more_o frequent_o require_v of_o or_o attribute_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o when_o action_n flow_v at_o once_o from_o principle_n and_o custom_n when_o they_o spring_v from_o love_n and_o be_v attend_v by_o pleasure_n and_o be_v incite_v and_o quicken_v by_o faith_n and_o hope_v too_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v repeat_v they_o with_o some_o eagerness_n and_o feel_v a_o holy_a impatience_n as_o often_o as_o we_o be_v hinder_v or_o disappoint_v and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n show_v that_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o be_v there_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o thus_o it_o be_v shall_v i_o mention_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a act._n 10.38_o shall_v i_o propose_v the_o labour_n and_o travil_n of_o st._n paul_n these_o pattern_n it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v judge_v by_o some_o too_o bright_a and_o dazzle_a a_o light_n for_o we_o to_o look_v on_o or_o at_o least_o too_o perfect_a for_o we_o to_o copy_n after_o and_o yet_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o joh._n 2.6_o and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v of_o christ_n but_o if_o the_o fervency_n of_o christ_n and_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o have_v soar_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o imitation_n we_o have_v inferior_a instance_n enough_o to_o prove_v the_o zeal_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o habitual_a goodness_n thus_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal_n 119.10_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o and_o josiah_n 2_o king_n 23.25_o be_v say_v to_o have_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v how_o fervent_a be_v anna_n woe_n depart_v not_o from_o the_o temple_n but_o serve_v god_n with_o fast_n and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n luk._n 2.37_o how_o charitable_a tabytha_n who_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n and_o alms-deed_n which_o she_o do_v act._n 9.36_o where_o shall_v i_o place_v cornelius_n with_o what_o word_n shall_v i_o set_v out_o his_o virtue_n with_o what_o but_o those_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 10.2_o he_o be_v a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n which_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o but_o peradventure_o some_o may_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v something_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a in_o these_o eminent_a person_n which_o we_o must_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v but_o must_v be_v content_a to_o follow_v they_o at_o a_o vast_a distance_n well_o let_v this_o be_v so_o what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v to_o whole_a church_n animate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o zeal_n what_o be_v we_o to_o think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n who_o charity_n st._n paul_n thus_o magnify_v 2_o cor._n 8.2_o 3._o in_o a_o great_a trial_n of_o affliction_n the_o abundance_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o their_o deep_a poverty_n abound_v to_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n for_o to_o their_o power_n i_o bear_v record_n yea_o and_o beyond_o their_o power_n they_o be_v willing_a of_o themselves_o and_o st._n paul_n declare_v himself_o persuade_v of_o the_o roman_n that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n rom._n 15.14_o and_o of_o the_o corinthian_n he_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o thing_n and_o come_v behind_o in_o no_o gift_n 1_o cor._n 1.5_o 6._o that_o they_o do_v abound_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o faith_n in_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o i_o will_v stop_v here_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o instance_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o vigour_n and_o fervency_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v no_o miraculous_a gift_n no_o extraordinary_a prerogative_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o natural_a and_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o well_o confirm_v habit_n of_o holiness_n last_o be_v constancy_n and_o steadiness_n the_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a property_n of_o perfection_n too_o in_o scripture_n good_a man_n be_v every_o where_o represent_v as_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o one_o word_n as_o constant_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o maintain_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n and_o so_o natural_a be_v this_o to_o one_o habitual_o good_a that_o st._n john_n affirm_v of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o he_o can_v sin_v 1_o joh._n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n according_o job_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o his_o life_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v righteous_a walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a luk._n 1.6_o enoch_n noah_n david_n and_o other_o excellent_a person_n who_o be_v pronounce_v by_o god_n righteous_a and_o just_a and_o perfect_a be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n with_o a_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o be_v that_o constancy_n which_o christian_n be_v often_o exhort_v to_o watch_v you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n quit_v you_o like_o man_n be_v strong_a 1_o cor._n 16.13_o and_o of_o which_o the_o first_o follower_n of_o our_o lord_n leave_v we_o such_o remarkable_a example_n the_o disciple_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n luk._n 24._o and_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o have_v continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n act_n 2.42_o thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v my_o notion_n of_o perfection_n from_o scripture_n nor_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o text_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o unless_o he_o mistake_v the_o main_a design_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v and_o exalt_v we_o to_o a_o steady_a habit_n of_o holiness_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a this_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o his_o heart_n purify_v and_o to_o be_v inform_v act_v and_o influence_v by_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o by_o a_o vital_a principle_n and_o all_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o habitual_a goodness_n if_o any_o one_o desire_n further_o light_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v he_o read_v the_o eight_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o he_o will_v soon_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o there_o find_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v hiterto_fw-mi advance_v there_o though_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v not_o find_v the_o thing_n call_v perfection_n be_v describe_v in_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n in_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o there_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v represent_v as_o one_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n as_o one_o who_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v set_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n one_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o mind_n or_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n one_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v he_o do_v not_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o transient_a visit_n but_o here_o he_o reign_v and_o rule_n and_o inhabit_v one_o final_o in_o who_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o confidence_n the_o security_n and_o transport_v that_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_n but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v
religious_a perfection_n or_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n by_o the_o author_n of_o practical_a christianity_n therefore_o leave_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n heb._n 6.1_o london_n print_v for_o sam._n smith_n and_o benj._n walford_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcvi_o to_o mr._n whitelocke_n bulstrode_n of_o clifford's-inn_n i_o here_o present_v you_o my_o dear_a friend_n with_o a_o discourse_n wherein_o i_o labour_v to_o advance_v the_o great_a and_o true_a end_n of_o life_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o man._n i_o can_v i_o confess_v pretend_v to_o have_v come_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o my_o subject_n yet_o i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o can_v and_o have_v attempt_v it_o with_o my_o utmost_a force_n i_o know_v you_o too_o well_o to_o imagine_v you_o fond_a of_o a_o address_n of_o this_o public_a nature_n you_o love_v the_o real_a and_o solid_a satisfaction_n not_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n those_o splendid_a encumbrance_n of_o life_n your_o rational_a and_o virtuous_a pleasure_n burn_v like_o a_o gentle_a and_o cheerful_a flame_n without_o noise_n or_o blaze_n however_o i_o can_v but_o be_v confident_a that_o you_o will_v pardon_v the_o liberty_n which_o i_o here_o take_v when_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o make_v the_o best_a acknowledgement_n i_o can_v to_o one_o who_o have_v give_v i_o so_o many_o proof_n of_o a_o generous_a and_o passionate_a friendship_n be_v a_o pleasure_n too_o great_a to_o be_v resist_v i_o be_o dear_a sir_n unfeigned_o you_o r._n lucas_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1._o sect_n i._o of_o religious_a perfection_n in_o general_n chap._n 1._o perfection_n what_o it_o be_v notion_n confirm_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n p._n 11._o chap._n 2._o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n countenance_v on_o all_o side_n however_o different_a in_o their_o expression_n p._n 30._o chap._n 3._o several_a inference_n deduce_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n p._n 42._o chap._n 4._o a_o general_n account_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o religious_a perfection_n particular_o with_o respect_n to_o assurance_n and_o pleasure_n p._n 63._o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o several_a step_n by_o which_o the_o christian_a advance_n to_o perfection_n p._n 102._o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v perfection_n and_o the_o great_a end_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o instrumental_a duty_n p._n 120._o chap._n 7._o of_o some_o particular_a motive_n to_o perfection_n p._n 176._o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o perfection_n chap._n 1._o of_o illumination_n what_o it_o consist_v in_o p._n 188._o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n p._n 227_o chap._n 3._o of_o liberty_n in_o general_n p._n 257._o chap._n 4._o of_o liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o original_a sin_n p._n 335._o chap._n 5._o of_o liberty_n with_o respect_n to_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n p._n 367._o chap._n 6._o of_o liberty_n as_o it_o import_v freedom_n or_o deliverance_n from_o mortal_a sin_n p._n 403._o chap._n 7._o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o idleness_n p._n 434._o chap._n 8._o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n or_o formality_n p._n 452._o chap._n 9_o of_o zeal_n or_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o state_n of_o zeal_n namely_o what_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o p._n 489._o chap._n 10._o of_o zeal_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o good_a work_n p._n 513._o chap._n 11._o of_o humility_n p._n 528._o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n  _fw-fr errata_fw-la page_n 5._o line_n 8._o pretend_a read_v pretend_v p._n 62._o l._n 4._o currant_n