apostle_n now_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v judge_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o by_o these_o two_o plain_a note_n or_o character_n 1._o if_o our_o religion_n be_v as_o well_o in_o private_a as_o in_o public_a for_o he_o that_o confine_v his_o religion_n only_o to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o a_o festival-day_n be_v like_o those_o heathen_n that_o chain_v up_o their_o god_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v run_v away_o and_o they_o shall_v never_o find_v they_o again_o but_o when_o we_o be_v hearty_a in_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v deep_o seal_v and_o impress_v upon_o our_o soul_n it_o will_v exert_v and_o show_v itself_o as_o well_o when_o none_o but_o god_n be_v present_a as_o if_o ten_o thousand_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v upon_o it_o for_o since_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o that_o the_o bright_a eye_n of_o eternity_n be_v ever_o broad_a awake_a and_o look_v upon_o we_o it_o argue_v little_a fear_n and_o veneration_n of_o that_o holy_a be_v if_o we_o can_v dare_v commit_v a_o sin_n in_o his_o presence_n though_o no_o other_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v privy_a to_o it_o therefore_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v fair_a and_o invite_a and_o concur_v to_o the_o act_v a_o pleasant_a or_o profitable_a vice_n with_o the_o great_a secrecy_n and_o impunity_n then_o to_o abstain_v and_o hate_v the_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o religious_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n and_o debase_v our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v right_o and_o sincere_a 2._o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o keep_v firm_a in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o in_o adversity_n as_o prosperity_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v religious_a when_o god_n incircle_n we_o with_o his_o blessing_n and_o rains_n down_o pearl_n as_o it_o be_v into_o our_o mouth_n but_o when_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n and_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o we_o and_o a_o storm_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n from_o without_o blow_n hard_a upon_o we_o then_o to_o be_v virtuous_a be_v true_o honourable_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o as_o it_o si_fw-mi no_o great_a credit_n to_o practice_v a_o virtue_n that_o be_v in_o fashion_n or_o to_o adorn_v ourselves_o with_o a_o modish_a piety_n but_o to_o follow_v virtue_n through_o rough_a and_o uneven_a path_n and_o to_o be_v religious_a when_o holiness_n be_v contemn_v and_o disgrace_v that_o show_v a_o steady_a resolution_n and_o that_o a_o man_n love_v god_n because_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a be_v these_o note_n and_o character_n of_o sincerity_n be_v few_o and_o plain_a and_o by_o they_o we_o may_v examine_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o discern_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrisy_n in_o they_o or_o not_o and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n without_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o evidence_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o exact_a search_n may_v prove_v either_o impertinent_a or_o unreasonable_a nay_o certain_o he_o that_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o a_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n and_o make_v it_o his_o whole_a business_n incessant_o to_o breath_n after_o though_o with_o the_o loss_n and_o hazard_n of_o all_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n yea_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o shall_v find_v a_o more_o last_a comfort_n and_o a_o strong_a security_n for_o heaven_n flow_v from_o his_o own_o soul_n than_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v tell_v he_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o a_o celestial_a happiness_n and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o endeavour_v after_o this_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n from_o its_o great_a necessity_n and_o apparent_a usefulness_n there_o be_v two_o main_a season_n or_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o a_o christian_a wherein_o a_o sincere_a and_o candid_a breast_n will_v be_v his_o great_a strength_n and_o support_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n prosperity_n be_v a_o very_a false_a glass_n and_o most_o common_o represent_v we_o to_o ourselves_o in_o other_o colour_n and_o feature_n than_o real_o we_o be_v but_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n wipe_v off_o all_o this_o paint_a gloss_n and_o varnish_n and_o show_v we_o the_o true_a face_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o case_n a_o formal_a and_o hypocritical_a dress_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a while_o we_o can_v draw_v water_n at_o our_o own_o cistern_n we_o speak_v well_o of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o cheerful_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o a_o severe_a providence_n dry_v up_o the_o well-spring_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o lead_v we_o through_o a_o scorch_a wilderness_n wherein_o we_o combat_v with_o fierce_a and_o fiery-flying_a serpent_n then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o indeed_o the_o true_a and_o native_a glory_n of_o virtue_n be_v never_o make_v so_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a as_o when_o it_o be_v surround_v and_o begird_v with_o the_o great_a danger_n adversity_n be_v a_o proper_a mean_a to_o discover_v whether_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o virtue_n be_v sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v counterfeit_n and_o adulterate_a which_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v