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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n believe_v faith_n holy_a 1,533 5 5.3032 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26810 Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God / by William Bates ... Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1699 (1699) Wing B1128; ESTC R4307 200,199 485

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and_o of_o different_a degree_n of_o goodness_n the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n the_o appletree_n if_o a_o appletree_n produce_v the_o best_a fruit_n in_o its_o kind_n though_o not_o equal_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n it_o be_v perfect_o good_a thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v several_a condition_n of_o life_n among_o man_n some_o be_v in_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o superiority_n other_o of_o subjection_n and_o service_n a_o servant_n that_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o excel_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o be_v equal_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o other_o in_o a_o high_a order_n he_o that_o gain_v two_o talent_n be_v esteem_v as_o faithful_a as_o he_o that_o gain_v five_o because_o the_o profit_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o stock_n entrust_v with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n relative_n to_o the_o various_a spiritual_a state_n of_o christian_n here_o st._n john_n address_v his_o counsel_n to_o 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point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v any_o error_n induce_v guilt_n and_o if_o obstinate_o defend_v expose_v to_o judgement_n some_o truth_n be_v write_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v other_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o write_v 2._o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v the_o hurtfulness_n of_o the_o error_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o some_o truth_n be_v necessary_a other_o profitable_a some_o error_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o by_o consequence_n undermine_v they_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n capital_a error_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n 19_o 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a speculative_a truth_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o a_o speculative_a error_n the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o worship_n in_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o clear_o prove_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v of_o three_o infinite_a being_n for_o by_o necessity_n one_o will_v limit_v another_o the_o apostle_n declare_v without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a mystery_n be_v to_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n and_o obey_v god_n for_o in_o it_o there_o be_v the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n admirable_a love_n to_o man_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n his_o incorruptible_a justice_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o divine_a doctrine_n we_o have_v the_o most_o ravish_a image_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o 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contemplation_n of_o its_o goodness_n and_o equity_n constrain_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infallible_o infer_v that_o the_o radical_a difference_n and_o distinguish_a character_n between_o a_o saint_n and_o one_o in_o the_o state_n of_o pollute_a nature_n be_v the_o affection_n of_o love_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o object_n and_o degree_n love_n to_o god_n as_o our_o sovereign_a happiness_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o reunion_n with_o he_o love_n to_o vicious_a object_n or_o when_o with_o a_o intemperate_a current_n it_o descend_v to_o thing_n not_o deserve_v its_o ardent_a degree_n alienates_v the_o heart_n from_o god_n holiness_n be_v the_o order_n of_o love_n the_o excellency_n of_o holy_a love_n will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o love_n have_v the_o supremacy_n among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n be_v the_o fire_n our_o saviour_n come_v to_o kindle_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o charity_n be_v great_a than_o faith_n and_o hope_n which_o be_v evangelical_n grace_n of_o eminent_a usefulness_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o bright_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n in_o we_o god_n be_v love_n it_o be_v the_o most_o adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o more_o significant_a of_o his_o bless_a nature_n than_o any_o other_o single_a attribute_n the_o most_o proper_a and_o honourable_a conception_n we_o can_v form_v of_o the_o deity_n be_v love_n direct_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o exercise_v by_o infinite_a power_n faith_n and_o hope_n can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n they_o imply_v imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o necessary_o respect_v a_o absent_a object_n now_o all_o thing_n be_v