because
               he
               has
               promised
               this
               Ability
               ,
               and
               Obedience
               to
               all
               who
               are
               so
               qualified
               and
               prepared
               for
               the
               same
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               Because
               all
               good
               men
               heretofore
               ,
               and
               at
               this
               present
               time
               ,
               do
               themselves
               find
               ,
               and
               experience
               it
               .
            
          
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           they
           shall
           be
           thus
           enabled
           to
           perform
           all
           Duties
           ,
           appears
           ,
           because
           God
           indispensibly
           requires
           ,
           and
           passionately
           exhorts
           us
           to
           this
           performance
           .
        
         
           He
           indispensibly
           requires
           it
           .
           For
           now
           as
           St.
           Paul
           says
           ,
           
             God
             commandeth
             all
             men
             every
             where
             to
             repent
             ,
          
           Acts
           17.30
           .
           And
           that
           of
           all
           sins
           ,
           they
           being
           all
           lyable
           to
           the
           same
           Punishment
           ;
           
             The
             wrath
             of
             God
             
             being
             revealed
             against
             all
             unrighteousness
             ,
          
           Rom.
           1.18
           .
           And
           
             he
             that
             offends
             in
             one
             point
             being
             guilty
             of
             all
             ,
          
           Jam.
           2.10
           .
           And
           this
           he
           requires
           under
           the
           strictest
           condition
           ,
           as
           ever
           they
           hope
           to
           avoid
           the
           wrath
           to
           come
           ,
           or
           to
           obtain
           everlasting
           Salvation
           :
           
             If
             the
             wicked
             turn
             from
             all
             his
             sins
             ,
             and
             keep
             all
             my
             Statutes
             ,
          
           then
           says
           God
           by
           Ezekiel
           ,
           but
           not
           before
           ,
           
             he
             shall
             surely
             live
          
           ,
           Ezek.
           18.21
           .
           And
           they
           only
           
             that
             do
             his
             commandments
             have
             right
             to
             the
             tree
             of
             life
             ,
          
           saith
           Christ
           ,
           Rev.
           22.14
           .
        
         
           Now
           since
           God
           thus
           requires
           us
           to
           obey
           all
           his
           Laws
           ,
           it
           must
           needs
           be
           possible
           for
           us
           to
           obey
           them
           ;
           for
           God
           never
           requires
           an
           impossible
           thing
           ;
           what
           he
           Commands
           ,
           he
           both
           desires
           and
           *
           expects
           should
           be
           performed
           ;
           and
           therefore
           ,
           calls
           men
           to
           the
           †
           performance
           of
           it
           ;
           to
           be
           
             not
             only
             hearers
             ,
             but
             doers
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
          
           Rom.
           2.13
           .
           And
           't
           is
           certain
           they
           may
           perform
           it
           ,
           since
           he
           is
           too
           wise
           ,
           either
           to
           desire
           ,
           or
           expect
           what
           is
           not
           to
           be
           had
           .
        
         
           Nay
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           only
           indispensibly
           require
           this
           Obedience
           ,
           but
           Friendly
           and
           passionately
           exhorts
           us
           to
           it
           ;
           
             Repent
             and
             turn
             your selves
             from
             all
             your
             transgressions
             ,
             so
             iniquity
             shall
             not
             be
             your
             ruine
             .
             Cast
             away
             from
             you
             all
             your
             transgressions
             ,
             and
          
           
        
         
         
           Thus
           have
           we
           an
           assurance
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           give
           us
           all
           so
           much
           Grace
           and
           Strength
           ,
           as
           will
           suffice
           to
           make
           us
           good
           ,
           if
           we
           diligently
           ,
           and
           discreetly
           apply
           our selves
           to
           become
           so
           .
           This
           God
           engages
           ,
           and
           he
           doth
           not
           only
           permit
           ,
           but
           expect
           that
           we
           should
           believe
           him
           ,
           and
           take
           his
           word
           in
           this
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           in
           all
           other
           Promises
           .
           He
           would
           not
           only
           have
           us
           to
           have
           
             faith
             in
             his
             mercy
          
           ,
           for
           the
           pardon
           of
           any
           Sins
           when
           we
           repent
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           likewise
           to
           have
           
             faith
             in
             his
             power
             and
             spirit
             ,
          
           enabling
           us
           to
           overcome
           our
           sins
           ,
           when
           we
           seriously
           strive
           against
           them
           .
           When
           St.
           Paul
           bids
           us
           
             work
             out
             our
             own
             Salvation
          
           ,
           he
           gives
           
             God's
             working
             in
             us
          
           ,
           as
           the
           reason
           ,
           plainly
           directing
           us
           to
           work
           in
           that
           Expectation
           ,
           Phil.
           2.11
           ,
           12.
           
           And
           
             we
             are
             kept
             to
             Salvation
             by
             the
             power
             of
             God
             thro'
             faith
             ,
          
           i.
           e.
           thro'
           Faith
           in
           the
           Power
           ,
           saith
           St.
           Peter
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           1.5
           .
           God
           has
           promised
           his
           Spirit
           to
           strengthen
           us
           against
           sin
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           his
           mercy
           to
           pardon
           and
           forgive
           sin
           :
           And
           since
           he
           has
           promised
           both
           ;
           our
           Duty
           is
           to
           believe
           both
           ,
           and
           not
           distrust
           him
           in
           either
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           since
           we
           both
           may
           and
           ought
           to
           have
           this
           Confidence
           in
           God's
           Grace
           ;
           that
           will
           perfectly
           answer
           the
           main
           Objection
           
           against
           the
           possibility
           of
           this
           performance
           ,
           which
           is
           taken
           from
           ourselves
           ,
           and
           the
           reigning
           Power
           of
           our
           own
           Lusts.
           For
           our
           Lusts
           are
           not
           too
           strong
           for
           God
           ,
           tho'
           they
           be
           too
           strong
           for
           us
           :
           Tho'
           there
           be
           great
           Might
           in
           corrupt
           Nature
           ,
           yet
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           is
           mightier
           :
           And
           therefore
           ,
           having
           that
           on
           our
           side
           ,
           we
           shall
           certainly
           be
           empowered
           to
           please
           God
           ,
           let
           our
           own
           sinful
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           the
           Temptations
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           oppose
           themselves
           never
           so
           much
           against
           it
           .
           
             Greater
             is
             he
             that
             is
             in
             us
             ,
          
           says
           St.
           
             John
             ,
             Than
             he
             that
             is
             in
             the
             world
             ,
          
           1
           Joh.
           4.4
           .
           And
           tho'
           we
           be
           
             able
             to
             do
             nothing
             of
             our selves
             ,
             as
             of
             our selves
          
           ;
           yet
           having
           the
           same
           Promise
           we
           shall
           all
           be
           enabled
           ,
           
           as
           St.
           Paul
           was
           ,
           
             To
             do
             all
             things
             thro'
             Christ
             that
             strengthens
             us
             .
          
        
         
           And
           as
           this
           possibility
           of
           keeping
           the
           Commandments
           ,
           thro'
           our
           own
           Care
           and
           Pains
           ,
           appears
           because
           God
           indispensibly
           requires
           and
           exhorts
           to
           it
           ;
           and
           has
           promised
           his
           Holy
           Spirit
           and
           Grace
           ,
           to
           enable
           all
           who
           duely
           labour
           after
           the
           same
           :
           So
           doth
           it
           yet
           farther
           ,
        
         
           3.
           
           Because
           good
           men
           heretofore
           ,
           and
           at
           this
           present
           time
           ,
           do
           themselves
           find
           and
           experience
           it
           .
           Whensoever
           they
           wisely
           ,
           and
           earnestly
           endeavour'd
           ,
           and
           
           did
           not
           grow
           weary
           or
           faint
           ,
           they
           always
           succeeded
           ,
           and
           were
           enabled
           to
           have
           such
           regard
           to
           their
           whole
           Duty
           ,
           as
           God
           required
           the
           true
           Servants
           of
           God
           in
           all
           Ages
           ,
           have
           been
           endow'd
           with
           so
           much
           strength
           as
           made
           them
           intire
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           able
           to
           perform
           all
           that
           he
           would
           exact
           of
           them
           .
           
             Caleb
             and
             Joshua
             followed
             the
             Lord
             wholly
             ,
          
           Numb
           .
           32.12
           .
           
             David
             kept
             my
             commandments
          
           ,
           saith
           God
           ,
           and
           
             followed
             me
             with
             all
             his
             heart
             ,
          
           1
           Kin.
           14.8
           .
           
             Zachariah
             and
             Elizabeth
             were
             both
             righteous
             before
             God
             ,
             walking
             in
             all
             the
             ordinances
             and
             commandments
             of
             the
             Lord
             blameless
             ,
          
           saith
           St.
           
             Luke
             ,
             Luk.
          
           1.6
           .
           And
           what
           is
           so
           expresly
           said
           of
           all
           these
           ,
           is
           by
           plain
           Intimation
           implyed
           of
           all
           others
           .
           
             They
             that
             are
             Christ's
          
           ,
           saith
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
             have
             crucified
             the
             flesh
             with
             the
             affections
             and
             lusts
             ,
          
           Gal.
           5.24
           .
           
             If
             Christ
             be
             in
             you
             ,
             the
             body
             is
             dead
             because
             of
             sin
             ,
          
           i.
           e.
           Sin
           must
           have
           no
           more
           Service
           from
           it
           ,
           than
           one
           would
           expect
           from
           a
           dead
           man
           ,
           
             but
             the
             spirit
             is
             life
             because
             of
             righteousness
             ,
          
           i.
           e.
           lives
           in
           righteous
           ways
           ,
           Rom.
           8.10
           .
           
             They
             who
             do
             no
             iniquity
             walk
             in
             his
             ways
             ,
          
           Psal.
           119.3
           .
        
         
           Thus
           is
           it
           a
           constant
           thing
           in
           Scripture
           account
           ,
           and
           Relations
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           was
           ,
           and
           is
           still
           in
           all
           following
           Ages
           ,
           
           for
           God's
           faithful
           Servants
           to
           Experiment
           his
           Faithfulness
           in
           this
           grand
           Promise
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           sufficiently
           assisted
           to
           do
           his
           Will
           ,
           when
           they
           diligently
           and
           duly
           applied·
           themselves
           to
           the
           doing
           of
           it
           .
           When
           they
           wisely
           and
           resolutely
           set
           themselves
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           stuck
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           call'd
           to
           him
           for
           help
           ;
           he
           put
           to
           his
           Almighty
           hand
           ,
           and
           strengthned
           them
           ,
           to
           accomplish
           what
           they
           attempted
           ;
           and
           God's
           Promise
           is
           still
           the
           same
           to
           us
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           he
           to
           the
           full
           ,
           as
           inclinable
           ,
           and
           as
           able
           to
           make
           it
           good
           ,
           his
           Ear
           is
           not
           grown
           heavy
           that
           it
           cannot
           hear
           ,
           nor
           his
           arm
           short
           or
           feeble
           that
           it
           cannot
           help
           us
           .
           So
           that
           if
           we
           follow
           their
           Example
           ,
           in
           wisely
           and
           faithfully
           endeavouring
           ,
           we
           shall
           happily
           find
           their
           Success
           ,
           in
           acceptably
           ,
           and
           intirely
           obeying
           too
           .
        
         
           Nay
           ,
           I
           add
           further
           ,
           as
           the
           good
           Experiment
           this
           Power
           in
           themselves
           ,
           viz.
           Of
           doing
           their
           Duty
           thro'
           God's
           assistance
           ,
           and
           evidence
           the
           same
           by
           their
           actual
           performance
           thereof
           ;
           so
           likewise
           do
           all
           the
           bad
           confess
           it
           ,
           by
           repenting
           where
           they
           fail
           .
           For
           there
           can
           be
           no
           repentance
           for
           a
           Sin
           ,
           where
           there
           was
           no
           possibility
           of
           avoiding
           it
           .
           All
           repentance
           is
           a
           blaming
           of
           our selves
           ;
           and
           no
           man
           
           can
           accuse
           himself
           for
           want
           of
           Power
           ,
           where
           he
           is
           not
           left
           to
           be
           his
           own
           Carver
           ,
           but
           only
           for
           mis-use
           of
           it
           where
           he
           is
           .
           So
           that
           we
           can
           repent
           for
           nothing
           ,
           but
           what
           ,
           had
           we
           been
           wise
           and
           wary
           enough
           ,
           our
           own
           hearts
           tell
           us
           we
           might
           have
           done
           otherwise
           .
           If
           any
           men
           then
           ,
           in
           hopes
           to
           clear
           themselves
           ,
           shall
           deny
           it
           in
           words
           ;
           yet
           ,
           whether
           they
           will
           or
           no
           ,
           shall
           they
           all
           confess
           this
           Power
           in
           their
           Practice
           .
           When
           they
           do
           ill
           ,
           they
           repent
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           that
           shows
           ,
           how
           by
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           might
           have
           done
           better
           ,
           since
           otherwise
           they
           could
           only
           be
           pitied
           ,
           not
           blam'd
           and
           censur'd
           for
           what
           they
           did
           .
           I
           come
           now
           in
           the
        
         
           3.
           
           And
           last
           place
           to
           show
           ,
           that
           this
           performance
           is
           so
           far
           from
           being
           an
           impossible
           Task
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           not
           extreme
           difficult
           ,
           when
           men
           set
           to
           it
           in
           earnest
           .
           By
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Care
           of
           pious
           Parents
           ,
           several
           good
           Souls
           are
           train'd
           up
           as
           soon
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           to
           the
           keeping
           of
           their
           Baptismal
           Innocence
           ,
           and
           performance
           of
           their
           solemn
           Engagements
           .
           They
           are
           taught
           to
           know
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           fear
           him
           ,
           to
           know
           good
           and
           ill
           ;
           and
           in
           reverence
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           do
           the
           good
           ,
           and
           refuse
           the
           ill
           ,
           as
           soon
           as
           they
           are
           capable
           
           of
           knowing
           any
           thing
           .
           Now
           here
           Religion
           grows
           up
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           corrupt
           Passions
           and
           evil
           Customs
           (
           which
           are
           other
           Peoples
           great
           Complaints
           and
           Difficulties
           )
           are
           stifled
           and
           prevented
           from
           the
           first
           ,
           and
           never
           come
           to
           grow
           Head-strong
           ,
           or
           have
           any
           Power
           to
           reign
           in
           them
           .
           So
           that
           what
           Difficulties
           they
           have
           to
           find
           in
           Religion
           ,
           are
           chiefly
           the
           Pains
           and
           Services
           of
           religious
           Actions
           ;
           not
           those
           Self-denials
           ,
           and
           Mortification
           of
           corrupt
           Lusts
           and
           evil
           Habits
           ,
           which
           create
           so
           much
           trouble
           to
           other
           Persons
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           greatest
           part
           alas
           !
           have
           given
           way
           to
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           subjected
           themselves
           to
           wicked
           Customs
           ,
           and
           their
           work
           is
           not
           retaining
           Innocence
           ,
           but
           recovering
           it
           ,
           and
           rectifying
           and
           amending
           Transgressions
           ;
           now
           in
           amending
           our
           Lives
           ,
           and
           obeying
           God
           after
           we
           have
           made
           our selves
           thus
           averse
           to
           his
           Obedience
           ,
           there
           is
           difficulty
           and
           pains
           at
           first
           .
           Our
           former
           Courses
           and
           Customs
           generally
           must
           be
           alter'd
           ,
           our
           Friends
           sometimes
           disobliged
           ,
           our
           temporal
           Interest
           crossed
           and
           thwarted
           ,
           and
           our
           natural
           Lusts
           formerly
           indulged
           ,
           now
           gain-said
           and
           conquered
           .
           All
           this
           is
           against
           our
           inclination
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           force
           upon
           
           any
           man
           ,
           and
           that
           while
           it
           lasts
           ,
           will
           make
           an
           uneasiness
           in
           Religion
           .
           But
           to
           cure
           this
           ,
           God's
           Grace
           will
           be
           working
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           New-molding
           of
           our
           Natures
           ;
           and
           by
           use
           we
           shall
           grow
           perfect
           and
           inclineable
           to
           the
           good
           things
           ,
           which
           we
           set
           our selves
           to
           practise
           .
           So
           that
           after
           God's
           Grace
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           vertuous
           usage
           ,
           have
           gone
           on
           for
           some
           due
           time
           ,
           the
           Case
           will
           be
           altered
           ,
           and
           Religion
           will
           appear
           not
           only
           a
           reasonable
           and
           beneficial
           ,
           but
           likewise
           an
           agreeable
           thing
           .
           Divine
           Aids
           ,
           and
           good
           Customs
           ,
           will
           give
           us
           a
           new
           sence
           of
           all
           our
           Duties
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           almost
           always
           fairly
           tolerable
           ,
           and
           usually
           delightful
           things
           .
           And
           thus
           our
           Lord
           encourages
           us
           to
           his
           Service
           .
           
             Take
             my
             yoke
             upon
             you
             ,
             and
             learn
             of
             me
             ;
             for
             my
             yoke
             is
             easie
             and
             my
             burden
             light
             ,
          
           Matt.
           11.29
           ,
           30.
           
           And
           St.
           John
           speaking
           
             of
             keeping
             his
             commandments
          
           ,
           for
           our
           Comforts
           adds
           ,
           that
           those
           
             commandments
             are
             not
             grievous
          
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           5.3
           .
        
         
           This
           't
           is
           plain
           our
           Saviour
           says
           ,
           but
           how
           ,
           may
           some
           reply
           ,
           doth
           it
           consist
           with
           sundry
           Severities
           and
           Strictnesses
           which
           his
           Law
           requires
           ?
           For
           he
           enjoyns
           us
           to
           mortifie
           our
           Lusts
           ,
           the
           Plainfulness
           whereof
           is
           express'd
           ,
           
             By
             cutting
             off
             right
             hands
             ,
             and
             plucking
             out
             right
             eyes
             ;
             to
             take
             
             up
             the
             cross
             ,
             and
             patiently
             suffer
             persecutions
             ;
             to
             watch
             and
             strive
             ,
             and
             wrestle
             against
             spiritual
             enemies
             .
          
           These
           are
           all
           hard
           things
           ,
           and
           where
           there
           are
           such
           Severities
           ,
           and
           heavy
           Loads
           ,
           how
           can
           we
           expect
           to
           find
           ,
           I
           will
           not
           say
           delight
           ,
           but
           easiness
           ,
           since
           it
           seems
           strange
           to
           expect
           ease
           ,
           under
           such
           uneasie
           Impositions
           ,
        
         
           But
           in
           answer
           to
           this
           I
           observe
           ,
           that
           these
           and
           all
           such
           like
           places
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           speak
           only
           either
           the
           Difficulties
           of
           Religion
           in
           some
           less
           common
           Cases
           ,
           as
           persecutions
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           increase
           of
           Difficulty
           is
           so
           answered
           by
           a
           proportionable
           increase
           of
           Strength
           ,
           as
           makes
           it
           a
           tolerable
           Task
           to
           encounter
           them
           :
           Or
           ,
           the
           Hardships
           of
           it
           ,
           at
           mens
           new
           entrance
           on
           it
           ,
           after
           they
           had
           done
           much
           to
           unfit
           themselves
           for
           it
           ;
           at
           which
           time
           as
           I
           have
           said
           ,
           it
           doth
           call
           for
           more
           Pains
           .
           Or
           lastly
           ,
           such
           diligent
           and
           just
           Care
           ,
           and
           watchfulness
           afterwards
           ,
           as
           admits
           of
           Comfort
           and
           Delight
           enough
           to
           sweeten
           it
           to
           us
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           hardest
           things
           spoken
           of
           Religion
           concern
           it
           only
           in
           some
           less
           common
           Cases
           ,
           as
           Persecutions
           .
           To
           this
           Case
           all
           those
           hard
           Sayings
           relate
           :
           
             It
             is
             
             hardly
             possible
             for
             a
             rich
             man
             to
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             heaven
             :
          
           i.
           e.
           To
           turn
           Christian
           ,
           which
           was
           punish'd
           with
           Confiscation
           of
           Goods
           at
           Jerusalem
           ;
           and
           left
           the
           Disciples
           no
           other
           way
           of
           saving
           any
           thing
           ,
           than
           by
           
             selling
             all
             ,
             and
             having
             all
             things
             common
          
           ;
           which
           in
           those
           days
           ,
           and
           all
           others
           like
           them
           ,
           was
           an
           extream
           Difficulty
           ,
           call'd
           here
           an
           impossibility
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           rich
           men
           ,
           Matt.
           19.23
           ,
           24.
           
           
             If
             thou
             wilt
             be
             perfect
             sell
             all
             that
             thou
             hast
             and
             give
             to
             the
             poor
          
           ;
           which
           refers
           I
           suppose
           to
           that
           particular
           time
           ,
           and
           other
           succeeding
           times
           like
           it
           ,
           when
           if
           he
           would
           adhere
           to
           Christ
           ,
           a
           man
           could
           not
           keep
           his
           Estate
           ,
           Ver.
           21.
           
           
             If
             any
             man
             will
             come
             after
             me
             ;
             he
             must
             take
             up
             his
             cross
             ,
          
           Matt.
           16.24
           .
           
             All
             that
             will
             live
             Godly
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             must
             suffer
             persecutions
             ,
          
           2
           Tim.
           3.12
           .
           
             He
             that
             will
             save
             his
             life
             ,
             shall
             lose
             it
             ,
          
           and
           he
           must
           be
           willing
           
             to
             lose
             it
             for
             my
             sake
          
           ;
           that
           would
           expect
           
             to
             find
             it
          
           ,
           Matt.
           10.39
           .
           All
           which
           strict
           Sayings
           ,
           do
           not
           respect
           the
           ordinary
           course
           and
           state
           of
           Religion
           ,
           but
           only
           its
           state
           in
           some
           certain
           Occurrences
           ,
           which
           more
           seldom
           happen
           ,
           and
           under
           great
           Persecutions
           ,
           which
           were
           very
           hot
           in
           the
           first
           days
           ;
           when
           as
           our
           Saviour
           told
           them
           ,
           
             they
             could
             not
             be
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             without
             forsaking
             
             houses
             and
             lands
             ,
             and
             parents
             and
             brethren
             ;
             yea
             and
             their
             own
             lives
             also
             ,
          
           Luk.
           14.26
           ,
           33.
           
        
         
           But
           even
           in
           these
           Cases
           and
           suffering
           times
           ,
           when
           Religion
           enjoyns
           such
           hard
           things
           ,
           yet
           are
           not
           they
           too
           hard
           for
           good
           men
           ;
           the
           increase
           of
           Difficulty
           is
           so
           answered
           by
           a
           proportionable
           increase
           of
           Strength
           ,
           as
           makes
           it
           no
           heavy
           ,
           but
           a
           tolerable
           Imposition
           .
           For
           things
           are
           hard
           ,
           or
           easie
           in
           relation
           to
           our
           Strength
           ,
           according
           as
           we
           are
           more
           or
           less
           able
           to
           deal
           with
           them
           .
           What
           is
           hard
           to
           a
           stripling
           ,
           is
           easie
           to
           a
           grown
           man
           ;
           and
           what
           would
           be
           an
           intolerable
           burden
           to
           an
           Infirm
           ,
           is
           a
           very
           supportable
           Load
           ,
           to
           an
           Healthy
           ,
           and
           Athletick
           person
           .
           And
           in
           these
           suffering
           days
           ,
           when
           God
           adds
           to
           our
           Task
           ,
           he
           adds
           also
           to
           our
           Strength
           ,
           so
           that
           we
           are
           still
           well
           able
           to
           go
           thro'
           with
           it
           .
           
             When
             I
             am
             weak
          
           ,
           says
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
             in
             distresses
             and
             persecutions
             of
             the
             flesh
             for
             Christ
             ,
             then
             am
             I
             strong
          
           in
           Spirit
           to
           go
           thro'
           with
           them
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           12.10
           .
           
             As
             the
             sufferings
             of
             Christ
             abound
             in
             us
          
           ;
           so
           proportionably
           
             our
             consolation
             aboundeth
             by
             Christ
          
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           1.5
           .
        
         
           In
           extraordinary
           Tryals
           
             God
             is
             faithful
          
           ,
           saith
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           10.13
           .
           and
           will
           afford
           extraordinary
           Assistances
           ;
           
           and
           then
           however
           hard
           their
           Case
           may
           be
           looked
           upon
           by
           others
           ,
           who
           see
           only
           at
           a
           distance
           ,
           it
           will
           appear
           fairly
           tolerable
           and
           supportable
           ;
           nay
           full
           of
           Comfort
           to
           themselves
           ;
           as
           the
           numerous
           Army
           of
           Martyrs
           ,
           and
           Confessors
           have
           comfortably
           experienced
           ;
           who
           were
           enabled
           not
           only
           to
           bear
           ,
           but
           as
           the
           Apostle
           says
           ,
           *
           
             To
             take
             pleasure
             in
             necessities
             and
             distresses
             ,
             for
             Christ
          
           ;
           yea
           ,
           who
           could
           sing
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           rejoyce
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           they
           felt
           no
           Pain
           even
           in
           the
           hottest
           Flames
           .
           So
           that
           take
           even
           Persecutions
           for
           God
           and
           a
           good
           Conscience
           ;
           for
           any
           first
           ,
           or
           second
           Table
           Duties
           ,
           which
           seems
           the
           hardest
           Case
           ;
           and
           the
           greatest
           Hardship
           in
           that
           is
           farthest
           off
           ,
           and
           men
           know
           least
           of
           it
           .
           But
           when
           good
           men
           are
           call'd
           out
           to
           suffer
           for
           righteousness
           sake
           ,
           and
           adhere
           to
           their
           Duty
           inviolably
           ,
           and
           rely
           on
           God
           ,
           and
           intirely
           commit
           themselves
           to
           him
           in
           faithful
           discharge
           of
           the
           same
           ,
           they
           find
           such
           Assistances
           of
           Grace
           ,
           as
           renders
           them
           strong
           enough
           for
           what
           he
           calls
           them
           to
           ;
           they
           cannot
           only
           bear
           ,
           but
           thro'
           the
           rich
           supplies
           of
           spiritual
           Comforts
           ,
           the
           Applause
           of
           a
           good
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           the
           joyful
           prospect
           of
           a
           vast
           increase
           of
           future
           recompenses
           ,
           for
           their
           Surplusage
           
           of
           present
           Sufferings
           ,
           they
           can
           take
           pleasure
           and
           rejoyce
           therein
           ;
           counting
           such
           Losses
           for
           a
           good
           Conscience
           ,
           to
           be
           their
           greatest
           and
           truest
           Gain
           ;
           and
           that
           God
           instead
           of
           being
           hard
           upon
           them
           ,
           is
           therein
           most
           kind
           ,
           and
           beneficent
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Other
           Hardships
           attributed
           to
           Religion
           concern
           only
           mens
           new
           Entrance
           upon
           it
           ,
           after
           they
           have
           done
           much
           to
           unfit
           themselves
           for
           it
           ,
           when
           indeed
           it
           requires
           more
           Pains
           .
           And
           to
           this
           we
           may
           refer
           all
           those
           Scriptures
           ,
           which
           speak
           of
           
             cutting
             off
             right
             hands
             ,
             and
             plucking
             out
             right
             eyes
             ,
          
           i.
           e.
           Casting
           away
           all
           evil
           Habits
           and
           Inclinations
           which
           are
           very
           near
           and
           dear
           to
           us
           ,
           Matt.
           5.29
           ,
           30.
           