r._n concurrent_a p._n 94._o l._n 21._o after_o all_o add_v p._n 80._o l._n 6._o effect_n r._n affect_v p._n 96._o l._n 9_o act_n r._n art_n p._n 116._o l._n ult_v lead_v r._n let_v p._n 157._o after_o fervent_a add_v such_o affection_n be_v p._n 167._o l._n 21._o blot_n out_o i._n p._n 205._o l._n 31._o model_v r._n mould_v p._n world_n r._n love_n p._n 223._o l._n 1._o be_v r._n lie_v p._n 238._o l._n 16._o word_n r._n world_n p._n 245._o l._n 6._o add_v of_o p._n 245._o l._n 14._o prevent_v r._n pervert_v p._n 258._o l._n 24._o of_o r._n a_o p._n 295._o l._n 14._o to_o r._n by_o p._n 302._o l._n 16._o man_n r._n man_n p._n 306._o l._n 4._o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o r._n their_o righteousness_n therefore_o p._n 306._o l._n 6._o suppose_v r._n i_o oppose_v p._n 334._o l._n 11._o wound_n r._n womb_n p._n 346._o l._n 24._o these_o r._n there_o p._n 421._o l._n 9_o affection_n r._n affectation_n p._n 422._o l._n 10._o part_n r._n party_n p._n 466._o l._n 24._o now_o r._n not_o p._n 489._o l._n 8._o he_o r._n the_o perfect_a man_n p._n 533._o l._n ult_n forwardness_n r._n frowardness_n the_o introduction_n by_o what_o step_v i_o be_o advance_v thus_o far_o in_o my_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n and_o what_o connexion_n or_o coherence_n there_o be_v between_o this_o and_o two_o other_o discourse_n already_o publish_a on_o that_o subject_n be_v very_o obvious_a in_o the_o first_o i_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v those_o objection_n which_o represent_v all_o inquiry_n and_o attempt_n after_o true_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n either_o as_o fantastic_a or_o unnecessary_a or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o after_o i_o have_v assert_v the_o value_n and_o possibility_n of_o happiness_n i_o do_v in_o general_a point_n out_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o our_o ill_a success_n and_o disappointment_n in_o pursuit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o second_o i_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o human_a life_n insist_v upon_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o and_o show_v what_o qualification_n and_o virtue_n the_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n demand_v and_o then_o consider_v how_o life_n may_v be_v prolong_v and_o improve_v in_o this_o three_o i_o prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o two_o former_a the_o promote_a human_a happiness_n for_o life_n perfection_n and_o happiness_n have_v a_o close_a and_o inseparable_a dependence_n on_o one_o another_o for_o as_o life_n which_o be_v the_o rational_a exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n do_v natural_o advance_v on_o and_o terminate_v in_o perfection_n so_o perfection_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o maturity_n of_o human_a virtue_n do_v natural_o end_v in_o that_o rest_n and_o peace_n that_o tranquillity_n serenity_n and_o joy_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o call_v happiness_n now_o perfection_n in_o a_o abstract_a and_o metaphisical_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o state_n that_o admit_v neither_o of_o accession_n nor_o dimunition_n but_o talk_v of_o it_o practical_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n accommodate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o perfection_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o such_o endowment_n and_o attainment_n as_o man_n be_v general_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n and_o because_o man_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o to_o another_o world_n therefore_o human_a perfection_n may_v i_o think_v natural_o enough_o be_v divide_v into_o religious_a and_o secular_a by_o secular_a i_o mean_v that_o which_o regard_v our_o interest_n in_o this_o life_n by_o religious_a that_o which_o secure_v it_o in_o eternity_n the_o one_o more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o aim_v at_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n the_o other_o at_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o one_o pursue_v that_o happiness_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o outward_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n the_o other_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o virtue_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v easy_a now_o to_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o two_o kind_n of_o perfection_n be_v the_o more_o desirable_a the_o one_o purify_v and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n the_o other_o polish_v and_o varnish_n it_o the_o one_o make_v a_o complete_a gentleman_n the_o other_o a_o true_a christian_a the_o success_n of_o the_o one_o be_v precarious_a that_o of_o the_o other_o certain_a have_v no_o dependence_n on_o time_n or_o chance_n the_o humour_n or_o fancy_n of_o man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o one_o be_v short_a and_o superficial_a that_o of_o the_o other_o great_a and_o last_a the_o world_n admire_v the_o one_o and_o god_n approve_v the_o other_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o this_o be_v a_o good_a step_n towards_o true_a wisdom_n as_o be_v that_o which_o will_v enable_v man_n to_o steer_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n aright_o but_o while_o i_o prefer_v the_o one_o i_o do_v not_o prescribe_v the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o other_o so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o it_o that_o i_o be_o
all_o perfection_n lord_n what_o rest_v what_o confidence_n what_o joy_n what_o extacy_n do_v these_o thought_n breed_v how_o sublime_a how_o lofty_a how_o delightful_a and_o ravish_a be_v those_o expression_n of_o st._n john_n 1_o epist_n 3.1_o 2._o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o because_o it_o know_v he_o not_o belove_a now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o those_o again_o of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o do_v hold_v i_o by_o my_o right_a hand_n thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o into_o glory_n psal_n 73.23_o 24._o but_o i_o will_v descend_v to_o cool_a and_o humble_a pleasure_n it_o be_v no_o small_a happiness_n to_o the_o perfect_a man_n that_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o proper_a object_n of_o his_o own_o complacency_n he_o can_v reflect_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o justice_n the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n the_o meekness_n and_o charity_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o much_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n and_o contentment_n in_o himself_o and_o this_o sure_o he_o may_v do_v with_o good_a reason_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o those_o of_o the_o body_n as_o those_o of_o the_o body_n before_o the_o gift_n of_o fortune_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a importance_n to_o be_v please_v with_o one_o self_n for_o grant_v any_o one_o but_o this_o and_o he_o can_v never_o be_v very_o uneasy_a or_o very_a miserable_a but_o without_o this_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o disturb_v and_o discompose_v and_o the_o most_o oblige_a accident_n of_o life_n will_v have_v no_o relish_n in_o they_o it_o be_v true_a folly_n and_o vanity_n do_v sometime_o create_v a_o self-complacency_n in_o the_o sinner_n why_o even_o then_o it_o be_v a_o please_a error_n but_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n between_o the_o just_a and_o rational_a complacency_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o mistake_a one_o of_o a_o fool_n as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o false_a and_o fleet_a fancy_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o the_o solid_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o day_n this_o will_v be_v very_o manifest_a upon_o the_o slight_a view_n we_o can_v take_v of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o good_a man_n satisfaction_n in_o himself_o and_o render_v his_o conscience_n a_o continual_a feast_n to_o he_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o virtue_n be_v its_o own_o reward_n and_o though_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v this_o be_v a_o reward_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o all_o case_n nor_o great_a enough_o to_o vanquish_v some_o sort_n of_o temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o say_n for_o a_o state_n of_o virtue_n be_v like_o a_o state_n of_o health_n or_o peace_n of_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o therefore_o desirable_a on_o its_o own_o account_n and_o if_o pleasure_n proper_o speak_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o agreeable_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n about_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o if_o it_o be_v then_o absolute_a and_o complete_a when_o these_o power_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v free_a and_o undisturbed_a then_o certain_o virtue_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfect_a action_n of_o a_o perfect_a nature_n as_o far_o as_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v admit_v in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n must_v be_v a_o very_a considerable_a pleasure_n act_n of_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n the_o contemplation_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o love_n of_o goodness_n must_v be_v most_o natural_a and_o delightful_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o because_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v infinite_a and_o omnipresent_v and_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o contemplate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o therefore_o do_v he_o in_o his_o degree_n and_o measure_n participate_v of_o his_o selfsufficiency_n as_o he_o do_v of_o other_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o enjoy_v within_o himself_o a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o delight_n how_o many_o how_o various_a be_v the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o polish_a and_o cultivate_v how_o agreeable_a be_v they_o all_o to_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o to_o illustrate_v and_o adorn_v to_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v to_o weigh_v discriminate_a and_o distinguish_v to_o deliberate_v calm_o and_o impartial_o to_o act_v with_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n to_o despise_v little_a thing_n and_o look_v bold_o on_o danger_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n dextrous_o to_o converse_v with_o a_o sweet_a and_o yet_o a_o manly_a air_n in_o honest_a and_o open_a yet_o take_v oblige_a language_n how_o delightful_a be_v these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o how_o much_o do_v they_o conduce_v to_o the_o service_n the_o beauty_n and_o dignity_n of_o human_a life_n to_o these_o accomplish_a mind_n we_o owe_v history_n science_n art_n trade_n law_n from_o all_o which_o if_o other_o reap_v a_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o the_o author_n the_o parent_n of_o they_o and_o all_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o one_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o perfect_a man_n enjoy_v above_o the_o most_o fortunate_a sensualist_n which_o be_v that_o he_o can_v never_o want_v a_o opportunity_n to_o employ_v all_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o mind_n useful_o and_o delightful_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o retirement_n which_o be_v the_o prison_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o fool_n be_v the_o paradise_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_n but_o let_v we_o come_v at_o length_n to_o that_o pleasure_n which_o depend_v upon_o external_n object_n where_o if_o any_o where_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n must_v dispute_v his_o title_n to_o