thing_n appear_v to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o the_o mind_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n the_o often_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v transfigure_v into_o a_o more_o glorious_a be_v by_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o more_o flat_a and_o insipid_a be_v all_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a satisfaction_n to_o it_o another_o effect_n that_o attend_v our_o shake_n off_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v our_o be_v purify_v from_o gild_n the_o stain_n of_o the_o past_a life_n be_v wash_v off_o by_o repentance_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n contract_v no_o new_a one_o by_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n now_o therefore_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o himself_o and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n without_o any_o vneasiness_n he_o can_v reflect_v upon_o his_o action_n and_o review_v each_o day_n when_o it_o be_v past_a without_o inward_a regret_n or_o shame_n to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o vanquish_v both_o terror_n and_o allurement_n when_o they_o persuade_v to_o that_o which_o be_v mean_a and_o base_a to_o be_v master_n of_o one_o self_n and_o entertain_v no_o affection_n but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o regular_a and_o such_o as_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o wish_v shall_v daily_o increase_v and_o grow_v strong_a these_o be_v thing_n so_o far_o from_o merit_v reproach_n and_o reproof_n from_o one_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v it_o against_o all_o reproach_n from_o without_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n such_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o well_o establish_v habit_n of_o righteousness_n that_o it_o do_v more_o than_o compensate_a the_o difficulty_n to_o which_o either_o the_o attainment_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v expose_v a_o man._n last_o he_o that_o be_v free_a from_o gild_n be_v free_a from_o fear_n too_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o all_o our_o fear_n not_o by_o deny_v or_o renounce_v god_n with_o atheist_n but_o by_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o he_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o upon_o rational_a ground_n be_v raise_v above_o melancholy_a and_o fear_n for_o what_o shall_v he_o fear_v god_n be_v his_o glory_n his_o boast_n his_o joy_n his_o strength_n and_o if_o god_n be_v for_o he_o who_o can_v be_v against_o he_o neither_o thing_n present_a nor_o to_o come_v neither_o life_n nor_o death_n can_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o time_n or_o eternity_n that_o he_o need_v fear_n man_n can_v hurt_v he_o he_o be_v encompass_v with_o the_o favour_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n as_o with_o a_o shield_n but_o if_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n happy_a be_v he_o this_o do_v but_o increase_v his_o present_a joy_n and_o future_a 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shall_v be_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o fruition_n or_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v there_o as_o it_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o fountain_n head_n and_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a to_o he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n shall_v ever_o flourish_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o enjoy_v all_o good_a heap_v up_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o the_o incomprehensible_a glory_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n incline_v i_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o easy_o accountable_a enjoyment_n and_o especial_o where_o a_o intelligent_a be_v be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o imply_v something_o of_o proportion_n something_o of_o equality_n something_o of_o familiarity_n but_o ah_o what_o proportion_n think_v i_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v between_o finite_a and_o infinite_a what_o equality_n between_o a_o poor_a creature_n and_o his_o incomprehensible_a creator_n what_o eye_n shall_v 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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
anchorite_n or_o hermit_n be_v at_o first_o little_o better_o than_o a_o pious_a extravagant_a i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o much_o worse_o he_o be_v now_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a duty_n but_o meekness_n and_o charity_n mercy_n and_o zeal_n be_v not_o one_o jot_n inferior_a to_o they_o the_o world_n be_v a_o excellent_a school_n to_o a_o good_a christian_a the_o folly_n and_o the_o misery_n the_o trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o exercise_v and_o employ_v our_o virtue_n but_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v it_o they_o afford_v we_o both_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n and_o natural_o advance_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o a_o well-setled_n power_n over_o ourselves_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o every_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o every_o one_o who_o we_o converse_v with_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o somewhat_o occasion_n some_o wise_a reflection_n or_o enkindle_v some_o pious_a affection_n in_o we_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o our_o word_n and_o action_n we_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o diligent_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o make_v little_a or_o no_o application_n of_o what_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v nor_o learn_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o virtue_n the_o folly_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o both_o and_o so_o we_o neither_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n nor_o our_o virtue_n but_o be_v the_o same_o to_o day_n we_o be_v yesterday_o and_o life_n waste_v away_o in_o common_a accident_n and_o customary_a action_n with_o as_o little_a alteration_n in_o we_o as_o in_o our_o affair_n whereas_o be_v we_o mindful_a as_o we_o ought_v of_o our_o true_a interest_n and_o desirous_a to_o reap_v some_o spiritual_a benefit_n from_o every_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n will_v enkindle_v our_o emulation_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o sinner_n will_v confirm_v our_o abhorrence_n for_o sin_n from_o one_o we_o shall_v learn_v content_a from_o another_o industry_n here_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o charm_n in_o meekness_n and_o charity_n there_o in_o humility_n in_o this_o man_n we_o shall_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v discretion_n and_o command_v of_o himself_o in_o that_o courage_n and_o constancy_n assiduity_n and_o perseverance_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v less_o useful_a to_o we_o to_o observe_v how_o vanity_n expose_v one_o and_o peevishness_n torment_v another_o how_o pride_n and_o ambition_n embroil_v a_o three_o and_o how_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a avarice_n render_v a_o four_o and_o to_o trace_v all_o that_o variety_n of_o ruin_n which_o lust_n and_o prodigality_n disorder_n and_o sloth_n leave_v behind_o they_o and_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o observation_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o solid_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n so_o will_v a_o diligent_a attention_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o discretion_n in_o all_o the_o common_a and_o daily_a action_n of_o life_n enrich_v we_o with_o true_a virtue_n religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o closet_n nor_o to_o be_v exercise_v only_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n meditation_n and_o alm_n but_o every_o where_n we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o every_o word_n every_o action_n be_v capable_a of_o morality_n our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n betray_v themselves_o in_o the_o daily_a accident_n and_o the_o common_a conversation_n of_o life_n and_o here_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o very_o important_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o