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
and_o by_o a_o temporal_a holy_a rest_n be_v prepare_v for_o a_o eternal_a glorious_a rest._n the_o observe_v this_o command_n enable_v we_o to_o do_v the_o rest_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o spiritual_a and_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o proper_a efficacy_n increase_v it_o and_o in_o their_o sanctify_v that_o day_n god_n sanctify_v they_o and_o liberal_o bestow_v the_o treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o joy_n the_o consequent_a blessing_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n the_o profaner_n of_o that_o holy_a time_n do_v virtual_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n they_o will_v not_o attend_v upon_o his_o oracle_n but_o despise_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o contempt_n reflect_v upon_o he_o they_o make_v the_o sabbath_n their_o delight_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o the_o commandment_n intend_v they_o make_v it_o a_o playday_n other_o who_o be_v call_v and_o count_v christian_n who_o be_v good_a in_o every_o thing_n but_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v best_a they_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a temperate_a and_o chaste_a affable_a and_o oblige_v to_o man_n but_o wretched_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o the_o sanctify_a his_o day_n that_o precious_a and_o dear_a interval_n to_o a_o saint_n from_o the_o business_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o gall_a restraint_n to_o carnal_a man_n from_o their_o secular_a employment_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v go_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n either_o for_o seculary_a respect_n custom_n or_o the_o coercion_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n that_o will_v not_o be_v quiet_a without_o some_o religion_n but_o they_o be_v glad_a when_o it_o be_v do_v and_o by_o vain_a discourse_n dash_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n the_o instruction_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o day_n as_o if_o it_o be_v unsanctified_a time_n in_o curious_a dress_n in_o luxurious_a feast_v in_o complimental_a visit_n in_o idleness_n and_o sometime_o in_o action_n worse_o than_o idleness_n the_o certain_a cause_n of_o this_o profaneness_n be_v they_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o raise_v our_o esteem_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o come_v and_o go_v from_o the_o public_a ordinance_n neither_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n nor_o change_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n but_o those_o who_o conscientious_o employ_v that_o day_n in_o duty_n proper_a to_o it_o in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o spiritual_a book_n in_o holy_a conference_n whereby_o light_a and_o heat_n be_v mutual_o communicate_v among_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o eternal_a thing_n whereby_o faith_n remove_v the_o veil_n and_o look_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n as_o moses_n by_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n come_v down_o with_o a_o shine_a countenance_n so_o a_o divine_a lustre_n will_v appear_v in_o their_o conversation_n in_o the_o follow_a week_n 5._o the_o frequent_a discussion_n of_o conscience_n and_o review_v of_o our_o way_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n of_o rise_v to_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n this_o duty_n be_v difficult_a and_o distasteful_a to_o carnal_a person_n for_o sense_n be_v prevalent_a and_o fasten_v their_o thought_n upon_o external_n object_n that_o they_o be_v unfit_a for_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o for_o the_o proper_a and_o most_o excellent_a operation_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n wherein_o they_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o rank_n of_o angelical_a spirit_n and_o to_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o deity_n who_o eternal_o contemplate_v with_o infinite_a delight_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o copy_n of_o they_o in_o his_o work_n they_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o nobility_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o can_v sequester_v themselves_o from_o worldly_a thing_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o retirement_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o be_v afraid_a and_o unwilling_a to_o look_v into_o their_o heart_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v and_o over-argued_n by_o conscience_n of_o their_o woeful_a condition_n home_o be_v too_o hot_a for_o they_o their_o study_n be_v to_o charm_v their_o care_n and_o not_o to_o be_v disturb_v in_o their_o security_n but_o the_o duty_n be_v indispensable_a require_v of_o we_o we_o be_v command_v to_o stand_v 4._o in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o