pleasure_n with_o the_o wise_a and_o good_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o here_o which_o force_n we_o to_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o the_o wise_a man_n i_o will_v not_o urge_v that_o a_o narrow_a a_o private_a fortune_n can_v furnish_v store_n enough_o for_o all_o the_o appetite_n of_o virtue_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n need_v not_o at_o any_o time_n purchase_v his_o pleasure_n at_o too_o dear_a a_o rate_n he_o need_v not_o lie_v nor_o cheat_v nor_o crouch_v nor_o fawn_v this_o be_v the_o price_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o i_o say_v urge_v these_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n since_o the_o world_n think_v it_o want_v of_o spirit_n to_o be_v content_a with_o a_o little_a and_o want_v of_o wit_n not_o to_o practice_v those_o act_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o base_a by_o which_o we_o may_v compass_v more_o i_o will_v only_o remark_n these_o few_o thing_n first_o the_o wise_a man_n prospect_n be_v enlarge_v he_o be_v like_o a_o artist_n or_o philosopher_n which_o discover_v a_o thousand_o pleasure_n and_o beauty_n in_o a_o piece_n wherein_o the_o idiot_n can_v see_v none_o he_o see_v in_o all_o the_o work_n in_o all_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n those_o depth_n those_o contrivance_n which_o the_o fool_n can_v fathom_n that_o order_n that_o harmony_n which_o the_o sinner_n be_v insensible_a of_o next_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n that_o be_v not_o refine_v by_o virtue_n leave_v a_o stain_n upon_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v course_n and_o turbulent_a empty_a and_o vexatious_a the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n be_v like_o a_o stream_n which_o run_v indeed_o within_o its_o bank_n but_o it_o run_v smooth_a and_o clear_a and_o have_v a_o spring_n that_o always_o feed_v the_o current_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v like_o a_o land_n flood_n impetuous_a muddy_a and_o irregular_a and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o forsake_v the_o ground_n it_o overflowed_a it_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o it_o but_o slime_n and_o filth_n last_o the_o wise_a man_n form_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o his_o vltimate_a end_n enjoy_v all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o fool_v by_o a_o expectation_n of_o more_o thus_o have_v consider_v the_o object_n of_o human_a pleasure_n two_o thing_n be_v plain_a first_o that_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v many_o source_n or_o fountain_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o sinner_n never_o taste_v of_o which_o he_o can_v relish_v which_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o next_o as_o to_o outward_a thing_n that_o he_o have_v even_o here_o many_o advantage_n above_o the_o other_o but_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a yet_o
and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o we_o must_v watch_v and_o pray_v and_o contend_v labour_n and_o persevere_v and_o that_o long_a too_o ere_o we_o can_v attain_v it_o and_o whoever_o fancy_n himself_o rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n on_o a_o sudden_a will_v find_v himself_o as_o sudden_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n again_o if_o he_o do_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o fortify_v his_o resolution_n to_o cherish_v the_o newborn_a flame_n and_o to_o guard_v and_o improve_v his_o virtue_n 3_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o the_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o maturity_n of_o it_o my_o colour_n be_v too_o bright_a my_o stroke_n too_o bold_a and_o the_o form_n i_o have_v give_v it_o too_o divine_a for_o you_o describe_v it_o will_v one_o say_v as_o if_o man_n now_o grow_v perfect_a have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v already_o enter_v into_o rest_n and_o do_v actual_o sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o heavenly_a place_n as_o if_o in_o a_o word_n virtue_n be_v no_o long_o his_o task_n but_o pleasure_n as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rejoice_v continual_o nothing_o further_a to_o press_v after_o nothing_o to_o combat_n nothing_o to_o contend_v with_o whereas_o the_o father_n general_o and_o all_o judicious_a modern_a writer_n seem_v to_o place_n perfection_n in_o nothing_o high_a then_o in_o a_o perpetual_a progress_n towards_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o life_n as_o a_o perpetual_a warfare_n and_o utter_o deny_v any_o such_o height_n or_o eminence_n as_o be_v raise_v above_o cloud_n and_o storm_n above_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o say_v which_o will_v clear_v my_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o dispel_v all_o objection_n first_o i_o have_v describe_v the_o last_o stage_n of_o the_o christian_n spiritual_a progress_n which_o i_o call_v a_o state_n of_o zeal_n and_o in_o which_o i_o suppose_v the_o christian_n to_o commence_v perfect_a this_o i_o say_v i_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o the_o same_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v second_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v any_o where_n to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v any_o state_n in_o this_o life_n raise_v above_o trial_n and_o temptation_n alas_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n will_v find_v it_o work_v enough_o to_o make_v good_a the_o ground_n he_o have_v gain_v and_o maintain_v the_o conquest_n he_o have_v win_v much_o watchfulness_n and_o labour_n much_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o many_o other_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o perseverance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n three_o as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o and_o indeed_o ever_o do_v perfection_n be_v a_o state_n we_o arrive_v at_o very_o late_a and_o all_o the_o way_n to_o it_o full_a of_o labour_n and_o travel_v full_a of_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o life_n of_o man_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a warfare_n but_o four_o i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n affirm_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v incapable_a of_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o unfold_v my_o sense_n more_o full_o afterward_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v forbear_v observe_v here_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o a_o perfect_a christian_a for_o suppose_v grace_n to_o be_v always_o increase_v and_o the_o very_a maturity_n of_o virtue_n to_o admit_v of_o degree_n yet_o the_o mark_n and_o distinction_n of_o such_o different_a degree_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o delicate_a that_o the_o advances_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v scarce_o perceptible_a to_o himself_o without_o the_o close_a and_o strict_a enquiry_n much_o less_o can_v they_o fall_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o the_o first_o change_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n from_o a_o aversion_n for_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o a_o sincere_a though_o not_o a_o perfect_a love_n of_o both_o be_v very_o palpable_a so_o again_o the_o change_n from_o a_o state_n of_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n to_o one_o of_o strength_n of_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n to_o one_o of_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o fear_n and_o doubt_n to_o one_o of_o confidence_n and_o pleasure_n be_v little_o less_o evident_a and_o sensible_a but_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o growth_n afterward_o the_o improvement_n whatever_o they_o be_v of_o a_o mature_a state_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n not_o consist_v in_o a_o change_n but_o addition_n and_o that_o make_v insensible_o here_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o order_n to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o mind_n need_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a examination_n of_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o virtue_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o make_v good_a his_o post_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o he_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o if_o he_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o perfection_n shall_v i_o insist_v particular_o on_o every_o one_o of_o the_o mean_n or_o instrument_n of_o perfection_n it_o will_v lead_v i_o through_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o moral_a righteousness_n for_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v all_o afford_v mutual_a support_n and_o nourishment_n to_o one_o another_o and_o mutual_o minister_v to_o their_o own_o growth_n and_o strength_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o to_o mention_v meditation_n psalmody_n conversation_n discipline_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o almost_o all_o christian_a grace_n as_o repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n but_o this_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n i_o purpose_v therefore_o here_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o few_o general_n observation_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o direction_n in_o the_o use_n of_o gospel_n means_n point_v out_o the_o end_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o utmost_a benefit_n from_o they_o these_o observation_n be_v 1._o the_o practice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o improve_v and_o strengthen_v both_o 2._o the_o two_o general_a and_o immediate_a instrument_n as_o of_o conversion_n so_o of_o perfection_n too_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n 3._o the_o natural_a and_o immediate_a fruit_n of_o meditation_n prayer_n eucharist_n psalmody_n and_o good_a conversation_n be_v the_o quicken_a and_o enliven_a the_o conscience_n the_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n and_o the_o raise_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n 4._o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o subdue_a the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n 5._o last_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n than_o other_o i_o will_v very_o brief_o illustrate_v each_o of_o these_o observation_n and_o suggest_v from_o they_o such_o rule_n as_o i_o shall_v judge_v most_o serviceable_a to_o promote_v perfection_n §_o 1._o the_o practice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o improve_v and_o strengthen_v both_o this_o be_v a_o proposition_n almost_o self-evident_a for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o single_a act_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o natural_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o a_o habit_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n give_v a_o man_n great_a boldness_n towards_o god_n mingle_v joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o all_o his_o address_n to_o he_o purify_v and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a joh._n 8.31.3_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n mat._n 13.12_o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o undoubted_o it_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o such_o a_o solitude_n or_o retirement_n as_o cut_v off_o the_o opportunity_n of_o many_o virtue_n which_o may_v be_v daily_o practise_v in_o a_o more_o public_a and_o active_a life_n the_o true_a
