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return_v they_o will_v make_v we_o these_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o reasonable_a to_o sacrifice_v fortune_n life_n every_o thing_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o public_a good_a demand_v it_o of_o we_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o heaven_n be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a good_a will_v make_v we_o easy_o surmount_v the_o consideration_n of_o expense_n difficulty_n or_o hazard_n in_o such_o attempt_v as_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v please_v he_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o compassionate_a to_o his_o evil_n and_o want_n tender_a to_o his_o infirmity_n and_o zealous_a of_o his_o good_a as_o of_o our_o own_o how_o happy_a then_o will_v these_o principle_n make_v the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o be_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v these_o and_o to_o discountenance_v and_o 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nature_n or_o moses_n but_o suppose_v it_o against_o the_o bold_a pretension_n of_o libertin_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n honour_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o mouth_n be_v a_o vain_a beast_n and_o the_o natural_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o over_o their_o own_o action_n to_o square_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v only_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o supplant_v the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a as_o arrogant_a alas_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o liberty_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o do_v they_o but_o once_o admit_v purity_n of_o heart_n into_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o discern_v what_o stranger_n they_o be_v to_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o body_n who_o reject_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n who_o either_o believe_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o much_o about_o we_o and_o how_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v selfish_a and_o sensual_a and_o dote_v upon_o this_o world_n who_o expect_v no_o better_o who_o believe_v no_o other_o take_v away_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o can_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o any_o action_n that_o shall_v cross_v his_o temporal_a interest_n or_o his_o pleasure_n what_o shall_v reward_v his_o espouse_v virtue_n when_o it_o have_v no_o dowry_n but_o loss_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n what_o shall_v curb_v he_o in_o the_o career_n of_o a_o lust_n when_o he_o may_v commit_v it_o not_o only_o with_o impunity_n but_o as_o the_o world_n sometime_o go_v with_o honour_n and_o preferment_n too_o though_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o these_o may_v possible_o restrain_v their_o outward_a action_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o the_o
proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n or_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n prescribe_v the_o method_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v sect_n i._o of_o perfection_n in_o general_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v it_o chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o perfection_n explain_v and_o assert_v from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n most_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n arise_v from_o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n of_o the_o matter_n under_o debate_n and_o so_o i_o can_v show_v it_o have_v happen_v here_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v mistake_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o contention_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o defeat_v the_o influence_n and_o success_n of_o practical_a discourse_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o begin_v here_o with_o a_o plain_a account_n what_o it_o be_v i_o mean_v by_o religious_a perfection_n religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o purify_n and_o refine_n nature_n by_o grace_n the_o raise_n and_o exalt_v our_o 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and_o pleasure_n which_o bespeak_v he_o a_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n a_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o raise_v above_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n this_o account_n of_o religious_a perfection_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o easy_a that_o i_o fancy_v no_o man_n will_v demand_v a_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o shall_v i_o go_v about_o one_o be_v it_o not_o to_o serve_v some_o further_a end_v then_o the_o mere_a confirmation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v manifest_o the_o countenance_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o how_o contradictory_n soever_o some_o ancient_n and_o latter_a scheme_n of_o perfection_n seem_v to_o be_v or_o real_o be_v to_o one_o another_o yet_o do_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o effect_n in_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o reason_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o a_o habit_n of_o virtue_n have_v much_o more_o of_o excellence_n and_o merit_n in_o it_o then_o single_a accidental_a act_n or_o uncertain_a fit_n and_o passion_n since_o a_o habit_n be_v not_o only_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o the_o noble_a action_n and_o the_o most_o elevate_a passion_n but_o it_o render_v we_o more_o regular_a and_o steady_a more_o uniform_a and_o constant_a in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a