present_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o power_n and_o possession_n but_o love_n be_v his_o essential_a perfection_n the_o productive_a principle_n of_o all_o good_n love_n transform_v we_o into_o his_o likeness_n and_o infuse_v the_o divine_a temper_n into_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o act_n of_o other_o grace_n we_o obey_v god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o love_n we_o imitate_v he_o this_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o its_o contrary_n there_o be_v sin_n of_o various_a kind_n and_o degree_n spiritual_a and_o carnal_a spiritual_a such_o be_v pride_n malignant_a envy_n irreconcilable_a enmity_n delight_n in_o mischief_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o denominate_v man_n his_o natural_a son_n carnal_a sin_n which_o the_o soul_n immerse_v in_o flesh_n indulge_v all_o riotous_a excess_n intemperance_n incontinence_n and_o the_o like_a of_o which_o a_o mere_a spirit_n be_v not_o capable_a denominate_v man_n the_o captive_n and_o slave_n of_o satan_n now_o spiritual_a sin_n induce_v a_o great_a guilt_n and_o deep_a pollution_n than_o carnal_a the_o exacter_n resemblance_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o make_v sinful_a man_n more_o odious_a to_o god_n 2._o love_n be_v more_o extensive_a in_o its_o influence_n than_o faith_n and_o hope_n their_o operation_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o person_n in_o who_o they_o be_v the_o just_a life_n by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o hope_n without_o communicate_v life_n and_o salvation_n to_o other_o but_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o perfection_n of_o love_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o all_o love_n comfort_v the_o afflict_a relieve_v the_o indigent_a direct_v those_o who_o want_v counsel_n it_o be_v the_o vital_a cement_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o universe_n conversation_n and_o reciprocal_a kindness_n be_v the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n of_o society_n and_o love_n make_v the_o circulation_n 3._o love_n give_v value_n and_o acceptance_n to_o all_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o their_o operation_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o propheste_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n and_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o fe●d_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o without_o charity_n faith_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a assent_n hope_n be_v like_o a_o tympany_n the_o big_a it_o grow_v the_o more_o dangerous_a it_o prove_v the_o most_o diffusive_a beneficence_n without_o love_n be_v but_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o vanity_n it_o be_v not_o the_o richness_n of_o the_o gift_n but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o giver_n that_o make_v it_o accept_v and_o reward_v in_o heaven_n the_o widow_n two_o mite_n cast_v into_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v of_o more_o value_n in_o our_o saviour_n account_n than_o the_o rich_a offering_n of_o other_o for_o she_o give_v her_o heart_n the_o most_o precious_a and_o comprehensive_a gift_n with_o they_o the_o give_v our_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o high_a expression_n of_o obedience_n which_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v yet_o without_o charity_n martyrdom_n be_v but_o a_o vainglorious_a blaze_n and_o the_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o our_o blood_n be_v to_o seal_v our_o shame_n and_o folly_n sincere_a love_n when_o it_o can_v express_v itself_o in_o suitable_a effect_n have_v this_o privilege_n to_o be_v accept_v in_o god_n sight_n as_o if_o it_o be_v exuberant_a and_o evident_a in_o outward_a action_n for_o god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o 4._o love_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o every_o precept_n all_o particular_a duty_n though_o distinguish_v in_o the_o matter_n be_v unite_v in_o love_n as_o their_o principle_n and_o centre_n 11._o st._n austin_n observe_v that_o all_o other_o virtue_n piety_n prudence_n humility_n chastity_n temperance_n fortitude_n be_v love_v diversify_v by_o other_o name_n liberal_a love_n give_v supply_n to_o the_o poor_a patient_a love_n forgive_v injury_n love_n be_v the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a some_o restrain_v the_o word_n commandment_n to_o the_o law_n think_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o compound_v of_o promise_n but_o they_o misunderstand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n it_o be_v not_o in_o that_o the_o one_o command_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o command_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n command_v the_o law_n command_v to_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o life_n the_o gospel_n command_v to_o believe_v for_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n the_o 15._o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o end_n of_o a_o science_n or_o art_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o science_n the_o end_n of_o philosophy_n be_v knowledge_n and_o moral_a virtue_n the_o end_n of_o