be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n but_o when_o it_o be_v say_v i_o be_o proud_a of_o my_o virtue_n here_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o virtue_n be_v take_v formal_o for_o my_o habit_n of_o will_v it_o whereby_o i_o be_o denominate_v virtuous_a for_o i_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v proud_a of_o virtue_n in_o its_o abstract_n idea_n but_o only_o of_o the_o love_n i_o have_v towards_o it_o to_o be_v short_a moral_a virtue_n may_v be_v take_v either_o for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v or_o for_o the_o habitual_a will_n of_o do_v they_o the_o former_a be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n prescribe_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v the_o latter_a be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o man_n willing_a to_o do_v what_o be_v so_o prescribe_v these_o be_v the_o general_a kind_n of_o righteousness_n now_o to_o the_o question_n what_o kind_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v which_o if_o we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o we_o shall_v be_v fill_v i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o righteousness_n here_o intend_v can_v be_v judicial_a righteousness_n since_o the_o mere_a desire_n of_o pardon_n or_o justification_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o procure_v it_o or_o to_o avert_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v moral_a righteousness_n if_o you_o ask_v in_o what_o sense_n whether_o as_o material_o or_o as_o formal_o take_v i_o think_v either_o sense_n may_v be_v admit_v but_o then_o there_o will_v be_v difference_n in_o the_o proposition_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n presume_v for_o if_o righteousness_n be_v here_o take_v material_o than_o the_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o it_o will_v be_v a_o simple_n and_o direct_a act_n of_o the_o will_n but_o if_o formal_o for_o that_o righteousness_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v formal_o good_a and_o virtuous_a than_o the_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o it_o will_v be_v a_o reflex_n act_n of_o the_o will_n that_o be_v a_o desire_n not_o of_o material_a righteousness_n but_o of_o the_o love_n of_o material_a righteousness_n which_o be_v a_o man_n formal_a righteousness_n and_o this_o sense_n of_o righteousness_n i_o take_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o exigence_n of_o this_o place_n because_o the_o desire_v material_a righteousness_n by_o a_o direct_a act_n of_o the_o will_v actual_o make_v a_o man_n formal_o righteous_a and_o so_o prevent_v and_o anticipate_v that_o repletion_n which_o our_o lord_n promise_v as_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o blessing_n whereas_o the_o desire_v formal_a righteousness_n or_o the_o love_n of_o material_a righteousness_n by_o a_o reflex_n act_n suppose_v the_o man_n not_o yet_o actual_o righteous_a as_o he_o be_v also_o suppose_a in_o the_o beatitude_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o capable_a of_o have_v the_o promise_n make_v good_a to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v fill_v now_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o christian_a righteousness_n the_o master_n of_o spiritual_a life_n usual_o assign_v three_o by_o degree_n i_o suppose_v mean_v not_o all_o those_o advances_n in_o righteousness_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v exceed_v either_o another_o or_o himself_o for_o than_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v reckon_v 3000_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a latitude_n in_o goodness_n but_o only_o such_o advances_n as_o imply_v different_a period_n and_o distinct_a state_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n these_o they_o assign_v to_o be_v three_o ground_v this_o their_o division_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n john_n who_o they_o say_v represent_v christian_n as_o under_o a_o threefold_a state_n by_o bespeak_v they_o under_o the_o several_a title_n of_o little_a child_n 12._o young_a man_n and_o father_n by_o little_a child_n mean_v young_a or_o new_a convert_v who_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n by_o young_a man_n those_o who_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o some_o strength_n in_o holiness_n and_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o inferior_a life_n by_o father_n those_o who_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o perfect_a habit_n of_o goodness_n and_o as_o far_o as_o human_a nature_n will_v admit_v be_v full_o regenerate_v into_o the_o divine_a life_n but_o i_o think_v this_o computation_n must_v be_v retrench_v for_o with_o all_o the_o invention_n which_o i_o have_v i_o can_v find_v but_o three_o state_n or_o degree_n for_o the_o whole_a moral_a condition_n of_o mankind_n for_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o every_o particular_a man_n in_o several_a period_n of_o his_o life_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o one_o of_o these_o three_o order_n either_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o apprehend_v sin_n as_o a_o evil_a who_o either_o through_o want_n of_o understanding_n and_o reflection_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o any_o sense_n of_o its_o malignity_n or_o through_o debauchery_n and_o habitual_a viciousness_n have_v lose_v it_o and_o so_o will_v and_o