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 glory_n but_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a death_n itself_o can_v hurt_v he_o devil_n can_v hurt_v he_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n these_o consideration_n prove_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n happy_a happy_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o loose_a and_o wicked_a but_o in_o comparison_n with_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o he_o be_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o end_n in_o this_o respect_n indeed_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o trouble_v of_o discipline_n and_o probation_n in_o this_o respect_n his_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n do_v but_o just_a peep_n up_o above_o the_o ground_n the_o fullness_n and_o maturity_n of_o both_o he_o can_v enjoy_v till_o he_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v §_o 4._o the_o last_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o heaven_n will_v consist_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n that_o human_a nature_n when_o raise_v to_o a_o equality_n with_o angel_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o beauty_n and_o glory_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n will_v as_o it_o be_v like_o a_o fruitful_a and_o ripe_a harvest_n here_o grow_v up_o there_o in_o all_o the_o utmost_a plenty_n and_o perfection_n that_o omnipotence_n itself_o will_v ever_o produce_v be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v controvert_v heaven_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o god_n the_o accomplishment_n and_o consummation_n of_o all_o his_o wonderful_a design_n the_o last_o and_o most_o endear_n expression_n of_o boundless_a love_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o scripture_n describe_v it_o by_o the_o most_o take_v and_o the_o most_o admire_a thing_n upon_o earth_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o this_o image_n though_o draw_v by_o a_o divine_a pencil_n must_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o it_o for_o what_o temporal_a thing_n can_v yield_v colour_n or_o metaphor_n strong_a and_o rich_a enough_o to_o paint_v heaven_n to_o the_o life_n one_o thing_n there_o be_v indeed_o which_o seem_v to_o point_v we_o to_o a_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o heaven_n it_o seem_v to_o excite_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o attempt_v for_o conception_n of_o what_o we_o can_v grasp_v we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o the_o labour_a mind_n the_o more_o it_o discover_v conclude_v still_o the_o more_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v the_o beatific_a vision_n this_o be_v that_o which_o as_o divine_n general_o teach_v do_v constitute_v heaven_n and_o scripture_n seem_v to_o teach_v so_o too_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v often_o doubt_v whether_o our_o see_v god_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o god_n 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 give_v on_o the_o splendour_n of_o his_o essential_a beauty_n when_o the_o very_a light_n he_o dwell_v in_o be_v inaccessible_a and_o even_o the_o brightness_n he_o veil_v himself_o in_o be_v too_o dazzle_v even_o for_o cherub_n and_o seraph_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o behold_v ah_o what_o familiarity_n can_v there_o be_v between_o this_o eternal_a and_o inconceiveable_a majesty_n and_o being_n which_o he_o have_v form_v out_o of_o nothing_o and_o when_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o reflect_v on_o the_o effect_n which_o the_o presence_n of_o angel_n have_v upon_o the_o prophet_n and_o see_v human_a nature_n in_o man_n sink_v and_o die_v away_o because_o unable_a to_o sustain_v the_o glory_n of_o one_o of_o their_o fellow-creature_n i_o think_v myself_o in_o a_o manner_n oblige_v to_o yield_v and_o stand_v out_o no_o long_o against_o a_o notion_n which_o though_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v general_o receive_v seem_v to_o have_v more_o reason_n on_o its_o side_n and_o to_o be_v more_o intelligible_a but_o when_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o god_n do_v not_o disdain_n even_o while_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o humility_n of_o infirmity_n and_o mortality_n to_o account_v we_o not_o only_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o people_n but_o his_o friend_n and_o his_o child_n i_o begin_v to_o question_v the_o former_a opinion_n and_o when_o i_o have_v survey_v the_o nature_n of_o fruition_n and_o the_o various_a way_n of_o it_o a_o little_a more_o attentive_o i_o whole_o quit_v it_o for_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o enjoyment_n be_v most_o transport_v where_o admiration_n mingle_v with_o our_o passion_n where_o the_o belove_a object_n stand_v not_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o we_o but_o condescend_v to_o meet_v a_o virtuous_a and_o aspire_a and_o ambitious_a affection_n thus_o the_o happy_a favourite_n enjoy_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
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
nazian_n think_v it_o very_o extravagant_a to_o pretend_v to_o be_v perfect_a than_o the_o rule_n and_o exacter_n than_o the_o law_n the_o quaker_n have_v make_v much_o noise_n and_o stir_v about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n and_o have_v reflect_v very_o severe_o on_o other_o as_o subvert_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n but_o with_o what_o justice_n will_v easy_o appear_v when_o i_o have_v represent_v their_o sense_n which_o i_o will_v do_v very_o impartial_o and_o in_o as_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n as_o i_o can_v mr._n w._n p._n etc._n p._n a_o key_n open_v etc._n etc._n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o infallible_a and_o perfect_a as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v indeed_o true_a but_o it_o be_v mere_a trifle_n for_o this_o be_v a_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n which_o no_o man_n deny_v who_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o whoever_o follow_v his_o guidance_n must_v be_v in_o the_o right_n unless_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n he_o urge_v it_o be_v true_a a_o great_a number_n of_o scripture_n to_o show_v they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n that_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n from_o sin_n though_o not_o in_o fullness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n but_o this_o be_v too_o dark_a and_o short_a a_o hint_n to_o infer_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o party_n from_o it_o mr._n ed._n burrough_n etc._n burrough_n principle_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o full_a we_o believe_v say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o may_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o christ_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o without_o sin_n and_o may_v have_v victory_n over_o all_o temptation_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o believe_v every_o saint_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n aught_o to_o press_v after_o perfection_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o temptation_n upon_o earth_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o that_o faithful_o wait_v for_o it_o shall_v obtain_v it_o and_o shall_v be_v present_v without_o sin_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n and_o such_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o remember_v no_o more_o for_o they_o cease_v to_o commit_v sin_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n if_o by_o sin_n here_o he_o mean_v as_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v deliberate_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o establish_v church_n whether_o protestant_n or_o popish_a teach_v otherwise_o mr._n barclay_n 8._o barclay_n apol._n thes_n 8._o go_v very_o methodical_o to_o work_v and_o first_o set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n then_o confute_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o he_o answer_v their_o objection_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o last_o establish_v his_o own_o doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o perfection_n which_o he_o assert_n he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o impossibility_n of_o sin_v but_o a_o possibility_n of_o not_o sin_v and_o that_o his_o perfect_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o daily_a growth_n and_o improvement_n when_o to_o this_o i_o have_v add_v that_o he_o speak_v all_o along_o of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v wilful_a sin_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o description_n of_o it_o for_o he_o call_v it_o iniquity_n wickedness_n impurity_n the_o service_n of_o satan_n and_o attribute_n such_o effect_n to_o it_o as_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v add_v to_o render_v his_o sense_n clear_a i_o can_v ready_o subscribe_v to_o he_o for_o i_o know_v no_o such_o doctrine_n in_o our_o church_n as_o those_o which_o he_o there_o oppose_v namely_o that_o the_o regenerate_v be_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v impure_a and_o sinful_a but_o then_o he_o either_o mistake_v the_o main_a point_n in_o debate_n or_o prudent_o decline_v it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o good_a man_n may_v live_v in_o mortal_a or_o wilful_a sin_n but_o whether_o good_a man_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v indeed_o sin_n though_o not_o imputable_a under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whether_o the_o quaker_n be_v not_o in_o this_o point_n pelagian_n i_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v because_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v already_o consider_v two_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o mr._n barclay_n state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o can_v so_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o one_o be_v that_o he_o express_v himself_o so_o injudicious_o about_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o perfect_a man_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o forget_v the_o difference_n the_o scripture_n make_v between_o babe_n and_o full_a grow_v man_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o place_n perfection_n so_o low_a in_o reference_n to_o positive_a righteousness_n or_o virtue_n as_o if_o it_o consist_v in_o negative_a only_o or_o cease_v from_o sin_n the_o other_o