           
             Of
             mortifying
             our
             members
             ,
             which
             are
             upon
             the
             earth
             ,
          
           Col.
           3.5
           .
           and
           the
           like
           .
        
         
           These
           are
           Difficulties
           at
           our
           first
           Entrance
           on
           the
           Amendment
           of
           evil
           Courses
           ,
           for
           then
           we
           throw
           off
           all
           sinful
           Lusts
           and
           Inclinations
           .
           It
           is
           very
           painful
           at
           the
           first
           ,
           but
           use
           makes
           it
           easier
           afterwards
           .
           Custom
           rectifies
           our
           Inclinations
           ,
           and
           begets
           a
           new
           Nature
           ,
           and
           reconciles
           us
           to
           those
           things
           ,
           whereto
           we
           were
           very
           averse
           before
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           Hardship
           which
           these
           make
           in
           Religion
           ,
           is
           only
           when
           we
           begin
           the
           work
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Amendment
           .
           
           And
           tho'
           it
           be
           harder
           then
           ;
           yet
           even
           at
           that
           time
           it
           is
           a
           tolerable
           thing
           .
           It
           employs
           our
           Strength
           ,
           but
           it
           doth
           not
           excede
           it
           .
           For
           when
           we
           do
           a
           little
           ,
           God
           still
           enables
           us
           to
           do
           more
           ,
           and
           so
           carries
           us
           on
           by
           degrees
           ,
           till
           at
           last
           we
           have
           Strength
           enough
           to
           Conquer
           .
           And
           as
           we
           grow
           stronger
           ,
           our
           Duty
           grows
           easier
           ,
           till
           it
           advances
           at
           last
           beyond
           an
           ease
           ,
           into
           a
           pleasure
           .
           So
           that
           this
           Difficulty
           is
           both
           tolerable
           while
           it
           continues
           ,
           and
           besides
           it
           is
           soon
           over
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Other
           places
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           denoting
           the
           Hardships
           of
           Religion
           ,
           express
           only
           such
           diligent
           and
           just
           Care
           and
           Watchfulness
           thro'
           our
           whole
           Course
           ,
           as
           admits
           of
           Comfort
           and
           Delight
           enough
           to
           sweeten
           it
           to
           us
           .
           And
           to
           this
           we
           may
           refer
           those
           Texts
           which
           require
           us
           
             to
             watch
          
           ,
           Mark
           13.37
           .
           And
           to
           
             give
             all
             diligence
          
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           1.5
           ,
           10.
           
           To
           *
           strive
           ,
           and
           †
           labour
           and
           the
           like
           .
           Religion
           is
           not
           the
           effect
           of
           doing
           nothing
           ,
           nor
           eternal
           Life
           a
           prize
           that
           can
           be
           gain'd
           by
           lazy
           careless
           men
           .
           It
           requires
           Pains
           in
           all
           at
           first
           ,
           yea
           much
           and
           great
           Pains
           in
           those
           who
           have
           once
           corrupted
           themselves
           ,
           by
           contrary
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           wicked
           Customs
           :
           And
           it
           also
           requires
           a
           constant
           
           Care
           and
           Watchfulness
           for
           ever
           afterwards
           .
           But
           this
           Care
           and
           Labour
           is
           moderate
           .
           It
           fairly
           comports
           ,
           not
           only
           with
           the
           necessary
           business
           ,
           but
           also
           with
           the
           prudent
           ,
           convenient
           and
           moderate
           Diversions
           ,
           and
           Entertainments
           of
           this
           Life
           ,
           so
           that
           our
           minding
           it
           will
           not
           force
           us
           to
           neglect
           our
           outward
           Comforts
           .
           It
           is
           reasonable
           in
           degrees
           ,
           not
           holding
           us
           up
           at
           the
           utmost
           stretch
           of
           our
           Faculties
           :
           But
           will
           do
           our
           work
           ,
           if
           it
           do
           but
           equal
           our
           Care
           and
           Pains
           ,
           for
           the
           Interests
           and
           Enjoyments
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           which
           Pains
           men
           are
           very
           well
           content
           to
           take
           without
           ever
           complaining
           of
           the
           Hardship
           of
           them
           .
           For
           if
           we
           are
           any
           thing
           near
           so
           intent
           upon
           doing
           our
           Duty
           ,
           as
           ordinarily
           we
           are
           upon
           the
           getting
           an
           Estate
           ,
           and
           will
           watch
           the
           Opportunities
           of
           doing
           good
           ,
           as
           we
           do
           of
           growing
           rich
           or
           great
           ;
           it
           will
           abundantly
           suffice
           for
           it
           .
           And
           besides
           as
           this
           Labour
           of
           Vertue
           ,
           is
           in
           it self
           very
           moderate
           ;
           so
           has
           it
           many
           Accessory
           Comforts
           ,
           and
           Considerations
           ,
           which
           greatly
           sweeten
           and
           recommend
           it
           to
           us
           .
           It
           gives
           us
           at
           present
           the
           applause
           of
           a
           good
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           makes
           us
           pleas'd
           and
           satisfied
           with
           our selves
           ,
           and
           cherishes
           our
           heart
           ,
           with
           the
           joyful
           
           hope
           of
           eternal
           Life
           and
           Happiness
           .
           And
           when
           all
           the
           Pains
           we
           take
           is
           so
           pleasing
           to
           our selves
           ,
           and
           with
           this
           prospect
           ,
           it
           will
           not
           only
           be
           found
           an
           ease
           ,
           but
           a
           delight
           too
           .
        
         
           And
           thus
           I
           have
           endeavour'd
           from
           these
           words
           ,
           to
           assert
           this
           great
           and
           necessary
           Encouragement
           to
           all
           attempts
           in
           Religion
           ,
           viz.
           That
           by
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           enabling
           them
           ,
           men
           shall
           be
           sure
           to
           succeed
           in
           them
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           not
           wanting
           to
           themselves
           .
           And
           that
           when
           men
           continue
           wicked
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           they
           cannot
           help
           it
           ,
           they
           urge
           a
           shameful
           and
           very
           false
           Pretence
           .
           And
           the
           sum
           of
           what
           I
           have
           urged
           against
           this
           Plea
           is
           this
           ;
           They
           generally
           complain
           most
           of
           the
           impossibility
           of
           obeying
           God
           ,
           who
           least
           endeavour
           to
           obey
           him
           ;
           or
           who
           endeavour
           wrong
           ,
           without
           using
           those
           sit
           means
           ,
           whereby
           they
           should
           become
           obedient
           ;
           or
           when
           they
           use
           right
           means
           ,
           endeavour
           but
           by
           halves
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           go
           thro'
           with
           their
           Endeavours
           ;
           whereas
           would
           they
           endeavour
           diligently
           ,
           and
           discreetly
           ,
           and
           incessantly
           for
           this
           Obedience
           ,
           as
           they
           do
           for
           other
           things
           ,
           they
           might
           be
           sure
           to
           succeed
           ,
           because
           God
           commands
           and
           exhorts
           them
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           Promises
           by
           his
           Grace
           to
           help
           them
           
           therein
           ,
           and
           good
           men
           ;
           who
           have
           endeavoured
           thus
           ,
           either
           now
           or
           heretofore
           ,
           have
           actually
           by
           such
           Endeavours
           ,
           perform'd
           the
           same
           .
           Nay
           ,
           if
           they
           will
           be
           perswaded
           to
           make
           the
           Experiment
           ,
           they
           will
           find
           it
           is
           not
           only
           a
           possible
           ,
           but
           after
           some
           time
           at
           least
           an
           agreeable
           Service
           :
           And
           that
           in
           all
           the
           parts
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           tolerable
           ,
           in
           most
           an
           easie
           ;
           and
           in
           many
           ,
           a
           most
           pleasurable
           and
           delightful
           thing
           .
        
         
           God
           Grant
           ,
           that
           as
           by
           his
           Grace
           assisting
           us
           ,
           we
           have
           all
           the
           Power
           ;
           so
           we
           may
           likewise
           have
           the
           Will
           and
           Heart
           to
           make
           a
           right
           use
           thereof
           ;
           and
           accomplish
           that
           Obedience
           ,
           which
           he
           so
           sincerely
           and
           earnestly
           desires
           we
           should
           ;
           and
           will
           most
           gladly
           enable
           us
           upon
           our
           honest
           Endeavours
           to
           perform
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           DISCOURSE
           III.
           How
           to
           form
           such
           a
           Purpose
           of
           sincere
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           entire
           Obedience
           ,
           as
           will
           be
           effectual
           for
           this
           Purpose
           .
        
         
           
             On
             
               Acts
               11.23
            
             .
             And
             exhorted
             them
             all
             ,
             that
             with
             purpose
             of
             heart
             ,
             they
             would
             cleave
             unto
             the
             Lord.
             
          
        
         
           WHEN
           some
           of
           those
           Christians
           ,
           who
           were
           dispers'd
           abroad
           ,
           upon
           the
           Death
           of
           St.
           Stephen
           ,
           came
           to
           Antioch
           ,
           and
           upon
           their
           Preaching
           ,
           
             Multitudes
             believed
          
           ;
           the
           
             Church
             of
             Jerusalem
          
           sent
           out
           Barnabas
           ;
           that
           he
           should
           go
           and
           confirm
           them
           in
           the
           new
           Course
           of
           Life
           which
           they
           had
           undertaken
           ;
           and
           in
           the
           Holy
           Faith
           which
           they
           had
           received
           ,
           and
           this
           he
           doth
           in
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Text
           ;
           
             Who
             when
             he
             came
             and
             had
             seen
             the
             Grace
             
             of
             God
             ,
             was
             glad
             ,
             and
             exhorted
             them
             all
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           By
           
             cleaving
             to
             the
             Lord
          
           we
           may
           understand
           ,
           not
           only
           adhering
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           in
           opposition
           to
           the
           Jewish
           Worship
           ,
           and
           to
           all
           false
           Gods
           ,
           and
           Heathen
           Idols
           ;
           a
           Point
           very
           necessary
           to
           be
           pressed
           ,
           when
           they
           sought
           Converts
           ,
           among
           Jews
           and
           Gentiles
           .
        
         
           Not
           only
           adhering
           to
           Gospel-Truths
           ,
           when
           they
           grow
           hazardous
           ,
           a
           thing
           very
           requisite
           to
           be
           inculcated
           under
           approaching
           Tryals
           ,
           and
           in
           difficult
           times
           :
           But
           also
           adhering
           to
           him
           in
           Vertue
           and
           Holiness
           in
           opposition
           to
           a
           wicked
           Life
           ;
           a
           thing
           most
           indispensibly
           required
           ,
           and
           fit
           to
           be
           studiously
           urged
           in
           all
           times
           .
        
         
           In
           adhering
           thus
           to
           God
           in
           a
           vertuous
           Course
           ,
           we
           shall
           meet
           with
           many
           Difficulties
           ,
           and
           be
           put
           to
           de●y
           our selves
           ,
           and
           very
           likely
           others
           too
           ,
           whom
           either
           out
           of
           some
           temporal
           Expectation
           ,
           or
           Affection
           ,
           we
           gladly
           would
           comply
           withal
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           enough
           to
           stagger
           our
           Choice
           ,
           and
           to
           draw
           our
           hearts
           off
           from
           God
           ,
           unless
           they
           are
           fully
           bent
           upon
           his
           ways
           ,
           and
           knit
           to
           him
           by
           a
           sixt
           Resolution
           and
           steady
           Purpose
           of
           Obedience
           .
           And
           that
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           for
           in
           this
           place
           ,
           from
           those
           who
           were
           
           engaged
           in
           ,
           and
           would
           go
           on
           with
           God's
           Service
           ,
           
             He
             exhorted
             them
             all
             that
             with
             purpose
             of
             heart
             ,
             they
             would
             cleave
             unto
             the
             Lord.
             
          
        
         
           My
           design
           from
           these
           words
           is
           to
           shew
           ,
           how
           to
           form
           such
           a
           Resolution
           of
           new
           Life
           ,
           and
           penitential
           Purpose
           ,
           as
           may
           both
           set
           us
           in
           ,
           and
           also
           carry
           us
           thro'
           with
           God's
           Service
           ;
           and
           this
           may
           seem
           most
           necessary
           to
           be
           insisted
           on
           ,
           because
           the
           far
           greatest
           part
           of
           penitential
           Purposes
           fall
           off
           before
           they
           have
           wrought
           an
           answerable
           Practice
           .
           So
           that
           't
           is
           highly
           useful
           to
           inquire
           what
           are
           their
           Defects
           ,
           and
           how
           in
           a
           Point
           of
           such
           eternal
           moment
           ,
           we
           may
           prevent
           miscarriages
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           not
           all
           Holy
           Resolution
           ,
           that
           will
           overcome
           our
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           keep
           us
           true
           to
           our
           Maker
           against
           all
           Temptations
           .
           If
           it
           is
           weak
           or
           wavering
           ,
           the
           Sollicitations
           of
           our
           old
           Friends
           will
           quickly
           alter
           ,
           or
           the
           strength
           of
           great
           Temptations
           over-power
           it
           .
           If
           it
           is
           chiefly
           for
           remote
           Futurities
           ,
           and
           over-looks
           what
           is
           next
           at
           hand
           ,
           it
           will
           allow
           us
           to
           be
           wicked
           for
           the
           present
           .
           If
           it
           be
           made
           only
           in
           a
           good
           Mood
           ,
           and
           the
           absence
           of
           Temptations
           ,
           it
           will
           not
           bear
           us
           out
           when
           we
           come
           under
           them
           .
           If
           it
           were
           
           rash
           and
           hasty
           ,
           without
           a
           due
           foresight
           and
           Consideration
           both
           of
           the
           Duties
           and
           the
           Difficulties
           which
           we
           resolv'd
           upon
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           quash'd
           ,
           when
           Hardships
           come
           that
           were
           not
           expected
           :
           If
           this
           Resolution
           is
           too
           indulgent
           about
           means
           and
           Expediencies
           ,
           and
           not
           strict
           enough
           against
           all
           occasions
           of
           Sin
           ;
           it
           leaves
           open
           a
           Back-door
           to
           let
           in
           many
           damnable
           Offences
           ;
           and
           on
           the
           other
           side
           ;
           if
           it
           is
           indiscreetly
           rigorous
           in
           these
           Points
           ,
           it
           will
           prove
           a
           snare
           to
           us
           ;
           if
           it
           is
           only
           a
           transient
           Act
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           frequently
           repeated
           ,
           and
           renewed
           again
           ,
           in
           a
           little
           time
           it
           will
           pass
           off
           from
           us
           .
           A
           resolution
           of
           Amendment
           may
           prove
           ineffective
           and
           mis-carry
           upon
           all
           these
           Grounds
           ;
           as
           is
           daily
           seen
           in
           the
           good
           Purposes
           of
           awakened
           Sinners
           ,
           which
           are
           ever
           and
           anon
           rais'd
           in
           them
           by
           Sickness
           or
           some
           affecting
           Providence
           ,
           but
           vanish
           and
           come
           to
           nothing
           ,
           ere
           they
           have
           wrought
           the
           Reformation
           ,
           which
           they
           were
           designed
           for
           .
        
         
           When
           our
           Consciences
           are
           awakened
           then
           ,
           with
           a
           frightful
           sense
           of
           our
           Sins
           ,
           and
           we
           think
           seriously
           of
           reforming
           ,
           and
           leading
           new
           Lives
           ,
           great
           Care
           must
           be
           taken
           so
           to
           fix
           the
           bent
           of
           our
           hearts
           ,
           and
           to
           form
           such
           a
           penitential
           Purpose
           ,
           
           as
           may
           take
           effect
           ,
           and
           bear
           us
           out
           in
           performing
           what
           we
           have
           design'd
           .
           And
           this
           I
           think
           will
           be
           well
           provided
           for
           ,
           in
           these
           Particulars
           .
        
         
           
             First
             ,
             Our
             Resolution
             of
             a
             new
             Life
             must
             be
             considerate
             ,
             and
             well
             advis'd
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             It
             must
             be
             without
             all
             reserve
             full
             and
             perfect
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             It
             must
             be
             adequate
             to
             all
             times
             ,
             or
             a
             Resolution
             to
             forsake
             Sin
             ,
             not
             only
             hereafter
             ,
             but
             instantly
             ,
             and
             now
             at
             present
             ,
             not
             only
             when
             we
             are
             out
             of
             Temptations
             ,
             but
             also
             when
             we
             are
             under
             them
             ;
             not
             only
             when
             we
             cannot
             Act
             our
             Sins
             ,
             but
             also
             when
             we
             can
             Act
             and
             repeat
             them
             too
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             It
             must
             not
             only
             be
             upon
             the
             Duties
             ,
             but
             also
             upon
             the
             means
             and
             helps
             of
             Duty
             ,
             not
             only
             against
             the
             Sins
             but
             against
             the
             Inducements
             and
             Occasions
             ,
             that
             lead
             to
             sin
             likewise
             .
             And
             that
             being
             once
             well
             form'd
             ,
             it
             may
             never
             wear
             off
             ,
             but
             last
             thro'
             all
             times
             .
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             It
             must
             not
             only
             be
             a
             transient
             Act
             ,
             but
             oftentimes
             repeated
             ,
             and
             renewed
             thro'
             our
             whole
             Lives
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           To
           form
           such
           a
           Resolution
           of
           a
           new
           Life
           as
           may
           be
           like
           to
           take
           effect
           ,
           
           it
           must
           not
           be
           a
           rash
           and
           indeliberate
           Act
           ,
           but
           well
           advis'd
           and
           considerate
           .
        
         
           When
           some
           extraordinary
           Providences
           ,
           as
           great
           Losses
           and
           Dangers
           ,
           or
           severe
           smart
           and
           Sickness
           ,
           have
           awakened
           mens
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           fill'd
           them
           with
           a
           great
           and
           painful
           Dread
           of
           God's
           deserved
           wrath
           ;
           to
           cure
           that
           Dread
           they
           resolve
           without
           more
           ado
           ,
           to
           please
           him
           by
           a
           good
           Life
           ;
           never
           considering
           what
           that
           is
           ,
           or
           what
           Pains
           it
           costs
           ,
           or
           whether
           it
           may
           not
           prove
           such
           a
           Remedy
           ,
           as
           afterwards
           they
           will
           Fancy
           worse
           than
           the
           Disease
           it self
           .
           And
           when
           they
           are
           thus
           rash
           and
           unadvised
           in
           resolving
           on
           it
           ,
           they
           quickly
           repent
           of
           such
           Resolutions
           ,
           when
           they
           find
           it
           worse
           than
           they
           imagin'd
           ,
           and
           meet
           with
           Hardships
           which
           they
           never
           expected
           .
        
         
           To
           prevent
           this
           Sickliness
           in
           our
           Resolutions
           of
           a
           good
           Life
           then
           it
           is
           necessary
           ,
           that
           we
           view
           and
           consider
           it
           well
           ,
           what
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           what
           Pains
           it
           requires
           ,
           before
           we
           make
           them
           ,
           and
           look
           on
           all
           sides
           to
           see
           ,
           both
           what
           may
           discourage
           us
           from
           ,
           and
           what
           may
           move
           us
           to
           them
           .
           And
           this
           our
           Saviour
           has
           plainly
           directed
           in
           two
           Similitudes
           ;
           that
           of
           a
           Builder
           ,
           who
           before
           he
           begins
           ,
           considers
           whether
           he
           have
           enough
           to
           finish
           ;
           
           and
           that
           of
           a
           
             King
             making
             war
          
           ,
           who
           first
           consults
           ,
           whether
           he
           is
           strong
           enough
           at
           least
           to
           defend
           himself
           ,
           if
           not
           to
           conquer
           ;
           for
           speaking
           to
           those
           ,
           who
           seemed
           desirous
           to
           become
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           he
           instructs
           them
           first
           to
           consider
           ,
           what
           they
           are
           going
           to
           undertake
           ,
           in
           these
           two
           Parables
           .
           
             Which
             of
             you
          
           ,
           says
           he
           ,
           
             intending
             to
             build
             a
             Tower
             ,
             sitteth
             not
             down
             first
             ,
             and
             counteth
             the
             cost
             ,
             whether
             he
             have
             sufficient
             to
             finish
             it
             ?
             Or
             what
             King
             going
             to
             War
             ,
             sitteth
             not
             down
             first
             ,
             and
             consulteth
             whether
             he
             be
             able
             with
             ten
             thousand
             to
             meet
             him
             that
             cometh
             against
             him
             with
             twenty
             thousand
          
           ;
           so
           that
           he
           may
           proceed
           not
           to
           fight
           but
           seek
           a
           Peace
           ,
           if
           he
           find
           his
           numbers
           are
           in
           that
           Disproportion
           ,
           Luk.
           14.28
           ,
           31.
           
        
         
           Thus
           when
           we
           resolve
           upon
           a
           good
           Life
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           have
           that
           Resolution
           take
           effect
           ,
           we
           must
           consider
           and
           weigh
           well
           what
           we
           do
           before
           we
           make
           it
           .
           We
           must
           bethink
           our selves
           and
           attently
           view
           ,
           what
           that
           good
           Life
           is
           which
           we
           resolve
           upon
           ;
           and
           also
           what
           reason
           we
           have
           to
           resolve
           upon
           it
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           have
           thus
           considered
           all
           before
           ,
           there
           is
           the
           less
           cause
           to
           fear
           ,
           that
           any
           thing
           which
           we
           meet
           withal
           afterwards
           ,
           should
           make
           us
           alter
           ,
           or
           recede
           from
           it
           .
        
         
         
           We
           must
           bethink
           our selves
           and
           consider
           ,
           what
           that
           good
           Life
           is
           which
           we
           resolve
           upon
           .
           It
           is
           not
           enough
           that
           we
           resolve
           in
           the
           general
           to
           be
           good
           ,
           but
           in
           our
           thoughts
           we
           must
           survey
           the
           particular
           Instances
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           that
           so
           ,
           if
           we
           stick
           at
           any
           of
           them
           ,
           we
           may
           give
           it
           all
           its
           weight
           at
           first
           ,
           and
           that
           after
           we
           have
           once
           resolved
           ,
           it
           may
           not
           cause
           us
           to
           start
           back
           from
           it
           .
           When
           we
           return
           to
           God
           then
           ,
           to
           live
           as
           he
           has
           requir'd
           ,
           we
           must
           run
           over
           the
           several
           Duties
           wherein
           we
           stand
           bound
           to
           God
           ,
           our
           Neighbour
           and
           our selves
           ,
           and
           observing
           all
           the
           Particulars
           ,
           ask
           our selves
           ,
           whether
           we
           are
           willing
           to
           perform
           all
           of
           them
           for
           his
           sake
           .
           And
           if
           we
           resolve
           to
           do
           them
           ,
           after
           we
           have
           taken
           such
           particular
           notice
           of
           them
           ,
           this
           Resolution
           is
           like
           to
           do
           some
           good
           ,
           and
           we
           may
           expect
           the
           desired
           effect
           from
           it
           .
           And
           when
           we
           have
           thus
           seriously
           considered
           ,
           what
           a
           good
           Life
           is
           ,
           we
           must
           next
           consider
           what
           great
           reason
           we
           have
           to
           resolve
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           what
           those
           things
           are
           ,
           which
           may
           either
           discourage
           us
           from
           it
           ,
           or
           excite
           us
           to
           it
           .
           To
           Discourse
           particularly
           upon
           these
           ,
           would
           of
           it self
           be
           sufficient
           ,
           for
           a
           Sermon
           ,
           and
           therefore
           upon
           this
           Point
           ,
           I
           shall
           barely
           mention
           them
           .
        
         
         
           As
           for
           the
           Difficulties
           which
           may
           discourage
           us
           ,
           they
           are
           such
           as
           these
           .
           When
           we
           enter
           upon
           a
           good
           Life
           ,
           we
           engage
           in
           a
           Course
           ,
           wherein
           for
           some
           time
           till
           use
           has
           made
           us
           Masters
           of
           it
           ,
           we
           must
           undergo
           the
           Toyl
           of
           Inexpertness
           ,
           and
           Act
           contrary
           to
           our
           former
           Customs
           ,
           and
           lay
           restraint
           upon
           our
           natural
           Inclinations
           ,
           and
           contend
           daily
           against
           the
           importunity
           of
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           lose
           our
           Friends
           ,
           and
           disserve
           our
           temporal
           Interests
           ;
           all
           which
           are
           uneasie
           ,
           and
           discouraging
           Considerations
           .
        
         
           Indeed
           ,
           if
           by
           the
           Earliness
           of
           his
           Conversion
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           advantages
           of
           his
           place
           and
           station
           (
           his
           Lot
           being
           cast
           in
           innocent
           Employments
           ,
           and
           among
           good
           men
           )
           and
           by
           the
           vertuous
           bent
           of
           his
           natural
           Temper
           and
           Complexion
           ,
           (
           an
           invaluable
           Gift
           ,
           which
           God
           bestows
           on
           some
           Persons
           )
           a
           mans
           Soul
           is
           originally
           disposed
           ,
           and
           timely
           secured
           to
           Holiness
           ;
           he
           will
           find
           little
           trouble
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           nor
           be
           much
           pain'd
           ,
           or
           hindred
           by
           them
           ,
           from
           the
           first
           entrance
           .
           And
           if
           he
           has
           not
           been
           blest
           ,
           in
           all
           these
           Particulars
           ,
           to
           take
           off
           all
           Hardship
           from
           the
           first
           ,
           yet
           will
           he
           have
           this
           to
           mitigate
           ,
           and
           sweeten
           all
           the
           Labour
           ,
           which
           
           he
           lays
           out
           upon
           them
           ;
           the
           Toyl
           he
           undergoes
           is
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           one
           ,
           who
           has
           endured
           far
           more
           for
           him
           ,
           and
           infinitely
           deserved
           it
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           if
           there
           is
           no
           want
           in
           his
           endeavour
           ,
           by
           the
           help
           of
           God
           he
           shall
           be
           sure
           to
           conquer
           them
           ;
           and
           to
           reap
           a
           present
           Content
           of
           Mind
           ,
           and
           Peace
           of
           Conscience
           after
           every
           Conflict
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           end
           to
           gain
           the
           everlasting
           Joys
           of
           Heaven
           by
           them
           .
           And
           when
           he
           has
           been
           used
           to
           them
           a
           little
           while
           ,
           use
           will
           take
           off
           all
           the
           Hardship
           ,
           and
           then
           instead
           of
           being
           burden'd
           by
           the
           ungrateful
           Duties
           ,
           he
           shall
           begin
           to
           like
           them
           ,
           and
           take
           a
           Pleasure
           therein
           .
           All
           which
           are
           great
           Abatements
           of
           the
           foresaid
           Difficulties
           ,
           and
           very
           encouraging
           .
        