choose_v sin_n pure_o and_o entire_o with_o unity_n of_o consent_n and_o without_o any_o mixture_n of_o reluctancy_n which_o be_v the_o most_o exalt_a pitch_n of_o wickedness_n that_o a_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o else_o one_o of_o those_o who_o indeed_o do_v look_v upon_o sin_n as_o evil_a and_o as_o such_o will_z and_o be_v averse_a to_o it_o but_o not_o look_v upon_o it_o always_o as_o the_o great_a evil_n do_v oftentimes_o will_v it_o only_o imperfect_o and_o absolute_o speak_v do_v will_n and_o choose_v it_o to_o avoid_v as_o they_o then_o think_v some_o great_a evil._n or_o else_o last_o one_o of_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o sin_n not_o only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o evil_a but_o as_o the_o great_a of_o all_o evil_n will_z and_o refuse_v it_o not_o only_o in_o some_o certain_a respect_n but_o absolute_o and_o throrough_o so_o as_o not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v persuade_v to_o commit_v it_o these_o three_o degree_n will_v comprise_v the_o whole_a moral_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o according_o i_o observe_v that_o st._n paul_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o threefold_a law_n the_o first_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o the_o member_n 23._o the_o second_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n of_o 23._o the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n the_o three_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n of_o 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n these_o three_o law_n answer_v exact_o to_o the_o three_o moral_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n under_o the_o first_o law_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n be_v those_o who_o will_n and_o embrace_v sin_n pure_o and_o entire_o under_o the_o second_o law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v those_o who_o will_v and_o stand_v averse_a to_o sin_n in_o some_o certain_a respect_n as_o evil_a but_o yet_o will_n and_o choose_v it_o absolute_o and_o effectual_o under_o the_o three_o law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n be_v those_o who_o absolute_o and_o thorough_o will_z the_o commission_n of_o sin_n the_o first_o of_o these_o state_n be_v a_o state_n of_o mere_a sin_n and_o death_n and_o those_o of_o this_o order_n be_v they_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n the_o second_o 1._o be_v a_o state_n of_o imperfect_a life_n the_o three_o be_v a_o state_n of_o health_n and_o vigour_n the_o first_o be_v a_o state_n of_o rest_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o sin_n the_o second_o be_v a_o state_n of_o contention_n the_o three_o be_v a_o state_n of_o victory_n in_o the_o first_o state_n the_o mind_n be_v lay_v fast_o in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n in_o the_o second_o she_o be_v between_o sleep_v and_o wake_v in_o the_o three_o she_o be_v broad_a awake_a and_o well_o come_v to_o herself_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o state_n be_v bear_v only_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v no_o high_a principle_n in_o he_o he_o be_v that_o animal_n man_n that_o perceive_v 2.14_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o second_o have_v indeed_o some_o quicken_a motion_n some_o ineffective_a stir_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n but_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o three_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o commit_v sin_n because_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o 3.9_o he_o from_o this_o distribution_n of_o the_o moral_a state_n of_o man_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o distinct_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n or_o state_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n for_o the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o as_o be_v before_o remark_v be_v a_o state_n of_o mere_a death_n and_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o life_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o two_o latter_a but_o with_o this_o great_a difference_n that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o degree_n though_o it_o have_v something_o of_o
life_n and_o righteousness_n in_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o final_a and_o absolute_a prevalency_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o consequent_o such_o as_o can_v qualify_v a_o man_n for_o pardon_n or_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n whereas_o in_o the_o last_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o strong_a as_o not_o only_o to_o resist_v but_o to_o overcome_v sin_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o spiritual_o alive_a be_v alive_a indeed_o alive_a unto_o himself_o and_o alive_a unto_o god_n and_o if_o he_o abide_v in_o this_o life_n shall_v live_v for_o ever_o there_o be_v therefore_o but_o two_o such_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o righteousness_n as_o imply_v different_a state_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o distribution_n of_o st._n john_n my_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o three_o distinct_a state_n of_o righteousness_n there_o be_v no_o more_o for_o the_o whole_a moral_a condition_n of_o man_n but_o of_o three_o degree_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o general_a state_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v