here_o they_o be_v to_o be_v watch_v over_o regulate_v and_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o more_o solemn_a action_n it_o be_v to_o the_o virtue_n or_o the_o error_n of_o our_o common_a conversation_n and_o ordinary_a deportment_n that_o we_o owe_v both_o our_o friend_n and_o enemy_n our_o good_a or_o bad_a character_n abroad_o our_o domestic_a peace_n or_o trouble_n and_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n the_o improvement_n or_o depravation_n of_o our_o mind_n let_v no_o man_n then_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a abandon_v himself_o to_o his_o humour_n or_o inclination_n in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o acquaintance_n his_o child_n his_o servant_n let_v no_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a follow_v prejudice_n or_o fashion_n in_o the_o common_a and_o customary_a action_n of_o life_n but_o let_v he_o assure_v himself_o that_o by_o a_o daily_a endeavour_n to_o conform_v these_o more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v to_o train_v up_o himself_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o most_o absolute_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a virtue_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o must_v first_o know_v himself_o and_o those_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o must_v discern_v the_o proper_a season_n and_o the_o just_a occasion_n of_o every_o virtue_n and_o then_o he_o must_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o acquire_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o it_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o for_o want_v of_o due_a reflection_n do_v not_o common_o seem_v of_o any_o great_a importance_n to_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v the_o dulness_n or_o the_o carelessness_n of_o a_o servant_n the_o stubbornness_n of_o a_o child_n the_o soureness_n of_o a_o parent_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o friend_n the_o coldness_n of_o relation_n the_o neglect_n or_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n will_v all_o prove_v extreme_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a every_o thing_n will_v instruct_v he_o every_o thing_n will_v afford_v a_o opportunity_n of_o exercise_v some_o virtue_n or_o another_o so_o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v daily_a learning_n daily_o grow_v better_a and_o wise_a §_o 2._o the_o two_o great_a instrument_n not_o of_o regeneration_n only_o but_o also_o of_o perseverance_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o no_o man_n doubt_n that_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a discourse_n of_o the_o energy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o or_o examine_v what_o each_o be_v in_o its_o self_n or_o wherein_o the_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v proper_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o great_a end_n i_o have_v mention_v namely_o our_o converversion_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o those_o text_n which_o do_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v all_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o clear_a exposition_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o the_o move_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n imply_v a_o supply_n of_o all_o that_o supernatural_a strength_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v that_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n convince_v we_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n such_o be_v rom._n 8.2_o for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n most_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o rather_o glory_n in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v upon_o i_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n on_o this_o occasion_n otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n that_o what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o or_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o truth_n then_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o two_o great_a instrument_n of_o perfection_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v two_o rule_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o universal_a use_n and_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a efficacy_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o perfection_n 1._o we_o can_v have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n too_o great_a a_o passion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o fix_v
this_o chapter_n be_v grow_v much_o too_o big_a already_o and_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v on_o nothing_o more_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o whatever_o advice_n will_v secure_v the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o liberty_n will_v consequent_o secure_v the_o whole_a i_o will_v therefore_o close_v this_o chapter_n here_o with_o a_o brief_a exhortation_n to_o endeavour_v after_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n how_o many_o and_o powerful_a motive_n have_v we_o to_o it_o will_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n let_v we_o dam_v up_o the_o source_n of_o they_o which_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n let_v we_o disarm_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o this_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o perfect_v and_o accomplish_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o excellent_a quality_n it_o be_v righteousness_n wherein_o consist_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o cleanse_n ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o must_v transform_v we_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n will_v we_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a fortune_n it_o be_v righteousness_n that_o will_v make_v we_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o conquest_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o abound_a in_o good_a work_n that_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a towards_o god_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o we_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v we_o ambitious_a of_o honour_n let_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v virtue_n only_o that_o be_v true_o honourable_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o so_o noble_a a_o relation_n for_o this_o ally_n we_o to_o god_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v they_o only_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v rule_v and_o animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n these_o be_v they_o in_o a_o word_n who_o have_v overcome_v and_o will_v one_o day_n sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n even_o as_o he_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_v set_v down_o with_o his_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n rev._n 3.21_o good_a god_n how_o absurd_a and_o perverse_a all_o our_o desire_n and_o project_n be_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o hug_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o cherish_v those_o vice_n who_o fatal_a wound_n be_v ever_o big_a with_o numerous_a and_o intolerable_a plague_n we_o fear_v death_n and_o will_v get_v rid_v of_o this_o fear_n not_o by_o disarm_v but_o sharpen_v its_o sting_n not_o by_o subdue_a but_o forget_v it_o we_o love_v wealth_n and_o treasure_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v temporal_a not_o eternal_a we_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o but_o we_o seek_v not_o that_o which_o come_v from_o god_n only_o we_o be_v fond_a of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o wander_v from_o those_o path_n of_o wisdom_n which_o alone_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o for_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v this_o christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v man_n true_o free_a not_o the_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o no_o man_n but_o to_o no_o sin_n not_o the_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v we_o true_o great_a and_o true_o glorious_a for_o this_o alone_a render_v we_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o easie_n to_o our_o self_n benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n and_o delightsome_a at_o home_n it_o be_v christian_n liberty_n make_v we_o true_o prosperous_a true_o fortunate_a because_o it_o make_v we_o true_o happy_a fill_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v we_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n iu._n of_o liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o original_a sin_n whatever_o difficulty_n the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n real_o be_v involve_v in_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o some_o to_o be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o concern_v i_o who_o be_o no_o further_o oblige_v to_o consider_v it_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v much_o dispute_n about_o original_a sin_n there_o be_v little_a or_o none_o about_o original_a corruption_n the_o reality_n of_o this_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v though_o the_o gild_n the_o sinfulness_n or_o immorality_n of_o it_o be_v controvert_v and_o though_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n concern_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o eternity_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o make_v but_o that_o it_o incite_v and_o instigate_v we_o to_o actual_a sin_n and_o be_v the_o seed-plot_n of_o human_a folly_n and_o wickedness_n all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o strong_a propension_n in_o our_o nature_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n that_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n wherein_o consist_v righteousness_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v that_o we_o have_v appetite_n which_o clash_n with_o and_o oppose_v the_o command_n of_o god_n not_o only_a when_o they_o threaten_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o confession_n and_o martyrdom_n but_o also_o when_o they_o only_o prune_v its_o luxuriancy_n and_o extravagance_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o desire_v sensitive_a pleasure_n but_o even_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o hurry_v and_o transport_v we_o beyond_o the_o bound_n that_o reason_n and_o religion_n set_v we_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o aversion_n for_o pain_n and_o toil_n and_o death_n but_o to_o that_o excess_n that_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o renounce_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o carnal_a ease_n and_o temporal_a safety_n and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o reveal_v truth_n so_o prone_a to_o terminate_v our_o thought_n on_o and_o confine_v our_o desire_n within_o this_o visible_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o no_o other_o than_o the_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o that_o this_o make_v we_o selfish_a and_o sordid_a proud_a and_o ambitious_a false_a subtle_a and_o contentious_a to_o the_o endless_a disturbance_n of_o mankind_n and_o ourselves_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o this_o be_v the_o corruption_n we_o labour_v under_o all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o do_v a_o controversy_n arise_v about_o this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o appeal_v any_o further_a for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o than_o to_o one_o own_o experience_n this_o will_v tell_v every_o one_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o fact_n and_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v consult_v it_o will_v tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v so_o for_o what_o other_o than_o this_o can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n who_o enter_v the_o world_n with_o a_o soul_n so_o dark_a and_o destitute_a of_o divine_a light_n so_o deep_o immerce_v and_o plunge_v into_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o tender_o and_o intimate_o affect_v by_o bodily_a sensation_n and_o with_o a_o body_n so_o adapt_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o fasten_v to_o it_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o interest_n convenience_n and_o necessity_n this_o account_n of_o original_a corruption_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o of_o it_o rom._n 7._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o with_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n on_o which_o he_o build_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n joh._n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n have_v thus_o brief_o explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o original_a sin_n i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o far_o this_o distemper_n of_o nature_n be_v curable_a 2._o which_o way_n this_o cure_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v as_o to_o the_o first_o enquiry_n i_o will_v
be_v all_z the_o claim_v the_o sinner_n lay_v to_o pleasure_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o present_a moment_n which_o be_v extreme_o short_a and_o extreme_o uncertain_a the_o time_n that_o be_v past_a and_o to_o come_v he_o quit_v all_o pretention_n to_o or_o aught_o to_o do_v so_o as_o to_o the_o time_n past_a the_o thing_n be_v self_n evident_a for_o the_o sinner_n look_v back_o see_v his_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o good_a man_n his_o trial_n and_o temptation_n past_a and_o go_v the_o sinner_n see_v a_o end_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o his_o strength_n the_o good_a man_n of_o his_o weakness_n and_o folly_n the_o one_o when_o he_o look_v back_o be_v encounter_v with_o sin_n and_o folly_n wickedness_n and_o shame_n the_o other_o with_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n gild_n and_o fear_n haunt_v the_o reflection_n of_o the_o one_o peace_n and_o hope_n attend_v those_o of_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o atheist_n have_v no_o prospect_n at_o all_o beyond_o the_o grave_a the_o wicked_a christian_a a_o very_a dismal_a one_o the_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a a_o doubtful_a one_o only_o the_o wise_a and_o perfect_a a_o assure_a joyful_a and_o delightful_a one_o and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o true_a and_o great_a pleasure_n of_o human_a life_n that_o be_v assurance_n assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n assurance_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n need_v i_o prove_v that_o assurance_n be_v a_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o man_n who_o be_v daily_o engage_v in_o a_o conflict_n with_o some_o evil_a or_o other_o it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n to_o be_v raise_v though_o not_o above_o the_o assault_n though_o not_o above_o the_o reach_n yet_o above_o the_o venom_n and_o malignity_n of_o evil_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o strength_n and_o confidence_n to_o ride_v triumphant_a under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o see_v the_o sea_n of_o life_n swell_v and_o toss_v itself_o in_o vain_a in_o vain_a threaten_v the_o bark_n it_o can_v sink_v in_o vain_a invade_v the_o cable_n it_o can_v burst_v one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o man_n who_o live_v all_o his_o life_n long_o in_o bondage_n for_o fear_n of_o death_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o surprise_v delight_n to_o see_v death_n lie_v gasp_v at_o his_o foot_n naked_a and_o impotent_a without_o sting_n without_o terror_n one_o will_v final_o think_v that_o to_o man_n who_o live_v rather_o by_o hope_n then_o enjoyment_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_n hope_n who_o confidence_n be_v great_a its_o object_n more_o glorious_a and_o its_o success_n more_o certain_a than_o that_o of_o any_o worldly_a fancy_n or_o project_n be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o delightful_a prospect_n to_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o jesus_n our_o jesus_n our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n thus_o i_o have_v i_o think_v sufficient_o make_v out_o the_o subserviency_n of_o perfection_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o chapter_n nor_o can_v i_o imagine_v what_o objection_n can_v be_v spring_v to_o invalidate_v what_o i_o have_v say_v unless_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o colour_n in_o these_o two_o 1._o to_o reap_v the_o