liberty_n the_o constancy_n and_o uniformity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o both_o strength_n and_o passion_n be_v general_o owe_v to_o a_o tender_a and_o enlighten_v conscience_n for_o while_o the_o conscience_n preserve_v a_o quick_a and_o nice_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v their_o proper_a force_n and_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o we_o these_o than_o be_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o meditation_n the_o eucharist_n psalmody_n and_o suchlike_a if_o they_o do_v not_o add_v life_n and_o light_n to_o the_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v not_o augment_v our_o strength_n nor_o exalt_v our_o passion_n if_o they_o do_v not_o increase_v our_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quicken_v and_o excite_v devout_a purpose_n if_o they_o do_v not_o engage_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n by_o holy_a joy_n and_o heavenly_a pleasure_n if_o i_o say_v they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o promote_v these_o thing_n we_o reap_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o from_o they_o or_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o do_v but_o though_o the_o end_v i_o have_v mention_v be_v of_o this_o great_a use_n to_o all_o and_o consequent_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v at_o they_o yet_o may_v the_o different_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o different_a christian_n render_v one_o of_o these_o end_v more_o necessary_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o to_o intend_v and_o pursue_v that_o for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n temper_n be_v such_o that_o his_o passion_n do_v soon_o kindle_v and_o soon_o die_v again_o that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o form_n wise_a and_o great_a project_n and_o as_o unapt_a to_o accomplish_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o aim_v especial_o at_o the_o increase_n of_o strength_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o man_n temper_n be_v cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a slow_a and_o heavy_a it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v particular_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o awaken_n and_o exciting_a devout_a affection_n in_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o excellent_a purpose_n do_v often_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n so_o steadiness_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n do_v seldom_o effect_v any_o great_a matter_n when_o it_o want_v life_n and_o passion_n to_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n again_o if_o one_o past_a life_n have_v be_v very_o sinful_a or_o the_o present_n be_v not_o very_o fruitful_a it_o will_v behoove_v such_o a_o one_o to_o increase_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o add_v more_o light_a and_o life_n to_o its_o conviction_n that_o by_o a_o daily_a repetition_n of_o contrition_n and_o compunction_n he_o may_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n or_o by_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o his_o follow_a life_n repair_v the_o barrenness_n of_o that_o past_a have_v thus_o in_o few_o word_n both_o make_v out_o the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o three_o end_n i_o propose_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o show_v in_o what_o case_n he_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v more_o immediate_o at_o one_o than_o another_o i_o will_v now_o inquire_v and_o that_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v how_o these_o three_o end_n may_v be_v scure_v and_o promote_v one_a of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o full_a and_o lively_a conviction_n of_o it_o to_o promote_v this_o the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a be_v meditation_n no_o man_n who_o diligent_o search_v and_o study_v the_o book_n of_o god_n can_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o duty_n not_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o book_n reveal_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o clear_a and_o full_a term_n it_o give_v we_o such_o infallible_a character_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n as_o render_v our_o ignorance_n or_o error_n inexcusable_a it_o point_v out_o the_o great_a end_n of_o life_n so_o plain_o and_o conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o such_o general_a and_o unerring_a rule_n that_o there_o be_v no_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v so_o perplex_v and_o ravel_v our_o duty_n but_o that_o a_o honest_a man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o may_v easy_o discover_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v light_n because_o it_o do_v distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n and_o like_o a_o lamp_n do_v manifest_v the_o path_n which_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v and_o disperse_v that_o mist_n and_o darkness_n with_o which_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n have_v cover_v it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a have_v such_o a_o value_n and_o the_o wicked_a such_o a_o aversion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n joh._n 3.20_o 21._o nor_o can_v he_o that_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o any_o more_o than_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o light_n ransack_v all_o the_o recess_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o trace_n all_o its_o affection_n back_o to_o their_o first_o spring_n and_o source_n it_o lay_v open_v all_o its_o desire_n and_o project_n and_o strip_v its_o most_o secret_a purpose_n of_o all_o their_o disguise_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_v sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v the_o conscience_n quick_a and_o sensible_a we_o must_v be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o this_o command_n with_o that_o authority_n instruct_v with_o that_o clearness_n persuade_v with_o that_o force_n reprove_v with_o that_o purity_n prudence_n and_o charity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v it_o it_o describe_v righteousness_n and_o sin_n in_o such_o true_a and_o lively_a colour_n proclaim_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o such_o powerful_a and_o move_a language_n that_o it_o rouse_v even_o the_o dead_a in_o sin_n penetrate_v and_o wound_v the_o stupid_a and_o obdurate_a to_o meditation_n we_o must_v add_v prayer_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a and_o essential_a mean_n to_o refresh_v and_o renew_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o to_o improve_v those_o impression_n which_o meditation_n have_v make_v upon_o it_o we_o can_v easy_o put_v up_o petition_n to_o god_n with_o confidence_n unless_o we_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o for_o our_o heart_n will_v misgive_v we_o and_o our_o very_a petition_n will_v reproach_v we_o and_o the_o mere_a thought_n of_o enter_v more_o immediate_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o careful_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o action_n for_o god_n be_v not_o only_o omniscient_a but_o just_a and_o holy_a too_o we_o can_v no_o more_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o any_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o fondness_n or_o negligence_n than_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o search_v out_o and_o discover_v our_o own_o heart_n psal_n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a and_o if_o we_o do_v this_o sincere_o god_n will_v undoubted_o grant_v our_o request_n and_o will_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o all_o our_o present_a defect_n and_o infirmity_n and_o show_v we_o how_o far_o short_a we_o come_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n which_o many_o eminent_a saint_n actual_o arrive_v at_o upon_o earth_n and_o we_o way_n be_v sure_a that_o light_n which_o break_v in_o upon_o our_o mind_n with_o this_o brightness_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o latent_fw-la corruption_n to_o continue_v undiscovered_a nor_o permit_v we_o to_o forget_v the_o stain_n and_o ruin_n which_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o conversation_n be_v another_o way_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o by_o which_o conscience_n
and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o utter_o to_o extinguish_v all_o conscience_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o attempt_n in_o which_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v never_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o most_o dare_a sinner_n can_v have_v prove_v successful_a have_v not_o the_o scripture_n tell_v i_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v past_a feeling_n eph._n 4.19_o of_o a_o fear_a conscience_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a when_o they_o have_v commit_v iniquity_n neither_o can_v they_o blush_v jer._n 6.15_o who_o call_v good_a evil_a and_o evil_a good_a that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a isa_n 5.20_o such_o sinner_n there_o be_v then_o but_o what_o do_v this_o amount_v to_o what_o can_v their_o sense_n or_o example_n weigh_v i_o be_o sure_a these_o poor_a wretch_n be_v as_o far_o distant_a from_o any_o true_a happiness_n as_o from_o true_a sense_n and_o deserve_v our_o pity_n not_o imitation_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a conscience_n depend_v upon_o opinion_n but_o what_o if_o this_o opinion_n depend_v upon_o sense_n and_o truth_n what_o if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n in_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n be_v these_o man_n of_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o a_o hell_n be_v no_o common_a or_o ordinary_a fear_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o scratch_n or_o wound_v in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o baâ—â—e_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o preferment_n or_o a_o disappointment_n in_o that_o of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v not_o the_o loss_n or_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o estate_n in_o part_n or_o whole_a it_o be_v not_o a_o blot_n upon_o our_o reputation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o child_n a_o brother_n or_o what_o be_v more_o unless_o he_o be_v such_o a_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o fear_n but_o misery_n pure_a and_o unallay_v complicate_v accumulate_v misery_n misery_n unalterable_a incurable_a and_o last_v as_o long_o as_o eternity_n methinks_v before_o one_o shall_v venture_v on_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v threaten_v with_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o and_o much_o more_o before_o one_o shall_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o hell_n be_v false_a and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n a_o mere_a bugbear_n nay_o i_o protest_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o importance_n i_o think_v one_o shall_v scarce_o trust_v to_o a_o demonstration_n unless_o it_o have_v pass_v the_o test_n of_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o impartial_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o stand_v the_o shock_n and_o trial_n of_o many_o age_n but_o alas_o after_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o wit_n and_o lust_n what_o have_v ever_o yet_o be_v produce_v that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o undergo_v the_o examination_n even_o of_o a_o honest_a man_n what_o argument_n have_v yet_o be_v start_v against_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o work_v upon_o any_o who_o be_v true_o serious_a in_o the_o point_n and_o if_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v why_o not_o a_o hell_n revelation_n be_v plain_a and_o reason_n can_v find_v no_o inconsistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n human_a law_n punish_v a_o single_a offence_n sometime_o with_o death_n or_o banishment_n with_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o by_o this_o and_o divers_a other_o way_n extend_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o criminal_a to_o his_o posterity_n