as_o to_o good_a natural_a disposition_n they_o have_v little_a of_o strength_n little_a of_o perfection_n in_o they_o till_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o improve_v into_o habit_n and_o for_o our_o natural_a faculty_n they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o capacity_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a they_o be_v undetermined_a to_o the_o one_o or_o other_o till_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o influence_v by_o moral_a principle_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o religious_a perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o prevent_v all_o impertinent_a scruple_n and_o cavil_n i_o add_v a_o confirm_a and_o well_o establish_v one._n that_o this_o be_v the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v manifest_a first_o from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n in_o scripture_n second_o from_o the_o character_n and_o description_n of_o the_o best_a and_o high_a state_n which_o any_o ever_o actual_o attain_v or_o to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v and_o exhort_v 1._o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n wherever_o we_o find_v any_o mention_n of_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o place_n well_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o more_o intend_v than_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n a_o unblameable_a and_o unreprovable_a life_n a_o state_n well_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n thus_o upright_o and_o perfect_a be_v use_v as_o term_n equivalent_a job_n 1._o and_o that_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_n and_o psalm_n 37.37_o mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a man_n for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n thus_o again_o when_o god_n exhort_v abraham_n to_o perfection_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a all_o that_o he_o exhort_v he_o to_o be_v a_o steady_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a fear_n of_o and_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o general_a use_n of_o this_o word_n perfect_a throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n namely_o to_o signify_v a_o sincere_a and_o just_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a and_o be_v well_o fix_a and_o establish_v in_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n perfection_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o it_o do_v in_o the_o old_a that_o be_v universal_a righteousness_n and_o strength_n and_o growth_n in_o it_o thus_o the_o perfect_a man_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o be_v one_o who_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o coll._n 4.12_o that_o epaphras_n labour_v fervent_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o collossian_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o jam._n 1.4_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v entire_a lack_v nothing_o i._n e._n one_o who_o have_v advance_v to_o a_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n through_o patience_n and_o experience_n and_o be_v fortify_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n love_n and_o hope_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n perfect_a st._n peter_n pray_v for_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o but_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n who_o call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o that_o you_o have_v suffer_v awhile_o make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o when_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o hebrew_n to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n heb._n 6._o he_o mean_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o that_o state_n of_o manhood_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o well_o settle_a habit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v plain_a first_o from_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o he_o himself_z more_o full_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n and_o we_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o do_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o you_o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n next_o from_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o 5_o chapter_n where_o we_o discern_v what_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o exhortation_n there_o distinguish_v christian_n into_o two_o class_n babe_n and_o strong_a man_n i._n e._n perfect_a and_o imperfect_a he_o describe_v both_o at_o large_a thus_o for_o when_o for_o the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v that_o one_o teach_v you_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n for_o every_o one_o that_o use_v milk_n be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n for_o he_o be_v a_o babe_n but_o strong_a meat_n belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n even_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o though_o here_o the_o apostle_n seem_v more_o immediate_o to_o regard_v the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o the_o perfection_n of_o righteousness_n must_v never_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v separate_v from_o it_o much_o the_o same_o remark_n must_v i_o add_v concern_v the_o integrity_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o christian_n progress_n or_o advance_v in_o it_o though_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o perfection_n do_v sometime_o more_o direct_o refer_v to_o the_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o we_o must_v ever_o suppose_v that_o they_o do_v mutual_o imply_v and_o include_v one_o