pleasure_n will_v some_o one_o say_v which_o you_o have_v describe_v here_o it_o require_v something_o of_o a_o exalt_a genius_n some_o compass_n of_o understanding_n some_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o some_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o i_o have_v reckon_v up_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n demand_v a_o spirit_n raise_v a_o little_a above_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o rich_a pleasure_n not_o the_o most_o polish_v and_o elevate_v spirit_n but_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o charitable_a soul_n be_v best_a capable_a of_o such_o be_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conquest_n and_o reduction_n of_o all_o inordinate_a affection_n the_o satisfaction_n which_o accompany_v a_o sincere_a and_o vigorous_a discharge_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o reflection_n upon_o it_o the_o security_n and_o rest_n which_o flow_v from_o self-resignation_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a protection_n and_o last_o the_o joy_n that_o spring_v from_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n but_o 2_o it_o may_v be_v object_v it_o be_v true_a all_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o hang_v together_o well_o enough_o in_o speculation_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v almost_o tempt_v to_o think_v that_o all_o which_o you_o have_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o pretty_a amusement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o visionary_a scheme_n of_o happiness_n for_o how_o few_o be_v there_o if_o any_o who_o feel_v all_o this_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o experiment_n the_o pleasure_n you_o talk_v of_o how_o few_o be_v they_o in_o who_o we_o can_v discover_v any_o sign_n of_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n or_o fruit_n of_o a_o divine_a tranquillity_n or_o security_n i_o answer_v in_o a_o word_n the_o example_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o mature_a virtue_n be_v very_o few_o religion_n run_v very_o low_a and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o most_o christian_n suffer_v such_o a_o allay_n and_o mixture_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o so_o imperfect_a a_o state_n breed_v but_o very_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a hope_n very_o faint_a and_o doubtful_a joy_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o examine_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n more_o full_o when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o perfection_n particular_o a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n by_o which_o man_n advances_n or_o grow_v up_o to_o it_o i_o have_v in_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n explain_v the_o notion_n of_o religious_a perfection_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n i_o have_v insist_v on_o two_o effect_n of_o it_o assurance_n and_o pleasure_n my_o method_n therefore_o now_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o perfection_n here_o i_o will_v do_v too_o thing_n one_a i_o will_v trace_v out_o the_o several_a step_n and_o advances_n of_o the_o christian_a towards_o it_o and_o draw_v up_o as_o it_o be_v a_o short_a history_n of_o his_o spiritual_a progress_n from_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o virtue_n to_o its_o maturity_n and_o manhood_n 2_o i_o will_v discourse_v brief_o of_o the_o motive_n and_o mean_n of_o perfection_n of_o the_o christian_n progress_n towards_o perfection_n many_o be_v the_o figure_n and_o metaphor_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v this_o allude_v one_o while_n to_o the_o formation_n nourishment_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n another_o while_n to_o that_o of_o plant_n and_o vegetable_n one_o while_n to_o the_o dawn_n and_o increase_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n another_o while_n to_o that_o succession_n of_o labour_n and_o expectation_n which_o the_o husbandman_n run_v through_o from_o plough_v to_o the_o harvest_n but_o of_o all_o the_o simile_n which_o the_o spirit_n make_v use_v of_o to_o this_o end_n there_o be_v one_o especial_o that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v we_o the_o true_a and_o the_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o change_n of_o a_o sinner_n into_o a_o saint_n the_o scripture_n represent_v sin_n as_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o righteousness_n as_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n and_o teach_v we_o that_o by_o the_o same_o step_n by_o which_o a_o enslave_v and_o oppress_v people_n arrive_v at_o their_o secular_a by_o the_o very_a same_o do_v the_o christian_n at_o his_o spiritual_a liberty_n and_o happiness_n first_o then_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o judgement_n or_o mercy_n or_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o call_v awaken_v and_o penetrate_v the_o sinner_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o clear_a light_n break_v in_o upon_o he_o and_o make_v he_o see_v and_o consider_v his_o own_o state_n he_o be_v present_o agitate_a by_o various_a passion_n according_a to_o his_o different_a gild_n and_o temper_n or_o the_o different_a call_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o he_o be_v wrought_v upon_o one_o while_o fear_v another_o while_n shame_n one_o while_o indignation_n another_o while_o hope_v fill_v his_o soul_n he_o resent_v the_o tyranny_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o persecution_n of_o his_o lust_n he_o upbraid_v himself_o with_o his_o folly_n and_o discover_v a_o meanness_n and_o shamefulness_n in_o
the_o tender_a sorrow_n of_o contrition_n the_o delight_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n the_o adoration_n and_o self-depressions_a of_o a_o profound_a humility_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o vow_n of_o a_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o and_o holy_a zeal_n and_o indignation_n against_o sin_n how_o do_v these_o thing_n mellow_a and_o enrich_v the_o soul_n how_o do_v they_o raise_v it_o high_o and_o high_o above_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n how_o do_v they_o renew_v it_o daily_o and_o make_v it_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n natural_o beget_v a_o habit_n and_o habit_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n ripen_v and_o confirm_v by_o custom_n how_o natural_o then_o must_v prayer_n fortify_v the_o mind_n ripen_v good_a disposition_n or_o add_v strength_n and_o perfection_n to_o good_a habit_n since_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o repeat_v exercise_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o prayer_n give_v we_o a_o frequent_a opportunity_n of_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o otherwise_o be_v so_o often_o oblige_v to_o do_v if_o second_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o prevalence_n of_o prayer_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v further_a reason_n yet_o to_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o increase_v our_o spiritual_a strength_n what_o will_v god_n deny_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n he_o may_v deny_v he_o temporal_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o good_a for_o he_o he_o may_v refuse_v to_o remove_v a_o temptation_n because_o this_o be_v often_o a_o occasion_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o servant_n reward_v but_o he_o will_v never_o refuse_v he_o grace_n to_o conquer_v it_o he_o will_v no_o more_o deny_v his_o spirit_n to_o one_o that_o earnest_o and_o sincere_o beg_v it_o than_o the_o natural_a parent_n will_v bread_n to_o his_o hungry_a and_o crave_v child_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o grace_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o bread_n to_o the_o natural_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a than_o any_o instinct_n in_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o zealous_o solicitous_a for_o the_o holiness_n and_o immortality_n of_o his_o child_n then_o earthly_a parent_n can_v be_v for_o a_o sickly_a perish_v life_n of_o they_o thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o prayer_n contribute_v wonderful_o to_o the_o strengthen_v and_o