in_o a_o parable_n in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o scorch_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n i._n e._n the_o time_n of_o misery_n and_o tribulation_n quick_o show_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o soil_n wherein_o that_o divine_a seed_n be_v cast_v 2._o the_o hour_n of_o death_n be_v another_o of_o those_o time_n which_o will_v discover_v our_o sincerity_n man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n as_o when_o they_o be_v draw_v near_o their_o end_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o border_n of_o another_o world_n for_o as_o the_o body_n in_o sickness_n loathe_v even_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o grateful_a and_o pleasant_a in_o its_o health_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o mind_n or_o spirit_n when_o it_o foresee_v that_o it_o be_v hasten_v to_o another_o and_o strange_a world_n it_o distaste_v and_o hate_v the_o thought_n of_o those_o sin_n it_o so_o free_o act_v and_o indulge_v itself_o in_o before_o for_o then_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_n be_v break_v and_o out_o of_o order_n the_o soul_n may_v more_o free_o and_o clear_o behold_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o according_o be_v more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o the_o clear_a sight_n we_o have_v of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n the_o great_a be_v that_o horror_n and_o fear_v the_o conscience_n inflict_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o gild_n now_o since_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o dissolution_n of_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n make_v so_o perfect_a a_o representation_n of_o thing_n to_o we_o strip_v of_o all_o their_o outward_a appearance_n and_o divest_v of_o that_o paint_n and_o flourish_n we_o put_v upon_o they_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o mighty_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o find_v the_o face_n of_o our_o soul_n calm_a and_o smooth_a and_o ourselves_o not_o burden_v with_o the_o heaviness_n and_o weight_n of_o gild_n but_o when_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a day_n come_v into_o our_o remembrance_n and_o we_o consider_v how_o false_a we_o have_v be_v to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n when_o it_o may_v be_v we_o have_v betray_v our_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o support_v a_o frail_a and_o totter_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n there_o will_v then_o be_v little_a else_o but_o a_o dismal_a scene_n of_o horror_n present_v to_o our_o eye_n the_o nearness_n of_o our_o approach_n to_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o must_v dwell_v for_o ever_o strike_v a_o chillness_n and_o coldness_n to_o our_o very_a heart_n and_o all_o because_o we_o have_v lose_v that_o hope_n and_o confidence_n which_o flow_v from_o sincerity_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o if_o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v into_o view_v this_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o spirit_n which_o we_o call_v sincerity_n clothe_v with_o all_o its_o native_a richness_n and_o glory_n i_o shall_v soon_o want_v word_n to_o express_v it_o than_o be_v able_a full_o to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v beauty_n be_v so_o faultless_a and_o irreprehensible_a and_o the_o sweetness_n of_o its_o nature_n so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o on_o earth_n so_o lovely_a and_o so_o desirable_a it_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o soul_n which_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o will_v not_o lose_v and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o not_o if_o he_o know_v but_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n if_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o purchase_v it_o for_o certain_o if_o ever_o
of_o sense_n or_o spring_v from_o corporeal_a imagination_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o their_o philosophy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o meditation_n of_o death_n a_o die_v to_o our_o earthly_a passion_n appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o a_o wean_a the_o soul_n from_o a_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o through_o purgation_n from_o all_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a lust_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o pure_a mind_n the_o unspotted_a and_o incorrupted_a deity_n but_o whatever_o they_o aim_v at_o be_v more_o clear_o and_o full_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o mortify_v our_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n coloss_n 3.5_o i_o e._n our_o earthly_a lust_n and_o affection_n which_o spring_n from_o too_o near_o a_o communication_n and_o adhesion_n to_o these_o our_o terrestrial_a body_n such_o as_o fornication_n uncleanness_n inordinate_a affection_n evil_a concupiscence_n and_o covetousness_n which_o be_v idolatry_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o this_o so_o indispensible_a a_o duty_n the_o apostle_n use_v these_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v in_o verse_n 6._o for_o which_o thing_n sake_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n i._n e._n upon_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v nor_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o change_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n the_o other_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o profession_n they_o have_v engage_v themselves_o in_o verse_n 8._o but_o now_o you_o also_o put_v off_o all_o these_o anger_n wrath_n malice_n blasphemy_n filthy_a communication_n out_o of_o your_o mouth_n q._n d._n you_o that_o now_o have_v give_v up_o your_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n can_v