that_o be_v make_v it_o as_o eternal_a as_o they_o can_v and_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o repeat_v provocation_n of_o a_o impenitent_a life_n the_o neglect_v of_o that_o great_a salvation_n wrought_v by_o the_o blood_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n and_o all_o this_o wilful_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o solicitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o defiance_n of_o mercy_n and_o chastisement_n shall_v it_o i_o say_v be_v think_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o punish_v this_o by_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n when_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v in_o vain_a try_v all_o imaginable_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v a_o sinner_n what_o have_v he_o to_o complain_v of_o if_o god_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n sin_n as_o it_o alienates_v our_o affection_n from_o god_n here_o so_o must_v it_o certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o favour_n hereafter_o and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o wretched_a creature_n who_o be_v banish_v for_o ever_o to_o those_o black_a and_o dismal_a region_n which_o no_o ray_n no_o influence_n of_o divine_a goodness_n can_v ever_o reach_v where_o shall_v those_o unhappy_a creature_n dwell_v which_o shall_v be_v chase_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n or_o which_o rather_o can_v never_o approach_v either_o but_o in_o that_o outward_a darkness_n which_o be_v part_v from_o the_o world_n of_o the_o bless_a by_o a_o unpassable_a gulf_n ah_o then_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o do_v wretched_a man_n gain_v by_o grow_v impudent_a in_o wickedness_n alas_o the_o more_o insensible_a man_n be_v of_o the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o desperate_a their_o state_n the_o more_o incurable_a their_o disease_n and_o the_o near_o they_o to_o death_n and_o destruction_n my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o bless_a advantage_n to_o stand_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o damnation_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a victory_n to_o have_v defeat_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o heroic_a achievement_n to_o be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v all_o true_a sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o become_v impregnable_a impenetrable_a to_o all_o argument_n to_o all_o motive_n which_o either_o the_o tender_a love_n or_o the_o profound_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o man_n can_v attack_v we_o by_o 2._o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o those_o very_a man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v obdurate_a and_o insensible_a do_v suffer_v some_o though_o rare_a return_n of_o anxiety_n and_o fear_n why_o else_o be_v they_o such_o avow_a enemy_n to_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n to_o all_o serious_a and_o calm_a reflection_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v up_o with_o a_o most_o trifle_a and_o contemptible_a business_n or_o diversion_n nay_o tire_v with_o a_o dull_a and_o tasteless_a repetition_n of_o a_o folly_n they_o choose_v to_o repeat_v it_o to_o their_o life_n end_v rather_o than_o be_v alone_o and_o thoughtful_a what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v something_o within_o which_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o awaken_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o brightness_n in_o divine_a truth_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v fill_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n this_o height_n of_o wickedness_n then_o at_o best_a be_v a_o state_n fit_v only_o for_o fortunate_a sinner_n who_o can_v roll_n and_o tumble_v from_o folly_n to_o folly_n from_o one_o impertinence_n or_o extravagance_n to_o another_o endless_o and_o yet_o what_o become_v of_o these_o poor_a thing_n when_o a_o disaster_n when_o a_o disease_n nay_o but_o a_o wakeful_a hour_n by_o night_n force_v they_o to_o retire_v into_o themselves_o 3._o a_o sinner_n do_v not_o soon_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n of_o insensibility_n it_o cost_v he_o very_o dear_a to_o grow_v impudent_a in_o his_o lust_n many_o a_o pang_n many_o a_o torment_n have_v he_o suffer_v first_o often_o have_v he_o feel_v the_o wound_n of_o conscience_n often_o have_v he_o tremble_v and_o shrink_v at_o the_o menace_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v no_o more_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n than_o the_o body_n to_o excess_n but_o by_o pass_v through_o many_o painful_a and_o sickly_a fit_n many_o uneasy_a pang_n and_o qualm_n and_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o endure_v so_o much_o in_o order_n to_o be_v damn_v be_v it_o not_o a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o more_o than_o vulgar_a wisdom_n to_o purchase_v misery_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o a_o crown_n a_o never-fading_a crown_n this_o with_o they_o be_v a_o undertake_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v expose_v and_o lash_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o spite_n and_o confidence_n but_o to_o suffer_v as_o it_o be_v repeat_v martyrdom_n to_o gain_v a_o hell_n this_o be_v what_o they_o think_v become_v man_n of_o their_o
part_n and_o gallantry_n bless_a god_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o madness_n and_o stupidity_n may_v man_n of_o the_o fine_a natural_a part_n sink_v when_o abandon_v by_o thou_o or_o rather_o when_o they_o themselves_o abandon_v thou_o and_o that_o light_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n think_v the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o poor_a compensation_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 16._o but_o these_o man_n rather_o than_o it_o shall_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o will_v charge_v through_o shame_n and_o pain_n remorse_n and_o sickness_n and_o all_o the_o obstacle_n that_o god_n have_v set_v between_o we_o and_o a_o desperate_a height_n of_o wickedness_n 4._o though_o a_o sinner_n may_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o to_o suppress_v his_o conscience_n and_o master_v his_o fear_n yet_o he_o must_v ever_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o fruitlesness_n and_o the_o meanness_n of_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v inward_o sensible_a that_o he_o have_v weary_v himself_o to_o commit_v iniquity_n to_o no_o purpose_n that_o his_o mind_n have_v be_v restless_a and_o tempestuous_a like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n cast_v up_o its_o own_o mire_n and_o dirt_n he_o must_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a unconstant_a and_o ingrateful_a and_o in_o bondage_n to_o such_o lust_n as_o be_v mean_a and_o poor_a and_o injurious_a to_o his_o repose_n and_o which_o he_o have_v often_o wish_v himself_o free_a from_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n must_v be_v a_o bless_a condition_n when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n do_v to_o his_o face_n assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n condemn_v and_o scorn_v and_o which_o he_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o without_o resent_v it_o as_o the_o high_a affront_n certain_o it_o be_v better_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v call_v i_o fool_n and_o knave_n and_o villain_n than_o that_o i_o shall_v call_v myself_o so_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a my_o peace_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o my_o own_o opinion_n of_o myself_o not_o that_o of_o other_o it_o be_v the_o inward_a sentiment_n that_o i_o have_v of_o myself_o that_o raise_v or_o deject_v i_o and_o my_o mind_n can_v no_o more_o be_v please_v with_o any_o sensation_n but_o its_o own_o than_o the_o body_n can_v be_v gratify_v by_o the_o relish_v of_o another_o palate_n 5._o the_o more_o insensible_a a_o sinner_n grow_v the_o more_o intolerable_a be_v the_o disorder_n and_o distraction_n which_o sin_n produce_v in_o his_o affair_n while_o man_n be_v under_o any_o little_a restraint_n of_o conscience_n while_o they_o be_v hold_v in_o by_o scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o fit_v of_o regret_n while_n in_o a_o word_n they_o sin_n with_o any_o modesty_n so_o long_a sin_n will_v tolerable_o comport_v with_o their_o interest_n and_o reputation_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o grow_v insensible_a and_o impudent_a they_o pass_v all_o bound_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o dear_a and_o considerable_a to_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o wickedness_n now_o wife_n and_o child_n friend_n estate_n law_n vow_n compact_n oath_n be_v no_o strong_a tie_n to_o they_o than_o sampson_n with_o 's_o or_o cord_n such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o be_v very_o well_o describe_v in_o the_o prophet_n thou_o be_v a_o swift_a dromedary_n traverse_v her_o way_n a_o wild_a ass_n use_v to_o the_o wilderness_n that_o snuff_v up_o the_o wind_n at_o her_o pleasure_n in_o her_o occasion_n who_o can_v turn_v she_o away_o jer._n 2.22_o and_o again_o he_o be_v fit_o represent_v to_o a_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n he_o have_v as_o much_o contempt_n for_o his_o safety_n and_o happiness_n as_o for_o reason_n and_o religion_n he_o defy_v shame_n ruin_n and_o death_n as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v god_n and_o providence_n in_o one_o word_n with_o a_o impudent_a and_o lewd_a stupidity_n he_o make_v all_o the_o have_v he_o can_v to_o be_v undo_v and_o since_o he_o will_v be_v so_o it_o be_v well_o if_o he_o can_v be_v undo_v alone_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v too_o many_o instance_n at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o miserable_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n to_o leave_v any_o room_n to_o doubt_v whether_o i_o have_v strain_v the_o point_n here_o or_o no._n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o that_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o be_v not_o lessen_v but_o increase_v by_o obduration_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o proposition_n infer_v do_v natural_o follow_v that_o deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_a so_o great_a that_o if_o we_o estimate_v it_o by_o the_o evil_a there_o be_v in_o sin_n health_n to_o the_o sick_a liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n day_n to_o the_o benight_a weary_a and_o wander_a traveller_n a_o calm_a a_o port_n to_o passenger_n in_o a_o storm_n pardon_v to_o man_n adjudge_v to_o death_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o a_o disease_n will_v at_o worst_a terminate_v with_o the_o body_n and_o life_n and_o pain_n will_v have_v a_o end_v together_o but_o the_o pain_n that_o sin_n cause_n will_v endure_v to_o all_o eternity_n for_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n will_v not_o be_v quench_v the_o error_n of_o the_o traveller_n will_v be_v correct_v by_o the_o approach_a day_n and_o his_o weariness_n refresh_v at_o the_o next_o stage_n he_o come_v to_o but_o he_o that_o err_v impenitent_o from_o the_o path_n of_o life_n be_v lose_v for_o ever_o when_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v once_o set_v upon_o he_o no_o light_n shall_v ever_o recall_v his_o wander_a foot_n into_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n no_o ease_n no_o refreshment_n shall_v ever_o relieve_v his_o toil_n and_o misery_n while_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o captive_n be_v load_v with_o fetter_n his_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v its_o true_a liberty_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n and_o dungeon_n like_o paul_n and_o silas_n he_o may_v sing_v song_n of_o praise_n and_o triumph_n but_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n