be_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o peremptory_o affirm_v a_o state_n of_o impeccability_n attainable_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o he_o seem_v incline_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o imagine_v it_o countenance_v by_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v consider_v that_o whatever_o impeccability_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o text_n it_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n but_o to_o all_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o observe_v upon_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o these_o man_n place_n perfection_n especial_o in_o refrain_v from_o sin_n i_o advance_v high_a and_o place_v it_o in_o a_o well-setled_n habit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v as_o little_o dissatisfy_v with_o i_o for_o this_o as_o i_o be_o with_o they_o for_o assert_v the_o perfect_a man_n free_v from_o sin_n for_o as_o mr._n barclay_n express_v himself_o i_o think_v he_o have_v in_o reality_n no_o adversary_n but_o antinomian_o and_o ranter_n as_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v magnify_v by_o mystical_a writer_n some_o of_o they_o have_v only_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o figurative_a and_o unintelligible_a term_n those_o of_o they_o which_o write_v with_o more_o life_n and_o heat_n than_o other_o man_n ordinary_o do_v recommend_v nothing_o but_o that_o holiness_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o be_v consummate_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o fix_v and_o unite_v man_n to_o his_o sovereign_a good_a that_o be_v god_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v not_o differ_v with_o these_o there_o be_v i_o confess_v almost_o innumerable_a say_n of_o the_o father_n which_o sufficient_o testify_v how_o little_a friend_n they_o be_v to_o perfection_n in_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o general_o embrace_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o primitive_a spirit_n breathe_v nothing_o but_o humility_n it_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o all_o self-confidence_n and_o arrogance_n to_o supererogation_n and_o merit_n and_o it_o invite_v man_n earnest_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sin_n and_o slip_v of_o life_n and_o on_o that_o opposition_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o body_n maintain_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o in_o the_o best_a men._n this_o consideration_n force_v the_o bishop_n of_o condome_n to_o that_o plain_a and_o honest_a confession_n itaque_fw-la justitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la licet_fw-la per_fw-la charitatis_fw-la infusionem_fw-la sit_fw-la vera_fw-la etc._n etc._n though_o our_o righteousness_n because_o of_o that_o love_n which_o the_o spirit_n shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o real_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o absolute_a and_o consummate_a because_o of_o the_o opposition_n of_o concupiscence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v perpetual_o bewail_v the_o error_n of_o life_n wherefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v humble_o to_o confess_v with_o st._n austin_n that_o our_o righteousness_n in_o this_o life_n consist_v rather_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n then_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o concern_v not_o i_o i_o never_o dream_n of_o any_o man_n pass_v the_o course_n of_o life_n without_o sin_n nor_o do_v i_o contend_v for_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o st._n austin_n call_v absolute_a which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o increase_n and_o
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
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
mind_n but_o never_o benefit_n it_o but_o there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o solomon_n like_o health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n life_n and_o honour_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n attend_v they_o where_o ever_o they_o dwell_v and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v truth_n that_o be_v active_a and_o fruitful_a that_o make_v we_o wise_a and_o good_a perfect_a and_o happy_a such_o as_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a interest_n in_o such_o as_o have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o we_o such_o as_o give_v a_o new_a day_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o new_a strength_n and_o liberty_n to_o the_o will_n such_o as_o raise_v and_o exalt_v our_o affection_n and_o render_v the_o whole_a man_n more_o rational_a more_o steady_a more_o constant_a more_o uniform_a these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o make_v man_n great_a and_o modest_a in_o prosperity_n erect_v and_o courageous_a in_o adversity_n always_o content_a with_o this_o world_n yet_o always_o full_a of_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a serene_a calm_a and_o well_o assure_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o thirst_v after_o perfection_n maturity_n and_o the_o absolute_a consummation_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v now_o the_o truth_n that_o effect_v all_o this_o be_v all_o reducible_a to_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v under_o the_o former_a head_n for_o in_o those_o we_o find_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n to_o virtue_n and_o glory_n in_o those_o we_o find_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v and_o support_v true_a magnanimity_n to_o enlarge_v and_o free_v the_o mind_n and_o to_o add_v strength_n and_o courage_n to_o it_o for_o what_o can_v more_o certain_o promote_v all_o this_o than_o immortality_n and_o glory_n what_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o both_o to_o rest_v on_o than_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o can_v more_o effectual_o reconcile_v and_o ingratiate_v we_o with_o god_n than_o sincere_a universal_a righteousness_n and_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n 3._o the_o three_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n be_v that_o they_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n that_o he_o ascribe_v to_o it_o delight_n and_o joy_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n that_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o according_o we_o find_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n not_o only_o continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n in_o the_o temple_n but_o magnify_v he_o by_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n in_o their_o prison_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n but_o when_o i_o reckon_v pleasure_n and_o delight_n among_o the_o fruit_n of_o illumition_n i_o must_v add_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o fit_v and_o flash_n of_o mirth_n and_o the_o serenity_n of_o a_o fix_a and_o habitual_a delight_n between_o the_o titillation_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o solid_a joy_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o between_o the_o pleasure_n of_o fancy_n and_o of_o reason_n and_o when_o i_o say_v illumination_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a truth_n i_o mean_v it_o of_o rational_a pleasure_n a_o habitual_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o then_o the_o matter_n be_v beyond_o question_n whatever_o truth_n do_v contribute_v to_o promote_v this_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o must_v be_v our_o true_a wisdom_n joy_n when_o it_o be_v solid_a and_o rational_a do_v enlarge_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n it_o render_v we_o more_o thankful_a to_o god_n more_o kind_a and_o courteous_a to_o man._n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n to_o invite_v more_o plentiful_o influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hence_o do_v elijah_n call_v for_o a_o musical_a instrument_n when_o he_o desire_v to_o prophesy_v and_o we_o find_v the_o company_n of_o prophet_n rejoice_v with_o hymn_n music_n and_o dance_n all_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o inward_a transport_v and_o ravishment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o that_o which_o distinguish_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n from_o a_o worldly_a or_o impious_a one_o repentance_n and_o contrition_n from_o the_o agony_n and_o perplexity_n of_o dispair_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o attend_v it_o so_o be_o i_o persuade_v that_o god_n do_v press_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o mourn_v and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o this_o reason_n not_o exclude_v other_o because_o it_o natural_o lead_v on_o to_o peace_n and_o joy_n a_o soft_a and_o tender_a sorrow_n dissipate_v the_o fear_n and_o distress_n of_o gild_n like_o mild_a and_o fruitful_a shower_n that_o do_v lay_v storm_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o such_o powerful_a antidote_n against_o sin_n nor_o spur_n to_o holy_a industry_n as_o holy_a pleasure_n pious_a joy_n or_o spiritual_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n this_o be_v a_o partake_v or_o anticipate_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o the_o mighty_a corroboration_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o the_o study_n then_o of_o such_o truth_n be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o illumination_n thus_o far_o will_v consist_v in_o quit_v those_o error_n which_o beget_v melancholy_a superstition_n desperation_n and_o in_o such_o truth_n as_o enlarge_v our_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o near_a presence_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o glory_n such_o again_o as_o unfold_v the_o dignity_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n such_o last_o as_o extend_v our_o prospect_n and_o enlarge_v our_o hope_n support_v our_o frailty_n and_o excite_v our_o vigour_n 4._o the_o last_o property_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o illumination_n consist_v be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o procure_v we_o a_o reward_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o three_o head_n under_o which_o i_o range_v those_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v the_o gentile_a and_o jewish_a world_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v how_o well_o they_o fit_v this_o character_n they_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v it_o abound_v in_o hope_n they_o purge_v the_o man_n