Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n action_n law_n moral_a 1,065 5 9.0930 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26810 Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God / by William Bates ... Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1699 (1699) Wing B1128; ESTC R4307 200,199 485

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lawgiver_n and_o judge_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o action_n can_v doubt_v of_o his_o eternal_a existence_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v prove_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o that_o principle_n be_v that_o he_o must_v be_v honour_v and_o serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o that_o it_o become_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o most_o instructive_a and_o permanent_a way_n in_o write_v that_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o corruption_n than_o oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v in_o it_o such_o conspicuous_a character_n of_o its_o descent_n from_o heaven_n beside_o the_o most_o undoubted_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o infallible_a that_o without_o violate_v the_o rule_n of_o sound_a discourse_n we_o must_v yield_v our_o assent_n to_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o amplify_v and_o illustrate_v these_o particular_n have_v in_o some_o discourse_n former_o publish_v of_o the_o existency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n manifest_v how_o desperate_a the_o cause_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o deist_n be_v to_o unprejudiced_a mind_n now_o though_o the_o deduction_n specify_v be_v according_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o ratiocination_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o account_v it_o a_o slavery_n to_o fix_v their_o belief_n upon_o any_o authority_n but_o will_v be_v free_a in_o believe_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o action_n i_o will_v therefore_o brief_o produce_v some_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o carry_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o they_o the_o abolish_n idolatry_n in_o the_o pagan_a world_n in_o the_o time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o palpable_a proof_n that_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o the_o true_a god_n the_o instrument_n of_o this_o great_a work_n be_v a_o few_o fisherman_n that_o have_v neither_o learning_n nor_o arm_n nor_o treasure_n patience_n be_v their_o strength_n poverty_n their_o choice_n disgrace_v their_o honour_n that_o without_o any_o force_n but_o of_o illumination_n and_o persuasion_n of_o humility_n and_o charity_n and_o endure_v the_o most_o terrible_a suffering_n they_o shall_v vanquish_v the_o pride_n of_o philosopher_n the_o tyrannous_a power_n of_o prince_n the_o rebellious_a opposition_n of_o man_n carnal_a lust_n be_v not_o conceivable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a strength_n that_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a enemy_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a by_o the_o miracle_n do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n be_v search_v for_o that_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n at_o first_o engrave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o in_o vain_a for_o although_o philosophy_n afford_v some_o notice_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a sufficient_a to_o check_v many_o notorious_a vice_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o universal_a duty_n towards_o god_n other_o and_o themselves_o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o instructive_a light_n of_o our_o full_a duty_n it_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o change_v its_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o reform_v the_o life_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a rule_n reveal_v in_o it_o now_o can_v a_o imposture_n produce_v such_o a_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o wicked_a world_n the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v from_o god_n alone_o v●x_fw-la hominem_fw-la non_fw-la sonat_fw-la can_v such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v without_o visible_a miracle_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v plant_v and_o propagate_v without_o the_o confirmation_n of_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o transcendent_a miracle_n and_o though_o we_o see_v not_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o see_v the_o permanent_a effect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o life_n of_o true_a christian_n infidel_n be_v apt_a to_o reply_v if_o they_o see_v miracle_n perform_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n that_o man_n will_v submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n who_o deny_v his_o authority_n make_v know_v in_o that_o eminent_a degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o his_o word_n abraham_n answer_v the_o rich_a man_n who_o desire_v a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a may_v be_v send_v to_o convert_v his_o brethren_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o short_a those_o who_o resist_v so_o strong_a a_o light_n as_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o delusion_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v from_o their_o deprave_a heart_n speculative_a truth_n obtain_v the_o present_a and_o easy_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o truth_n directive_n of_o practice_n if_o opposite_a to_o man_n lust_n though_o their_o evidence_n be_v unexceptionable_a yet_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v very_o averse_a from_o receive_v they_o this_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o pharisee_n infidelity_n they_o repent_v not_o that_o 32._o they_o may_v believe_v in_o he_o when_o the_o will_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o rebel_n against_o the_o sanctity_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o gospel_n command_v it_o be_v congruous_a to_o reject_v it_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n hinder_v the_o due_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o stain_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o do_v not_o sincere_o judge_v of_o they_o though_o infidel_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_o discourse_v wit_n of_o the_o age_n to_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n in_o their_o breast_n and_o despise_v other_o as_o captive_n of_o a_o blind_a belief_n yet_o their_o folly_n be_v palpable_a and_o penal_a for_o have_v provoke_v god_n by_o their_o infidelity_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o of_o the_o tempter_n and_o sink_v deep_o into_o darkness_n and_o become_v more_o harden_v and_o presumptuous_a those_o who_o embark_v with_o these_o distract_a pilot_n in_o such_o dangerous_a sea_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o perish_v for_o ever_o 2._o hyprocrisie_n be_v a_o spiritual_a pollution_n in_o its_o theological_a consideration_n it_o imply_v a_o counterfeit_a religion_n and_o virtue_n a_o affectation_n of_o the_o name_n join_v with_o a_o disaffection_n to_o the_o thing_n the_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n with_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o according_o 1._o every_o titular_a christian_a who_o profess_v subjection_n to_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n the_o action_n be_v the_o incarnate_a issue_n of_o the_o heart_n wherein_o they_o be_v form_v and_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o it_o a_o rebellious_a course_n of_o sin_n declare_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o infidel_n notwithstanding_o his_o own_n christ_n to_o be_v our_o king_n his_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a lie_n he_o vain_o presume_v that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n when_o his_o action_n declare_v he_o to_o 44._o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2._o hypocrisy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v when_o man_n presume_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n to_o be_v good_a upon_o false_a ground_n it_o be_v observable_a no_o man_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o choice_n he_o do_v not_o deliberate_o deceive_v himself_o but_o one_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n without_o his_o knowledge_n by_o ignorance_n and_o error_n he_o may_v think_v his_o inclination_n to_o some_o virtue_n and_o his_o aversion_n from_o some_o vice_n to_o be_v divine_a grace_n but_o sympathy_n and_o antipathy_n proceed_v often_o from_o natural_a temper_n and_o not_o from_o the_o renew_a mind_n and_o will_n from_o judgement_n and_o choice_n a_o tame_a dog_n be_v as_o true_o a_o beast_n as_o a_o wild_a wolf_n a_o man_n that_o perform_v only_o some_o good_a thing_n and_o abstain_v from_o some_o evil_n from_o natural_a conscience_n be_v as_o true_o in_o the_o state_n of_o pollute_a nature_n as_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o careless_a of_o his_o duty_n and_o free_o indulge_v every_o carnal_a lust._n one_o may_v be_v exact_a in_o light_a matter_n as_o the_o pharisee_n in_o tithing_n mint_n and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v substantial_a duty_n he_o may_v be_v zealous_a in_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o neglect_v righteousness_n and_o mercy_n and_o think_v to_o compensate_a his_o defect_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n by_o strict_a observe_v the_o duty_n
the_o vital_a member_n from_o hence_o we_o be_v inform_v how_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o hope_n whether_o they_o be_v save_v and_o will_v attend_v we_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n if_o they_o purify_v we_o they_o will_v certain_o be_v accomplish_v in_o heavenly_a blessedness_n if_o we_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n in_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o in_o glory_n but_o carnal_a and_o loose_a hope_n will_v issue_v in_o disappointment_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o visible_a christian_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v a_o builder_n and_o raise_v a_o fabric_n of_o hope_n that_o may_v appear_v fair_a to_o the_o eye_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o trial_n a_o come_n that_o will_v discover_v how_o firm_a it_o be_v it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o rock_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v or_o the_o quick_a sand_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o those_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v they_o build_v upon_o a_o foundation_n more_o stable_a than_o the_o centre_n the_o perfect_a veracity_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v in_o his_o promise_n but_o those_o who_o hear_v without_o do_v build_v upon_o the_o sink_a sand._n carnal_a man_n will_v pretend_v they_o hope_v for_o salvation_n only_o for_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v eternal_a foundation_n but_o to_o secure_v a_o building_n the_o superstructure_n must_v be_v strong_o fasten_v to_o the_o foundation_n or_o it_o can_v resist_v a_o storm_n if_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o a_o purify_n faith_n our_o hope_n will_v deceive_v we_o when_o sin_n have_v dominion_n which_o be_v certain_o discover_v by_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o man_n life_n when_o there_o be_v a_o remanent_fw-la affection_n to_o it_o in_o man_n heart_n which_o be_v know_v by_o their_o reflection_n upon_o past_a sin_n with_o pleasure_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o future_a sin_n with_o desire_n their_o hope_n be_v like_o a_o spider_n web_n that_o can_v bear_v no_o stress_n hope_n be_v subordinate_a to_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v regulate_v by_o the_o promise_n some_o believe_v without_o hope_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o but_o be_v careless_a and_o desperate_a in_o their_o wickedness_n other_o hope_v to_o be_v well_o hereafter_o without_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n indeed_o there_o be_v none_o can_v bear_v up_o under_o despair_a thought_n when_o they_o be_v rage_v in_o the_o breast_n he_o that_o be_v absolute_o and_o with_o consideration_n hopeless_a fall_v upon_o his_o own_o sword_n the_o tempter_n deal_v with_o sinner_n according_a to_o their_o condition_n if_o they_o be_v swim_v in_o prosperity_n he_o stupefy_v conscience_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o be_v secure_a if_o they_o be_v sink_v in_o deep_a distress_n he_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o aggravation_n that_o he_o plunge_v they_o into_o despair_n and_o both_o temptation_n be_v fatal_a but_o the_o most_o perish_v by_o fallacious_a hope_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o unwilling_a to_o suspect_v the_o goodness_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o condition_n than_o to_o mistake_v and_o be_v deceive_v for_o ever_o but_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o allure_v by_o worldly_a object_n that_o though_o in_o their_o life_n there_o be_v the_o visible_a mark_n exclusive_a of_o salvation_n they_o be_v unconcern_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o carnal_a vain_a hope_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o all_o evil_n commit_v and_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o evil_n suffer_v hope_v that_o shall_v encourage_v holiness_n embolden_v wickedness_n and_o that_o shall_v lead_v man_n to_o heaven_n precipitate_v they_o into_o hell_n how_o great_a will_v their_o fall_n be_v from_o a_o conceit_a heaven_n into_o a_o real_a hell_n hope_n of_o all_o the_o passion_n be_v the_o most_o calm_a and_o quiet_a but_o when_o utter_o disappoint_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n it_o be_v most_o turbulent_a for_o the_o consequent_a passion_n despair_n impatience_n sorrow_n rage_n be_v the_o cruel_a tormentor_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n now_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n when_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o soul_n he_o may_v feed_v and_o cherish_v it_o while_o he_o live_v but_o in_o the_o fatal_a moment_n when_o he_o die_v his_o blaze_a presumption_n will_v expire_v not_o to_o be_v revive_v for_o ever_o but_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n the_o sanctify_a spirit_n inspire_v and_o preserve_v life_n in_o it_o till_o it_o be_v consummate_a in_o that_o blessedness_n that_o exceed_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o exclude_v all_o our_o fear_n for_o ever_o 2._o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o command_a motive_n to_o purify_v ourselves_o hope_n be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n in_o this_o world_n it_o enter_v into_o all_o our_o design_n and_o mix_v with_o all_o our_o endeavour_n the_o husbandman_n plough_v in_o all_o the_o frost_n and_o snow_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o fruitful_a harvest_n the_o mariner_n sail_v through_o dangerous_a sea_n often_o enrage_v with_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o among_o rock_n and_o sand_n for_o a_o hopeful_a venture_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n make_v we_o active_a and_o ardent_a in_o seek_v for_o it_o consider_v we_o have_v infinite_o great_a security_n of_o obtain_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o object_n be_v above_o all_o comparison_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n