         
           But
           let
           a
           good
           Life
           be
           difficult
           and
           uneasie
           as
           it
           will
           ,
           when
           Hell
           fire
           is
           threatned
           to
           a
           wicked
           Life
           ,
           that
           sure
           is
           incomparably
           more
           difficult
           ;
           and
           a
           reason
           for
           us
           to
           resolve
           to
           be
           good
           beyond
           all
           Contradiction
           .
           For
           if
           the
           sight
           of
           Pain
           must
           discourage
           us
           from
           any
           Course
           ,
           I
           am
           sure
           Hell
           fire
           has
           infinitely
           the
           most
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           if
           Ease
           and
           Happiness
           may
           be
           any
           Inducement
           ,
           the
           Ease
           and
           Happiness
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           can
           never
           in
           any
           degree
           be
           equall'd
           ;
           so
           that
           if
           we
           seriously
           
           consider
           ,
           and
           look
           upon
           eternal
           Torment
           as
           inseparably
           annexed
           to
           every
           Sin
           ;
           and
           on
           endless
           Joys
           as
           the
           sure
           Reward
           of
           our
           being
           intirely
           obedient
           ;
           they
           are
           an
           answer
           to
           all
           Temptations
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           bear
           down
           every
           opposite
           Argument
           ,
           and
           will
           make
           us
           resolve
           to
           lead
           a
           Holy
           Life
           ,
           be
           the
           Difficulties
           or
           Discouragements
           that
           attend
           it
           what
           they
           will.
           
        
         
           Thus
           must
           our
           penitential
           Purpose
           be
           no
           rash
           and
           sudden
           Act
           ,
           but
           deliberate
           and
           well
           advis'd
           ;
           when
           we
           resolve
           to
           lead
           a
           Holy
           Life
           ;
           we
           must
           seriously
           consider
           with
           our selves
           what
           an
           Holy
           Life
           implys
           ,
           and
           what
           reason
           we
           have
           to
           resolve
           upon
           it
           ;
           attently
           viewing
           ,
           both
           what
           may
           discourage
           us
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           also
           what
           ,
           notwithstanding
           that
           Discouragement
           ,
           may
           and
           will
           induce
           us
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Second
           Qualifications
           of
           a
           penitential
           Purpose
           is
           ,
           that
           it
           must
           be
           without
           all
           reserve
           full
           and
           perfect
           .
        
         
           When
           we
           resolve
           to
           amend
           our
           Lives
           ,
           and
           become
           good
           ,
           we
           must
           not
           except
           any
           Duties
           ,
           for
           God
           excepts
           none
           ,
           nor
           reserve
           to
           our selves
           an
           allowance
           of
           any
           Sins
           ,
           for
           God
           forbids
           ,
           and
           most
           severely
           punishes
           all
           sorts
           of
           Sin.
           Our
           Resolution
           must
           know
           no
           other
           limits
           but
           
           our
           Duty
           ,
           and
           extend
           to
           every
           thing
           which
           God
           has
           required
           of
           us
           .
           And
           this
           compass
           of
           religious
           Purpose
           the
           Commandment
           expresly
           calls
           for
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           enjoyn'd
           to
           
             love
             God
             with
             all
             our
             hearts
             ,
          
           Luk.
           10.27
           .
           For
           if
           we
           keep
           a
           secret
           reserve
           for
           any
           sin
           ,
           our
           heart
           is
           given
           but
           by
           halves
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           whole
           with
           him
           .
           
             Jehu
             walk'd
             not
             in
             the
             law
             of
             God
             with
             all
             his
             heart
             ,
          
           says
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           the
           Proof
           is
           given
           ,
           because
           he
           had
           a
           reserve
           in
           one
           Point
           ,
           and
           
             departed
             not
             from
             the
             sins
             of
             Jeroboam
             ,
          
           2
           Kin.
           10.31
           .
           but
           David
           ,
           says
           God
           ,
           
             followed
             me
             with
             all
             his
             heart
          
           ;
           which
           appear'd
           ,
           because
           
             he
             did
             that
             only
             which
             is
             right
             in
             mine
             eyes
             ,
          
           1
           Kin.
           14.18
           .
           and
           what
           is
           said
           in
           this
           Case
           ,
           the
           Psalmist
           expresses
           more
           universally
           of
           all
           others
           ,
           
             They
             seek
             the
             Lord
             with
             their
             whole
             heart
             ,
             who
             do
             no
             iniquity
             ,
          
           Psal.
           119.2
           ,
           3.
           
        
         
           Thus
           must
           our
           penitential
           Purposes
           be
           full
           and
           intire
           with
           God
           ,
           not
           sticking
           at
           any
           thing
           he
           has
           enjoyn'd
           ,
           nor
           allowing
           of
           thing
           any
           his
           Law
           forbids
           us
           ;
           and
           therefore
           ,
           those
           Resolvers
           must
           not
           think
           they
           have
           finish'd
           ,
           but
           only
           begun
           the
           work
           ,
           who
           have
           not
           renounced
           all
           but
           only
           the
           greatest
           part
           ,
           and
           still
           reserve
           themselves
           for
           some
           particular
           Sins
           ;
           which
           
           are
           deep
           rooted
           in
           their
           natural
           Tempers
           ,
           or
           closely
           interwoven
           with
           their
           way
           of
           Life
           and
           business
           ;
           yea
           ,
           or
           for
           some
           particular
           times
           ,
           and
           Acts
           of
           any
           sin
           ,
           resolving
           against
           it
           in
           all
           Cases
           ,
           save
           only
           when
           't
           is
           powerfully
           recommended
           by
           some
           great
           Temptations
           ;
           whilst
           they
           resolve
           thus
           by
           halves
           ,
           they
           must
           needs
           perform
           and
           obey
           by
           halves
           too
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           A
           Third
           Qualification
           of
           a
           penitential
           Purpose
           ,
           is
           that
           it
           be
           adequate
           to
           all
           times
           ,
           or
           a
           Resolution
           to
           forsake
           sin
           ,
           not
           only
           hereafter
           ,
           but
           instantly
           and
           now
           at
           present
           ;
           not
           only
           when
           we
           are
           out
           of
           Temptations
           ,
           but
           also
           when
           we
           are
           under
           them
           ;
           not
           only
           when
           we
           cannot
           act
           them
           ,
           but
           also
           when
           we
           can
           act
           and
           repeat
           them
           too
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           It
           must
           be
           a
           Resolution
           to
           forsake
           sin
           ,
           not
           only
           hereafter
           ,
           but
           instantly
           and
           now
           at
           present
           .
           When
           mens
           Consciences
           are
           affrighted
           with
           the
           sense
           of
           their
           sins
           ,
           and
           are
           made
           to
           see
           the
           necessity
           of
           Repentance
           ,
           yet
           thinking
           that
           they
           may
           repent
           at
           any
           time
           ,
           and
           desiring
           to
           enjoy
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           sin
           as
           long
           as
           they
           can
           ,
           to
           please
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           they
           will
           venture
           to
           sin
           on
           for
           some
           time
           ▪
           and
           to
           please
           God
           too
           in
           the
           end
           ;
           resolve
           afterwards
           to
           repent
           of
           them
           .
           They
           will
           fulfil
           
           their
           wicked
           Lusts
           while
           they
           are
           in
           Health
           ,
           and
           amend
           when
           they
           come
           upon
           their
           Sick-beds
           ;
           they
           will
           enjoy
           all
           the
           Liberties
           of
           Vice
           in
           the
           vigorous
           days
           of
           youth
           ,
           and
           grow
           severely
           vertuous
           when
           they
           are
           bowed
           down
           by
           the
           infirmities
           of
           old
           Age.
           Or
           if
           they
           are
           afraid
           to
           defer
           the
           work
           of
           Reformation
           so
           long
           ,
           lest
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           Death
           prevent
           them
           ;
           yet
           will
           they
           venture
           still
           to
           put
           it
           off
           a
           little
           longer
           ,
           and
           not
           set
           about
           it
           suddenly
           ,
           but
           delay
           it
           till
           the
           next
           Sacrament
           ,
           or
           till
           some
           solemn
           time
           come
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           as
           to
           this
           Dilatoriness
           in
           mens
           penitential
           Purposes
           ;
           so
           far
           is
           it
           from
           being
           an
           Act
           of
           true
           Repentance
           ,
           that
           indeed
           't
           is
           only
           an
           Art
           and
           Subterfuge
           for
           mens
           impenitence
           .
           For
           whilst
           we
           resolve
           only
           to
           repent
           hereafter
           ,
           't
           is
           plain
           we
           intend
           to
           continue
           wicked
           still
           at
           present
           ;
           nay
           what
           is
           more
           ,
           we
           are
           in
           very
           great
           Danger
           ,
           when
           that
           future
           time
           is
           come
           ,
           to
           continue
           wicked
           then
           also
           .
           For
           if
           we
           delay
           it
           till
           Death
           or
           Sickness
           seize
           us
           ,
           in
           all
           Likelihood
           ,
           we
           shall
           neither
           have
           time
           ,
           nor
           power
           for
           it
           .
           And
           if
           we
           put
           it
           off
           till
           old
           Age
           ,
           we
           shall
           then
           have
           far
           greater
           Difficulties
           ,
           and
           much
           less
           Strength
           to
           set
           about
           it
           .
           Nay
           ,
           if
           we
           defer
           
           it
           to
           any
           time
           yet
           absent
           ,
           besides
           our
           dying
           in
           the
           mean
           Season
           ,
           which
           may
           prevent
           our
           doing
           what
           we
           intend
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           as
           great
           ,
           or
           greater
           Hindrances
           then
           ,
           than
           we
           do
           now
           .
        
         
           If
           we
           delay
           it
           I
           say
           ,
           till
           Death
           and
           Sickness
           seize
           us
           ,
           in
           all
           Likelihood
           we
           shall
           have
           neither
           time
           nor
           power
           for
           it
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           if
           God
           so
           please
           he
           can
           work
           Repentance
           in
           us
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           the
           least
           time
           for
           it
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           power
           of
           his
           Almighty
           Spirit
           ,
           both
           begin
           and
           finish
           the
           Change
           in
           us
           in
           an
           instant
           .
           And
           that
           men
           may
           not
           quite
           despair
           in
           any
           State
           ;
           one
           Case
           we
           have
           upon
           Record
           ,
           wherein
           he
           did
           thus
           ,
           and
           that
           was
           in
           the
           
             thief
             upon
             the
             Cross
          
           ,
           who
           was
           reclaimed
           and
           converted
           to
           God
           ,
           at
           the
           last
           moment
           ,
           Luk.
           23.43
           .
           So
           that
           there
           is
           no
           prescribing
           to
           the
           power
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           willing
           to
           employ
           it
           in
           extraordinary
           Favours
           ,
           and
           work
           wonders
           in
           reclaiming
           ,
           and
           regenerating
           us
           all
           at
           once
           ;
           whereas
           his
           ordinary
           way
           is
           to
           do
           it
           by
           more
           leisurely
           and
           gradual
           Motions
           .
        
         
           But
           whatever
           there
           may
           be
           in
           those
           rare
           Cases
           ,
           wherein
           God
           works
           by
           unwonted
           and
           extraordinary
           Grace
           ;
           yet
           according
           to
           ordinary
           Rules
           ,
           and
           the
           Course
           of
           things
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           likely
           to
           
           have
           either
           time
           or
           power
           sufficient
           to
           repent
           ,
           if
           we
           delay
           it
           till
           our
           Death-beds
           .
           The
           Alteration
           of
           a
           whole
           Life
           ,
           and
           long
           Course
           of
           sin
           ,
           requires
           much
           time
           ,
           and
           a
           vigorous
           and
           diligent
           Application
           ;
           for
           ordinarily
           we
           cannot
           retrench
           our
           sinful
           Habits
           ,
           but
           by
           an
           opposite
           Course
           and
           Usage
           ;
           we
           cannot
           turn
           the
           Byass
           of
           our
           Natures
           ,
           and
           the
           bent
           of
           our
           corrupt
           Inclinations
           ,
           but
           by
           strong
           and
           frequent
           Exercise
           ;
           the
           Duties
           which
           we
           are
           to
           perform
           ,
           are
           very
           numerous
           in
           Particulars
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           ordinary
           way
           we
           cannot
           attain
           ,
           and
           become
           habitually
           inclinable
           almost
           to
           any
           one
           ,
           till
           after
           many
           Actions
           and
           repeated
           Tryals
           .
           When
           we
           have
           a
           whole
           Life
           to
           alter
           and
           reform
           ;
           and
           must
           mortifie
           ,
           many
           natural
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           root
           out
           many
           habitual
           Sins
           ,
           and
           acquire
           as
           many
           Vertues
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           only
           very
           uncouth
           ,
           but
           opposite
           and
           repugnant
           to
           our
           Inclinations
           ;
           we
           have
           a
           long
           and
           studious
           work
           that
           lies
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           requires
           both
           much
           time
           ,
           and
           much
           Freedom
           ,
           and
           Fitness
           in
           all
           our
           Faculties
           ,
           and
           how
           can
           we
           expect
           that
           upon
           our
           Death-bed
           ?
           For
           then
           our
           time
           is
           short
           ,
           and
           all
           our
           Faculties
           enfeebled
           and
           oppressed
           ,
           which
           utterly
           unfits
           them
           to
           be
           held
           either
           
           much
           or
           long
           employ'd
           ;
           so
           that
           if
           we
           delay
           our
           Repentance
           till
           Death
           seize
           us
           ,
           in
           all
           Probability
           we
           shall
           never
           thorowly
           repent
           at
           all
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           if
           we
           delay
           our
           Repentance
           till
           old
           Age
           ,
           we
           shall
           have
           then
           ,
           far
           greater
           Difficulties
           ,
           and
           much
           less
           Strength
           to
           set
           about
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           Difficulty
           which
           we
           have
           to
           conquer
           will
           then
           be
           greater
           .
           For
           by
           our
           continuance
           in
           sin
           ,
           all
           those
           things
           are
           strengthned
           and
           confirm'd
           ,
           which
           make
           our
           return
           difficult
           ;
           for
           all
           our
           sinful
           Habits
           are
           confirm'd
           by
           Practice
           ,
           and
           all
           our
           natural
           Lusts
           are
           heightned
           by
           Indulgence
           ;
           so
           that
           our
           continuance
           doth
           nothing
           else
           but
           add
           to
           the
           Disease
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           harder
           to
           be
           cured
           afterwards
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           it
           heightens
           the
           Difficulties
           ,
           so
           it
           impairs
           our
           Aids
           ,
           and
           leaves
           us
           much
           less
           Strength
           to
           set
           about
           Amendment
           .
           For
           by
           every
           Repetition
           of
           an
           evil
           Action
           ,
           our
           Conscience
           of
           its
           guilt
           is
           the
           more
           extinguish'd
           ,
           and
           the
           good
           Spirit
           of
           God
           is
           the
           more
           alienated
           from
           us
           ,
           and
           provok'd
           the
           more
           to
           withdraw
           himself
           ,
           and
           abandon
           us
           ;
           and
           our
           own
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           God's
           Grace
           ,
           are
           the
           very
           things
           ,
           which
           must
           recover
           us
           out
           of
           our
           sinful
           state
           ,
           if
           ever
           we
           do
           recover
           
           out
           of
           it
           :
           So
           that
           to
           defer
           repenting
           to
           old
           Age
           ,
           is
           only
           to
           put
           it
           off
           ,
           till
           we
           have
           contracted
           the
           greatest
           spiritual
           Impotence
           ,
           and
           till
           sin
           is
           grown
           most
           strong
           and
           potent
           in
           us
           ;
           which
           is
           not
           the
           way
           to
           reclaim
           us
           from
           ,
           but
           to
           secure
           us
           fast
           in
           wickedness
           .
        
         
           Nay
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           not
           defer
           repenting
           ,
           till
           our
           Death-bed
           ,
           nor
           till
           we
           are
           grown
           old
           ,
           but
           only
           till
           the
           next
           Sacrament
           ,
           or
           some
           other
           time
           yet
           distant
           ;
           yet
           even
           of
           this
           delay
           I
           must
           observe
           ,
           that
           besides
           our
           dying
           in
           the
           mean
           Season
           ,
           which
           may
           prevent
           our
           doing
           what
           we
           intend
           ,
           if
           we
           put
           it
           off
           to
           any
           time
           beyond
           the
           present
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           as
           great
           or
           greater
           Hindrances
           then
           ,
           than
           we
           do
           now
           ;
           for
           that
           which
           hinders
           us
           from
           an
           actual
           Reformation
           now
           ,
           is
           only
           the
           uneasiness
           of
           the
           work
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           take
           time
           only
           to
           sin
           more
           ,
           that
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           observ'd
           ,
           is
           the
           way
           to
           increase
           that
           uneasiness
           ,
           but
           not
           at
           all
           to
           lessen
           or
           abate
           it
           .
           We
           have
           no
           Exception
           against
           the
           present
           time
           ,
           but
           only
           because
           it
           is
           present
           ,
           and
           because
           we
           would
           have
           difficult
           things
           always
           future
           ,
           and
           far
           distant
           from
           us
           ;
           and
           that
           Exception
           will
           lie
           equally
           against
           all
           other
           times
           ,
           when
           they
           come
           to
           be
           present
           too
           .
           Nay
           ,
           't
           will
           
           lie
           against
           them
           much
           more
           ;
           because
           the
           longer
           we
           put
           off
           this
           difficult
           work
           ,
           the
           harder
           will
           it
           be
           at
           last
           when
           we
           come
           to
           it
           ;
           the
           Hardships
           daily
           growing
           upon
           our
           hands
           ,
           and
           encreasing
           by
           continuance
           in
           a
           Course
           of
           wickedness
           .
           So
           that
           when
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           Difficulty
           of
           an
           entire
           Reformation
           ;
           men
           deferr
           it
           to
           a
           distant
           time
           ,
           they
           will
           find
           to
           their
           Cost
           ,
           when
           that
           time
           comes
           ,
           that
           the
           same
           Difficulties
           are
           still
           in
           force
           ;
           yea
           ,
           have
           more
           added
           to
           them
           ,
           to
           make
           them
           delay
           it
           ,
           yet
           a
           little
           longer
           ;
           and
           that
           which
           hindred
           them
           at
           first
           ;
           if
           it
           be
           acknowledg'd
           a
           sufficient
           hindrance
           ,
           will
           equally
           ,
           nay
           ,
           much
           more
           hinder
           them
           ,
           for
           ever
           after
           .
           And
           this
           St.
           Austin
           ingeniously
           Confesses
           he
           found
           .
           *
           
             When
             I
             delay'd
             repenting
          
           ,
           says
           he
           ,
           
             I
             said
             yet
             a
             little
             while
             ,
          
           and
           
             then
             again
             a
             little
             while
          
           ,
           and
           
             then
             I
             will
             repent
             :
             till
             at
             last
             I
             found
             ,
             if
             I
             gave
             way
             to
             these
             little
             whiles
             ,
             they
             would
             be
             infinite
             and
             last
             always
             .
          
        
         
           Thus
           if
           men
           would
           repent
           in
           earnest
           ,
           and
           have
           their
           holy
           Purposes
           take
           any
           good
           Effects
           ,
           they
           must
           resolve
           to
           do
           it
           out
           of
           hand
           ,
           and
           not
           delay
           it
           till
           their
           Sick-bed
           ,
           or
           some
           other
           time
           yet
           distant
           .
           
           They
           are
           too
           late
           in
           all
           reason
           to
           have
           a
           work
           of
           that
           necessity
           and
           importance
           yet
           to
           begin
           ;
           and
           they
           may
           well
           be
           the
           farther
           from
           it
           ,
           but
           cannot
           expect
           to
           be
           more
           able
           or
           likely
           to
           begin
           it
           at
           another
           Season
           .
           The
           present
           time
           is
           only
           that
           which
           they
           can
           call
           their
           own
           ,
           and
           that
           wherein
           they
           are
           like
           to
           go
           on
           most
           easily
           ,
           and
           surely
           with
           the
           work
           of
           Reformation
           .
           So
           that
           when
           they
           resolve
           to
           repent
           ,
           the
           only
           wise
           Course
           is
           to
           resolve
           to
           do
           it
           instantly
           ,
           and
           use
           no
           delays
           at
           all
           .
        
         
           But
           besides
           this
           ,
           That
           our
           penitential
           Purpose
           must
           not
           only
           be
           to
           repent
           at
           some
           time
           hereafter
           ,
           but
           instantly
           now
           at
           present
           :
           It
           is
           necessary
           ,
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           it
           be
           made
           against
           our
           sins
           ,
           not
           only
           when
           we
           are
           out
           of
           Temptations
           ,
           but
           also
           when
           we
           are
           under
           them
           :
           Not
           only
           when
           we
           cannot
           Act
           them
           ,
           but
           also
           when
           we
           can
           act
           and
           repeat
           them
           too
           .
        
         
           Some
           men
           are
           very
           zealous
           against
           their
           sins
           ,
           whilst
           they
           have
           no
           Temptation
           to
           them
           ;
           but
           their
           Indignation
           is
           quite
           cold
           ,
           and
           all
           their
           Resentment
           is
           laid
           aside
           ;
           when
           once
           they
           have
           .
           They
           are
           never
           angry
           with
           them
           ,
           but
           when
           they
           are
           at
           a
           distance
           ,
           and
           are
           melted
           down
           again
           into
           Love
           and
           Compliance
           ,
           
           when
           once
           they
           come
           to
           a
           second
           Meeting
           .
           Their
           holy
           Purposes
           are
           not
           owing
           to
           any
           strength
           of
           their
           virtuous
           Convictions
           ,
           but
           only
           to
           the
           absence
           of
           sinful
           Inducements
           ;
           so
           that
           as
           soon
           as
           they
           return
           upon
           them
           ,
           they
           are
           altogether
           ,
           the
           same
           men
           ,
           as
           unresolved
           ,
           and
           unreclaimed
           as
           they
           were
           before
           .
        
         
           And
           others
           are
           firmly
           set
           against
           some
           sins
           only
           ,
           whilst
           they
           are
           incapacitated
           for
           them
           ;
           but
           instantly
           revolt
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           able
           ,
           and
           prepared
           to
           return
           to
           to
           them
           again
           .
           A
           fit
           of
           sickness
           has
           cool'd
           the
           flames
           of
           Lust
           ,
           or
           dull'd
           the
           edge
           of
           Appetite
           ;
           and
           whilst
           they
           are
           in
           this
           impotent
           Estate
           ,
           they
           can
           easily
           resolve
           against
           intemperance
           and
           uncleanness
           ;
           because
           they
           are
           not
           fit
           to
           undergo
           them
           ,
           nor
           can
           take
           any
           pleasure
           in
           them
           ;
           but
           if
           once
           their
           bodily
           Indisposition
           is
           amended
           ,
           having
           recovered
           to
           the
           same
           Desires
           ,
           they
           are
           set
           as
           much
           upon
           the
           same
           Practices
           as
           ever
           .
           Their
           good
           resolution
           was
           owing
           only
           to
           the
           weakness
           of
           Nature
           ,
           and
           so
           vanishes
           in
           Course
           ,
           when
           it
           becomes
           vigorous
           and
           strong
           again
           .
        
         
           But
           a
           good
           resolution
           is
           made
           for
           the
           hour
           of
           Temptation
           ;
           it
           is
           to
           be
           our
           strength
           and
           guard
           ,
           and
           is
           then
           most
           
           especially
           to
           be
           put
           on
           ,
           when
           our
           virtue
           is
           assaulted
           ,
           and
           we
           have
           the
           greatest
           need
           of
           it
           .
           So
           that
           we
           must
           not
           only
           put
           on
           resolutions
           ,
           whilst
           Dangers
           are
           at
           a
           distance
           ,
           but
           most
           of
           all
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           near
           at
           hand
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           assayl
           us
           .
        
         
           Besides
           these
           Qualifications
           of
           a
           penitential
           Purpose
           hitherto
           insisted
           on
           ,
           there
           remain
           two
           more
           ,
           which
           I
           recited
           at
           first
           ,
           and
           which
           I
           have
           not
           time
           now
           to
           explain
           ,
           and
           can
           do
           little
           more
           than
           mention
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           In
           the
           Fourth
           place
           then
           our
           penitential
           Purpose
           and
           Resolution
           of
           new
           Life
           ,
           must
           not
           only
           be
           upon
           the
           Duties
           ,
           but
           also
           upon
           the
           means
           and
           helps
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           against
           the
           sins
           ,
           but
           against
           the
           occasions
           and
           inducements
           to
           sin
           likewise
           .
        
         
           The
           neglect
           of
           this
           resolving
           upon
           sit
           means
           and
           helps
           of
           living
           well
           ;
           and
           against
           the
           occasions
           of
           doing
           ill
           ,
           makes
           as
           many
           good
           Resolutions
           miscarry
           ,
           I
           believe
           ,
           as
           any
           other
           thing
           whatsoever
           .
           For
           under
           some
           great
           Convictions
           ,
           and
           fright
           of
           mind
           men
           resolve
           to
           be
           good
           ;
           but
           at
           the
           same
           time
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           careful
           to
           resolve
           upon
           the
           right
           way
           and
           means
           of
           being
           so
           :
           They
           do
           not
           resolve
           
           in
           order
           to
           it
           ,
           to
           store
           their
           minds
           with
           clear
           apprehensions
           of
           all
           particular
           Duties
           ;
           to
           think
           much
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Hell
           ,
           Death
           and
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           other
           Motives
           to
           obedience
           ;
           to
           make
           choice
           of
           religious
           Companions
           ,
           who
           will
           cherish
           in
           them
           a
           sense
           of
           good
           things
           ;
           to
           shew
           care
           in
           keeping
           out
           of
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           Watchfulness
           ,
           and
           Circumspection
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           under
           them
           ;
           and
           call
           themselves
           daily
           to
           an
           account
           of
           their
           miscarriages
           ;
           and
           be
           instant
           in
           Prayers
           for
           God's
           Grace
           ;
           and
           to
           use
           other
           wise
           means
           and
           expedients
           ,
           which
           may
           enable
           them
           to
           accomplish
           what
           they
           design
           ,
           and
           effectually
           perform
           that
           good
           Life
           which
           they
           resolve
           upon
           ;
           and
           for
           want
           of
           resolving
           thus
           wisely
           upon
           the
           means
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           upon
           the
           end
           ,
           all
           those
           good
           beginnings
           and
           holy
           purposes
           fall
           to
           nothing
           .
           For
           a
           Man
           may
           as
           well
           resolve
           to
           be
           rich
           ,
           without
           resolving
           to
           mind
           his
           Business
           ,
           or
           resolve
           to
           be
           learn'd
           ,
           without
           a
           diligent
           Application
           to
           his
           Studies
           ;
           as
           resolve
           to
           be
           good
           ,
           without
           resolving
           also
           upon
           the
           right
           way
           ,
           and
           means
           of
           attaining
           Goodness
           .
           A
           bare
           resolution
           of
           it
           will
           not
           do
           the
           work
           ,
           for
           we
           must
           not
           only
           firmly
           resolve
           ;
           but
           wisely
           endeavour
           it
           too
           .
        