but_o know_v that_o christianity_n give_v no_o allowance_n to_o any_o of_o these_o impurity_n and_o pollution_n but_o call_v man_n to_o a_o imitation_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o high_a purity_n wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o put_v off_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o such_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o again_o rom._n 13.12_o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v we_o therefore_o cast_v off_o the_o work_v of_o darkness_n and_o let_v we_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o by_o the_o day_n be_v mean_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o night_n be_v understand_v that_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n wherein_o the_o world_n lie_v before_o the_o appear_a of_o this_o great_a light_n now_o as_o the_o light_n be_v a_o pure_a and_o bright_a substance_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o profess_v such_o wherein_n be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o so_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o assimilate_v ourselves_o to_o it_o in_o work_n of_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n and_o to_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o any_o of_o the_o deed_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n which_o befit_v only_o the_o spirit_n of_o night_n and_o darkness_n and_o for_o our_o encouragement_n herein_o we_o ought_v 1._o to_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n that_o sublime_a copy_n and_o example_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o though_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o harmless_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mortality_n be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n in_o all_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v yet_o keep_v both_o his_o body_n and_o soul_n as_o a_o pure_a habitation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o temple_n consecrate_a whole_o unto_o god_n into_o which_o he_o never_o suffer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v defile_v and_o pollute_v at_o any_o time_n to_o enter_v though_o he_o converse_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o his_o behaviour_n be_v free_a and_o open_a yet_o he_o taste_v as_o little_a of_o bodily_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n as_o ever_o do_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o even_o where_o they_o be_v allowable_a he_o careful_o abstain_v from_o they_o to_o teach_v we_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n and_o to_o show_v we_o that_o though_o we_o live_v in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v a_o intimate_a union_n with_o it_o yet_o we_o may_v keep_v it_o under_o subjection_n and_o so_o regulate_v all_o its_o motion_n and_o affection_n that_o our_o whole_a man_n may_v be_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n and_o habitation_n for_o god_n to_o take_v up_o his_o abide_v in_o therefore_o foresee_v the_o danger_n how_o easy_o man_n be_v betray_v by_o the_o secret_a whisper_v and_o charm_a insinuation_n of_o these_o earthly_a body_n to_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v like_o a_o faithful_a friend_n he_o admonish_v they_o in_o luke_n 21.34_o to_o take_v heed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lest_o at_o any_o time_n their_o heart_n be_v overcharge_v i._n e._n burden_a and_o press_v down_o with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n which_o like_o a_o heavy_a weight_n under_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o stir_v keep_v and_o detain_v they_o from_o lift_v up_o their_o soul_n to_o god_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v confine_v to_o body_n of_o earth_n and_o so_o at_o the_o present_a inhabitant_n of_o this_o corruptible_a world_n yet_o be_v make_v with_o such_o capacity_n as_o to_o live_v with_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o by_o a_o too_o free_a indulge_v to_o their_o body_n and_o corporeal_a affection_n they_o be_v fatal_o tie_v and_o chain_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o though_o they_o may_v now_o and_o then_o make_v some_o little_a effort_n and_o faint_a attempt_n to_o ascend_v to_o those_o high_a region_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o impossible_a till_o they_o be_v perfect_o disentangle_v and_o disengage_v from_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o sense_n and_o lest_o this_o faithful_a admonition_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o ensnare_a inescation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o assure_v we_o matth._n 5.8_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n that_o shall_v see_v god_n the_o philosopher_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o like_a be_v know_v by_o its_o like_a and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o that_o be_v congenerous_a and_o analogous_a to_o light_v in_o the_o eye_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v to_o we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o darkness_n in_o like_a manner_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o dark_a and_o bodily_a affection_n and_o become_v in_o some_o measure_n enlighten_v whereby_o it_o may_v resemble_v god_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o see_v he_o therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v we_o so_o illustrious_a a_o example_n of_o all_o purity_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v the_o same_o to_o all_o his_o follower_n not_o only_o show_v we_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o bodily_a lust_n and_o corruption_n but_o also_o the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o state_n wherein_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n may_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o