from_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o fortify_v the_o mind_n against_o such_o impression_n from_o outward_a good_a or_o evil_a in_o this_o world_n as_o disquiet_v and_o torment_v the_o sinner_n they_o procure_v he_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n and_o they_o invite_v he_o to_o hope_v for_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n in_o another_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o hope_n he_o have_v all_o fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o bless_a must_v all_o they_o be_v who_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n jesus_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o consolation_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o do_v rejoice_v always_o and_o glory_n in_o he_o righteousness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o rest_n and_o hope_n bless_v be_v they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o who_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v their_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n such_o be_v already_o past_a from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n rest_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v the_o character_n that_o distinguish_v gospel_n knowledge_n from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n no_o knowledge_n of_o art_n or_o science_n and_o much_o less_o the_o most_o exquisite_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n can_v pretend_v to_o a_o eternal_a reward_n a_o short_a and_o impure_a pleasure_n and_o a_o transcient_a interest_n be_v all_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n can_v bestow_v and_o very_o often_o instead_o of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n it_o requite_v its_o disciple_n with_o pain_n and_o trouble_n the_o gospel_n only_o contain_v those_o truth_n which_o confer_v life_n and_o immortality_n on_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n alone_o that_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o gain_v the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o rule_n and_o govern_v
the_o contrary_n consist_v in_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v good_a in_o obey_v those_o commandment_n which_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n which_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n give_v we_o of_o it_o joh._n 8._o for_o when_o the_o jew_n brag_v of_o their_o freedom_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o freedom_n can_v not_o consist_v with_o subjection_n to_o sin_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n ver_fw-la 34._o that_o honourable_a parentage_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o false_a and_o ludicrous_a appearance_n of_o liberty_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o the_o son_n must_v make_v they_o so_o ver_fw-la 36._o i._n e._n they_o must_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o servitude_n of_o lust_n and_o error_n and_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o work_v righteousness_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a ver_fw-la 31_o 32._o final_o not_o to_o multiply_v proof_n of_o a_o truth_n that_o be_v scarce_o liable_a to_o be_v controvert_v as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v the_o bondage_n of_o a_o sinner_n in_o rom._n 7._o so_o do_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o saint_n in_o rom._n 8._o for_o there_o ver_fw-la 2._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v set_v the_o true_a christian_a free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o then_o he_o let_v we_o know_v wherein_o this_o liberty_n consist_v in_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o restitution_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o its_o just_a empire_n and_o authority_n if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_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 ver_fw-la 10._o and_o all_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o his_o description_n of_o liberty_n chapter_n 6._o where_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n thus_o then_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o bondage_n and_o liberty_n yet_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o both_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v each_o capable_a of_o different_a degree_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o entire_a complete_a and_o absolute_a according_a to_o the_o different_a progress_n of_o man_n in_o vice_n and_o virtue_n thus_o in_o some_o man_n not_o their_o will_n only_o but_o their_o very_a reason_n be_v enslave_v their_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o infatuate_v their_o affection_n so_o entire_o captive_v that_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n at_o all_o between_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o body_n they_o commit_v sin_n without_o any_o reluctancy_n beforehand_o or_o any_o remorse_n afterward_o their_o sâ—ared_a conscience_n make_v no_o remonstrance_n inflict_v no_o wound_n nor_o denounce_v any_o threat_n this_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o vassalage_n such_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n other_o there_o be_v in_o who_o their_o lust_n and_o appetite_n prevail_v indeed_o but_o not_o without_o opposition_n they_o reason_v right_o and_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o this_o have_v some_o desire_n and_o wish_n of_o righteousness_n but_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v unable_a to_o act_v and_o live_v conformable_a to_o their_o reason_n their_o understanding_n have_v indeed_o light_a but_o not_o authority_n it_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o have_v no_o power_n no_o force_n to_o make_v it_o be_v obey_v it_o produce_v indeed_o some_o good_a inclination_n purpose_n and_o effort_n but_o they_o prove_v weak_a and_o ineffectual_a one_o and_o unable_a to_o grapple_v with_o the_o strong_a passion_n raise_v by_o the_o body_n and_o as_o bondage_n so_o liberty_n be_v of_o different_a degree_n and_o different_a strength_n for_o though_o liberty_n may_v be_v able_a to_o subsist_v where_o there_o be_v much_o opposition_n from_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o liberty_n be_v most_o absolute_a and_o complete_a where_o the_o opposition_n be_v least_o where_o the_o body_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o entire_a submission_n and_o obsequiousness_n and_o the_o spirit_n reign_v with_o a_o uncontrolled_a and_o unlimited_a authority_n and_o this_o latter_a be_v that_o liberty_n which_o i_o will_v have_v my_o perfect_a man_n possess_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v common_o teach_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o state_n but_o i_o think_v this_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v thorough_o consider_v have_v neither_o scripture_n reason_n nor_o experience_n to_o support_v it_o for_o as_o to_o those_o place_n rom._n 7._o and_o gal._n 5._o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o almost_o incessant_a strong_a and_o too-frequent_o prevalent_a lust_a of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n it_o have_v be_v often_o answer_v and_o prove_v too_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o belong_v to_o the_o perfect_a that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o regenerate_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o text_n that_o represent_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n which_o affirm_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o be_v grievous_a to_o such_o as_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n do_v all_o bear_v witness_n to_o that_o liberty_n which_o i_o contend_v for_o nor_o do_v reason_n favour_v my_o opinion_n less_o than_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n if_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o new_a nature_n if_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o his_o spirit_n live_v to_o righteousness_n in_o one_o word_n if_o the_o world_n be_v as_o much_o crucify_v to_o he_o as_o he_o to_o it_o i_o can_v see_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o act_v consonant_n to_o his_o nature_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o with_o pleasure_n and_o readiness_n follow_v that_o spirit_n and_o obey_v those_o affection_n which_o reign_n and_o rule_v in_o he_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v why_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o property_n with_o other_o habit_n that_o be_v be_v attend_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o its_o operation_n and_o action_n it_o be_v true_a i_o can_v easy_o see_v why_o the_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v acquire_v with_o more_o difficulty_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n but_o i_o say_v i_o can_v see_v when_o they_o be_v acquire_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o natural_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o as_o any_o other_o last_o how_o degenerate_a soever_o age_n past_a have_v be_v or_o the_o present_n be_v i_o dare_v not_o so_o far_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o my_o cause_n or_o the_o virtue_n of_o mankind_n as_o not_o to_o refer_v myself_o willing_o in_o this_o point_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o experience_n i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v that_o truth_n and_o justice_n devotion_n and_o charity_n honour_n and_o integrity_n be_v to_o a_o great_a many_o so_o dear_a and_o delightful_a so_o natural_a so_o easy_a that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v more_o strong_o move_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o the_o instigation_n of_o love_n and_o inclination_n and_o that_o they_o can_v do_v a_o base_a thing_n without_o the_o utmost_a mortification_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o nature_n nor_o be_v all_o this_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o we_o again_o reflect_v on_o what_o i_o just_a now_o intimate_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n transform_v daily_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o new_a affection_n raise_v and_o fortify_v by_o new_a principle_n that_o he_o be_v animate_v by_o a_o divine_a energy_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o true_a and_o bright_a light_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n appear_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n deform_v and_o worthless_a just_a as_o to_o he_o who_o view_v they_o through_o a_o microscope_n the_o work_n of_o