         
         
           And
           when
           we
           have
           thus
           considerately
           resolv'd
           to
           lead
           new
           Lives
           ,
           and
           have
           resolved
           it
           without
           reserve
           in
           all
           Points
           ;
           and
           that
           too
           in
           all
           times
           ,
           both
           at
           present
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           future
           ,
           in
           Temptations
           and
           out
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           that
           upon
           the
           Means
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           upon
           the
           Duties
           ,
           and
           against
           the
           occasions
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           against
           the
           sins
           :
           When
           our
           penitential
           purpose
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           is
           thus
           qualified
           in
           all
           these
           Particulars
           ,
           to
           make
           it
           strong
           and
           persevering
           in
           all
           times
           ,
           we
           must
           take
           care
           ,
        
         
           5
           thly
           ,
           That
           it
           be
           not
           only
           a
           transient
           Act
           ;
           but
           oftentimes
           repeated
           and
           renewed
           through
           our
           whole
           Lives
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           frequency
           of
           this
           renewal
           ;
           there
           can
           be
           no
           fixt
           bounds
           set
           to
           all
           tempers
           and
           states
           of
           Penitents
           ,
           but
           that
           must
           be
           determin'd
           by
           the
           measure
           of
           their
           Zeal
           for
           God
           ;
           and
           the
           necessities
           of
           their
           own
           Souls
           .
           When
           at
           any
           time
           they
           relapse
           into
           any
           wilful
           sin
           ,
           they
           must
           renew
           their
           resolution
           particularly
           against
           it
           ,
           before
           they
           come
           to
           ask
           Pardon
           for
           it
           ;
           because
           God
           will
           not
           pardon
           any
           wilful
           Sin
           ,
           till
           we
           have
           particularly
           repented
           of
           it
           .
           And
           when
           they
           come
           to
           the
           Holy
           Sacrament
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           renewal
           of
           the
           whole
           Baptismal
           Covenant
           ;
           it
           
           may
           be
           very
           fit
           and
           adviseable
           ,
           that
           at
           some
           times
           through
           all
           their
           Lives
           ,
           but
           much
           oftner
           whilst
           their
           falls
           are
           more
           frequent
           ,
           and
           their
           state
           more
           doubtful
           ,
           they
           renew
           their
           Vows
           and
           penitential
           Engagements
           upon
           all
           the
           particular
           heads
           of
           Duty
           ,
           and
           against
           all
           known
           sins
           whatsoever
           .
           And
           to
           be
           prepared
           every
           day
           ,
           against
           the
           sins
           ,
           which
           they
           are
           lyable
           to
           incurr
           in
           the
           constant
           Course
           of
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           ;
           they
           may
           do
           well
           to
           repeat
           their
           resolutions
           against
           all
           probable
           Temptations
           of
           that
           day
           every
           Morning
           ,
           and
           lay
           wait
           for
           the
           Opportunities
           of
           performing
           them
           in
           the
           day-time
           ,
           and
           take
           a
           strict
           account
           of
           their
           Faculties
           or
           Performances
           every
           night
           .
           And
           if
           Repentance
           is
           thus
           made
           a
           design'd
           work
           ,
           and
           turn'd
           into
           a
           daily
           buness
           ;
           it
           will
           be
           like
           to
           go
           on
           well
           and
           prosper
           in
           our
           hands
           .
           We
           are
           still
           supplying
           it
           ,
           where
           it
           wants
           ,
           and
           renewing
           it
           where
           it
           fails
           ,
           and
           fortifying
           it
           ,
           where
           it
           begins
           to
           falter
           .
           And
           if
           we
           persevere
           in
           this
           Course
           ,
           and
           proceed
           in
           it
           ,
           not
           only
           now
           and
           then
           by
           Fits
           ,
           but
           always
           ;
           we
           shall
           be
           in
           no
           danger
           of
           relapsing
           ,
           but
           continue
           Penitents
           ,
           to
           our
           Lives-end
           
             Which
             God
             of
             his
             great
             Mercy
             grant
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           DISCOURSE
           IV.
           How
           to
           take
           the
           truest
           Wisdom
           of
           Worldly
           men
           in
           their
           Managements
           ,
           and
           apply
           it
           with
           admirable
           Use
           and
           Advantage
           in
           the
           Improvement
           and
           Perfection
           of
           Holy
           Obedience
           .
        
         
           
             On
             
               Luk.
               16.8
            
             .
             For
             the
             Children
             of
             this
             World
             are
             wiser
             in
             their
             Generation
             ,
             than
             the
             Children
             of
             Light.
             
          
        
         
           THIS
           is
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour's
           reflection
           ,
           on
           the
           
             unjust
             Stewards
          
           fore-cast
           ,
           and
           provision
           for
           his
           present
           State.
           When
           he
           had
           lost
           the
           favour
           of
           his
           Lord
           ;
           he
           seeks
           how
           to
           make
           Friends
           among
           his
           Tenants
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           receive
           him
           into
           their
           Houses
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           cast
           out
           of
           his
           Lord's
           Service
           .
           Now
           tho'
           he
           is
           to
           be
           
           blamed
           for
           his
           injustice
           and
           dishonesty
           ,
           yet
           the
           Lord
           commends
           him
           for
           his
           prudence
           and
           forecast
           ,
           or
           for
           that
           in
           his
           way
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Worldly
           men
           ,
           
             he
             had
             done
             wisely
          
           ,
           v.
           8.
           
        
         
           And
           this
           he
           observes
           is
           not
           peculiar
           to
           him
           ,
           but
           is
           common
           to
           the
           Children
           of
           this
           World.
           Tho'
           they
           are
           not
           careful
           more
           than
           the
           unjust
           Steward
           was
           ,
           of
           innocence
           and
           honesty
           ;
           yet
           they
           are
           wise
           in
           their
           worldly
           Managements
           ,
           yea
           wiser
           
             in
             their
             Generation
             ,
             than
             the
             Children
             of
             Light
             are
             in
             theirs
             .
          
           And
           tho'
           we
           are
           to
           leave
           their
           injustice
           with
           them
           ;
           yet
           our
           Blessed
           Lord
           would
           have
           us
           learn
           Wisdom
           of
           Management
           from
           them
           .
        
         
           In
           Discoursing
           upon
           these
           words
           ,
           I
           shall
           shew
           .
        
         
           
             First
             ,
             Who
             are
             the
             
               Children
               of
               this
               World
            
             ,
             and
             who
             are
             the
             
               Children
               of
               Light.
            
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             What
             it
             is
             for
             the
             
               Children
               of
               this
               World
            
             ,
             to
             be
             
               wiser
               in
               their
               Generation
            
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             Note
             those
             things
             ,
             wherein
             their
             foresight
             ,
             and
             discretion
             is
             more
             particularly
             imitable
             ;
             and
             wherein
             we
             may
             and
             ought
             to
             learn
             Wisdom
             from
             them
             .
          
        
         
         
           1.
           
           I
           shall
           show
           ,
           who
           are
           
             the
             Children
             of
             this
             World
          
           ,
           and
           who
           are
           
             the
             Children
             of
             Light.
          
           
        
         
           The
           
             Children
             of
             this
             World
          
           ,
           are
           they
           who
           give
           themselves
           up
           to
           mind
           worldly
           Ends
           and
           Matters
           ,
           and
           pursue
           them
           by
           worldly
           Rules
           and
           Managements
           ,
           not
           regarding
           the
           Innocence
           ,
           more
           than
           the
           unjust
           Steward
           did
           ,
           but
           only
           the
           Serviceableness
           and
           Expedience
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           The
           
             Children
             of
             Light
          
           are
           they
           ,
           who
           profess
           to
           walk
           in
           Belief
           and
           Obedience
           ,
           to
           the
           Religion
           and
           Commands
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
             Whatsoever
             doth
             make
             manifest
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           
             is
             Light
          
           ,
           Eph.
           5.13
           .
           and
           our
           Blessed
           Lord
           is
           come
           to
           manifest
           to
           us
           ,
           all
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           way
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           therefore
           calls
           himself
           
             the
             Light
          
           ,
           Jo.
           8.12
           .
           and
           chap.
           9.5
           .
           and
           1.7
           .
           and
           all
           who
           give
           themselves
           up
           to
           follow
           and
           obey
           him
           ,
           to
           believe
           his
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           to
           walk
           in
           this
           way
           which
           he
           discovers
           and
           prescribes
           to
           us
           ,
           are
           the
           
             Children
             of
             Light.
          
           
        
         
           2.
           
           What
           it
           is
           for
           
             the
             Children
             of
             this
             World
          
           ,
           to
           be
           wiser
           
             in
             their
             Generation
          
           .
        
         
           Now
           their
           Generation
           ,
           is
           that
           Age
           or
           
           Time
           wherein
           they
           live
           ;
           and
           those
           men
           of
           that
           time
           ,
           of
           like
           ends
           ,
           Professions
           and
           Managements
           ,
           with
           themselves
           amongst
           whom
           they
           live
           .
           And
           their
           being
           wiser
           in
           their
           Generation
           than
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           are
           in
           theirs
           ,
           is
           their
           managing
           their
           several
           worldly
           Ends
           ,
           and
           Professions
           among
           one
           another
           in
           their
           time
           ,
           with
           more
           true
           forecast
           ,
           and
           Wisdom
           ,
           than
           Christians
           in
           their
           day
           are
           wont
           to
           manage
           their
           Profession
           ,
           of
           paying
           their
           Services
           ,
           and
           all
           Holy
           obedience
           unto
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           or
           of
           doing
           their
           Duty
           in
           all
           Points
           unto
           him
           .
           I
           come
           now
           ,
        
         
           3.
           
           Which
           is
           the
           main
           Point
           I
           am
           to
           insist
           upon
           from
           these
           words
           ,
           to
           note
           those
           things
           ,
           wherein
           the
           forecast
           and
           Discretion
           of
           worldly
           men
           ,
           is
           more
           particularly
           imitable
           by
           us
           ,
           and
           wherein
           we
           may
           and
           ought
           to
           learn
           Wisdom
           from
           them
           .
           And
           this
           I
           shall
           note
           in
           these
           following
           Particulars
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           one
           part
           of
           their
           Wisdom
           ,
           that
           they
           fix
           to
           themselves
           some
           certain
           end
           ,
           and
           so
           act
           not
           loosely
           ,
           and
           by
           chance
           ,
           but
           have
           a
           certain
           mark
           to
           aim
           at
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           when
           they
           have
           once
           fix'd
           their
           end
           ,
           they
           openly
           own
           and
           profess
           it
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           That
           they
           are
           particularly
           careful
           ,
           to
           be
           well
           skill'd
           in
           ,
           and
           thorowly
           to
           understand
           all
           the
           Parts
           and
           Offices
           belonging
           to
           their
           Occupation
           or
           Profession
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           That
           having
           thus
           fix'd
           themselves
           upon
           their
           end
           ,
           and
           made
           that
           their
           Profession
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           constant
           mark
           in
           their
           Eye
           ,
           and
           daily
           Care
           and
           Employment
           of
           their
           Life
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           still
           vigorously
           intending
           and
           driving
           it
           on
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           That
           they
           carefully
           and
           timely
           foresee
           ,
           and
           provide
           for
           Futurities
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           nothing
           may
           be
           wanting
           to
           set
           on
           this
           end
           and
           profession
           ,
           or
           fall
           out
           to
           its
           prejudice
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           That
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           cast
           off
           any
           other
           Cares
           or
           Concerns
           ,
           when
           they
           either
           find
           ,
           or
           foresee
           they
           are
           like
           to
           prove
           Impediments
           or
           Incumbrances
           to
           their
           main
           business
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           They
           are
           studious
           and
           observant
           ,
           to
           direct
           all
           Accidents
           and
           Occurrences
           ,
           and
           cast
           about
           how
           they
           may
           pick
           out
           ,
           any
           advantage
           from
           them
           ,
           or
           make
           them
           serviceable
           ,
           to
           their
           own
           great
           purpose
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           When
           any
           thing
           is
           propos'd
           to
           them
           ,
           their
           Eye
           falls
           in
           the
           first
           place
           upon
           their
           chief
           end
           ,
           and
           they
           either
           accept
           or
           refuse
           the
           same
           ,
           according
           as
           
           it
           may
           be
           like
           to
           serve
           ,
           or
           disserve
           them
           in
           their
           Prosecution
           or
           Attainment
           thereof
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           They
           are
           jealous
           of
           their
           great
           end
           ,
           and
           examine
           nicely
           ,
           and
           are
           very
           difficultly
           brought
           to
           give
           way
           to
           any
           thing
           ,
           that
           seems
           to
           bear
           any
           colour
           ,
           or
           may
           in
           any
           Likelihood
           turn
           to
           its
           prejudice
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           They
           are
           very
           active
           and
           industrious
           to
           engage
           Succours
           ,
           where
           they
           are
           needful
           to
           their
           great
           Purposes
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           One
           point
           of
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           the
           Children
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           very
           fit
           for
           us
           to
           imitate
           and
           learn
           from
           them
           ,
           is
           this
           ,
           That
           they
           fix
           to
           themselves
           some
           certain
           end
           ,
           and
           so
           act
           not
           loosely
           ,
           and
           by
           chance
           ,
           but
           have
           a
           certain
           mark
           to
           aim
           at
           .
           Each
           one
           Proposes
           some
           particular
           thing
           or
           other
           to
           himself
           ;
           so
           that
           his
           Actions
           are
           not
           loose
           and
           without
           a
           steady
           aim
           ,
           but
           he
           has
           every
           day
           a
           fixt
           Point
           ,
           whereto
           to
           direct
           them
           .
           One
           sets
           up
           for
           Pleasure
           ,
           another
           for
           Power
           ,
           a
           third
           for
           Profit
           ,
           but
           generally
           all
           of
           them
           for
           one
           thing
           or
           other
           ,
           and
           this
           makes
           some
           order
           and
           coherence
           in
           Life
           ;
           their
           Actions
           are
           not
           loose
           ,
           or
           unrelated
           to
           each
           other
           ,
           but
           a
           second
           backs
           and
           
           promotes
           the
           former
           ,
           and
           all
           concurr
           to
           carry
           on
           ,
           and
           compass
           the
           end
           which
           is
           fixt
           for
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           this
           Point
           of
           their
           Wisdom
           ,
           is
           very
           fit
           to
           be
           imitated
           by
           the
           
             Children
             of
             Light.
          
           Not
           that
           they
           must
           propose
           to
           themselves
           wrong
           aims
           like
           them
           .
           Either
           such
           as
           are
           ill
           ,
           or
           low
           and
           mean
           ones
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           offensive
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           unworthy
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           no
           ways
           fit
           to
           recompence
           the
           pains
           which
           they
           lay
           out
           upon
           them
           .
           But
           ,
           as
           they
           do
           ,
           Christians
           must
           fix
           to
           themselves
           some
           end
           .
           They
           must
           not
           live
           in
           their
           way
           as
           unthinking
           men
           ,
           who
           have
           no
           design
           ,
           and
           whose
           Actions
           are
           altogether
           uncertain
           ,
           carried
           about
           here
           or
           there
           ,
           as
           chance
           occasions
           ,
           or
           undirected
           and
           ungovern'd
           Fancy
           or
           the
           Humour
           calls
           them
           .
           But
           they
           must
           always
           propose
           some
           spiritual
           aims
           to
           themselves
           ,
           and
           fix
           their
           mark
           ,
           whereto
           they
           are
           to
           steer
           their
           Course
           ;
           and
           to
           direct
           their
           labours
           and
           endeavours
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           Mark
           in
           one
           word
           ,
           is
           their
           doing
           their
           Duty
           to
           their
           Blessed
           Lord
           in
           all
           Points
           ,
           and
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           only
           way
           to
           please
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           preserve
           a
           good
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           to
           love
           their
           precious
           and
           immortal
           Souls
           .
           This
           
           is
           the
           end
           which
           they
           are
           to
           fix
           themselves
           upon
           ,
           who
           profess
           
             to
             have
             here
             no
             abiding
             City
             ,
             but
             to
             seek
             one
             to
             come
             ,
          
           Heb.
           13.14
           .
           who
           have
           renounced
           this
           world
           ,
           and
           
             laid
             up
             their
             Treasures
             in
             heaven
             ,
          
           Mat.
           6.20
           .
           who
           
             look
             for
             the
             glorious
             appearing
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           and
           would
           be
           accepted
           by
           him
           at
           his
           coming
           ,
           Tit.
           2.13
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Another
           Point
           of
           their
           Wisdom
           is
           ,
           that
           when
           once
           they
           have
           fix'd
           their
           end
           ,
           they
           openly
           own
           and
           profess
           it
           .
           They
           espouse
           the
           same
           in
           the
           Face
           of
           all
           ,
           by
           making
           it
           their
           Trade
           ,
           their
           Occupation
           ,
           their
           Employment
           in
           the
           World.
           And
           this
           way
           they
           do
           more
           publickly
           engage
           themselves
           ,
           to
           be
           careful
           and
           constant
           in
           the
           Prosecution
           thereof
           ,
           and
           bespeak
           the
           favour
           of
           all
           their
           Friends
           and
           well
           Wishers
           ,
           who
           may
           be
           in
           any
           Capacity
           ,
           to
           help
           and
           further
           them
           therein
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           't
           is
           very
           fit
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           should
           learn
           from
           them
           .
           They
           must
           not
           conceal
           and
           smother
           the
           Service
           which
           they
           bear
           to
           their
           ever
           Blessed
           Saviour
           ,
           but
           be
           ready
           to
           make
           it
           known
           ,
           and
           turn
           it
           into
           a
           free
           and
           avow'd
           Profession
           .
           They
           must
           as
           occasion
           serves
           ,
           give
           all
           to
           understand
           that
           God
           is
           their
           
           great
           fear
           ,
           and
           that
           doing
           their
           Duty
           at
           all
           times
           towards
           him
           is
           ,
           and
           shall
           be
           their
           chief
           Profession
           and
           care
           :
           And
           this
           way
           they
           will
           strongly
           and
           openly
           have
           engaged
           themselves
           ever
           after
           ,
           to
           make
           good
           their
           own
           religious
           Pretences
           ;
           and
           put
           a
           timely
           check
           upon
           ill
           men
           ,
           not
           to
           tempt
           them
           with
           any
           ill
           thing
           ;
           nor
           to
           speak
           ,
           nor
           do
           any
           thing
           offensive
           to
           God
           ,
           or
           to
           a
           good
           mind
           ,
           if
           they
           expect
           to
           keep
           them
           Company
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           we
           are
           call'd
           to
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           call'd
           together
           
             in
             one
             Body
          
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           12.13
           .
           Rom.
           12.5
           .
           For
           that
           is
           to
           make
           open
           and
           united
           Profession
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           a
           visible
           Society
           .
           And
           when
           we
           are
           bid
           
             to
             let
             our
             light
             shine
             before
             Men
             ,
          
           Mat.
           5.16
           .
           
             To
             own
             our
             Saviour
             Christ
             and
             his
             laws
             ,
             in
             an
             evil
             and
             adulterous
             Generation
             ,
          
           Mar.
           8.38
           .
           
             And
             with
             the
             mouth
             to
             make
             Confession
             to
             Salvation
             ,
          
           Rom.
           10.10
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Another
           is
           that
           they
           are
           particularly
           careful
           ,
           to
           be
           well
           skill'd
           in
           ,
           and
           thorowly
           to
           understand
           all
           the
           parts
           and
           Offices
           belonging
           to
           their
           Occupation
           or
           Profession
           .
           A
           man
           may
           be
           ignorant
           of
           some
           things
           without
           blame
           ;
           and
           the
           ignorance
           of
           others
           may
           deserve
           Commendation
           .
           For
           't
           is
           both
           a
           part
           of
           Innocence
           ,
           and
           a
           Guard
           to
           it
           ,
           to
           be
           ignorant
           
           of
           the
           ways
           of
           doing
           ill
           .
           And
           't
           is
           a
           means
           of
           his
           quiet
           to
           be
           ignorant
           of
           other
           mens
           Affairs
           ;
           and
           not
           busily
           inquisitive
           into
           their
           Matters
           .
           And
           't
           is
           a
           sign
           of
           the
           well
           employ'd
           to
           be
           ignorant
           of
           trifles
           and
           empty
           things
           .
           But
           't
           is
           a
           shame
           for
           any
           Man
           to
           be
           ignorant
           of
           what
           he
           professes
           ;
           for
           that
           is
           to
           be
           at
           a
           loss
           in
           his
           own
           business
           .
           And
           this
           all
           men
           are
           thorowly
           apprehensive
           of
           ;
           and
           therefore
           all
           Trades
           serve
           Apprenticeships
           ,
           and
           are
           train'd
           up
           for
           several
           years
           ,
           to
           be
           thorowly
           skill'd
           in
           all
           the
           parts
           of
           the
           Occupation
           which
           they
           profess
           ;
           yea
           ,
           even
           the
           ordinary
           Husband-man
           ,
           knows
           very
           well
           how
           to
           order
           and
           manage
           his
           ground
           ,
           when
           to
           Plow
           ,
           and
           when
           to
           Sow
           ,
           and
           when
           to
           Reap
           ;
           and
           what
           are
           the
           fittest
           and
           properest
           Seasons
           for
           the
           Market
           .
           However
           ignorant
           they
           may
           be
           in
           other
           things
           ,
           they
           are
           careful
           to
           know
           their
           own
           business
           ,
           and
           Professions
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           well
           skill'd
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           need
           no
           Teachers
           in
           their
           own
           Employments
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           is
           a
           most
           especial
           instance
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           which
           it
           necessarily
           behoves
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           to
           learn
           from
           them
           .
           For
           one
           of
           the
           first
           things
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           most
           necessary
           in
           the
           way
           of
           a
           Christian
           man
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           thorowly
           
           instructed
           in
           all
           those
           things
           ,
           which
           God
           has
           made
           Articles
           of
           his
           Salvation
           .
           If
           he
           must
           at
           last
           be
           judged
           by
           them
           ,
           it
           is
           absolutely
           necessary
           that
           he
           set
           himself
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           carefully
           to
           observe
           them
           .
           And
           if
           he
           must
           observe
           them
           ,
           he
           must
           first
           know
           them
           ;
           yea
           ,
           and
           have
           them
           made
           familiar
           to
           his
           Conscience
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           may
           readily
           remind
           him
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           oft
           as
           any
           Opportunities
           occurr
           in
           course
           of
           Life
           ,
           for
           him
           either
           to
           keep
           ,
           or
           break
           them
           .
           This
           knowledge
           of
           every
           particular
           Duty
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           be
           a
           matter
           of
           our
           final
           Account
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           of
           prime
           necessity
           and
           singular
           advantage
           ,
           so
           will
           it
           cost
           pains
           and
           labour
           to
           attain
           it
           .
           But
           I
           know
           not
           how
           any
           truly
           good
           ,
           and
           sincerely
           pious
           minds
           ,
           can
           employ
           themselves
           better
           .
           They
           must
           read
           good
           Books
           ,
           where
           the
           Catalogues
           of
           such
           Duties
           are
           most
           particularly
           recited
           and
           explain'd
           ;
           and
           the
           particular
           necessity
           of
           our
           Observance
           of
           them
           ,
           (
           that
           we
           may
           give
           up
           a
           good
           Account
           at
           the
           great
           day
           ,
           )
           is
           shewn
           most
           particularly
           from
           the
           Holy
           Scriptures
           .
           And
           these
           they
           must
           read
           attently
           and
           often
           ,
           till
           they
           have
           made
           themselves
           Masters
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           their
           Consciences
           are
           ready
           upon
           any
           occasion
           
           to
           remind
           them
           thereof
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           call'd
           at
           any
           time
           to
           observe
           them
           in
           the
           Course
           of
           Conversation
           ;
           and
           when
           their
           Conscience
           doth
           thus
           remind
           them
           of
           any
           of
           them
           in
           Conversation
           ,
           let
           them
           by
           no
           means
           take
           off
           their
           Eye
           from
           what
           their
           Conscience
           tells
           them
           ,
           is
           a
           matter
           of
           their
           final
           Account
           ;
           and
           instead
           thereof
           ,
           follow
           the
           Practice
           of
           other
           men
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           reputed
           good
           ,
           or
           men
           of
           Note
           for
           knowledge
           and
           understanding
           .
           For
           tho'
           't
           is
           a
           sad
           Reflection
           ,
           yet
           't
           is
           a
           very
           true
           one
           ,
           that
           numbers
           of
           Christians
           ,
           and
           those
           too
           of
           note
           and
           eminence
           for
           Piety
           and
           Understanding
           ,
           seem
           in
           their
           daily
           converse
           ,
           to
           make
           no
           Account
           at
           all
           ,
           of
           a
           great
           number
           of
           those
           Duties
           ,
           which
           God
           has
           declared
           ,
           he
           will
           call
           us
           all
           to
           a
           strict
           Account
           for
           .
           And
           therefore
           having
           themselves
           happily
           attain'd
           this
           particular
           knowledge
           of
           all
           necessary
           Duties
           ,
           let
           them
           stick
           to
           their
           own
           knowledge
           on
           every
           occasion
           ,
           and
           follow
           it
           without
           disputing
           ;
           and
           not
           once
           think
           of
           leaving
           the
           same
           ,
           to
           follow
           the
           general
           neglect
           of
           many
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           which
           he
           may
           every
           where
           observe
           in
           other
           men
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           we
           are
           call'd
           to
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           bid
           ,
           
             To
             understand
             what
             the
             
             will
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             ,
          
           Ep.
           5.17
           .
           
             To
             be
             men
             in
             understanding
          
           ,
           1
           Cor
           14.20
           .
           
             To
             give
             all
             diligence
             to
             add
             to
             our
             virtue
             ,
          
           or
           courage
           knowledge
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           1.5
           .
           
             To
             be
             fill'd
             with
             all
             knowledge
             ,
          
           Rom.
           15.14
           .
           
             To
             be
             fill'd
             with
             the
             knowledge
             of
             his
             will
             ,
          
           Col.
           1.9
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Another
           Point
           of
           their
           Wisdom
           is
           ,
           that
           having
           thus
           fix'd
           themselves
           upon
           their
           end
           ,
           and
           made
           it
           their
           Profession
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           constant
           mark
           in
           their
           Eye
           ;
           and
           the
           daily
           Care
           and
           Employment
           of
           their
           Life
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           still
           vigorously
           intending
           and
           driving
           it
           on
           .
           It
           fills
           their
           thoughts
           ,
           that
           they
           can
           afford
           little
           room
           ,
           to
           any
           thing
           else
           .
           It
           is
           the
           full
           Employment
           of
           their
           time
           ,
           and
           they
           labour
           in
           it
           with
           Pleasure
           ,
           and
           are
           ready
           to
           deny
           themselves
           their
           necessary
           food
           ,
           their
           rest
           ,
           their
           ease
           ,
           to
           serve
           the
           end
           of
           their
           Occupation
           .
        
         
           And
           herein
           it
           is
           most
           fit
           and
           needful
           for
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           to
           imitate
           them
           .
           The
           doing
           their
           Duty
           faithfully
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           Points
           to
           their
           Blessed
           Lord
           ,
           which
           is
           their
           End
           and
           Profession
           ,
           should
           be
           the
           constant
           mark
           in
           their
           Eye
           ,
           and
           matter
           of
           their
           Care
           ,
           as
           being
           the
           chief
           thing
           they
           have
           set
           themselves
           to
           mind
           ,
           and
           daily
           to
           labour
           and
           employ
           themselves
           .
           