and_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n 40._o and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o prove_v our_o own_o 4._o work_n the_o benefit_n result_v from_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o care_n and_o shall_v make_v we_o to_o digest_v all_o difficulty_n in_o the_o performance_n david_n declare_v i_o think_v on_o 119._o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n to_o thy_o testimony_n he_o first_o reflect_v on_o his_o way_n and_o then_o reform_v they_o conscience_n must_v be_v awaken_v by_o grace_n or_o judgement_n to_o self-reflection_n the_o examen_fw-la of_o conscience_n either_o regard_v our_o spiritual_a state_n or_o our_o action_n in_o their_o moral_a quality_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n the_o first_o be_v of_o infinite_a moment_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o pollute_a nature_n or_o in_o a_o renew_a state_n and_o consequent_o whether_o in_o the_o present_a favour_n of_o god_n or_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o according_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v in_o the_o next_o world_n a_o bless_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n but_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v man_n be_v very_o averse_a from_o the_o severe_a trial_n of_o their_o state_n for_o fear_v the_o issue_n will_v be_v perplex_v the_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o their_o life_n be_v like_o the_o torment_n on_o the_o rack_n or_o if_o sometime_o they_o turn_v their_o thought_n inward_a to_o consider_v themselves_o they_o do_v it_o slight_o not_o with_o sincere_a judgement_n and_o though_o their_o spiritual_a state_n be_v uncertain_a or_o apparent_o evil_a yet_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o this_o neglect_n be_v fatal_a to_o many_o who_o comfort_n themselves_o with_o their_o company_n because_o the_o most_o be_v in_o no_o better_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v this_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o but_o consider_v the_o survey_n of_o man_n action_n conscience_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o which_o all_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a have_v a_o tendency_n it_o be_v a_o internal_a supervisor_n and_o guardian_n which_o a_o man_n always_o carry_v in_o his_o bosom_n to_o perform_v its_o office_n it_o must_v 1._o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o its_o precept_n for_o duty_n unknown_a can_v be_v practise_v and_o sin_n unknown_a and_o unconsidered_a can_v be_v loathe_v and_o forsake_v the_o law_n like_o a_o clear_a and_o equal_a glass_n that_o reflect_v the_o beam_n according_a to_o their_o incidence_n discover_v the_o beauty_n and_o spot_n of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o general_a rule_n that_o respect_v all_o and_o particular_a precept_n that_o concern_v the_o several_a relation_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o discussion_n of_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a must_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o discussion_n that_o be_v good_a and_o evil_a action_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a consequence_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o make_v we_o better_o according_o it_o must_v be_v 1._o distinct_a in_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o defect_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o law_n enjoin_v the_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o forbid_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o particular_a the_o discussion_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a 2._o it_o must_v be_v serious_a and_o with_o sincere_a judgement_n as_o previous_a to_o our_o trial_n at_o god_n tribunal_n this_o consideration_n will_v excite_v the_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o directive_n and_o applicative_a mind_n to_o be_v vigilant_a and_o impartial_a in_o sift_v ourselves_o that_o no_o sin_n of_o omission_n or_o commission_n may_v be_v pass_v over_o for_o what_o a_o high_a strain_n of_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o be_v subtle_a to_o conceal_v any_o sin_n from_o ourselves_o which_o be_v open_a to_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v insensible_a of_o sin_n of_o omission_n but_o there_o be_v no_o mere_a sin_n of_o omission_n for_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o command_v duty_n which_o expose_v to_o judgement_n the_o more_o the_o mind_n