which_o of_o the_o two_o state_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v i_o answer_v that_o st._n john_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v the_o last_o and_o best_a state_n because_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o his_o little_a child_n young_a man_n and_o father_n as_o those_o who_o have_v their_o sin_n forgive_v they_o who_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o and_o who_o have_v know_v the_o father_n 13._o all_o which_o expression_n argue_v one_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o common_a between_o they_o though_o differ_v in_o measure_n and_o proportion_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o threefold_a gradation_n i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o concern_v at_o present_a to_o inquire_v into_o or_o justify_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o have_v show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o three_o different_a state_n of_o righteousness_n but_o only_o of_o three_o different_a degree_n in_o the_o same_o state_n the_o state_n themselves_o be_v but_o two_o now_o to_o the_o question_n what_o degree_n or_o state_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v which_o if_o we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o we_o shall_v be_v fill_v i_o answer_v that_o it_o must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o put_v a_o man_n in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o if_o the_o righteousness_n itself_o be_v not_o such_o as_o will_v render_v a_o man_n acceptable_a with_o god_n how_o can_v the_o desire_n of_o it_o entitle_v he_o to_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v a_o much_o less_o worthiness_n to_o desire_v any_o righteousness_n than_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v a_o acceptable_a thing_n to_o desire_v a_o unacceptable_a righteousness_n the_o righteousness_n therefore_o here_o intend_v must_v be_v such_o as_o make_v he_o that_o have_v it_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o last_o degree_n or_o state_n of_o righteousness_n since_o nothing_o short_a of_o that_o can_v either_o reconcile_v god_n to_o man_n or_o make_v man_n fit_a for_o god_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o constant_a voice_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o holy_a church_n which_o every_o where_o represent_v a_o absolute_a and_o effectual_a love_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o like_a hatred_n of_o sin_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o real_a regeneration_n there_o be_v i_o know_v some_o among_o we_o who_o notwithstanding_o their_o usual_a and_o popular_a pretence_n that_o they_o differ_v from_o our_o church_n not_o in_o any_o doctrinal_a point_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o about_o some_o few_o ritual_a observance_n do_v yet_o teach_v very_o different_o in_o this_o article_n set_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n so_o low_a that_o a_o bare_a ineffective_a strive_v against_o sin_n be_v reckon_v a_o very_a sufficient_a mark_n of_o it_o wherein_o they_o conspire_v with_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o make_v the_o slight_a repentance_n by_o the_o accession_n of_o sacerdotal_a absolution_n to_o be_v full_a and_o valid_a only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o what_o the_o one_o make_v sufficient_a in_o a_o certain_a case_n and_o on_o a_o certain_a supposition_n the_o other_o make_v sufficient_a universal_o and_o absolute_o require_v nothing_o further_a as_o of_o necessity_n to_o sanctification_n than_o a_o bare_a ineffective_a strife_n against_o sin_n a_o state_n which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v soon_o in_o though_o according_a to_o the_o same_o gentleman_n not_o so_o soon_o out_o for_o whoever_o have_v the_o least_o sense_n of_o sin_n as_o a_o evil_a and_o certain_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o far_o averse_a to_o it_o and_o can_v possible_o commit_v it_o but_o with_o some_o reluctance_n which_o yet_o according_a to_o these_o man_n be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v a_o man_n to_o the_o state_n and_o reward_n of_o sanctification_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o counterbalance_v the_o severity_n of_o their_o reprobate_v decree_n and_o to_o stock_n heaven_n as_o much_o by_o one_o doctrine_n as_o they_o depopulate_v it_o by_o another_o but_o certain_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n be_v much_o too_o straight_o both_o for_o this_o doctrine_n and_o for_o those_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o hold_v it_o but_o that_o live_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n too_o little_o according_a to_o godliness_n to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o make_v neither_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n nor_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o man._n but_o i_o need_v reprove_v it_o no_o further_o it_o be_v sufficient_o expose_v by_o our_o most_o excellent_a bishop_n tailor_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n before_o his_o unum_n necessarium_fw-la all_o therefore_o that_o i_o further_a remark_n be_v that_o since_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o first_o degree_n be_v that_o which_o these_o man_n make_v sufficient_a for_o acceptance_n with_o god_n the_o same_o degree_n of_o