rhetoric_n be_v eloquence_n thus_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o divine_a doctrine_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v love_n a_o celestial_a perfection_n faith_n in_o the_o redeem_n mercy_n of_o god_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o of_o the_o law_n and_o love_n be_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n now_o the_o end_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o in_o this_o respect_n love_n be_v great_a than_o faith_n brief_o love_n be_v style_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n as_o it_o unite_v and_o consummate_v other_o 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be_v from_o their_o pure_a love_n to_o please_v he_o indeed_o servile_a fear_n that_o be_v mere_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o power_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o judicial_a and_o violent_a impression_n on_o conscience_n that_o carnal_a man_n will_v say_v deface_v that_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v their_o desire_a object_n and_o it_o be_v by_o fit_n for_o god_n sometime_o thunder_v in_o the_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o air._n but_o filial_a fear_n be_v the_o habitual_a constitution_n of_o a_o saint_n he_o be_v voluntary_a and_o active_a to_o preserve_v it_o in_o continual_a exercise_n 3._o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o hope_v be_v join_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n the_o lord_n delight_v in_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n fear_v and_o hope_n contemper_v each_o other_o fear_v without_o hope_n be_v slavish_a and_o hope_v without_o fear_n be_v secure_a as_o the_o growth_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n flower_n and_o fruit_n be_v from_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o cold_a moisture_n of_o the_o night_n so_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v by_o the_o warm_a encouragement_n of_o hope_n and_o the_o chill_a influence_n of_o fear_n a_o regular_a hope_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v join_v with_o a_o humble_a fear_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o command_n 4._o holy_a fear_n be_v mix_v with_o joy_n serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o rejoice_v with_o tremble_a carnal_a joy_n and_o carnal_a fear_n and_o sorrow_n be_v contrary_a extreme_n that_o proceed_v from_o contrary_a cause_n a_o prosperous_a state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o sensual_a desire_n be_v the_o root_n from_o whence_o carnal_a joy_n spring_v and_o be_v nourish_v and_o the_o be_v deprive_v of_o temporal_a good_a thing_n disable_v by_o sickness_n to_o enjoy_v they_o or_o the_o prospect_n of_o some_o imminent_a disaster_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o gild_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o holy_a fear_n be_v consistent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o serious_a reflection_n on_o the_o divine_a attribute_n excite_v both_o those_o affection_n we_o read_v that_o when_o mary_n magdalen_n with_o the_o other_o marry_o come_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o bright_a appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n that_o declare_v his_o resurrection_n they_o go_v away_o with_o fear_n and_o great_a joy_n sinful_a affection_n be_v opposite_a to_o grace_n but_o gracious_a affection_n be_v inseparable_a the_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n be_v a_o preservative_n of_o our_o joy_n in_o he_o as_o a_o hedge_n of_o thorn_n be_v a_o fence_n to_o a_o garden_n of_o rose_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n the_o reverent_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v in_o
its_o exaltation_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o caution_n that_o be_v always_o join_v with_o the_o other_o and_o excite_v we_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o that_o we_o may_v be_v always_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a effective_o this_o will_v prevent_v secret_a sin_n which_o be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o curse_v the_o deaf_a nor_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o the_o blind_a but_o fear_v the_o lord_n fear_n be_v a_o internal_a guardian_n that_o keep_v the_o heart_n pure_a of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o inspector_n and_o judge_n it_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o sin_n free_o in_o thought_n nor_o foul_o in_o act._n when_o fear_n draw_v the_o line_n of_o our_o duty_n our_o step_n will_v be_v regular_a fear_n keep_v we_o close_o to_o god_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o error_n of_o our_o life_n holy_a fear_n will_v make_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o duty_n in_o those_o degree_n that_o be_v command_v to_o please_v god_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o perseverance_n thus_o god_n assure_v his_o people_n i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o i_o the_o cause_n of_o backslide_n be_v allurement_n and_o terror_n pleasant_a temptation_n sometime_o so_o strong_o insinuate_v into_o the_o affection_n that_o love_n call_v in_o fear_n