           It
           is
           the
           one
           thing
           necessary
           which
           they
           have
           fix'd
           and
           propos'd
           to
           themselves
           ,
           and
           must
           be
           their
           every
           days
           thought
           and
           business
           .
           For
           in
           every
           day
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           Companies
           and
           Dealings
           ,
           they
           will
           have
           Opportunities
           enough
           ,
           to
           do
           their
           Duty
           in
           sundry
           Points
           ,
           or
           transgress
           it
           .
           And
           therefore
           every
           day
           ,
           their
           Eye
           must
           be
           kept
           earnestly
           intent
           ,
           and
           their
           Care
           watchful
           ,
           and
           they
           seriously
           ,
           and
           vigorously
           at
           work
           ,
           to
           do
           the
           business
           of
           their
           Profession
           ,
           and
           discharge
           faithfully
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           call'd
           to
           them
           ,
           all
           those
           Duties
           which
           their
           Blessed
           Lord
           requires
           of
           them
           .
           And
           this
           we
           are
           call'd
           to
           in
           the
           Holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           under
           the
           several
           Expressions
           of
           
             walking
             with
             God
          
           ,
           Gen.
           5.24
           .
           of
           
             walking
             before
             God
          
           ,
           Gen.
           17.1
           .
           
             Of
             setting
             the
             Lord
             always
             before
             us
             ,
          
           Psal.
           16.8
           .
           of
           being
           
             always
             upon
             our
             watch
          
           ,
           Mar.
           13.35
           ,
           37.
           and
           
             walking
             circumspectly
          
           ,
           or
           still
           having
           our
           Eyes
           intent
           in
           every
           Affair
           or
           time
           ,
           how
           we
           may
           keep
           off
           from
           all
           sin
           ,
           and
           faithfully
           discharge
           all
           those
           particular
           Duties
           ,
           which
           do
           await
           us
           therein
           ,
           Eph.
           5.15
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Another
           Point
           of
           their
           Wisdom
           ,
           is
           that
           they
           carefully
           and
           timely
           foresee
           ,
           and
           provide
           for
           Futurities
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           nothing
           may
           be
           wanting
           to
           set
           on
           this
           end
           ,
           
           and
           profession
           ,
           or
           fall
           out
           unawares
           to
           prejudice
           the
           same
           .
           They
           are
           intent
           and
           careful
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           use
           what
           comes
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           serve
           their
           turn
           ;
           but
           to
           look
           on
           carefully
           to
           what
           may
           come
           ,
           and
           consider
           how
           it
           may
           be
           made
           serviceable
           to
           their
           Purpose
           ,
           or
           how
           to
           prevent
           or
           remedy
           ,
           what
           might
           likely
           be
           an
           hindrance
           ;
           or
           any
           ways
           hurtful
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           part
           of
           their
           Wisdom
           ,
           in
           forecasting
           ,
           and
           making
           provision
           for
           Futurities
           ,
           I
           shall
           consider
           in
           these
           three
           Particulars
           .
        
         
           
             First
             ,
             They
             forethink
             ,
             what
             means
             and
             methods
             to
             take
             ,
             as
             most
             proper
             for
             their
             End
             and
             Profession
             ,
             and
             fittest
             to
             serve
             it
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Having
             studied
             and
             laboured
             diligently
             and
             constantly
             to
             compass
             their
             desired
             End
             ,
             they
             are
             careful
             to
             secure
             their
             Claim
             and
             Title
             to
             it
             ;
             and
             carefully
             fift
             and
             inquire
             into
             it
             ,
             and
             take
             all
             ways
             they
             can
             to
             make
             it
             good
             ,
             when
             a
             Tryal
             is
             like
             to
             be
             brought
             upon
             it
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             They
             timely
             provide
             and
             forecast
             Supplies
             against
             streights
             and
             accidents
             ,
             that
             when
             they
             come
             they
             may
             be
             as
             little
             hurt
             by
             them
             ,
             as
             may
             be
             ,
             or
             
             otherwise
             provide
             against
             them
             ,
             the
             best
             they
             can
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           They
           forethink
           what
           means
           and
           methods
           to
           take
           ,
           as
           most
           proper
           for
           their
           End
           and
           Profession
           ,
           and
           fittest
           to
           serve
           it
           ;
           the
           Merchant
           wisely
           and
           carefully
           considers
           ,
           what
           Ports
           't
           is
           fittest
           to
           send
           to
           ,
           and
           when
           ,
           and
           what
           Goods
           give
           greatest
           appearance
           of
           making
           the
           best
           return
           .
        
         
           And
           men
           in
           all
           Trades
           consider
           well
           with
           themselves
           ,
           where
           't
           is
           best
           to
           buy
           ,
           and
           what
           things
           are
           likeliest
           to
           sell
           ,
           and
           forecast
           in
           their
           own
           minds
           ,
           what
           ways
           and
           methods
           are
           likeliest
           to
           make
           them
           thrive
           in
           their
           several
           Occupations
           .
           
             A
             King
             going
             to
             War
          
           ,
           as
           our
           Lord
           observes
           ,
           will
           first
           very
           carefully
           
             consider
             his
             forces
          
           .
           And
           a
           Builder
           going
           to
           build
           must
           
             consider
             his
             Purse
          
           ;
           and
           what
           it
           is
           like
           to
           cost
           him
           both
           in
           Work
           and
           Materials
           ,
           Luk.
           14.31
           ,
           32.
           and
           Verse
           28
           ,
           29.
           and
           the
           
             unjust
             Steward
          
           forecasting
           for
           his
           future
           support
           ,
           in
           his
           way
           ,
           wisely
           resolves
           on
           passing
           false
           Accounts
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           find
           reception
           
             among
             his
             Lords
             Tenants
          
           ,
           Luk.
           16.3
           ,
           45
           ,
           8.
           
        
         
           And
           this
           is
           another
           piece
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           most
           fit
           for
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           ,
           to
           
           imitate
           and
           learn
           from
           them
           .
           They
           must
           wisely
           consider
           and
           observe
           before
           hand
           ,
           what
           things
           do
           most
           help
           and
           further
           ,
           what
           do
           most
           tempt
           and
           ensnare
           ,
           what
           do
           most
           obstruct
           and
           hinder
           them
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           their
           Profession
           ,
           or
           in
           faithfully
           discharging
           all
           the
           Duties
           of
           a
           Christian.
           They
           must
           have
           carefully
           ,
           and
           discreetly
           forethought
           with
           themselves
           against
           they
           enter
           upon
           every
           days
           Actions
           ,
           and
           Business
           ,
           what
           Duties
           they
           will
           be
           likely
           call'd
           to
           exercise
           therein
           ,
           and
           how
           they
           may
           discharge
           them
           to
           the
           best
           advantage
           ;
           what
           Temptations
           also
           they
           may
           likely
           meet
           withal
           ,
           and
           how
           likely
           they
           are
           to
           withstand
           them
           ;
           or
           how
           to
           prevent
           ,
           or
           get
           seasonably
           out
           of
           their
           way
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           like
           to
           endanger
           ,
           or
           prove
           too
           hard
           for
           them
           .
           They
           must
           ,
           by
           no
           means
           ,
           be
           off-hand
           ,
           and
           unstudied
           Livers
           ;
           but
           have
           their
           Actions
           wisely
           fore-thought
           ,
           and
           be
           still
           in
           a
           readiness
           ,
           to
           take
           the
           best
           ways
           of
           going
           on
           in
           the
           work
           of
           their
           Profession
           ;
           and
           sincerely
           discharging
           their
           Duty
           to
           their
           Blessed
           Lord
           in
           all
           the
           Points
           thereof
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           wise
           and
           careful
           forecast
           ,
           and
           fixing
           on
           the
           fittest
           ways
           to
           serve
           our
           Purpose
           ,
           we
           are
           called
           to
           in
           the
           forecited
           
           Parables
           ,
           of
           the
           Builder
           ,
           and
           
             the
             King
             going
             to
             War
          
           ;
           and
           in
           the
           Parable
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           
             built
             their
             houses
             ,
             one
             upon
             a
             rock
             ,
          
           and
           
             another
             upon
             the
             sand
          
           ,
           Mat.
           7.24
           ,
           26.
           
           If
           forecast
           and
           wise
           contrivance
           doth
           not
           direct
           Actions
           and
           Undertakings
           ,
           Folly
           and
           Shame
           are
           but
           too
           like
           to
           be
           the
           issue
           and
           event
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           But
           on
           this
           Point
           of
           their
           Wisdom
           ,
           in
           forecasting
           ,
           and
           fixing
           on
           the
           properest
           ways
           and
           methods
           ,
           I
           shall
           observe
           three
           other
           imitable
           Points
           of
           their
           Wisdom
           ,
           concerning
           the
           execution
           of
           them
           .
           For
           they
           put
           them
           in
           execution
           ,
           
             
               I.
               Speedily
               ,
            
             
               II.
               With
               Assiduity
               and
               Diligence
               .
            
             
               III.
               With
               Resoluteness
               .
            
          
        
         
           1.
           
           They
           put
           their
           well
           chosen
           means
           of
           thriving
           in
           Execution
           speedily
           .
           They
           stay
           for
           nothing
           ,
           but
           make
           the
           most
           of
           their
           good
           contrivance
           as
           soon
           as
           they
           can
           .
           If
           they
           have
           put
           themselves
           in
           readiness
           against
           a
           good
           Market
           ,
           without
           more
           ado
           they
           take
           it
           .
           If
           they
           have
           laid
           in
           for
           a
           good
           Bargain
           ,
           without
           any
           delay
           they
           are
           for
           making
           an
           end
           of
           it
           .
           Where
           they
           have
           prepared
           an
           advantage
           ,
           they
           are
           for
           the
           first
           
           opportunity
           of
           taking
           Possession
           of
           it
           .
           So
           that
           they
           lose
           nothing
           by
           delays
           ,
           or
           by
           slipping
           their
           times
           and
           seasons
           .
           But
           earnestly
           desiring
           to
           accomplish
           their
           Ends
           ,
           they
           are
           still
           in
           a
           readiness
           hastily
           to
           accomplish
           any
           wise
           means
           ,
           which
           will
           make
           them
           Masters
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Now
           in
           this
           they
           should
           be
           followed
           by
           the
           Children
           of
           Light.
           For
           it
           is
           not
           for
           them
           ,
           after
           once
           they
           are
           wisely
           and
           well
           resolved
           upon
           their
           Duty
           ,
           either
           a
           good
           Life
           at
           large
           ,
           or
           the
           Amendment
           and
           Improvement
           of
           some
           particular
           part
           thereof
           ,
           to
           use
           delays
           ,
           and
           put
           it
           off
           from
           one
           Duty
           to
           another
           .
           They
           must
           not
           be
           on
           and
           off
           in
           this
           great
           work
           ,
           as
           men
           who
           are
           uncertain
           ;
           nor
           slow
           as
           men
           who
           are
           unwilling
           .
           Delays
           shew
           nothing
           but
           the
           inability
           ,
           or
           insincerity
           of
           their
           own
           Purposes
           ,
           and
           are
           a
           loud
           call
           for
           themselves
           ,
           to
           renew
           and
           make
           them
           better
           .
           But
           they
           must
           execute
           their
           wise
           Purposes
           of
           holy
           Living
           without
           more
           ado
           .
           They
           must
           lose
           no
           time
           ,
           but
           be
           eager
           of
           growing
           more
           perfect
           in
           it
           the
           next
           day
           ,
           than
           they
           were
           the
           day
           foregoing
           ;
           they
           must
           make
           no
           stops
           ,
           but
           still
           earnestly
           push
           on
           ;
           and
           not
           cease
           ,
           till
           they
           have
           made
           themselves
           Masters
           of
           the
           Grace
           ,
           or
           good
           Improvements
           ,
           
           which
           they
           had
           propos'd
           to
           themselves
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           we
           are
           call'd
           to
           in
           the
           Holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           when
           't
           is
           said
           ,
           
             To
             day
             if
             ye
             will
             hear
             his
             voice
             ,
          
           Psal.
           95.7
           ,
           8.
           and
           
             I
             made
             hast
             and
             delayed
             not
             to
             keep
             thy
             commandments
             ,
          
           Psal.
           119.60
           .
           
             work
             ,
             whilst
             it
             is
             day
             ,
             for
             the
             night
             cometh
             when
             no
             man
             can
             work
             ,
          
           Joh.
           9.4
           .
           And
           in
           this
           great
           and
           most
           important
           business
           ,
           no
           day
           is
           to
           be
           neglected
           ,
           because
           no
           man
           knows
           ,
           but
           it
           may
           be
           his
           last
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           They
           put
           their
           well
           chosen
           ways
           of
           thriving
           in
           Execution
           with
           Assiduity
           and
           Diligence
           .
           The
           Tradesman
           will
           stick
           to
           his
           Shop
           from
           morning
           till
           night
           .
           And
           men
           of
           other
           Occupations
           will
           be
           constantly
           attending
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           take
           all
           advantages
           in
           the
           way
           of
           their
           business
           .
           And
           this
           they
           do
           with
           Good-will
           ,
           with
           great
           Diligence
           ,
           and
           Vigour
           of
           Application
           .
           They
           will
           spare
           no
           pains
           ,
           they
           will
           miss
           no
           advantages
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           slothful
           ,
           but
           push
           on
           with
           all
           their
           might
           ,
           and
           shew
           how
           they
           can
           bestir
           themselves
           to
           gain
           their
           Purposes
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           't
           is
           extremely
           fit
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           should
           learn
           from
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           for
           them
           to
           be
           negligent
           or
           slothful
           ,
           in
           the
           work
           and
           service
           of
           the
           Lord.
           It
           is
           their
           one
           thing
           necessary
           ;
           
           the
           chief
           Point
           they
           have
           ,
           or
           profess
           to
           mind
           ;
           and
           therefore
           they
           must
           constantly
           attend
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           stand
           ever
           ready
           to
           perform
           a
           Duty
           ,
           or
           avoid
           a
           Sin
           ,
           as
           any
           Affairs
           or
           Accidents
           of
           Life
           shall
           give
           them
           occasion
           for
           the
           same
           .
           And
           this
           they
           must
           do
           heartily
           and
           earnestly
           ,
           diligently
           laying
           out
           themselves
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           putting
           what
           strength
           they
           have
           to
           it
           ,
           which
           can
           never
           be
           better
           employ'd
           ,
           nor
           laid
           out
           in
           any
           thing
           ,
           for
           which
           it
           shall
           in
           any
           comparable
           degree
           ,
           be
           so
           happily
           and
           infinitely
           rewarded
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           the
           Holy
           Scripture
           requires
           of
           us
           ,
           when
           it
           calls
           us
           to
           be
           always
           upon
           our
           
             watch
             ,
             Mar.
          
           13.35
           ,
           37.
           to
           attend
           this
           as
           the
           
             one
             thing
             necessary
          
           ,
           Luk.
           10.42
           .
           
             To
             give
             all
             diligence
          
           in
           it
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           1.5
           ,
           10.
           and
           
             to
             serve
             the
             Lord
             with
             all
             our
             mind
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             our
             strength
             ,
          
           Mar.
           12.30
           .
           and
           the
           like
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           They
           put
           these
           well
           chosen
           means
           in
           Execution
           with
           resoluteness
           ;
           they
           are
           not
           discouraged
           by
           occurrent
           Difficulties
           ,
           nor
           driven
           back
           by
           the
           Labour
           or
           Pains
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           length
           and
           tediousness
           of
           their
           business
           .
           They
           are
           not
           weary
           of
           their
           work
           ,
           but
           overlook
           troubles
           ,
           and
           bear
           Self-denials
           ,
           and
           go
           on
           with
           Zeal
           ,
           and
           without
           Faintness
           ,
           till
           they
           have
           accomplish'd
           
           their
           desired
           Purpose
           .
           All
           labour
           is
           easie
           to
           them
           ,
           that
           accomplishes
           their
           desire
           ,
           and
           they
           will
           not
           cease
           labouring
           ,
           till
           they
           have
           done
           their
           utmost
           ,
           to
           gain
           what
           they
           seek
           for
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           also
           should
           be
           imitated
           by
           the
           Children
           of
           Light.
           If
           they
           want
           Zeal
           and
           good
           Resolution
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           like
           to
           do
           much
           ;
           nor
           are
           sure
           to
           be
           constant
           in
           the
           work
           of
           good
           Living
           .
           But
           they
           must
           go
           on
           without
           Fear
           or
           Slackness
           ;
           they
           must
           think
           no
           Pains
           too
           dear
           ,
           to
           perfect
           themselves
           in
           any
           Duties
           .
           They
           must
           be
           ready
           ,
           and
           willing
           to
           part
           with
           any
           thing
           else
           ,
           rather
           than
           wittingly
           transgress
           their
           Duty
           in
           any
           particular
           ,
           or
           fall
           short
           of
           eternal
           Happiness
           .
           That
           is
           
             the
             pearl
             of
             price
          
           ,
           which
           
             they
             must
             sell
             all
             to
             purchase
             ,
          
           Mat.
           13.44
           ,
           46.
           they
           must
           shun
           no
           troubles
           ,
           or
           fly
           from
           any
           losses
           ,
           which
           will
           surely
           be
           repaid
           ,
           with
           such
           an
           inestimable
           recompence
           .
           Nay
           ,
           instead
           of
           shunning
           them
           ,
           they
           have
           the
           truest
           cause
           to
           give
           thanks
           ,
           and
           rejoyce
           therein
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           the
           Holy
           Scripture
           requires
           ,
           when
           it
           calls
           us
           to
           
             be
             strong
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             power
             of
             his
             might
             ,
          
           Ephes.
           6.10
           .
           to
           be
           
             terrified
             in
             nothing
             by
             our
             adversaries
             ,
          
           Phil.
           1.28
           .
           Not
           to
           put
           on
           
             the
             spirit
             
             of
             fear
             ,
             but
             of
             love
             to
             God
             ,
             of
             power
             ,
          
           or
           Courage
           
             and
             of
             a
             sound
             mind
          
           ,
           2
           Tim.
           1.7
           .
           and
           
             to
             be
             always
             stedfast
             and
             unmoveable
             in
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           1
           Cor.
           15.58
           .
           
             To
             deny
             ourselves
          
           ,
           and
           
             to
             take
             up
             the
             Cross
             ,
             and
             bear
             it
             after
             Christ
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             be
             his
             disciples
             ,
          
           Mat.
           16.24
           .
           and
           ch
           .
           10.38
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Another
           instance
           of
           their
           forecast
           ,
           and
           provision
           for
           Futurities
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           having
           studied
           and
           labour'd
           thus
           to
           compass
           their
           end
           ,
           they
           are
           careful
           to
           secure
           their
           Claim
           and
           Title
           to
           it
           .
           But
           more
           especially
           careful
           to
           sift
           and
           inquire
           into
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           all
           ways
           they
           can
           to
           make
           it
           good
           ,
           when
           a
           Tryal
           is
           like
           to
           be
           brought
           upon
           it
           .
           If
           it
           be
           a
           Tryal
           for
           Estate
           ,
           or
           much
           more
           for
           Life
           ,
           how
           forecasting
           and
           busie
           are
           they
           ,
           in
           inquiring
           into
           the
           merit
           of
           their
           cause
           ;
           in
           collecting
           and
           clearing
           up
           Evidences
           ;
           in
           preparing
           Witnesses
           ,
           consulting
           Counsel
           ,
           and
           making
           their
           Case
           as
           good
           ,
           as
           it
           can
           be
           made
           against
           the
           Great
           Assize
           .
        
         
           Now
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           are
           absolutely
           inexcusable
           ,
           if
           they
           learn
           not
           this
           Point
           of
           Wisdom
           from
           them
           .
           For
           the
           Interest
           which
           they
           have
           to
           secure
           ,
           is
           not
           like
           that
           of
           worldly
           men
           ,
           vain
           transitory
           and
           fading
           ,
           which
           may
           soon
           be
           
           taken
           from
           them
           ,
           or
           which
           they
           shall
           surely
           be
           soon
           taken
           from
           .
           But
           it
           is
           an
           
             eternal
             life
          
           ,
           Mar.
           10.30
           .
           
             A
             crown
             of
             glory
             that
             fadeth
             not
             away
             ,
          
           1
           Pet.
           5.4
           .
           a
           State
           where
           
             they
             need
             no
             sun
             to
             light
             them
             ;
             where
             all
             tears
             are
             wip'd
             away
             from
             their
             eyes
             ,
             and
             there
             shall
             be
             no
             more
             crying
             ,
             nor
             sorrow
             ,
             nor
             pain
             ,
          
           Rev.
           21.4
           .
           and
           23.
           
        
         
           Now
           all
           this
           most
           happy
           State
           depends
           upon
           our
           perfecting
           our
           Obedience
           ,
           to
           all
           the
           Laws
           of
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           ,
           whilst
           we
           are
           here
           in
           this
           world
           .
           And
           whether
           we
           have
           faithfully
           discharged
           the
           same
           or
           no
           ,
           must
           come
           to
           a
           most
           fair
           and
           just
           Examination
           and
           Account
           ,
           when
           we
           all
           come
           (
           as
           we
           all
           most
           certainly
           shall
           soon
           come
           )
           to
           be
           tryed
           upon
           the
           same
           at
           the
           last
           Judgment
           .
           And
           therefore
           ,
           it
           infinitely
           concerns
           all
           good
           serious
           Christians
           ,
           to
           be
           often
           and
           carefully
           before-hand
           inquiring
           into
           the
           State
           of
           their
           Souls
           ,
           to
           see
           whether
           they
           are
           fit
           to
           stand
           in
           that
           Tryal
           or
           no.
           They
           must
           pose
           themselves
           upon
           all
           those
           Points
           ,
           upon
           which
           God
           will
           try
           them
           ;
           at
           least
           according
           to
           the
           best
           of
           their
           knowledge
           they
           have
           of
           them
           ,
           or
           under
           their
           Circumstances
           and
           Opportunities
           ,
           are
           sincerely
           able
           to
           compass
           of
           the
           same
           ;
           and
           where
           they
           find
           they
           have
           
           wilfully
           fail'd
           in
           any
           part
           of
           that
           Obedience
           ,
           which
           God
           necessarily
           requires
           ,
           they
           must
           instantly
           amend
           ,
           and
           recover
           themselves
           into
           a
           state
           of
           Bliss
           ,
           and
           Happiness
           .
           And
           this
           they
           must
           do
           ;
           not
           only
           once
           or
           twice
           ;
           for
           mens
           spiritual
           State
           is
           often
           variable
           ,
           and
           their
           Life
           is
           always
           uncertain
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           a
           thing
           that
           needs
           more
           frequent
           doing
           ;
           especially
           till
           they
           come
           to
           acquire
           a
           steadiness
           in
           a
           safe
           Condition
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           be
           always
           ready
           ,
           and
           if
           God
           call
           them
           unawares
           ,
           they
           may
           not
           be
           surprized
           thereby
           ,
           but
           go
           with
           comfort
           to
           give
           up
           their
           Accounts
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           God
           requires
           of
           us
           ,
           when
           he
           calls
           us
           ,
           
             To
             give
             all
             diligence
             ,
             to
             make
             our
             calling
             and
             election
             sure
             ,
          
           2
           Pet.
           1.10
           .
           and
           
             to
             fear
             least
             having
             a
             promise
             left
             us
             of
             entring
             into
             his
             rest
             ,
             any
             of
             us
             should
             fall
             short
             of
             it
             ,
          
           Heb.
           4.1
           .
           and
           
             to
             look
             diligently
             least
             any
             man
             fail
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
          
           Heb.
           12.15
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           They
           timely
           provide
           and
           forecast
           Supplies
           ,
           against
           Straights
           and
           Accidents
           ;
           that
           when
           they
           come
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           ,
           as
           little
           hurt
           by
           them
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           or
           otherwise
           provide
           against
           them
           the
           best
           they
           can
           .
           And
           this
           was
           the
           Wisdom
           which
           the
           Lord
           commended
           in
           the
           
             unjust
             Steward
          
           :
           for
           he
           was
           in
           a
           great
           
           straight
           ,
           being
           warn'd
           out
           of
           his
           Lords
           Service
           ;
           and
           makes
           a
           wise
           ,
           speedy
           and
           seasonable
           provision
           for
           himself
           ,
           by
           taking
           Care
           to
           be
           received
           among
           his
           Lords
           Tenants
           .
           And
           't
           is
           the
           same
           with
           men
           of
           all
           other
           Occupations
           .
           If
           straights
           or
           misfortunes
           are
           like
           to
           come
           upon
           them
           ,
           they
           foresee
           them
           in
           time
           ,
           and
           try
           all
           ways
           in
           due
           Season
           to
           prevent
           them
           ;
           or
           to
           keep
           them
           off
           as
           long
           as
           they
           can
           ,
           or
           to
           make
           them
           fall
           as
           light
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           when
           they
           do
           come
           .
           But
           be
           it
           better
           ,
           or
           worse
           ,
           they
           are
           careful
           to
           make
           the
           best
           for
           themselves
           ,
           which
           they
           are
           able
           to
           do
           in
           their
           present
           Circumstances
           and
           Condition
           .
        
         
           Now
           in
           this
           also
           ,
           it
           is
           very
           fit
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           should
           learn
           from
           them
           .
           They
           must
           have
           their
           eyes
           before
           them
           ,
           and
           timely
           foresee
           ;
           where
           they
           want
           Counsel
           ,
           and
           there
           provide
           instruction
           ;
           where
           they
           may
           be
           attacked
           on
           a
           weak
           side
           ,
           and
           there
           contrive
           how
           to
           keep
           out
           of
           the
           way
           of
           Temptation
           ;
           where
           they
           are
           like
           to
           be
           call'd
           to
           do
           their
           Duty
           ;
           and
           there
           forecast
           how
           to
           do
           it
           faithfully
           and
           profitably
           ;
           where
           they
           are
           like
           to
           meet
           with
           Difficulties
           ,
           and
           disoblige
           Friends
           ,
           and
           disserve
           Interests
           ,
           and
           there
           either
           wisely
           contrive
           ,
           
           how
           to
           withdraw
           themselves
           from
           them
           ,
           or
           vigorously
           ,
           and
           steadfastly
           resolve
           to
           break
           through
           them
           ,
           where
           Crosses
           are
           like
           to
           come
           ,
           how
           they
           may
           meet
           and
           receive
           them
           with
           Meekness
           and
           Patience
           .
           A
           good
           Christian
           must
           not
           want
           fore-sight
           ,
           and
           be
           plung'd
           in
           Difficulties
           ,
           and
           fall
           into
           Folly
           unawares
           ;
           but
           must
           wisely
           and
           seasonably
           foresee
           what
           may
           happen
           ,
           and
           be
           ready
           to
           make
           the
           best
           of
           all
           when
           it
           comes
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           the
           Holy
           Scripture
           calls
           for
           in
           the
           Parable
           
             of
             the
             wise
             and
             foolish
             Virgins
          
           ;
           the
           difference
           betwixt
           which
           two
           ,
           lay
           in
           their
           fore-cast
           ,
           and
           in
           making
           ,
           or
           not
           making
           seasonable
           and
           sufficient
           provision
           for
           Futurities
           ,
           Mat.
           25.1
           ,
           &c.
           
