The way to the highest honour a funeral sermon, on John XII, 26, preached…The way to the highest honour a funeral sermon, on John XII, 26, preach'd…

And our Consent must be entire; that is, we must serve him with all the freedom and force of our internal Faculties, with all the diligence of our outward Members, with all possible industry to advance his Glory. 'Tis not the empty Title of Lord, nor the performing some slight Observances that will please Christ. The Commands of the Gospel frequently urge us to be fervent in our Heavenly Calling, First seek the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Righteousness thereof: Strive to enter in at the strait Gate: Take the Kingdom of Heaven by Violence: Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling: Abound in the Work of the Lord: Be rich in good Works: Add to Faith Virtue, to Virtue Knowledge, and every Grace in degrees of Eminence: Give all Diligence to make your Calling and Election sure: We must walk circumspectly and exactly becoming ⟨p. 109⟩the Dignity and Purity of our high and holy Calling. We have many Duties to perform, many Sins to subdue and mortify, many Graces to perfect, and the most intent application of Mind, the most zealous industry is requisite for such great Ends. By Diligence and Culture our Souls will be as fruitful Gardens abounding in the Fruits of Righteousness; but if we are remiss and careless, they will be barren as the Sands of Africa. We should with as much Zeal and Vigour serve Christ as ever we served our Lusts, those imperious Exactors of our Time, and Strength, and Affections. 'Tis the Proportion St. Paul enforces, As you have yielded your Members Servants and Weapons to Uncleanness, so yield your Members Weapons and Servants of Righteousness.

And our Consent must be entire; that is, we must serve him with all the freedom and force of our internal Faculties, with all the diligence of our outward Members, with all possible industry to advance his Glory. 'Tis not the empty Title of Lord, nor the performing some slight Observances that will please Christ. The Commands of the Gospel frequently urge us to be fervent in our Heavenly Calling, First seek the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Righteousness thereof: Strive to enter in at the strait Gate: Take the Kingdom of Heaven by Violence: Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling: Abound in the Work of the Lord: Be rich in good Works: Add to Faith Vertue, to Vertue Knowledg, and every Grace in degrees of Eminence: Give all Diligence to make your Calling and Election sure: We must walk circumspectly and exactly becoming ⟨p. 109⟩