to_o its_o assistance_n to_o repel_v they_o for_o strong_a fear_n and_o delight_n be_v inconsistent_a if_o terror_n be_v object_v to_o drive_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n the_o great_a fear_n will_v over-rule_v the_o less_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v expel_v the_o fearfulness_n of_o man_n for_o the_o most_o flame_a anger_n of_o man_n be_v more_o tolerable_a than_o a_o spark_n of_o his_o displeasure_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o heroic_a courage_n and_o fortify_v the_o spirit_n that_o the_o threaten_n of_o man_n can_v supplant_v our_o constancy_n if_o our_o residence_n be_v perpetual_a in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v the_o favour_n of_o man_n but_o since_o we_o must_v short_o die_v as_o sure_o as_o we_o live_v it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n by_o compliance_n and_o low_a respect_n to_o man_n to_o lose_v our_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o provoke_v he_o with_o who_o we_o must_v be_v either_o in_o his_o favourable_a and_o felicitating_a presence_n or_o in_o his_o terrible_a presence_n for_o ever_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n can_v reach_v beyond_o the_o grave_a but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o eternity_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o can_v punish_v for_o ever_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v exhort_v to_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v in_o fear_n temptation_n be_v frequent_a and_o we_o be_v frail_a and_o be_v never_o safe_a without_o circumspection_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o wisdom_n be_v not_o employ_v about_o trivial_a thing_n but_o affair_n of_o moment_n now_o what_o be_v there_o of_o such_o consequence_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o direct_v the_o soul_n to_o eternal_a blessedness_n how_o to_o escape_v the_o most_o imminent_a and_o destructive_a evil_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o most_o desirable_a good_n indeed_o the_o passion_n of_o fear_n when_o exorbitant_a and_o overwhelm_a cause_v a_o wretched_a neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o a_o ship_n spring_v a_o leak_n and_o the_o water_n pour_v fast_o into_o it_o than_o the_o mariner_n can_v pump_v it_o out_o and_o they_o see_v nothing_o but_o the_o sea_n ready_a to_o swallow_v they_o up_o their_o heart_n and_o hand_n faint_v and_o they_o give_v over_o all_o labour_n if_o man_n be_v desperate_a they_o will_v be_v disobedient_a but_o we_o can_v never_o raise_v our_o fear_n of_o god_n too_o high_a if_o we_o retain_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o mercy_n that_o rejoice_v over_o judgement_n this_o will_v not_o infringe_v our_o liberty_n but_o enlarge_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o most_o ignominious_a slavery_n to_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o just_a apprehension_n of_o its_o terrible_a consequence_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n engage_v he_o to_o be_v our_o friend_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o all_o the_o perplexity_n to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a in_o this_o open_a slate_n many_o sin_n be_v commit_v for_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o man_n and_o presumption_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v often_o find_v that_o a_o religious_a constancy_n gain_v more_o friend_n than_o carnal_a obsequiousness_n when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o will_v make_v his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o especial_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n this_o grace_n shall_v be_v in_o its_o high_a exercise_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n direction_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n for_o our_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n we_o must_v solemn_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a and_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o all_o that_o disparage_v he_o by_o slight_a and_o careless_a address_n shall_v not_o his_o excellency_n make_v we_o afraid_a in_o prayer_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o to_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o meanness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o tremble_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n this_o dispositin_n will_v make_v we_o acceptable_a in_o his_o eye_n the_o lord_n say_v the_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v my_o footstool_n to_o he_o will_v i_o look_v who_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n when_o please_a lust_n be_v imperious_a and_o violent_a then_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o control_v they_o by_o the_o fearful_a remembrance_n that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o judgement_n this_o will_v clear_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o eclipse_n and_o cloud_n of_o the_o carnal_a passion_n and_o keep_v the_o sense_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o superior_a and_o sure_a faculty_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o that_o be_v continual_o