here_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o diligent_a be_v uncertain_a to_o obtain_v their_o end_n the_o trifle_n which_o they_o earnest_o expect_v and_o be_v certain_a after_o a_o while_n to_o lose_v they_o but_o if_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v certain_o obtain_v it_o and_o it_o be_v unforfeitable_a for_o ever_o i_o will_v conclude_v with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o argument_n declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v godly_a righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n this_o will_v keep_v we_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o grace_n of_o excellent_a efficacy_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o we_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n direction_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v annex_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n to_o work_v upon_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o be_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n that_o be_v principal_o exercise_v in_o his_o moral_a government_n that_o hope_n may_v be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o fear_v a_o strong_a bridle_n to_o restrain_v from_o sin_n the_o reward_n must_v exceed_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n that_o can_v accrue_v by_o transgress_v the_o law_n and_o the_o penalty_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o may_v be_v inflict_v for_o obedience_n to_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o divine_a hope_n and_o godly_a fear_n have_v such_o a_o command_a conquer_a power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o be_v so_o operative_a in_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o neglect_v their_o duty_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n nor_o commit_v a_o sin_n to_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n the_o grace_n of_o fear_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o in_o another_o place_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o short_a in_o the_o account_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o cleanse_v virtue_n here_o fear_n introduce_v serious_a religion_n preserve_v and_o improve_v it_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o divine_a love_n may_v have_v admission_n into_o it_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o gild_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o judgement_n that_o follow_v when_o paul_n discourse_v of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v the_o prisoner_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o conscience_n make_v the_o judge_n tremble_v this_o fear_n have_v more_o torment_n than_o reverence_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o
in_o his_o die_a hour_n a_o sincere_a life_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o happy_a death_n and_o that_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o more_o happy_a life_n god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o moral_a virtue_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a reward_n of_o godly_a sincerity_n this_o be_v the_o first_o notion_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o present_a state_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o integral_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v a_o entire_a conjugation_n of_o all_o those_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o which_o the_o image_n of_o god_n consist_v the_o new_a creature_n in_o its_o form_n be_v not_o like_o the_o effect_n of_o art_n but_o the_o live_a production_n of_o nature_n a_o sculptor_n in_o make_v a_o statue_n of_o marble_n finish_v the_o head_n when_o the_o other_o part_n be_v but_o rude_a stone_n but_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n be_v gradual_o form_v together_o till_o the_o body_n be_v complete_a the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o renew_v a_o man_n infuse_v a_o universal_a habit_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n as_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n style_v the_o old_a man_n be_v complete_a in_o its_o earthly_a member_n all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n both_o of_o the_o desire_v and_o angry_a appetite_n and_o dispose_v without_o the_o corrective_a of_o restrain_v grace_n the_o natural_a man_n to_o yield_v to_o all_o temptation_n he_o will_v be_v fierce_a with_o the_o contentious_a licentious_a with_o the_o dissolute_a intemperate_a with_o the_o drunkard_n lascivious_a with_o the_o impure_a impious_a with_o the_o scorner_n of_o religion_n thus_o the_o divine_a nature_n style_v the_o new_a man_n be_v complete_a in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o incline_v and_o enable_v the_o sanctify_a to_o do_v every_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n although_o they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o activity_n and_o particular_a object_n yet_o they_o always_o be_v join_v in_o the_o same_o subject_a and_o concentre_v in_o god_n who_o be_v immutable_o holy_a and_o one._n they_o be_v mix_v in_o their_o exercise_n without_o confusion_n as_o in_o a_o chorus_n the_o variety_n of_o voice_n be_v harmonious_a and_o conspire_v spiritual_a grace_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o perfection_n such_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o union_n every_o real_a saint_n be_v conform_v to_o christ_n of_o who_o he_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n there_o be_v spiritual_a gift_n of_o arbitrary_a dispensation_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n 1●_n the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n the_o work_n of_o miracle_n be_v separately_z given_z but_o when_o the_o spirit_n prepare_v a_o soul_n for_o his_o habitation_n he_o purify_v it_o from_o sin_n and_o adorn_v it_o with_o every_o grace_n if_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o any_o grace_n the_o opposite_a sin_n in_o its_o power_n remain_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o dwell_v there_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o any_o particular_a grace_n in_o scripture_n that_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o union_n with_o other_o grace_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o whoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o st._n paul_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o faith_n separate_v from_o charity_n be_v of_o no_o avail_n for_o salvation_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o a_o faith_n that_o do_v not_o work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v not_o productive_a of_o obedience_n be_v of_o no_o save_a efficacy_n st._n james_n put_v the_o question_n what_o do_v it_o profit_v my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o do_v not_o for_o nothing_o assert_n or_o deny_v more_o strong_o than_o a_o question_n he_o that_o do_v not_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n live_v a_o holy_a life_n must_v die_v for_o ever_o st._n john_n assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n if_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 14._o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n but_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o love_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v prove_v by_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 2._o and_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o wherever_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o a_o particular_a duty_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o collective_a sense_n we_o read_v whoever_o shall_v 21._o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o a_o prevail_a prayer_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o holy_a person_n that_o keep_v the_o 21._o command_n of_o god_n and_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n the_o prayer_n must_v be_v mix_v with_o faith_n and_o fervency_n the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a 16._o man_n avail_v much_o the_o connexion_n of_o save_a grace_n can_v be_v break_v st._n peter_n excite_v we_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n virtue_n a_o active_a power_n to_o render_v it_o lively_a and_o operative_a otherwise_o faith_n be_v a_o mere_a speculative_a dead_a assent_n to_o virtue_n knowledge_n prudence_n to_o direct_v its_o exercise_n in_o the_o season_n wherein_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v to_o knowledge_n temperance_n to_o regulate_v our_o appetite_n and_o enjoyment_n in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n please_v to_o the_o sense_n to_o temperance_n patience_n to_o endure_v the_o evil_n to_o which_o we_o be_v expose_v in_o this_o low_a state_n which_o be_v equal_o if_o not_o more_o necessary_a and_o excellent_a for_o humane_a nature_n be_v more_o affect_v and_o tempt_v by_o sharp_a pain_n and_o grief_n than_o delight_v with_o pleasure_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n our_o religion_n will_v be_v by_o fit_n and_o flash_n with_o interrupt_v interval_n to_o patience_n godliness_n that_o be_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n as_o our_o rule_n and_o his_o glory_n as_o our_o end_n that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o mere_a morality_n that_o proceed_v only_o from_o humane_a reason_n and_o respect_v the_o civil_a happiness_n to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n a_o sincere_a love_n to_o all_o of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a extraction_n in_o who_o the_o image_n of_o god_n shine_v and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n that_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o partaker_n of_o our_o common_a nature_n all_o spiritual_a grace_n take_v their_o residence_n together_o in_o the_o soul_n not_o one_o single_o enter_v and_o keep_v entire_a possession_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o young_a man_n who_o have_v live_v so_o regular_o that_o he_o be_v lovely_a in_o his_o eye_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v perfect_a go_v and_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o come_v follow_v i_o he_o want_v charity_n and_o self-denial_n to_o make_v his_o obedience_n entire_a 3._o there_o be_v a_o comparative_a perfection_n this_o in_o scripture_n be_v intellectual_a or_o moral_a 1._o intellectual_a perfection_n the_o apostle_n excite_v the_o hebrew_n wherefore_o leave_v 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n to_o more_o eminent_a degree_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o of_o the_o supernatural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o duty_n contain_v in_o it_o of_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o those_o that_o be_v perfect_a that_o be_v declare_v divine_a mystery_n to_o those_o who_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v they_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n declare_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a perfection_n wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n shine_v in_o his_o work_n but_o not_o his_o counsel_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n no_o man_n have_v see_v 1●_n god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o there_o be_v some_o notice_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o the_o instructive_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o not_o sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o full_a duty_n the_o discovery_n of_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v from_o god_n the_o gospel_n like_o a_o clear_a and_o equal_a glass_n that_o discover_v the_o beauty_n and_o blemish_n of_o the_o face_n make_v know_v to_o we_o what_o defile_v and_o
contemplation_n of_o its_o goodness_n and_o equity_n constrain_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infallible_o infer_v that_o the_o radical_a difference_n and_o distinguish_a character_n between_o a_o saint_n and_o one_o in_o the_o state_n of_o pollute_a nature_n be_v the_o affection_n of_o love_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o object_n and_o degree_n love_n to_o god_n as_o our_o sovereign_a happiness_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o reunion_n with_o he_o love_n to_o vicious_a object_n or_o when_o with_o a_o intemperate_a current_n it_o descend_v to_o thing_n not_o deserve_v its_o ardent_a degree_n alienates_v the_o heart_n from_o god_n holiness_n be_v the_o order_n of_o love_n the_o excellency_n of_o holy_a love_n will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o love_n have_v the_o supremacy_n among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n be_v the_o fire_n our_o saviour_n come_v to_o kindle_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o charity_n be_v great_a than_o faith_n and_o hope_n which_o be_v evangelical_n grace_n of_o eminent_a usefulness_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o bright_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n in_o we_o god_n be_v love_n it_o be_v the_o most_o adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o more_o significant_a of_o his_o bless_a nature_n than_o any_o other_o single_a attribute_n the_o most_o proper_a and_o honourable_a conception_n we_o can_v form_v of_o the_o deity_n be_v love_n direct_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o exercise_v by_o infinite_a power_n faith_n and_o hope_n can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n they_o imply_v imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o necessary_o respect_v a_o absent_a object_n now_o all_o thing_n be_v present_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o power_n and_o possession_n but_o love_n be_v his_o essential_a perfection_n the_o productive_a principle_n of_o all_o good_n love_n transform_v we_o into_o his_o likeness_n and_o infuse_v the_o divine_a temper_n into_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o act_n of_o other_o grace_n we_o obey_v god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o love_n we_o imitate_v he_o this_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o its_o contrary_n there_o be_v sin_n of_o various_a kind_n and_o degree_n spiritual_a and_o carnal_a spiritual_a such_o be_v pride_n malignant_a envy_n irreconcilable_a enmity_n delight_n in_o mischief_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o denominate_v man_n his_o natural_a son_n carnal_a sin_n which_o the_o soul_n immerse_v in_o flesh_n indulge_v all_o riotous_a excess_n intemperance_n incontinence_n and_o the_o like_a of_o which_o a_o mere_a spirit_n be_v not_o capable_a denominate_v man_n the_o captive_n and_o slave_n of_o satan_n now_o spiritual_a sin_n induce_v a_o great_a guilt_n and_o deep_a pollution_n than_o carnal_a the_o exacter_n resemblance_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o make_v sinful_a man_n more_o odious_a to_o god_n 2._o love_n be_v more_o extensive_a in_o its_o influence_n than_o faith_n and_o hope_n their_o operation_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o person_n in_o who_o they_o be_v the_o just_a life_n by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o hope_n without_o communicate_v life_n and_o salvation_n to_o other_o but_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o perfection_n of_o love_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o all_o love_n comfort_v the_o afflict_a relieve_v the_o indigent_a direct_v those_o who_o want_v counsel_n it_o be_v the_o vital_a cement_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o universe_n conversation_n and_o reciprocal_a kindness_n be_v the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n of_o