           Of
           the
           
             two
             men
             building
             their
             houses
             ,
             one
             upon
             a
             rock
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             upon
             the
             sand
             ,
          
           Mat.
           7.24
           ,
           26.
           
           Of
           the
           Builder
           fore-casting
           well
           with
           himself
           ,
           how
           to
           defray
           all
           Charges
           ,
           and
           Accidents
           of
           work
           ,
           and
           Materials
           ,
           and
           
             how
             able
             he
             is
             to
             finish
             ,
          
           Luk.
           14.28
           .
           and
           the
           like
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           A
           sixth
           Instance
           formerly
           noted
           of
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           worldly
           men
           in
           their
           Managements
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           cast
           off
           any
           Cares
           ,
           or
           Concerns
           ,
           when
           they
           either
           find
           or
           foresee
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           like
           to
           prove
           Impediments
           ,
           or
           
           Incumbrances
           in
           their
           main
           business
           .
           If
           they
           have
           grasp'd
           at
           more
           business
           than
           they
           can
           manage
           to
           advantage
           ,
           they
           will
           ease
           their
           hands
           ,
           by
           laying
           that
           aside
           which
           is
           least
           for
           their
           Purpose
           .
           If
           some
           proves
           to
           be
           but
           of
           little
           Profit
           ,
           and
           uncertain
           hazard
           ,
           and
           of
           much
           Pains
           ;
           they
           will
           try
           another
           way
           ,
           which
           is
           like
           to
           yield
           better
           ,
           with
           more
           ease
           and
           less
           uncertainties
           .
           They
           are
           ever
           true
           to
           their
           Point
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           engage
           themselves
           in
           ways
           ,
           which
           make
           against
           it
           .
        
         
           Now
           this
           likewise
           is
           very
           fit
           to
           be
           learnt
           of
           them
           by
           all
           good
           Christians
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           for
           them
           to
           engage
           themselves
           for
           any
           Inducement
           in
           any
           ill
           things
           ,
           for
           that
           is
           absolutely
           contrary
           to
           all
           their
           obedient
           Professions
           .
           Nor
           in
           any
           Occupations
           ,
           or
           business
           which
           abound
           so
           much
           with
           strong
           Temptations
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           reasonable
           expectation
           ,
           of
           their
           keeping
           Innocence
           ,
           and
           faithfully
           discharging
           their
           Duty
           therein
           .
        
         
           In
           their
           Consideration
           ,
           and
           Choice
           of
           all
           these
           things
           ;
           the
           first
           thing
           to
           be
           looked
           at
           and
           cared
           for
           ,
           is
           keeping
           Innocence
           ,
           and
           whether
           their
           business
           is
           fairly
           consistent
           ,
           with
           an
           intire
           discharge
           of
           their
           Duty
           in
           all
           Points
           .
           And
           where
           he
           can
           make
           a
           moderate
           ,
           and
           reasonable
           
           advantage
           ,
           by
           Innocence
           and
           Fairness
           ,
           there
           a
           good
           man
           will
           be
           easie
           and
           exemplary
           too
           in
           his
           Occupation
           .
           Nor
           must
           they
           give
           way
           to
           over-much
           business
           ;
           Religion
           as
           our
           Saviour
           says
           ,
           being
           eat
           up
           by
           the
           Cares
           of
           this
           world
           .
           Nor
           meddle
           with
           more
           ,
           than
           allows
           them
           daily
           to
           discharge
           their
           Duty
           both
           towards
           God
           and
           Man.
           And
           faithfully
           to
           attend
           ,
           and
           acquit
           themselves
           in
           all
           the
           Duties
           of
           a
           Christian
           as
           they
           come
           before
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           this
           the
           Holy
           Scriptures
           require
           of
           us
           ,
           when
           they
           tell
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           
             world
             is
             crucified
             to
             us
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
          
           ;
           and
           
             we
             unto
             the
             world
          
           ,
           Gal.
           6.14
           .
           
             to
             lay
             aside
             every
             weight
          
           ,
           that
           oppresses
           us
           ,
           Heb.
           12.1
           .
           and
           not
           
             intangle
             our selves
             in
             any
             Affairs
          
           ,
           to
           the
           hindrance
           of
           his
           Service
           ,
           who
           hath
           chosen
           us
           to
           eternal
           Life
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           2
           Tim.
           2.4
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           They
           are
           studious
           and
           observant
           ,
           to
           direct
           all
           Accidents
           and
           Occurrences
           ,
           and
           cast
           about
           ,
           how
           they
           may
           pick
           out
           any
           advantage
           from
           them
           ;
           or
           make
           them
           serviceable
           to
           their
           own
           great
           Purpose
           .
           They
           are
           quick
           to
           espy
           an
           advantage
           ,
           and
           as
           quick
           to
           pursue
           it
           ,
           and
           let
           nothing
           pass
           by
           them
           neglected
           ;
           if
           they
           can
           serve
           themselves
           thereof
           :
           And
           by
           this
           they
           bring
           in
           to
           themselves
           many
           
           an
           accidental
           Advantage
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           their
           several
           Occupations
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           't
           is
           very
           fit
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           should
           imitate
           them
           in
           .
           In
           all
           they
           do
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           they
           receive
           ,
           or
           meet
           withal
           ,
           they
           should
           look
           about
           ,
           and
           carefully
           consider
           ;
           how
           they
           may
           turn
           it
           to
           give
           Praise
           ,
           or
           to
           do
           Honour
           unto
           God
           ;
           how
           it
           may
           be
           improved
           for
           the
           advantage
           and
           exercise
           of
           any
           Vertue
           ,
           for
           the
           greater
           sleighting
           ,
           and
           contempt
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           preference
           of
           the
           next
           ;
           for
           the
           Encouragement
           ,
           and
           Love
           of
           whatsoever
           is
           good
           ;
           and
           for
           the
           Hatred
           ,
           and
           Discouragement
           of
           whatsoever
           is
           evil
           .
           And
           this
           is
           to
           Spiritualize
           all
           the
           things
           of
           common
           Life
           ;
           to
           turn
           Conversation
           ,
           Business
           ,
           and
           the
           accidents
           of
           this
           World
           into
           Religion
           ;
           to
           own
           God
           as
           the
           beginning
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           him
           the
           end
           of
           every
           thing
           .
           And
           it
           will
           produce
           a
           marvellous
           encrease
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           Devotion
           ,
           Godly
           care
           ,
           and
           spiritual
           Heavenly
           living
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           the
           Holy
           Scripture
           calls
           for
           ,
           when
           it
           bids
           us
           ,
           
             Whether
             we
             eat
             or
             drink
             ,
             or
             whatsoever
             we
             do
             ,
             to
             do
             all
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
          
           1
           Cor.
           10.31
           .
           
             And
             whatsoever
             we
             do
             ,
             in
             word
             ,
             or
             deed
             ;
             to
             do
             all
             in
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
          
           Col.
           3.17
           .
        
         
         
           8.
           
           When
           any
           thing
           is
           proposed
           to
           them
           ;
           their
           Eye
           falls
           in
           the
           first
           place
           upon
           their
           chief
           end
           ,
           and
           they
           either
           accept
           or
           refuse
           the
           same
           ,
           according
           as
           it
           may
           be
           like
           to
           serve
           ,
           or
           disserve
           them
           ;
           in
           their
           Prosecution
           and
           Attainment
           thereof
           .
           Their
           first
           Reflection
           is
           ,
           how
           it
           suits
           with
           the
           interest
           of
           their
           Occupation
           ;
           whether
           it
           may
           be
           made
           serviceable
           thereto
           ;
           or
           is
           like
           to
           be
           of
           no
           use
           to
           them
           ,
           or
           it
           may
           be
           a
           diversion
           ,
           or
           prejudice
           to
           them
           ,
           in
           their
           Prosecution
           of
           the
           same
           .
           And
           they
           are
           sure
           to
           be
           true
           to
           their
           main
           Interest
           ,
           and
           listen
           to
           nothing
           ,
           that
           would
           take
           them
           off
           from
           ,
           or
           disserve
           them
           in
           it
           .
           He
           who
           sets
           up
           for
           Gain
           ,
           will
           neglect
           Power
           ,
           or
           Pleasures
           ,
           where
           they
           are
           like
           to
           cause
           much
           expence
           .
           He
           who
           pursues
           Pleasures
           ,
           will
           not
           listen
           to
           the
           motions
           of
           Gain
           ,
           or
           Business
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           like
           to
           cost
           much
           Pains
           ,
           or
           prove
           inconsistent
           with
           his
           Diversions
           .
           He
           who
           is
           set
           upon
           Improvement
           of
           knowledge
           ,
           will
           set
           aside
           worldly
           Cares
           and
           Interests
           ,
           when
           they
           take
           him
           from
           the
           Prosecution
           of
           his
           Studies
           .
           Their
           great
           End
           is
           the
           rule
           of
           all
           the
           rest
           ;
           and
           they
           stand
           true
           and
           fixt
           to
           it
           ;
           and
           rate
           and
           measure
           ,
           the
           Desireableness
           of
           all
           things
           thereby
           ,
           which
           are
           offer'd
           to
           them
           .
        
         
         
           Now
           this
           is
           an
           excellent
           Point
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           for
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           to
           learn
           from
           them
           .
           Whatsoever
           is
           offer'd
           to
           them
           ,
           their
           Eye
           must
           fix
           in
           the
           first
           to
           sift
           ,
           and
           examine
           the
           Innocence
           ,
           before
           they
           listen
           at
           all
           to
           any
           Suggestions
           of
           the
           worldly
           Expedience
           of
           it
           .
           If
           it
           is
           ill
           ,
           or
           tends
           to
           ill
           ,
           or
           would
           hinder
           them
           in
           the
           doing
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           or
           expose
           them
           to
           transgress
           it
           ;
           or
           make
           for
           the
           Dishonour
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           the
           Disparagement
           of
           the
           way
           of
           Godliness
           ;
           no
           Considerations
           in
           the
           World
           must
           make
           them
           listen
           to
           it
           ;
           or
           deliberate
           with
           themselves
           ,
           whether
           they
           should
           or
           no.
           They
           must
           measure
           all
           Proposals
           ,
           by
           their
           Usefulness
           to
           their
           Souls
           ,
           and
           take
           God
           and
           Religion
           into
           their
           Consideration
           in
           the
           first
           place
           :
           And
           this
           is
           to
           act
           like
           men
           ,
           who
           have
           immortal
           Souls
           ,
           and
           seek
           immortal
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           know
           the
           price
           of
           both
           .
           And
           this
           will
           make
           them
           not
           to
           judge
           ,
           or
           act
           like
           other
           men
           .
           But
           they
           will
           carefully
           seek
           ,
           what
           others
           carefully
           shun
           ;
           and
           be
           thankful
           ,
           where
           they
           complain
           .
           It
           will
           make
           them
           chuse
           Self-denials
           ,
           and
           Mortifications
           ,
           which
           are
           a
           worldly
           Uneasiness
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           needful
           to
           a
           spiritual
           advantage
           ;
           and
           refuse
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           and
           
           any
           advantages
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           like
           to
           prove
           a
           spiritual
           prejudice
           .
           Yea
           ,
           to
           embrace
           any
           worldly
           Losses
           and
           Prejudices
           ,
           and
           that
           with
           joy
           ,
           when
           they
           come
           upon
           them
           for
           keeping
           strictly
           to
           the
           way
           of
           Righteousness
           ;
           and
           for
           doing
           their
           Duty
           faithfully
           to
           their
           Blessed
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           ,
           as
           they
           ought
           to
           do
           .
        
         
           Now
           this
           also
           the
           Holy
           Scripture
           calls
           for
           ,
           when
           it
           requires
           us
           to
           
             love
             God
             with
             all
             our
             heart
          
           ;
           that
           is
           to
           love
           him
           ,
           above
           all
           ,
           Matt.
           12.30
           .
           
             That
             if
             we
             regard
             iniquity
             in
             our
             heart
             ,
             the
             Lord
             will
             not
             hear
             us
             ,
          
           Psal.
           66.18
           .
           That
           if
           we
           
             love
             lands
             ,
             or
             father
             ,
             or
             mother
             ,
             or
             our
             own
             lives
             ,
             more
             than
             our
             Blessed
             Lord
             ,
             we
             are
             unworthy
             of
             him
             ,
          
           Mat.
           10.31
           .
           Luk.
           14.26
           .
           And
           the
           like
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           They
           are
           jealous
           of
           their
           great
           end
           ,
           and
           examine
           nicely
           ,
           and
           are
           very
           Difficultly
           brought
           to
           give
           way
           ,
           to
           any
           thing
           that
           seems
           to
           bear
           any
           colour
           ,
           or
           may
           in
           any
           Likelihood
           turn
           to
           its
           prejudice
           .
           They
           may
           be
           over-seen
           in
           lesser
           matters
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           suspicious
           about
           this
           ,
           which
           they
           count
           of
           price
           .
           They
           will
           fear
           as
           far
           ,
           as
           there
           is
           any
           cause
           or
           pretence
           to
           fear
           ,
           and
           resolve
           with
           great
           wariness
           ,
           and
           be
           ready
           to
           start
           any
           possible
           
           Detriments
           ,
           and
           Objections
           ,
           and
           pause
           on
           any
           appearance
           of
           Inconveniencies
           which
           it
           may
           bring
           to
           them
           in
           prosecuting
           the
           same
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           again
           ,
           is
           an
           admirable
           and
           useful
           Point
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           for
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           to
           take
           up
           from
           them
           .
           They
           must
           not
           be
           for
           taking
           the
           utmost
           Liberties
           in
           any
           Duties
           ,
           and
           coming
           as
           near
           the
           breach
           thereof
           as
           they
           can
           .
           Nor
           for
           abiding
           in
           the
           Neighbourhood
           ,
           or
           within
           the
           Confines
           of
           sin
           ,
           where
           they
           may
           be
           in
           great
           danger
           of
           being
           won
           at
           last
           by
           its
           Temptation
           .
           But
           they
           must
           keep
           all
           at
           the
           greatest
           distance
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           like
           to
           damnifie
           ,
           or
           endanger
           their
           Holy
           Obedience
           .
           They
           must
           carefully
           preserve
           the
           Virgin
           innocence
           ,
           the
           first
           Modesties
           ,
           Fears
           ,
           and
           Reluctancies
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           against
           every
           evil
           thing
           .
           And
           not
           sit
           down
           by
           Dangers
           ,
           or
           dwell
           with
           Temptations
           ,
           or
           indulge
           small
           degrees
           ,
           or
           listen
           in
           the
           least
           to
           any
           ill
           Advice
           ,
           or
           bear
           the
           proposal
           of
           any
           evil
           things
           :
           But
           take
           Alarm
           at
           the
           remote
           approaches
           ,
           and
           first
           appearances
           of
           sin
           ;
           and
           keep
           all
           Temptation
           ,
           that
           may
           draw
           on
           the
           love
           and
           practice
           of
           any
           sin
           ,
           as
           far
           off
           from
           them
           as
           they
           can
           .
           They
           must
           rather
           wisely
           forbear
           lawful
           and
           
           safe
           things
           ,
           than
           by
           allowing
           themselves
           therein
           ,
           bring
           themselves
           into
           any
           hazard
           of
           others
           ,
           which
           may
           bring
           danger
           with
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           the
           Holy
           Scriptures
           requires
           at
           our
           hands
           ,
           when
           they
           tell
           us
           ,
           that
           
             we
             stand
             by
             faith
             ;
             and
             must
             not
             be
             high
             minded
             ,
             but
             fear
             ,
          
           Rom.
           11.20
           .
           
             Watch
             and
             pray
             ,
             that
             ye
             enter
             not
             into
             Temptation
             ,
          
           Matt.
           26.41
           .
           
             To
             abstain
             from
             all
             appearance
             of
             evil
             ,
          
           1
           Thes.
           5.22
           .
           And
           
             to
             have
             no
             fellowship
             with
             any
             deeds
             of
             darkness
             ;
             but
             to
             reprove
             them
             ,
          
           Eph.
           5.11
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           They
           are
           very
           active
           and
           industrious
           to
           engage
           Succours
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           needful
           to
           their
           great
           Purposes
           .
           So
           the
           Steward
           was
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           when
           he
           had
           lost
           the
           Friendship
           of
           his
           Lord
           ,
           he
           seeks
           to
           make
           Friends
           among
           his
           
             Lords
             Tenants
          
           .
           And
           thus
           the
           
             King
             going
             to
             war
          
           ,
           if
           he
           finds
           he
           is
           too
           weak
           ,
           seeks
           about
           to
           strengthen
           himself
           by
           assistance
           of
           other
           Princes
           ;
           which
           if
           he
           cannot
           effect
           ,
           he
           sends
           timely
           
             to
             offer
             terms
             and
             conditions
             of
             peace
             ,
          
           Luk.
           14.31
           ,
           32.
           
           Where
           danger
           appears
           they
           are
           careful
           ,
           if
           they
           can
           ingage
           help
           by
           any
           means
           ,
           not
           to
           stand
           by
           themselves
           ,
           but
           to
           be
           prepared
           with
           such
           helps
           and
           succours
           ,
           as
           may
           give
           Protection
           from
           them
           .
        
         
         
           And
           this
           also
           is
           a
           great
           and
           most
           serviceable
           piece
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           for
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           to
           learn
           from
           them
           .
           They
           must
           strengthen
           themselves
           in
           every
           good
           and
           difficult
           work
           ,
           and
           desire
           some
           good
           Christian
           Friend
           to
           be
           their
           admonisher
           therein
           ;
           yea
           ,
           they
           are
           mutually
           
             to
             teach
             and
             admonish
             one
             another
             ,
          
           Col.
           3.16
           .
           
             To
             exhort
             one
             another
             daily
          
           ,
           Heb.
           3.13
           .
           
             To
             stand
             fast
          
           and
           
             strive
             together
          
           ,
           Phil.
           1.27
           .
           
             To
             pray
             for
             one
             another
          
           ,
           Jam.
           1.16
           .
           And
           
             earnestly
             to
             desire
             each
             others
             Prayers
             ,
          
           1
           Thes.
           5.25
           .
           
             To
             pray
             earnestly
             themselves
             to
             God
             for
             his
             grace
             ,
          
           Jam.
           5.13
           .
           1
           Thes.
           5.10
           .
           And
           to
           be
           liberal
           in
           Alms
           ,
           which
           send
           up
           a
           sweet
           smell
           before
           God
           ;
           and
           which
           though
           in
           the
           men
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           who
           get
           Money
           ill
           ,
           and
           spend
           it
           ill
           ,
           it
           be
           call'd
           
             the
             Mammon
             of
             unrighteousness
          
           ;
           yet
           in
           Christians
           ,
           who
           get
           it
           justly
           ,
           and
           lay
           it
           out
           virtuously
           and
           charitably
           ,
           our
           Blessed
           Lord
           tells
           us
           ,
           it
           will
           
             make
             them
             friends
             in
             everlasting
             habitations
             ,
          
           Luk.
           16.9
           .
        
         
           Such
           as
           these
           are
           the
           Instances
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           which
           I
           thought
           fit
           ,
           pursuant
           to
           our
           Lord's
           Direction
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           to
           note
           in
           the
           Managements
           of
           worldly
           men
           ;
           and
           earnestly
           to
           recommend
           to
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           from
           them
           .
           And
           't
           is
           
           not
           to
           be
           imagined
           what
           advantage
           they
           would
           find
           to
           themselves
           in
           the
           perfecting
           of
           their
           spiritual
           Course
           ,
           if
           they
           would
           but
           wisely
           observe
           ,
           and
           remember
           these
           excellent
           Rules
           of
           their
           Managements
           ,
           and
           carefully
           use
           and
           follow
           them
           ,
           in
           pursuing
           their
           own
           infinitely
           better
           ,
           and
           more
           happy
           Purposes
           .
        
         
           For
           this
           way
           their
           Duty
           would
           continually
           be
           their
           Mark
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           Eyes
           ;
           they
           would
           not
           only
           secretly
           propose
           ,
           but
           openly
           profess
           it
           ;
           they
           would
           study
           to
           be
           thorowly
           inform'd
           in
           every
           part
           thereof
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           not
           be
           wanting
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           their
           Profession
           ;
           they
           would
           make
           it
           as
           their
           daily
           Mark
           ,
           so
           their
           daily
           Care
           and
           Employment
           ,
           and
           be
           continually
           driving
           it
           on
           ;
           they
           would
           timely
           and
           carefully
           foresee
           ,
           and
           provide
           for
           Futurities
           ,
           contriving
           and
           fixing
           on
           the
           fittest
           means
           of
           improvement
           in
           their
           way
           ,
           and
           executing
           them
           with
           speed
           ,
           Assiduity
           and
           Resoluteness
           ;
           and
           look
           oft
           ,
           and
           inquire
           before
           hand
           ,
           into
           the
           state
           of
           their
           Souls
           ;
           to
           see
           whether
           they
           are
           fit
           to
           give
           a
           good
           Account
           of
           themselves
           to
           God
           in
           the
           last
           Judgment
           ;
           and
           if
           they
           are
           not
           ,
           to
           supply
           what
           is
           wanting
           ;
           and
           that
           without
           delay
           ,
           
           now
           whilst
           they
           have
           time
           for
           it
           ;
           and
           timely
           provide
           and
           fore-cast
           ,
           against
           any
           spiritual
           streights
           and
           accidents
           ;
           that
           when
           they
           come
           ,
           they
           may
           not
           be
           unready
           ,
           or
           surprized
           by
           them
           ;
           they
           would
           be
           ready
           to
           cast
           off
           any
           Cares
           and
           Concerns
           which
           prove
           ,
           or
           are
           like
           to
           prove
           an
           hindrance
           ,
           an
           incumbrance
           ,
           or
           any
           ways
           a
           snare
           to
           them
           in
           the
           way
           of
           their
           Holy
           Obedience
           .
           They
           would
           study
           how
           to
           direct
           all
           Accidents
           and
           Occurrences
           ;
           and
           seek
           how
           they
           may
           spiritualize
           ,
           or
           pick
           any
           thing
           out
           of
           them
           ;
           for
           the
           Honour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Improvement
           of
           themselves
           or
           others
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Holy
           Obedience
           and
           Religion
           .
           When
           any
           thing
           were
           offer'd
           to
           them
           ,
           their
           first
           Reflection
           and
           Inquiry
           would
           be
           ,
           whether
           it
           were
           innocent
           ,
           and
           lead
           to
           good
           ,
           and
           made
           for
           the
           easier
           ,
           and
           more
           profitable
           discharge
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           not
           staying
           to
           give
           the
           least
           ear
           thereto
           ,
           if
           it
           tend
           to
           the
           contrary
           ;
           they
           would
           even
           be
           jealous
           about
           doing
           their
           Duty
           ,
           and
           keep
           all
           Dangers
           far
           off
           ,
           and
           not
           come
           near
           any
           thing
           ,
           that
           may
           any
           wise
           lessen
           their
           Aversion
           to
           what
           is
           ill
           ,
           or
           tempt
           them
           to
           the
           Commission
           of
           it
           .
           And
           they
           would
           be
           very
           studious
           and
           industrious
           to
           gain
           Succours
           ,
           seeking
           out
           
           for
           all
           good
           and
           proper
           spiritual
           Helps
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           needful
           to
           their
           Holy
           Obedience
           .
        
         
           Now
           what
           a
           Body
           of
           Christians
           would
           these
           ways
           make
           ,
           would
           they
           all
           govern
           themselves
           thereby
           ,
           in
           the
           faithful
           discharge
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           directed
           ?
           We
           should
           hear
           no
           Complaints
           of
           the
           impossibility
           ,
           or
           extreme
           difficulty
           of
           doing
           their
           Duty
           .
           We
           should
           see
           a
           Generation
           of
           Saints
           ,
           fit
           to
           be
           Lights
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           live
           without
           any
           imputable
           fault
           or
           blemish
           ;
           and
           die
           with
           Comfort
           ,
           and
           enter
           into
           everlasting
           joy
           and
           peace
           .
           Which
           God
           of
           his
           infinite
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           grant
           unto
           us
           all
           ,
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           his
           Love
           ,
           and
           our
           only
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           the
           Blessed
           for
           evermore
           .
           Amen
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           DISCOURSE
           V.
           About
           the
           Return
           of
           Prayers
           ,
           or
           when
           we
           may
           ,
           and
           when
           we
           may
           not
           ,
           promise
           our selves
           the
           particular
           things
           we
           ask
           for
           .
        
         
           
             On
             
               Matt.
               7.7
               ,
               8.
            
             
             Ask
             and
             it
             shall
             be
             given
             you
             ;
             for
             every
             one
             that
             asketh
             ,
             receiveth
             .
          
        
         
           IF
           we
           consider
           all
           those
           Blessings
           ,
           which
           God
           has
           promis'd
           to
           this
           Duty
           of
           Prayer
           ;
           we
           shall
           presently
           be
           induced
           to
           conclude
           ;
           that
           a
           man
           who
           can
           make
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           can
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           nothing
           .
           For
           so
           abundantly
           has
           God
           engaged
           himself
           to
           all
           Supplicants
           ,
           and
           so
           comprehensive
           the
           Promises
           ,
           which
           he
           has
           made
           to
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           seem
           to
           have
           it
           in
           our
           Power
           ,
           to
           have
           every
           thing
           for
           asking
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             nigh
             unto
             all
             them
             that
             call
             upon
             him
             ,
          
           says
           David
           ,
           
           
             to
             all
             that
             call
             upon
             him
             in
             truth
             ,
          
           Psal.
           145.18
           .
           and
           in
           another
           place
           ,
           
             Thou
             Lord
             art
             good
             and
             ready
             to
             forgive
             ,
             and
             plenteous
             in
             mercy
             to
             all
             that
             call
             upon
             thee
             ,
          
           Psal.
           86.5
           .
           
             And
             whatever
             you
             shall
             ask
             in
             prayer
             believing
             ,
          
           says
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             you
             shall
             receive
          
           ,
           Matt.
           21.22
           .
        
         
           Thus
           ample
           and
           munificent
           ,
           full
           and
           comprehensive
           are
           those
           Promises
           ,
           which
           God
           has
           made
           to
           our
           Prayers
           .
           If
           we
           want
           pardon
           for
           our
           sins
           ,
           he
           bids
           us
           ask
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           have
           it
           .
           If
           we
           need
           strength
           and
           aid
           to
           overcome
           Temptations
           ,
           he
           orders
           us
           to
           seek
           it
           at
           his
           hands
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           find
           it
           .
           If
           we
           want
           any
           Mercy
           ,
           either
           spiritual
           ,
           or
           temporal
           ,
           he
           directs
           us
           to
           address
           our selves
           to
           him
           for
           a
           supply
           ,
           and
           binds
           himself
           to
           grant
           what
           we
           desire
           of
           him
           .
        