our_o more_o divine_a power_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o this_o purity_n be_v indispensible_o necessary_a for_o the_o attain_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o darken_v our_o understanding_n cloud_n our_o judgement_n and_o besot_v all_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o the_o bathe_n and_o sink_v ourselves_o into_o bodily_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n for_o as_o the_o corrupt_a life_n of_o the_o body_n grow_v and_o increase_v so_o proportionable_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n die_v and_o be_v extinguish_v and_o we_o lose_v all_o sense_n and_o relish_v and_o taste_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o for_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v john_n 3.31_o he_o that_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n be_v earthly_a and_o speak_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o while_o the_o earthly_a principle_n be_v only_o alive_a in_o we_o it_o will_v act_n according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o we_o be_v rule_v and_o guide_v by_o its_o motion_n and_o inspiration_n and_o we_o know_v that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o
unblamable_a conversation_n which_o be_v according_a to_o that_o sound_a admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2.12_o have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o whereas_o they_o speak_v against_o you_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v by_o your_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v behold_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o malicious_a cavil_n and_o atheistical_a objection_n make_v against_o religion_n yet_o a_o true_a christian_n that_o walk_v answerable_o to_o his_o profession_n must_v gain_v at_o the_o last_o a_o repute_n and_o esteem_v from_o all_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n 2._o if_o we_o will_v do_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n and_o which_o may_v purchase_v we_o a_o good_a name_n among_o man_n we_o must_v careful_o avoid_v not_o only_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o vice_n but_o whatever_o may_v have_v any_o suspicion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o vice_n and_o this_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n a_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1_o thess_n 5.22_o whether_o that_o signify_v from_o every_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o evil_a or_o from_o every_o thing_n that_o bear_v the_o likeness_n appearance_n or_o show_v of_o a_o sin_n for_o he_o that_o will_v venture_v as_o near_o to_o the_o confine_n and_o border_n of_o sin_n as_o he_o can_v seem_v to_o declare_v a_o tacit_fw-la like_n and_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o be_v betray_v and_o surprise_v and_o so_o of_o lose_v his_o credit_n and_o reputation_n therefore_o a_o wary_a and_o cautious_a christian_a and_o such_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o be_v will_v studious_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v cause_v the_o least_o jealousy_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o of_o his_o sincerity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a yet_o to_o another_o who_o have_v not_o that_o maturity_n and_o ripeness_n of_o understanding_n may_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o will_v acquire_v a_o good_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n it_o be_v true_a if_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a be_v upon_o weighty_a reason_n and_o ground_n command_v by_o law_n and_o another_o through_o weakness_n be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o a_o good_a christian_n can_v help_v and_o there_o be_v a_o offence_n take_v but_o not_o give_v though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v as_o few_o of_o these_o stumble_v block_n lay_v before_o weak_a person_n as_o may_v fair_o consist_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n itself_o 3._o he_o that_o will_v acquire_v a_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n must_v take_v care_n that_o in_o all_o his_o act_n with_o other_o he_o be_v sincere_a i._n e._n upon_o all_o emergence_n he_o must_v practice_v virtue_n for_o virtue_n sake_n because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o best_a and_o most_o desirable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o in_o our_o conversation_n we_o proceed_v upon_o sinister_a end_n and_o that_o self-advantage_n and_o interest_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n beside_o that_o it_o redound_v to_o the_o discredit_n of_o religion_n it_o cast_v a_o disgrace_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o so_o far_o deviate_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a virtue_n as_o selfishness_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o action_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o that_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o some_o virtuous_a action_n mere_o to_o compass_v self-advantage_n do_v hereby_o manifest_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o private_a and_o self_n love_n he_o will_v not_o do_v they_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n must_v needs_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o gross_a piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o our_o true_a credit_n and_o reputation_n thus_o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a virtue_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n so_o serious_o exhort_v we_o and_o he_o that_o have_v any_o care_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o this_o life_n and_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o will_v careful_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n which_o that_o we_o may_v all_o