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
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
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
slight_a and_o insignificant_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v attend_v by_o no_o mischievous_a connsequence_n nor_o to_o offer_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n nor_o injustice_n to_o man._n but_o i_o doubt_v this_o notion_n of_o venial_a sin_n have_v no_o solidity_n in_o it_o for_o either_o man_n perform_v such_o action_n deliberate_o or_o indeliberate_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a now_o if_o we_o perform_v any_o action_n deliberate_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a we_o never_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o little_a sin_n much_o less_o a_o venial_a one_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a the_o first_o notion_n that_o every_o man_n have_v of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o and_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o then_o to_o do_v that_o deliberate_o which_o we_o know_v will_v provoke_v god_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o fearless_a and_o irreligious_a heart_n a_o heart_n destitute_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o heaven_n but_o if_o a_o man_n transgress_v in_o a_o trifle_a instance_n indeliberate_o this_o alter_v the_o case_n for_o the_o matter_n not_o be_v of_o importance_n enough_o to_o excite_v the_o intention_n and_o application_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v consequent_o no_o malignity_n of_o the_o will_n in_o a_o action_n where_o there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n of_o the_o judgement_n i_o can_v but_o think_v this_o may_v very_o well_o pass_v for_o a_o human_a infirmity_n for_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o can_v be_v here_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o man_n be_v incogitancy_n or_o inadvertency_n and_o that_o too_o as_o excusable_a a_o one_o as_o can_v be_v last_o where_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o action_n be_v very_o trifle_v and_o inconsiderable_a and_o draw_v after_o it_o no_o ill_a consequence_n either_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o man_n judge_v it_o no_o sin_n i_o can_v think_v it_o iâ—_n any_o to_o he_o though_o by_o a_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a construction_n it_o may_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o some_o divine_a prohibition_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o schoolman_n be_v good_a enough_o here_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o law_n but_o not_o against_o it_o or_o it_o be_v against_o the_o letter_n but_o not_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o with_o eternal_a misery_n or_o that_o it_o can_v become_v a_o man_n of_o sense_n serious_o to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n for_o they_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o shall_v provoke_v god_n if_o pass_v through_o a_o field_n of_o my_o neighbour_n corn_n or_o pease_n i_o shall_v pull_v off_o a_o ear_n or_o cod_n or_o pass_v through_o his_o orchard_n shall_v eat_v a_o apple_n the_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o law_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o entertain_v such_o trifle_a weak_a and_o superstitious_a fancy_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o very_o much_o perplex_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o good_a people_n that_o be_v a_o idle_a word_n and_o jest_a concern_v both_o which_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o such_o be_v miserable_o mistake_v and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o unless_o unreasonable_a and_o superstitious_a scruple_n make_v they_o so_o this_o i_o say_v on_o supposition_n that_o by_o idle_a word_n they_o mean_v only_o such_o talk_n as_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o by_o jest_a only_o that_o which_o be_v innocent_a and_o divertive_a by_o a_o idle_a word_n matt._n 12._o our_o saviour_n plain_o mean_v a_o blasphemous_a word_n if_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o every_o idle_a word_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o context_n for_o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o blasphemy_n which_o the_o jew_n belch_v out_o against_o his_o miracle_n or_o if_o our_o lord_n here_o on_o this_o occasion_n advance_v a_o general_a doctrine_n then_o by_o a_o idle_a word_n we_o must_v understand_v a_o wicked_a one_o proceed_v from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o naughty_a heart_n and_o tend_v as_o direct_o to_o promote_v impiety_n as_o gracious_a and_o wholesome_a discourse_n do_v to_o promote_v edification_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o ver_fw-la 25._o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n and_o a_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n bring_v forth_o evil_a thing_n and_o ver_fw-la 37._o for_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o jest_a eph._n 5.4_o the_o apostle_n understand_v the_o modish_a raillery_n of_o the_o greek_n which_o be_v general_o make_v up_o of_o profaneness_n and_o wantonness_n or_o brisk_a and_o sharp_a irony_n this_o be_v plain_a both_o from_o the_o company_n we_o find_v it_o in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d filthiness_n and_o foolish_a speak_v and_o from_o the_o character_n give_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o other_o two_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v give_v the_o most_o infamous_a and_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n rom._n 1.28_o thing_n not_o convenient_a be_v a_o diminutive_a expression_n imply_v such_o thing_n as_o contain_v much_o turpitude_n and_o wickedness_n in_o they_o beza_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o note_n read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o place_n foolish_a speak_v or_o not_z and_z jest_a which_o as_o he_o observe_v make_v jest_a the_o same_o thing_n with_o foolish_a speak_v or_o buffonery_n and_o justify_v that_o jest_a which_o consist_v in_o a_o pleasant_a and_o divertive_a facetiousness_n from_o 1_o king_n 18.27_o 2_o king_n 3.23_o isa_n 14.11_o 2._o some_o think_v that_o the_o mere_a reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n of_o conscience_n against_o sin_n be_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o this_o have_v receive_v no_o small_a countenance_n from_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o rom._n 7._o as_o make_v holiness_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o vicissitude_n of_o desire_n and_o action_n repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o but_o at_o this_o rate_n no_o man_n sin_n will_v be_v damn_v but_o he_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o when_o one_o heart_n do_v condemn_v one_o god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o acquit_v one_o which_o agree_v very_o ill_a with_o st._n john_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 3.21_o no_o man_n unless_o arrive_v at_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a without_o reluctancy_n for_o his_o conscience_n will_v forbid_v he_o as_o long_o as_o it_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o tenderness_n in_o it_o and_o restrain_v he_o as_o far_o as_o it_o have_v power_n and_o as_o to_o rom._n 7._o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o consider_v and_o i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n as_o rom._n 8._o do_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v free_a st._n austin_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o understand_v that_o chapter_n at_o first_o as_o the_o pelagean_n do_v for_o a_o person_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o find_v himself_o constrain_v afterward_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o st._n paul_n himself_o i_o will_v not_o examine_v the_o solidity_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o i_o that_o his_o change_n of_o opinion_n do_v religion_n no_o harm_n for_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v a_o state_n of_o holiness_n to_o consist_v with_o act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o conscience_n that_o he_o will_v not_o excuse_v so_o much_o as_o rebellious_a motion_n and_o appetite_n if_o consent_v to_o all_o that_o he_o contend_v for_o in_o a_o good_a man_n from_o this_o chapter_n be_v that_o lapse_v nature_n will_v sometime_o exert_v itself_o even_o in_o the_o best_a man_n in_o disorderly_a and_o distemper_a appetite_n 3._o other_o last_o will_v have_v those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o fall_v either_o overpower_a by_o the_o strength_n or_o weary_v out_o by_o the_o assiduity_n or_o length_n of_o a_o temptation_n pass_v for_o infirmity_n but_o this_o opinion_n have_v as_o little_a ground_n as_o the_o two_o former_a i_o can_v find_v no_o scripture_n that_o countenance_n this_o notion_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o of_o great_a reputation_n who_o have_v promote_v it_o but_o i_o think_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n make_v against_o it_o 1_o cor._n