and_o unbelieving_a the_o abominable_a and_o murderer_n whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n idolater_n and_o liar_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o state_n be_v for_o ever_o as_o eternal_a as_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n a_o everlasting_a punishment_n the_o worm_n never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n can_v be_v quench_v and_o though_o the_o almighty_a may_v not_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o fulfil_v his_o threat_n which_o whether_o so_o applicable_a to_o god_n as_o man_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v yet_o certain_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o give_v we_o a_o narrative_a or_o history_n of_o the_o different_a issue_n of_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o speak_v truth_n hell_n then_o be_v a_o fix_a state_n of_o misery_n wherein_o man_n have_v bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o earth_n and_o to_o all_o hope_n of_o heaven_n the_o memory_n of_o past_a pleasure_n do_v but_o increase_v their_o pain_n and_o what_o be_v beyond_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o world_n they_o enjoy_v not_o as_o much_o as_o the_o deceitful_a dream_n of_o flatter_a hope_n hell_n where_o there_o be_v no_o light_n nor_o ease_n nor_o god_n nor_o any_o harmless_a pleasure_n to_o divert_v the_o pain_n a_o moment_n hell_n where_o only_o the_o wretched_a object_n of_o a_o incense_v god_n do_v for_o ever_o weep_v and_o wail_v be_v this_o the_o death_n which_o be_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n can_v sin_n offer_v i_o any_o pleasure_n that_o can_v countervail_v this_o eternity_n of_o misery_n or_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o poverty_n or_o shame_n or_o banishment_n or_o death_n equal_a to_o this_o hell_n if_o not_o what_o blind_a brutish_a madness_n push_v i_o on_o to_o sin_n can_v i_o dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n can_v i_o be_v content_a to_o live_v in_o a_o endless_a night_n of_o pain_n and_o horror_n adieu_o my_o fatal_a pleasure_n i_o have_v rather_o starve_v and_o macerate_v this_o body_n into_o sobriety_n than_o by_o indulgence_n betray_v it_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o almighty_a vengeance_n i_o will_v shut_v my_o eye_n against_o all_o forbid_a fruit_n rather_o than_o for_o ever_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o heaven_n and_o close_v they_o up_o in_o a_o eternal_a night_n welcome_o whatever_a penance_n religion_n may_v impose_v upon_o i_o whatever_o the_o world_n may_v threaten_v i_o with_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o will_v watch_v and_o fast_o till_o death_n rather_o than_o be_v damn_a i_o will_v be_v the_o scorn_n and_o hate_v of_o mankind_n rather_o than_o of_o god_n be_v not_o these_o terrible_a truth_n be_v they_o not_o arm_v with_o lightning_n and_o thunder_n enough_o to_o startle_v the_o most_o harden_v sinner_n good_a god_n what_o make_v the_o world_n so_o dead_a so_o callous_a that_o such_o dreadful_a object_n can_v rouse_v nor_o pierce_v they_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v because_o they_o put_v that_o evil_a day_n so_o far_o off_o that_o the_o big_a terror_n of_o it_o look_v but_o like_a moat_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n but_o sure_o we_o mistake_v ourselves_o in_o our_o computation_n we_o be_v now_o in_o time_n how_o narrow_a be_v the_o isthmus_n which_o part_v time_n from_o eternity_n or_o be_v there_o any_o partition_n at_o all_o but_o one_o groan_n that_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n crack_v with_o but_o one_o part_v moment_n waft_v we_o over_o upon_o the_o shore_n of_o another_o world_n heaven_n and_o hell_n they_o be_v not_o at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o many_o year_n from_o this_o world_n but_o just_a of_o so_o much_o time_n as_o will_v serve_v we_o to_o die_v in_o and_o be_v this_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v frolic_v and_o wanton_a in_o our_o sin_n as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o within_o ken_n of_o danger_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o some_o soul_n or_o other_o in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v its_o exit_fw-la into_o another_o life_n and_o shall_v i_o sin_v as_o secure_o as_o if_o my_o time_n and_o death_n be_v at_o my_o own_o disposal_n i_o come_v but_o a_o few_o year_n ago_o into_o the_o world_n and_o within_o a_o few_o more_o i_o must_v go_v out_o on_o it_o how_o soon_o this_o day_n will_v come_v i_o know_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n be_v pass_v upon_o i_o already_o i_o only_o wait_v the_o hour_n of_o execution_n which_o any_o trifle_a cause_n can_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o i_o may_v die_v of_o pleasure_n or_o of_o pain_n i_o may_v die_v of_o want_n or_o fullness_n i_o may_v die_v of_o desire_n or_o enjoyment_n what_o be_v it_o then_o which_o can_v give_v death_n the_o very_a height_n of_o health_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o sickness_n my_o scull_n be_v weak_a my_o skin_n and_o flesh_n thin_a and_o soft_a my_o heart_n tender_a and_o my_o passion_n easy_a my_o inner_a part_n be_v full_a of_o strange_a maze_n vessel_n curious_o contrive_v and_o subtle_o dispose_v what_o a_o little_a will_v ravel_v this_o intricate_a contexture_n and_o discompose_v this_o delicate_a frame_n and_o shall_v i_o be_v as_o secure_v as_o if_o my_o strength_n be_v iron_n and_o my_o sinew_n brass_n and_o the_o position_n of_o my_o part_n fix_v as_o the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n no_o no_o i_o will_v live_v in_o continual_a expectation_n of_o my_o death_n i_o will_v examine_v my_o soul_n each_o evening_n and_o close_v my_o eyelid_n as_o if_o i_o be_v to_o awake_v next_o morning_n in_o another_o world_n i_o will_v often_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o this_o world_n and_o fancy_n i_o shall_v see_v this_o or_o that_o pleasant_a object_n no_o more_o no_o more_o and_o i_o will_v address_v my_o self_n to_o my_o god_n as_o if_o my_o soul_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v wing_n and_o i_o will_v sober_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o my_o god_n the_o value_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v learn_v to_o disengage_v myself_o from_o this_o world_n and_o to_o die_v handsome_o and_o comfortable_o if_o not_o in_o rapture_n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o gracious_a god_n who_o have_v hedge_v about_o our_o way_n that_o we_o may_v not_o stray_v and_o wander_v into_o ruin_n who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o frighten_v we_o into_o happiness_n by_o the_o dread_n and_o terror_n of_o a_o hell_n o_o grant_v that_o this_o fear_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o my_o very_a flesh_n and_o produce_v in_o i_o a_o cautious_a and_o a_o wary_a depormtent_n that_o i_o remember_v that_o our_o god_n be_v consume_v fire_n may_v not_o dare_v to_o provoke_v thou_o to_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o i_o and_o grant_v o_o most_o merciful_a father_n that_o i_o may_v not_o put_v the_o day_n of_o death_n far_o from_o i_o and_o flatter_v myself_o into_o security_n and_o misery_n but_o live_v each_o day_n as_o if_o it_o be_v my_o last_o because_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o that_o i_o may_v enter_v at_o last_o into_o that_o state_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o conflict_n with_o sin_n nor_o fear_v of_o death_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o second_o motive_n to_o holiness_n i.e._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v so_o powerful_a a_o enforcement_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o determent_n from_o vice_n that_o religion_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o irreligion_n and_o a_o want_n of_o that_o knowledge_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o import_n as_o 1_o cor._n 15.34_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o sin_v not_o for_o some_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o this_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n 1._o discover_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o sin_n 2._o it_o will_v convince_v we_o how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o 3._o it_o will_v confirm_v in_o we_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o vice_n to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o that_o son_n of_o god_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o have_v declare_v he_o to_o we_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n be_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n jo._n 4.24_o and_o those_o attribute_n which_o the_o gospel_n assign_v he_o and_o which_o be_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v knowledge_n wisdom_n holiness_n under_o which_o may_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o be_v comprehend_v goodness_n justice_n and_o power_n and_o dominion_n now_o from_o that_o resemblance_n which_o religion_n
as_o such_o and_o as_o insignificant_a will_v this_o opinion_n render_v it_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n for_o of_o what_o use_n will_v all_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o justice_n charity_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n prove_v if_o we_o continue_v peevish_a and_o revengeful_a intemperate_a and_o lustful_a etc._n etc._n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o full_a discovery_n of_o another_o world_n life_n and_o immortality_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o if_o i_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v i_o choose_v but_o dread_a a_o god_n who_o i_o have_v wrong_v and_o will_v not_o unruly_a passion_n and_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n make_v a_o christian_a as_o miserable_a as_o a_o jew_n or_o heathen_a if_o goodness_n now_o be_v the_o end_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o holy_a belief_n of_o christian_n than_o i_o infer_v 1._o that_o the_o best_a man_n be_v the_o best_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o who_o affection_n be_v more_o raise_v and_o heavenly_a and_o have_v least_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o sensuality_n be_v of_o the_o high_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v best_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o walk_v in_o some_o measure_n as_o he_o walk_v 2._o that_o the_o most_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n our_o conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n good_a lord_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o put_v a_o a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o to_o persuade_v it_o and_o ourselves_o that_o we_o believe_v though_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o we_o do_v nothing_o less_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o never_o think_v that_o i_o believe_v aright_o till_o i_o have_v a_o love_n for_o all_o his_o commandment_n till_o i_o can_v meditate_v delightful_o pray_v vigorous_o rely_v constant_o obey_v ready_o suffer_v patient_o rejoice_v humble_o expect_v reverent_o and_o happy_a be_v i_o if_o i_o attain_v that_o height_n earnest_o too_o the_o hour_n of_o my_o death_n or_o the_o appearance_n of_o my_o lord_n i_o shall_v never_o hereafter_o think_v that_o i_o have_v study_v or_o know_v divine_a truth_n to_o any_o purpose_n till_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v i_o free_a rescue_v i_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n the_o prayer_n thou_o holy_a pure_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n who_o can_v not_o endure_v iniquity_n who_o do_v so_o love_v goodness_n that_o thou_o have_v send_v thy_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o promote_v it_o his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n his_o pain_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v spend_v in_o this_o cause_n o_o enable_v thy_o poor_a servant_n who_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n lord_n let_v thy_o truth_n and_o thy_o spirit_n be_v powerful_a in_o i_o to_o the_o subdue_a all_o of_o evil_a inclination_n i_o believe_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o bare_a before_o thou_o and_o therefore_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v mock_v or_o impose_v upon_o by_o specious_a pretence_n or_o formality_n that_o i_o be_o not_o to_o expect_v to_o appear_v any_o other_o in_o thy_o eye_n than_o such_o as_o i_o be_o in_o myself_o enable_v i_o therefore_o to_o confess_v thou_o in_o my_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o word_n to_o live_v like_o one_o who_o believe_v thy_o holy_a truth_n let_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v in_o honesty_n and_o uprightness_n to_o obey_v all_o thy_o commandment_n let_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o i_o they_o have_v upon_o all_o thy_o holy_a saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n i._n e._n persuade_v i_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o holy_o in_o this_o present_a world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n sect._n 2._o of_o do_v good_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o world_n and_o rid_v their_o hand_n of_o business_n and_o think_v it_o abundant_o sufficient_a if_o they_o can_v discharge_v their_o duty_n towards_o god_n in_o their_o retirement_n this_o be_v lawful_a nay_o commendable_a only_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o if_o my_o temper_n or_o circumstance_n be_v such_o that_o my_o conversation_n can_v be_v public_a and_o safe_a too_o for_o then_o the_o salvation_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n be_v natural_o the_o most_o near_o and_o dear_o concern_v or_o 2._o if_o my_o qualification_n be_v such_o that_o my_o retirement_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o advantageous_a to_o the_o public_a than_o my_o fill_v any_o other_o post_n for_o than_o i_o act_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n there_o be_v two_o other_o inducement_n to_o a_o retire_a private_a life_n the_o one_o found_v in_o a_o vice_n the_o other_o in_o a_o mistake_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v when_o man_n withdraw_v from_o the_o business_n as_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o pleasure_n not_o religion_n be_v their_o first_o and_o chief_a motive_n they_o meet_v with_o many_o rub_n and_o opposition_n in_o a_o busy_a active_a life_n and_o then_o