society_n and_o love_n make_v the_o circulation_n 3._o love_n give_v value_n and_o acceptance_n to_o all_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o their_o operation_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o propheste_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n and_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o fe●d_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o without_o charity_n faith_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a assent_n hope_n be_v like_o a_o tympany_n the_o big_a it_o grow_v the_o more_o dangerous_a it_o prove_v the_o most_o diffusive_a beneficence_n without_o love_n be_v but_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o vanity_n it_o be_v not_o the_o richness_n of_o the_o gift_n but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o giver_n that_o make_v it_o accept_v and_o reward_v in_o heaven_n the_o widow_n two_o mite_n cast_v into_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v of_o more_o value_n in_o our_o saviour_n account_n than_o the_o rich_a offering_n of_o other_o for_o she_o give_v her_o heart_n the_o most_o precious_a and_o comprehensive_a gift_n with_o they_o the_o give_v our_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o high_a expression_n of_o obedience_n which_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v yet_o without_o charity_n martyrdom_n be_v but_o a_o vainglorious_a blaze_n and_o the_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o our_o blood_n be_v to_o seal_v our_o shame_n and_o folly_n sincere_a love_n when_o it_o can_v express_v itself_o in_o suitable_a effect_n have_v this_o privilege_n to_o be_v accept_v in_o god_n sight_n as_o if_o it_o be_v exuberant_a and_o evident_a in_o outward_a action_n for_o god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o 4._o love_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o every_o precept_n all_o particular_a duty_n though_o distinguish_v in_o the_o matter_n be_v unite_v in_o love_n as_o their_o principle_n and_o centre_n 11._o st._n austin_n observe_v that_o all_o other_o virtue_n piety_n prudence_n humility_n chastity_n temperance_n fortitude_n be_v love_v diversify_v by_o other_o name_n liberal_a love_n give_v supply_n to_o the_o poor_a patient_a love_n forgive_v injury_n love_n be_v the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a some_o restrain_v the_o word_n commandment_n to_o the_o law_n think_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o compound_v of_o promise_n but_o they_o misunderstand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n it_o be_v not_o in_o that_o the_o one_o command_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o command_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n command_v the_o law_n command_v to_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o life_n the_o gospel_n command_v to_o believe_v for_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n the_o 15._o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o end_n of_o a_o science_n or_o art_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o science_n the_o end_n of_o philosophy_n be_v knowledge_n and_o moral_a virtue_n the_o end_n of_o rhetoric_n be_v eloquence_n thus_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o divine_a doctrine_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v love_n a_o celestial_a perfection_n faith_n in_o the_o redeem_n mercy_n of_o god_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o of_o the_o law_n and_o love_n be_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n now_o the_o end_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o in_o this_o respect_n love_n be_v great_a than_o faith_n brief_o love_n be_v style_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n as_o it_o unite_v and_o consummate_v other_o grace_n comprehend_v and_o fasten_v they_o love_n to_o god_n draw_v forth_o all_o the_o active_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o obedience_n he_o that_o with_o a_o full_a and_o fervent_a will_n apply_v himself_o to_o his_o duty_n will_v more_o easy_o pleasant_o and_o exact_o perform_v it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v form_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o more_o entire_a conformity_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o great_a eminency_n of_o holiness_n than_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o all_o precept_n and_o rule_n can_v do_v 4._o love_n never_o fail_v the_o gift_n and_o 13._o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v dispense_v and_o continue_v according_a to_o our_o different_a state_n some_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o sin_n and_o trouble_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a freedom_n here_o repentance_n be_v
and_o by_o a_o temporal_a holy_a rest_n be_v prepare_v for_o a_o eternal_a glorious_a rest._n the_o observe_v this_o command_n enable_v we_o to_o do_v the_o rest_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o spiritual_a and_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o proper_a efficacy_n increase_v it_o and_o in_o their_o sanctify_v that_o day_n god_n sanctify_v they_o and_o liberal_o bestow_v the_o treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o joy_n the_o consequent_a blessing_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n the_o profaner_n of_o that_o holy_a time_n do_v virtual_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n they_o will_v not_o attend_v upon_o his_o oracle_n but_o despise_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o contempt_n reflect_v upon_o he_o they_o make_v the_o sabbath_n their_o delight_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o the_o commandment_n intend_v they_o make_v it_o a_o playday_n other_o who_o be_v call_v and_o count_v christian_n who_o be_v good_a in_o every_o thing_n but_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v best_a they_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a temperate_a and_o chaste_a affable_a and_o oblige_v to_o man_n but_o wretched_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o the_o sanctify_a his_o day_n that_o precious_a and_o dear_a interval_n to_o a_o saint_n from_o the_o business_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o gall_a restraint_n to_o carnal_a man_n from_o their_o secular_a employment_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v go_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n either_o for_o seculary_a respect_n custom_n or_o the_o coercion_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n that_o will_v not_o be_v quiet_a without_o some_o religion_n but_o they_o be_v glad_a when_o it_o be_v do_v and_o by_o vain_a discourse_n dash_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n the_o instruction_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o day_n as_o if_o it_o be_v unsanctified_a time_n in_o curious_a dress_n in_o luxurious_a feast_v in_o complimental_a visit_n in_o idleness_n and_o sometime_o in_o action_n worse_o than_o idleness_n the_o certain_a cause_n of_o this_o profaneness_n be_v they_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o raise_v our_o esteem_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o come_v and_o go_v from_o the_o public_a ordinance_n neither_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n nor_o change_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n but_o those_o who_o conscientious_o employ_v that_o day_n in_o duty_n proper_a to_o it_o in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o spiritual_a book_n in_o holy_a conference_n whereby_o light_a and_o heat_n be_v mutual_o communicate_v among_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o eternal_a thing_n whereby_o faith_n remove_v the_o veil_n and_o look_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n as_o moses_n by_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n come_v down_o with_o a_o shine_a countenance_n so_o a_o divine_a lustre_n will_v appear_v in_o their_o conversation_n in_o the_o follow_a week_n 5._o the_o frequent_a discussion_n of_o conscience_n and_o review_v of_o our_o way_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n of_o rise_v to_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n this_o duty_n be_v difficult_a and_o distasteful_a to_o carnal_a person_n for_o sense_n be_v prevalent_a and_o fasten_v their_o thought_n upon_o external_n object_n that_o they_o be_v unfit_a for_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o for_o the_o proper_a and_o most_o excellent_a operation_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n wherein_o they_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o rank_n of_o angelical_a spirit_n and_o to_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o deity_n who_o eternal_o contemplate_v with_o infinite_a delight_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o copy_n of_o they_o in_o his_o work_n they_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o nobility_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o can_v sequester_v themselves_o from_o worldly_a thing_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o retirement_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o be_v afraid_a and_o unwilling_a to_o look_v into_o their_o heart_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v and_o over-argued_n by_o conscience_n of_o their_o woeful_a condition_n home_o be_v too_o hot_a for_o they_o their_o study_n be_v to_o charm_v their_o care_n and_o not_o to_o be_v disturb_v in_o their_o security_n but_o the_o duty_n be_v indispensable_a require_v of_o we_o we_o be_v command_v to_o stand_v 4._o in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o and_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n 40._o and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o prove_v our_o own_o 4._o work_n the_o benefit_n result_v from_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o care_n and_o shall_v make_v we_o to_o digest_v all_o difficulty_n in_o the_o performance_n david_n declare_v i_o think_v on_o 119._o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n to_o thy_o testimony_n he_o first_o reflect_v on_o his_o way_n and_o then_o reform_v they_o conscience_n must_v be_v awaken_v by_o grace_n or_o judgement_n to_o self-reflection_n the_o examen_fw-la of_o conscience_n either_o regard_v our_o spiritual_a state_n or_o our_o action_n in_o their_o moral_a quality_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n the_o first_o be_v of_o infinite_a moment_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o pollute_a nature_n or_o in_o a_o renew_a state_n and_o consequent_o whether_o in_o the_o present_a favour_n of_o god_n or_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o according_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v in_o the_o next_o world_n a_o bless_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n but_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v man_n be_v very_o averse_a from_o the_o severe_a trial_n of_o their_o state_n for_o fear_v the_o issue_n will_v be_v perplex_v the_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o their_o life_n be_v like_o the_o torment_n on_o the_o rack_n or_o if_o sometime_o they_o turn_v their_o thought_n inward_a to_o consider_v themselves_o they_o do_v it_o slight_o not_o with_o sincere_a judgement_n and_o though_o their_o spiritual_a state_n be_v uncertain_a or_o apparent_o evil_a yet_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o this_o neglect_n be_v fatal_a to_o many_o who_o comfort_n themselves_o with_o their_o company_n because_o the_o most_o be_v in_o no_o better_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v this_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o but_o consider_v the_o survey_n of_o man_n action_n conscience_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o which_o all_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a have_v a_o tendency_n it_o be_v a_o internal_a supervisor_n and_o guardian_n which_o a_o man_n always_o carry_v in_o his_o bosom_n to_o perform_v its_o office_n it_o must_v 1._o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o its_o precept_n for_o duty_n unknown_a can_v be_v practise_v and_o sin_n unknown_a and_o unconsidered_a can_v be_v loathe_v and_o forsake_v the_o law_n like_o a_o clear_a and_o equal_a glass_n that_o reflect_v the_o beam_n according_a to_o their_o incidence_n discover_v the_o beauty_n and_o spot_n of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o general_a rule_n that_o respect_v all_o and_o particular_a precept_n that_o concern_v the_o several_a relation_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o discussion_n of_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a must_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o discussion_n that_o be_v good_a and_o evil_a action_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a consequence_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o make_v we_o better_o according_o it_o must_v be_v 1._o distinct_a in_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o defect_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o law_n enjoin_v the_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o forbid_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o particular_a the_o discussion_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a 2._o it_o must_v be_v serious_a and_o with_o sincere_a judgement_n as_o previous_a to_o our_o trial_n at_o god_n tribunal_n this_o consideration_n will_v excite_v the_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o directive_n and_o applicative_a mind_n to_o be_v vigilant_a and_o impartial_a in_o sift_v ourselves_o that_o no_o sin_n of_o omission_n or_o commission_n may_v be_v pass_v over_o for_o what_o a_o high_a strain_n of_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o be_v subtle_a to_o conceal_v any_o sin_n from_o ourselves_o which_o be_v open_a to_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v insensible_a of_o sin_n of_o omission_n but_o there_o be_v no_o mere_a sin_n of_o omission_n for_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o command_v duty_n which_o expose_v to_o judgement_n the_o more_o the_o mind_n