defile_v oppress_v and_o enslave_v the_o mind_n and_o deliver_v up_o the_o miserable_a man_n to_o those_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a evil_n which_o inexorable_a justice_n and_o almighty_a wrath_n inflict_v upon_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o storm_n can_v but_o wreck_v the_o body_n a_o frail_a and_o worthless_a bark_n the_o soul_n will_v escape_v safe_a to_o shore_n the_o bless_a shore_n where_o the_o happy_a inhabitant_n enjoy_v a_o undisturbed_a a_o everlasting_a calm_a but_o sin_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o he_o that_o perish_v in_o it_o do_v but_o pass_v into_o a_o more_o miserable_a state_n for_o on_o the_o wicked_a god_n will_v rain_v snare_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n storm_n and_o tempest_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o portion_n forever_o psal_n 11._o and_o last_o a_o pardon_n send_v back_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a to_o life_n that_o be_v to_z sin_z and_o suffering_n to_o toil_n and_o trouble_n which_o death_n if_o death_n be_v the_o utmost_a he_o have_v to_o fear_v will_v have_v free_v he_o from_o but_o he_o that_o be_v once_o deliver_v from_o sin_n be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o from_o this_o life_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n of_o hope_n shall_v soon_o pass_v to_o another_o of_o fruition_n and_o glory_n §_o 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n here_o i_o will_v show_v two_o thing_n first_o and_o this_o but_o brief_o that_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o immediate_o second_o that_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n remove_v the_o great_a obstacle_n and_o impediment_n of_o righteousness_n and_o throw_v off_o that_o weight_n which_o will_v otherwise_o encumber_v and_o tire_v we_o in_o our_o race_n 1._o holiness_n be_v no_o small_a pleasure_n no_o small_a advantage_n to_o he_o who_o be_v exercise_v therein_o when_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o restore_v the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n be_v proper_o and_o true_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o praise_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n be_v to_o gratify_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o delightful_a inclination_n we_o have_v these_o indeed_o be_v at_o first_o stifle_v and_o oppress_v by_o original_a corruption_n false_a principle_n and_o vicious_a custom_n but_o when_o once_o they_o have_v break_v through_o these_o like_o seed_n through_o the_o earthy_a coat_n they_o be_v enclose_v and_o imprison_v in_o and_o be_v impregnate_v warm_v and_o cherish_v by_o
10.13_o there_o have_v no_o temptation_n take_v you_o but_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n but_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o the_o design_n of_o which_o word_n be_v certain_o to_o encourage_v christian_n against_o the_o bige_a temptation_n by_o a_o assurance_n of_o relief_n from_o god_n proportionable_a to_o our_o necessity_n and_o consequent_o must_v imply_v that_o if_o we_o yield_v to_o a_o temptation_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n god_n expect_v we_o shall_v stand_v firm_a under_o the_o high_a trial_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n rev._n 3.21_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matt._n 10.33_o if_o therefore_o by_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n man_n mean_v such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n i_o e._n such_o as_o good_a man_n may_v frequent_o fall_v into_o without_o forfeit_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n i_o can_v possible_o think_v that_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n can_v be_v such_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o temptation_n or_o that_o any_o of_o those_o sin_n reckon_v in_o the_o catalogue_n gal._n 5._o and_o eph._n 5._o can_v be_v such_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o violence_n or_o perseverance_n with_o which_o they_o attack_v we_o but_o second_o if_o by_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n they_o mean_v such_o sin_n as_o righteous_a man_n be_v liable_a to_o i_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v from_o which_o they_o be_v exempt_v but_o if_o last_o by_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n they_o mean_v such_o for_o which_o god_n be_v more_o easy_o entreat_v then_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o different_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n by_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o deliberation_n and_o surprise_n and_o by_o the_o force_n or_o weakness_n the_o continuance_n or_o shortness_n of_o a_o temptation_n and_o final_o by_o the_o different_a effect_n and_o tendency_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o which_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o the_o spirit_n have_v regard_n in_o those_o direction_n which_o it_o give_v we_o for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o such_o as_o fall_v gal._n 6.1_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v and_o of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n and_o other_o save_v with_o fear_n pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n judas_n 22_o 23._o §_o 2._o a_o second_o sort_n of_o action_n be_v such_o as_o we_o call_v involuntary_a that_o be_v those_z wherein_o we_o exercise_v no_o deliberation_n no_o choice_n some_o have_v reduce_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n to_o this_o head_n but_o with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n any_o one_o may_v judge_v for_o since_o action_n true_o involuntary_a be_v neither_o the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n nor_o will_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v what_o morality_n there_o can_v be_v in_o they_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o this_o opinion_n be_v build_v be_v such_o as_o these_o first_o the_o measure_n say_v they_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o involuntary_a and_o unavoidable_a action_n be_v not_o a_o proper_a subject_n of_o law_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o prescribe_v rule_n or_o to_o propose_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o such_o action_n as_o be_v no_o way_n subject_n to_o our_o choice_n second_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o gospel_n grace_n to_o impute_v those_o thing_n to_o a_o man_n as_o damnable_a sin_n which_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n of_o deliberation_n now_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o deny_v any_o action_n that_o can_v lay_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o this_o apology_n to_o be_v venial_a that_o i_o can_v forbear_v think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n but_o how_o do_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v for_o the_o excusableness_n of_o involuntary_a transgression_n consist_v with_o those_o other_o doctrine_n which_o they_o maintain_v concern_v they_o namely_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o repentance_n for_o they_o that_o these_o sin_n be_v not_o venial_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o only_o through_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n take_v in_o its_o rigour_n denounce_v death_n against_o all_o sin_n in_o general_n without_o limitation_n or_o exception_n so_o that_o if_o god_n shall_v judge_v rigorous_o even_o involuntary_a sin_n will_v fall_v under_o that_o sentence_n the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n this_o i_o must_v confess_v seem_v to_o i_o very_o incoherent_a for_o if_o a_o action_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_n of_o a_o law_n how_o can_v it_o fall_v under_o the_o condemnation_n of_o law_n if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o moral_a regulation_n nor_o subject_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n how_o can_v it_o be_v mere_a matter_n of_o grace_n that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o damn_v for_o it_o in_o a_o word_n if_o a_o action_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o involuntary_a it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v voluntary_a it_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o regulation_n of_o law_n it_o be_v a_o proper_a instance_n of_o deliberation_n and_o freedom_n and_o capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o one_o need_v no_o apology_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n and_o the_o other_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v look_v for_o venial_a sin_n in_o some_o other_o species_n of_o action_n §_o 3._o the_o last_o class_n of_o action_n be_v those_o which_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n partly_o voluntary_a and_o partly_o involuntary_a and_o here_o i_o think_v we_o must_v place_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n by_o whatever_o name_n we_o may_v call_v they_o for_o these_o sure_o if_o they_o be_v be_v rank_v as_o by_o all_o they_o be_v among_o actual_a sin_n must_v be_v such_o action_n as_o have_v in_o they_o something_o of_o voluntary_a something_o of_o involuntary_a much_o of_o human_a frailty_n and_o something_o of_o sinful_a much_o of_o unavoidable_a and_o something_o of_o moral_a obliquity_n these_o be_v the_o transgression_n which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o intend_v by_o error_n defect_n slip_v mote_n the_o spot_n of_o god_n child_n and_o these_o certain_o if_o any_o must_v be_v the_o sin_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o these_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o deliberate_a wickedness_n in_o the_o will_n much_o less_o a_o habitual_a one_o nay_o they_o do_v not_o include_v in_o they_o any_o wickedness_n at_o all_o strict_o speak_v but_o be_v true_o the_o effect_n of_o human_a frailty_n and_o the_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n thus_o than_o i_o describe_v a_o venial_a sin_n it_o have_v in_o it_o so_o much_o of_o voluntary_a as_o to_o make_v it_o sin_n so_o much_o of_o involuntary_a as_o to_o make_v it_o frailty_n it_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o will_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v reduce_v and_o yet_o so_o much_o of_o necessity_n in_o it_o it_o be_v never_o utter_o to_o be_v extirpate_v it_o have_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o criminal_a enough_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o watch_v against_o it_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o so_o much_o in_o it_o pitiable_a and_o excusable_a as_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o pardon_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o thus_o i_o distinguish_v venial_a from_o mortal_a sin_n mortal_a sin_n proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n either_o habitual_o corrupt_v or_o deceive_v and_o captive_v for_o the_o time_n but_o venial_a sin_n result_v from_o the_o imperfection_n and_o infelicity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o state_n mortal_a sin_n be_v true_o voluntary_a and_o deliberate_a in_o the_o rice_n and_o birth_n of_o it_o and_o mischievous_a and_o injurious_a in_o its_o consequence_n but_o