they_o grow_v soft_a and_o weak_a and_o lazy_a and_o they_o want_v courage_n and_o industry_n and_o the_o frequent_a interruption_n of_o their_o private_a peace_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v uneasy_a and_o they_o will_v withdraw_v to_o enjoy_v themselves_o and_o this_o be_v unchristian_a and_o unmanly_a it_o be_v epicurism_n not_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o mistake_n be_v when_o we_o look_v upon_o a_o monastical_a kind_n of_o life_n as_o the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n and_o the_o mere_a perfection_n of_o the_o regenerate_v state_n and_o place_n piety_n so_o whole_o in_o act_n of_o solitary_a devotion_n as_o to_o seclude_v the_o do_v good_a and_o communicate_v etc._n etc._n it_o will_v behoove_v such_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o true_a and_o apparent_a motive_n pretence_n and_o religion_n be_v sometime_o so_o twist_v together_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o distinguish_v they_o and_o therefore_o some_o secret_a weakness_n or_o reserve_n may_v be_v the_o real_a whilst_o zeal_n be_v make_v the_o pretend_a cause_n of_o this_o choice_n 2._o that_o the_o busy_a and_o active_a life_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a and_o the_o more_o necessary_a 1._o the_o more_o excellent_a as_o be_v full_a of_o hazard_n and_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n there_o be_v a_o large_a field_n for_o virtue_n for_o patience_n courage_n meekness_n reliance_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o active_a than_o speculative_a life_n and_o such_o will_v receive_v more_o crown_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n i_o can_v but_o think_v act_n of_o charity_n as_o prevalent_a to_o the_o wipe_v off_o our_o guilt_n as_o the_o severe_a penance_n a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a life_n spend_v in_o promote_a the_o welfare_n of_o other_o be_v a_o more_o perfect_a instance_n of_o self_n denial_n speak_v a_o great_a contradiction_n to_o our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n commit_v more_o violence_n upon_o our_o inclination_n than_o any_o act_n of_o private_a austerity_n can_v pretend_v to_o do_v for_o beside_o the_o pain_n the_o watch_v and_o the_o fast_a incident_a to_o both_o a_o like_a the_o trouble_n of_o contrivance_n the_o industry_n of_o address_n the_o uneasiness_n of_o refusal_n etc._n etc._n sufficient_o weigh_v down_o the_o one_o side_n beside_o this_o confinement_n imprison_v our_o light_n under_o a_o bushel_n it_o be_v a_o cover_n a_o napkin_n for_o our_o talent_n to_o conceal_v they_o and_o render_v they_o useless_a to_o other_o and_o therefore_o our_o reward_n will_v be_v less_o in_o another_o world_n and_o our_o grace_n the_o faint_a in_o this_o for_o to_o he_o what_o have_v i._n e._n use_v shall_v be_v give_v grace_n like_o the_o widow_n oil_n increase_v by_o be_v charitable_o impart_v that_o flame_n which_o warm_v my_o neighbour_n reflect_v back_o with_o a_o double_a heat_n upon_o myself_o and_o that_o goodness_n which_o cherish_v his_o heart_n soften_v and_o sanctify_v my_o own_o and_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o i_o enjoy_v a_o strange_a delight_n in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o behold_v the_o fruit_n which_o my_o own_o hand_n have_v plant_v and_o my_o assurance_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o my_o hope_n increase_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o love_n which_o my_o work_n convince_v i_o i_o have_v for_o my_o brethren_n 2._o that_o a_o busy_a
thou_o have_v do_v in_o all_o meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o faith_n and_o hope_v that_o i_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o those_o mansion_n thou_o be_v go_v before_o to_o prepare_v for_o i_o amen_n amen_n sect_n iv_o cantain_v the_o four_o motive_n to_o holiness_n i._n e._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n a_o man_n who_o shall_v have_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o strength_n and_o importance_n of_o these_o motive_n to_o holiness_n which_o i_o have_v consider_v will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o some_o unimaginable_a temptation_n or_o some_o unavoidable_a necessity_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o nature_n can_v provoke_v man_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o these_o obligation_n and_o break_v through_o all_o these_o obstruction_n that_o he_o may_v sin_v and_o die_v but_o on_o the_o quite_o contraty_a which_o do_v strange_o reproach_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o sinner_n 1._o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o allurement_n to_o fin_n have_v little_a or_o no_o temptation_n in_o they_o 2._o sin_n itself_o be_v a_o silly_a base_a thing_n and_o 3._o man_n have_v strength_n enough_o offer_v to_o enable_v he_o to_o avoid_v it_o 1._o the_o first_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o consider_v full_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n only_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n there_o be_v no_o more_o sttess_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o this_o argument_n than_o it_o will_v bear_v and_o that_o this_o argument_n have_v still_o respect_n to_o the_o joy_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n the_o sensual_a satisfaction_n of_o man_n be_v very_o little_a and_o trifle_a compare_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v worth_a a_o man_n while_n to_o be_v damn_v for_o they_o yet_o sure_a if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o come_v it_o will_v behoove_v every_o man_n to_o be_v content_a with_o and_o make_v the_o most_o of_o this_o nor_o do_v i_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n may_v manage_v their_o lust_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o infer_v reason_n enough_o to_o relinquish_v they_o from_o any_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o their_o interest_n or_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o purchase_v a_o pleasure_n by_o the_o shorten_n of_o his_o life_n or_o the_o lessen_v of_o his_o estate_n i_o can_v see_v why_o he_o may_v not_o have_v reason_n on_o his_o side_n for_o a_o short_a life_n and_o a_o merry_a one_o and_o my_o mind_n to_o i_o a_o kingdom_n be_v will_v upon_o the_o former_a supposition_n be_v a_o wise_a proverb_n for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v very_o narrow_a and_o faint_a and_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v none_o or_o insignificant_a but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v now_o though_o there_o be_v pleasure_n in_o sin_n and_o deceitfulness_n in_o lust_n grant_v in_o scripture_n to_o abandon_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n for_o some_o carnal_a pleasure_n upon_o earth_n be_v like_o esau_n to_o sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o renounce_v all_o present_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o peter_n to_o forsake_v a_o wear_v fisherboat_n and_o break_a net_n a_o trouble_a lake_n and_o uncertain_a hope_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v sure_o very_o reasonable_a and_o now_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n and_o five_o section_n sect_n v._o contain_v a_o five_o motive_n to_o holiness_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o 1_o ep._n jo._n 1._o this_o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o great_a message_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o that_o god_n be_v light_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o they_o that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n have_v none_o where_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o s._n john_n found_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n because_o god_n be_v holy_a therefore_o he_o must_v first_o renounce_v his_o own_o nature_n ere_o he_o can_v establish_v any_o other_o contrary_a law_n or_o love_n or_o hate_v on_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o holiness_n and_o sin_n this_o be_v so_o i_o think_v the_o best_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o one_o render_v we_o like_o god_n and_o the_o other_o unlike_o he_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o eternal_a life_n infinite_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o his_o attribute_n and_o such_o as_o reason_n itself_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n imaginable_a if_o holiness_n therefore_o tend_v to_o implant_v and_o improve_v some_o resemblance_n of_o they_o in_o man_n and_o vice_n to_o efface_v and_o extinguish_v they_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v how_o the_o one_o make_v we_o like_o god_n and_o the_o other_o unlike_o he_o 1_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n it_o be_v true_a that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n do_v not_o change_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v spirit_n flesh_n or_o flesh_n spirit_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v so_o wonderful_o transform_v thing_n by_o instil_v new_a quality_n and_o so_o alter_v the_o operation_n of_o being_n they_o be_v in_o scripture_n say_v to_o do_v so_o thus_o because_o virtue_n raise_v and_o refine_v the_o soul_n free_v it_o from_o those_o fog_n which_o a_o sensual_a dotage_n cast_v about_o it_o scatters_z a_o new_a light_n upon_o it_o and_o mortify_v those_o affection_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o body_n and_o render_v it_o more_o obedient_a to_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o the_o man_n live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o become_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o immortal_a be_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o have_v render_v he_o a_o spiritual_a man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n because_o sin_n do_v stupefy_v and_o sensualize_v the_o mind_n embolden_v and_o pamper_v the_o body_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n seem_v to_o have_v change_v its_o nature_n into_o flesh_n and_o relish_v nothing_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v proper_o spiritual_a but_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o those_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a entertainment_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n not_o a_o spirit_n therefore_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o have_v render_v the_o man_n a_o natural_a man_n 2._o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o second_o attribute_n of_o god_n life_n in_o man_n be_v either_o of_o the_o body_n or_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o former_a temperance_n employment_n and_o a_o cheerful_a spirit_n be_v the_o great_a preservative_n of_o health_n and_o the_o best_a support_n of_o such_o crazy_a being_n as_o our_o body_n be_v religion_n enjoin_v the_o two_o former_a for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v holy_a without_o be_v temperate_a and_o employ_v at_o least_o in_o do_v good_a and_o it_o contribute_v very_o effectual_o to_o the_o late_a i._n e._n cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n by_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o peaceful_a conscience_n a_o resign_v mind_n and_o glorious_a hope_n but_o sin_n shorten_v our_o hasty_a day_n by_o expose_v we_o to_o disease_n violence_n the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o ill_a influence_n which_o a_o distemper_a mind_n have_v upon_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o soul_n righteousness_n be_v the_o life_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o nourishment_n and_o pleasure_n the_o freedom_n and_o the_o security_n of_o it_o but_o sin_n be_v the_o death_n and_o plague_n of_o it_o non_fw-la est_fw-la vivere_fw-la sed_fw-la valere_fw-la vita_fw-la it_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a exist_v but_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o be_v which_o be_v its_o life_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v a_o soul_n which_o be_v sick_a of_o passion_n daily_o torture_v and_o distract_v by_o a_o ill_a conscience_n be_v say_v to_o live_v beside_o sin_n do_v impair_v the_o faculty_n o'reca_v the_o light_n and_o fetter_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o it_o neither_o understand_v nor_o will_n nor_o command_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v render_v a_o poor_a sickly_a despicable_a be_v and_o therefore_o the_o sinner_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o because_o the_o metaphor_n be_v not_o to_o be_v press_v too_o far_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o text_n follow_v if_o it_o have_v any_o life_n it_o be_v as_o imperfect_a as_o that_o of_o a_o lethargic_a drowsy_a body_n all_o be_v a_o thick_a night_n