spiritual_a perfection_n unfolded_a and_o enforce_v from_o 2_o cor._n vii_o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o william_n bates_z d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n 1699._o gulielmus_fw-la batesius_n s._n s._n theol_n prof_n aetat_fw-la 73._o nov_n 1608._o the_o preface_n the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n in_o his_o save_a mercy_n be_v to_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n we_o be_v elect_v to_o be_v holy_a redeem_v to_o be_v holy_a call_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o at_o last_o we_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o make_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o descend_a deity_n into_o this_o low_a world_n to_o instruct_v and_o persuade_v man_n by_o his_o perfect_a rule_n and_o example_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o enemy_n of_o soul_n in_o combination_n with_o the_o carnal_a mind_n use_v all_o their_o art_n to_o cool_v our_o endeavour_n in_o follow_a holiness_n and_o raise_v a_o army_n of_o objection_n to_o dismay_v we_o and_o stop_v our_o progress_n to_o perfection_n sometime_o the_o deceiver_n inspire_v a_o temptation_n with_o so_o soft_a a_o breath_n that_o it_o be_v not_o discern_v he_o suggest_v the_o counsel_n of_o solomon_n be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n be_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o compassionate_a charity_n towards_o other_o and_o not_o to_o censure_v they_o with_o rigour_n and_o severity_n for_o humane_a frailty_n the_o tempter_n pervert_v his_o meaning_n to_o make_v we_o remiss_a in_o religion_n and_o shy_a of_o strict_a holiness_n moral_a man_n value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o fair_a conversation_n they_o be_v not_o stain_v with_o soul_n and_o visible_a pollution_n but_o be_v external_o sober_a and_o righteous_a and_o they_o will_v advise_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v a_o surfeit_n of_o religion_n but_o rise_v with_o a_o appetite_n that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o use_v so_o much_o of_o religion_n as_o may_v quiet_v the_o clamour_n of_o conscience_n secure_a reputation_n and_o afford_v some_o colour_n of_o comfort_n but_o it_o be_v a_o spice_n of_o folly_n to_o be_v over-religious_a and_o just_o expose_v person_n to_o derision_n as_o vain_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a they_o commend_v the_o golden_a mean_n and_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o temper_n lukewarmness_n the_o objection_n in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v specious_a and_o apt_a to_o sway_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o do_v not_o attentive_o consider_v thing_n to_o discover_v its_o false_a colour_n and_o to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o safe_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o consider_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o mediocrity_n between_o vicious_a extreme_n wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o inferior_a moral_a virtue_n consist_v for_o they_o be_v exercise_v upon_o object_n of_o limit_a goodness_n and_o must_v be_v regulate_v both_o in_o our_o affection_n and_o action_n correspondent_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o goodness_n thus_o fortitude_n be_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o base_a fear_n and_o rash_a boldness_n and_o the_o more_o firm_a and_o constant_a the_o habitual_a quality_n of_o fortitude_n be_v the_o more_o eminent_a and_o praiseworthy_a it_o appear_v but_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n that_o raise_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n who_o perfection_n be_v true_o infinite_a there_o can_v be_v no_o excess_n the_o divine_a degree_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o fear_v to_o offend_v he_o our_o endeavour_n in_o their_o height_n and_o excellency_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n that_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o strict_a holiness_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o scorn_n be_v palpable_o unreasonable_a do_v ever_o any_o artist_n blush_v to_o excel_v in_o the_o art_n that_o he_o profess_v be_v a_o scholar_n ashamed_a to_o excel_v in_o useful_a learning_n and_o shall_v a_o christian_n who_o high_a and_o holy_a call_v oblige_v he_o to_o live_v become_v its_o dignity_n and_o purity_n be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o accurate_a conversation_n can_v we_o be_v too_o like_o god_n in_o his_o holiness_n his_o peculiar_a glory_n can_v that_o be_v matter_n of_o contempt_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a honour_n of_o the_o intelligent_a creature_n a_o saint_n when_o despise_v with_o title_n of_o ignominy_n by_o the_o carnal_a world_n shall_v bind_v their_o scorn_n as_o a_o diadem_n about_o his_o head_n and_o wear_v they_o as_o beautiful_a ornament_n the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n what_o reproach_n do_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n suffer_v for_o we_o and_o what_o pride_n and_o folly_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o his_o suffer_a reproach_n and_o not_o willing_o endure_v reproach_n for_o his_o glory_n our_o continual_a and_o ardent_a endeavour_n to_o rise_v to_o perfection_n commend_v we_o to_o our_o sovereign_n and_o saviour_n a_o cold-dead_a heathen_a be_v less_o offensive_a and_o odious_a to_o he_o than_o a_o lukewarm_a christian._n it_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n that_o to_o live_v in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o rule_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o narrow_a way_n will_v not_o only_o infringe_v but_o destroy_v our_o liberty_n this_o be_v so_o precious_a a_o possession_n that_o man_n will_v defend_v their_o liberty_n with_o their_o life_n a_o ingenuous_a person_n will_v rather_o wear_v a_o plain_a garment_n of_o his_o own_o than_o a_o rich_a livery_n the_o mark_n of_o servitude_n but_o if_o man_n will_v appeal_v to_o their_o understanding_n they_o will_v clear_o discern_v that_o the_o word_n liberty_n be_v abuse_v to_o give_v countenance_n to_o licentiousness_n there_o be_v a_o free_a subjection_n and_o a_o servile_a liberty_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o roman_n when_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n and_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n you_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n the_o soul_n have_v two_o faculty_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v truth_n either_o in_o itself_o or_o appearance_n the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n be_v goodness_n either_o real_a or_o counterfeit_a liberty_n be_v radical_o in_o the_o understanding_n which_o free_o deliberate_v and_o by_o comparative_a consideration_n direct_v the_o will_n to_o choose_v good_a before_o evil_a and_o of_o good_a the_o great_a and_o of_o evil_a the_o less_o when_o the_o understanding_n be_v full_o illuminate_v of_o the_o absolute_a goodness_n of_o a_o object_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o evil_a and_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o will_n it_o be_v a_o act_n retrograde_a in_o nature_n and_o utter_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rational_a appetite_n to_o reject_v it_o the_o indifference_n of_o the_o will_n proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o object_n or_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o but_o when_o a_o infinite_a good_a be_v due_o represent_v to_o the_o will_n the_o choice_n be_v most_o clear_a and_o free_a of_o this_o there_o be_v a_o illustrious_a example_n in_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n his_o enlighten_v mind_n considerate_o ponder_v the_o eternal_a reward_n with_o the_o transient_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o judgement_n be_v influxive_a on_o his_o will_n to_o choose_v the_o glorious_a futurity_n before_o the_o false_a lustre_n of_o the_o court_n what_o be_v the_o goodly_a appearance_n of_o the_o present_a tempt_a world_n but_o like_o the_o rainbow_n paint_a tear_n the_o heavenly_a felicity_n be_v substantial_a and_o satisfy_a where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n he_o dispel_v the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o its_o illuminate_a guidance_n turn_v the_o will_v to_o accept_v and_o embrace_v those_o object_n that_o exceed_o satisfy_v its_o vast_a desire_n and_o capacity_n this_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n engrave_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o creation_n for_o god_n be_v sovereign_o free_a and_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will._n our_o servitude_n
mercy_n he_o that_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o charity_n be_v a_o productive_a grace_n that_o enrich_v the_o giver_n more_o than_o the_o receiver_n honour_n the_o lord_n with_o thy_o substance_n and_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o increase_n 10._o so_o shall_v thy_o barn_n be_v fill_v with_o plenty_n and_o thy_o press_n burst_v out_o with_o new_a wine_n he_o that_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a lend_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o sign_v himself_o our_o debtor_n for_o what_o be_v lay_v out_o for_o he_o and_o he_o will_v pay_v it_o with_o interest_n not_o only_o with_o eternal_a treasure_n hereafter_o but_o in_o outward_a blessing_n here_o riches_n obtain_v by_o regular_a mean_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o effusion_n of_o his_o bounty_n but_o sometime_o by_o admirable_a way_n he_o give_v a_o present_a reward_n as_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o there_o be_v numerous_a example_n of_o god_n blast_v the_o covetous_a either_o by_o a_o gangrene_n in_o their_o estate_n that_o consume_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n or_o by_o the_o luxury_n and_o profuseness_n of_o their_o child_n so_o it_o be_v as_o visible_a he_o prosper_v the_o merciful_a sometime_o by_o a_o secret_a blessing_n dispense_v by_o a_o invisible_a hand_n and_o sometime_o in_o succeed_v their_o diligent_a endeavour_n in_o their_o calling_n but_o it_o be_v object_v the_o liberal_a be_v not_o always_o prosperous_a to_o this_o a_o clear_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o external_n act_v of_o charity_n may_v be_v perform_v from_o vicious_a motive_n without_o a_o mixture_n of_o internal_a affection_n which_o make_v they_o accept_v of_o god_n 2._o suppose_v a_o christian_n abound_v in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o be_v not_o reward_v here_o this_o special_a case_n do_v not_o infringe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o temporal_a promise_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v with_o a_o exception_n unless_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n see_v it_o better_o not_o to_o bestow_v they_o but_o he_o always_o reward_v they_o in_o kind_n or_o eminent_o in_o give_v more_o excellent_a blessing_n the_o crown_n of_o life_n be_v a_o reward_n more_o worthy_a the_o desire_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n our_o saviour_n assure_v the_o young_a man_n sell_v all_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n eternal_a hope_n be_v infinite_o more_o desirable_a than_o temporal_a possession_n the_o apostle_n charge_v 19_o the_o rich_a to_o do_v good_a to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n not_o of_o merit_n but_o assurance_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v lay_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o i_o can_v direct_v the_o covetous_a how_o to_o exchange_v a_o weight_n of_o silver_n for_o a_o equal_a weight_n of_o gold_n or_o a_o weight_n of_o gold_n for_o a_o equal_a weight_n of_o diamond_n how_o attentive_o will_v they_o hear_v and_o earnest_o follow_v such_o profitable_a counsel_n but_o what_o comparison_n be_v there_o between_o earthly_a and_o heavenly_a treasure_n godliness_n of_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o charity_n be_v a_o excellent_a part_n be_v profitable_a for_o all_o thing_n it_o make_v our_o profit_n eternal_o profitable_a it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n not_o on_o earth_n the_o land_n of_o their_o banishment_n but_o in_o the_o celestial_a country_n the_o place_n of_o their_o nativity_n chap._n iii_o pride_n consider_v in_o its_o nature_n kind_n and_o degree_n it_o consist_v in_o a_o immoderate_a appetite_n of_o superiority_n it_o be_v moral_a or_o spiritual_a arrogance_n vainglory_n and_o ambition_n be_v branch_n of_o it_o a_o secret_a undue_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o excellency_n the_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o praise_n the_o aspire_a after_o high_a place_n and_o title_n of_o honour_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o pride_n spiritual_a pride_n consider_v a_o presume_v upon_o self-fufficiency_a to_o obtain_v man_n end_n a_o reliance_n upon_o their_o own_o direction_n and_o ability_n to_o accomplish_v their_o design_n sin_n commit_v with_o design_n and_o deliberation_n be_v from_o insolence_n a_o vain_a presumption_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o man_n spiritual_a estate_n pride_n be_v in_o the_o front_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v pride_n be_v odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o cure_n apparent_a from_o many_o consideration_n the_o proper_a mean_n to_o allay_v the_o tumour_n of_o pride_n 4._o pride_n of_o life_n be_v join_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n pride_n destroy_v both_o world_n it_o transform_v angel_n into_o devil_n and_o expel_v they_o from_o heaven_n it_o degrade_v man_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o creation_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o expel_v he_o from_o paradise_n i_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o the_o mean_n to_o purge_v we_o from_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n consist_v in_o a_o irregular_a and_o immoderate_a appetite_n of_o superiority_n and_o have_v two_o part_n the_o one_o be_v the_o affectation_n of_o honour_n dignity_n and_o power_n beyond_o their_o true_a value_n and_o worth_n the_o other_o be_v the_o arrogate_a they_o as_o due_a to_o a_o person_n beyond_o his_o just_a desert_n the_o kind_n of_o it_o be_v moral_a and_o spiritual_a which_o be_v sometime_o conceal_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n but_o often_o declare_v in_o the_o aspect_n and_o action_n according_o it_o be_v either_o arrogance_n that_o attribute_n a_o undue_a pre-eminence_n to_o a_o man_n self_n and_o exact_v undue_a respect_n from_o other_o or_o vainglory_n that_o affect_v and_o be_v feed_v with_o praise_n or_o ambition_n that_o hot_o aspire_v after_o high_a place_n and_o title_n of_o precedency_n and_o power_n all_o which_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o universal_a name_n of_o pride_n 1._o pride_n include_v a_o secret_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o excellency_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o its_o branch_n self_n love_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o deep_o impress_v in_o the_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o flatterer_n more_o subtle_a and_o conceal_v more_o easy_o and_o willing_o believe_v than_o this_o affection_n love_n be_v blind_a towards_o other_o and_o more_o towards_o one_o self_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o intimate_a and_o dear_a as_o when_o the_o lover_n and_o the_o person_n belove_v be_v the_o same_o this_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o high_a opinion_n and_o secret_a sentiment_n man_n entertain_v of_o their_o own_o special_a worth_n the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n deceitful_a to_o itself_o man_n look_v into_o the_o enchant_a glass_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o be_v vain_o enamour_a with_o the_o false_a reflection_n of_o their_o excellency_n self_n love_n hinder_v the_o sight_n of_o those_o imperfection_n which_o discover_v will_v lessen_v the_o liberal_a esteem_n of_o themselves_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o more_o obscure_a object_n to_o its_o eye_n than_o the_o most_o distant_a star_n in_o the_o heaven_n seneca_n tell_v of_o some_o that_o have_v a_o strange_a infirmity_n in_o their_o eye_n that_o wherever_o they_o turn_v they_o encounter_v the_o visible_a move_a image_n of_o themselves_o of_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n it_o proceed_v from_o quaest_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o visive_a faculty_n that_o for_o want_v of_o spirit_n derive_v from_o the_o brain_n can_v penetrate_v through_o the_o diaphonous_a air_n to_o see_v object_n but_o every_o part_n of_o the_o air_n be_v a_o reflect_a glass_n of_o themselves_o that_o which_o he_o conjecture_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o natural_a infirmity_n be_v most_o true_a of_o the_o moral_a the_o subject_a of_o our_o discourse_n it_o be_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o judicative_a faculty_n do_v not_o discover_v the_o worth_n of_o other_o but_o see_v only_o a_o man_n self_n as_o singular_a in_o perfection_n and_o none_o superior_a or_o equal_a or_o near_o to_o he_o a_o proud_a man_n will_v take_v a_o rise_n from_o any_o advantage_n to_o foment_n pride_n some_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o body_n beauty_n or_o strength_n some_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o condition_n riches_n or_o honour_n and_o every_o one_o think_v himself_o sufficient_o furnish_v with_o understanding_n for_o reason_n be_v the_o distinguish_a excellency_n of_o a_o man_n from_o the_o brute_n a_o defectiveness_n in_o that_o be_v very_o disgraceful_a and_o the_o title_n of_o fool_n the_o most_o sting_a reproach_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o our_o saviour_n gradation_n whoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n be_v liable_a to_o judgement_n whoever_o say_v racha_n