and_o the_o passion_n tender_a it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o gain_v perfection_n then_o to_o preserve_v it_o when_o a_o profligate_n sinner_n in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n be_v snatch_v like_o a_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n rescue_v by_o some_o amaze_a and_o surprise_v call_v like_o israel_n by_o miracle_n out_o of_o egypt_n i_o wonder_v not_o if_o such_o a_o one_o love_v much_o because_o much_o have_v be_v forgive_v he_o i_o wonder_v not_o if_o he_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o the_o deep_a and_o the_o lively_a sense_n of_o gild_n and_o mercy_n i_o wonder_v not_o if_o such_o a_o one_o endeavour_n to_o repair_v his_o past_a crime_n by_o heroic_a act_n if_o he_o make_v haste_n to_o redeem_v his_o lose_a time_n by_o a_o zeal_n and_o vigilance_n hard_a to_o be_v imitate_v never_o to_o be_v parllele_v by_o other_o hence_o we_o read_v of_o judah_n love_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o espousal_n jer._n 2.2_o and_o of_o the_o first_o love_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2.4_o as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o man_n be_v convert_v by_o astonish_a miracle_n when_o the_o presence_n and_o example_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o follower_n when_o the_o perspicuity_n and_o authority_n the_o spirit_n and_o power_n the_o lustre_n and_o surprise_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n dazzle_v overpower_a and_o transport_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v a_o thorough_a change_n in_o a_o moment_n and_o when_o again_o no_o man_n profess_v christianity_n but_o he_o expect_v by_o his_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n i_o wonder_v not_o if_o virtue_n ripen_v fast_o under_o such_o miraculous_a influence_n of_o heaven_n or_o if_o assurance_n spring_v up_o in_o a_o moment_n from_o these_o bright_a proof_n of_o a_o unshaken_a integrity_n but_o we_o who_o live_v in_o cold_a climate_n who_o behold_v nothing_o in_o so_o clear_a and_o bright_a a_o light_n as_o those_o happy_a soul_n do_v must_v be_v content_a to_o make_v short_a and_o slow_a step_n towards_o perfection_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o natural_a not_o miraculous_a progress_n and_o we_o who_o virtue_n be_v so_o general_o under-grown_a and_o our_o trial_n no_o other_o then_o common_a one_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o joy_n of_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n till_o we_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n 2_o as_o perfection_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n so_o be_v it_o of_o great_a expense_n and_o cost_n too_o i_o mean_v it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o much_o labour_n and_o travel_v self-denial_n and_o watchfulness_n resolution_n and_o constancy_n many_o be_v the_o danger_n which_o we_o be_v to_o encounter_v through_o our_o whole_a progress_n towards_o it_o why_o else_o be_v we_o exhort_v to_o learn_v to_o do_v good_a to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o 2._o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o day_n to_o day_n eph._n 4.23_o to_o watch_v stand_v fast_o to_o quit_v we_o like_o man_n to_o be_v strong_a 1_o cor._n 16.13_o to_o take_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o to_o stand_v eph._n 6.11.13_o to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1.10_o and_o such_o like_a nay_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n be_v address_v to_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n which_o have_v manifold_a advantage_n above_o these_o of_o we_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v then_o power_v forth_o in_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n then_o ever_o after_o not_o only_a scripture_n as_o i_o think_v but_o reason_n too_o will_v be_v on_o my_o side_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n require_v it_o sanctity_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o miracle_n to_o convert_v the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a but_o beside_o this_o the_o then_o wonderful_a and_o surprise_v light_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o presence_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o glory_n a_o crowd_n of_o wondrous_a work_n and_o miracle_n the_o expectation_n of_o terrible_a thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n at_o the_o door_n and_o a_o equal_a expectation_n of_o glorious_a one_o too_o all_o these_o thing_n break_v in_o beyond_o expectation_n upon_o a_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a world_n overwhelmed_a before_o by_o thick_a darkness_n and_o who_o abomination_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v conceal_v and_o too_o detestable_a to_o be_v excuse_v or_o defend_v can_v not_o but_o produce_v a_o very_a great_a and_o sudden_a change_n now_o therefore_o if_o in_o these_o time_n many_o do_v start_v forth_o in_o a_o moment_n fit_a for_o baptism_n and_o martyrdom_n if_o many_o among_o these_o be_v sudden_o change_v justify_v and_o crown_v i_o wonder_v not_o this_o be_v a_o day_n of_o power_n a_o day_n of_o glory_n wherein_o god_n assert_v himself_o exalt_v his_o son_n and_o rescue_v the_o world_n by_o a_o stretch_a out_o hand_n i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o from_o hence_o be_v induce_v to_o expect_v any_o thing_n like_o at_o this_o day_n but_o yet_o if_o notwitstand_v all_o this_o christian_n in_o those_o happy_a time_n amid_o so_o many_o advantage_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o exhortation_n what_o do_v not_o we_o in_o these_o time_n if_o so_o much_o watchfulness_n prayer_n patience_n fear_v abstinence_n and_o earnest_a contention_n become_v