righteousness_n will_v i_o suppose_v according_a to_o these_o man_n be_v a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o this_o beatitude_n but_o if_o the_o last_o degree_n of_o righteousness_n be_v only_o that_o which_o can_v procure_v we_o acceptance_n with_o god_n as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o that_o be_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o if_o we_o due_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o we_o shall_v be_v fill_v i_o say_v which_o if_o we_o due_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o which_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o kind_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n that_o be_v to_o which_o this_o promise_n of_o repletion_n be_v make_v and_o first_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n here_o must_v be_v take_v in_o a_o figurative_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n since_o righteousness_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o a_o natural_a but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n therefore_o be_v the_o same_o with_o willing_a or_o desire_v this_o as_o to_o the_o kind_a but_o then_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o every_o good_a do_v as_o such_o necessary_o move_v the_o will_n as_o every_o the_o least_o possible_a weight_n move_v the_o scale_n but_o it_o do_v not_o always_o move_v effectual_o as_o every_o weight_n in_o the_o scale_n do_v not_o weigh_v it_o down_o but_o however_o something_o it_o do_v towards_o it_o since_o otherwise_o as_o much_o weight_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o turn_v the_o scale_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o empty_a i_o shall_v therefore_o distinguish_v of_o willing_a as_o a_o very_a contemplative_a theorist_n do_v of_o physical_a motion_n into_o that_o which_o be_v 254._o impotent_a and_o that_o which_o be_v prevalent_a by_o impotent_a willing_a meaning_n that_o natural_a inclination_n or_o velleity_n we_o have_v to_o every_o good_a as_o such_o which_o indeed_o will_v be_v prevalent_a if_o not_o outweigh_v by_o reason_n of_o strong_a moment_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o become_v impotent_a not_o as_o to_o the_o endeavour_n for_o that_o be_v inseparable_a but_o as_o to_o actual_a determination_n by_o prevalent_a willing_a i_o mean_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o willing_a as_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a endeavour_n but_o pass_v into_o actual_a and_o effectual_a choice_n when_o the_o moral_a scale_n not_o only_a gravitates_fw-la and_o press_v but_o weigh_v down_o now_o to_o the_o question_n which_o of_o these_o degree_n of_o willing_a or_o desire_v be_v here_o intend_a i_o answer_v the_o last_o and_o high_a that_o which_o be_v peremptory_a
that_o he_o of_o all_o creature_n shall_v show_v mercy_n as_o it_o will_v second_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o he_o expect_v man_n have_v not_o yet_o receive_v so_o much_o mercy_n but_o that_o he_o expect_v more_o the_o mercy_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v by_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o mercy_n that_o he_o expect_v be_v to_o be_v actual_o save_v the_o court_n of_o mercy_n be_v the_o only_a court_n where_o man_n dare_v appear_v or_o can_v abide_v a_o trial._n brief_o man_n expect_v mercy_n both_o from_o god_n and_o from_o man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o next_o in_o death_n and_o after_o death_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o of_o all_o creature_n shall_v be_v merciful_a and_o that_o cruelty_n be_v as_o little_o make_v for_o man_n as_o pride_n nor_o be_v this_o affection_n less_o useful_a than_o reasonable_a the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v such_o as_o make_v it_o as_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o be_v pitiful_a as_o to_o be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n man_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o guardianship_n and_o protection_n of_o society_n nor_o be_v society_n any_o security_n without_o this_o affection_n for_o what_o signify_v strength_n and_o ability_n and_o society_n as_o such_o infer_v no_o more_o without_o inclination_n to_o assist_v the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o 16._o strength_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a but_o neither_o of_o they_o nor_o both_o of_o they_o signify_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a temper_n then_o only_o may_v we_o expect_v happiness_n and_o defence_n from_o society_n when_o there_o be_v the_o same_o sympathy_n in_o the_o politic_a as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n when_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a correspondency_n and_o communication_n of_o part_n like_o the_o sympathetick_a answer_n of_o one_o lute_n to_o another_o when_o the_o heaven_n hear_v the_o earth_n in_o the_o prophet_n phrase_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n more_o full_o express_v it_o when_o if_o one_o member_n 26._o suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o if_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o this_o will_v make_v a_o millennium_n indeed_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n further_o want_v but_o only_o that_o man_n will_v agree_v together_o to_o make_v the_o experiment_n and_o now_o if_o this_o divine_a affection_n for_o so_o we_o may_v now_o venture_v