be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o be_v of_o it_o this_o include_v first_o a_o conformity_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o god_n as_o a_o good_a complexion_n fluorish_v in_o the_o countenance_n from_o the_o root_n of_o a_o good_a constitution_n within_o so_o real_a holiness_n shine_v in_o the_o conversation_n proceed_v from_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o life_n seat_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n the_o understanding_n esteem_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n law_n as_o best_a in_o themselves_o and_o best_a for_o we_o the_o will_n consent_n to_o the_o sanctity_n and_o royalty_n of_o the_o law_n david_n declare_v i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o commandment_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n if_o the_o divine_a will_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v impartial_a many_o elude_v duty_n and_o deceive_v conscience_n by_o partial_a respect_n to_o the_o law_n they_o will_v make_v amends_o for_o delinquency_n in_o some_o thing_n by_o supererogate_a in_o other_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o carnal_a ease_n and_o interest_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n be_v mighty_a son_n of_o the_o church_n very_o accurate_a in_o sanctimonious_a form_n great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n but_o stain_v religion_n with_o injustice_n and_o uncharitableness_n they_o pretend_v to_o love_n god_n but_o hate_v their_o neighbour_n they_o fast_v twice_o a_o week_n but_o devour_v widow_n house_n they_o be_v very_o nice_a in_o observe_v the_o numerous_a rite_n of_o religion_n but_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o substantial_a goodness_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o exact_a resemblance_n between_o the_o immediate_a sight_n of_o the_o face_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o by_o reflection_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o true_a glass_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o old_a pharisees_n be_v like_o the_o formalist_n in_o every_o age._n thus_o among_o the_o papist_n how_o many_o under_o the_o veil_n of_o virginity_n conceal_v the_o gross_a impurity_n and_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o poverty_n be_v covetous_a and_o rapacious_a but_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o unless_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o our_o obedience_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n to_o the_o rule_n if_o there_o be_v a_o indulgence_n to_o contravene_n any_o precept_n the_o word_n of_o st._n james_n be_v decisive_a and_o convince_a whoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o own_o instance_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o in_o one_o allow_v sin_n of_o omission_n or_o commission_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a disobedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n although_o the_o best_a saint_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o without_o sin_n yet_o the_o least_o be_v without_o guile_n 2._o sincerity_n produce_v constancy_n there_o be_v a_o strict_a connexion_n between_o the_o lead_a faculty_n and_o their_o inward_a operation_n with_o the_o outward_a action_n according_a to_o the_o renew_a temper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n such_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o life_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n that_o be_v exercise_v from_o divine_a principle_n and_o eternal_a motive_n will_v fortify_v a_o christian_a against_o all_o temptation_n he_o will_v neither_o be_v allure_v nor_o terrifle_v from_o his_o duty_n some_z when_o religion_n be_v in_o public_a esteem_n be_v forward_a professor_n but_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n expose_v they_o to_o reproach_n as_o seditious_a and_o disloyal_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o reproach_n they_o will_v comply_v with_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o time_n to_o secure_v their_o secular_a interest_n and_o as_o there_o be_v change_n of_o garment_n summer_n and_o winter_n garment_n according_a to_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n so_o they_o have_v change_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o time_n vary_v persecution_n discover_v they_o to_o have_v be_v formal_a professor_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o depth_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o sincere_a christian_n be_v conspicuous_o such_o in_o the_o fiery_a trial_n it_o be_v observe_v in_o dig_v well_n in_o the_o hot_a month_n of_o july_n and_o august_n if_o a_o vein_n of_o water_n flow_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o last_a spring_n thus_o if_o in_o the_o burn_a heat_n of_o persecution_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a religion_n be_v declare_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n it_o proceed_v from_o sincere_a grace_n that_o will_v be_v spring_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n there_o be_v numerous_a example_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o despise_v the_o enrage_a world_n as_o a_o swarm_n of_o angry_a fly_n and_o turn_v persecution_n into_o a_o pleasure_n and_o with_o undecline_a fervour_n and_o courage_n persevere_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n unfeigned_a faith_n and_o sincere_a love_n be_v the_o strong_a security_n against_o apostasy_n he_o that_o be_v sound_a at_o the_o centre_n be_v unshaken_a by_o storm_n the_o double-minded_n who_o heart_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n and_o their_o carnal_a affection_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o their_o way_n some_o have_v short_a expire_a fit_n of_o devotion_n while_o they_o be_v in_o afflict_a circumstance_n either_o by_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o disease_n in_o their_o body_n or_o disaster_n in_o their_o estate_n they_o resolve_v to_o be_v regular_a and_o reform_v in_o their_o life_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o but_o when_o they_o be_v release_v from_o their_o trouble_n they_o degenerate_a from_o their_o design_n and_o falsify_v their_o resolution_n and_o like_o a_o lion_n slip_v from_o his_o chain_n that_o return_v to_o his_o fierceness_n with_o his_o liberty_n so_o they_o relapse_n into_o their_o old_a rebellious_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v they_o be_v not_o inward_o cleanse_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n nor_o change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o their_o misery_n they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n though_o restrain_v from_o the_o visible_a eruption_n of_o it_o but_o real_a saint_n have_v their_o conversation_n all_o of_o a_o colour_n in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n they_o be_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a in_o short_a sincere_a christian_n study_v the_o divine_a law_n to_o know_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o decline_v the_o strict_a scrutiny_n it_o be_v david_n prayer_n lord_n search_v i_o and_o try_v i_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n in_o i_o and_o discover_v it_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v forsake_v it_o conscience_n will_v be_v quick_a and_o tender_a like_o the_o eye_n which_o if_o any_o dirt_n be_v in_o it_o weep_v it_o out_o there_o may_v be_v rebel_n in_o a_o loyal_a city_n but_o they_o be_v not_o conceal_v and_o cherish_v the_o loyal_a subject_n search_v to_o discover_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o the_o hypocrite_n hate_v the_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a they_o cherish_v a_o wilful_a ignorance_n that_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v their_o lusts._n the_o sincere_a christian_a aim_n at_o perfection_n he_o pray_v resolve_v watch_n mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o every_o sin_n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o uprightness_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v without_o spot_n or_o blemish_v here_o but_o the_o hypocrite_n though_o he_o external_o comply_v with_o some_o precept_n of_o easy_a obedience_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o sweet_a sin_n now_o if_o any_o sin_n be_v entertain_v or_o unrenounce_v by_o a_o person_n he_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o a_o captive_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o a_o bird_n be_v ensnare_v by_o one_o leg_n it_o be_v as_o sure_o the_o prey_n of_o the_o the_o fowler_n as_o if_o it_o be_v seize_v by_o both_o wing_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v sincerity_n commend_v we_o to_o god_n it_o give_v value_n to_o the_o mean_a service_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o corrupt_v the_o most_o eminent_a service_n jehu_n zeal_n be_v a_o bloody_a murder_n though_o the_o destruction_n of_o ahab_n family_n be_v command_v by_o god_n the_o consciousness_n of_o sincerity_n rejoice_v the_o live_a saint_n with_o present_a comfort_n and_o the_o die_a with_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n the_o apostle_n when_o surround_v with_o calamity_n declare_v this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n that_o 〈◊〉_d with_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n hezekiah_n have_v receive_v a_o mortal_a message_n by_o the_o prophet_n address_v himself_o to_o god_n remember_v o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n truth_n and_o perfection_n be_v equivalent_a this_o be_v a_o revive_a cordial_n
with_o some_o attainment_n and_o presume_v we_o be_v perfect_a we_o must_v be_v contend_v till_o our_o conquest_n over_o sin_n be_v clear_a and_o complete_a the_o reflection_n upon_o our_o progress_n will_v aug._n give_v new_a spirit_n to_o proceed_v to_o new_a work_n to_o he_o that_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n glory_n and_o immortality_n be_v the_o reward_n perseverance_n be_v the_o crown_n of_o christianity_n 2._o i_o now_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o allegation_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o discourage_v man_n from_o endeavour_n after_o perfect_a holiness_n i_o have_v in_o the_o preface_n answer_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a objection_n i_o will_v consider_v some_o other_o to_o remove_v the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o divine_a command_n of_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a be_v the_o impossibility_n of_o obey_v it_o how_o can_v sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n be_v perfect_a as_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v to_o this_o a_o clear_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o it_o be_v true_a if_o a_o law_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o cancel_v itself_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n in_o a_o superior_a to_o command_v nor_o obligation_n on_o a_o subject_a to_o obey_v in_o a_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o his_o choice_n absolute_a impossibility_n quench_v desire_v and_o cause_n despair_v and_o that_o enervate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o industry_n now_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o wisdom_n rectitude_n and_o goodness_n be_v essential_a and_o unchangeable_a shall_v command_v reasonable_a creature_n any_o thing_n utter_o impossible_a for_o then_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n will_v not_o rise_v from_o themselves_o but_o they_o will_v be_v fatal_o lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o 2._o the_o command_n signify_v not_o a_o resemblance_n of_o equality_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n but_o of_o analogy_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a nature_n of_o which_o intellectual_a creature_n be_v capable_a 3._o in_o the_o present_a state_n our_o conformity_n be_v not_o entire_a our_o grace_n be_v not_o pure_a our_o virtue_n not_o refine_v without_o allay_n but_o this_o be_v from_o our_o culpable_a impotence_n and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v this_o law_n and_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v contract_v a_o sinful_a disability_n to_o perform_v it_o beside_o god_n be_v please_v to_o offer_v divine_a assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o the_o kind_n of_o holiness_n though_o not_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o degree_n and_o though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n here_o we_o may_v be_v ascend_v to_o it_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o strive_v for_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o be_v we_o must_v be_v add_v new_a degree_n of_o light_n in_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o full_a enlighten_v state_n above_o and_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a till_o we_o come_v to_o his_o transform_a presence_n in_o heaven_n but_o we_o must_v be_v aspire_v to_o it_o we_o have_v the_o most_o excellent_a encouragement_n to_o this_o duty_n for_o if_o we_o be_v zealous_a in_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n god_n will_v pardon_v our_o imperfection_n and_o accept_v we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_a but_o those_o who_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o defect_n and_o lie_v still_o in_o their_o laziness_n will_v be_v just_o condemn_v 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o duty_n be_v at_o least_o extreme_o difficult_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o difficulty_n be_v a_o unreasonable_a pretence_n in_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o infinite_a consequence_n our_o saviour_n command_v we_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v and_o hard_o to_o keep_v but_o that_o only_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v escape_v by_o flight_n it_o be_v better_a to_o take_v pain_n than_o to_o suffer_v pain_n the_o cord_n of_o duty_n be_v more_o easy_a than_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n insuperable_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n love_n be_v not_o cold_a and_o idle_a but_o ardent_a and_o active_a in_o pursuit_n of_o its_o object_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n that_o resolve_v diligence_n will_v overcome_v great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o design_n of_o men._n demosthenes_n the_o athenian_a be_v the_o most_o unqualify_v for_o a_o orator_n of_o a_o thousand_o his_o breath_n be_v so_o short_a that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v out_o a_o full_a sentence_n his_o voice_n and_o