vigilant_a in_o secret_a and_o society_n who_o consider_v that_o god_n eye_n be_v always_o upon_o he_o in_o order_n to_o judgement_n and_o who_o eye_n be_v always_o upon_o god_n in_o order_n to_o acceptance_n chap._n x._o the_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v be_v our_o father_n a_o powerful_a inducement_n to_o strive_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n the_o dignity_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o relation_n the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n a_o adoptive_a freedom_n in_o prayer_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o eternal_a inheritance_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o god_n child_n the_o influence_n of_o this_o relation_n to_o make_v we_o entire_o holy_a consider_v a_o inquiry_n whether_o we_o be_v proceed_v to_o perfection_n the_o vanquish_a sin_n a_o indication_n of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n the_o habitual_a frame_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o fix_a regularity_n of_o the_o life_n discover_v our_o progress_n in_o holiness_n according_a to_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o near_a resemblance_n to_o he_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o spirituality_n the_o spiritual_a law_n of_o god_n the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o spiritual_a image_n of_o god_n in_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o principal_a object_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spiritually-minded_n to_o preserve_v a_o equal_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o change_n of_o the_o present_a state_n discover_v excellent_a degree_n of_o holiness_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o the_o three_o general_n head_n the_o motive_n to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n of_o strive_v after_o pure_a and_o perfect_a holiness_n the_o promise_v specify_v in_o the_o antecedent_n chapter_n that_o the_o lord_n almighty_n will_v receive_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o son_n and_o daughter_n that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o we_o his_o live_a temple_n and_o walk_v in_o we_o this_o divine_a relation_n and_o communion_n the_o consequent_a of_o it_o shall_v keep_v the_o state_n of_o perfection_n always_o in_o our_o design_n and_o view_v and_o inspire_v we_o with_o unchangeable_a resolution_n to_o endeavour_v the_o obtain_n it_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o dignity_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o relation_n 1._o the_o dignity_n secular_a nobility_n that_o be_v transfuse_v from_o the_o vein_n of_o progenitor_n into_o the_o vein_n of_o their_o progeny_n derive_v its_o lustre_n from_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o
with_o some_o attainment_n and_o presume_v we_o be_v perfect_a we_o must_v be_v contend_v till_o our_o conquest_n over_o sin_n be_v clear_a and_o complete_a the_o reflection_n upon_o our_o progress_n will_v aug._n give_v new_a spirit_n to_o proceed_v to_o new_a work_n to_o he_o that_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n glory_n and_o immortality_n be_v the_o reward_n perseverance_n be_v the_o crown_n of_o christianity_n 2._o i_o now_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o allegation_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o discourage_v man_n from_o endeavour_n after_o perfect_a holiness_n i_o have_v in_o the_o preface_n answer_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a objection_n i_o will_v consider_v some_o other_o to_o remove_v the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o divine_a command_n of_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a be_v the_o impossibility_n of_o obey_v it_o how_o can_v sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n be_v perfect_a as_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v to_o this_o a_o clear_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o it_o be_v true_a if_o a_o law_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o cancel_v itself_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n in_o a_o superior_a to_o command_v nor_o obligation_n on_o a_o subject_a to_o obey_v in_o a_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o his_o choice_n absolute_a impossibility_n quench_v desire_v and_o cause_n despair_v and_o that_o enervate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o industry_n now_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o wisdom_n rectitude_n and_o goodness_n be_v essential_a and_o unchangeable_a shall_v command_v reasonable_a creature_n any_o thing_n utter_o impossible_a for_o then_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n will_v not_o rise_v from_o themselves_o but_o they_o will_v be_v fatal_o lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o 2._o the_o command_n signify_v not_o a_o resemblance_n of_o equality_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n but_o of_o analogy_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a nature_n of_o which_o intellectual_a creature_n be_v capable_a 3._o in_o the_o present_a state_n our_o conformity_n be_v not_o entire_a our_o grace_n be_v not_o pure_a our_o virtue_n not_o