god_n appear_v exact_a and_o elegant_a but_o those_o of_o man_n coarse_a and_o bungle_v and_o ugly_a my_o opinion_n then_o which_o assert_n the_o absolute_a liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v here_o and_o in_o chap._n the_o first_o and_o if_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o i_o can_v easy_o reinforce_v it_o with_o fresh_a recruit_n for_o the_o glorious_a character_n that_o be_v give_v we_o in_o scripture_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v easy_o furnish_v i_o with_o invincible_a argument_n nor_o will_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n ever_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v keep_v the_o field_n so_o long_o as_o it_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o weak_a and_o decay_a piety_n by_o the_o fondness_n of_o man_n for_o themselves_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o frailty_n and_o by_o many_o mistake_a text_n but_o that_o this_o matter_n may_v if_o possible_a be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n 1._o i_o here_o distinguish_v between_o inordinate_a and_o natural_a affection_n by_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o mean_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a by_o natural_a its_o propension_n to_o the_o body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v invest_v the_o desire_n of_o its_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n for_o this_o end_n now_o when_o religion_n enjoin_v repugnance_n to_o the_o former_a appetite_n the_o obedience_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v no_o reluctancy_n in_o it_o but_o when_o it_o enjoin_v thing_n as_o sometime_o occasional_o it_o do_v which_o thwart_a and_o cross_v the_o latter_a here_o the_o obedience_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o conflict_n for_o our_o natural_a appetite_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v never_o be_v put_v off_o till_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v this_o be_v so_o clear_a it_o need_v not_o be_v illustrate_v by_o instance_n or_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o though_o good_a man_n have_v practise_v temperance_n chastity_n charity_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o this_o kind_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n too_o yet_o have_v nature_n shrink_v and_o startle_v at_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n though_o even_o here_o too_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o some_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o above_o what_o human_a nature_n ever_o seem_v capable_a of_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o suppose_v that_o nature_n be_v so_o change_v but_o that_o the_o inclination_n to_o sinful_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o any_o other_o forbid_a object_n will_v soon_o revive_v again_o even_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n unless_o he_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o and_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o disorderly_a desire_n not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o irregular_a motion_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o soul_n when_o strip_v of_o a_o mortal_a body_n or_o clothe_v with_o a_o immortal_a one_o till_o then_o the_o conjunction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v ever_o render_v the_o poor_a soul_n obnoxious_a to_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n and_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o the_o body_n do_v so_o easy_o pass_v those_o bound_n that_o divide_v they_o from_o sinful_a one_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o contemplation_n devotion_n good_a work_n or_o engage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o just_a and_o honest_a design_n or_o amuse_v by_o some_o innocent_a recreation_n for_o in_o these_o case_n the_o body_n be_v either_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a it_o be_v innocent_o busy_v and_o divert_v from_o those_o object_n to_o which_o it_o have_v too_o too_o impetuous_a a_o tendency_n i_o have_v now_o i_o think_v sufficient_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a liberty_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o guard_v it_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o will_v serve_v for_o so_o many_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o its_o attainment_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n these_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o four_o head_n 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v great_a happiness_n 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n 3._o it_o give_v we_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n 4._o the_o great_a and_o last_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n these_o be_v all_o comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 6.2.1_o 22_o 23._o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v death_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n aim_v at_o and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.17_o 18._o unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o i_o will_v here_o insist_v on_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o chapter_n demand_v it_o but_o also_o to_o prevent_v the_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o tedious_a repetition_n of_o they_o hereafter_o under_o every_o distinct_a branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n §_o 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o therefore_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a we_o need_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o depravity_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o feebleness_n and_o impotence_n of_o the_o will._n the_o understanding_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v incapable_a of_o discern_v the_o certainty_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n which_o now_o flow_v from_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o incomparable_o great_a which_o will_v one_o day_n flow_v from_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o fruition_n of_o they_o his_o affection_n which_o if_o fix_v and_o bend_v on_o virtue_n have_v be_v incentives_n as_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o noble_a and_o worthy_a action_n be_v biased_a and_o pervert_v do_v now_o hurry_v he_o on_o to_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a one_o and_o by_o these_o the_o mind_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o chance_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o render_v sensible_a of_o its_o happiness_n and_o duty_n be_v overpower_a and_o oppress_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n if_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o thus_o consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n and_o impotence_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o sinner_n act_v as_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infatuate_v when_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v mere_o whole_o body_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o none_o but_o one_o result_v from_o and_o dissolve_v with_o its_o temperament_n and_o contexture_n one_o design_v to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o to_o contrive_v minister_v to_o and_o partake_v in_o its_o sensuality_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v little_a expectation_n of_o another_o world_n who_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n only_o in_o this_o and_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a all_o sinner_n be_v not_o equal_o stupid_a or_o obdurate_a but_o even_o in_o those_o in_o who_o some_o spark_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n remain_v unextinguished_a how_o be_v the_o weak_a desire_n of_o virtue_n baffle_v and_o overpower_a by_o the_o much_o strong_a passion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n do_v they_o not_o find_v themselves_o reduce_v to_o that_o wretched_a state_n of_o bondage_n wherein_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o be_v present_a with_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o disease_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o not_o only_o extinguish_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o obliterate_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v
part_n and_o gallantry_n bless_a god_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o madness_n and_o stupidity_n may_v man_n of_o the_o fine_a natural_a part_n sink_v when_o abandon_v by_o thou_o or_o rather_o when_o they_o themselves_o abandon_v thou_o and_o that_o light_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n think_v the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o poor_a compensation_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 16._o but_o these_o man_n rather_o than_o it_o shall_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o will_v charge_v through_o shame_n and_o pain_n remorse_n and_o sickness_n and_o all_o the_o obstacle_n that_o god_n have_v set_v between_o we_o and_o a_o desperate_a height_n of_o wickedness_n 4._o though_o a_o sinner_n may_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o to_o suppress_v his_o conscience_n and_o master_v his_o fear_n yet_o he_o must_v ever_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o fruitlesness_n and_o the_o meanness_n of_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v inward_o sensible_a that_o he_o have_v weary_v himself_o to_o commit_v iniquity_n to_o no_o purpose_n that_o his_o mind_n have_v be_v restless_a and_o tempestuous_a like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n cast_v up_o its_o own_o mire_n and_o dirt_n he_o must_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a unconstant_a and_o ingrateful_a and_o in_o bondage_n to_o such_o lust_n as_o be_v mean_a and_o poor_a and_o injurious_a to_o his_o repose_n and_o which_o he_o have_v often_o wish_v himself_o free_a from_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n must_v be_v a_o bless_a condition_n when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n do_v to_o his_o face_n assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n condemn_v and_o scorn_v and_o which_o he_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o without_o resent_v it_o as_o the_o high_a affront_n certain_o it_o be_v better_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v call_v i_o fool_n and_o knave_n and_o villain_n than_o that_o i_o shall_v call_v myself_o so_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a