pronunciation_n be_v so_o harsh_a and_o his_o action_n so_o ungrateful_a and_o offensive_a to_o the_o most_o delicate_a sense_n the_o eye_n and_o ear_n that_o the_o first_o time_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v entertain_v with_o derision_n and_o the_o second_o with_o disdain_n by_o the_o people_n yet_o by_o unwearied_a industry_n and_o exercise_n he_o correct_v his_o defect_n and_o become_v the_o most_o eloquent_a and_o perfect_a orator_n that_o ever_o flourish_v in_o greece_n now_o can_v there_o be_v any_o so_o difficult_a height_n in_o religion_n but_o a_o strong_a resolution_n join_v with_o consequent_a endeavour_n and_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v gradual_o attain_v to_o to_o naked_a nature_n the_o command_v of_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v extreme_o hard_a carnal_a man_n pretend_v they_o can_v as_o easy_o stop_v the_o circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n as_o mortify_v their_o sensual_a inclination_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o pleasant_a to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o word_n imply_v i_o can_v easy_o st._n john_n declare_v his_o command_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o gracious_a yoke_n the_o impotence_n of_o man_n to_o obey_v christ_n consist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o be_v not_o infect_v by_o fate_n nor_o determine_v by_o destiny_n and_o constrain_v by_o strict_a necessity_n to_o follow_v their_o sinful_a course_n but_o be_v chain_v to_o their_o allure_a vicious_a object_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o own_o wi_n i_o will_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o title_n and_o profession_n and_o pretend_v invincible_a impediment_n against_o perform_v their_o duty_n propound_v the_o moral_a excellency_n that_o shine_v in_o some_o heathen_n in_o regulate_v the_o angry_a and_o desire_a appetite_n socrates_n who_o have_v a_o fiery_a nature_n that_o incline_v he_o to_o sudden_a anger_n yet_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o constant_a equal_a temper_n that_o when_o provoke_v by_o injury_n his_o countenance_n be_v more_o placid_a and_o serene_a his_o voice_n more_o temperate_a his_o word_n more_o kind_a and_o oblige_a plato_n surprise_v with_o passion_n for_o a_o great_a fault_n of_o his_o servant_n take_v a_o staff_n to_o beat_v he_o and_o have_v lift_v up_o his_o hand_n for_o a_o stroke_n stop_v sudden_o and_o a_o friend_n 3._o come_v in_o and_o wonder_v to_o see_v he_o in_o that_o posture_n say_v i_o chastise_v a_o angry_a man_n reflect_v with_o shame_n upon_o himself_o thus_o he_o disarm_v his_o passion_n when_o alexander_n have_v conquer_v darius_n and_o take_v his_o queen_n a_o woman_n of_o exquisite_a beauty_n he_o will_v not_o have_v she_o bring_v into_o his_o presence_n that_o his_o virtue_n may_v not_o be_v violate_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o she_o scipio_n have_v take_v a_o town_n in_o spain_n and_o among_o they_o a_o noble_a virgin_n very_o beautiful_a resign_v her_o untouched_a with_o her_o ransom_n of_o great_a value_n to_o the_o prince_n to_o who_o she_o be_v contract_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o vanity_n assist_v virtue_n in_o these_o person_n and_o one_o carnal_a passion_n vanquish_v another_o the_o desire_n of_o praise_n the_o pride_n of_o life_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o shall_v not_o divine_a grace_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o humane_a motive_n the_o impotence_n of_o carnal_a christian_n be_v not_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o assist_a grace_n but_o their_o culpable_a neglect_n of_o use_v it_o but_o for_o the_o entire_a conviction_n of_o carnalist_n that_o be_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o voluptuous_a
pardon_v external_o the_o most_o provoke_a injury_n but_o internal_o quench_v all_o inclination_n to_o revenge_n now_o it_o will_v require_v our_o noble_a care_n and_o most_o excellent_a endeavour_n to_o practise_v these_o high_a rule_n if_o there_o be_v a_o extract_n of_o the_o corrupt_a moral_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n it_o will_v be_v visible_a how_o defective_a it_o be_v to_o restore_v man_n to_o his_o primitive_a holiness_n they_o be_v idolater_n not_o mere_o by_o temptation_n but_o by_o principle_n and_o resolution_n it_o be_v their_o maxim_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v conform_v to_o the_o worship_n practise_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v their_o moral_a philosophy_n ascend_v no_o high_a than_o to_o instruct_v we_o how_o to_o act_v as_o man_n for_o it_o consider_v in_o they_o only_o humane_a quality_n and_o direct_v their_o action_n in_o a_o respective_a order_n to_o natural_a felicity_n to_o do_v just_o to_o die_v generous_o to_o allay_v the_o fiery_a agitation_n of_o the_o passion_n that_o make_v man_n miserable_a in_o themselves_o and_o vexatious_a to_o other_o be_v the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o this_o heathen_a philosophy_n pretend_v they_o have_v some_o glimmer_a confuse_a notion_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o god_n but_o like_o the_o thin_a appearance_n of_o some_o star_n in_o a_o dark_a night_n without_o efficacy_n but_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v our_o duty_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v clear_o know_v and_o strong_o impress_v on_o we_o there_o be_v various_a duty_n in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o christian_n practice_n and_o it_o be_v a_o advantage_n to_o have_v they_o reduce_v to_o some_o comprehensive_a head_n that_o may_v bring_v they_o often_o to_o our_o mind_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o the_o bright_a sum_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v ●pp●●●ed_v unto_o all_o ●●n_fw-la teach_v we_o th●●_n deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n 〈◊〉_d shall_v li●●_n godly_a righteous_o ●nd_v sober_o in_o the_o pr●●●●t_a world_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n more_o e●●●●●●ve_a and_o influential_a into_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a th●●_n to_o wal●_n worthy_a of_o god_n become_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d ou●_n heavenly_a father_n and_o our_o union_n with_o his_o son_n as_o our_o spiritual_a head_n and_o the_o supernatural_a happiness_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n we_o be_v command_v to_o ●●l●_n circumspect_o and_o ●●●ctly_o not_o as_o fool_n b●●_n 〈◊〉_d wi●●_n sometimes_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o our_o duty_n final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v j●s●_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a r●port_n if_o ther●_n be_v any_o virtue_n any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o evangelical_n rule_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o destructive_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o many_o thing_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v counsel_n of_o perfection_n not_o universal_a law_n a_o doctrine_n fatal_o fruitful_a of_o many_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o poison_n of_o the_o soul_n they_o depress_v the_o divine_a law_n while_o they_o assert_v a_o more_o excellent_a holiness_n in_o uncommanded_a work_n and_o they_o exceed_v the_o rule_n in_o matter_n of_o supererogation_n it_o induce_v slothfulness_n for_o they_o secure_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o not_o only_o contradict_v the_o gospel_n in_o their_o practice_n but_o supplant_v it_o in_o their_o principle_n and_o as_o they_o relax_v our_o obligation_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n so_o by_o other_o doctrine_n they_o release_v man_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o sanction_n and_o penalty_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n take_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o indulgence_n the_o fear_n of_o purgatory_n 2._o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o we_o example_n of_o perfection_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o the_o best_a height_n 1._o we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a there_o be_v some_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o imitation_n but_o of_o our_o high_a reverence_n and_o veneration_n such_o be_v his_o eternity_n immensity_n omnipotence_n immutability_n there_o be_v other_o attribute_n his_o moral_a perfection_n that_o be_v imitable_a holiness_n goodness_n justice_n truth_n which_o be_v pure_o and_o full_o declare_v in_o his_o law_n and_o visible_o in_o the_o work_v of_o providence_n this_o command_n as_o be_v before_o explain_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o a_o equality_n but_o resemblance_n he_o be_v essential_o transcendent_o and_o unchangeable_o holy_a the_o original_a of_o holiness_n in_o understand_a creature_n there_o be_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unspotted_a holiness_n of_o the_o angel_n than_o between_o the_o celerity_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o slow_a motion_n of_o the_o shadow_n upon_o the_o dial_n that_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o utmost_a aim_n our_o most_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n as_o wax_n be_v to_o the_o seal_n so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o his_o end_n the_o same_o character_n be_v ingrave_v in_o it_o the_o soul_n be_v godlike_a when_o the_o principal_a lead_v power_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n be_v influence_v by_o he_o the_o heathen_a deity_n be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o vice_n intemperance_n impurity_n and_o cruelty_n and_o their_o idolater_n synod_n bold_o under_o their_o patronage_n the_o true_a god_n command_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o as_o dear_a child_n for_o love_n produce_v desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o likeness_n 2._o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o globe_n of_o precept_n a_o model_n of_o perfection_n set_v before_o we_o for_o our_o imitation_n this_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v more_o proportionable_a to_o we_o for_o in_o he_o be_v unite_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o a_o man._n he_o be_v h●ly_o harmless_a undefiled_a and_o separate_v from_o sinner_n his_o purity_n be_v absolute_a and_o every_o graoe_n in_o the_o most_o divine_a degree_n be_v express_v in_o his_o action_n his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v a_o compound_a miracle_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o love_n to_o men._n whatever_o his_o father_n order_v he_o to_o undertake_v or_o undergo_v he_o entire_o consent_v to_o he_o willing_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n it_o be_v not_o put_v upon_o he_o by_o compulsion_n in_o his_o life_n humility_n towards_o man_n infinite_a descen●s_n below_o he_o self-denial_n zeal_n for_o the_o 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please_v to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v feed_v by_o martha_n but_o how_o many_o neglect_n and_o despise_v this_o duty_n some_o pretend_v they_o know_v enough_o such_o if_o they_o do_v not_o want_v instructer_n want_v remembrancer_n of_o their_o duty_n other_o be_v infect_v with_o pride_n and_o a_o worse_a leprosy_n than_o naaman_n of_o who_o we_o read_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n send_v he_o a_o message_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o wash_v in_o jordan_n seven_o time_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v clean_o he_o be_v wroth_a and_o say_v be_v not_o abana_n and_o pharpar_n rivers_n of_o damascus_n better_a than_o the_o river_n of_o israel_n may_v i_o not_o wash_v in_o they_o and_o be_v clean_a so_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v direct_v to_o wash_v themselves_o often_o in_o the_o water_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v be_v not_o the_o river_n of_o greece_n and_o rome_n the_o eloquent_a discourse_n of_o philosopher_n better_a more_o 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serious_o ponder_v there_o be_v a_o time_n come_v when_o only_a prayer_n can_v relieve_v they_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o the_o serious_a read_v the_o scripture_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o impression_n of_o the_o character_n of_o its_o purity_n on_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o daily_a revolution_n we_o be_v command_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n as_o the_o soul_n quicken_v the_o body_n by_o its_o residence_n and_o direct_v it_o in_o all_o its_o motion_n so_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n to_o direct_v and_o excite_v and_o enable_v it_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o duty_n this_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o precept_n and_o the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o obtain_v perfection_n our_o read_n must_v be_v with_o observation_n and_o apply_v the_o word_n for_o our_o good_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o sail_v on_o the_o water_n for_o pleasure_n and_o divin●_n in_o it_o for_o pearl_n some_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o please_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n powerful_a providence_n and_o the_o various_a event_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n record_v in_o they_o but_o there_o must_v be_v diligent_a enquiry_n for_o spiritual_a treasure_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n how_o careless_a be_v the_o most_o of_o this_o duty_n there_o be_v above_o eight_o thousand_o hour_n in_o a_o year_n and_o how_o few_o be_v employ_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o everlasting_a way_n the_o common_a pretence_n be_v necessary_a business_n but_o all_o excuse_n be_v vain_a against_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v the_o work_a o●_n our_o salvation_n a_o indifferent_a idle_a matter_n must_v the_o principal_a affair_n of_o our_o life_n be_v subordinate_a to_o lower_v concern_v the_o infinite_a business_n of_o govern_v a_o kingdom_n be_v no_o exemption_n to_o prince_n from_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o command_n be_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n to_o read_v the_o law_n of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n of_o 〈…〉_z life_n that_o he_o may_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v 〈…〉_z statute_n 3._o the_o word_n must_v be_v sincere_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v sincere_o deliver_v the_o rule_n be_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o receiu●_v the_o engraft_a word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o food_n more_o easy_o turn_v into_o blood_n tha●_n milk_n but_o if_o the_o stomach_n be_v foul_a 〈◊〉_d sower_n and_o corrupt_v and_o be_v hurtful_a to_o the_o body_n the_o word_n of_o grace_n if_o receive_v into_o a_o sincere_a heart_n be_v very_o nutritive_a it_o confirm_v and_o comfort_n the_o soul_n but_o if_o there_o be_v false_a principle_n carnal_a habit_n sensual_a affection_n it_o prove_v dangerous_a a_o carnal_a man_n will_v set_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o precept_n and_o apply_v the_o promise_n without_o regard_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o and_o from_o holy_a premise_n draw_v sinful_a conclusion_n brief_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a but_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o psalmist_n put_v the_o question_n