they_o when_o god_n as_o it_o be_v bow_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o and_o dwell_v among_o man_n what_o become_v we_o in_o those_o day_n in_o the_o dregs_o of_o time_n when_o god_n stand_v as_o it_o be_v aloof_o off_o to_o see_v what_o will_v be_v our_o latter_a end_n retire_v behind_o a_o cloud_n which_o our_o heresy_n and_o infidelity_n schism_n and_o division_n sin_n and_o provocation_n have_v raise_v to_o conclude_v he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v not_o sit_v like_o the_o lame_a man_n by_o bethesdah_n pool_n expect_v till_o some_o angel_n come_v to_o cure_v he_o but_o like_o our_o lord_n he_o must_v climb_v the_o mount_n and_o pray_v and_o then_o he_o may_v be_v transform_v he_o may_v be_v raise_v as_o much_o above_o the_o moral_a corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o perfection_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v above_o the_o meanness_n and_o humility_n of_o his_o body_n by_o his_o glorious_a transfiguration_n these_o two_o observation_n be_v of_o manifold_a use_n for_o many_o expect_v pleasure_n when_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o they_o will_v reap_v before_o virtue_n be_v grow_v up_o and_o ripen_v and_o be_v more_o intent_n upon_o the_o fruit_n of_o duty_n than_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o they_o be_v frequent_o disappoint_v and_o discourage_v other_o there_o be_v who_o mistake_v some_o fit_n and_o flash_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n for_o the_o habitual_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o perfection_n do_v entertain_v too_o early_a confidence_n and_o instead_o of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o decline_v or_o it_o may_v be_v fall_v away_o through_o negligence_n and_o security_n or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a the_o duty_n of_o religion_n grow_v tasteless_a and_o insipid_a to_o they_o for_o want_v of_o that_o pleasure_n which_o they_o ignorant_o or_o presumptuous_o expect_v shall_v constant_o attend_v they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v dishearten_v or_o disgu_v and_o give_v back_o which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v if_o they_o do_v right_o understand_v that_o perfection_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n that_o a_o settle_a tranquillity_n a_o habitual_a joy_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o fruit_n only_o of_o perfection_n and_o that_o those_o short_a gleam_n of_o joy_n which_o break_v in_o upon_o new_a convert_v and_o sometime_o on_o other_o imperfect_a christian_n do_v depend_v upon_o extraordinary_a circumstance_n or_o be_v peculiar_a favour_n of_o heaven_n last_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v entertain_v very_o odd_a fancy_n about_o the_o attainment_n of_o perfection_n they_o talk_v and_o act_n as_o if_o perfection_n be_v the_o product_n not_o of_o time_n and_o experience_n but_o a_o instant_a as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v infuse_v in_o a_o moment_n not_o acquire_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a favour_n not_o the_o fruit_n of_o meditation_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v true_a it_o can_v be_v doubt_v by_o a_o christian_a but_o that_o perfection_n derive_v itself_o from_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v true_a too_o and_o can_v as_o little_o be_v doubt_v by_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v the_o gospel_n
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v easy_o furnish_v i_o with_o invincible_a argument_n nor_o will_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n ever_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v keep_v the_o field_n so_o long_o as_o it_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o weak_a and_o decay_a piety_n by_o the_o fondness_n of_o man_n for_o themselves_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o frailty_n and_o by_o many_o mistake_a text_n but_o that_o this_o matter_n may_v if_o possible_a be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n 1._o i_o here_o distinguish_v between_o inordinate_a and_o natural_a affection_n by_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o mean_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a by_o natural_a its_o propension_n to_o the_o body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v invest_v the_o desire_n of_o its_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n for_o this_o end_n now_o when_o religion_n enjoin_v repugnance_n to_o the_o former_a appetite_n the_o obedience_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v no_o reluctancy_n in_o it_o but_o when_o it_o enjoin_v thing_n as_o sometime_o occasional_o it_o do_v which_o thwart_a and_o cross_v the_o latter_a here_o the_o obedience_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o conflict_n for_o our_o natural_a appetite_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v never_o be_v put_v off_o till_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v this_o be_v so_o clear_a it_o need_v not_o be_v illustrate_v by_o instance_n or_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o though_o good_a man_n have_v practise_v temperance_n chastity_n charity_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o this_o kind_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n too_o yet_o have_v nature_n shrink_v and_o startle_v at_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n though_o even_o here_o too_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o some_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o above_o what_o human_a nature_n ever_o seem_v capable_a of_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o suppose_v that_o nature_n