we_o court_v till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o take_v as_o much_o pleasure_n in_o the_o obedience_n as_o ever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 2_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o provoke_a nature_n so_o criminal_a in_o their_o birth_n and_o mischievous_a in_o their_o consequence_n that_o one_o single_a act_n or_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o these_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o habit_n of_o other_o such_o be_v murder_n idolatry_n perjury_n adultery_n these_o can_v be_v commit_v without_o renounce_v humanity_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n without_o resist_v the_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o must_v break_v through_o a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n and_o terror_n ere_o we_o can_v come_v at_o these_o sin_n we_o must_v commit_v many_o other_o in_o order_n to_o commit_v one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v deliberate_v long_o resolve_v desperate_o and_o in_o defiance_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n and_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o habit_n in_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o necessary_a preparative_a in_o these_o that_o be_v obduration_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o the_o unhappy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o set_v free_a when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o never_o repeat_v it_o again_o but_o then_o when_o he_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a reparation_n of_o the_o wrong_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o when_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n require_v it_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v oppress_v with_o shame_n and_o suffering_n when_o in_o one_o word_n a_o long_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n have_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n 2._o we_o must_v be_v free_a not_o only_o from_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a presumptuous_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a mortal_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o wound_v the_o conscience_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o renounce_v our_o hope_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n at_o least_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o habit_n but_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n death_n be_v the_o penalty_n the_o sanction_n of_o every_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n do_v not_o prohibit_v habit_n only_o but_o single_a act_n too_o nor_o be_v there_o indeed_o any_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v here_o but_o in_o one_o case_n which_o be_v if_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o in_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o here_o indeed_o much_o may_v be_v say_v and_o with_o much_o uncertainty_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n do_v not_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v minister_v to_o any_o good_a or_o necessary_a end_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o god_n in_o all_o other_o case_n every_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a for_o if_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o station_n but_o by_o repentance_n if_o he_o repent_v present_o he_o be_v safe_a but_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n if_o he_o repeat_v it_o he_o pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n widen_v the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n decline_v insensible_o into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o render_v his_o wound_n more_o and_o more_o incurable_a it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n i_o think_v here_o to_o consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n even_o of_o the_o same_o sin_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n because_o a_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o commit_v it_o at_o all_o if_o he_o do_v though_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n and_o with_o a_o divide_a soul_n though_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n seem_v not_o utter_o to_o have_v forsake_v he_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o the_o very_a minute_n it_o be_v finish_v and_o repentance_n and_o remorse_n take_v off_o the_o relish_n of_o the_o unhappy_a draught_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n damnable_a and_o nothing_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n can_v purge_v the_o gild_n 3._o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o only_o actual_o to_o abstain_v from_o mortal_a sin_n but_o to_o be_v advance_v so_o far_o in_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o to_o do_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o it_o must_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o his_o victory_n over_o ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v more_o confirm_v and_o absolute_a his_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o more_o deep_a and_o sensible_a more_o fix_v and_o last_a than_o that_o of_o a_o beginner_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o regenerate_v at_o first_o fear_v the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o degree_n he_o hate_v the_o sin_n itself_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o soul_n render_v he_o now_o incapable_a of_o find_v any_o pleasure_n in_o what_o he_o dote_v on_o before_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o temptation_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 4._o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n abstinence_n be_v not_o only_o more_o easy_a and_o steady_a but_o more_o entire_a and_o complete_a also_o than_o that_o of_o other_o he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o elevation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o expound_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o most_o enlarge_v sense_n and_o interpret_v they_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o refrain_v from_o action_n direct_o criminal_a but_o shun_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o labour_n to_o mortify_v all_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o his_o nature_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v whatever_o circumstance_n of_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o body_n he_o have_v crucify_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n too_o that_o pleasure_n that_o honour_n that_o power_n that_o profit_n which_o captives_z the_o sinner_n tempt_v and_o try_v and_o disquiet_v the_o novice_n be_v but_o a_o burden_n a_o trouble_n to_o he_o he_o find_v no_o gust_n no_o relish_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intemperance_n so_o far_o from_o wantonness_n so_o far_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n that_o can_v he_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n he_o will_v imitate_v the_o meanness_n the_o plainness_n the_o laboriousness_n the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n not_o only_o in_o disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o even_o in_o his_o outward_a state_n and_o deportment_n and_o will_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n he_o inquire_v not_o how_o far_o he_o may_v enjoy_v and_o be_v safe_a but_o how_o far_o he_o may_v deny_v himself_o and_o be_v wise_a he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v forbid_a satisfaction_n that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a and_o afraid_a to_o find_v too_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a action_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v this_o to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o forego_n chapter_n for_o it_o be_v what_o i_o have_v be_v do_v throughout_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a time_n and_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o what_o the_o best_a author_n have_v write_v who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o work_n or_o have_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a conversation_n let_v any_o one_o but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o st._n basil_n or_o any_o other_o after_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o now_o do_v the_o promote_a holiness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o far_o from_o have_v carry_v this_o matter_n too_o high_a i_o
will_v never_o like_o the_o israelite_n see_v a_o canaan_n before_o he_o life_n must_v be_v fill_v with_o good_a work_n or_o else_o death_n will_v look_v but_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a when_o the_o conscience_n inquire_v every_o where_n after_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o can_v discover_v in_o all_o the_o part_n in_o all_o the_o path_n of_o life_n no_o track_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o fancy_n and_o fortune_n humour_n and_o indulgence_n how_o will_v it_o shrink_v and_o faint_a and_o tremble_v what_o pensive_a melancholy_a doubt_n will_v damp_n and_o choke_v its_o hope_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o alas_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v sufficient_o inform_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n god_n will_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n what_o then_o must_v become_v of_o he_o who_o have_v none_o to_o show_v if_o immortality_n and_o glory_n if_o life_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o well-doing_n nay_o of_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o drowsy_a and_o supine_n and_o careless_a the_o sot_n and_o the_o sluggish_a who_o have_v sleep_v and_o fool_v and_o trifle_v away_o life_n 3._o i_o may_v aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o idleness_n by_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o the_o talent_n it_o waste_v the_o obligation_n it_o slight_n and_o the_o hope_v it_o forfeit_v i_o may_v render_v man_n more_o jealous_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o fall_v into_o it_o by_o observe_v how_o general_o it_o prevail_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n either_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o temptation_n or_o our_o propension_n a_o plain_a proof_n either_o that_o there_o be_v i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_a magic_n in_o the_o sin_n or_o else_o that_o the_o cheat_n it_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a clever_n a_o very_a dexterous_a one_o but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o where_o the_o former_a consideration_n fail_v these_o will_v hardly_o succeed_v therefore_o i_o will_v now_o pass_v on_o from_o argument_n to_o advice_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v do_v and_o here_o my_o advice_n must_v have_v regard_n to_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n 1._o to_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v to_o plentiful_a or_o competent_a fortune_n 2._o to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o raise_v their_o own_o or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n by_o their_o labour_n or_o industry_n in_o some_o call_v or_o profession_n to_o the_o former_a the_o best_a direction_n i_o can_v give_v be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v master_n of_o his_o time_n aught_o to_o devote_v the_o more_o to_o religion_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v much_o of_o he_o much_o will_v be_v require_v nor_o have_v such_o a_o one_o any_o excuse_v leave_v either_o for_o omission_n or_o a_o hasty_a and_o cursory_a performance_n of_o duty_n but_o one_o one_o that_o will_v increase_v his_o gild_n i._n e._n laziness_n pleasure_n or_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o such_o a_o one_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n his_o attendance_n upon_o prayer_n sacrament_n sermon_n must_v be_v such_o as_o become_v a_o man_n who_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n seem_v bear_v not_o to_o provide_v for_o life_n but_o only_o to_o live_v only_o to_o improve_v and_o enjoy_v life_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o noble_a design_n of_o it_o and_o as_o become_v a_o man_n who_o good_a or_o ill_a example_n be_v of_o such_o vast_a importance_n to_o the_o service_n or_o dis-service_n of_o religion_n nor_o must_v such_o a_o one_o attendance_n on_o the_o public_a excuse_v he_o from_o the_o religious_a office_n of_o the_o closet_n or_o his_o