do_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n grant_v to_o we_o to_o who_o be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o discourse_n of_o sincerity_n john_n 1.47_o behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n these_o word_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o nathanael_n who_o be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n though_o call_v by_o another_o name_n for_o we_o find_v he_o express_o mention_v with_o they_o john_n 21.2_o this_o person_n be_v bring_v by_o philip_n to_o jesus_n when_o he_o be_v come_v within_o distance_n or_o hear_n christ_n say_v behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n as_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v see_v here_o a_o man_n of_o that_o integrity_n simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n which_o be_v high_o value_v and_o prize_v in_o god_n sight_n and_o though_o this_o be_v speak_v particular_o of_o that_o apostle_n yet_o it_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o god_n sight_n for_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o true_a christian_n to_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o israelite_n for_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o so_o in_o more_o than_o one_o place_n in_o plain_a term_n rom._n 9.6_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n i._n e._n though_o they_o may_v lineal_o descend_v from_o israel_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v the_o proper_a israelite_n or_o true_a christian_n so_o again_o rom._n 2.28_o now_o to_o be_v without_o guile_n here_o be_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o without_o hypocrisy_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o man_n be_v value_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o sincerity_n and_o this_o sometime_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o name_n of_o truth_n i_o have_v no_o great_a joy_n say_v st._n john_n ep._n 3.4_o then_o to_o hear_v that_o my_o child_n walk_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a christian_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v st._n paul_n great_a comfort_n when_o he_o suppose_v himself_o near_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o that_o in_o sincerity_n and_o godly_a simplicity_n he_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n he_o neither_o flatter_v himself_o nor_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o but_o tell_v they_o the_o plain_a truth_n show_v they_o both_o by_o what_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o must_v hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o downright_a sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o have_v no_o doubling_n wind_n or_o turn_n with_o god_n but_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o do_v his_o will._n this_o alone_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o upon_o this_o the_o bless_a land_n of_o righteousness_n the_o pleasant_a mansion_n of_o immortality_n be_v entail_v this_o be_v the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n without_o which_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a shadow_n &_o pageantry_n for_o then_o only_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n say_v to_o be_v sincere_a when_o it_o be_v full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o the_o best_a and_o all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n must_v own_v that_o god_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v absolute_o and_o above_o all_o comparison_n the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o union_n with_o god_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o since_o this_o be_v not_o only_o simple_o the_o best_a but_o the_o utmost_a and_o complete_a felicity_n of_o our_o nature_n it_o follow_v that_o sincerity_n be_v then_o most_o perfect_a when_o our_o will_n with_o all_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n be_v full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o it_o full_o and_o whole_o i_o say_v that_o be_v without_o any_o by-end_n or_o self-design_n or_o sinister_a respect_n of_o particular_a fame_n or_o gain_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o mere_o upon_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o he_o who_o intention_n be_v not_o direct_v aright_o can_v hardly_o attain_v that_o excellent_a qualification_n our_o saviour_n so_o much_o commend_v in_o his_o
virtue_n can_v be_v make_v visible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n it_o must_v be_v by_o this_o excellent_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o mind_n which_o we_o term_v sincerity_n it_o have_v all_o that_o excellency_n and_o worth_n that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n which_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n it_o be_v better_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o it_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o gold_n and_o the_o revenue_n than_o choice_a silver_n whoso_o find_v sincerity_n find_v life_n and_o shall_v obtain_v favour_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o render_v so_o charm_v a_o qualification_n high_o valuable_a in_o our_o eye_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v noble_a and_o good_a but_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o contain_v in_o it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v too_o general_a a_o representation_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o take_v it_o more_o particular_o 1._o sincerity_n alleviate_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n trouble_n vexation_n misery_n and_o disappointment_n make_v up_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o humane_a misery_n but_o make_v his_o way_n unto_o glory_n through_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o it_o be_v our_o lot_n and_o portion_n to_o arrive_v at_o our_o