to_o call_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o recommend_v from_o its_o nobleness_n and_o excellency_n and_o from_o its_o great_a reasonableness_n and_o usefulness_n let_v we_o further_o add_v the_o particular_a blessedness_n here_o assign_v to_o it_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n this_o they_o shall_v obtain_v from_o man_n and_o from_o god_n here_o and_o hereafter_o first_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n from_o man_n here_o not_o that_o this_o be_v to_o pass_v for_o a_o absolute_a rule_n without_o any_o exception_n since_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v but_o man_n mercy_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v abuse_v and_o ill-requited_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o virtue_n otherwise_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v be_v more_o kind_o treat_v than_o he_o be_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o nothing_o do_v more_o natural_o recommend_v a_o man_n to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o compassion_n of_o other_o than_o a_o merciful_a and_o benign_a temper_n and_o that_o general_o speak_v if_o man_n be_v but_o tolerable_o well_o dispose_v and_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n the_o merciful_a man_n will_v actual_o find_v mercy_n amon_n they_o however_o if_o not_o he_o have_v the_o great_a stock_n of_o mercy_n to_o come_v for_o second_o the_o merciful_a shall_v obtain_v mercy_n from_o god_n hereafter_o and_o this_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o so_o many_o casualty_n and_o such_o uncertain_a supposition_n as_o the_o other_o here_o it_o be_v only_o require_v that_o mercy_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o and_o that_o the_o man_n be_v sincere_a and_o upright_a in_o all_o other_o moral_a respect_n and_o so_o much_o indeed_o be_v necessary_a for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o mercy_n alone_o any_o more_o than_o any_o other_o solitary_a virtue_n can_v qualify_v a_o man_n for_o mercy_n no_o the_o man_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d perfect_a and_o entire_a and_o want_v nothing_o as_o to_o all_o the_o integral_a part_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n only_o there_o may_v i_o think_v be_v allow_v this_o further_a sense_n in_o the_o proposition_n that_o no_o one_o virtue_n shall_v go_v so_o far_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o full_a mercy_n from_o god_n as_o this_o of_o mercifulness_n and_o that_o if_o the_o merciful_a man_n for_o want_n of_o other_o necessary_a part_n of_o christian_a perfection_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o last_o judgement_n yet_o however_o his_o fall_n shall_v be_v much_o the_o mild_a and_o he_o shall_v have_v great_a abatement_n of_o punishment_n make_v he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o one_o excellency_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n make_v all_o the_o favour_n and_o all_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o day_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n or_o omission_n 25._o of_o this_o duty_n one_o way_n or_o other_o therefore_o the_o merciful_a shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v mercy_n nor_o will_v god_n forget_v this_o labour_n of_o love_n pray_v god_n we_o may_v not_o forget_v it_o ourselves_o but_o may_v so_o love_v study_n and_o practice_v mercy_n here_o that_o we_o may_v hereafter_o not_o only_o receive_v a_o mild_a sentence_n but_o find_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o mercy_n as_o may_v final_o rejoice_v against_o judgement_n amen_n discourse_v the_o six_o matth._n v._o ver_fw-la viij_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n one_o of_o the_o most_o distinguish_a perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n above_o any_o other_o either_o divine_a or_o human_n be_v that_o it_o require_v a_o inward_a rectitude_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o make_v the_o heart_n the_o principle_n and_o seat_n of_o spiritual_a as_o it_o be_v of_o natural_a life_n the_o heathen_a morality_n go_v little_o further_o than_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o outward_a behaviour_n not_o much_o regard_v the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o interior_a and_o though_o some_o few_o raise_a spirit_n among_o they_o move_v by_o a_o divine_a impulse_n will_v now_o and_o then_o like_o man_n in_o ecstasy_n talk_v above_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o too_o recommend_v certain_a purgation_n and_o purification_n of_o soul_n as_o the_o pythagorean_n and_o platonist_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o teach_v or_o know_v in_o the_o common_a school_n of_o nature_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o where_o make_v the_o ordinary_a standard_n of_o morality_n the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o it_o present_v to_o the_o world_n a_o second_o and_o more_o correct_a edition_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a respect_n more_o perfect_a than_o the_o gentile_a morality_n there_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n one_o special_a precept_n which_o direct_o concern_v purity_n of_o heart_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n even_o here_o too_o because_o though_o there_o be_v a_o prohibition_n of_o inward_a concupiscence_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o