my_o peace_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o my_o own_o opinion_n of_o myself_o not_o that_o of_o other_o it_o be_v the_o inward_a sentiment_n that_o i_o have_v of_o myself_o that_o raise_v or_o deject_v i_o and_o my_o mind_n can_v no_o more_o be_v please_v with_o any_o sensation_n but_o its_o own_o than_o the_o body_n can_v be_v gratify_v by_o the_o relish_v of_o another_o palate_n 5._o the_o more_o insensible_a a_o sinner_n grow_v the_o more_o intolerable_a be_v the_o disorder_n and_o distraction_n which_o sin_n produce_v in_o his_o affair_n while_o man_n be_v under_o any_o little_a restraint_n of_o conscience_n while_o they_o be_v hold_v in_o by_o scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o fit_v of_o regret_n while_n in_o a_o word_n they_o sin_n with_o any_o modesty_n so_o long_a sin_n will_v tolerable_o comport_v with_o their_o interest_n and_o reputation_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o grow_v insensible_a and_o impudent_a they_o pass_v all_o bound_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o dear_a and_o considerable_a to_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o wickedness_n now_o wife_n and_o child_n friend_n estate_n law_n vow_n compact_n oath_n be_v no_o strong_a tie_n to_o they_o than_o sampson_n with_o 's_o or_o cord_n such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o be_v very_o well_o describe_v in_o the_o prophet_n thou_o be_v a_o swift_a dromedary_n traverse_v her_o way_n a_o wild_a ass_n use_v to_o the_o wilderness_n that_o snuff_v up_o the_o wind_n at_o her_o pleasure_n in_o her_o occasion_n who_o can_v turn_v she_o away_o jer._n 2.22_o and_o again_o he_o be_v fit_o represent_v to_o a_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n he_o have_v as_o much_o contempt_n for_o his_o safety_n and_o happiness_n as_o for_o reason_n and_o religion_n he_o defy_v shame_n ruin_n and_o death_n as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v god_n and_o providence_n in_o one_o word_n with_o a_o impudent_a and_o lewd_a stupidity_n he_o make_v all_o the_o have_v he_o can_v to_o be_v undo_v and_o since_o he_o will_v be_v so_o it_o be_v well_o if_o he_o can_v be_v undo_v alone_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v too_o many_o instance_n at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o miserable_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n to_o leave_v any_o room_n to_o doubt_v whether_o i_o have_v strain_v the_o point_n here_o or_o no._n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o that_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o be_v not_o lessen_v but_o increase_v by_o obduration_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o proposition_n infer_v do_v natural_o follow_v that_o deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_a so_o great_a that_o if_o we_o estimate_v it_o by_o the_o evil_a there_o be_v in_o sin_n health_n to_o the_o sick_a liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n day_n to_o the_o benight_a weary_a and_o wander_a traveller_n a_o calm_a a_o port_n to_o passenger_n in_o a_o storm_n pardon_v to_o man_n adjudge_v to_o death_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o a_o disease_n will_v at_o worst_a terminate_v with_o the_o body_n and_o life_n and_o pain_n will_v have_v a_o end_v together_o but_o the_o pain_n that_o sin_n cause_n will_v endure_v to_o all_o eternity_n for_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n will_v not_o be_v quench_v the_o error_n of_o the_o traveller_n will_v be_v correct_v by_o the_o approach_a day_n and_o his_o weariness_n refresh_v at_o the_o next_o stage_n he_o come_v to_o but_o he_o that_o err_v impenitent_o from_o the_o path_n of_o life_n be_v lose_v for_o ever_o when_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v once_o set_v upon_o he_o no_o light_n shall_v ever_o recall_v his_o wander_a foot_n into_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n no_o ease_n no_o refreshment_n shall_v ever_o relieve_v his_o toil_n and_o misery_n while_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o captive_n be_v load_v with_o fetter_n his_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v its_o true_a liberty_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n and_o dungeon_n like_o paul_n and_o silas_n he_o may_v sing_v song_n of_o praise_n and_o triumph_n but_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n defile_v oppress_v and_o enslave_v the_o mind_n and_o deliver_v up_o the_o miserable_a man_n to_o those_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a evil_n which_o inexorable_a justice_n and_o almighty_a wrath_n inflict_v upon_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o storm_n can_v but_o wreck_v the_o body_n a_o frail_a and_o worthless_a bark_n the_o soul_n will_v escape_v safe_a to_o shore_n the_o bless_a shore_n where_o the_o happy_a inhabitant_n enjoy_v a_o undisturbed_a a_o everlasting_a calm_a but_o sin_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o he_o that_o perish_v in_o it_o do_v but_o pass_v into_o a_o more_o miserable_a state_n for_o on_o the_o wicked_a god_n will_v rain_v snare_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n storm_n and_o tempest_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o portion_n forever_o psal_n 11._o and_o last_o a_o pardon_n send_v back_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a to_o life_n that_o be_v to_z sin_z and_o suffering_n to_o toil_n and_o trouble_n which_o death_n if_o death_n be_v the_o utmost_a he_o have_v to_o fear_v will_v have_v free_v he_o from_o but_o he_o that_o be_v once_o deliver_v from_o sin_n be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o from_o this_o life_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n of_o hope_n shall_v soon_o pass_v to_o another_o of_o fruition_n and_o glory_n §_o 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n here_o i_o will_v show_v two_o thing_n first_o and_o this_o but_o brief_o that_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o immediate_o second_o that_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n remove_v the_o great_a obstacle_n and_o impediment_n of_o righteousness_n and_o throw_v off_o that_o weight_n which_o will_v otherwise_o encumber_v and_o tire_v we_o in_o our_o race_n 1._o holiness_n be_v no_o small_a pleasure_n no_o small_a advantage_n to_o he_o who_o be_v exercise_v therein_o when_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o restore_v the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n be_v proper_o and_o true_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o praise_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n be_v to_o gratify_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o delightful_a inclination_n we_o have_v these_o indeed_o be_v at_o first_o stifle_v and_o oppress_v by_o original_a corruption_n false_a principle_n and_o vicious_a custom_n but_o when_o once_o they_o have_v break_v through_o these_o like_o seed_n through_o the_o earthy_a coat_n they_o be_v enclose_v and_o imprison_v in_o and_o be_v impregnate_v warm_v and_o cherish_v by_o
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
often_o repeat_v breed_v a_o kind_n of_o indifference_n or_o lukewarmness_n and_o soon_o pass_v into_o coldness_n and_o insensibleness_n and_o this_o often_o end_v in_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o a_o utter_a aversion_n for_o religion_n 2_o we_o must_v endeavour_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o compensate_a the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o make_v up_o by_o charity_n what_o we_o have_v defalce_v from_o devotion_n or_o to_o supply_v by_o short_a ejaculation_n what_o we_o have_v be_v force_v to_o retrench_v from_o fix_a and_o regular_a office_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o that_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n either_o of_o improvement_n or_o do_v good_a will_v i_o believe_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o god_n will_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o choice_n he_o can_v do_v better_a than_o follow_v god_n 3_o a_o single_a omission_n must_v never_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a motive_n from_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n necessity_n or_o charity_n be_v the_o only_a just_a and_o proper_a apology_n for_o it_o instrumental_a or_o positive_a duty_n may_v give_v way_n to_o moral_a one_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o in_o moral_a duty_n the_o less_o may_v give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a but_o duty_n must_v never_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n nor_o religion_n to_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n have_v thus_o brief_o give_v a_o account_n what_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o so_o settle_v the_o notion_n of_o idleness_n that_o neither_o the_o careless_a nor_o the_o scrupulous_a can_v easy_o mistake_v their_o case_n i_o will_v now_o propose_v such_o considetation_n as_o i_o judge_v most_o likely_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o and_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v the_o best_a guard_n and_o preservative_n against_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v every_o one_o lay_v to_o heart_n be_v that_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o damnable_a sin_n idleness_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n both_o in_o our_o creation_n and_o redemption_n as_o to_o our_o creation_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o create_v not_o any_o thing_n but_o for_o some_o excellent_a end_n shall_v create_v man_n for_o none_o or_o for_o a_o silly_a one_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o active_a and_o vivacious_a principle_n our_o rational_a faculty_n capacitate_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o do_v good_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a pleasure_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n who_o can_v think_v now_o that_o our_o wise_a creator_n light_v this_o candle_n within_o we_o that_o we_o may_v oppress_v and_o stifle_v it_o by_o negligence_n and_o idleness_n that_o he_o contrive_v and_o destine_v such_o a_o mind_n to_o squander_v and_o fool_n away_o its_o talent_n in_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n as_o to_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v evident_a both_o what_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o opposite_a idleness_n be_v to_o it_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n aim_v at_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o