be_v transplant_v from_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o intemperate_a person_n remember_v with_o delight_n the_o wild_a society_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v engage_v the_o rich_a wine_n wherein_o he_o quench_v his_o care_n the_o ungracious_a wit_n and_o mirth_n that_o make_v the_o hour_n slide_v away_o without_o observation_n now_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n concern_v remedy_n apply_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o sick_a that_o physic_n cels._n be_v ineffectual_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o case_n of_o the_o sick_a be_v desperate_a when_o the_o only_a medicine_n proper_a for_o his_o cure_n increase_v the_o disease_n and_o bring_v death_n more_o certain_o and_o speedy_o those_o who_o be_v defile_v by_o carnal_a lust_n have_v a_o special_a curse_n they_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o fearful_a threaten_v my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n for_o he_o be_v flesh_n and_o after_o so_o desperate_a 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cleanse_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o impure_a heart_n he_o can_v by_o omnipotent_a grace_n change_v a_o brutish_a soul_n into_o a_o angelic_a and_o plant_v a_o divine_a nature_n that_o abhor_v and_o escape_v the_o corruption_n in_o 4._o the_o world_n through_o lust._n notwithstanding_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o threaten_v yet_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o grace_n have_v be_v exercise_v and_o magnify_v in_o the_o renew_n such_o pollute_a creature_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n they_o be_v fornicator_n and_o adulterer_n but_o they_o be_v wash_v sanctify_a and_o justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o let_v they_o address_v their_o request_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v cleanse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o only_a fountain_n of_o life_n and_o baptize_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o with_o fire_n to_o purge_v away_o their_o dross_n and_o pollution_n 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presume_v that_o you_o will_v forsake_v those_o sin_n hereafter_o which_o you_o be_v unwilling_a to_o forsake_v at_o present_a there_o be_v in_o many_o a_o conflict_n between_o conviction_n and_o corruption_n they_o love_v sin_n and_o hate_v it_o they_o delight_v in_o it_o and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o they_o can_v live_v without_o it_o nor_o with_o it_o in_o several_a respect_n now_o to_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o indulge_v their_o lust_n they_o please_v themselves_o with_o resolution_n of_o a_o future_a reformation_n the_o tempter_n often_o excite_v man_n to_o consent_v for_o once_o and_o obtain_v his_o aim_n but_o it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a distraction_n to_o think_v man_n may_v without_o apparent_a danger_n yield_v to_o a_o present_a temptation_n resolve_v to_o resist_v future_a temptation_n for_o if_o when_o the_o strength_n be_v entire_a a_o temptation_n captivate_v a_o person_n how_o much_o more_o easy_o will_v he_o be_v keep_v in_o bondage_n when_o the_o enemy_n be_v more_o tyrannous_a and_o usurp_a more_o bold_a and_o powerful_a and_o tread_v upon_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o be_v more_o disable_v to_o rescue_v himself_o the_o enlighten_v natural_a conscience_n be_v arm_v against_o sin_n and_o if_o man_n regard_v its_o dictate_v if_o they_o believe_v and_o value_v eternity_n they_o may_v preserve_v themselves_o from_o many_o defilement_n but_o god_n have_v never_o promise_v to_o recover_v sinner_n by_o special_a grace_n who_o have_v neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o common_a grace_n in_o short_a consider_v what_o be_v more_o torment_a than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n can_v be_v delightful_a the_o reflection_n of_o the_o guilty_a accuse_a conscience_n and_o the_o terrible_a impression_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n for_o ever_o chap._n ii_o anger_n be_v a_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh._n no_o passion_n less_o capable_a of_o counsel_n direction_n to_o prevent_v its_o rise_n and_o reign_v motive_n to_o extinguish_v it_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v join_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh._n covetousness_n consider_v it_o be_v radical_o in_o the_o understanding_n principal_o in_o the_o will_n virtual_o in_o the_o action_n the_o love_n of_o it_o produce_v many_o vicious_a affection_n it_o be_v discover_v in_o get_v save_a and_o use_v a_o estate_n the_o difficulty_n of_o cure_v covetousness_n make_v evident_a from_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o the_o unsuccessfulnss_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n exclude_v from_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a passion_n the_o present_a world_n can_v afford_v perfection_n or_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o immortal_a soul_n the_o proper_a mean_n to_o mortify_v covetousness_n 2._o anger_n be_v another_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh._n of_o all_o the_o passion_n none_o be_v less_o ir._n capable_a of_o counsel_n nor_o more_o rebellious_a against_o the_o empire_n of_o reason_n it_o darken_v the_o mind_n and_o