establish_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o goodness_n but_o then_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o must_v have_v these_o two_o qualification_n it_o must_v be_v frequent_a and_o incessant_o importunate_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v frequent_a i_o will_v have_v this_o rule_n comply_v with_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v even_o in_o our_o state_v regular_a and_o solemn_a address_n to_o god_n but_o because_o business_n and_o several_a obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o to_o the_o world_n do_v often_o press_v hard_a upon_o we_o therefore_o must_v i_o give_v the_o same_o counsel_n here_o which_o i_o do_v before_o under_o the_o head_n of_o meditation_n that_o be_v to_o have_v always_o ready_a and_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n several_a text_n of_o scripture_n contain_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a truth_n in_o the_o most_o pierce_a and_o move_a language_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o form_v these_o on_o a_o sudden_a into_o ejaculation_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n may_v mount_v up_o into_o heaven_n amid_o the_o ardour_n and_o transport_v of_o desire_n and_o praise_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o manoah_n sacrifice_n 2._o prayer_n must_v be_v incessant_o importunate_a importunate_n it_o will_v be_v if_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v as_o it_o ought_v that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v disengage_v from_o this_o world_n and_o possess_v entire_o with_o the_o belief_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o a_o better_a if_o it_o be_v humble_v in_o itself_o disclaim_v all_o strength_n and_o merit_n of_o its_o own_o and_o rest_v whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n i_o add_v incessant_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n luke_n 11.8_o and_o 18.5_o and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n 5.17_o and_o whoever_o consider_v human_a nature_n well_o and_o remember_v how_o soon_o pious_a motion_n vanish_v and_o how_o little_a they_o effect_v will_v discern_v a_o plain_a reason_n both_o for_o vehemence_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n for_o vehemence_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v deep_o impress_v by_o pious_a passion_n for_o perseverance_n that_o such_o impression_n may_v not_o be_v effaced_a and_o obliterated_a nor_o let_v any_o one_o fancy_n that_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v have_v not_o a_o better_a influence_n upon_o god_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o ourselves_o it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v void_a of_o the_o painfulness_n and_o defect_n of_o human_a passion_n but_o not_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a one_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o god_n be_v a_o inflexible_a inexorable_a deity_n and_o incapable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o incessant_a importunity_n of_o his_o poor_a creature_n woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o the_o softness_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v not_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o little_a resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o man._n if_o in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v not_o abound_v in_o goodness_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n more_o easy_o to_o be_v move_v and_o excite_v than_o those_o human_a passion_n that_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o they_o next_o to_o conversation_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n the_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n do_v wonderful_o contribute_v to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o virtue_n how_o do_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o such_o as_o deserve_v our_o esteem_n and_o affection_n settle_v and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n when_o they_o concur_v with_o we_o how_o do_v their_o knowledge_n enlighten_v we_o their_o reason_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o their_o example_n inflame_v we_o with_o emulation_n a_o pious_a friendship_n render_v religion_n itself_o more_o engage_v it_o sanctify_v our_o very_a diversion_n and_o recreation_n and_o make_v they_o minister_v to_o virtue_n it_o mind_v we_o when_o we_o be_v forgetful_a support_v and_o encourage_v we_o when_o we_o faint_v and_o tire_v reprove_v and_o correct_v we_o when_o we_o give_v back_o and_o recall_v we_o into_o the_o right_a path_n when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o it_o this_o be_v or_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o conversation_n the_o end_n and_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n we_o shall_v be_v often_o talk_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n communicate_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o fear_n our_o hope_n our_o improvement_n and_o defect_n we_o shall_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o comfort_n and_o support_v one_o another_o our_o discourse_n shall_v always_o minister_v new_a warmth_n or_o new_a strength_n to_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o love_n but_o among_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o one_o do_v so_o much_o corroborate_v and_o nourish_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n how_o many_o wise_a and_o impartial_a reflection_n do_v the_o preparation_n for_o it_o occasion_n what_o unfeigned_a humility_n and_o what_o a_o profound_a awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n do_v a_o previous_a self-examination_n beget_v in_o we_o what_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n do_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n enkindle_v what_o firmness_n and_o resolution_n do_v we_o derive_v from_o fresh_a vow_n and_o repeat_v engagement_n and_o these_o offer_v up_o with_o so_o much_o solemnity_n and_o how_o much_o final_o be_v the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n improve_v by_o that_o spiritual_a pleasure_n which_o the_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n work_v in_o we_o by_o that_o awe_n and_o holy_a fear_n which_o the_o whole_a action_n leave_v behind_o on_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o zeal_n vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o for_o the_o time_n follow_v not_o to_o mention_v here_o how_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n oblige_v we_o to_o a_o most_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n here_o in_o a_o word_n we_o prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n as_o we_o will_v do_v in_o death_n and_o judgement_n here_o we_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n renounce_v the_o world_n and_o flesh_n
scripture_n itself_o frequent_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o not_o without_o reason_n because_o the_o devil_n sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n error_n and_o these_o too_o fatal_a and_o destructive_a one_o be_v frequent_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o every_o party_n nay_o every_o single_a author_n lay_v the_o stress_n of_o salvation_n on_o their_o peculiar_a and_o distinguish_a opinion_n belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n or_o word_n on_o this_o occasion_n when_o the_o peace_n and_o purity_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o rectitude_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n have_v so_o close_a and_o necessary_a a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n we_o imbibe_n that_o we_o hereby_o either_o secure_v or_o forfeit_v they_o who_o see_v not_o unless_o he_o be_v stupid_a and_o infatuate_v that_o great_a care_n and_o solicitude_n be_v necessary_a here_o than_o in_o any_o matter_n whatever_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o equal_a moment_n bad_a money_n or_o bad_a ware_n instead_o of_o good_a a_o ill_a title_n or_o conveyance_n instead_o of_o a_o firm_a and_o clear_a one_o may_v impoverish_v we_o bad_a drug_n instead_o of_o good_a may_v infect_v the_o body_n and_o destroy_v the_o health_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o impoverish_v and_o infect_v the_o mind_n prevent_v the_o