penal_a sanction_n annex_v to_o it_o every_o other_o precept_n be_v so_o guard_v as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o revenge_v itself_o upon_o those_o who_o transgress_v it_o idolatry_n be_v punish_v perjury_n be_v punish_v profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n disobedience_n to_o parent_n murder_n adultery_n theft_n and_o bear_v false_a witness_n be_v all_o punish_v only_a concupiscence_n have_v no_o punishment_n allot_v to_o it_o which_o as_o a_o learned_a person_n conjecture_n give_v some_o occasion_n to_o think_v 217._o that_o they_o may_v secure_o indulge_v their_o concupiscence_n so_o it_o do_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o the_o outward_a and_o grosser_n act_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o many_o among_o the_o jew_n so_o think_v and_o practise_v content_v themselves_o with_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o inward_a purity_n and_o holiness_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o our_o saviour_n frequent_a reprehension_n of_o the_o pharisee_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o their_o fancy_n be_v occasion_v by_o there_o be_v no_o punishment_n assign_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n as_o that_o learned_a person_n conjecture_n however_o
the_o world_n heaven_n have_v wrought_v a_o hundred_o miracle_n to_o discover_v their_o innocence_n wild_a beast_n have_v respect_v they_o the_o flame_n have_v spare_v their_o garment_n tyrant_n have_v admire_v they_o and_o many_o time_n their_o executioner_n have_v become_v their_o disciple_n in_o so_o much_o that_o these_o renown_a champion_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o vainglory_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o god_n deliver_v they_o from_o sorrow_n the_o description_n be_v handsome_a and_o elegant_a but_o what_o they_o describe_v they_o have_v leave_v to_o our_o church_n to_o practise_v but_o more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o to_o take_v the_o just_a height_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o martyrdom_n we_o must_v first_o lay_v down_o a_o measure_n whereby_o the_o excellency_n of_o any_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v now_o the_o excellency_n of_o any_o virtue_n may_v be_v measure_v either_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o object_n will_v or_o from_o the_o degree_n of_o will_v it_o and_o two_o person_n that_o be_v equal_o virtuous_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o good_a that_o be_v will_v may_v yet_o be_v very_o unequal_o so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o willing_a because_o one_o may_v will_v the_o same_o good_a and_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o good_a more_o intense_o and_o affectionate_o than_o the_o other_o thus_o for_o instance_n virginity_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o a_o conjugal_a life_n and_o that_o though_o you_o do_v suppose_v the_o state_n themselves_o to_o be_v equal_o pure_a because_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o preserve_v virginal_a than_o conjugal_a chastity_n so_o that_o though_o the_o degree_n of_o purity_n be_v suppose_v the_o same_o in_o both_o state_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v more_o strong_o will_v in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o the_o virgin_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o pure_a than_o the_o conjugate_v person_n not_o perhaps_o as_o a_o lover_n of_o great_a purity_n but_o as_o a_o strong_a and_o more_o pertinacious_a lover_n of_o the_o same_o which_o he_o adhere_v to_o under_v more_o disadvantageous_a circumstance_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o martyrdom_n who_o general_a excellency_n above_o other_o virtue_n consist_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o inclination_n or_o adhesion_n to_o good_a which_o in_o the_o martyr_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o determine_v he_o rather_o to_o suffer_v death_n and_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o it_o than_o to_o transgress_v what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o sweet_a life_n be_v and_o how_o natural_o a_o verse_n we_o be_v to_o death_n even_o in_o the_o most_o easy_a much_o more_o under_o the_o most_o terrify_a circumstance_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a and_o peremptory_a adhesion_n to_o virtue_n that_o shall_v engage_v a_o man_n to_o quit_v his_o life_n rather_o than_o his_o innocence_n and_o die_v rather_o than_o offend_v but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a yet_o to_o recommend_v the_o excellency_n of_o martyrdom_n there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o the_o great_a virtue_n the_o most_o eminent_a of_o which_o for_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o be_v the_o great_a faith_n the_o great_a love_n and_o the_o great_a courage_n first_o the_o great_a faith_n there_o be_v indeed_o no_o faith_n like_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o martyr_n this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o be_v terrible_a in_o it_o that_o faith_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o nothing_o difficult_a and_o that_o remove_v fear_n which_o be_v more_o than_o to_o remove_v mountain_n this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v more_o especial_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o