         
           But
           yet
           notwithstanding
           all
           these
           rich
           and
           extensive
           Promises
           ,
           which
           God
           has
           made
           to
           our
           Prayers
           ;
           we
           daily
           see
           that
           vast
           numbers
           of
           men
           ,
           who
           pray
           to
           God
           ,
           are
           not
           thus
           better'd
           or
           supply'd
           by
           them
           .
           For
           how
           many
           are
           there
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           who
           are
           it
           may
           be
           every
           Morning
           and
           Evening
           upon
           their
           knees
           ,
           desiring
           pardon
           for
           their
           sins
           ,
           who
           will
           yet
           be
           eternally
           condemn'd
           and
           punish'd
           for
           them
           ?
           How
           many
           men
           are
           frequently
           
           and
           importunately
           asking
           Grace
           ,
           and
           strength
           to
           overcome
           Temptations
           ,
           who
           are
           still
           ordinarily
           overcome
           by
           them
           ?
           They
           pray
           for
           Sobriety
           ,
           but
           yet
           they
           continue
           intemperate
           :
           they
           sue
           for
           Meekness
           ,
           but
           still
           they
           are
           fierce
           and
           passionate
           :
           they
           ask
           for
           Peace
           ,
           but
           yet
           they
           remain
           unruly
           and
           turbulent
           ;
           they
           beg
           Humility
           ,
           Contentedness
           ,
           Charity
           and
           several
           other
           Vertues
           ,
           and
           after
           all
           they
           rest
           still
           as
           proud
           and
           covetous
           ,
           wrathful
           and
           contentious
           as
           ever
           .
        
         
           Now
           here
           God's
           Promises
           are
           not
           perform'd
           ,
           and
           mens
           Prayers
           are
           not
           answered
           ;
           so
           that
           't
           is
           certain
           ,
           there
           must
           be
           a
           failure
           some
           where
           .
           Either
           God
           doth
           not
           give
           men
           what
           he
           Promises
           ,
           or
           they
           do
           not
           ask
           as
           they
           ought
           to
           do
           ,
           who
           shall
           receive
           .
           Some
           fault
           there
           is
           ,
           either
           in
           God's
           Faithfulness
           ,
           or
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           which
           renders
           them
           so
           unsuccessful
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           so
           often
           bring
           down
           nothing
           to
           us
           ,
           where
           they
           are
           promised
           all
           .
        
         
           And
           in
           this
           Competition
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           easie
           thing
           to
           Apologize
           for
           my
           Maker
           ,
           and
           to
           assert
           the
           Honour
           of
           his
           truth
           ,
           and
           Faithfulness
           in
           this
           business
           .
           He
           is
           always
           as
           good
           as
           his
           word
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           willing
           ,
           but
           forward
           to
           give
           all
           ;
           Nay
           ,
           
           more
           than
           he
           has
           promised
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           but
           take
           care
           to
           ask
           as
           he
           requires
           .
           But
           all
           the
           hindrance
           lies
           in
           our
           own
           selves
           .
           We
           do
           not
           ask
           like
           men
           who
           would
           obtain
           ;
           we
           do
           not
           sue
           for
           Pardon
           ,
           as
           he
           will
           bestow
           it
           ;
           nor
           pray
           for
           Grace
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           desired
           it
           ,
           or
           had
           a
           mind
           to
           make
           any
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           therefore
           after
           all
           our
           Prayers
           for
           God's
           Supplies
           ,
           we
           are
           still
           as
           indigent
           as
           we
           were
           before
           ;
           
             Ye
             ask
             and
             receive
             not
          
           ,
           says
           St.
           
             James
             ,
             Ye
             desire
             and
             cannot
             obtain
             ,
             because
             you
             ask
             amiss
             ,
          
           Jam.
           4.2
           ,
           3.
           
           Whereas
           would
           we
           ask
           things
           ,
           in
           such
           wise
           as
           God
           has
           promised
           to
           grant
           them
           ;
           and
           seek
           them
           upon
           such
           terms
           ,
           as
           he
           has
           offer'd
           to
           bestow
           them
           .
           Would
           we
           ask
           for
           Pardon
           of
           our
           sins
           ,
           only
           in
           repenting
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           forsaking
           them
           ;
           and
           for
           Grace
           and
           Vertue
           ,
           in
           the
           use
           of
           good
           and
           wise
           Endeavours
           after
           them
           ;
           t
           is
           certain
           ,
           we
           should
           not
           go
           without
           them
           .
           Ask
           ,
           says
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             it
             shall
             be
             given
             you
             ;
             for
             every
             one
             that
             asketh
          
           in
           this
           wise
           receiveth
           .
        
         
           To
           make
           my
           Discourse
           upon
           this
           subject
           as
           useful
           as
           I
           can
           ,
           I
           shall
           enquire
           into
           these
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           
             First
             ,
             Upon
             what
             terms
             we
             are
             to
             pray
             for
             any
             of
             God's
             mercies
             .
             And
             when
             that
             is
             secured
             ,
          
           
             
             Secondly
             ,
             In
             what
             manner
             we
             ought
             to
             pray
             for
             them
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           I
           shall
           inquire
           upon
           what
           terms
           we
           are
           to
           pray
           for
           any
           of
           God's
           mercies
           ;
           and
           under
           what
           Conditions
           we
           must
           hope
           to
           receive
           them
           .
           God's
           Promises
           run
           upon
           Conditions
           ,
           he
           engages
           to
           bestow
           Benefits
           when
           we
           perform
           Duties
           ,
           and
           offers
           the
           reward
           ,
           after
           we
           have
           done
           the
           Service
           .
           And
           now
           what
           God
           promises
           only
           conditionally
           ,
           we
           must
           not
           ask
           absolutely
           ;
           we
           must
           not
           expect
           that
           he
           will
           give
           ,
           till
           we
           come
           duly
           qualified
           ,
           and
           fitted
           to
           receive
           ;
           we
           must
           seek
           his
           Mercies
           on
           his
           own
           terms
           ;
           and
           ask
           them
           only
           in
           such
           wise
           as
           he
           has
           undertaken
           to
           bestow
           them
           .
           And
           this
           is
           that
           rule
           which
           St.
           John
           prescribes
           to
           us
           ,
           which
           he
           makes
           the
           great
           Condition
           of
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           and
           the
           measure
           of
           our
           Expectations
           .
           This
           ,
           says
           he
           ,
           
             is
             the
             confidence
             which
             we
             have
             in
             him
             ,
             that
             if
             we
             ask
             any
             thing
             according
             to
             his
             will
             ,
             he
             heareth
             us
             ,
          
           1
           Joh.
           5.14
           .
        
         
           To
           know
           then
           when
           we
           ask
           any
           thing
           upon
           God's
           own
           terms
           ,
           and
           sue
           for
           Mercies
           in
           such
           sort
           ,
           as
           he
           has
           promised
           to
           bestow
           them
           ;
           we
           must
           enquire
           what
           his
           Will
           is
           concerning
           any
           thing
           which
           
           we
           ask
           for
           ,
           or
           upon
           what
           terms
           he
           will
           give
           them
           ;
           and
           on
           what
           Conditions
           the
           Gospel
           bids
           us
           hope
           to
           receive
           them
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           come
           duely
           prepared
           therewith
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           sure
           upon
           our
           Prayers
           to
           receive
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           that
           Condition
           whereupon
           God
           has
           promised
           to
           forgive
           us
           any
           wilful
           Sin
           ,
           
             i.
             e.
          
           any
           Sin
           against
           our
           own
           knowledge
           ,
           or
           against
           the
           Checks
           and
           Warnings
           of
           our
           own
           Minds
           and
           Consciences
           ,
           is
           our
           sincere
           Repentance
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           Care
           to
           amend
           and
           forsake
           it
           .
           And
           that
           Condition
           ,
           whereupon
           he
           has
           promis'd
           to
           bestow
           upon
           us
           any
           Vertue
           ,
           is
           our
           own
           serious
           and
           diligent
           seeking
           ,
           and
           endeavouring
           after
           it
           .
           And
           that
           Condition
           whereupon
           he
           has
           promised
           ,
           to
           confer
           upon
           us
           any
           gracious
           Assistances
           of
           his
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           is
           so
           far
           forth
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           honestly
           prepared
           to
           use
           them
           ;
           and
           carefully
           co-operate
           our selves
           ,
           and
           concurr
           therewith
           ;
           and
           that
           Condition
           whereupon
           he
           has
           engaged
           to
           give
           us
           health
           ,
           or
           ease
           ,
           or
           safety
           ,
           or
           any
           outward
           Blessings
           ,
           when
           we
           seek
           and
           labour
           after
           them
           ,
           is
           so
           far
           forth
           as
           in
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           his
           All-seeing
           Providence
           ,
           he
           sees
           them
           fitting
           for
           us
           ;
           or
           conducing
           to
           the
           advantage
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           benefits
           of
           
           others
           .
           Upon
           these
           terms
           God
           has
           promised
           to
           bestow
           these
           Mercies
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           have
           them
           to
           shew
           ,
           when
           we
           pray
           ,
           our
           Prayers
           shall
           certainly
           procure
           them
           ;
           but
           if
           we
           are
           void
           of
           them
           ,
           our
           Prayers
           can
           have
           no
           such
           effect
           ;
           but
           after
           all
           we
           shall
           still
           be
           unrelieved
           and
           go
           without
           them
           .
           We
           ask
           what
           God
           is
           resolved
           not
           to
           grant
           ,
           and
           seek
           what
           he
           has
           declared
           ,
           we
           shall
           never
           find
           ;
           and
           such
           Petitions
           can
           never
           take
           effect
           ,
           but
           must
           needs
           be
           unsuccessful
           .
           If
           we
           ask
           his
           Pardon
           for
           any
           Sin
           ,
           whilst
           we
           impenitently
           go
           on
           therein
           ,
           and
           continue
           to
           repeat
           the
           same
           ;
           he
           tells
           us
           plainly
           ,
           if
           we
           will
           believe
           him
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           pardon'd
           ,
           but
           that
           
             except
             we
             repent
             we
             shall
             surely
             perish
             .
          
           If
           we
           beg
           his
           Grace
           whilst
           we
           never
           use
           it
           ,
           nor
           endeavour
           after
           those
           Vertues
           which
           we
           pray
           for
           ;
           he
           assures
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           be
           so
           far
           from
           being
           intrusted
           with
           more
           Grace
           ;
           that
           we
           shall
           lose
           what
           we
           have
           received
           already
           ,
           and
           that
           
             from
             him
             that
             hath
             not
             ,
             shall
             be
             taken
             even
             that
             which
             he
             hath
          
           ;
           these
           Prayers
           being
           altogether
           against
           his
           Will
           ,
           and
           contrary
           to
           the
           Declarations
           of
           his
           Gospel
           ;
           they
           cannot
           be
           heard
           unless
           God
           should
           change
           his
           mind
           ,
           and
           give
           us
           a
           new
           Religion
           ,
           and
           other
           ways
           of
           obtaining
           his
           favour
           ,
           
           than
           those
           which
           we
           have
           received
           already
           .
        
         
           But
           in
           Matters
           of
           this
           moment
           to
           be
           more
           particular
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           As
           for
           pardon
           of
           our
           Sins
           ,
           God
           will
           not
           grant
           that
           ,
           till
           we
           repent
           of
           them
           and
           forsake
           them
           ;
           so
           that
           whensoever
           we
           ask
           Pardon
           of
           them
           ,
           we
           must
           for
           ever
           renounce
           them
           ,
           and
           bid
           adieu
           to
           them
           ;
           or
           else
           according
           to
           those
           terms
           of
           Mercy
           Christ
           has
           purchased
           for
           us
           ,
           we
           cannot
           hope
           to
           be
           forgiven
           .
           
             When
             the
             wicked
             man
             forsakes
             his
             way
             ,
          
           says
           God
           by
           Ezekiel
           ,
           and
           
             turns
             from
             the
             wickedness
             he
             hath
             committed
             ,
             and
             doth
             that
             which
             is
             lawful
             and
             right
             ;
             he
             shall
             save
             his
             soul
             alive
             ;
             he
             shall
             surely
             live
             ,
             and
             not
             die
             ,
          
           Ezek.
           18.27
           ,
           28.
           
           Repent
           ,
           says
           St.
           
             Peter
             ,
             and
             be
             converted
             ,
             that
             your
             sins
             may
             be
             blotted
             out
             .
          
           Act.
           3.19
           .
           
             But
             except
             you
             repent
          
           ,
           says
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             you
             shall
             all
             perish
          
           ,
           Luk.
           13.3
           .
        
         
           Thus
           is
           sincere
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           forsaking
           sin
           made
           the
           great
           Condition
           of
           the
           Forgiveness
           of
           it
           .
           And
           therefore
           if
           any
           man
           would
           pray
           for
           the
           Pardon
           of
           his
           sins
           ,
           according
           as
           the
           same
           is
           promised
           by
           God
           ,
           and
           is
           to
           be
           expected
           by
           us
           ,
           he
           must
           first
           renounce
           the
           Sin
           ,
           which
           he
           desires
           God
           to
           pardon
           ,
           and
           pray
           for
           
           the
           Forgiveness
           of
           it
           ,
           with
           true
           penitential
           Purposes
           and
           Engagements
           ,
           and
           change
           of
           mind
           and
           practice
           ;
           he
           must
           not
           lye
           labouring
           at
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           think
           to
           weary
           God
           with
           importunate
           intreaties
           ,
           to
           pardon
           him
           without
           more
           ado
           ,
           and
           to
           forgive
           him
           his
           Sin
           ,
           whilst
           he
           continues
           unreclaimed
           from
           it
           .
           He
           must
           not
           pray
           against
           a
           dreadful
           Punishment
           ,
           whilst
           he
           continues
           in
           a
           wicked
           Practice
           ;
           and
           seek
           to
           appease
           God
           ,
           before
           he
           has
           reform'd
           himself
           .
           No
           he
           must
           fit
           himself
           for
           the
           favour
           before
           he
           ask
           it
           ;
           he
           must
           first
           repent
           and
           amend
           ,
           and
           then
           let
           him
           in
           his
           Prayers
           profess
           he
           doth
           ,
           and
           upon
           these
           Petitions
           he
           shall
           be
           pardon'd
           .
           And
           upon
           these
           terms
           we
           are
           taught
           to
           beg
           pardon
           in
           our
           publick
           Prayers
           ;
           concerning
           which
           I
           must
           profess
           from
           my
           own
           Experience
           ;
           that
           the
           more
           I
           understand
           of
           my
           Religion
           ,
           and
           the
           further
           I
           consider
           them
           ;
           the
           more
           cause
           I
           see
           ,
           as
           for
           the
           Body
           of
           them
           ,
           most
           thankfully
           to
           admire
           and
           approve
           of
           them
           .
           And
           in
           them
           when
           we
           are
           exhorted
           to
           
             confess
             our
             sins
             ,
             to
             the
             end
             that
             we
             may
             obtain
             forgiveness
             of
             the
             same
             ,
          
           we
           are
           taught
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           
             with
             a
             penitent
             and
             obedient
             heart
          
           ;
           and
           again
           when
           after
           the
           Confession
           of
           
           our
           faults
           ,
           we
           come
           to
           sue
           for
           favour
           ,
           we
           do
           it
           only
           in
           confidence
           of
           this
           Profession
           of
           Repentance
           ,
           desiring
           God
           that
           he
           would
           
             restore
             them
             that
             are
             penitent
          
           .
           And
           when
           afterwards
           we
           come
           to
           hear
           the
           comfortable
           words
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           absolution
           of
           the
           Minister
           ,
           we
           are
           told
           only
           of
           his
           
             absolving
             those
             that
             truly
             repent
          
           ;
           and
           of
           his
           pardoning
           such
           as
           turn
           away
           from
           Sin.
           This
           I
           have
           noted
           for
           this
           end
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           understand
           our
           own
           Devotions
           ,
           and
           come
           to
           them
           prepared
           ,
           with
           that
           full
           Purpose
           of
           reforming
           and
           change
           of
           heart
           ,
           which
           is
           absolutely
           necessary
           for
           the
           acceptance
           of
           them
           .
           And
           when
           we
           pray
           thus
           ,
           and
           with
           penitent
           hearts
           ask
           for
           God's
           Pardon
           ,
           he
           will
           be
           sure
           to
           grant
           it
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           not
           miss
           of
           the
           Mercy
           and
           Forgiveness
           which
           we
           pray
           for
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           As
           for
           the
           Assistance
           of
           God's
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           he
           has
           no
           where
           promised
           to
           grant
           it
           ,
           nor
           have
           we
           any
           ground
           to
           expect
           it
           ,
           unless
           we
           are
           honestly
           prepar'd
           to
           make
           a
           good
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           carefully
           to
           co-operate
           our selves
           and
           concurr
           with
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           for
           any
           gracious
           Tempers
           ,
           and
           virtuous
           Dispositions
           ,
           he
           has
           not
           promised
           to
           give
           ,
           nor
           must
           we
           hope
           to
           receive
           
           them
           ,
           unless
           we
           our selves
           do
           seriously
           and
           diligently
           seek
           and
           endeavour
           after
           them
           .
           So
           that
           whensoever
           we
           ask
           for
           the
           help
           of
           God's
           Grace
           ,
           or
           for
           any
           holy
           Dispositions
           or
           Vertues
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           in
           the
           honest
           use
           of
           our
           own
           Industry
           and
           good
           Endeavours
           .
           God
           will
           not
           bestow
           new
           Grace
           upon
           us
           ,
           till
           he
           sees
           that
           we
           have
           made
           a
           good
           use
           of
           what
           he
           has
           bestowed
           already
           :
           and
           we
           must
           improve
           the
           Talents
           which
           formerly
           were
           intrusted
           with
           us
           ,
           before
           he
           will
           think
           us
           duly
           qualified
           to
           receive
           more
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           told
           in
           the
           Parable
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           had
           received
           the
           Talents
           ,
           Matt.
           25.
           
           For
           this
           is
           the
           rule
           of
           God's
           Dispensation
           ;
           
             unto
             every
             one
             that
             hath
             ,
             i.
             e.
          
           hath
           made
           good
           use
           and
           improvement
           of
           what
           he
           had
           committed
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           the
           good
           Servant
           had
           done
           ,
           Ver.
           20.22
           .
           shall
           more
           
             be
             given
             ,
             and
             he
             shall
             have
             abundance
             :
             but
             from
             him
             that
             hath
             not
          
           ;
           i.
           e.
           hath
           not
           been
           careful
           to
           use
           and
           improve
           the
           same
           ,
           as
           the
           
             wicked
             servant
          
           had
           not
           done
           ,
           who
           
             went
             and
             hid
             it
          
           ,
           Ver.
           25.
           
             from
             him
             shall
             be
             taken
             even
             that
             which
             he
             hath
             ,
          
           Ver.
           29.
           
        
         
           As
           for
           those
           Prayers
           then
           which
           God
           will
           answer
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           for
           pardon
           of
           Sins
           ,
           or
           for
           Grace
           and
           vertuous
           Dispositions
           ,
           
           they
           must
           be
           sincerely
           penitent
           and
           industrious
           .
           God
           has
           promised
           no
           Pardon
           but
           upon
           true
           Repentance
           ,
           nor
           any
           saving
           helps
           and
           assistances
           of
           his
           Spirit
           or
           vertuous
           Tempers
           ,
           but
           upon
           our
           honest
           Industry
           ▪
           and
           good
           Endeavours
           .
           And
           therefore
           if
           we
           would
           ask
           these
           Mercies
           as
           God
           has
           promised
           to
           grant
           them
           ,
           and
           as
           the
           Gospel
           bids
           us
           hope
           to
           receive
           them
           ,
           we
           must
           pray
           for
           Forgiveness
           with
           true
           Repentance
           ;
           and
           for
           God's
           Grace
           with
           sincere
           Purposes
           to
           make
           good
           use
           thereof
           ;
           and
           for
           any
           vertuous
           Tempers
           ,
           with
           a
           Preparation
           to
           take
           pains
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           seriously
           ,
           and
           carefully
           to
           endeavour
           afterwards
           to
           acquire
           the
           Vertue
           which
           we
           have
           prayed
           to
           God
           for
           .
           An
           impenitent
           mans
           Prayer
           for
           the
           pardon
           of
           his
           Sins
           ,
           will
           be
           of
           no
           avail
           with
           God
           ;
           for
           he
           will
           not
           forgive
           us
           our
           Sins
           ,
           whilst
           we
           go
           on
           in
           them
           .
           And
           an
           idle
           unworking
           persons
           Prayer
           for
           any
           particular
           Grace
           or
           Vertue
           ,
           is
           offensive
           to
           him
           .
           The
           only
           Prayers
           which
           he
           hears
           for
           these
           things
           ,
           are
           the
           Prayers
           of
           sincerely
           ,
           penitent
           and
           industrious
           ;
           and
           if
           our
           Prayers
           are
           qualified
           thus
           ,
           they
           are
           such
           as
           he
           will
           own
           ,
           and
           as
           he
           has
           bound
           himself
           ,
           in
           Truth
           and
           Faithfulness
           ,
           he
           will
           most
           certainly
           
           answer
           and
           reward
           them
           .
           And
           then
           ,
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           As
           for
           the
           Third
           sort
           of
           things
           ,
           which
           men
           are
           wont
           to
           pray
           for
           ,
           viz.
           Health
           ,
           or
           Sustenance
           ,
           or
           Safety
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           outward
           Blessings
           ;
           God
           expects
           in
           his
           Gift
           of
           these
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           shew'd
           he
           does
           in
           his
           Gifts
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           Holy
           and
           vertuous
           Dispositions
           ,
           that
           they
           themselves
           should
           labour
           after
           them
           ;
           and
           be
           diligent
           in
           the
           use
           of
           wise
           and
           due
           means
           to
           attain
           them
           ;
           it
           not
           being
           his
           way
           to
           heal
           or
           feed
           ,
           or
           secure
           men
           by
           Miracle
           ,
           but
           only
           by
           Blessing
           their
           own
           care
           and
           pains
           in
           pursuit
           of
           these
           Mercies
           .
           And
           much
           more
           doth
           he
           expect
           ,
           both
           in
           spiritual
           and
           temporal
           Blessings
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           not
           take
           any
           Courses
           ,
           which
           are
           directly
           contrary
           to
           them
           .
           When
           they
           pray
           for
           Deliverance
           from
           any
           Sin
           ,
           they
           must
           not
           put
           themselves
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Temptations
           ,
           which
           are
           still
           apt
           to
           make
           them
           to
           fall
           into
           it
           :
           when
           they
           pray
           to
           God
           for
           Health
           ,
           they
           must
           not
           put
           it
           away
           from
           themselves
           by
           Intemperance
           ;
           or
           by
           any
           gross
           neglects
           ,
           or
           abuse
           of
           their
           own
           Bodies
           ?
           When
           they
           pray
           to
           him
           ,
           to
           secure
           the
           Church
           or
           our
           Holy
           Religion
           ;
           they
           must
           not
           put
           a
           stop
           to
           their
           own
           Prayers
           ,
           by
           seeking
           a
           security
           from
           
           Sin
           ,
           or
           by
           an
           unwise
           Compliance
           with
           any
           other
           methods
           ,
           which
           are
           liker
           to
           destroy
           ,
           than
           to
           secure
           the
           same
           .
           If
           we
           expect
           that
           he
           should
           hear
           and
           further
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           we
           must
           shew
           first
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           in
           earnest
           with
           him
           ,
           by
           furthering
           them
           ourselves
           ;
           and
           not
           falling
           to
           such
           Courses
           as
           directly
           overthrow
           our
           own
           Petitions
           .
        
         
           And
           when
           we
           do
           thus
           wisely
           endeavour
           after
           any
           outward
           things
           ,
           God
           has
           no
           where
           promised
           to
           grant
           them
           ,
           nor
           may
           we
           hope
           to
           receive
           them
           ,
           further
           than
           in
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           his
           All-seeing
           Providence
           ,
           he
           sees
           them
           fit
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           conducing
           to
           the
           benefit
           and
           advantage
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           good
           of
           others
           .
           So
           that
           whensoever
           we
           ask
           them
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           with
           this
           reserve
           ,
           if
           in
           his
           Wisdom
           he
           sees
           it
           fitting
           .
        
         
           In
           spiritual
           Mercies
           ,
           we
           are
           sure
           of
           the
           Grace
           or
           Vertue
           we
           desire
           ,
           if
           we
           come
           duly
           prepared
           to
           receive
           them
           .
           But
           in
           temporal
           ;
           the
           having
           ,
           or
           not
           having
           of
           what
           we
           ask
           is
           uncertain
           ,
           and
           always
           depends
           on
           this
           ;
           if
           God
           in
           his
           Wisdom
           sees
           it
           fit
           ,
           we
           should
           have
           them
           .
           Sometimes
           outward
           Blessings
           ,
           whether
           of
           Health
           ,
           or
           Ease
           ,
           or
           Plenty
           ,
           are
           not
           fit
           for
           us
           ,
           but
           would
           turn
           in
           the
           end
           by
           far
           
           more
           to
           our
           hurt
           than
           to
           our
           advantage
           .
           They
           would
           carnalize
           our
           Souls
           ,
           and
           render
           us
           sensual
           and
           earthly
           minded
           ,
           proud
           and
           insolent
           ;
           they
           would
           make
           us
           forget
           God
           ,
           and
           sleight
           his
           Service
           ,
           affront
           those
           who
           are
           placed
           above
           ,
           and
           oppress
           such
           as
           he
           has
           set
           below
           us
           .
           Prosperity
           is
           a
           state
           of
           great
           danger
           to
           mens
           Souls
           ,
           it
           exposes
           them
           to
           many
           Vices
           ,
           and
           puts
           them
           under
           a
           number
           of
           Temptations
           to
           several
           instances
           of
           Disobedience
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           for
           the
           Concern
           of
           every
           one
           who
           has
           pious
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           prudent
           Care
           enough
           ;
           to
           avoid
           being
           insnared
           by
           it
           .
           
             The
             prosperity
             of
             fools
          
           ,
           say
           Solomon
           instead
           of
           being
           a
           Blessing
           to
           them
           ;
           doth
           destroy
           them
           ,
           Prov.
           1.32
           .
           
             When
             Jesuron
             waxed
             fat
          
           ,
           saith
           
             Moses
             ,
             he
             kicked
             against
             him
             who
             made
             him
             so
             ;
             when
             he
             was
             grown
             thick
             and
             covered
             with
             fatness
             ,
             then
             he
             forsook
             God
             that
             made
             him
             ,
             and
             lightly
             esteemed
             the
             rock
             of
             his
             salvation
             ,
          
           Deut.
           32.15
           .
           There
           are
           but
           few
           minds
           ,
           that
           can
           grapple
           with
           the
           Temptations
           ,
           which
           are
           still
           solliciting
           persons
           in
           wealth
           and
           honours
           ,
           pleasures
           ,
           and
           affluence
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           generally
           lead
           away
           into
           several
           Sins
           ,
           and
           overcome
           by
           them
           .
           And
           I
           doubt
           not
           but
           that
           several
           persons
           ,
           whose
           Souls
           have
           utterly
           miscarried
           in
           a
           prosperous
           ,
           
           might
           have
           done
           well
           ,
           and
           have
           gone
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           had
           it
           pleased
           God
           to
           have
           visited
           them
           more
           frequently
           in
           Crosses
           ;
           and
           to
           have
           kept
           them
           under
           the
           most
           gracious
           and
           wholesome
           Discipline
           ,
           of
           a
           troubled
           and
           afflicted
           state
           of
           things
           .
        