life_n and_o damn_v the_o man_n to_o all_o eternity_n the_o example_n of_o the_o berean_o be_v never_o forget_v and_o indeed_o never_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o this_o occasion_n we_o must_v admit_v nothing_o hasty_o assent_n to_o nothing_o without_o examine_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v credulity_n precipitation_n and_o confidence_n be_v irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o use_v great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o enlarge_v and_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v almost_o infinite_a and_o it_o fare_v with_o those_o that_o study_v they_o as_o with_o a_o traveller_n when_o he_o ascend_v a_o rise_a ground_n every_o new_a step_n almost_o enlarge_v his_o horizon_n and_o present_v new_a country_n new_a pleasure_n to_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v our_o own_o negligence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o daily_o extend_v the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n if_o our_o view_n of_o thing_n grow_v not_o more_o distinct_a and_o clear_a and_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o more_o firm_a and_o steady_a this_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o this_o be_v to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n open_v eph._n 1.17_o this_o be_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n col._n 1.9_o this_o be_v final_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o col._n 3.16_o and_o of_o what_o importance_n this_o be_v be_v manifest_a from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v namely_o that_o illumination_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o credulous_a and_o ill-grounded_a in_o a_o slight_a and_o superficial_a or_o a_o confuse_a and_o obscure_a or_o imperfect_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o in_o a_o clear_a distinct_a firm_a and_o well_o establish_v one_o and_o the_o acquire_v such_o a_o one_o demand_n a_o very_a diligent_a and_o a_o indefatigable_a study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o numerous_a great_a and_o beautiful_a idea_n and_o these_o clear_a and_o distinct_a to_o have_v they_o engrave_v in_o the_o memory_n in_o deep_a and_o last_a character_n to_o have_v they_o lodge_v and_o dispose_v in_o that_o order_n as_o to_o be_v able_a in_o a_o instant_a to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o to_o discern_v and_o demonstrate_v plain_o the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o one_o upon_o another_o and_o the_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o each_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o labour_n the_o fruit_n of_o a_o regular_a and_o assiduous_a search_n after_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o capacity_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v up_o to_o this_o they_o must_v come_v as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v but_o if_o such_o a_o search_n as_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o penetrate_v the_o depth_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o yet_o certain_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o extract_v their_o force_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o derive_v purity_n and_o nourishment_n from_o they_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n imply_v in_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o 3._o we_o must_v make_v frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n on_o the_o truth_n we_o do_v know_v this_o again_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n as_o it_o be_v before_o settle_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o every_o knowledge_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o suffice_v for_o illumination_n but_o a_o vital_a and_o operative_a one_o that_o be_v a_o well_o ground_v clear_a distinct_a and_o well-digested_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o constant_a daily_a and_o devout_a meditation_n be_v necessary_a to_o illumination_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o transcient_a and_o perfunctory_a reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o a_o fleet_a ramble_a irregular_a and_o desultory_a meditation_n of_o they_o that_o will_v possess_v we_o with_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o imprint_v a_o truth_n in_o lively_a notion_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o digest_v it_o into_o nourishment_n and_o strength_n and_o make_v it_o mix_v itself_o with_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o all_o our_o action_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o dwell_v upon_o it_o with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o excellent_a and_o elevate_a soul_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a have_v be_v daily_o nay_o almost_o hourly_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v passionate_o devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o and_o delight_v more_o in_o it_o than_o in_o treasure_n or_o honour_n than_o in_o the_o most_o profitable_a employment_n or_o engage_v diversion_n of_o life_n it_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n on_o god_n on_o jesus_n the_o world_n and_o our_o self_n that_o can_v alone_o acquaint_v we_o thorough_o with_o each_o it_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n on_o death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o can_v make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o rule_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o illumination_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v without_o labour_n and_o travel_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o will_v never_o bestow_v but_o upon_o those_o who_o ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v divine_a bounty_n and_o human_a industry_n do_v here_o very_a well_o accord_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n general_o join_v they_o together_o and_o it_o be_v boldness_n and_o impiety_n in_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o divide_v they_o prov._n 2.4_o 5_o 6._o if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v thou_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n give_v wisdom_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n come_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n nor_o will_v any_o one_o sure_o think_v it_o much_o to_o devote_v his_o time_n and_o labour_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v more_o just_o challenge_v or_o better_o deserve_v both_o can_v pleasure_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o flow_v from_o wisdom_n that_o be_v either_o pure_a great_a or_o last_v can_v business_n what_o business_n can_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o what_o secure_v our_o salvation_n our_o eternity_n wisdom_n then_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v understanding_n prov._n 4.7_o for_o without_o this_o the_o most_o desirable_a possession_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v but_o cheat_n and_o illusion_n mischief_n and_o snare_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o 3._o that_o we_o act_v conformable_a to_o those_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o more_o spiritual_a we_o grow_v the_o fit_a we_o be_v for_o the_o residence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o his_o influence_n the_o more_o we_o subdue_v all_o inordinate_a affection_n the_o