he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v not_o he_o hear_v and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v with_o the_o same_o conviction_n he_o that_o give_v we_o the_o faculty_n of_o hear_v shall_v not_o he_o be_v hear_v but_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o bare_a hear_n for_o it_o be_v a_o introductive_a prepare_v duty_n in_o order_n to_o practice_v there_o may_v be_v a_o increase_n in_o knowledge_n some_o conviction_n like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n some_o melt_a of_o the_o affection_n like_o a_o dash_n of_o rain_n soon_o over_o some_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n but_o without_o sincere_a practice_n the_o man_n be_v a_o hearer_n only_o and_o deceive_v himself_o every_o sermon_n that_o he_o hear_v will_n notwithstanding_o his_o vain_a hope_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o he_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o residence_n of_o the_o practical_a truth_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o heart_n than_o in_o the_o head_n if_o they_o be_v only_o in_o the_o head_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o unrighteousness_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n more_o common_a man_n think_v they_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o idea_n and_o notion_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o their_o mind_n without_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n brief_o the_o end_n and_o work_n of_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v we_o warn_v every_o man_n and_o teach_v every_o man_n that_o we_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n this_o testimony_n be_v give_v of_o ep●phras_n a_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o always_o labour_v fervent_o in_o prayer_n that_o the_o colossian_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o new_a man_n bear_v from_o heaven_n and_o partaker_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n that_o consist_v in_o holiness_n and_o joy_n this_o spiritual_a life_n suppose_v a_o spiritual_a nourishment_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n and_o that_o a_o spiritual_a eat_v and_o drink_v our_o saviour_n denominate_v himself_o by_o the_o character_n of_o life_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n he_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o sacrament_n he_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n there_o be_v the_o sacred_a memorial_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o be_v drink_v indeed_o that_o afford_v a_o more_o substantial_a and_o excellent_a nourishment_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o perish_a food_n that_o support_v the_o body_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n your_o father_n eat_v mann●_n in_o the_o wilderness_n 6._o and_o be_v dead_a the_o bread_n of_o angel_n can_v not_o preserve_v they_o from_o death_n but_o the_o bread_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o be_v please_v to_o deal_v familiar_o with_o we_o suitable_o to_o our_o composition_n and_o capacity_n and_o humble_v himself_o in_o a_o sacramental_a union_n with_o the_o element_n that_o sight_n may_v assist_v faith_n this_o be_v a_o positive_a institution_n that_o derive_v its_o authority_n and_o goodness_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o saviour_n it_o be_v his_o die_a charge_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o which_o a_o special_a and_o
be_v mend_v and_o renew_v it_o discover_v the_o sin_n that_o be_v undiscerned_a 3._o there_o must_v be_v a_o fix_a resolution_n to_o reform_v our_o life_n wherein_o we_o have_v be_v culpable_a the_o soul_n can_v never_o recover_v its_o lapse_n from_o above_o but_o by_o return_v thither_o that_o be_v by_o a_o real_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n that_o full_o represent_v the_o law-giver_n will_n and_o sovereignty_n now_o the_o reflect_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o improve_v the_o good_a and_o correct_v the_o evil_a in_o they_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o that_o end_n 4._o it_o must_v be_v frequent_a lest_o we_o become_v ignorant_a and_o forgetful_a of_o ourselves_o ira._n some_o of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n make_v a_o scrutiny_n of_o their_o action_n every_o day_n it_o be_v relate_v of_o sextius_n a_o philosopher_n that_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n he_o thorough_o examine_v the_o action_n of_o it_o what_o evil_a have_v i_o cure_v what_o vice_n have_v i_o resist_v in_o what_o be_o i_o become_v better_o seneca_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v his_o daily_a practice_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n before_o the_o judicatory_a of_o conscience_n the_o author_n of_o the_o golden_a verse_n give_v counsel_n in_o order_n to_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n to_o revise_v in_o our_o thought_n at_o night_n wherein_o have_v i_o transgress_v 〈◊〉_d what_o have_v i_o do_v what_o have_v i_o omit_v in_o do_v this_o we_o shall_v preserve_v conscience_n more_o tender_a and_o sensible_a for_o continuance_n in_o sin_n harden_v it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o preventive_a medicine_n for_o if_o the_o sting_n of_o remorse_n follow_v our_o omission_n of_o good_a and_o commission_n of_o evil_a and_o a_o divine_a joy_n be_v feel_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o progress_n in_o holiness_n this_o will_v be_v a_o constant_a motive_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o disorderly_a action_n and_o to_o form_v we_o to_o perfection_n beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n the_o first_o wear_v and_o decay_v by_o continual_a use_n the_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o frequent_a practice_n whether_o vicious_a or_o virtuous_a increase_n and_o be_v confirm_v and_o since_o in_o the_o most_o excellent_a saint_n there_o remain_v sin_n of_o unavoidable_a weakness_n the_o renew_v our_o repentance_n every_o day_n be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o that_o mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o sin_n we_o be_v command_v not_o to_o let_v the_o sun_n go_v down_o on_o our_o wrath_n much_o less_o on_o god_n in_o short_a let_v we_o every_o morning_n consider_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n which_o be_v a_o valuable_a part_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o proper_a season_n of_o do_v it_o and_o charge_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o diligent_a regard_n to_o it_o it_o be_v prudent_a advice_n how_o to_o make_v slothful_a servant_n exactio_fw-la industrious_a in_o the_o morning_n to_o prescribe_v their_o work_n in_o the_o evening_n to_o require_v a_o account_n what_o be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v and_o to_o commend_v or_o censure_v to_o reward_v or_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o diligence_n or_o neglect_n there_o be_v rare_o find_v servant_n of_o so_o deprave_a a_o temper_n so_o rebellious_a to_o authority_n and_o reason_n so_o untractable_a but_o they_o will_v mend_v by_o this_o manage_n if_o this_o duty_n be_v constant_o practise_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o will_v be_v of_o infinite_a profit_n to_o we_o we_o read_v in_o the_o process_n of_o the_o creation_n that_o god_n revise_v the_o work_n of_o every_o day_n and_o see_v they_o be_v good_a and_o in_o the_o end_n see_v they_o be_v very_o good_a and_o ordain_v a_o sabbath_n a_o sign_n of_o his_o complacence_n in_o his_o work_n thus_o if_o in_o the_o review_n of_o our_o action_n we_o find_v our_o conversation_n have_v be_v in_o godly_a sincerity_n that_o we_o have_v be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n in_o strive_v after_o perfection_n this_o reflection_n will_v produce_v rest_n and_o joy_n unspeakable_a joy_v that_o centre_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o soul_n joy_n that_o will_v flourish_v in_o adversity_n when_o carnal_a joy_n wither_v a_o joy_n that_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o at_o death_n but_o pass_v with_o we_o into_o the_o eternal_a world_n this_o oil_n of_o gladness_n will_v make_v we_o more_o active_a and_o cheerful_a in_o our_o universal_a duty_n but_o if_o we_o have_v be_v slack_a and_o careless_a in_o religion_n if_o sin_n have_v be_v easy_o entertain_v and_o easy_o excuse_v the_o remembrance_n will_v embitter_v sin_n and_o make_v we_o more_o vigilant_a for_o the_o future_a to_o make_v this_o duty_n more_o profitable_a we_o shall_v compare_v ourselves_o with_o ourselves_o and_o with_o other_o 1._o with_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v whether_o we_o be_v advance_v towards_o perfection_n sometime_o there_o be_v a_o gradual_a declension_n in_o the_o saint_n themselves_o not_o observe_v when_o samson_n have_v lose_v his_o mysterious_a hair_n upon_o the_o preserve_n of_o which_o his_o strength_n depend_v and_o the_o philistine_n have_v seize_v he_o he_o awake_v out_o of_o his_o sleep_n and_o say_v i_o will_v go_v out_o as_o at_o other_o time_n before_o and_o shake_v myself_o and_o he_o wist_v not_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o thus_o many_o decline_n in_o their_o valuation_n and_o affection_n to_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o be_v less_o circumspect_a in_o their_o conversation_n less_o fervent_a in_o their_o desire_n of_o grace_n and_o faithful_a in_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o than_o former_o and_o this_o deserve_v heart-breaking_a sorrow_n 2._o beside_o the_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o other_o who_o have_v excel_v we_o in_o holiness_n and_o have_v be_v more_o watchful_a to_o abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o more_o zealous_a in_o do_v good_a be_v very_o useful_a this_o will_v wash_v off_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o common_a excuse_n that_o without_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o angel_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v preserve_v undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o sensual_a temptation_n but_o as_o the_o philosopher_n demonstrate_v the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n by_o walk_v before_o a_o captious_a caviller_n that_o deny_v it_o so_o when_o many_o saint_n that_o have_v the_o same_o frail_a nature_n and_o be_v surround_v with_o the_o same_o temptation_n keep_v themselves_o pure_a in_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n when_o they_o be_v regular_a in_o duty_n of_o civil_a conversation_n with_o man_n and_o in_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o we_o that_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o word_n of_o grace_n to_o instruct_v and_o assist_v we_o fall_v so_o short_a of_o their_o attainment_n how_o will_v the_o comparison_n upbraid_v we_o and_o cover_v we_o with_o confusion_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v discover_v in_o this_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o be_v notorious_o worse_o but_o averse_a from_o consider_v those_o who_o be_v eminent_o better_a but_o this_o will_v be_v of_o no_o avail_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o must_v conform_v not_o the_o example_n of_o other_o beside_o how_o can_v any_o expect_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o shall_v excuse_v they_o in_o judgement_n and_o not_o fear_v that_o the_o holiness_n of_o other_o shall_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v they_o chap._n xiii_o continual_a watchfulness_n requisite_a for_o our_o advance_n to_o perfection_n this_o respect_v the_o prevent_v evil_a and_o do_v good_n the_o malice_n the_o craft_n the_o diligence_n and_o number_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n we_o be_v very_o receptive_a of_o temptation_n watchfulness_n respect_v our_o do_v good_a in_o its_o season_n and_o with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o several_a relation_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o holiness_n domestic_a sacred_a and_o civil_a relation_n consider_v the_o last_o counsel_n let_v our_o progress_n towards_o heaven_n be_v with_o the_o same_o zeal_n as_o at_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o the_o same_o seriousness_n as_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o 7._o continual_a watchfulness_n be_v requisite_a that_o we_o may_v be_v rise_v towards_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n the_o state_n of_o sin_n in_o scripture_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o deep_a sleep_n that_o be_v the_o true_a image_n of_o death_n awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v 1●_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o light_n the_o spiritual_a sleep_n be_v understand_v by_o comparison_n with_o the_o natural_a in_o
a_o general_a duty_n that_o bind_v all_o relation_n and_o particular_a relative_n to_o their_o several_a state_n there_o be_v superiority_n in_o a_o husband_n sovereignty_n in_o parent_n authority_n in_o master_n but_o it_o must_v be_v temper_v with_o discretion_n indulgence_n and_o humanity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n be_v love_n wherein_o the_o society_n sweetness_n and_o felicity_n of_o marriage_n consist_v in_o this_o be_v include_v the_o bear_n with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o one_o another_o that_o allay_v the_o fierce_a passion_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o strife_n and_o make_v the_o patient_a party_n better_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o affection_n be_v distinguish_v the_o love_n of_o the_o husband_n be_v counsel_v and_o comfort_v provide_v and_o protect_v the_o love_n of_o the_o wife_n obsequious_a and_o assist_v his_o superiority_n and_o her_o subjection_n must_v be_v sweeten_v with_o love_n the_o husband_n must_v not_o be_v bitter_a nor_o the_o wife_n sour_a the_o husband_n must_v govern_v the_o wife_n as_o the_o soul_n do_v the_o body_n with_o wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n there_o be_v a_o servile_a subjection_n from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o hope_v of_o gain_n and_o a_o liberal_a subjection_n full_a of_o freedom_n from_o love_n and_o this_o be_v of_o wife_n to_o husband_n and_o of_o child_n to_o parent_n the_o wife_n though_o inferior_a be_v a_o fellow-ruler_n with_o he_o over_o child_n and_o servant_n she_o be_v subject_a as_o his_o vicegerent_n always_o preserve_v love_n and_o reverence_n in_o affection_n and_o express_v meekness_n and_o obedience_n in_o action_n she_o as_o his_o deputy_n be_v to_o dispose_v thing_n for_o his_o credit_n and_o profit_n prudence_n be_v requisite_a in_o both_o that_o they_o may_v deposit_v their_o care_n in_o each_o other_o bosom_n and_o trust_v their_o secret_a thought_n as_o secure_o as_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n the_o principal_a duty_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n be_v a_o tender_a care_n for_o the_o good_a of_o each_o other_o soul_n the_o husband_n shall_v lead_v she_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o his_o counsel_n and_o example_n and_o the_o wife_n by_o her_o humble_a and_o holy_a conversation_n recommend_v religion_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o affection_n the_o sovereignty_n of_o parent_n over_o child_n must_v be_v mix_v with_o tender_a affection_n not_o with_o rigour_n we_o be_v command_v parent_n provoke_v not_o your_o child_n to_o wrath_n lest_o they_o be_v discourage_v the_o duty_n of_o child_n be_v to_o reverence_n and_o obey_v their_o parent_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dutiful_a love_n