refine_v without_o allay_n but_o this_o be_v from_o our_o culpable_a impotence_n and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v this_o law_n and_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v contract_v a_o sinful_a disability_n to_o perform_v it_o beside_o god_n be_v please_v to_o offer_v divine_a assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o the_o kind_n of_o holiness_n though_o not_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o degree_n and_o though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n here_o we_o may_v be_v ascend_v to_o it_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o strive_v for_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o be_v we_o must_v be_v add_v new_a degree_n of_o light_n in_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o full_a enlighten_v state_n above_o and_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a till_o we_o come_v to_o his_o transform_a presence_n in_o heaven_n but_o we_o must_v be_v aspire_v to_o it_o we_o have_v the_o most_o excellent_a encouragement_n to_o this_o duty_n for_o if_o we_o be_v zealous_a in_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n god_n will_v pardon_v our_o imperfection_n and_o accept_v we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_a but_o those_o who_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o defect_n and_o lie_v still_o in_o their_o laziness_n will_v be_v just_o condemn_v 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o duty_n be_v at_o least_o extreme_o difficult_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o difficulty_n be_v a_o unreasonable_a pretence_n in_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o infinite_a consequence_n our_o saviour_n command_v we_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v and_o hard_o to_o keep_v but_o that_o only_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v escape_v by_o flight_n it_o be_v better_a to_o take_v pain_n than_o to_o suffer_v pain_n the_o cord_n of_o duty_n be_v more_o easy_a than_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n insuperable_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n love_n be_v not_o cold_a and_o idle_a but_o ardent_a and_o active_a in_o pursuit_n of_o its_o object_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n that_o resolve_v diligence_n will_v overcome_v great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o design_n of_o men._n demosthenes_n the_o athenian_a be_v the_o most_o unqualify_v for_o a_o orator_n of_o a_o thousand_o his_o breath_n be_v so_o short_a that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v out_o a_o full_a sentence_n his_o voice_n and_o pronunciation_n be_v so_o harsh_a and_o his_o action_n so_o ungrateful_a and_o offensive_a to_o the_o most_o delicate_a sense_n the_o eye_n and_o ear_n that_o the_o first_o time_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v entertain_v with_o derision_n and_o the_o second_o with_o disdain_n by_o the_o people_n yet_o by_o unwearied_a industry_n and_o exercise_n he_o correct_v his_o defect_n and_o become_v the_o most_o eloquent_a and_o perfect_a orator_n that_o ever_o flourish_v in_o greece_n now_o can_v there_o be_v any_o so_o difficult_a height_n in_o religion_n but_o a_o strong_a resolution_n join_v with_o consequent_a endeavour_n and_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v gradual_o attain_v to_o to_o naked_a nature_n the_o command_v of_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v extreme_o hard_a carnal_a man_n pretend_v they_o can_v as_o easy_o stop_v the_o circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n as_o mortify_v their_o sensual_a inclination_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o pleasant_a to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o word_n imply_v i_o can_v easy_o st._n john_n declare_v his_o command_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o gracious_a yoke_n the_o impotence_n of_o man_n to_o obey_v christ_n consist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o be_v not_o infect_v by_o fate_n nor_o determine_v by_o destiny_n and_o constrain_v by_o strict_a necessity_n to_o follow_v their_o sinful_a course_n but_o be_v chain_v to_o their_o allure_a vicious_a object_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o own_o wi_n i_o will_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o title_n and_o profession_n and_o pretend_v invincible_a impediment_n against_o perform_v their_o duty_n propound_v the_o moral_a excellency_n that_o shine_v in_o some_o heathen_n in_o regulate_v the_o angry_a and_o desire_a appetite_n socrates_n who_o have_v a_o fiery_a nature_n that_o incline_v he_o to_o sudden_a anger_n yet_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o constant_a equal_a temper_n that_o when_o provoke_v by_o injury_n his_o countenance_n be_v more_o placid_a and_o serene_a his_o voice_n more_o temperate_a his_o word_n more_o kind_a and_o oblige_a plato_n surprise_v with_o passion_n for_o a_o great_a fault_n of_o his_o servant_n take_v a_o staff_n to_o beat_v he_o and_o have_v lift_v up_o his_o hand_n for_o a_o stroke_n stop_v sudden_o and_o a_o friend_n 3._o come_v in_o and_o wonder_v to_o see_v he_o in_o that_o posture_n say_v i_o