family_n he_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o each_o he_o may_v be_v more_o frequent_a in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n in_o read_v and_o instruction_n and_o perform_v each_o with_o more_o justness_n and_o solemnity_n than_o other_o can_v 2._o person_n of_o fortune_n aught_o to_o be_v careful_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o intimate_v and_o friend_n conversation_n be_v not_o always_o a_o loss_n but_o sometime_o a_o gain_n of_o time_n we_o often_o need_v to_o have_v our_o forgetfulness_n relieve_v our_o drowsiness_n awaken_v by_o the_o discourse_n and_o reflection_n of_o our_o friend_n if_o discourse_n be_v general_o season_v with_o grace_n conversation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a blessing_n if_o with_o sense_n and_o reason_n innocence_n and_o prudence_n it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a entertainment_n of_o human_a life_n but_o how_o mischievous_a be_v the_o acquaintance_n which_o infect_v we_o with_o vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o spirit_n which_o show_v we_o nothing_o but_o a_o gaudy_a outside_n and_o a_o frothy_a soul_n who_o example_n bind_v man_n in_o civility_n to_o be_v foolish_a and_o make_v confidence_n and_o vice_n and_o mis-spence_n of_o time_n a_o fashion_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o person_n of_o the_o best_a rank_n be_v ever_o breed_v up_o to_o something_o to_o something_o that_o may_v improve_v to_o something_o that_o may_v amuse_v and_o innocent_o engage_v their_o mind_n to_o something_o that_o may_v employ_v life_n without_o encumbr_v it_o and_o yet_o alas_o what_o need_v i_o wish_v this_o how_o many_o excellent_a quality_n be_v necessary_a to_o render_v a_o gentleman_n worthy_a of_o the_o station_n where_o god_n have_v place_v he_o let_v he_o pursue_v these_o how_o many_o be_v the_o virtue_n how_o many_o the_o duty_n to_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v oblige_v for_o he_o attend_v these_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o good_a master_n a_o good_a husband_n a_o good_a father_n a_o good_a son_n a_o good_a neighbour_n a_o good_a parishioner_n a_o excellent_a subject_n and_o a_o excellent_a friend_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o other_o 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then_o they_o be_v true_o idle_a and_o slothful_a servant_n to_o god_n how_o industrious_a and_o faithful_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n for_o life_n be_v but_o waste_v and_o mis-spend_v if_o it_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o eternity_n and_o it_o matter_n little_a whether_o it_o be_v waste_v in_o pleasure_n or_o in_o drudgery_n chap._n viii_o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n or_o formality_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n i_o consider_v that_o part_n of_o unfruitfulness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o omission_n of_o duty_n i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v another_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o too_o perfunctory_a a_o performance_n of_o it_o beside_o those_o who_o be_v true_o unprofitable_a because_o they_o slight_a or_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n
case_n of_o herod_n he_o have_v yield_v no_o doubt_n to_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o the_o baptist_n reason_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v back_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o his_o herodias_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n who_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v under_o the_o ascendant_n of_o some_o silly_a or_o vile_a lust_n or_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o spoil_v the_o taste_n of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o diminish_v the_o price_n of_o canaan_n without_o doubt_n man_n will_v apply_v themselves_o more_o vigorous_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o not_o too_o fond_a of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o they_o will_v certain_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n more_o earnest_o and_o make_v a_o better_a provision_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o other_o world_n be_v they_o not_o too_o much_o take_v with_o this_o and_o therefore_o too_o apt_a to_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v they_o only_a who_o conquer_v be_v crown_v they_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o the_o world_n can_v reap_v nothing_o from_o these_o but_o corruption_n these_o kind_n of_o christian_n though_o peradventure_o they_o be_v not_o slave_n to_o any_o infamous_a and_o scandalous_a lust_n be_v yet_o entangle_v by_o some_o other_o not_o muchless_a injurious_a though_o not_o to_o reputation_n yet_o to_o purity_n of_o heart_n they_o be_v captive_v to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n though_o their_o chain_n seem_v better_o polish_v and_o of_o a_o fine_a metal_n they_o can_v mount_v upward_o they_o can_v conquer_v be_v retard_v and_o keep_v under_o if_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o their_o own_o softness_n and_o weakness_n and_o yet_o why_o shall_v i_o doubt_v but_o these_o be_v conquer_v by_o temptation_n the_o more_o innocent_a the_o object_n of_o any_o one_o passion_n be_v general_o the_o more_o fatal_a because_o we_o be_v the_o more_o apt_a to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o lukewarmness_n be_v thus_o point_v out_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o namely_o in_o form_v just_a and_o correct_v notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o in_o perfect_v and_o complete_n our_o reformation_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o aversion_n and_o dread_a of_o this_o state_n of_o lukewarmness_n by_o show_v 1._o the_o folly_n 2._o the_o gild_n and_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o folly_n how_o reasonable_o may_v i_o here_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o lukewarm_a in_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n to_o the_o israelite_n how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o 1_o king_n 18.21_o if_o you_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o your_o safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o god_n then_o serve_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n but_o if_o you_o think_v this_o depend_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n then_o serve_v these_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o stable_a treasure_n then_o strive_v sincere_o and_o vigorous_o to_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n respect_n and_o pomp_n and_o state_n be_v the_o proper_a portion_n and_o sovereign_a good_a of_o man_n then_o devote_v and_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o to_o these_o for_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v that_o life_n which_o will_v neither_o procure_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o another_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o listen_v only_o so_o much_o to_o conscience_n as_o to_o damp_n and_o chill_a our_o pleasure_n and_o so_o much_o to_o pleasure_n as_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o repose_n of_o conscience_n but_o indeed_o as_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n be_v rather_o a_o irony_n than_o any_o real_a doubt_n whether_o baal_n or_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n rather_o a_o scornful_a derision_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n than_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o deliberate_v whether_o idolatry_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o will_v seem_v to_o you_o to_o carry_v no_o other_o sound_n in_o they_o the_o disparity_n be_v so_o vast_a between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n between_o religion_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n or_o ambition_n between_o those_o hope_n and_o enjoyment_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o one_o and_o those_o we_o can_v fancy_v in_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v what_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v or_o to_o which_o side_n we_o be_v to_o adhere_v nay_o in_o this_o we_o be_v more_o criminal_a than_o the_o israelite_n be_v self-condemned_a the_o israelite_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whether_o the_o lord_n or_o baal_n be_v god_n they_o doubt_v under_o who_o protection_n they_o may_v thrive_v best_a but_o at_o this_o day_n whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n know_v very_o well_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o whatever_o passion_n we_o have_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o whatever_o spiritual_a idolatry_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o corrupt_v as_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o in_o reality_n any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o wealth_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n know_v that_o it_o make_v its_o self_n wing_n and_o fly_v away_o whilst_o on_o greatness_n and_o power_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o empty_a and_o toilsome_a pageantry_n and_o often_o the_o subject_a of_o misery_n and_o dismal_a tragedy_n not_o incident_a to_o a_o low_a state_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o pleasure_n we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a and_o short_a and_o intermix_v with_o fear_n and_o shame_n and_o torment_n we_o know_v that_o nothing_o here_o below_o be_v able_a to_o free_v our_o state_n and_o fortune_n from_o calamity_n our_o mind_n from_o gild_n the_o body_n from_o death_n much_o less_o the_o whole_a man_n from_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n in_o one_o word_n we_o know_v that_o what_o we_o admire_v be_v vanity_n and_o what_o we_o worship_v be_v indeed_o a_o idol_n this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o this_o topick_n for_o since_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o competition_n with_o god_n in_o our_o opinion_n though_o it_o often_o rival_n he_o in_o our_o affection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o impute_v the_o halt_n of_o a_o laodicean_n christian_n to_o any_o persuasion_n of_o omnipotence_n or_o alsufficiency_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o dote_v on_o serve_v and_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o other_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v general_o this_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n and_o our_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o provocation_n to_o god_n nor_o conserquent_o prejudice_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o blend_v and_o compound_v religion_n and_o sensuality_n and_o stand_v divide_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o halt_v in_o our_o service_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v this_o i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o 1._o religion_n have_v no_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o the_o lukewarm_a himself_o the_o gospel_n work_v no_o thorough_a change_n in_o he_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convert_v into_o a_o saint_n nor_o human_a nature_n perfect_v by_o participation_n of_o a_o divine_a one_o 2._o the_o laodicean_n can_v never_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n any_o gift_n any_o sacrifice_n worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o render_v he_o any_o service_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n but_o alas_o these_o man_n be_v almost_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n a_o few_o faint_a and_o irresolute_a wish_n formal_a and_o customary_a prayer_n niggardly_a and_o grumble_a alm_n and_o a_o attendance_n upon_o god_n word_n rather_o out_o of_o spiritual_a wantonness_n than_o devotion_n these_o be_v the_o offering_n