eph._n 2.10_o how_o little_a then_o can_v a_o useless_a and_o bar_a life_n answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n what_o a_o miserable_a return_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o how_o utter_o must_v it_o disappoint_v all_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o what_o need_v i_o argue_v further_o the_o truth_n i_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o express_a and_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o idleness_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n reckon_v among_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n what_o mean_v the_o sentence_n against_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.7_o but_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o idle_a and_o the_o sluggish_a the_o indignation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enkindle_v against_o the_o barrenness_n of_o tree_n but_o men._n what_o can_v be_v plain_o than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o perish_v because_o he_o have_v not_o improve_v his_o talon_n matt._n 25.38_o and_o how_o frequent_o do_v the_o apostle_n declare_v himself_o against_o the_o idle_a and_o disorderly_a and_o all_o this_o proceed_v upon_o plain_a and_o necessary_a ground_n our_o lord_n be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o refrain_v from_o do_v evil_a but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a we_o can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o intention_n of_o divine_a precept_n by_o negative_a righteousness_n when_o god_n prohibit_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n when_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v evil_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prescribe_v the_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o word_n idleness_n be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o faith_n hope_n charity_n to_o fear_v vigilance_n mortification_n and_o therefore_o certain_o must_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n these_o be_v all_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n but_o idleness_n enfeeble_v and_o dis-spirit_n manacle_n and_o fetter_n we_o these_o be_v pure_a strict_a and_o self-denying_a principle_n but_o idleness_n be_v soft_a and_o indulgent_a these_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n but_o idleness_n be_v far_o from_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a it_o pomper_v the_o body_n and_o effeminate_v and_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n and_o final_o whatever_o innocence_n or_o inoffensiveness_n it_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o only_o terminate_v in_o sin_n but_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o it_o from_o stupidity_n and_o ignorance_n from_o vanity_n and_o levity_n from_o softness_n and_o sensuality_n from_o some_o prevail_a lust_n or_o other_o 2._o next_o after_o the_o nature_n the_o consequence_n of_o idleness_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o just_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o tragical_a accusation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o dishonour_n and_o poverty_n and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n but_o at_o present_a i_o view_v it_o only_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v with_o a_o half_a face_n and_o that_o the_o much_o less_o deform_v of_o the_o two_o i_o consider_v it_o here_o as_o pretend_v to_o innocence_n and_o flatter_v itself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o yet_o even_o thus_o suppose_v it_o as_o harmless_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o still_o these_o will_v be_v the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o will_v rob_v religion_n and_o the_o world_n of_o the_o service_n due_a to_o both_o it_o will_v bereave_v we_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n and_o send_v we_o down_o at_o last_o to_o a_o curse_a eternity_n for_o where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v maintain_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o human_a society_n that_o shall_v relieve_v and_o redress_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o demonstrate_v its_o divinity_n as_o effectual_o as_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n can_v do_v where_o be_v the_o bright_a example_n that_o shall_v convert_v the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o inflame_v the_o believe_a part_n with_o a_o generous_a emulation_n certain_o the_o lazy_a christian_a the_o slothful_a servant_n can_v pretend_v to_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n as_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n if_o true_a and_o last_a if_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v from_o what_o fountain_n it_o must_v be_v draw_v nothing_o but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n can_v procure_v our_o peace_n nothing_o but_o purity_n of_o heart_n our_o pleasure_n but_o ah_o how_o far_o be_v the_o idle_a and_o unactive_a from_o these_o virtue_n i'faith_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o they_o victory_n and_o triumph_n devotion_n alms_n and_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o they_o but_o what_o a_o stranger_n to_o these_o be_v the_o drone_n and_o sluggard_n then_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n he_o that_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vast_a solitude_n and_o wilderness_n behind_o he_o
will_v never_o like_o the_o israelite_n see_v a_o canaan_n before_o he_o life_n must_v be_v fill_v with_o good_a work_n or_o else_o death_n will_v look_v but_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a when_o the_o conscience_n inquire_v every_o where_n after_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o can_v discover_v in_o all_o the_o part_n in_o all_o the_o path_n of_o life_n no_o track_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o fancy_n and_o fortune_n humour_n and_o indulgence_n how_o will_v it_o shrink_v and_o faint_a and_o tremble_v what_o pensive_a melancholy_a doubt_n will_v damp_n and_o choke_v its_o hope_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o alas_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v sufficient_o inform_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n god_n will_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n what_o then_o must_v become_v of_o he_o who_o have_v none_o to_o show_v if_o immortality_n and_o glory_n if_o life_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o well-doing_n nay_o of_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o drowsy_a and_o supine_n and_o careless_a the_o sot_n and_o the_o sluggish_a who_o have_v sleep_v and_o fool_v and_o trifle_v away_o life_n 3._o i_o may_v aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o idleness_n by_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o the_o talent_n it_o waste_v the_o obligation_n it_o slight_n and_o the_o hope_v it_o forfeit_v i_o may_v render_v man_n more_o jealous_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o fall_v into_o it_o by_o observe_v how_o general_o it_o prevail_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n either_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o temptation_n or_o our_o propension_n a_o plain_a proof_n either_o that_o there_o be_v i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_a magic_n in_o the_o sin_n or_o else_o that_o the_o cheat_n it_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a clever_n a_o very_a dexterous_a one_o but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o where_o the_o former_a consideration_n fail_v these_o will_v hardly_o succeed_v therefore_o i_o will_v now_o pass_v on_o from_o argument_n to_o advice_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v do_v and_o here_o my_o advice_n must_v have_v regard_n to_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n 1._o to_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v to_o plentiful_a or_o competent_a fortune_n 2._o to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o raise_v their_o own_o or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n by_o their_o labour_n or_o industry_n in_o some_o call_v or_o profession_n to_o the_o former_a the_o best_a direction_n i_o can_v give_v be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v master_n of_o his_o time_n aught_o to_o devote_v the_o more_o to_o religion_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v much_o of_o he_o much_o will_v be_v require_v nor_o have_v such_o a_o one_o any_o excuse_v leave_v either_o for_o omission_n or_o a_o hasty_a and_o cursory_a performance_n of_o duty_n but_o one_o one_o that_o will_v increase_v his_o gild_n i._n e._n laziness_n pleasure_n or_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o such_o a_o one_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n his_o attendance_n upon_o prayer_n sacrament_n sermon_n must_v be_v such_o as_o become_v a_o man_n who_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n seem_v bear_v not_o to_o provide_v for_o life_n but_o only_o to_o live_v only_o to_o improve_v and_o enjoy_v life_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o noble_a design_n of_o it_o and_o as_o become_v a_o man_n who_o good_a or_o ill_a example_n be_v of_o such_o vast_a importance_n to_o the_o service_n or_o dis-service_n of_o religion_n nor_o must_v such_o a_o one_o attendance_n on_o the_o public_a excuse_v he_o from_o the_o religious_a office_n of_o the_o closet_n or_o his_o family_n he_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o each_o he_o may_v be_v more_o frequent_a in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n in_o read_v and_o instruction_n and_o perform_v each_o with_o more_o justness_n and_o solemnity_n than_o other_o can_v 2._o person_n of_o fortune_n aught_o to_o be_v careful_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o intimate_v and_o friend_n conversation_n be_v not_o always_o a_o loss_n but_o sometime_o a_o gain_n of_o time_n we_o often_o need_v to_o have_v our_o forgetfulness_n relieve_v our_o drowsiness_n awaken_v by_o the_o discourse_n and_o reflection_n of_o our_o friend_n if_o discourse_n be_v general_o season_v with_o grace_n conversation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a blessing_n if_o with_o sense_n and_o reason_n innocence_n and_o prudence_n it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a entertainment_n of_o human_a life_n but_o how_o mischievous_a be_v the_o acquaintance_n which_o infect_v we_o with_o vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o spirit_n which_o show_v we_o nothing_o but_o a_o gaudy_a