satisfaction_n before_o all_o the_o world_n unless_o i_o can_v choose_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o delight_n to_o be_v unhappy_a 3._o this_o very_a consideration_n suppose_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o another_o world_n will_v yet_o strong_o engage_v i_o to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o it_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o banish_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o the_o trouble_n that_o disquiet_v the_o mind_n for_o 1._o sin_n in_o its_o very_a essence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o disorder_v distemper_a passion_n affection_n foolish_a and_o preposterous_a in_o their_o choice_n or_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a in_o their_o proportion_n which_o our_o own_o experience_n sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o be_v painful_a and_o uneasy_a 2._o it_o engage_v we_o in_o desperate_a hazard_n weary_v we_o with_o daily_a toil_n and_o often_o bury_v we_o in_o the_o ruin_n we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o last_o it_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o distrust_n and_o fear_v and_o shame_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v ourselves_o full_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o at_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n and_o if_o we_o can_v we_o can_v never_o rid_v our_o self_n of_o the_o pang_n and_o sting_n of_o a_o tremble_a soul_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v a_o peace_n and_o calm_a in_o our_o bosom_n and_o so_o enjoy_v our_o pleasure_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a freedom_n but_o if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o into_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o these_o two_o strange_a inconvenience_n 1._o that_o a_o life_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v still_o irregular_a and_o disorderly_a and_o therefore_o troublesome_a 2._o that_o we_o shall_v have_v dismantle_v our_o soul_n of_o their_o great_a strength_n disarm_v they_o of_o that_o faith_n which_o only_o can_v support_v they_o under_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o after_o all_o the_o sad_a story_n of_o another_o life_n will_v not_o be_v strait_a way_n nonsense_n because_o we_o think_v they_o so_o they_o will_v continue_v at_o leastwise_o disputable_a and_o who_o will_v but_o a_o desperate-sot_n commit_v his_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o venture_n sect._n 2._o 4._o but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o persuasion_n which_o general_o obtain_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a any_o of_o they_o be_v the_o more_o deep_o be_v they_o possess_v by_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o it_o that_o the_o reason_n plato_n cicero_n etc._n etc._n found_v this_o assertion_n in_o derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o operation_n its_o little_a affinity_n to_o any_o visible_a matter_n its_o resemblance_n of_o the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n have_v render_v it_o so_o high_o probable_a that_o it_o have_v shed_v a_o very_a powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o many_o 5._o but_o especial_o and_o above_o all_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o divine_a authority_n be_v clear_v by_o as_o strong_a evidence_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o assure_v i_o that_o this_o soul_n whether_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n immortal_a or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o now_o examine_v shall_v not_o perish_v in_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n as_o eccles_n 12.7_o then_o shall_v the_o dust_n return_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o mat._n 10.28_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n the_o soul_n it_o seem_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o a_o disease_n or_o the_o violence_n commit_v on_o the_o body_n but_o do_v subsist_v when_o the_o body_n be_v dissolve_v into_o its_o dust_n when_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o i_o can_v never_o so_o far_o renounce_v my_o reason_n and_o harden_v myself_o against_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o passion_n i_o have_v for_o myself_o as_o to_o be_v content_a that_o this_o soul_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o that_o other_o state_n provide_v i_o be_v fortunate_a and_o successful_a in_o this_o for_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v i_o then_o reap_v from_o a_o patrimony_n or_o purchase_v wide_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o i_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o all_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enjoyment_n what_o can_v the_o wealth_n or_o power_n or_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n signify_v to_o i_o when_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n shall_v lie_v stark_o dead_a and_o cold_a in_o the_o grave_a shall_v have_v no_o passion_n no_o appetite_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o rhetoric_n or_o wanton_a charm_n on_o earth_n awaken_v in_o it_o one_o languish_a desire_n or_o one_o imperfect_a act_n of_o life_n and_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o mansion_n of_o a_o new_a world_n far_o far_o remote_a from_o this_o wherein_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v strange_a wonderful_a unalterable_a and_o eternal_a but_o i_o must_v pursue_v this_o thought_n a_o little_a further_o and_o not_o stop_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o uselessness_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o soul_n departure_n from_o it_o go_v on_o to_o consider_v the_o soul_n in_o its_o intermediate_v state_n between_o death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n that_o i_o may_v know_v the_o utmost_a if_o i_o can_v that_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o soul_n import_v and_o here_o i_o will_v suppose_v myself_o surprise_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o gavety_n and_o pleasure_n of_o love_n and_o honour_n by_o a_o violent_a inexorable_a disease_n i_o resign_v up_o my_o dear_a object_n and_o my_o dotage_n together_o i_o be_o tear_v from_o my_o possession_n and_o my_o hope_n and_o when_o the_o storm_n have_v burst_v the_o cable_n and_o shatter_v the_o hulk_n of_o this_o frail_a bark_n the_o body_n it_o cast_v my_o soul_n that_o be_v all_o that_o remain_v of_o i_o upon_o a_o unknown_a strand_n naked_a and_o poor_a and_o desolate_a without_o interest_n or_o friend_n or_o hope_n it_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o dismal_a blackness_n of_o eternal_a night_n and_o melancholy_a rack_v by_o despair_n and_o guilt_n scourge_v by_o shame_n and_o rage_n torture_v with_o envy_n and_o vexation_n stab_v by_o regret_n and_o repentance_n not_o a_o calm_a and_o soft_a but_o a_o tempestuous_a and_o painful_a one_o then_o like_o some_o sick_a body_n which_o roll_v and_o tumble_v for_o a_o easy_a posture_n rather_o out_o of_o a_o inability_n to_o suffer_v pain_n than_o any_o hope_n of_o find_v rest_n it_o sometime_o languish_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o world_n vanish_v like_o a_o dream_n and_o repeat_v ineffective_a wish_n for_o the_o body_n but_o it_o shall_v return_v to_o its_o dear_a wealth_n and_o beauty_n no_o more_o for_o ever_o sometime_o like_o dives_n in_o the_o flame_n it_o look_v towards_o that_o region_n where_o light_a and_o holy_a soul_n do_v dwell_v but_o the_o unpassable_a gulf_n of_o the_o almighty_n decree_n cut_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o that_o so_o that_o that_o light_v only_o augment_v its_o envy_n and_o despair_n and_o heaven_n itself_o add_v misery_n to_o the_o wretched_a soul_n hell_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a state_n of_o a_o wretched_a soul_n dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n despair_n and_o rage_n and_o shame_n and_o guilt_n and_o fear_v and_o grief_n and_o anguish_n gnaw_v and_o devour_v the_o miserable_a creature_n and_o for_o ever_o must_v increase_v bless_a god_n need_v there_o any_o chain_n to_o sink_v it_o low_o than_o its_o own_o weight_n have_v do_v need_v there_o any_o other_o darkness_n cover_v that_o soul_n which_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o sorrow_n have_v benight_a tell_v i_o no_o more_o of_o pleasure_n these_o thought_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o tremble_v and_o grow_v pale_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o a_o temptation_n rather_o than_o my_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v in_o such_o a_o state_n a_o thousand_o year_n may_v shame_v and_o poverty_n be_v my_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n may_v the_o hatred_n of_o powerful_a enemy_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o the_o scorn_n of_o my_o dear_a friend_n pursue_v i_o may_v my_o body_n be_v but_o a_o scene_n of_o disease_n and_o so_o incapable_a of_o the_o least_o gust_n of_o pleasure_n and_o more_o than_o this_o may_v a_o awaken_v tender_a conscience_n every_o moment_n flash_n death_n and_o hell_n into_o my_o face_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n worse_o let_v i_o suffer_v it_o so_o it_o but_o preserve_v my_o soul_n from_o sin_n here_o and_o from_o that_o inexpressible_a
rely_v upon_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v high_o oblige_v he_o to_o both_o or_o 2._o in_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o then_o according_a to_o that_o experience_n and_o proof_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n such_o be_v the_o proportion_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o assurance_n and_o hope_n which_o do_v not_o exclude_v but_o suppose_v faith_n in_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o now_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v his_o prayer_n hear_v his_o service_n accept_v and_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o bear_v ward_v if_o he_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n or_o 3_o in_o a_o state_n of_o relapse_n and_o even_o here_o he_o have_v yet_o hope_n if_o he_o repent_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v frequent_o assert_v in_o scripture_n i_o will_v urge_v but_o one_o place_n 1._o jo_n 2._o 1_o 2._o my_o little_a child_n regenerate_v certain_o these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o and_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n that_o by_o these_o sin_n be_v not_o understand_v the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a man_n but_o plain_a and_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v plain_a 1._o from_o hence_o that_o this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o epistle_n 2._o from_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v that_o you_o sin_v not_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n which_o can_v be_v sense_n if_o apply_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a error_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n 3._o they_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o christ_n shed_v his_o blood_n and_o be_v equal_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o these_o three_o use_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v none_o nor_o what_o more_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o or_o desire_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v see_v unless_o man_n will_v wilful_o abuse_v their_o faith_n into_o a_o impunity_n and_o patronage_n for_o sin_n or_o what_o disparagement_n it_o can_v reflect_v upon_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o holiness_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o guilt_n of_o sin_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o silly_a scandal_n of_o trust_v in_o work_n they_o that_o know_v what_o these_o word_n or_o term_n justify_v by_o work_n and_o justify_v by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n mean_v know_v that_o the_o one_o imply_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o the_o other_o for_o the_o former_a deny_v any_o sin_n or_o iniquity_n and_o the_o latter_a do_v direct_o suppose_v it_o 4._o without_o some_o degree_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v awaken_v into_o any_o serious_a sense_n of_o his_o condition_n or_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o set_v himself_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o please_v and_o obey_v god_n without_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o this_o faith_n the_o very_a regenerate_a will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n and_o enter_v into_o their_o rest_n i_o mean_v with_o the_o apostle_n a_o rest_n from_o sin_n for_o their_o endeavour_n will_v be_v but_o weak_a and_o languish_a their_o prayer_n cold_a and_o faint_a the_o act_n and_o instance_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v undertake_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o necessity_n not_o delight_n the_o whole_a progress_n of_o their_o christian_a warfare_n will_n like_o the_o drive_v of_o pharoahs_n chariot_n when_o the_o wheel_n be_v off_o beslow_v and_o uneasy_a they_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o frequent_v relapse_n their_o life_n will_v not_o be_v a_o firm_a peace_n but_o a_o unstedy_a truce_n with_o conscience_n and_o their_o death_n will_v be_v mix_v and_o chequer_a with_o jealousy_n distrust_n and_o faint_a hope_n like_o a_o sky_n spot_v with_o numerous_a cloud_n but_o if_o we_o arrive_v at_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o this_o precious_a faith_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o temptation_n preserve_v through_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n we_o shall_v be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v swell_v with_o vanity_n in_o prosperity_n or_o to_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o affliction_n we_o shall_v find_v all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n in_o one_o word_n we_o shall_v rejoice_v always_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o when_o our_o glass_n be_v run_v and_o our_o life_n spend_v we_o shall_v be_v translate_v to_o the_o blesed_a seat_n of_o perfection_n and_o peace_n 5._o for_o the_o obtain_n and_o improve_n and_o confirm_v of_o this_o holy_a faith_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o mere_a credulity_n or_o custom_n but_o that_o we_o serious_o weigh_v those_o two_o great_a witness_n our_o saviour_n appeal_v to_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o come_n from_o god_n his_o work_n and_o doctrine_n the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o holiness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o commission_n from_o above_o to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v the_o testimony_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o from_o heaven_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o glory_n and_o all_o those_o mighty_a work_n perform_v by_o his_o follower_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o be_v firm_o root_v and_o ground_v in_o faith_n through_o these_o argument_n be_v that_o which_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 2._o by_o frequent_a retirement_n and_o sosolemn_a and_o devout_a meditation_n to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o as_o intimate_o as_o we_o can_v with_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o draw_v the_o representation_n of_o they_o as_o lovely_a as_o may_v be_v and_o to_o dwell_v and_o gaze_v on_o the_o thing_n we_o believe_v till_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n have_v shed_v itself_o through_o the_o inferior_a soul_n warm_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o body_n itself_o seem_v to_o relish_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o most_o useful_a matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n will_v be_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o the_o god_n we_o worship_v i_o mean_v the_o glorious_a attribute_n mankind_n be_v most_o concern_v in_o his_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n his_o power_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o 2._o the_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n as_o the_o sole_a ground_n of_o inexpressible_a comfort_n as_o the_o most_o indear_v obligation_n to_o holiness_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o most_o lively_a instance_n of_o its_o reward_n 3._o we_o must_v add_v to_o both_o these_o mean_n incessant_a prayer_n offer_v up_o with_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o consider_v the_o darkness_n and_o indisposition_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o have_v altogether_o need_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o prayer_n o_o eternal_a god_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a gift_n enlighten_v my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v thy_o gospel_n set_v at_o liberty_n my_o will_n that_o i_o may_v approve_v and_o love_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n may_v engage_v i_o to_o love_n obey_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o give_v i_o such_o a_o lively_a sight_n and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o may_v raise_v i_o above_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o make_v i_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o so_o my_o life_n may_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n my_o latter_a end_n of_o peace_n my_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n of_o rest_n and_o my_o whole_a man_n in_o the_o resurrection_n full_a of_o delight_n and_o glory_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n section_n 2._o of_o love_n 1._o of_o god_n 2._o of_o our_o neighbour_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n love_n be_v not_o a_o meet_a approbation_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o also_o a_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n or_o heart_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n and_o therefore_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o warmth_n and_o passion_n for_o the_o world_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o