argument_n or_o demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v this_o noble_a definition_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o full_o verify_v as_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o martyr_n this_o be_v that_o faith_n that_o turn_v the_o end_n of_o the_o perspective_n and_o shorten_v the_o interval_n of_o time_n and_o make_v the_o future_a world_n present_a and_o represent_v heaven_n open_a and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ready_a to_o defend_v and_o receive_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o will_v be_v content_a to_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v both_o the_o shame_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o it_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o all_o this_o with_o such_o certainty_n and_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o change_v its_o nature_n through_o too_o much_o evidence_n and_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_a faith_n and_o commence_v science_n or_o revelation_n for_o indeed_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o than_o such_o a_o full_a down-bearing_a persuasion_n can_v well_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o drink_v off_o this_o bitter_a cup_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a at_o this_o bloody_a font._n it_o must_v certain_o be_v a_o strange_a degree_n of_o affiance_n and_o confidence_n which_o that_o man_n have_v in_o god_n who_o can_v resign_v up_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a and_o submit_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o terrible_a in_o this_o world_n and_o meet_v death_n with_o all_o its_o natural_a and_o artificial_a terror_n and_o trust_v god_n for_o his_o reward_n in_o another_o life_n what_o a_o generous_a victorious_a faith_n be_v this_o and_o what_o a_o noble_a idea_n must_v such_o a_o person_n have_v of_o god_n the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n be_v high_o celebrate_v in_o scripture_n for_o his_o readiness_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a and_o extraordinary_a faith_n that_o can_v reconcile_v he_o to_o such_o a_o unnatural_a undertake_n but_o certain_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o martyr_n be_v very_o much_o beyond_o this_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v a_o high_a act_n of_o reliance_n to_o trust_n god_n with_o one_o own_o soul_n and_o for_o one_o eternal_a happiness_n than_o for_o a_o posterity_n to_o inherit_v a_o promise_a land_n second_o the_o great_a love_n there_o be_v indeed_o no_o love_n like_o the_o love_n of_o a_o martyr_n this_o be_v that_o love_n which_o be_v proper_o strong_a than_o death_n and_o which_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o to_o cast_v out_o or_o overcome_v all_o fear_n this_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o love_n true_o seraphic_a and_o which_o come_v the_o near_a of_o any_o to_o the_o love_n of_o angel_n and_o beatify_v spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o seraphic_a love_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v it_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v bright_a and_o flame_a noble_a and_o generous_a but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o love_n that_o get_v above_o all_o the_o bodily_a passion_n silence_n all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o low_a life_n and_o make_v the_o man_n act_n as_o if_o he_o be_v all_o soul_n and_o mind_n more_o particular_o martyrdom_n be_v the_o great_a love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n first_o martyrdom_n be_v the_o great_a love_n of_o virtue_n because_o that_o be_v value_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o life_n itself_o which_o the_o martyr_n will_v rather_o lose_v than_o sin_n our_o saviour_n make_v it_o the_o great_a instance_n and_o argument_n of_o friendship_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n and_o so_o doubtless_o it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v then_o plain_a that_o the_o man_n set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o his_o friend_n than_o he_o do_v upon_o life_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o martyr_n that_o he_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o virtue_n than_o he_o do_v upon_o life_n which_o yet_o be_v so_o dear_a that_o as_o one_o observe_v who_o for_o our_o safety_n too_o well_o understand_v the_o secret_a spring_n and_o inclination_n of_o human_a nature_n all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o 2.4_o this_o very_a life_n for_o which_o a_o man_n will_v give_v all_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o martyr_n give_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o innocence_n second_o martyrdom_n be_v the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n because_o the_o martyr_n set_v so_o high_a a_o price_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o forfeit_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o blessedness_n and_o may_v true_o say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n 63.4_o thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n in_o a_o warm_a gusty_a fit_n of_o devotion_n when_o the_o evil_a day_n be_v far_o off_o and_o no_o probable_a danger_n of_o any_o competition_n between_o his_o religion_n and_o his_o life_n to_o say_v that_o he_o set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n than_o