outside_n and_o a_o frothy_a soul_n who_o example_n bind_v man_n in_o civility_n to_o be_v foolish_a and_o make_v confidence_n and_o vice_n and_o mis-spence_n of_o time_n a_o fashion_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o person_n of_o the_o best_a rank_n be_v ever_o breed_v up_o to_o something_o to_o something_o that_o may_v improve_v to_o something_o that_o may_v amuse_v and_o innocent_o engage_v their_o mind_n to_o something_o that_o may_v employ_v life_n without_o encumbr_v it_o and_o yet_o alas_o what_o need_v i_o wish_v this_o how_o many_o excellent_a quality_n be_v necessary_a to_o render_v a_o gentleman_n worthy_a of_o the_o station_n where_o god_n have_v place_v he_o let_v he_o pursue_v these_o how_o many_o be_v the_o virtue_n how_o many_o the_o duty_n to_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v oblige_v for_o he_o attend_v these_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o good_a master_n a_o good_a husband_n a_o good_a father_n a_o good_a son_n a_o good_a neighbour_n a_o good_a parishioner_n a_o excellent_a subject_n and_o a_o excellent_a friend_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o other_o relation_n beside_o these_o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v before_o god_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o have_v omit_v many_o duty_n and_o to_o have_v perform_v many_o other_o with_o less_o care_n and_o diligence_n than_o he_o ought_v and_o sure_o such_o a_o one_o can_v just_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o business_n i_o doubt_v rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o whoever_o take_v a_o just_a and_o full_a view_n of_o thing_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v that_o life_n be_v short_a and_o our_o work_n great_a that_o let_v we_o use_v all_o the_o diligence_n we_o can_v and_o be_v as_o frugal_a of_o our_o time_n as_o we_o will_v we_o arrive_v much_o soon_o at_o a_o maturity_n of_o year_n than_o of_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n 4._o the_o diversion_n of_o person_n of_o this_o quality_n aught_o to_o be_v well_o regulate_v such_o as_o become_v the_o character_n of_o a_o gentleman_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v that_o must_v be_v neither_o mean_a nor_o vicious_a but_o i_o have_v treat_v this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n more_o copious_o in_o human_a life_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n as_o to_o such_o in_o the_o next_o place_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o profession_n i_o have_v particular_o consider_v their_o state_n in_o several_a place_n and_o find_v little_a to_o add_v here_o but_o only_o to_o mind_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o idleness_n too_o that_o their_o idleness_n be_v the_o more_o criminal_a the_o less_o temptation_n they_o have_v to_o it_o they_o may_v neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v i_o mean_v their_o secular_a call_v and_o if_o they_o be_v unfaithful_a and_o negligent_a in_o their_o temporal_a concern_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o solicitous_a and_o industrious_a about_o their_o spiritual_a one_o they_o may_v again_o suffer_v the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n to_o thrust_v out_o those_o of_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v true_o idle_a and_o slothful_a servant_n to_o god_n how_o industrious_a and_o faithful_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n for_o life_n be_v but_o waste_v and_o mis-spend_v if_o it_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o eternity_n and_o it_o matter_n little_a whether_o it_o be_v waste_v in_o pleasure_n or_o in_o drudgery_n chap._n viii_o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n or_o formality_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n i_o consider_v that_o part_n of_o unfruitfulness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o omission_n of_o duty_n i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v another_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o too_o perfunctory_a a_o performance_n of_o it_o beside_o those_o who_o be_v true_o unprofitable_a because_o they_o slight_a or_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n
aside_o the_o natural_a right_n which_o he_o have_v over_o he_o as_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o transact_v with_o he_o as_o free_v and_o master_n of_o himself_o but_o this_o be_v all_o infinite_a condescension_n second_o it_o seem_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o bereave_v man_n of_o the_o life_n and_o happiness_n he_o have_v once_o confer_v upon_o he_o unless_o he_o forfeit_v it_o by_o some_o demerit_n the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v how_o death_n which_o have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o it_o can_v have_v enter_v the_o world_n if_o sin_n have_v not_o enter_v it_o first_o in_o this_o sense_n unsinning_a obedience_n give_v a_o kind_n of_o right_a to_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v at_o first_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n last_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v once_o establish_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o sin_n forfeit_v life_n so_o obedience_n must_v give_v a_o right_a to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o penitent_n can_v not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o that_o commit_v no_o sin_n will_v need_v no_o pardon_n but_o then_o life_n itself_o and_o a_o ability_n to_o work_v righteousness_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o grace_n antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v whereof_o to_o boast_v comparative_o with_o respect_n to_o other_o who_o fall_v but_o not_o before_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v man_n have_v nothing_o to_o render_v to_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o which_o be_v no_o very_o good_a foundation_n for_o merit_n but_o suppose_v he_o absolute_a master_n of_o himself_o suppose_v he_o hold_v all_o thing_n independent_a of_o god_n can_v the_o service_n of_o a_o few_o day_n merit_v immortality_n and_o glory_n angelical_a perfection_n and_o a_o crown_n he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o vanity_n and_o presumption_n that_o dare_v affirm_v this_o 3._o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_n not_o his_o interest_n we_o promote_v by_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n be_v impotence_n and_o want_n the_o prince_n want_v the_o service_n and_o tribute_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o subject_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o rich_a need_v the_o ministry_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a support_n and_o maintenance_n from_o the_o rich._n and_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o imaginary_a as_o well_o as_o real_a want_v the_o luxury_n and_o pleasure_n of_o one_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o support_v by_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o other_o and_o the_o pomp_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v subsist_v but_o on_o the_o servitude_n of_o the_o other_o in_o these_o case_n therefore_o mutual_a want_n create_v mutual_a right_n and_o mutual_a merit_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o want_v or_o necessity_n nor_o be_v his_o glory_n or_o happiness_n capable_a of_o diminution_n or_o increase_n he_o be_v a_o monarch_n that_o need_v no_o tribute_n to_o support_v his_o grandeur_n nor_o any_o strength_n or_o power_n beside_o his_o own_o to_o guard_v his_o throne_n if_o we_o revolt_v or_o rebel_n we_o can_v injure_v he_o if_o we_o be_v loyal_a and_o obedient_a we_o can_v profit_v he_o he_o have_v all_o fullness_n all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a god_n but_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a though_o god_n have_v no_o want_n we_o have_v many_o and_o though_o his_o majesty_n and_o felicity_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o vicissitude_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o our_o service_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o our_o obedience_n be_v design_v to_o procure_v our_o own_o advantage_n we_o need_v we_o daily_o need_v his_o support_n and_o protection_n we_o depend_v entire_o on_o his_o favour_n and_o patronage_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n we_o derive_v all_o the_o stream_n of_o good_a by_o which_o we_o be_v refresh_v and_o improve_v to_o know_v and_o love_v he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o our_o happiness_n and_o security_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o our_o perfection_n and_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v he_o will_v be_v our_o heaven_n and_o those_o glimpse_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o we_o be_v vouchsafe_v through_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o pledge_n and_o foretaste_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a voice_n of_o scripture_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o will_v i_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o unto_o he_o thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n job_n 35.7_o 8._o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n though_o i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n that_o be_v the_o remove_n the_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n yet_o i_o easy_o foresee_v there_o may_v be_v some_o which_o will_v not_o be_v reduce_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o forego_n head_n for_o these_o therefore_o i_o reserve_v this_o place_n these_o be_v five_o 1._o too_o easy_a and_o loose_a a_o notion_n of_o religion_n 2._o a_o opinion_n that_o perfection_n be_v not_o attainable_a 3._o that_o religion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n 4._o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o than_o will_v consist_v with_o perfection_n 5._o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n §_o 1._o some_o seem_v to_o have_v entertain_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o moderation_n here_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o where_o else_o they_o look_v upon_o zeal_n as_o as_o a_o excess_n of_o righteousness_n and_o can_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o want_v degree_n of_o glory_n if_o they_o can_v but_o save_v their_o soul_n to_o which_o end_n they_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o perfection_n now_o i_o will_v beseech_v such_o serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n of_o no_o