that_o its_o act_n be_v easy_a and_o delightful_a for_o habit_n be_v but_o another_o nature_n so_o holiness_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o new_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a when_o our_o grace_n be_v full_a of_o life_n and_o vigour_n when_o our_o sight_n be_v grow_v clear_a and_o our_o affection_n warm_a and_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o heaven_n than_o it_o be_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o anticipate_v our_o heaven_n by_o perform_v his_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n religion_n be_v at_o first_o employ_v in_o the_o unpleasant_a though_o wholesome_a severity_n of_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n and_o pull_v out_o right_o eye_n lust_n become_v so_o natural_a they_o be_v become_v our_o member_n but_o afterward_o have_v conquer_v the_o world_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o full_a of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o conversion_n as_o in_o the_o alteration_n of_o a_o old_a building_n we_o first_o demolish_v those_o part_n which_o be_v not_o uniform_a and_o beautiful_a and_o this_o present_v we_o with_o nothing_o but_o rubbish_n and_o ruin_n but_o afterward_o we_o raise_v up_o a_o orderly_a beautiful_a and_o lightsome_a building_n where_o we_o may_v solace_v and_o entertain_v ourselves_o 3._o a_o exalt_v holiness_n be_v not_o only_o delightsome_a in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o its_o grace_n but_o in_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o its_o action_n because_o such_o a_o man_n love_n of_o god_n be_v now_o so_o evident_a and_o manifest_a he_o have_v no_o long_a room_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o than_o what_o a_o ravish_a pleasure_n must_v it_o be_v to_o be_v able_a to_o survey_v all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o such_o which_o himself_o be_v a_o heir_n to_o who_o can_v with_o full_a assurance_n think_v himself_o just_a upon_o the_o confine_n of_o heaven_n within_o a_o moment_n of_o enter_v into_o joy_n without_o a_o very_a sensible_a transport_n 4._o it_o be_v entitle_v to_o great_a measure_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v though_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o future_a glory_n be_v above_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a life_n and_o though_o god_n may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o so_o that_o the_o chief_a saint_n can_v not_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o complain_v though_o the_o mean_a be_v equal_v with_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o will_v be_v order_n in_o another_o world_n and_o those_o star_n of_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n will_v differ_v in_o glory_n and_o this_o will_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o behaviour_n in_o this_o life_n he_o which_o sow_v spare_o shall_v reap_v spare_o and_o he_o which_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o 2_o cor._n 9.6_o be_v it_o not_o therefore_o high_o reasonable_a on_o this_o account_n that_o we_o shall_v aspire_v after_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n we_o can_v for_o who_o will_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v as_o happy_a and_o as_o glorious_a as_o he_o can_v it_o be_v now_o apparent_a that_o perfection_n be_v a_o duty_n propose_v to_o we_o upon_o very_o powerful_a and_o glorious_a motive_n for_o who_o that_o be_v wise_a will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o arrive_v at_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a security_n great_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o entitle_v to_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o state_n observe_v these_o few_o rule_n 1._o believe_v a_o holy_a just_a almighty_a god_n every_o where_o present_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v heb._n 4.13_o nay_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n if_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n and_o therefore_o walk_v not_o only_o as_o prepare_v to_o meet_v he_o but_o as_o already_o before_o he_o this_o will_v awe_v a_o wander_a spirit_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o fear_v and_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v awaken_v a_o decay_a affection_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o omit_v a_o duty_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o judge_v our_o action_n impartial_o and_o we_o shall_v neither_o impose_v upon_o our_o selus_fw-la by_o fondness_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o opinion_n sake_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v god_n for_o a_o judge_n and_o spectator_n i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a gen._n 17.2_o 2._o consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o life_n and_o death_n the_o suffering_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n for_o his_o life_n will_v convince_v you_o how_o lovely_a and_o pleasant_a virtue_n be_v although_o it_o seem_v to_o the_o world_n foolish_a contemptible_a and_o painful_a his_o death_n will_v inform_v you_o what_o obligation_n you_o lie_v under_o to_o holiness_n for_o will_v you_o not_o love_n and_o obey_v that_o saviour_n who_o have_v redeem_v you_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o be_v you_o not_o sensible_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v strange_o in_o love_n with_o holiness_n since_o he_o do_v propagate_v it_o by_o such_o a_o method_n his_o crown_n and_o his_o kingdom_n will_v breathe_v fresh_a life_n and_o spirit_n into_o your_o affection_n this_o be_v the_o motive_n which_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 12._o make_v use_n of_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_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 to_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 upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n be_v ground_v that_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 3._o each_o morning_n endeavour_n to_o foresee_v what_o temptation_n you_o be_v to_o encounter_v that_o day_n and_o summon_v up_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n against_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n survey_v each_o part_n of_o the_o fort_n and_o have_v discover_v which_o be_v the_o weak_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o most_o approachable_a secure_v it_o by_o a_o strong_a guard_n by_o argument_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o diligent_a watch_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n harsh_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o weigh_v well_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o own_o resolution_n whether_o you_o be_v able_a to_o engage_v so_o powerful_a a_o enemy_n as_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n when_o luk._n 14.26_o 27._o he_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n they_o must_v bear_v his_o cross_n exhort_v they_o to_o consider_v beforehand_o their_o engagement_n and_o to_o see_v that_o their_o preparation_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n by_o the_o example_n of_o a_o builder_n who_o first_o sit_v down_o to_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v his_o intend_a building_n and_o of_o a_o king_n who_o go_v to_o war_n with_o another_o king_n do_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v whether_o he_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o meet_v he_o and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v this_o commit_v yourself_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o then_o march_v forth_o out_o of_o your_o chamber_n into_o the_o world_n like_o a_o soldier_n out_o of_o his_o camp_n into_o the_o field_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o each_o evening_n look_v over_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o day_n and_o see_v how_o you_o have_v behave_v yourself_o what_o victory_n you_o have_v gain_v what_o ground_n you_o have_v get_v what_o grace_n be_v most_o faint_a and_o sickly_a etc._n etc._n and_o always_o close_a this_o exercise_n with_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thy_o life_n how_o fast_o it_o steal_v away_o into_o eternity_n enter_v in_o fancy_n into_o the_o
dark_a chamber_n and_o mark_v how_o thou_o must_v lie_v in_o thy_o bed_n of_o sickness_n and_o of_o death_n consider_v how_o all_o thy_o hope_n and_o comfort_n all_o thy_o design_n and_o purpose_n as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v this_o world_n must_v vanish_v like_o a_o dream_n and_o think_v what_o need_n thou_o will_v then_o stand_v in_o of_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o comfort_n which_o reason_n and_o religion_n the_o ministry_n and_o prayer_n of_o thy_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o friend_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n can_v furnish_v thou_o with_o then_o thou_o will_v need_v a_o strong_a faith_n and_o a_o vigorous_a love_n and_o a_o entire_a humility_n to_o enable_v thou_o to_o bear_v thy_o agony_n patient_o and_o part_n with_o the_o world_n cheerful_o and_o meet_v thy_o god_n compos'd_o 4._o do_v not_o indulge_v thyself_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o utmost_a liberty_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o innocence_n vice_n border_n very_o close_o upon_o virtue_n he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v burn_v must_v not_o approach_v so_o nigh_o the_o fire_n as_o to_o be_v singe_v beside_o such_o freedom_n do_v insensible_o instill_v sensuality_n into_o the_o soul_n at_o leastwise_o if_o so_o thick_a a_o air_n do_v not_o sully_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v too_o gross_a and_o mix_v to_o whiten_v and_o clear_v it_o 5._o catch_v at_o every_o opportunity_n of_o a_o holy_a discourse_n and_o learn_v to_o raise_v from_o every_o thing_n a_o heavenly_a thought_n and_o to_o manage_v every_o accident_n to_o some_o spiritual_a purpose_n embrace_v all_o example_n of_o a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o search_v after_o all_o occasion_n of_o do_v good_a decline_v by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o prudence_n and_o religion_n what_o ever_o either_o company_n or_o discourse_n whatever_o either_o sight_n or_o entertainment_n may_v soften_v thy_o temper_n thaw_v thy_o resolution_n discompose_v thy_o calm_n or_o allay_v thy_o heavenly_a mindedness_n or_o endear_v the_o world_n to_o thou_o sin_n steal_v in_o through_o the_o eye_n or_o ear_n etc._n etc._n dress_v up_o in_o beauty_n mirth_n luxury_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o wound_n whilst_o it_o delight_v and_o it_o stain_v where_o it_o touch_v and_o it_o captive_n what_o it_o once_o possess_v 6._o be_v sure_a that_o thy_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o substantial_a and_o weighty_a thing_n not_o fanciful_a and_o conceit_a for_o example_n 1._o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o know_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v the_o riches_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o do_v not_o misspend_v thy_o time_n nor_o weary_a and_o disturb_v thy_o soul_n with_o curiosity_n and_o vain_a dispute_n which_o usual_o grow_v out_o of_o interest_n and_o pride_n or_o a_o impertinent_a and_o trifle_a spirit_n 2._o as_o to_o practice_n let_v thy_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o fundamental_a duty_n not_o conceit_n or_o will_v worship_v of_o charity_n and_o humility_n obedience_n mortification_n and_o purity_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o to_o keep_v one_o self_n unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n religion_n be_v not_o a_o devout_a whimsy_n a_o sullen_a austerity_n or_o a_o blind_a and_o giddy_a passion_n but_o all_o that_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a god_n guide_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o in_o the_o path_n of_o holiness_n i_o be_o the_o purchase_n of_o thy_o son_n blood_n i_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o thy_o glorious_a gospel_n and_o receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o thy_o love_n thy_o holy_a spirit_n o_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v not_o receive_v thy_o grace_n in_o vain_a that_o i_o may_v not_o suffer_v wreck_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o haven_n but_o assist_v i_o by_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n mortify_v each_o day_n more_o and_o