while_n enslave_v and_o defile_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o very_a liberty_n they_o boast_v of_o in_o their_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o themselves_o open_o spring_v from_o their_o secret_a servitude_n to_o some_o vile_a passion_n or_o other_o nor_o yet_o can_v i_o be_v so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o grant_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o either_o do_v or_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o liberty_n they_o pretend_v to_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o regulate_v and_o govern_v all_o their_o outward_a action_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n they_o too_o often_o throw_v off_o the_o disguise_n which_o either_o hypocrisy_n or_o enmity_n to_o religion_n make_v they_o put_v on_o and_o prove_v too_o plain_o to_o the_o world_n that_o when_o they_o lay_v restraint_n on_o themselves_o in_o this_o or_o that_o sin_n it_o be_v only_a to_o indulge_v themselves_o the_o more_o free_o and_o secure_o in_o other_o second_o my_o next_o remark_n be_v that_o it_o be_v gross_a stupidity_n or_o impudence_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n and_o another_o world_n when_o the_o belief_n of_o both_o be_v so_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o this_o the_o frame_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o world_n require_v both_o without_o these_o selfishness_n must_v undoubted_o be_v the_o predominant_a principle_n this_o will_v breed_v unreasonable_a desire_n and_o these_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n so_o that_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n will_v indeed_o be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o our_o enmity_n against_o one_o another_o will_v not_o be_v extinguish_v by_o civil_a society_n but_o only_o conceal_v and_o restrain_v till_o a_o fit_a occasion_n for_o its_o break_n out_o shall_v present_v itself_o law_n will_v want_v that_o force_n commonwealth_n that_o bond_n or_o cement_n conversation_n that_o confidence_n and_o our_o possession_n that_o security_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v they_o blessing_n to_o we_o §_o 3._o a_o three_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v that_o relation_n which_o it_o create_v between_o god_n and_o we_o we_o be_v no_o long_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v separate_v and_o sanctify_a devote_a and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n thus_o st._n peter_n 1_o epist_n 2.9_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v 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 the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n god_n be_v our_o god_n we_o be_v his_o people_n he_o be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o be_v his_o child_n we_o be_v ingraff_v into_o his_o family_n the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v his_o dear_o belove_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n be_v our_o advocate_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o intercessor_n for_o we_o his_o spirit_n reside_v with_o we_o to_o comfort_v and_o assist_v we_o his_o angel_n guard_v we_o and_o minister_v to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v no_o long_o the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n how_o do_v the_o apostle_n triumph_n on_o this_o argument_n heb._n 12.18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n for_o you_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v and_o that_o burn_v with_o fire_n nor_o unto_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n and_o tempest_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o word_n which_o voice_n they_o who_o hear_v entreat_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o which_o be_v command_v and_o if_o so_o much_o as_o a_o beast_n touch_v the_o mountain_n it_o shall_v be_v stone_v or_o thrust_v through_o with_o a_o dart_n and_o so_o terrible_a be_v the_o sight_n that_o moses_n say_v i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v but_o you_o be_v come_v unto_o mount_n zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v better_a thing_n then_o that_o of_o abel_n and_o thus_o again_o 1_o cor._n 3.2_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephus_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n what_o dignity_n and_o eminence_n do_v this_o adoption_n raise_v we_o to_o what_o blessedness_n flow_v from_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n what_o can_v we_o want_v or_o what_o can_v we_o fear_v when_o we_o have_v so_o mighty_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n when_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n be_v employ_v to_o promote_v and_o secure_v our_o happiness_n now_o sure_a we_o may_v rejoice_v now_o we_o may_v glory_v and_o triumph_n for_o certain_o all_o thing_n must_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a but_o as_o fall_v angel_n envy_v the_o happiness_n of_o new_a create_v man_n so_o do_v apostate_n and_o debauch_a man_n envy_v that_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o one_o of_o these_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v hold_v sir_n you_o run_v too_o fast_o these_o glorious_a privilege_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o embryo_n and_o all_o your_o happiness_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o reversion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o big_a word_n you_o must_v grant_v i_o that_o you_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n that_o you_o be_v to_o undergo_v hardship_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o the_o thin_a diet_n of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n and_o so_o i_o think_v i_o may_v take_v you_o down_o from_o heir_n of_o god_n to_o servant_n at_o the_o best_a well_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o we_o yet_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a contend_v about_o those_o pleasure_n that_o be_v but_o in_o the_o bud_n i_o will_v for_o once_o quit_v all_o that_o preference_n both_o as_o to_o nobility_n and_o pleasure_n which_o adoption_n and_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n give_v a_o godly_a man_n above_o a_o sinner_n and_o i_o will_v take_v the_o state_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o be_v as_o the_o objector_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v suppose_v he_o to_o be_v under_o age_n till_o he_o come_v to_o another_o life_n and_o to_o differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n whilst_o he_o be_v so_o though_o he_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o yet_o after_o all_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n it_o will_v be_v no_o contemptible_a fruit_n no_o small_a commendation_n of_o liberty_n that_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n be_v plain_a for_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o he_o who_o make_v and_o still_o uphold_v the_o world_n shall_v govern_v it_o aught_o we_o not_o to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n who_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o immense_a beneficence_n invest_v he_o with_o a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o who_o shall_v we_o honour_v with_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_n what_o we_o have_v but_o to_o he_o from_o who_o we_o receive_v all_o who_o praise_n shall_v we_o show_v forth_o but_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n who_o shall_v we_o obey_v and_o adore_v but_o he_o who_o have_v translate_v we_o out_o of_o bondage_n into_o liberty_n out_o of_o the_o servitude_n of_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n have_v redeem_v we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n from_o that_o wrath_n to_o which_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_o subject_v we_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o shall_v prove_v it_o not_o only_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o honour_n and_o our_o happiness_n to_o serve_v god_n even_o on_o the_o supposition_n on_o which_o the_o objection_n proceed_v and_o which_o i_o at_o present_a grant_n 1._o it_o be_v our_o honour_n to_o