be_v so_o change_v but_o that_o the_o inclination_n to_o sinful_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o any_o other_o forbid_a object_n will_v soon_o revive_v again_o even_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n unless_o he_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o and_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o disorderly_a desire_n not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o irregular_a motion_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o soul_n when_o strip_v of_o a_o mortal_a body_n or_o clothe_v with_o a_o immortal_a one_o till_o then_o the_o conjunction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v ever_o render_v the_o poor_a soul_n obnoxious_a to_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n and_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o the_o body_n do_v so_o easy_o pass_v those_o bound_n that_o divide_v they_o from_o sinful_a one_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o contemplation_n devotion_n good_a work_n or_o engage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o just_a and_o honest_a design_n or_o amuse_v by_o some_o innocent_a recreation_n for_o in_o these_o case_n the_o body_n be_v either_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a it_o be_v innocent_o busy_v and_o divert_v from_o those_o object_n to_o which_o it_o have_v too_o too_o impetuous_a a_o tendency_n i_o have_v now_o i_o think_v sufficient_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a liberty_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o guard_v it_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o will_v serve_v for_o so_o many_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o its_o attainment_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n these_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o four_o head_n 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v great_a happiness_n 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n 3._o it_o give_v we_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n 4._o the_o great_a and_o last_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n these_o be_v all_o comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 6.2.1_o 22_o 23._o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v death_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n aim_v at_o and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.17_o 18._o unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o i_o will_v here_o insist_v on_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o chapter_n demand_v it_o but_o also_o to_o prevent_v the_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o tedious_a repetition_n of_o they_o hereafter_o under_o every_o distinct_a branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n §_o 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o therefore_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a we_o need_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o depravity_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o feebleness_n and_o impotence_n of_o the_o will._n the_o understanding_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v incapable_a of_o discern_v the_o certainty_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n which_o now_o flow_v from_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o incomparable_o great_a which_o will_v one_o day_n flow_v from_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o fruition_n of_o they_o his_o affection_n which_o if_o fix_v and_o bend_v on_o virtue_n have_v be_v incentives_n as_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o noble_a and_o worthy_a action_n be_v biased_a and_o pervert_v do_v now_o hurry_v he_o on_o to_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a one_o and_o by_o these_o the_o mind_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o chance_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o render_v sensible_a of_o its_o happiness_n and_o duty_n be_v overpower_a and_o oppress_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n if_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o thus_o consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n and_o impotence_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o sinner_n act_v as_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infatuate_v when_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v mere_o whole_o body_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o none_o but_o one_o result_v from_o and_o dissolve_v with_o its_o temperament_n and_o contexture_n one_o design_v to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o to_o contrive_v minister_v to_o and_o partake_v in_o its_o sensuality_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v little_a expectation_n of_o another_o world_n who_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n only_o in_o this_o and_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a all_o sinner_n be_v not_o equal_o stupid_a or_o obdurate_a but_o even_o in_o those_o in_o who_o some_o spark_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n remain_v unextinguished_a how_o be_v the_o weak_a desire_n of_o virtue_n baffle_v and_o overpower_a by_o the_o much_o strong_a passion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n do_v they_o not_o find_v themselves_o reduce_v to_o that_o wretched_a state_n of_o bondage_n wherein_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o be_v present_a with_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o disease_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o not_o only_o extinguish_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o obliterate_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v