cause_v such_o a_o fierce_a agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o storm_n fill_v the_o air_n with_o black_a cloud_n and_o terrible_a flash_n of_o lightning_n it_o often_o break_v forth_o so_o sudden_o that_o as_o some_o acute_a disease_n if_o check_v at_o first_o become_v more_o violent_a there_o be_v no_o time_n for_o remedy_n nor_o place_n for_o cure_v so_o there_o be_v such_o a_o irrevocable_a precipitancy_n of_o the_o passion_n that_o the_o endeavour_n to_o repress_v their_o fury_n enrage_v they_o it_o be_v astonish_a what_o enormous_a excess_n and_o mischief_n be_v cause_v by_o it_o how_o many_o house_n be_v turn_v into_o den_n of_o dragon_n how_o many_o kingdom_n into_o field_n of_o blood_n by_o this_o fierce_a passion_n to_o prevent_v its_o rise_n and_o reign_v the_o most_o necessary_a counsel_n be_v if_o possible_a to_o quench_v the_o first_o spark_n that_o appear_v which_o be_v seed_n pregnant_a with_o fire_n but_o if_o it_o be_v kindle_v do_v not_o feed_v the_o fire_n by_o exasperate_a word_n a_o prudent_a silence_n will_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o end_v a_o quarrel_n than_o the_o most_o sharp_a and_o pierce_a reply_n that_o confound_v the_o adversary_n julius_n caesar_n will_v never_o assault_v those_o enemy_n superandi_fw-la with_o arm_n who_o he_o can_v subdue_v by_o hunger_n he_o that_o injurious_o revile_v we_o if_o we_o revile_v not_o again_o and_o he_o have_v not_o a_o word_n from_o we_o to_o feed_v his_o rage_n will_v cease_v of_o himself_o and_o like_o those_o who_o die_v with_o pure_a hunger_n will_v tear_v himself_o hezekiah_n command_v his_o counsellor_n not_o to_o say_v a_o word_n to_o rabshekah_n 2._o try_v by_o gentle_a and_o meek_a address_n to_o compose_v the_o ruffle_a mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v provoke_v it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n that_o a_o soft_a answer_n break_v the_o bone_n it_o be_v usual_o successful_a to_o
when_o he_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o enter_v naked_a and_o solitary_a into_o the_o next_o world_n where_o he_o will_v be_v poor_a for_o ever_o he_o be_v rich_a that_o carry_v with_o he_o divine_a grace_n and_o comfort_n the_o treasure_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o he_o die_v and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o inheritance_n undefiled_a that_o pass_v not_o away_o how_o often_o do_v worldly_a man_n in_o their_o last_o hour_n when_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v declare_v with_o most_o feeling_n and_o least_o affectation_n condemn_v their_o unaccountable_a folly_n for_o their_o have_v set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n below_o and_o neglect_v thing_n above_o that_o with_o such_o fervour_n and_o constancy_n they_o prosecute_v their_o secular_a end_n and_o be_v so_o cold_o affect_v to_o eternal_a thing_n as_o unworthy_a of_o their_o care_n and_o diligence_n those_o forlorn_a wretch_n in_o their_o extremity_n with_o what_o significant_a and_o lively_a expression_n do_v they_o decry_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o seek_v it_o it_o be_v relate_v of_o philip_n king_n of_o the_o macedonian_n that_o while_o one_o be_v plead_v before_o he_o he_o drop_v asleep_a and_o wake_v on_o a_o sudden_a past_a sentence_n against_o the_o righteous_a cause_n upon_o this_o the_o injure_a person_n cry_v out_o i_o appeal_v the_o king_n with_o indignation_n ask_v to_o who_o he_o reply_v from_o yourself_o sleep_v to_o yourself_o wake_a and_o have_v the_o judgement_n reverse_v that_o be_v against_o he_o thus_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a moment_n if_o there_o be_v a_o appeal_n from_o the_o sleep_n to_o the_o wake_a thought_n of_o man_n when_o death_n open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o bona_fw-la dross_n of_o false_a treasure_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o true_a what_o a_o change_n will_v it_o make_v in_o their_o mind_n affection_n and_o action_n but_o o_o folly_n and_o misery_n they_o but_o superficial_o consider_v thing_n 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their_o heart_n in_o other_o the_o leprosy_n be_v in_o their_o bosom_n their_o affection_n be_v intense_o and_o entire_o set_v on_o the_o world_n though_o the_o discovery_n be_v not_o so_o visible_a none_o but_o the_o circumspect_a can_v be_v safe_a in_o order_n to_o the_o mortify_v this_o lust_n the_o follow_a mean_n with_o the_o divine_a blessing_n will_v be_v very_o useful_a the_o inward_a cause_n of_o the_o greedy_a desire_n and_o tenacious_a humour_n of_o the_o covetous_a be_v the_o irregular_a esteem_n of_o riches_n and_o consequent_o the_o jealousy_n of_o lose_v what_o be_v so_o high_o value_v and_o solicitude_n to_o prevent_v all_o possible_a future_a want_n now_o to_o take_v away_o these_o cause_n consider_v 1._o there_o be_v treasure_n infinite_o more_o precious_a and_o durable_a and_o more_o worthy_a of_o our_o esteem_n and_o love_n than_o