blessedness_n through_o many_o tribulation_n neither_o must_v we_o forget_v that_o the_o passage_n to_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n lie_v through_o a_o valley_n of_o tear_n therefore_o since_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o be_v perfect_o free_v from_o calamity_n and_o vexatious_a circumstance_n in_o this_o life_n our_o next_o enquiry_n must_v be_v how_o to_o alleviate_v and_o make_v they_o tolerable_a and_o the_o most_o certain_a way_n for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v sincere_a i._n e._n to_o have_v our_o mind_n full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o god_n and_o virtue_n when_o a_o man_n fall_v into_o calamity_n through_o his_o own_o folly_n or_o that_o a_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n have_v be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o his_o affliction_n he_o lose_v his_o peace_n and_o quiet_n because_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o those_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v avoid_v but_o when_o tribulation_n arise_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o a_o man_n trouble_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o send_v as_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o patience_n resignation_n and_o humility_n then_o the_o mind_n be_v quiet_a submissive_a and_o compose_v because_o when_o it_o look_v back_o it_o have_v no_o ugly_a and_o stare_a sin_n to_o affright_v it_o from_o whence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o be_v immutable_o fix_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n we_o can_v be_v hurt_v by_o any_o affliction_n nay_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o calamity_n will_v be_v ease_v and_o the_o smart_n of_o it_o take_v off_o because_o while_o we_o be_v sincere_a our_o heart_n assure_v we_o of_o better_a usage_n and_o a_o more_o comfortable_a state_n in_o another_o world_n so_o that_o let_v it_o be_v loss_n of_o friend_n loss_n of_o liberty_n and_o estate_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v account_v a_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o a_o sincere_a person_n know_v that_o he_o be_v befriend_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o kind_a being_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n that_o a_o tender_a providence_n shroud_n he_o under_o its_o wing_n and_o will_v hereafter_o recompense_v this_o short_a and_o light_a affliction_n with_o a_o great_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o sincerity_n contain_v whatever_o be_v true_o desirable_a by_o the_o heart_n of_o man._n be_v we_o please_v and_o delight_v with_o a_o beautiful_a object_n can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a than_o a_o calm_a and_o serene_a soul_n who_o glory_n and_o lustre_n be_v not_o so_o conceal_v and_o obscure_v within_o but_o it_o diffuse_v and_o communicate_v such_o ray_n and_o beam_n of_o mild_a and_o unfeigned_a simplicity_n even_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o outward_a visage_n as_o must_v needs_o affect_v every_o rational_a be_v with_o admiration_n and_o love_n do_v riches_n appear_v splendid_a and_o glorious_a what_o riches_n can_v be_v comparable_a to_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v adorn_v and_o clothe_v with_o this_o it_o be_v much_o more_o bright_a and_o dazzle_v than_o solomon_n glorious_a apparel_n and_o robe_n of_o royalty_n beside_o riches_n be_v fugitive_a and_o uncertain_a whereas_o sincerity_n be_v such_o a_o treasure_n as_o can_v neither_o be_v take_v from_o we_o nor_o ever_o exhaust_v or_o draw_v dry_a do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n affect_v our_o heart_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v then_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o wise_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v much_o more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o exceed_v all_o earthly_a and_o corporeal_a pleasure_n in_o that_o it_o never_o burden_v we_o with_o satiety_n nor_o torment_v we_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o its_o decay_n can_v we_o be_v delight_v with_o honour_n then_o know_v that_o the_o high_a honour_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v like_a to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a unity_n and_o simplicity_n sincerity_n be_v a_o uniform_a thing_n always_o steady_a and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o but_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n be_v changeable_a and_o various_a and_o go_v always_o under_o a_o disguise_n in_o a_o word_n search_v all_o that_o any_o way_n appear_v grateful_a and_o desirable_a by_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o this_o excellent_a qualification_n of_o sincerity_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v much_o more_o eligible_a this_o unite_v our_o mind_n with_o god_n and_o fit_v we_o to_o converse_v with_o angelical_a spirit_n who_o nature_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a and_o exalt_v as_o they_o partake_v more_o of_o uniformity_n and_o simplicity_n 3._o the_o very_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o sincerity_n for_o certain_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o love_v and_o serve_v god_n true_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o this_o be_v what_o every_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o life_n our_o affection_n can_v be_v so_o vigorous_a and_o enlarge_v nor_o our_o desire_n so_o comprehensive_a as_o those_o of_o a_o angel_n but_o they_o may_v be_v as_o sincere_a and_o without_o dissimulation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a abatement_n and_o allowance_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o variety_n of_o humane_a imbecility_n and_o imperfection_n all_o man_n be_v not_o bear_v philosopher_n