         
           Outward
           Mercies
           then
           are
           not
           always
           fit
           for
           us
           ,
           but
           would
           often
           prove
           a
           snare
           ,
           and
           a
           most
           dangerous
           Temptation
           to
           us
           .
           And
           when
           they
           would
           do
           so
           ,
           they
           are
           neither
           fit
           for
           us
           to
           ask
           ,
           nor
           so
           long
           as
           he
           retains
           any
           love
           and
           kindness
           for
           us
           ,
           for
           God
           to
           grant
           us
           .
           They
           are
           no
           fit
           matter
           in
           this
           case
           for
           God
           to
           promise
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           no
           fit
           subject
           ,
           wherein
           we
           are
           to
           hope
           he
           always
           should
           perform
           .
        
         
           Again
           at
           other
           times
           outward
           Blessings
           are
           denied
           ;
           tho'
           not
           so
           much
           for
           our
           own
           sakes
           ,
           yet
           for
           the
           good
           of
           others
           ,
           and
           the
           advantage
           of
           the
           World.
           Oft-times
           God
           sees
           it
           necessary
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           set
           out
           some
           examples
           of
           Content
           ,
           and
           instances
           of
           Patience
           ;
           that
           men
           may
           see
           both
           what
           they
           ought
           to
           follow
           ,
           and
           how
           they
           may
           be
           able
           to
           perform
           it
           .
           And
           so
           never
           be
           discouraged
           with
           desponding
           thoughts
           of
           their
           being
           unable
           to
           bear
           those
           things
           with
           Patience
           ,
           if
           they
           should
           be
           call'd
           to
           it
           ,
           which
           they
           
           see
           are
           born
           by
           others
           like
           themselves
           with
           Patience
           every
           day
           .
           Example
           is
           a
           great
           Encouragement
           to
           action
           ,
           it
           shews
           that
           a
           thing
           is
           feasible
           ,
           and
           strangely
           animates
           any
           gallant
           mind
           ,
           with
           undaunted
           Courage
           ,
           and
           great
           Confidence
           of
           Resolution
           ,
           to
           pass
           through
           those
           Difficulties
           ,
           which
           they
           see
           Time
           and
           Patience
           ,
           will
           overcome
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           good
           and
           honourable
           things
           .
           And
           thus
           God
           set
           out
           Job
           and
           David
           ,
           and
           abundance
           of
           Prophets
           ,
           and
           righteous
           men
           in
           the
           Old
           Testament
           ;
           and
           our
           Saviour
           in
           the
           New
           set
           out
           himself
           ,
           and
           his
           Holy
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           generally
           the
           whole
           Body
           of
           Christians
           in
           the
           first
           Ages
           ,
           and
           great
           numbers
           in
           all
           Ages
           ever
           since
           ;
           to
           be
           Patterns
           of
           meekness
           in
           afflictions
           unto
           others
           ;
           and
           to
           shew
           men
           what
           it
           is
           to
           bear
           hard
           things
           with
           Patience
           ;
           and
           to
           submit
           to
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           own
           his
           mercy
           and
           goodness
           ;
           in
           all
           his
           Disposals
           and
           Administrations
           of
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           So
           that
           even
           when
           outward
           Blessings
           and
           Enjoyments
           might
           be
           trusted
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           would
           be
           no
           ways
           prejudicial
           to
           us
           in
           our
           own
           Persons
           ;
           yet
           doth
           God
           in
           his
           good
           Providence
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           take
           Care
           ,
           not
           only
           of
           us
           ,
           but
           of
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           see
           fit
           many
           times
           to
           deprive
           us
           of
           them
           ,
           
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           others
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           be
           examples
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           may
           learn
           from
           our
           Sufferings
           ,
           and
           our
           meek
           Carriage
           under
           the
           same
           ,
           both
           to
           be
           thankful
           for
           their
           own
           Blessings
           ,
           whilst
           we
           want
           ,
           and
           they
           enjoy
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           ready
           to
           part
           with
           them
           with
           Patience
           at
           an
           evil
           day
           .
        
         
           And
           since
           God
           will
           not
           bestow
           upon
           us
           outward
           Blessings
           ,
           when
           either
           they
           are
           unfit
           for
           our selves
           ,
           or
           when
           he
           sees
           it
           proper
           to
           deprive
           us
           of
           them
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           others
           :
           whensoever
           these
           Cases
           happen
           we
           must
           not
           expect
           them
           .
           And
           because
           when
           this
           would
           be
           ,
           God
           only
           knows
           but
           we
           are
           ignorant
           :
           whensoever
           we
           ask
           any
           outward
           things
           ,
           we
           must
           do
           it
           with
           Submission
           ,
           and
           under
           this
           conditional
           Reserve
           ,
           if
           he
           sees
           them
           fitting
           and
           convenient
           ,
           and
           leave
           the
           Determination
           to
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           his
           unerring
           Judgment
           .
           And
           in
           this
           way
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           hath
           lead
           us
           ,
           in
           the
           highest
           instance
           of
           this
           sort
           of
           Prayers
           ;
           when
           he
           prayed
           against
           all
           the
           pains
           and
           horrors
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           Father
           says
           he
           ,
           
             if
             it
             be
             possible
             let
             this
             bitter
             cup
             pass
             from
             me
             ,
             nevertheless
             ,
          
           I
           determine
           nothing
           ,
           but
           refer
           all
           to
           thy
           unerring
           Wisdom
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           
             not
             my
             will
             but
             thine
             be
             done
             ,
          
           Matt.
           26.39
           .
        
         
         
           Thus
           then
           we
           see
           when
           God
           will
           grant
           us
           any
           outward
           Blessings
           ,
           such
           as
           Health
           ,
           or
           Ease
           ,
           or
           Plenty
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           ,
           when
           we
           ask
           them
           for
           our selves
           .
           And
           the
           same
           return
           will
           he
           make
           to
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           when
           we
           pray
           for
           Peace
           or
           Prosperity
           ,
           or
           other
           outward
           Blessings
           for
           the
           publick
           also
           .
           For
           if
           a
           Nation
           is
           just
           and
           fears
           God
           ,
           and
           is
           fit
           to
           be
           prosper'd
           ;
           and
           if
           it
           would
           not
           abuse
           it
           ,
           but
           serve
           God
           more
           thereby
           ;
           so
           that
           it
           would
           be
           no
           ways
           hurtful
           to
           themselves
           ;
           or
           if
           the
           open
           scandal
           of
           their
           Sins
           do
           not
           call
           for
           Justice
           ,
           and
           require
           that
           they
           be
           made
           an
           example
           unto
           others
           ;
           and
           if
           it
           is
           otherwise
           agreeable
           and
           consistent
           with
           the
           wise
           Ends
           of
           God's
           good
           Providence
           ,
           and
           his
           Care
           of
           others
           ;
           he
           will
           give
           this
           outward
           Prosperity
           to
           a
           People
           ,
           that
           earnestly
           begs
           and
           prays
           for
           it
           ,
           and
           carefully
           and
           wisely
           seeks
           it
           ,
           and
           endeavours
           after
           it
           .
           But
           if
           their
           Sins
           call
           for
           Scourges
           ;
           if
           by
           Prosperity
           they
           would
           justifie
           and
           harden
           themselves
           the
           more
           in
           their
           iniquities
           ,
           and
           grow
           wanton
           and
           bold
           in
           sin
           ,
           and
           make
           use
           thereof
           ,
           only
           to
           make
           more
           Provision
           for
           their
           Lusts
           ;
           if
           they
           have
           greatly
           dishonoured
           and
           offended
           God
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           humbled
           for
           the
           things
           that
           provoke
           him
           ;
           if
           they
           have
           hardned
           themselves
           against
           all
           other
           
           means
           of
           God's
           Providence
           ,
           turning
           his
           Grace
           into
           wantonness
           ,
           and
           his
           bounty
           and
           forbearance
           into
           an
           occasion
           of
           greater
           Sinfulness
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           to
           be
           reclaimed
           ,
           but
           by
           Chastisements
           and
           severe
           inflictions
           ;
           or
           if
           there
           be
           a
           necessity
           in
           the
           Course
           of
           God's
           Government
           to
           make
           them
           an
           example
           for
           the
           terror
           of
           others
           ;
           or
           if
           any
           other
           ways
           it
           would
           make
           against
           the
           wise
           ends
           of
           God's
           most
           Holy
           and
           good
           Providence
           ,
           then
           he
           will
           hold
           his
           hand
           ;
           and
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           earnest
           ,
           importunate
           ,
           and
           incessant
           Prayers
           that
           are
           made
           for
           the
           same
           ,
           refuse
           to
           bestow
           it
           on
           them
           .
           So
           that
           in
           asking
           outward
           Blessings
           for
           the
           publick
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           for
           our
           private
           Concerns
           ;
           for
           the
           Kingdom
           we
           are
           of
           as
           well
           as
           for
           our selves
           ;
           we
           must
           always
           have
           this
           conditional
           reserve
           ,
           if
           God
           sees
           them
           fitting
           ,
           and
           refer
           themselves
           to
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           whether
           he
           see
           convenient
           to
           grant
           them
           at
           our
           Prayers
           or
           no.
           
        
         
           And
           thus
           it
           appears
           ,
           upon
           what
           Terms
           we
           are
           to
           pray
           for
           any
           of
           God's
           Mercies
           ,
           whether
           spiritual
           or
           temporal
           ;
           whether
           relating
           to
           this
           life
           ,
           or
           to
           that
           which
           is
           to
           come
           .
           If
           we
           beg
           Pardon
           for
           our
           sins
           ,
           we
           must
           ask
           it
           with
           true
           Repentance
           and
           forsaking
           of
           them
           .
           If
           we
           desire
           Grace
           it
           must
           be
           with
           a
           full
           Purpose
           
           to
           make
           a
           good
           use
           thereof
           and
           if
           we
           desire
           any
           Virtues
           and
           holy
           Dispositions
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           with
           a
           Preparation
           of
           mind
           diligently
           to
           use
           the
           means
           ,
           and
           to
           put
           forth
           our
           best
           Endeavours
           to
           attain
           them
           .
           And
           if
           we
           pray
           for
           any
           outward
           worldly
           thing
           ,
           whether
           for
           our selves
           or
           others
           ,
           besides
           our
           labouring
           after
           the
           same
           in
           wise
           ways
           ,
           we
           must
           expect
           no
           issue
           but
           with
           this
           reserve
           ,
           if
           God
           sees
           them
           fitting
           ,
           and
           then
           acquiesce
           in
           the
           Determination
           of
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           whether
           he
           see
           fit
           to
           hear
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           by
           granting
           of
           the
           same
           or
           no.
           
        
         
           And
           thus
           having
           shewed
           ,
           upon
           what
           Terms
           we
           are
           to
           pray
           for
           any
           of
           God's
           Mercies
           ,
           whether
           spiritual
           or
           temporal
           ,
           relating
           to
           this
           life
           or
           the
           next
           ;
           I
           proceed
           now
           ,
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           To
           shew
           in
           what
           manner
           we
           ought
           to
           pray
           for
           them
           .
           When
           we
           come
           to
           pay
           our
           Homage
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           our
           suit
           to
           Almighty
           God
           ;
           we
           must
           be
           careful
           of
           our
           Carriage
           ,
           that
           it
           shew
           nothing
           of
           disrespect
           ,
           or
           a
           careless
           regard
           ,
           either
           of
           him
           ,
           or
           of
           those
           Mercies
           which
           we
           come
           to
           desire
           at
           his
           hands
           .
           
             God
             will
             be
             honoured
             in
             them
             that
             come
             near
             him
          
           ;
           he
           expects
           they
           should
           treat
           him
           ,
           with
           that
           awe
           and
           reverence
           ,
           that
           humble
           Decency
           ;
           and
           dutiful
           Submission
           of
           
           mind
           ,
           which
           becomes
           them
           towards
           their
           Maker
           and
           Benefactor
           ,
           their
           supream
           Lord
           and
           Sovereign
           .
           And
           all
           this
           awe
           and
           reverence
           ,
           this
           Honour
           and
           humble
           Respect
           ,
           must
           not
           only
           be
           inwardly
           in
           their
           minds
           ,
           but
           in
           their
           outward
           Carriage
           and
           Behaviour
           also
           .
           They
           must
           use
           such
           visible
           Indications
           as
           are
           known
           marks
           of
           Honour
           ,
           and
           express
           their
           respect
           to
           God
           by
           such
           dutiful
           and
           decent
           Carriage
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           wont
           to
           use
           towards
           their
           Governours
           ,
           or
           towards
           one
           another
           .
           And
           this
           way
           of
           expressing
           their
           Honour
           and
           Respect
           to
           him
           ,
           by
           such
           allow'd
           Indications
           of
           it
           as
           are
           signs
           of
           Honour
           among
           themselves
           ,
           is
           what
           God
           himself
           appeals
           to
           ;
           and
           that
           whereby
           he
           goes
           about
           most
           convincingly
           to
           reprove
           the
           religious
           Rudeness
           ,
           and
           ill
           Manners
           of
           the
           Israelites
           ,
           Mal.
           1.
           
           For
           when
           they
           would
           pretend
           to
           honour
           God
           ,
           but
           yet
           would
           put
           him
           off
           with
           any
           thing
           ;
           when
           they
           would
           make
           shew
           of
           offering
           Sacrifice
           ,
           and
           giving
           Presents
           to
           him
           ,
           but
           yet
           make
           choice
           of
           such
           things
           to
           present
           as
           were
           not
           worth
           receiving
           ,
           offering
           to
           him
           as
           he
           Complains
           ,
           
             the
             blind
             ,
             the
             lame
             and
             the
             sick
          
           :
           He
           tells
           them
           plainly
           ,
           he
           resents
           the
           Indignity
           ,
           and
           sets
           them
           to
           consider
           whether
           it
           be
           any
           sign
           of
           Honour
           to
           make
           choice
           of
           
           such
           unmannerly
           ,
           mean
           ,
           and
           refuse
           things
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           to
           do
           with
           God
           ,
           as
           would
           pass
           for
           marks
           of
           Irreverence
           and
           Disesteem
           if
           they
           were
           used
           towards
           men
           .
           
             Offer
             such
             things
             as
             these
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           first
           ,
           
             to
             thy
             Governour
          
           ,
           and
           see
           whether
           
             he
             will
             be
             pleased
             with
             thee
             ;
             accept
             thy
             person
             ,
          
           for
           such
           a
           Present
           ;
           and
           if
           these
           Instances
           of
           ill
           Behaviour
           and
           rude
           Treatment
           ,
           would
           by
           no
           means
           please
           ,
           but
           highly
           provoke
           him
           ;
           think
           not
           to
           honour
           God
           by
           that
           ,
           which
           would
           vilifie
           and
           affront
           Men
           ,
           Verse
           8.
           
        
         
           But
           in
           this
           matter
           to
           be
           more
           particular
           ;
           if
           we
           would
           make
           our
           Prayers
           in
           Christ's
           Name
           in
           such
           manner
           ,
           as
           would
           become
           us
           to
           offer
           them
           ,
           and
           God
           to
           hear
           them
           ;
           we
           must
           put
           them
           up
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           With
           
             Reverence
             and
             Humility
          
           .
           When
           we
           pray
           to
           God
           ,
           we
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           we
           poor
           Worms
           are
           treating
           with
           our
           Maker
           ;
           that
           we
           most
           indigent
           and
           helpless
           Creatures
           are
           suing
           to
           our
           noblest
           Benefactor
           ;
           that
           we
           sinful
           Subjects
           are
           addressing
           our selves
           to
           the
           supream
           Lord
           and
           Sovereign
           of
           all
           the
           World.
           And
           when
           we
           have
           to
           do
           with
           a
           person
           so
           far
           above
           us
           ,
           so
           unmeasurably
           kind
           and
           beneficial
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           has
           so
           absolute
           Authority
           and
           Empire
           over
           us
           ;
           
           't
           is
           necessary
           that
           then
           if
           ever
           we
           be
           mindful
           of
           our
           distance
           ,
           and
           make
           our
           Application
           with
           that
           Lowliness
           of
           mind
           ,
           that
           decent
           humble
           Carriage
           ,
           and
           careful
           reverent
           Deportment
           ,
           as
           may
           plainly
           evidence
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           a
           just
           Honour
           and
           Veneration
           for
           the
           Majesty
           of
           that
           God
           ,
           whom
           we
           address
           our selves
           unto
           .
           And
           thus
           in
           all
           our
           Acts
           of
           Worship
           ,
           whether
           Prayers
           or
           Praises
           ,
           or
           hearing
           of
           God's
           word
           ,
           or
           other
           Acts
           of
           Religion
           ,
           whether
           in
           solemn
           Oaths
           ,
           sacred
           Hymns
           and
           Thanksgivings
           or
           the
           like
           ,
           we
           compose
           our selves
           as
           in
           God's
           Presence
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           behave
           our selves
           lightly
           and
           carelesly
           ,
           but
           with
           a
           visible
           seriousness
           and
           reverence
           of
           Soul
           :
           We
           uncover
           our
           Heads
           ,
           and
           compose
           our
           Countenances
           ,
           and
           use
           decent
           humble
           Postures
           ,
           such
           as
           kneeling
           ,
           bowing
           or
           standing
           ;
           and
           testifie
           in
           all
           our
           Deportment
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           concern'd
           with
           that
           God
           ,
           whom
           we
           can
           never
           Honour
           enough
           ,
           and
           whom
           we
           seek
           to
           evidence
           our
           respect
           unto
           ,
           by
           all
           the
           proper
           Signs
           ,
           and
           most
           suitable
           Indications
           ,
           whereby
           we
           are
           wont
           to
           express
           it
           towards
           men
           .
           This
           we
           are
           all
           prone
           to
           pay
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           fit
           we
           should
           ,
           to
           Persons
           that
           are
           placed
           above
           us
           ;
           and
           as
           forward
           generally
           to
           exact
           it
           ,
           of
           all
           such
           as
           are
           set
           below
           us
           .
        
         
         
           And
           since
           we
           thus
           expect
           it
           ,
           and
           are
           ashamed
           to
           neglect
           it
           towards
           one
           another
           ;
           with
           what
           face
           can
           we
           deny
           it
           towards
           God.
           But
           if
           at
           any
           time
           we
           do
           ,
           how
           justly
           may
           he
           take
           up
           that
           reproof
           against
           us
           ,
           which
           he
           did
           against
           the
           unmannerly
           ,
           and
           disrespectful
           
             Israelites
             ;
             offer
          
           this
           careless
           and
           unbecoming
           Carriage
           to
           thy
           Governour
           ,
           in
           any
           Honour
           which
           thou
           payest
           him
           ,
           and
           
             see
             whether
             he
             will
             be
             pleased
             with
             it
             ,
          
           and
           accept
           it
           of
           thee
           ,
           Mal.
           1.8
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           That
           our
           Prayers
           may
           be
           put
           up
           in
           such
           manner
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           fit
           for
           us
           to
           offer
           them
           ,
           or
           for
           God
           to
           hear
           them
           ,
           we
           must
           offer
           them
           up
           ,
           with
           
             due
             Fixedness
             and
             Attention
             of
             mind
             ,
          
           and
           
             fervency
             of
             affection
          
           .
        
         
           We
           must
           offer
           them
           up
           with
           a
           
             due
             Fixedness
             and
             Attention
             of
             mind
             .
          
           We
           must
           not
           draw
           near
           unto
           God
           with
           our
           lips
           ,
           when
           our
           hearts
           and
           minds
           are
           far
           from
           him
           :
           We
           must
           not
           utter
           words
           by
           rote
           ,
           or
           say
           our
           Prayers
           as
           Children
           are
           wont
           to
           Con
           a
           Lesson
           ,
           without
           any
           heed
           or
           Application
           of
           our
           minds
           to
           them
           ;
           but
           our
           thoughts
           must
           go
           along
           with
           our
           words
           ,
           and
           our
           minds
           must
           be
           intent
           ,
           and
           set
           upon
           the
           Mercies
           which
           we
           pray
           for
           .
           God
           will
           not
           hearken
           to
           our
           Petitions
           ,
           when
           it
           may
           be
           we
           our selves
           do
           
           not
           hear
           them
           ;
           he
           will
           not
           attend
           to
           our
           Requests
           ,
           when
           we
           our selves
           do
           not
           attend
           to
           them
           ;
           he
           will
           not
           grant
           those
           Suits
           ,
           which
           had
           only
           a
           form
           of
           words
           ;
           but
           nothing
           of
           an
           inward
           Desire
           ,
           and
           spiritual
           Application
           in
           them
           .
           So
           that
           if
           only
           our
           Tongues
           pray
           ,
           and
           our
           Minds
           are
           straying
           ,
           we
           might
           as
           well
           be
           silent
           ,
           and
           not
           pray
           at
           all
           .
        
         
           We
           must
           offer
           them
           up
           also
           ,
           with
           
             a
             good
             measure
             of
             desire
             ,
             and
             fervency
             of
             affection
             .
          
           A
           cold
           Petitioner
           bespeaks
           a
           Denial
           ,
           instead
           of
           a
           gracious
           Answer
           .
           He
           seems
           indifferent
           in
           making
           of
           his
           Suit
           ,
           and
           so
           may
           well
           expect
           that
           God
           should
           be
           indifferent
           too
           ,
           and
           less
           concern'd
           in
           granting
           it
           .
           He
           seems
           to
           sleight
           the
           Mercy
           ,
           when
           he
           asks
           it
           ;
           and
           so
           there
           is
           the
           less
           reason
           to
           expect
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           think
           himself
           much
           obliged
           by
           it
           ,
           or
           be
           duely
           thankful
           for
           it
           ,
           after
           he
           has
           received
           it
           .
           But
           a
           fervent
           Prayer
           shews
           how
           eagerly
           we
           desire
           a
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           how
           thankfully
           we
           are
           like
           to
           receive
           it
           .
           And
           this
           is
           some
           Encouragement
           ,
           and
           a
           strong
           Inducement
           for
           God
           to
           bestow
           it
           on
           us
           .
           He
           is
           a
           most
           tender
           and
           indulgent
           Parent
           ;
           who
           cannot
           deny
           us
           any
           good
           thing
           that
           is
           fit
           for
           us
           ;
           when
           he
           sees
           we
           are
           wrought
           up
           to
           a
           due
           Valuation
           and
           Esteem
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           our
           hearts
           are
           eagerly
           
           set
           upon
           it
           .
           
             The
             fervent
             Prayer
             of
             a
             righteous
             man
             ,
          
           saith
           St.
           
             James
             ,
             availeth
             much
          
           ,
           Jam.
           5.16
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           A
           third
           thing
           that
           is
           requisite
           to
           an
           acceptable
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           must
           recommend
           it
           to
           God's
           favour
           ,
           
             is
             faith
          
           ,
           or
           believing
           we
           shall
           receive
           ,
           when
           we
           ask
           according
           to
           his
           Promise
           ;
           which
           our
           Saviour
           makes
           a
           necessary
           Qualification
           to
           our
           being
           heard
           ,
           Matt.
           21.22
           .
           
             Whatsoever
             you
             shall
             ask
             in
             prayer
             believing
             ,
             you
             shall
             receive
          
           ;
           and
           
             if
             any
             man
             lack
             Wisdom
             ,
             let
             him
             ask
             in
             faith
             ,
          
           saith
           St.
           
             James
             ,
             nothing
             wavering
             ,
             and
             it
             shall
             be
             given
             him
             ,
          
           Jam.
           1.5
           ,
           6.
           and
           the
           true
           meaning
           of
           this
           is
           easily
           understood
           from
           what
           I
           have
           already
           said
           concerning
           the
           Terms
           ,
           whereupon
           God
           will
           grant
           us
           any
           of
           his
           Mercies
           .
           For
           then
           we
           are
           to
           believe
           we
           shall
           receive
           them
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           perform'd
           those
           Conditions
           ,
           whereupon
           he
           has
           promised
           to
           bestow
           them
           .
           So
           that
           then
           we
           must
           hope
           to
           obtain
           Pardon
           for
           our
           Sins
           ,
           when
           we
           forsake
           them
           ,
           and
           ask
           it
           with
           true
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           Reformation
           .
           And
           then
           we
           must
           believe
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           receive
           some
           Virtuous
           Endowments
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           careful
           to
           attain
           ,
           and
           industriously
           seek
           after
           them
           .
           And
           then
           we
           must
           expect
           to
           enjoy
           the
           Assistance
           of
           God's
           Grace
           ,
           and
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           
           when
           we
           are
           careful
           to
           concurr
           with
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           good
           use
           of
           it
           .
           And
           then
           we
           must
           expect
           ,
           upon
           our
           Endeavours
           after
           the
           same
           ,
           to
           be
           heard
           for
           Health
           ,
           or
           Ease
           ,
           or
           any
           prosperous
           turns
           of
           Providence
           and
           outward
           things
           ,
           when
           God
           in
           his
           Wisdom
           sees
           them
           fitting
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           consistent
           either
           with
           our
           own
           good
           ,
           or
           with
           the
           greater
           benefit
           of
           others
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           these
           Promises
           of
           God
           which
           must
           guide
           our
           Expectations
           ,
           and
           then
           we
           must
           hope
           to
           receive
           any
           of
           these
           Mercies
           from
           him
           ,
           asking
           them
           in
           Christ's
           Name
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           qualified
           with
           these
           Conditions
           ,
           whereupon
           he
           has
           engaged
           to
           bestow
           them
           ;
           to
           believe
           that
           he
           will
           grant
           what
           we
           ask
           of
           him
           ,
           when
           we
           seek
           it
           not
           upon
           these
           Terms
           ,
           't
           is
           not
           Faith
           but
           Infidelity
           ;
           to
           expect
           that
           we
           should
           receive
           these
           Mercies
           any
           otherwise
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           be
           pardoned
           without
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           made
           Vertuous
           without
           our
           own
           Care
           ,
           and
           good
           Endeavours
           ,
           is
           not
           hope
           but
           Presumption
           .
           We
           must
           seek
           things
           in
           God's
           own
           way
           ;
           and
           then
           ,
           but
           not
           before
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           sure
           to
           find
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           that
           we
           may
           always
           come
           thus
           prepared
           to
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           may
           obtain
           the
           Blessings
           which
           we
           seek
           for
           ;
           God
           of
           his
           infinite
           Mercy
           Grant
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
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         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A47296-e120
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Pytha
             .
             Carm.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Hiero.
             p.
             145.
             
          
           
             Tom.
             2.
             p.
             80.
             
          
           
             De
             fin
             .
             Bon.
             &
             Mal.
             lib.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47296-e1260
           
             *
             Psal.
             37.37
             .
             Act.
             27.31
             .
             2
             King.
             13.5
             .
          
           
             Eccl.
             13.16
             ,
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             5.19
             ,
             20.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47296-e3240
           
             *
             Psal.
             5.2
             .
             Matt.
             21.34
             .
          
           
             †
             Jam.
             1.25
             .
             Jo.
             13.17
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.5
             .
          
           
             *
             2
             Cor.
             12.10
             .
          
           
             *
             Luk.
             13.
             
             ●●
             .
          
           
             †
             Heb.
             4.
             
             ●●
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47296-e4960
           
             *
             Differens
             dicebam
             ,
             modo
             ,
             ecce
             modo
             ,
             sine
             paululum
             ;
             sed
             modo
             &
             modo
             ,
             non
             habebant
             modum
             .