all_o the_o gold_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o mine_n in_o peru_n the_o true_a enrichment_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o a_o man_n possess_v of_o all_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o flota_n be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n but_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a 3._o and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a god_n offer_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o portion_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o all_o perfection_n who_o treasure_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o unwasted_a if_o we_o seek_v his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v inherit_v substance_n and_o durable_a riches_n the_o apostle_n when_o the_o scale_n be_v fall_v from_o his_o eye_n discover_v such_o a_o excellency_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o count_v all_o thing_n loss_n and_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o this_o eminent_a advantage_n there_o be_v in_o seek_v heavenly_a treasure_n we_o shall_v certain_o obtain_v they_o and_o never_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o whereas_o the_o most_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o earthly_a riches_n be_v uncertain_o successful_a and_o if_o we_o do_v acquire_v they_o they_o will_v certain_o be_v lose_v now_o as_o inward_a bleed_v that_o endanger_v life_n be_v stop_v by_o revulsion_n in_o open_v a_o vein_n so_o if_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o affection_n be_v direct_v to_o thing_n above_o it_o will_v stop_v their_o impetuous_a current_n to_o thing_n below_o 2._o the_o liberal_a use_n of_o riches_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o in_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o secure_v the_o tenure_n of_o our_o temporal_a possession_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o pay_v the_o tribute_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o he_o can_v by_o right_n and_o power_n resume_v they_o in_o a_o moment_n beside_o there_o be_v no_o epithet_n more_o proper_a to_o be_v join_v with_o riches_n than_o uncertain_a be_v that_o man_n certain_o rich_a who_o entire_a estate_n be_v in_o a_o ship_n sail_v through_o dangerous_a sea_n and_o open_a to_o frequent_v piracy_n there_o be_v no_o great_a a_o distance_n between_o a_o tempest_n and_o a_o shipwreck_n than_o between_o often_o and_o always_o innumerable_a disaster_n be_v imminent_a and_o near_o threaten_v the_o undo_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n but_o god_n who_o command_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o govern_v the_o will_n of_o man_n who_o providence_n order_v the_o most_o fortuitous_a event_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o liberal_a man_n who_o devise_v liberal_a thing_n he_o shall_v stand_v he_o have_v a_o special_a protection_n and_o as_o he_o be_v like_a to_o god_n in_o give_v so_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o not_o be_v poor_a for_o his_o give_v the_o apostle_n incourage_v christian_n not_o to_o be_v covetous_a by_o this_o argument_n god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o we_o may_v firm_o rely_v on_o his_o promise_n for_o truth_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o trust_n and_o rest_n on_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v omnipotent_a add_v to_o this_o consideration_n there_o be_v a_o accessional_a security_n to_o the_o charitable_a from_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o man_n be_v sociable_a by_o instinct_n and_o the_o civil_a life_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o he_o will_v be_v dissolve_v without_o mutual_a assistance_n it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o complete_o sufficient_a in_o himself_o so_o absolute_o and_o independent_o happy_a but_o he_o want_v the_o counsel_n the_o courage_n the_o help_n of_o other_o it_o be_v usual_a that_o he_o who_o possess_v most_o can_v do_v less_o and_o that_o he_o that_o have_v less_o can_v do_v more_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o other_o the_o giving_z that_o wherein_o one_o abound_v and_o the_o receive_v that_o which_o the_o other_o want_v make_v such_o a_o equipoise_n between_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a that_o they_o can_v be_v disjoin_v experience_n declare_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o endear_v and_o engage_v the_o affection_n of_o other_o to_o we_o than_o act_n of_o kindness_n beneficence_n join_v with_o innocence_n render_v man_n venerable_a and_o amiable_a conciliate_v esteem_n and_o love_n for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v whereas_o the_o covetous_a and_o incompassionate_a not_o only_o provoke_v god_n for_o he_o that_o abuse_v a_o benefit_n despise_v the_o benefactor_n and_o by_o imprison_v their_o treasure_n without_o do_v good_a the_o abuse_n be_v as_o real_a as_o by_o riotous_a waste_v they_o but_o be_v expose_v to_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n and_o if_o a_o disaster_n surprise_v they_o a_o secret_a joy_n touch_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v riches_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n not_o only_o in_o spiritual_n but_o in_o temporal_n as_o a_o man_n sow_v so_o he_o shall_v reap_v both_o in_o the_o recompense_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o