and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o spiritual_a be_v make_v not_o the_o same_o lively_a and_o impression_n upon_o all_o but_o he_o that_o retain_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o keep_v he_o steady_a and_o firm_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n shall_v never_o be_v forget_v by_o divine_a goodness_n though_o all_o our_o service_n be_v mean_a and_o poor_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v hearty_a and_o unmixed_a and_o we_o may_v express_v a_o cordial_a sense_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n though_o that_o holy_a fire_n do_v not_o flame_n and_o sparkle_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o a_o seraphim_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o high_a degree_n but_o by_o the_o truth_n plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o 4._o sincerity_n bring_v the_o true_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o it_o affect_v they_o so_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v sincere_a there_o arise_v in_o it_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o taste_v of_o righteousness_n which_o bring_v a_o ineffable_a pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v indeed_o that_o this_o lively_a and_o pleasant_a sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o gratefulness_n that_o spring_v from_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v know_v by_o word_n but_o be_v only_o perceive_v by_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o hence_o a_o carnal_a and_o animal_n man_n may_v enjoy_v himself_o in_o sensual_a delight_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n to_o that_o noble_a pleasure_n that_o result_v from_o virtue_n because_o that_o principle_n which_o shall_v taste_v the_o relish_n and_o sweetness_n of_o it_o be_v yet_o asleep_a in_o he_o moreover_o all_o earthly_a pleasure_n be_v muddy_a and_o defile_v and_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o cask_n that_o be_v the_o body_n wherein_o they_o lodge_v but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n be_v refine_v and_o run_v pure_a and_o clear_a for_o ever_o because_o the_o spring_n whence_o virtuous_a pleasure_n derive_v be_v sincerity_n which_o be_v a_o state_n and_o condition_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a without_o any_o art_n or_o adulterate_v composition_n 5._o sincerity_n beget_v a_o generous_a boldness_n and_o magnanimity_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o confident_a of_o the_o well-being_n of_o his_o soul_n than_o the_o sincere_a person_n and_o this_o confidence_n make_v he_o look_v affliction_n and_o danger_n undaunted_o in_o the_o face_n the_o sincere_a person_n who_o conscience_n can_v testify_v to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v fathful_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n be_v full_o assure_v however_o it_o may_v fare_v with_o he_o here_o yet_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o he_o in_o the_o other_o world_n he_o know_v that_o god_n will_v never_o be_v unkind_a to_o a_o innocent_a or_o penitent_a person_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o can_v never_o forsake_v what_o be_v his_o own_o life_n and_o nature_n which_o sure_o a_o unself-interesssed_n and_o universalized_a love_n be_v wherefore_o such_o a_o one_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n itself_o can_v cheerful_o commit_v himself_o into_o the_o gracious_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n trust_v himself_o with_o the_o invisible_a guard_n of_o those_o high_a and_o better_a region_n for_o what_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n say_v st._n paul_n nothing_o sure_o if_o our_o own_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v we_o of_o hypocrisy_n for_o than_o we_o may_v rest_v secure_a of_o god_n love_n who_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o his_o love_n be_v immutable_a and_o never_o change_v till_o we_o change_v by_o inadvertencey_n and_o folly_n 6._o last_o sincerity_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o eternal_a peace_n and_o secure_v it_o from_o all_o intestine_a broil_n distraction_n and_o tumult_n it_o be_v this_o low_a and_o trouble_a air_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o thunder_n and_o storm_n while_o those_o upper_a region_n above_o the_o cloud_n enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a sunshine_n and_o calm_a and_o it_o be_v hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o a_o guiltiness_n and_o consciousness_n that_o we_o have_v be_v false_a to_o god_n and_o virtue_n that_o raise_v storm_n and_o trouble_n within_o our_o own_o breast_n but_o sincerity_n set_v we_o above_o all_o these_o and_o we_o breath_n in_o a_o free_a and_o pure_a air_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v calm_a and_o compose_v fair_a and_o lovely_a as_o the_o clear_a face_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o soil_n grow_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o here_o be_v those_o river_n of_o live_v water_n which_o overflow_n and_o enrich_v the_o paradise_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n this_o state_n of_o sincerity_n be_v a_o more_o valuable_a treasure_n than_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n can_v desire_v because_o it_o make_v he_o belove_v of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n after_o this_o state_n we_o ought_v earnest_o to_o contend_v and_o never_o leave_v off_o our_o pursuit_n till_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o it_o this_o delight_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v so_o enravish_v a_o temper_n that_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o but_o commend_v it_o in_o his_o holy_a apostle_n now_o that_o we_o may_v all_o press_v forward_o to_o this_o mark_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la