more_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o grow_v in_o all_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v praise_v worthy_a that_o so_o the_o near_o i_o approach_v eternity_n the_o fit_a for_o it_o i_o may_v be_v that_o my_o state_n here_o be_v a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n each_o day_n may_v give_v fresh_a vigour_n to_o my_o devotion_n so_o that_o i_o may_v not_o faint_a till_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o master_n and_o receive_v a_o crown_n amen_n amen_n holy_a jesus_n i_o have_v consider_v 1._o our_o obligation_n to_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o life_n nor_o that_o to_o come_v without_o it_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v as_o it_o regard_v either_o belief_n or_o practice_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a philosophy_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o systeme_n of_o most_o exalt_a holiness_n such_o as_o may_v become_v man_n who_o be_v design_v for_o another_o life_n it_o remain_v now_o 3._o to_o consider_v by_o what_o powerful_a motive_n the_o gospel_n engage_v we_o to_o duty_n which_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o natural_a state_n and_o strength_n practical_a christianity_n part_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v to_o holiness_n the_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n oblige_v we_o to_o holiness_n be_v 1._o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o vice_n in_o another_o world_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 3._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n 5._o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o vice_n 6._o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o 7._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o leave_v a_o place_n for_o repentance_n 1._o of_o the_o first_o motive_n upon_o what_o account_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o how_o death_n be_v abolish_v and_o how_o life_n and_o immortality_n may_v be_v attain_v 2_o that_o it_o have_v manifest_v this_o to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o 3._o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v in_o full_a and_o clear_a word_n lay_v down_o in_o almost_o every_o page_n of_o it_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a mat._n 25._o and_o ro._n 2.5_o there_o be_v a_o day_n mention_v which_o be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n because_o he_o will_v then_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a but_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a this_o be_v so_o to_o sin_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o silly_a and_o weak_a a_o thing_n no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o for_o can_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o such_o a_o choice_n as_o this_o whether_o he_o will_v live_v eternal_o or_o die_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o or_o for_o a_o moment_n upon_o supposal_n that_o sin_n can_v make_v i_o live_v one_o happy_a moment_n it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o another_o life_n no_o account_n to_o be_v take_v in_o another_o world_n the_o case_n will_v be_v much_o alter_v for_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v i_o humble_o conceive_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n or_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o business_n of_o reason_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n at_o least_o only_o to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n our_o reason_n will_v talk_v to_o we_o at_o another_o rate_n because_o it_o will_v proceed_v by_o different_a principle_n good_a and_o evil_n will_v then_o peradventure_o be_v different_a thing_n for_o whatever_o will_v make_v for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n of_o
implant_v in_o the_o heart_n have_v to_o these_o it_o be_v call_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o the_o worship_n shall_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o god_n it_o be_v pay_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o holiness_n be_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o else_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v derive_v at_o least_o primary_o from_o the_o conveniency_n or_o inconvenieney_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o in_o this_o present_a life_n but_o from_o a_o tendency_n to_o imprint_v or_o efface_v this_o divine_a image_n in_o we_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o our_o duty_n thus_o because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n because_o he_o be_v pure_a therefore_o they_o must_v purify_v themselves_o who_o approach_v he_o because_o he_o be_v holy_a therefore_o his_o worshipper_n must_v be_v holy_a too_o and_o because_o he_o be_v love_n therefore_o they_o who_o abide_v in_o he_o must_v abide_v in_o love_n all_o his_o child_n must_v imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a from_o hence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discover_v why_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n have_v such_o a_o everlasting_a quarrel_n against_o sin_n and_o why_o he_o delight_v so_o much_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n sin_n embase_v the_o man_n and_o deprave_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o he_o into_o a_o sensual_a natural_a man_n and_o set_v he_o at_o the_o far_a distance_n from_o and_o contradiction_n to_o god_n but_o holiness_n be_v a_o reflection_n of_o his_o own_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o exalt_v man_n into_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n and_o sin_n how_o the_o one_o be_v so_o lovely_a and_o the_o other_o so_o ugly_a how_o the_o one_o be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o the_o other_o so_o advantageous_a 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o serve_v god_n there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o reason_n for_o service_n either_o 1._o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o person_n we_o serve_v and_o then_o our_o service_n be_v either_o duty_n or_o gratitude_n or_o else_o 2._o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o shall_v find_v all_o these_o obligation_n to_o his_o service_n if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o that_o principle_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v act._n 17.28_o or_o as_o one_o who_o do_v we_o good_a give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n act._n 14.17_o what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v thankful_a to_o he_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o further_o as_o redeem_v we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n instruct_v we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n assist_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o adopt_v we_o into_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o incorruptible_a crown_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o we_o shall_v devote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n and_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o a_o holy_a live_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o creator_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o we_o his_o creature_n shall_v obey_v his_o law_n if_o we_o have_v regard_n to_o our_o own_o interest_n all_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o future_a hope_n depend_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o be_v protect_v by_o infinite_a power_n to_o be_v blessed_v by_o he_o who_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o can_v make_v we_o as_o happy_a as_o he_o please_v be_v thing_n which_o a_o wise_a love_n of_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o earnest_o desire_v as_o for_o pleasure_n beside_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o the_o persuasion_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o his_o service_n and_o beside_o the_o peace_n and_o true_a freedom_n which_o devotion_n gain_v we_o there_o be_v a_o strange_a pleasure_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a be_v in_o who_o be_v unite_v all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n take_v with_o a_o rational_a and_o immortal_a soul_n 3._o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v confirm_v we_o in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o vice_n for_o whilst_o it_o discover_v sin_n so_o exceed_v hateful_a not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o contradiction_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o also_o its_o base_a ingratitude_n and_o folly_n and_o discover_v the_o excellency_n and_o loveliness_n of_o holiness_n it_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n manifest_a the_o reason_n why_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n do_v encourage_v the_o one_o by_o such_o glorious_a promise_n and_o deter_v we_o from_o the_o other_o by_o such_o amaze_a threat_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v he_o in_o himself_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n make_v he_o love_v goodness_n and_o hate_v vice_n and_o how_o contemptible_a be_v either_o his_o love_n or_o hate_n if_o happiness_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o one_o and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o or_o if_o you_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o majesty_n to_o suffer_v the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n without_o punish_v the_o bold_a offender_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o further_o necessary_a to_o work_v this_o persuasion_n in_o we_o but_o that_o 1._o we_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o our_o good_a nor_o evil_a action_n can_v be_v conceal_v from_o he_o and_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v arm_v with_o sufficient_a power_n to_o bless_v and_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o avenge_v himself_o of_o the_o sinner_n and_o both_o these_o truth_n we_o learn_v from_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o infinite_a power_n both_o which_o we_o be_v abundant_o teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o belong_v to_o god_n god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n fear_v not_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o rather_o fear_v he_o which_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n mat._n 10.28_o and_o this_o god_n thus_o know_v and_o thus_o powerful_a without_o any_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n 1_o pet._n 1.17_o all_o this_o now_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o that_o the_o one_o be_v most_o lovely_a the_o other_o most_o loathsome_a to_o god_n therefore_o the_o one_o be_v most_o fatal_a and_o the_o other_o most_o beneficial_a to_o its_o votary_n for_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_o glorious_a be_v who_o be_v most_o deep_o concern_v and_o every_o way_n able_a to_o pour_v forth_o blessing_n on_o the_o righteous_a and_o vengeance_n on_o the_o sinner_n the_o prayer_n o_o glorious_a god_n let_v my_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o nature_n teach_v i_o to_o deny_v all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o thou_o be_v holy_a let_v thy_o goodness_n make_v i_o love_v thou_o and_o thy_o power_n and_o justice_n make_v i_o fear_v thou_o and_o let_v both_o wing_n my_o devotion_n and_o clog_n and_o damp_n my_o lust_n let_v thy_o truth_n and_o thy_o power_n beget_v in_o i_o a_o perfect_a affiance_n in_o thou_o let_v thy_o wisdom_n and_o thy_o love_n persuade_v i_o to_o submit_v quiet_o to_o thy_o will_n that_o i_o may_v walk_v before_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o be_v perfect_a and_o so_o may_v enter_v into_o thy_o joy_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sect_n iii_o of_o the_o three_o motive_n to_o holiness_n i.e._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o his_o life_n his_o death_n or_o glory_n begin_v in_o his_o resurrection_n the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o strong_a engagement_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o determent_n from_o vice_n 1._o in_o his_o life_n and_o here_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o doctrine_n or_o example_n both_o which_o conspire_v in_o this_o one_o aim_n to_o implant_v holiness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o root_v out_o sin_n for_o look_v upon_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o