chastise_v a_o angry_a man_n reflect_v with_o shame_n upon_o himself_o thus_o he_o disarm_v his_o passion_n when_o alexander_n have_v conquer_v darius_n and_o take_v his_o queen_n a_o woman_n of_o exquisite_a beauty_n he_o will_v not_o have_v she_o bring_v into_o his_o presence_n that_o his_o virtue_n may_v not_o be_v violate_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o she_o scipio_n have_v take_v a_o town_n in_o spain_n and_o among_o they_o a_o noble_a virgin_n very_o beautiful_a resign_v her_o untouched_a with_o her_o ransom_n of_o great_a value_n to_o the_o prince_n to_o who_o she_o be_v contract_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o vanity_n assist_v virtue_n in_o these_o person_n and_o one_o carnal_a passion_n vanquish_v another_o the_o desire_n of_o praise_n the_o pride_n of_o life_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o shall_v not_o divine_a grace_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o humane_a motive_n the_o impotence_n of_o carnal_a christian_n be_v not_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o assist_a grace_n but_o their_o culpable_a neglect_n of_o use_v it_o but_o for_o the_o entire_a conviction_n of_o carnalist_n that_o be_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o voluptuous_a
his_o impendent_a suffer_v express_v a_o great_a perplexity_n now_o be_v my_o soul_n trouble_v and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o heavy_a punishment_n due_a for_o our_o sin_n perplex_v his_o holy_a and_o humane_a nature_n he_o address_v a_o request_n to_o god_n father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o revocation_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o to_o this_o hour_n it_o be_v subordinate_a to_o his_o main_a desire_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n when_o he_o be_v 28._o seize_v by_o his_o bloody_a enemy_n and_o peter_n strike_v with_o his_o sword_n one_o of_o they_o he_o repress_v his_o rash_a zeal_n with_o that_o consideration_n the_o cup_n which_o my_o father_n have_v give_v shall_v i_o not_o drink_v of_o it_o he_o regard_v his_o sovereign_a will_n in_o give_v it_o and_o with_o aug._n submission_n drink_v of_o the_o dregs_o of_o it_o how_o instructive_a be_v this_o to_o we_o to_o take_v the_o hot_a and_o bitter_a potion_n that_o god_n our_o father_n and_o physician_n prepare_v for_o we_o 2._o prayer_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o obtain_v a_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o heaven_n that_o blessing_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v most_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o supreme_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o heathen_n prayer_n be_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o his_o eternal_a greatness_n the_o most_o glorious_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o all-sufficiency_n that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o relieve_v our_o poverty_n from_o his_o immense_a treasure_n notwithstanding_o our_o unworthiness_n for_o we_o be_v less_o than_o the_o facit_fw-la least_o of_o his_o mercy_n and_o deserve_v the_o severe_a infliction_n of_o his_o justice_n it_o be_v the_o set_a our_o seal_n to_o his_o truth_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n it_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o we_o for_o it_o engage_v we_o to_o receive_v his_o benefit_n with_o adoration_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o prepare_v we_o to_o receive_v new_a favour_n and_o by_o our_o obtain_v blessing_n in_o this_o way_n we_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n that_o give_v the_o sweet_a tincture_n and_o relish_v to_o they_o it_o be_v true_a prayer_n be_v not_o require_v to_o inform_v god_n or_o to_o incline_v he_o to_o be_v gracious_a and_o sometime_o from_o his_o exuberant_a goodness_n he_o prevent_v our_o desire_n but_o we_o can_v regular_o expect_v his_o blessing_n without_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n and_o prayer_n to_o supply_v they_o now_o all_o blessing_n be_v original_o from_o god_n but_o some_o be_v immediate_o from_o he_o as_o the_o sun_n enlighten_v the_o world_n by_o its_o presence_n in_o the_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n enlighten_v it_o in_o the_o night_n by_o light_a borrow_a from_o the_o sun_n st._n james_n tell_v we_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n descend_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n all_o blessing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o body_n beauty_n strength_n health_n or_o the_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n knowledge_n wit_n eloquence_n be_v his_o gift_n all_o temporary_a talent_n riches_n power_n dignity_n be_v from_o he_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o second_o cause_n but_o there_o be_v more_o precious_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o come_v from_o he_o immediate_o as_o the_o father_n of_o light_n sanctify_v grace_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n by_o the_o illumination_n and_o infusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o blessing_n we_o be_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o absolute_o for_o they_o may_v be_v