most_o sanctify_a nature_n and_o some_o venial_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o other_o may_v still_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n beside_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v or_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n seem_v to_o make_v way_n for_o more_o so_o that_o after_o all_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v as_o well_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o righteousness_n as_o his_o fortune_n be_v like_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o mean_v the_o day_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o attain_v it_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o section_n will_v all_o serve_v here_o therefore_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o offer_v of_o this_o sort_n only_o if_o i_o forget_v to_o pay_v that_o deference_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o just_o deserve_v i_o do_v it_o now_o and_o do_v earnest_o persuade_v my_o reader_n to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o only_o think_v this_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v a_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o but_o also_o high_o conducive_a to_o true_a perfection_n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o public_a ordinance_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n do_v mutual_o inflame_v and_o enkindle_v one_o another_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n seize_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o final_o that_o if_o the_o office_n of_o our_o liturgy_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o much_o indispose_v and_o very_o poor_o qualify_v for_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n chap._n x._o of_o zeal_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o good_a work_n and_o now_o let_v not_o any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o advance_v the_o illumination_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o knock_v off_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o raise_v he_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v above_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o life_n to_o scatter_v those_o lazy_a fog_n and_o mist_n which_o hang_v upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o enrich_v he_o with_o heroic_a virtue_n let_v no_o man_n i_o say_v fancy_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v all_o this_o that_o after_o all_o my_o perfect_a man_n may_v sit_v down_o like_o a_o epicurean_a god_n and_o enjoy_v himself_o may_v talk_v fine_o of_o solitary_a shade_n and_o garden_n and_o spend_v a_o precious_a life_n fit_v for_o the_o noble_a design_n in_o a_o sluggish_a retirement_n no_o no_o as_o virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o human_a life_n so_o be_v action_n the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o zeal_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o action_n which_o i_o require_v in_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n according_o the_o scripture_n describe_v this_o great_a this_o happy_a man_n as_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n such_o a_o one_o be_v moses_n mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o egyptian_n such_o a_o one_o be_v st._n stephen_n as_o full_a of_o a_o divine_a ardour_n and_o irresistible_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n as_o of_o a_o irresistible_a wisdom_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o excellent_a cornelius_n a_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o have_v transfuse_v and_o derive_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o bosom_n throughout_o his_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o friend_n too_o one_o that_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v instance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o all_o other_o the_o victory_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o charity_n the_o constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o hope_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n need_v i_o here_o distinguish_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o faction_n the_o cruelty_n of_o superstition_n from_o the_o wakeful_a and_o indefatigable_a activity_n of_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n from_o the_o unruly_a heat_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o from_o the_o implacable_a fury_n of_o revenge_n it_o need_v not_o no_o foolish_a no_o false_a fantastic_a earthly_a or_o devilish_a principle_n can_v counterfeit_v a_o divine_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o shine_v with_o such_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n with_o such_o a_o heavenly_a majesty_n and_o sweetness_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v imitate_v it_o it_o be_v always_o pursue_v good_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n it_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o it_o contend_v as_o earnest_o too_o to_o root_v out_o wickedness_n and_o implant_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o eager_a for_o the_o article_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o unconcern_v for_o catholic_n once_o when_o it_o press_v for_o reformation_n it_o begin_v at_o home_n and_o set_v a_o bright_a example_n of_o what_o it_o will_v recommend_v to_o other_o it_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a under_o its_o own_o affront_v but_o warm_a and_o bold_a against_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n though_o love_n fill_v its_o sail_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n give_v it_o ballast_n and_o it_o have_v no_o heat_n but_o what_o be_v temper_v and_o refract_v by_o charity_n and_o humility_n need_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n fix_v or_o state_n the_o various_a degree_n of_o zeal_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ardent_a thirst_n of_o promote_a the_o divine_a glory_n by_o the_o best_a work_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o more_o excellent_a the_o work_n and_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v the_o more_o perfect_a the_o more_o exalt_v the_o zeal_n that_o perform_v it_o when_o like_o mary_n we_o quit_v the_o cumber_n and_o distraction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o choose_v religion_n for_o our_o portion_n then_o do_v we_o love_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n when_o with_o the_o disciple_n we_o can_v say_v lord_n we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v so_o when_o we_o be_v continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n when_o if_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n church_n require_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v nothing_o our_o own_o when_o we_o be_v prepare_v if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o to_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n when_o nothing_o be_v dear_a nothing_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o god_n and_o holiness_n then_o have_v we_o reach_v the_o height_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o word_n zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n make_v perfect_a in_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v see_v it_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n we_o must_v contemplate_v it_o in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o heroick_n love_n how_o boundless_a be_v his_o love_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o how_o transcendent_a when_o a_o world_n of_o enemy_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o how_o indefatigable_a be_v his_o zeal_n how_o wakeful_a how_o meek_a how_o humble_a how_o firm_a and_o resolve_v his_o labour_n and_o travel_n his_o self-denial_n prayer_n and_o tear_n his_o silence_n and_o patience_n his_o agony_n and_o blood_n and_o charitable_a prayer_n pour_v out_o with_o it_o for_o his_o persecutor_n instruct_v we_o full_o what_o divine_a love_n what_o divine_a zeal_n be_v and_o now_o even_o at_o this_o time_n love_n reign_v in_o he_o as_o he_o reign_v in_o heaven_n love_n be_v still_o the_o predominant_a the_o darling_n passion_n of_o his_o soul_n worthy_a be_v thou_o o_o jesus_n to_o receive_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o dominion_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o thy_o father_n on_o his_o throne_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n because_o thou_o have_v love_v because_o thou_o have_v be_v zealous_a unto_o death_n because_o thou_o have_v overcome_v some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o have_v follow_v thy_o bright_a example_n though_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n first_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n next_o those_o belove_v and_o admire_v prince_n who_o have_v govern_v their_o kingdom_n in_o righteousness_n to_o who_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v far_o dear_a than_o pleasure_n than_o empire_n than_o absolute_a power_n or_o that_o ominous_a blaze_n that_o be_v now_o call_v glory_n and_o next_o follow_v hold_v this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o angel_n they_o must_v marshal_v the_o field_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o end_n