fatal_a nature_n of_o sin_n the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n purify_v the_o flesh_n indeed_o but_o to_o purge_v the_o conscience_n another_o kind_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v needful_a even_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o can_v easy_o read_v in_o these_o suffering_n of_o my_o saviour_n that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o sin_n be_v not_o grow_v less_o ugly_a or_o less_o hateful_a to_o god_n since_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n before_o the_o strength_n of_o i._n e._n that_o which_o give_v the_o fatality_n to_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o now_o much_o more_o the_o gospel_n i_o mean_v not_o as_o the_o one_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o other_o be_v of_o grace_n but_o as_o the_o one_o i_o e._n the_o law_n have_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n stamp_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o each_o transgression_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o divine_a glory_n this_o other_o i_o e._n the_o gospel_n arm_n its_o law_n with_o a_o double_a obligation_n of_o infinite_a glory_n and_o inexpressible_a goodness_n so_o that_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v exceed_o enhance_v the_o guilt_n and_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o make_v sin_n become_v exceed_o sinful_a for_o 2._o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n thus_o for_o our_o sake_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n be_v a_o act_n of_o such_o amaze_a love_n as_o shall_v transport_v we_o into_o a_o cheerful_a and_o ready_a obedience_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v constrain_v we_o to_o live_v not_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o bitter_a passion_n for_o our_o sake_n shall_v beget_v in_o we_o no_o tenderness_n nor_o affection_n towards_o he_o at_o all_o be_v unnatural_a and_o unpardonable_a or_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o and_o not_o obey_v he_o be_v as_o unnatural_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o love_v he_o that_o we_o shall_v hate_v and_o persecute_v he_o be_v a_o baseness_n i_o want_v word_n to_o express_v and_o yet_o not_o only_a apostasy_n but_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n do_v crucify_v he_o afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n for_o whoever_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n be_v so_o to_o he_o too_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o his_o death_n as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o god_n than_o we_o learn_v from_o it_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o part_v with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o truth_n we_o profess_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o we_o as_o obedience_n to_o god_n we_o learn_v the_o great_a lesson_n of_o mortification_n call_v in_o scripture_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o make_v conformable_a to_o his_o death_n in_o the_o subdue_a all_o our_o carnal_a affection_n it_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v expect_v a_o entrance_n into_o glory_n by_o any_o other_o path_n than_o that_o of_o suffer_v and_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o share_n in_o the_o resurrection_n to_o glory_n if_o we_o do_v not_o first_o die_v with_o he_o 3._o his_o glory_n be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o our_o saviour_n history_n which_o be_v a_o powerful_a inducement_n to_o holiness_n this_o begin_v in_o his_o resurrection_n now_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o very_a clear_a proof_n of_o our_o resurrection_n as_o s._n paul_n argue_v 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o so_o the_o great_a argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n i.e._n a_o resurrection_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o mankind_n leave_v no_o excuse_n for_o sin_n the_o wicked_a can_v flatter_v their_o conscience_n into_o confidence_n by_o deny_v it_o nor_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o good_a man_n droop_v and_o languish_v through_o doubt_v of_o it_o no_o if_o christ_n be_v rise_v then_o there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o raise_v he_o will_v raise_v we_o too_o at_o his_o come_n and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v well_o shall_v enter_v into_o that_o glory_n which_o christ_n now_o enjoy_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n unto_o death_n phil._n 2._o and_o all_o who_o imitate_v his_o life_n shall_v in_o their_o several_a degree_n and_o proportion_n partake_v of_o a_o reward_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o we_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v sit_v with_o he_o in_o his_o throne_n and_o sure_o this_o example_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o goodness_n can_v but_o commit_v a_o kind_n of_o please_a violence_n upon_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o transport_v he_o above_o temptation_n this_o be_v that_o prospect_n which_o ravish_v the_o first_o martyr_n into_o a_o ecstasy_n though_o on_o the_o brink_n of_o danger_n and_o death_n act._n 7.56_o behold_v i_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o can_v often_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n and_o fasten_v they_o upon_o this_o please_a sight_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o raise_v we_o above_o this_o present_a world_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v discourage_v at_o the_o poverty_n or_o reproach_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n at_o the_o pain_n or_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o death_n if_o we_o do_v but_o often_o contemplate_v the_o peace_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n which_o now_o crown_v his_o conquest_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o a_o life_n lead_v in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o sacrament_n and_o a_o abstinence_n from_o sensual_a pleasure_n do_v not_o appear_v very_o gaudy_a or_o take_v to_o a_o carnal_a man_n but_o if_o the_o same_o man_n can_v but_o behold_v one_o who_o have_v live_v thus_o translate_v into_o heaven_n how_o will_v he_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o how_o devout_a and_o holy_a how_o pure_a and_o mortify_v will_v be_v his_o life_n afterward_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disciple_n who_o see_v our_o saviour_n carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n that_o they_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o great_a joy_n and_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n praise_v and_o blessing_n god_n a_o clear_a proof_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o painfulness_n in_o the_o industry_n and_o fervency_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n if_o we_o do_v often_o reflect_v upon_o the_o joy_n such_o a_o life_n prepare_v we_o for_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o harsh_a unpleasant_a or_o dishonourable_a in_o the_o modesty_n and_o mortification_n of_o a_o christian_a state_n if_o we_o do_v but_o look_v forward_o to_o the_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n it_o do_v gain_v for_o we_o who_o that_o have_v see_v our_o bless_a lord_n receive_v up_o with_o glory_n into_o heaven_n will_v not_o have_v wish_v it_o have_v be_v his_o turn_n too_o that_o he_o have_v live_v and_o die_v suffer_v and_o conquer_v with_o he_o and_o have_v be_v to_o ascend_v with_o he_o out_o of_o a_o troublesome_a sinful_a world_n with_o joy_n and_o triumph_v into_o heaven_n and_o thus_o now_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o every_o part_n of_o our_o saviour_n history_n be_v full_a of_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o holiness_n that_o all_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o implant_v goodness_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o a_o design_n carry_v on_o by_o god_n in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o strange_o dear_a to_o he_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o if_o we_o through_o our_o obstinacy_n and_o unnatural_a disobedience_n defeat_v this_o design_n we_o can_v ever_o escape_v utter_a damnation_n a_o damnation_n more_o unsufferable_a than_o that_o of_o sinful_a heathen_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o prayer_n o_o bless_a and_o holy_a jesus_n grant_v i_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n that_o i_o may_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o instruction_n of_o thy_o doctrine_n and_o thy_o life_n and_o may_v not_o only_o know_v but_o do_v thy_o will_n when_o i_o look_v up_o on_o thy_o crucify_a body_n on_o the_o cross_n may_v i_o tremble_v at_o the_o guilt_n and_o weight_n of_o my_o sin_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o bloody_a a_o sacrifice_n and_o may_v thy_o bitter_a agony_n for_o i_o melt_v i_o into_o love_n and_o passion_n for_o thou_o and_o this_o love_n constrain_v i_o to_o obey_v thou_o o_o may_v i_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o my_o pleasure_n to_o thy_o command_n who_o have_v lay_v down_o thy_o life_n for_o i_o and_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o thy_o death_n than_o i_o may_v look_v up_o with_o pleasure_n on_o thy_o glory_n and_o lord_n grant_v that_o the_o hope_n of_o partake_v in_o it_o may_v make_v i_o purify_v myself_o and_o walk_v as_o
and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v abhor_v those_o sin_n which_o efface_v thy_o image_n and_o debase_v my_o nature_n which_o render_v i_o a_o burden_n to_o myself_o the_o hate_n of_o god_n and_o scorn_v of_o man_n which_o make_v i_o unhappy_a here_o and_o miserable_a hereafter_o grant_v this_o i_o beseech_v thou_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n amen_n sect_n vi_o contain_v the_o six_o motive_n to_o holiness_n the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o practical_a nature_n it_o will_v behoove_v i_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o dispute_n about_o the_o strength_n of_o lapse_v nature_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n i_o may_v in_o short_a affirm_v that_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o the_o birth_n sometime_o the_o growth_n sometime_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n assign_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o all_o which_o do_v not_o yet_o discharge_v man_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o exert_v all_o the_o strength_n and_o endeavour_n that_o he_o can_v for_o by_o those_o frequent_a exhortation_n address_v to_o man_n we_o may_v just_o infer_v some_o ability_n suppose_v in_o he_o and_o by_o the_o frequent_a promise_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o infer_v a_o impotence_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o relief_n and_o from_o altogether_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o dispense_v as_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n our_o bless_a saviour_n after_o he_o have_v deliver_v upon_o the_o mount_n a_o system_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a precept_n of_o devotion_n and_o purity_n mortification_n and_o charity_n as_o if_o he_o have_v foresee_v that_o his_o hearer_n will_v be_v dazzle_v by_o the_o brightness_n of_o this_o divine_a image_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o pattern_n as_o too_o high_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o humane_a nature_n do_v close_o the_o discourse_n first_o with_o a_o assurance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o with_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o real_a and_o actual_a conformity_n of_o our_o life_n to_o those_o holy_a precept_n matth_n 7._o v._o 7._o etc._n etc._n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v findeth_z and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v where_o our_o endeavour_n and_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v join_v together_o as_o be_v both_o necessary_a towards_o the_o great_a work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o 9_o 10_o 11._o verse_n he_o go_v on_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o promise_n from_o the_o example_n of_o natural_a parent_n who_o though_o evil_a have_v that_o natural_a affection_n for_o their_o child_n that_o if_o a_o son_n ask_v bread_n they_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n they_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o scorpion_n much_o more_o be_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o refuse_v man_n that_o assistance_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o holiness_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o paternity_n to_o deny_v his_o crave_v child_n that_o which_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o their_o spiritual_a life_n as_o food_n be_v to_o their_o natural_a if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o appear_v from_o parallel_a place_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o this_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o he_o conclude_v all_o with_o aver_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o all_o those_o excellent_a precept_n from_o verse_n 13._o to_o the_o end_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v man_n quarrel_v at_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n fit_a for_o angel_n rather_o than_o man_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o complain_v of_o the_o prevail_a passion_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o of_o the_o soft_a insinuation_n of_o a_o flatter_a world_n our_o ability_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o exalt_v virtue_n have_v allot_v we_o a_o assistance_n suitable_a to_o so_o glorious_a a_o end_n so_o that_o these_o complaint_n be_v not_o the_o groan_n of_o a_o penitent_a but_o the_o excuse_n of_o a_o fond_a and_o carnal_a mind_n all_o this_o certain_o amount_v to_o a_o very_a clear_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o real_a and_o inherent_a holiness_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o call_v down_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o man_n if_o either_o there_o be_v no_o need_n or_o no_o use_n of_o such_o a_o holiness_n which_o he_o be_v the_o divine_a principle_n of_o or_o if_o this_o holiness_n be_v so_o impure_a and_o imperfect_a that_o it_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o which_o way_n now_o shall_v the_o impenitent_a sinner_n escape_v divine_a justice_n what_o excuse_v can_v he_o frame_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o impiety_n he_o sin_n and_o die_v not_o because_o he_o can_v do_v otherwise_o but_o because_o he_o will_v do_v so_o he_o perish_v not_o through_o impotence_n but_o obstinacy_n and_o what_o punishment_n think_v we_o can_v sufficient_o avenge_v a_o contempt_n of_o or_o despite_n do_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o gentile_a be_v unexcusable_a because_o he_o do_v not_o obey_v those_o law_n which_o his_o conscience_n do_v dictate_v to_o he_o though_o the_o character_n they_o be_v publish_v in_o be_v dark_a the_o motive_n to_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o obedience_n weak_a and_o feeble_a at_o least_o comparative_o what_o tribulation_n and_o wrath_n and_o anguish_n than_o will_v punish_v our_o disobedience_n who_o have_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n open_o publish_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o enforce_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n by_o glorious_a promise_n and_o dreadful_a threat_n but_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n promise_v to_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n to_o enfranchise_v and_o strengthen_v our_o will_n to_o imprint_v the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o more_o sensible_a character_n on_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v expect_v that_o our_o tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v will_v be_v proportion_v to_o our_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o and_o the_o anger_n of_o almighty_a wrath_n will_v boil_v to_o a_o heat_n answerable_a to_o that_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n we_o have_v despise_v the_o prayer_n o_o my_o god_n how_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o i_o shall_v obey_v thou_o since_o thou_o command_v i_o nothing_o but_o what_o thou_o give_v i_o strength_n to_o perform_v i_o feel_v the_o weakness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n but_o this_o shall_v never_o discourage_v i_o through_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o spirit_n i_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o conquer_v it_o must_v be_v a_o weakness_n indeed_o which_o omnipotence_n can_v relieve_v it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a assault_n make_v by_o the_o world_n which_o can_v storm_v that_o fort_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o almighty_a defend_v and_o that_o law_n must_v be_v more_o than_o seraphic_a which_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o imitation_n of_o a_o soul_n inspire_v and_o actuate_v by_o thou_o no_o no_o if_o thou_o vouchsafe_v but_o one_o ray_n of_o thy_o infinite_a power_n i_o shall_v soon_o subdue_v the_o world_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n i_o shall_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o please_v thou_o here_o and_o i_o shall_v obtain_v everlasting_a life_n afterward_o which_o grant_v for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n and_o thy_o son_n christ_n jesus_n sake_n amen_n sect_n vii_o of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v do_v this_o and_o live_v life_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o unerring_a obedience_n and_o death_n the_o punishment_n of_o every_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n none_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v justify_v but_o he_o who_o have_v no_o sin_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o and_o therefore_o since_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o man_n but_o christ_n righteousness_n can_v not_o be_v by_o the_o law_n but_o now_o the_o
covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v believe_v and_o repent_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v our_o sin_n can_v exclude_v we_o from_o heaven_n if_o we_o forsake_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o die_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o every_o one_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o may_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n which_o mercy_n extend_v itself_o not_o only_o to_o the_o sin_n which_o precede_v conversion_n 76._o p._n 76._o but_o to_o those_o also_o which_o follow_v it_o as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v now_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o overture_n of_o pardon_n incourage_v we_o to_o repentance_n 2._o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o love_v and_o obey_v bim_n despair_n clip_v the_o wing_n and_o cramp_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o man_n will_v be_v good_a if_o he_o know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o be_v so_o for_o why_o shall_v he_o deny_v his_o sensual_a satisfaction_n if_o he_o can_v expect_v no_o fruit_n of_o his_o mortification_n but_o when_o the_o almighty_a make_v a_o tender_a of_o mercy_n and_o invite_v the_o sinner_n to_o be_v reconcile_v what_o will_v not_o he_o do_v who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o favour_n or_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o his_o anger_n that_o he_o may_v avoid_v the_o one_o and_o gain_v the_o other_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o wound_a conscience_n be_v a_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o bear_v and_o who_o will_v not_o rid_v himself_o of_o it_o and_o possess_v his_o soul_n of_o a_o entire_a peace_n when_o he_o see_v that_o he_o may_v who_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v all_o his_o life_n in_o bondage_n who_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o will_v feed_v the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o a_o approach_a death_n in_o his_o bosom_n who_o may_v extinguish_v and_o dispel_v they_o if_o he_o will_v salvation_n be_v not_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o matter_n but_o that_o every_o one_o make_v this_o natural_o his_o enquiry_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o when_o to_o do_v one_o best_o be_v to_o do_v all_o and_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n be_v to_o atone_v they_o in_o the_o acceptance_n of_o god_n who_o will_v slight_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o heaven_n tender_v upon_o these_o term_n o_o my_o saviour_n thou_o have_v indeed_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n thou_o have_v free_v i_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o thou_o have_v open_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o reconciliation_n and_o heaven_n through_o thy_o body_n upon_o the_o cross_n without_o this_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n justice_n will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o hope_n which_o i_o can_v have_v derive_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o i_o can_v never_o without_o a_o affront_n to_o his_o holiness_n have_v flatter_v myself_o from_o his_o clemency_n into_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o those_o numerous_a sin_n i_o have_v commit_v against_o my_o conscience_n for_o ever_o bless_v be_v thy_o name_n that_o thou_o have_v take_v the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o my_o sin_n upon_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v suffer_v that_o i_o may_v be_v justify_v through_o thy_o blood_n i_o will_v no_o long_o deliberate_v whether_o i_o shall_v ease_v i_o of_o my_o sin_n and_o guilt_n whether_o i_o shall_v be_v happy_a or_o no_o i_o come_v i_o come_v bless_a lord_n i_o renounce_v all_o the_o sin_n and_o vanity_n of_o my_o former_a life_n and_o desire_v to_o devote_v myself_o a_o holy_a live_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o any_o long_a sin_n against_o so_o much_o love_n and_o goodness_n when_o i_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o give_v manifest_a affront_n to_o that_o glorious_a be_v who_o create_v and_o do_v preserve_v i_o when_o i_o have_v trample_v upon_o all_o his_o obligation_n and_o abuse_v all_o his_o mercy_n into_o wantonness_n without_o any_o temptation_n to_o it_o beside_o the_o baseness_n of_o my_o own_o nature_n i_o may_v have_v expect_v that_o a_o just_a wrath_n will_v have_v reveal_v itself_o in_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n in_o judgement_n and_o death_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o he_o continue_v the_o overture_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o court_v i_o with_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o indulgent_a father_n o_o my_o god_n thou_o have_v conquer_v i_o by_o thy_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a thou_o have_v take_v i_o by_o thy_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n i_o adore_v thy_o clemency_n and_o wisdom_n and_o be_o ashamed_a of_o the_o wildness_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o my_o own_o folly_n o_o pardon_v i_o and_o my_o mourning_n and_o revenge_n shall_v witness_v what_o resentment_n i_o have_v of_o thy_o sweetness_n and_o tenderness_n i_o will_v serve_v and_o love_v thou_o much_o because_o thou_o have_v forgive_v i_o much_o farewell_o my_o sloth_n and_o ease_n i_o have_v devote_v myself_o to_o my_o great_a creator_n and_o i_o must_v redeem_v the_o time_n that_o i_o have_v spend_v amiss_o farewell_o my_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o my_o vain_a diversion_n i_o will_v no_o long_o indulge_v that_o body_n which_o have_v betray_v my_o god_n which_o have_v make_v i_o a_o rebel_n against_o a_o gracious_a father_n farewell_o my_o ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a aim_n these_o be_v not_o the_o ornament_n which_o become_v a_o humble_a penitent_n these_o and_o such_o like_a resolution_n be_v i_o think_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n manifest_v in_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n no_o man_n can_v believe_v himself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o he_o must_v natural_o desire_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o those_o fear_n which_o accompany_v his_o guilt_n and_o to_o be_v secure_v of_o heaven_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n contend_v for_o conquest_n over_o we_o by_o love_n and_o goodness_n but_o he_o must_v blush_v at_o his_o ingratitude_n and_o melt_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o stupendous_a mercy_n the_o prayer_n o_o glorious_a ood_n grant_v that_o these_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o my_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o thy_o goodness_n may_v lead_v i_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o by_o the_o contempt_n of_o thy_o mercy_n treasure_n up_o to_o myself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n lord_n what_o shall_v make_v i_o backward_o if_o thou_o be_v forward_o to_o a_o reconciliation_n what_o shall_v make_v i_o refuse_v thy_o pardon_n when_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o bestow_v it_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o be_v save_v or_o can_v i_o be_v save_v in_o despite_n of_o god_n lord_n i_o can_v be_v so_o blind_a to_o think_v so_o grant_v i_o then_o the_o grace_n to_o repent_v to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n to_o mind_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o my_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o my_o eye_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n and_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o consider_v all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o main_a motive_n to_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n contain_v nothing_o be_v here_o want_v that_o can_v just_o beget_v our_o love_n or_o hate_n nothing_o want_v that_o can_v work_v upon_o our_o hope_n or_o fear_n nothing_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v which_o can_v invite_v or_o encourage_v we_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n of_o necessity_n and_o possibility_n of_o obligation_n and_o duty_n be_v here_o combine_v and_o twist_v to_o make_v the_o cord_n that_o shall_v draw_v we_o strong_a enough_o that_o one_o may_v just_o wonder_v how_o any_o man_n can_v resist_v the_o power_n of_o such_o argument_n and_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v damn_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v see_v what_o effect_n christianity_n have_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v as_o loose_v as_o heathen_n as_o covetous_a as_o jew_n and_o in_o a_o word_n as_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n as_o if_o neither_o life_n and_o immortality_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n nor_o there_o be_v any_o promise_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n it_o will_v become_v we_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o and_o to_o discover_v those_o temptation_n which_o detain_v man_n captive_a to_o sin_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v do_v to_o redeem_v they_o practical_a christianity_n part._n iii_o of_o temptation_n to_o sin_n the_o
a_o new_a and_o repeat_v engagement_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o a_o renunciation_n of_o those_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a fence_n and_o antidote_n against_o temptation_n for_o these_o fresh_a impression_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n the_o new_a strength_n of_o divine_a grace_n the_o vigour_n of_o a_o new_a and_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o obedience_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o glorious_a contempt_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o prayer_n and_o now_o o_o my_o god_n what_o shall_v make_v i_o so_o prodigal_o venturous_a of_o my_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o neglect_v the_o frequent_a use_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n have_v i_o not_o need_v frequent_o to_o examine_v myself_o be_v not_o thy_o grace_n apt_a to_o wither_v and_o decay_v unless_o thus_o water_v and_o refresh_v do_v not_o my_o converse_n with_o the_o world_n and_o my_o communication_n with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n render_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o renew_v my_o resolution_n against_o they_o as_o often_o as_o i_o can_v or_o be_v there_o not_o a_o holy_a delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o this_o that_o surpass_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sensual_a life_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sacrifice_n that_o my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v high_o please_v with_o and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v oblige_v he_o who_o die_v for_o i_o with_o this_o frequent_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n evidence_v in_o his_o death_n pardon_v i_o o_o my_o god_n that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o thou_o so_o senseless_a of_o my_o own_o welfare_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o will_v delight_v in_o this_o holy_a communion_n i_o will_v often_o offer_v up_o myself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o thou_o and_o profess_v my_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o there_o beg_v thy_o assistance_n and_o conduct_n through_o the_o difficult_a path_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o o_o my_o god_n accept_v thou_o of_o my_o address_n and_o praise_n through_o thy_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n amen_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o those_o three_o head_n i_o before_o mention_v and_o 1._o as_o a_o part_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n be_v our_o god_n a_o confession_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o our_o meanness_n be_v a_o solemn_a adoration_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o humiliation_n and_o of_o repentance_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o reliance_n upon_o he_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v what_o preparation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o extempore_o address_n be_v the_o most_o improper_a and_o the_o most_o unwelcome_a to_o god_n for_o these_o be_v at_o best_a but_o imagine_v to_o raise_v those_o passion_n or_o disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v presuppose_v in_o it_o beforehand_o to_o the_o render_n of_o our_o prayer_n acceptable_a for_o we_o draw_v near_o in_o prayer_n to_o offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n which_o we_o have_v prepare_v before_o and_o we_o may_v second_o conclude_v that_o what_o