pernicious_a by_o our_o abuse_n of_o they_o to_o our_o soul_n and_o be_v often_o bestow_v upon_o reprobate_a sinner_n but_o the_o other_o kind_n save_v grace_n deserve_v our_o most_o ardent_a desire_n as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n 4._o our_o soul_n shall_v seek_v after_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o sanctify_a grace_n the_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o they_o unsatisfy_o not_o content_a with_o any_o thing_n else_o nor_o without_o excellent_a degree_n of_o they_o david_n break_v out_o his_o ardent_a desire_n o_o that_o my_o way_n be_v direct_v according_a to_o thy_o statute_n o_o that_o my_o soul_n may_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o with_o fire_n to_o purify_v and_o refine_v i_o from_o all_o my_o dross_n that_o as_o gold_n take_v from_o a_o vein_n of_o earth_n receive_v such_o a_o lustre_n from_o the_o fire_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a product_n of_o tert._n fire_n so_o my_o renovation_n by_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v so_o entire_a that_o all_o carnality_n may_v be_v abolish_v our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v for_o our_o perseverance_n in_o well-doing_n perseverance_n be_v a_o most_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n a_o new_a grace_n superad_v to_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v without_o it_o we_o shall_v forsake_v god_n every_o hour_n god_n promise_v to_o give_v the_o sanctify_a 30._o spirit_n as_o a_o permanent_a principle_n of_o holiness_n in_o his_o people_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o declare_v for_o this_o i_o will_v be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n we_o must_v imitate_v jacob_n who_o wrestle_v with_o the_o angel_n and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v blessed_v he_o this_o be_v a_o emblem_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n wherein_o we_o strive_v with_o the_o strength_n and_o sinew_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o as_o it_o be_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n to_o bestow_v spiritual_a blessing_n upon_o we_o carnal_a man_n be_v intemperate_a greedy_a and_o passionate_a in_o their_o desire_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n though_o reason_n religion_n and_o experience_n of_o their_o vanity_n shall_v regulate_v they_o they_o be_v impatient_a and_o insatiable_a and_o will_v bear_v no_o denial_n nor_o delay_n but_o with_o regret_n and_o reluctancy_n but_o how_o remiss_a and_o cold_a be_v their_o desire_n for_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n they_o invite_v a_o denial_n their_o prayer_n be_v defective_a in_o the_o principle_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o value_n and_o their_o want_n of_o they_o divine_a grace_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n save_a mercy_n the_o dear_a purchase_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v of_o little_a price_n in_o their_o esteem_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o samaritan_n woman_n if_o thou_o know_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o ask_v thou_o give_v i_o to_o drink_v thou_o will_v have_v ask_v of_o he_o and_o he_o will_v have_v give_v thou_o live_a water_n we_o be_v encourage_v to_o be_v earnest_a and_o resolve_v suppliant_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n because_o we_o be_v assure_v he_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o bestow_v they_o our_o saviour_n sometime_o encourage_v we_o from_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o father_n who_o can_v so_o unnaturalize_v himself_o and_o divest_v his_o tender_a affection_n as_o to_o renounce_v his_o own_o offspring_n to_o deny_v a_o child_n necessary_a food_n for_o his_o subsistence_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n for_o bread_n or_o a_o serpent_n for_o a_o fish_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o sometime_o he_o excite_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o incompassionate_a stranger_n a_o judge_n that_o be_v overcome_v by_o importunity_n to_o afford_v relief_n to_o one_o in_o distress_n god_n delight_v to_o hear_v and_o answer_v those_o prayer_n that_o be_v for_o his_o best_a blessing_n when_o solomon_n pray_v for_o wisdom_n to_o rule_v his_o people_n god_n be_v so_o please_v that_o he_o give_v he_o wisdom_n in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n and_o as_o a_o accession_n riches_n and_o honour_n if_o we_o imitate_v solomon_n in_o his_o prayer_n we_o shall_v have_v his_o acceptance_n st._n james_n direct_v we_o if_o any_o man_n want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n the_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v affliction_n that_o may_v be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o spiritual_a advantage_n he_o give_v liberal_o which_o either_o respect_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o giver_n or_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n or_o the_o repeat_v act_n of_o give_v and_o upbraid_v not_o neither_o with_o their_o unworthiness_n nor_o the_o frequency_n of_o their_o address_n liberality_n among_o man_n be_v a_o costly_a virtue_n and_o but_o