common_a importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n they_o form_n to_o themselves_o of_o religion_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v alter_v by_o their_o fancy_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v mock_v or_o impose_v on_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v sincere_o with_o ourselves_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o certain_o behoove_v we_o to_o do_v we_o must_v frame_v our_o idea_n of_o religion_n not_o from_o the_o opinion_n the_o manner_n or_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v not_o interpret_v these_o by_o our_o own_o inclination_n but_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o duty_n they_o prescribe_v by_o those_o description_n of_o they_o by_o those_o property_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o find_v there_o we_o must_v weigh_v the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o see_v how_o our_o platform_n or_o model_n of_o religion_n suit_n with_o it_o and_o if_o after_o we_o have_v do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o part_n vice_n and_o virtue_n it_o can_v but_o be_v safe_a for_o we_o to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o remember_v too_o that_o the_o repeat_v exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o diligence_n and_o that_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o indefatigable_a to_o vigilance_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v to_o patience_n to_o steadfastness_n and_o suchlike_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o easy_a lazy_a gentile_a religion_n that_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o fair_a and_o full_a comment_n on_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o never_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o a_o corrupt_a world_n but_o of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o the_o best_a age_n this_o this_o one_o thing_n alone_o will_v convince_v
we_o what_o endeavour_n what_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o gain_v a_o incorruptible_a crown_n see_v with_o what_o eagerness_n the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n press_v towards_o the_o mark_n see_v with_o what_o courage_n nay_o joy_n too_o they_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o generous_a be_v their_o alm_n so_o that_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o their_o poverty_n what_o plainness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n what_o grace_n and_o warmth_n what_o peace_n and_o joy_n show_v itself_o in_o their_o conversation_n what_o modesty_n what_o humility_n in_o their_o garb_n deportment_n and_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o life_n how_o frequent_a how_o fervent_a and_o how_o long_o too_o be_v their_o prayer_n and_o retirement_n in_o one_o word_n the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n discover_v itself_o in_o all_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o life_n do_v as_o evident_o distinguish_v a_o christian_n from_o a_o jew_n or_o pagan_a as_o their_o faith_n how_o lovely_a be_v religion_n then_o how_o full_a its_o joy_n how_o strong_a its_o confidence_n then_o do_v christian_n true_o overcome_v the_o world_n then_o do_v they_o live_v above_o the_o body_n then_o be_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n more_o delightful_a than_o the_o ease_n or_o honour_n the_o pride_n or_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n then_o do_v they_o true_o through_o the_o spirit_n wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v our_o life_n with_o they_o and_o then_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a attainment_n if_o we_o can_v let_v we_o put_v our_o virtue_n in_o the_o scale_n against_o they_o and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o modesty_n the_o inequality_n will_v put_v we_o out_o of_o countenance_n we_o shall_v blush_v at_o our_o vanity_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o expect_v the_o same_o crown_n the_o same_o kingdom_n with_o they_o but_o as_o too_o lax_n a_o notion_n of_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v too_o much_o indifference_n and_o unconcernment_n so_o will_v it_o be_v say_v too_o exalt_v a_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v despair_n which_o be_v a_o second_o and_o no_o less_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n §_o 2._o many_o there_o be_v who_o form_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o slip_v and_o defect_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n conceive_v perfection_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a imaginary_a notion_n they_o believe_v indeed_o that_o consider_v how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v he_o shall_v be_v exact_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v frequent_o press_v and_o exhort_v to_o perfection_n but_o that_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n be_v too_o too_o difficult_a for_o mortal_a man_n to_o attain_v in_o this_o life_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o must_v oppose_v these_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v it_o 1._o the_o beginning_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o the_o near_a we_o approach_v to_o perfection_n the_o easy_a as_o well_o as_o pleasant_a be_v religion_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o a_o exalt_a virtue_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v startle_v at_o those_o which_o will_v encounter_v he_o in_o his_o first_o entrance_n upon_o religion_n and_o yet_o these_o must_v be_v conquer_v 2._o the_o avoid_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o plung_v we_o into_o worse_a we_o be_v necessary_o under_o this_o dilemma_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v mortify_v and_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o propose_v to_o gratify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n we_o can_v do_v so_o without_o offer_v much_o violence_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o if_o such_o be_v the_o war_n and_o opposition_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o a_o true_a and_o well_o settle_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n but_o by_o the_o reduction_n and_o mortification_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o than_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o resolve_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v for_o those_o appeal_v which_o atheist_n themselves_o make_v to_o reason_n proclaim_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o ruling_n and_o noble_a part_n of_o he_o beside_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o more_o vital_a the_o more_o tender_a and_o sensible_a part_n of_o we_o and_o consequent_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o must_v render_v we_o far_o more_o miserable_a than_o any_o hardship_n or_o difficulty_n virtue_n can_v impose_v upon_o the_o body_n 3._o whatever_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n they_o will_v soon_o vanish_v if_o we_o often_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o peace_n and_o joy_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n but_o shame_n and_o remorse_n of_o sin_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o follow_v his_o lust_n unless_o he_o die_v as_o much_o a_o brute_n as_o he_o live_v that_o heaven_n be_v a_o cheap_a purchase_n whatever_o it_o cost_v we_o but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n a_o very_a dear_a one_o how_o easy_o soever_o we_o come_v by_o it_o and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o master_n there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o who_o we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o will_v not_o we_o must_v either_o undergo_v the_o hardship_n and_o discipline_n of_o virtue_n or_o the_o eternal_a plague_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n last_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perfection_n have_v both_o be_v beget_v and_o cherish_v by_o those_o wild_a scheme_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o flame_a indeed_o but_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n but_o i_o have_v here_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n no_o fantastic_a or_o enthusiastic_a perfection_n i_o have_v advance_v no_o height_n of_o virtue_n but_o what_o many_o do_v i_o hope_v at_o this_o day_n actual_o feel_v and_o experiment_n in_o themselves_o none_o i_o be_o sure_a but_o what_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n actual_o attain_v and_o practice_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o we_o be_v of_o christ_n their_o life_n be_v as_o bright_a a_o rule_n as_o their_o doctrine_n and_o by_o their_o own_o action_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o power_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n bound_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o other_o and_o not_o move_v they_o with_o their_o finger_n they_o do_v not_o like_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n magnify_v temperance_n and_o modesty_n at_o the_o table_n and_o carnivals_n of_o prince_n nor_o commend_v the_o pleasure_n of_o wisdom_n in_o in_o the_o garden_n of_o epicurus_n but_o they_o live_v as_o they_o teach_v unspotted_a by_o the_o pleasure_n unbroken_v by_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n modest_a serene_a equal_a and_o heavenly_a mind_v in_o honour_n or_o dishonour_v want_v or_o abundance_n liberty_n or_o prison_n life_n or_o death_n let_v we_o then_o no_o long_o object_n or_o dispute_v but_o with_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v follower_n of_o those_o who_o have_v inherit_v the_o promise_n be_v encompass_v with_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_v and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n heb._n 12.1_o 2._o i_o have_v do_v with_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o soften_v or_o shun_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o conquer_v they_o §_o 3._o there_o be_v other_o who_o will_v look_v upon_o this_o set_n up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n as_o a_o design_n against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o mankind_n what_o say_v such_o a_o one_o shall_v i_o let_v go_v my_o present_a pleasure_n out_o of_o my_o hand_n to_o hunt_v after_o i_o know_v not_o what_o and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o shall_v i_o quit_v pleasure_n thaâ—_n be_v every_o where_o obvious_a for_o such_o as_o have_v no_o be_v it_o may_v be_v but_o in_o speculation_n or_o at_o least_o be_v