ever_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dispose_v and_o prepare_v the_o mind_n by_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o exert_v the_o act_n i_o name_v before_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o a_o soul_n which_o thus_o prepare_v and_o fix_v itself_o in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n dwell_v with_o a_o inward_a devotion_n upon_o those_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o praise_n humiliation_n and_o faith_n without_o express_v these_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o word_n i_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n do_v in_o s._n paul_n sense_n rom._n 8.26_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o in_o public_a those_o prayer_n be_v most_o spiritual_a which_o share_v most_o of_o this_o preparation_n 2._o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n it_o do_v exercise_v all_o our_o grace_n and_o refresh_v and_o improve_v they_o by_o exercise_v the_o breathe_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n assistant_n in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_v which_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a warfare_n and_o make_v they_o disrelish_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n last_o prayer_n have_v extraordinary_a promise_n annex_v to_o it_o of_o receive_v whatsoever_o we_o ask_v with_o faith_n mat._n 7.7_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o antidote_n against_o temptation_n for_o it_o possess_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a love_n and_o with_o a_o horror_n against_o sin_n whilst_o we_o enumerate_v his_o benefit_n and_o our_o sin_n with_o all_o their_o aggravate_v circumstance_n and_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o repeat_v those_o sin_n which_o he_o do_v just_a now_o bemoan_v and_o abhor_v renounce_v and_o resolve_v against_o before_o god_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v who_o come_v forth_o forewarn_v and_o arm_v to_o encounter_v a_o temptation_n last_o prayer_n convince_v a_o man_n of_o the_o loveliness_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o he_o find_v that_o his_o peace_n and_o reliance_n grow_v up_o or_o decay_v together_o with_o his_o virtue_n if_o i_o do_v pray_v earnest_o and_o often_o how_o humble_a how_o holy_a how_o heavenly_a and_o exalt_v will_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o what_o glorious_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o sin_n what_o a_o unquenchable_a thirst_n of_o holiness_n what_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n will_v my_o spirit_n be_v possess_v by_o and_o what_o a_o mighty_a influence_n will_v all_o this_o have_v upon_o my_o conversation_n how_o humble_o how_o wary_o how_o fervent_o shall_v i_o walk_v but_o when_o i_o do_v not_o pray_v often_o or_o with_o this_o care_n and_o preparation_n how_o lazy_a and_o careless_a be_v my_o life_n how_o dim_a and_o imperfect_a my_o conception_n how_o stat_fw-la and_o tasteless_a my_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n how_o do_v a_o worldly_a sensual_a temper_n grow_v and_o increase_v upon_o i_o and_o the_o divine_a life_n within_o droop_n and_o languish_v the_o prayer_n o_o therefore_o my_o god_n give_v i_o grace_n to_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n assist_v i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n to_o dress_v and_o prepare_v my_o soul_n for_o this_o more_o solemn_a approach_n to_o thou_o and_o than_o i_o shall_v experience_n this_o to_o be_v the_o high_a way_n of_o commerce_n with_o heaven_n i_o shall_v feel_v the_o wind_n blow_v upon_o the_o garden_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o spice_n flow_v forth_o i_o shall_v feel_v the_o spirit_n fan_v that_o spark_n of_o holy_a life_n it_o kindle_v into_o a_o flame_n and_o i_o shall_v feel_v myself_o transport_v and_o ascend_a up_o above_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o it_o o_o therefore_o grant_v i_o o_o my_o god_n thy_o holy_a spirit_n that_o i_o may_v pray_v with_o understanding_n and_o fervency_n with_o a_o prepare_v and_o a_o devout_a soul_n that_o my_o prayer_n may_v not_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o turn_v into_o sin_n but_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o a_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o guard_n against_o sin_n enable_v we_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v receive_v a_o everlasting_a crown_n and_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v something_o concern_v fast_v which_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o our_o saviour_n rule_n prescribe_v to_o it_o do_v plain_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o freewill_n offering_n and_o so_o dependent_a of_o various_a circumstance_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v be_v fix_v by_o particular_a rule_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o do_v on_o purpose_n omit_v speak_v to_o it_o when_o i_o have_v a_o fair_a offer_n under_o that_o head_n the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v temperance_n consider_v as_o a_o habit_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o now_o i_o will_v only_o consider_v it_o very_o brief_o 1._o who_o ever_o shall_v consider_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o devout_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o this_o body_n we_o be_v clothe_v
with_o or_o the_o frequent_a sin_n to_o which_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o have_v betray_v we_o will_v discern_v reason_n enough_o to_o invite_v he_o to_o this_o duty_n either_o in_o order_n to_o our_o mortification_n and_o our_o future_a security_n or_o as_o a_o act_n of_o affliction_n and_o revenge_n for_o our_o past_a fault_n therefore_o 2._o who_o ever_o total_o neglect_v this_o duty_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n it_o have_v upon_o either_o body_n or_o mind_n ought_v well_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o wanton_a and_o carnal_a mind_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o his_o body_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o degree_n of_o this_o duty_n otherwise_o he_o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o his_o capacity_n 3._o to_o fast_v must_v be_v join_v alm_n and_o prayer_n and_o vainglory_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o it_o without_o the_o former_a it_o be_v insignificant_a with_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o if_o any_o just_a reason_n disable_v any_o man_n to_o give_v alm_n or_o to_o devote_v the_o day_n entire_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n i_o can_v yet_o think_v but_o that_o fast_n may_v be_v use_v as_o a_o act_n of_o affliction_n provide_v it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a intention_n at_o least_o the_o prayer_n glorious_a god_n i_o see_v in_o what_o a_o world_n i_o live_v and_o what_o a_o body_n this_o soul_n of_o i_o do_v dwell_v in_o how_o little_a kindle_v those_o lust_n which_o blast_v the_o innocence_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o destroy_v my_o peace_n i_o remember_v how_o often_o i_o have_v behave_v myself_o unbeseeming_a a_o child_n of_o god_n only_o to_o gratify_v the_o inclination_n of_o a_o ungovernable_a body_n enable_n i_o therefore_o so_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v it_o that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v a_o entire_a peace_n and_o conquest_n so_o to_o humble_a and_o afflict_v it_o that_o my_o revenge_n may_v testify_v the_o sorrow_n i_o feel_v for_o my_o misdemeanour_n and_o accept_v thou_o my_o sorrow_n to_o the_o atonement_n of_o my_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n amen_n the_o conclusion_n i_o be_o now_o earnest_o to_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o a_o system_fw-la of_o most_o glorious_a delightful_a and_o important_a truth_n whether_o any_o principle_n can_v raise_v man_n to_o such_o a_o entire_a conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o himself_o whether_o holiness_n do_v not_o transform_v he_o into_o a_o great_a and_o a_o glorious_a thing_n whether_o any_o knowledge_n can_v create_v in_o he_o so_o perfect_a a_o peace_n and_o so_o undisturbed_a a_o joy_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beside_o religion_n can_v make_v a_o man_n spurn_v fawn_a pleasure_n and_o outbrave_v his_o fear_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v turn_v the_o world_n into_o so_o much_o paradise_n and_o secure_v our_o peace_n and_o interest_n on_o such_o unshaken_a bottom_n and_o lead_v on_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o a_o public_a or_o a_o private_a life_n in_o such_o a_o safe_a and_o pleasant_a method_n what_o then_o be_v thou_o fond_a of_o ruin_n or_o have_v damnation_n any_o charm_n in_o it_o that_o thou_o will_v still_o resolve_v to_o persevere_v in_o such_o a_o manifold_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o soul_n to_o be_v miserable_a here_o through_o those_o numerous_a lust_n which_o be_v the_o incessant_a torment_n of_o it_o and_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o abandon_v all_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n or_o do_v thou_o indeed_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o read_v these_o kind_n of_o arguing_n as_o only_o wise_a and_o politic_a harangue_n sure_o so_o much_o holiness_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n must_v needs_o witness_v its_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v but_o try_v thyself_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o thou_o will_v feel_v its_o divine_a principle_n in_o the_o life_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n can_v choose_v but_o indespight_n of_o inclination_n acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o confess_v that_o their_o vice_n be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o their_o choice_n but_o weakness_n bless_a god_n what_o account_v then_o will_v these_o man_n give_v of_o their_o disobedience_n at_o that_o day_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o render_v the_o vengeance_n to_o all_o who_o have_v not_o obey_v his_o gospel_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o prevalent_a motive_n make_v use_v of_o to_o endear_v holiness_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v offer_v they_o towards_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v well_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v as_o a_o perfect_a refutation_n of_o all_o such_o excuse_n so_o many_o million_o i_o hope_v of_o bless_a saint_n who_o though_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o encompass_v by_o the_o same_o temptation_n do_v yet_o conquer_v all_o and_o enter_v into_o life_n through_o the_o strait-gate_n but_o if_o this_o little_a treatise_n shall_v light_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o perfect_a atheist_n or_o at_o least_o of_o one_o who_o laugh_v at_o every_o particular_a sect_n of_o religion_n to_o such_o a_o one_o i_o address_v these_o last_o line_n and_o i_o beseech_v he_o to_o allow_v they_o so_o much_o consideration_n as_o he_o will_v to_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o concernment_n and_o importance_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n nature_n seem_v to_o dictate_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o forget_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a neither_o in_o life_n nor_o death_n and_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o rational_a creature_n be_v his_o peculiar_a offspring_n and_o more_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o and_o on_o this_o argument_n socrates_n in_o his_o apology_n found_v his_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n a_o argument_n much_o of_o a_o kin_n to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n now_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n at_o the_o smartness_n and_o clearness_n of_o which_o argue_v the_o people_n be_v astonish_v and_o if_o there_o be_v another_o life_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o proper_a quality_n to_o recommend_v and_o endear_v we_o to_o the_o god_n who_o preside_v in_o that_o other_o world_n for_o i_o can_v never_o fancy_v a_o brutish_a and_o irrational_a deity_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o a_o atheist_n can_v never_o possess_v his_o soul_n in_o any_o rest_n and_o peace_n and_o beside_o if_o there_o be_v none_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o religion_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o will_v make_v appear_v present_o can_v do_v no_o man_n any_o harm_n and_o what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o not_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a side_n in_o a_o mat-t_a of_o this_o dear_a concernment_n 2._o in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n in_o particular_a i_o beseech_v such_o a_o one_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o those_o miracle_n and_o proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n which_o the_o gospel_n relate_v be_v true_a and_o real_a than_o the_o matter_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n if_o they_o be_v not_o i_o will_v fain_o see_v some_o probable_a account_n how_o christianity_n can_v so_o general_o obtain_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n it_o be_v to_o encounter_n have_v neither_o interest_n nor_o pleasure_n nor_o force_n to_o countenance_v it_o against_o the_o establish_a superstition_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o age._n that_o it_o concern_v they_o of_o judea_n which_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n to_o have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o manifest_a account_n of_o the_o imposture_n and_o so_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o judaisme_n which_o be_v subvert_v by_o it_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o religious_a sect_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v quick_o swallow_v up_o into_o christianity_n that_o those_o early_a day_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a for_o a_o confutation_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o which_o christianity_n be_v bottom_v as_o be_v most_o near_o conjoin_v to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n action_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o be_v easy_o inform_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v which_o must_v needs_o suppose_v the_o world_n either_o monstruous_o ignorant_a or_o