majesty_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o on_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o raise_v its_o tower_n to_o the_o heaven_n this_o pride_n be_v attend_v with_o reliance_n and_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o direction_n to_o contrive_v and_o ability_n to_o accomplish_v their_o design_n and_o with_o assume_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o their_o success_n entire_o to_o themselves_o the_o proud_a manage_n their_o affair_n independent_o upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o and_o total_o neglect_v the_o two_o essential_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n prayer_n and_o praise_n or_o very_o slight_o perform_v the_o external_a part_n without_o those_o inward_a affection_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a prayer_n of_o agar_n give_v i_o not_o riches_n lest_o i_o be_v full_a and_o deny_v thou_o god_n strict_o caution_n his_o people_n against_o this_o dangerous_a sin_n beware_v thou_o forget_v not_o the_o lord_n 18._o and_o say_v in_o thy_o heart_n my_o power_n and_o the_o might_n of_o my_o hand_n have_v get_v i_o this_o wealth_n remember_v it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v the_o power_n to_o get_v riches_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a lest_o man_n shall_v attribute_v victory_n or_o prosperity_n in_o any_o kind_n to_o their_o own_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n their_o prudence_n and_o power_n without_o humble_a and_o thankful_a observe_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a providence_n the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o all_o our_o blessing_n 2._o whatever_o the_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v when_o commit_v against_o knowledge_n with_o design_n and_o deliberation_n they_o proceed_v from_o insolence_n and_o obstinacy_n the_o israelite_n be_v charge_v with_o this_o aggravation_n in_o their_o sin_v they_o deal_v proud_o 17._o and_o harden_v their_o neck_n and_o hearken_v not_o to_o the_o commandment_n and_o refuse_v to_o obey_v proud_a sinner_n be_v introduce_v boast_v our_o tongue_n be_v our_o own_o who_o be_v lord_n over_o we_o they_o will_v endure_v no_o restraint_n but_o be_v lawless_a and_o loose_a as_o if_o they_o be_v above_o fear_n and_o danger_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v few_o so_o prodigious_o wicked_a as_o to_o speak_v thus_o but_o man_n action_n have_v a_o language_n as_o declarative_a as_o their_o word_n and_o sin_v presumptuous_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n be_v constructive_o a_o denial_n and_o despise_v of_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o command_v nor_o strength_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o despise_a deity_n in_o the_o last_o judgement_n the_o punishment_n of_o rebellious_a sinner_n will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n majesty_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o power_n that_o be_v contemn_v and_o vilify_v by_o they_o 3._o when_o divine_a judgement_n be_v send_v to_o correct_v the_o dissolute_a disorder_n of_o the_o world_n and_o sinner_n shall_v with_o tenderness_n and_o tremble_a hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o yet_o they_o proceed_v in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o if_o god_n be_v not_o always_o present_a to_o see_v their_o sin_n nor_o pure_a to_o hate_v they_o nor_o righteous_a to_o exact_v a_o severe_a judgement_n for_o they_o nor_o powerful_a to_o inflict_v it_o this_o argue_v intolerable_a pride_n and_o obstinacy_n god_n and_o sinner_n be_v very_o unequal_a enemy_n the_o effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n shall_v be_v receive_v with_o obsequiousness_n not_o with_o obduration_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n put_v that_o confound_a question_n do_v you_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v you_o strong_a than_o he_o can_v you_o encounter_v with_o offend_a omnipotence_n to_o despise_v his_o anger_n be_v as_o provoke_v as_o to_o despise_v his_o love_n it_o be_v astonish_v that_o dust_n and_o ash_n shall_v rise_v to_o such_o a_o incorrigible_a height_n of_o pride_n as_o to_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n who_o ever_o harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o prosper_v all_o that_o be_v careless_a of_o god_n design_n to_o reform_v they_o by_o affliction_n that_o seek_v for_o relief_n in_o divert_v business_n or_o pleasure_n provoke_v god_n to_o more_o severe_a infliction_n of_o his_o anger_n but_o those_o surly_a proud_a nature_n that_o be_v exasperate_v by_o suffering_n and_o wrestle_v with_o the_o strong_a storm_n be_v in_o combination_n with_o the_o stubborn_a spirit_n of_o hell_n and_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n with_o they_o last_o when_o man_n have_v a_o vain_a presumption_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o goodness_n and_o their_o stability_n in_o goodness_n not_o sensible_a of_o their_o continual_a want_n of_o renew_a supply_n from_o heaven_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o this_o there_o be_v two_o instance_n in_o scripture_n the_o one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n the_o other_o in_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n the_o first_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a 3._o and_o increase_v in_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o poor_a and_o miserable_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a the_o pharisee_n to_o raise_v the_o esteem_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n stand_v upon_o comparison_n with_o other_o who_o vice_n may_v be_v a_o foil_n to_o his_o seem_a grace_n he_o say_v i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n it_o be_v true_a he_o superficial_o thank_v god_n but_o the_o air_n of_o pride_n transpire_v through_o his_o devotion_n by_o value_v himself_o above_o other_o worse_o than_o himself_o as_o if_o his_o own_o virtue_n be_v the_o productive_a cause_n of_o his_o distinguish_a goodness_n if_o humility_n be_v not_o mix_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o grace_n it_o be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o god_n esteem_n the_o humble_a unjust_a publican_n be_v rather_o justify_v than_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi this_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v very_o observable_a in_o the_o superstitious_a who_o measure_v divine_a thing_n with_o humane_a from_o that_o mixture_n of_o imagination_n introduce_v carnal_a rite_n into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o opinionative_n goodness_n they_o mistake_v the_o swell_a of_o a_o dropsy_n for_o substantial_a growth_n and_o presume_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o other_o for_o their_o proud_a singularity_n superstition_n be_v like_a ivy_n that_o twine_n about_o the_o tree_n and_o be_v its_o seem_a ornament_n but_o drain_v its_o vital_a sap_n and_o under_o its_o verdant_a leave_n cover_v a_o carcase_n thus_o carnal_a ceremony_n seem_v to_o adorn_v religion_n but_o real_o dispirit_v and_o weaken_v its_o efficacy_n pharisaical_a pride_n be_v foment_v by_o a_o zealous_a observance_n of_o thing_n uncommand_v in_o religion_n neither_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o men._n on_o the_o contrary_a some_o visionary_n pretend_v to_o such_o a_o sublimity_n of_o grace_n and_o eminent_a sanctity_n that_o they_o be_v above_o the_o use_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n they_o pretend_v to_o live_v in_o immediate_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o the_o angel_n and_o dazzle_v with_o specious_a spirituality_n they_o neglect_v prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o mean_n of_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o if_o they_o be_v arrive_v at_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o delusion_n for_o the_o mortify_n this_o vicious_a disposition_n consider_v that_o pride_n be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n injurious_a and_o provoke_a to_o god_n a_o ordinary_a malefactor_n break_v the_o king_n law_n but_o a_o rebel_n strike_v at_o his_o person_n and_o crown_n the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n be_v to_o honour_n god_n with_o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o love_n with_o the_o most_o humble_a adoration_n consequent_o the_o great_a sin_n be_v the_o despise_v his_o majesty_n and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n more_o clear_o opposite_a to_o reason_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o most_o essential_a duty_n and_o character_n of_o a_o understand_a creature_n be_v dependence_n and_o observance_n of_o god_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n receive_v with_o thankfulness_n his_o benefit_n and_o refer_v they_o all_o to_o his_o glory_n pride_n contradict_v natural_a justice_n by_o intercept_n the_o grateful_a affectionate_a ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o celebrate_v his_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n a_o proud_a man_n constructive_o put_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n creature_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o his_o tender_a providence_n the_o jealousy_n of_o god_n his_o most_o severe_a and_o sensible_a attribute_n be_v kindle_v for_o this_o revolture_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