without_o fear_n nor_o paternal_a authority_n without_o love_n the_o religious_a and_o secular_a government_n of_o the_o family_n be_v in_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n who_o be_v like_o the_o two_o great_a luminary_n in_o the_o heaven_n the_o one_o rule_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v principal_o in_o the_o husband_n this_o testimony_n be_v give_v of_o abraham_n that_o so_o endear_v he_o to_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o god_n as_o to_o reveal_v his_o secret_a counsel_n to_o he_o i_o know_v abraham_n that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o master_n must_v not_o be_v imperious_a austere_a and_o fierce_a but_o manage_v his_o power_n with_o that_o condescension_n and_o lenity_n with_o that_o exact_a performance_n of_o what_o be_v due_a to_o his_o servant_n as_o become_v one_o that_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o universal_a master_n before_o who_o he_o must_v stand_v in_o a_o equal_a line_n and_o with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o acceptance_n of_o person_n servant_n must_v be_v humble_a incorrupt_a diligent_a and_o faithful_a our_o saviour_n inquire_v who_o be_v that_o wise_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o the_o master_n call_v his_o servant_n to_o a_o account_n say_v well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o servant_n consist_v in_o his_o fidelity_n in_o short_a the_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n holy_a instruction_n and_o set_v a_o pattern_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o family_n the_o not_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o evil_a and_o excite_v they_o to_o good_a will_v be_v a_o terrible_a accusation_n against_o many_o parent_n and_o master_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o provision_n for_o the_o family_n be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n upon_o the_o master_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a alliance_n between_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o their_o season_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n do_v not_o supersede_n our_o obedience_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o if_o a_o eagle_n shall_v only_o gaze_v on_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o suffer_v its_o young_a one_o to_o starve_v in_o the_o nest_n it_o be_v prodigious_o unnatural_a he_o that_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n neglect_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o family_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n but_o how_o will_v those_o who_o by_o waste_v their_o estate_n or_o idleness_n ruin_n their_o family_n appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o god_n the_o superior_n in_o the_o family_n must_v preserve_v order_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o it_o the_o fire_n of_o discord_n turn_v a_o house_n into_o a_o little_a hell_n full_a of_o the_o torment_a passion_n sorrow_n and_o anguish_n disdain_n and_o despite_n malice_n and_o envy_n that_o blast_v the_o most_o flourish_a family_n but_o when_o religion_n that_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a govern_v the_o house_n it_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o paradise_n where_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n dwell_v and_o delight_n and_o dispense_v the_o most_o precious_a fruit_n of_o his_o favour_n wisdom_n and_o watchfulness_n be_v requisite_a to_o maintain_v a_o harmonious_a agreement_n in_o family_n wherein_o be_v person_n of_o different_a and_o contrary_a temper_n some_o be_v of_o such_o unnatural_a disposition_n that_o they_o love_v jar_n and_o dissension_n as_o some_o plant_n thrive_v on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o alps_o where_o they_o be_v continual_o expose_v to_o storm_n there_o be_v such_o and_o irregularity_n in_o the_o disposition_n of_o some_o that_o between_o those_o person_n there_o be_v fierce_a hatred_n where_o entire_a love_n be_v due_a the_o discord_n between_o brother_n be_v deep_o wound_v and_o hardly_o curable_a the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v evident_a for_o where_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o dear_a love_n be_v require_v and_o expect_v the_o not_o obtain_v it_o be_v so_o injurious_a and_o provoke_a that_o the_o hatred_n in_o one_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o love_n to_o which_o the_o other_o do_v not_o correspond_v the_o spartan_a magistrate_n celebrate_v for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n be_v inform_v of_o frequent_a quarrel_n between_o two_o brother_n likely_a to_o end_v in_o bloody_a contention_n they_o send_v for_o their_o father_n and_o punish_v he_o as_o more_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a in_o not_o timely_a correct_v they_o rule_v wisdom_n in_o the_o father_n of_o the_o family_n so_o as_o to_o conciliate_v love_n with_o respect_n soverity_n mix_v with_o sweetness_n which_o rare_o agricola_n meet_v be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v or_o compose_v dissension_n in_o those_o little_a commonwealth_n in_o order_n to_o this_o the_o prime_a care_n must_v be_v to_o quench_v the_o first_o spark_n that_o appear_v that_o be_v seed_n pregnant_a with_o fire_n if_o they_o be_v blow_v up_o and_o feed_v with_o material_n they_o break_v forth_o into_o a_o sudden_a flame_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o observe_v and_o employ_v every_o one_o in_o the_o family_n in_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o as_o the_o sen_n stone_n in_o a_o arch_n must_v be_v so_o cut_v and_o form_v that_o they_o may_v point_v one_o against_o another_o and_o support_v one_o another_o thus_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o temper_n and_o talent_n in_o a_o family_n and_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o superior_n to_o observe_v and_o employ_v the_o several_a person_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a in_o short_a authority_n be_v accept_v with_o more_o easy_a submission_n in_o the_o title_n of_o a_o father_n than_o of_o a_o master_n therefore_o as_o seneca_n observe_v the_o roman_n that_o they_o may_v prevent_v envy_n towards_o master_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o servant_n call_v the_o master_n the_o father_n of_o the_o family_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o sacred_a relation_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n i_o shall_v but_o glance_v on_o the_o duty_n belong_v to_o they_o evangelical_n pastor_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o luminary_n of_o heaven_n that_o by_o their_o light_n heatt_z and_o
few_o have_v a_o natural_a generosity_n or_o christian_a mercy_n and_o mean_n to_o express_v and_o exercise_v it_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o do_v not_o affect_v man_n with_o so_o quick_a a_o sense_n as_o the_o part_n with_o their_o money_n to_o relieve_v they_o as_o the_o balsam_n tree_n do_v not_o drop_v its_o heal_a liquor_n till_o the_o bark_n be_v cut._n sometime_o the_o great_a number_n of_o suitor_n be_v a_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o bounty_n none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o divine_a in_o the_o deity_n and_o become_v his_o nature_n than_o his_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o mother_n with_o equal_a pleasure_n nourish_v the_o child_n with_o her_o milk_n as_o the_o child_n draw_v it_o for_o the_o breast_n be_v uneasy_a till_o empty_v god_n much_o more_o rejoice_v in_o do_v good_a than_o we_o in_o receive_v it_o we_o be_v also_o assure_v of_o obtain_v spiritual_a blessing_n by_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o heaven_n the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n assure_v we_o of_o his_o power_n with_o god_n he_o take_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o bring_v as_o to_o the_o father_n perfume_n and_o present_v our_o request_n to_o obtain_v a_o favourable_a reception_n when_o we_o be_v under_o impression_n of_o fear_n that_o god_n will_v deny_v our_o prayer_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n it_o be_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o love_n in_o the_o mediator_n nor_o prevalency_n in_o his_o mediation_n beside_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n be_v plenteous_o convey_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o rich_a degree_n be_v reserve_v as_o a_o honour_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o ascension_n it_o be_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v liberal_o shed_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v liberal_o pour_v forth_o but_o the_o bestow_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v at_o the_o triumphant_a ascension_n of_o christ._n thou_o have_v ascend_v on_o high_a thou_o have_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o receive_v gift_n for_o man_n that_o be_v from_o the_o father_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o victory_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v they_o to_o men._n the_o principal_a gift_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o good_a thing_n the_o promise_n be_v perform_v under_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v pour_v forth_o of_o my_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n upon_o all_o flesh_n there_o be_v some_o sprinkling_n of_o it_o under_o the_o law_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o separate_a nation_n but_o now_o shower_n be_v pour_v down_o upon_o all_o nation_n to_o purify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o admirable_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v free_v i_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o 8._o death_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o fiery_a law_n so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o its_o original_a and_o operation_n convince_v of_o sin_n and_o constrain_v conscience_n to_o inflict_v torment_v impression_n on_o the_o soul_n the_o presage_n of_o future_a judgement_n but_o afford_v no_o spiritual_a grace_n to_o obey_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v weak_a and_o unprofitable_a but_o the_o 19_o gospel_n convey_v supernatural_a strength_n to_o obtain_v supernatural_a happiness_n it_o be_v foretold_a concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o 8._o be_v feeble_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o david_n and_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v as_o god_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o add_v far_o the_o holy_a spirit_n direct_v our_o desire_n and_o god_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n christ_n be_v our_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o inflame_v our_o affection_n and_o exciting_a in_o we_o filial_a trust_n in_o the_o divine_a mercy_n they_o that_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n if_o we_o be_v impotent_a in_o resist_a temptation_n and_o in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o divine_a assistance_n be_v ready_a upon_o our_o desire_n to_o confirm_v we_o our_o impotence_n be_v voluntary_a and_o do_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o consequent_a sin_n but_o be_v a_o antecedent_n sin_n the_o sharp_a reproof_n we_o read_v from_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o their_o guilty_a impotence_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v o_o faithless_a and_o perverse_a generation_n how_o long_o shall_v i_o be_v with_o you_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o suffer_v you_o he_o have_v give_v they_o power_n to_o heal_v disease_n and_o expel_v evil_a spirit_n but_o they_o have_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v that_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n how_o just_o do_v we_o deserve_v that_o sting_a reproach_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o by_o continual_a fervent_a prayer_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o partake_v of_o a_o rich_a abundance_n of_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o as_o prayer_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v more_o grace_n by_o impatration_n so_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v increase_v frequent_a prayer_n have_v a_o cleanse_a virtue_n in_o that_o as_o those_o who_o often_o come_v into_o the_o king_n presence_n to_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o be_v in_o decent_a habit_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v disparage_v in_o his_o sight_n so_o those_o who_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n will_v cleanse_v themselves_o from_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o appear_v before_o his_o holy_a majesty_n humility_n faith_n reverence_n love_n zeal_n resignation_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n compassion_n to_o the_o afflict_a and_o other_o excellent_a grace_n be_v exercise_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o activity_n and_o as_o acquire_v habit_n so_o infuse_v be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n frequent_v shoot_a not_o only_o make_v person_n more_o skilful_a in_o direct_v the_o arrow_n to_o the_o mark_n but_o more_o able_a to_o draw_v a_o strong_a bow_n none_o be_v more_o holy_a in_o conversation_n than_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n our_o saviour_n pray_v himself_o into_o heaven_n and_o a_o divine_a lustre_n appear_v in_o his_o countenance_n by_o our_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n will_v be_v impress_v upon_o we_o and_o brighten_v our_o conversation_n brief_o according_a to_o the_o raise_a operation_n of_o grace_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v obtain_v more_o excellent_a degree_n of_o it_o from_o heaven_n for_o in_o bestow_v the_o first_o grace_n god_n be_v a_o pure_a giver_n but_o in_o dispense_n new_a degree_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v 3._o frequent_a and_o attentive_a hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n and_o serious_a meditation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n the_o conception_n and_o propagation_n the_o sustain_a and_o increase_v the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v therefore_o compare_v to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o productive_a and_o preserve_a cause_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n it_o be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n and_o food_n to_o beget_v and_o nourish_v the_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n wine_n for_o the_o faint_a and_o strong_a meat_n to_o confirm_v those_o of_o mature_a age._n there_o be_v a_o objective_a virtue_n in_o it_o whereby_o it_o be_v apt_a and_o sufficient_a to_o regenerate_v we_o and_o to_o increase_v the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o new_a life_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o grace_n be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o to_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v it_o be_v 30._o a_o kind_a of_o miracle_n in_o nature_n that_o a_o p●ma_fw-la sience_n of_o a_o good_a tree_n graft_v into_o a_o sour_a stock_n draw_v the_o vital_a moisture_n from_o the_o root_n and_o convert_v it_o for_o the_o produce_v generous_a and_o pleasant_a fruit_n the_o engraft_a word_n be_v a_o divine_a doctrine_n overrule_v the_o carnal_a nature_n and_o make_v the_o mind_n will_n affection_n and_o action_n holy_a and_o heavenly_a answerable_a to_o its_o quality_n the_o command_v of_o
it_o be_v clear_a and_o pure_a direct_v we_o in_o our_o universal_a duty_n the_o promise_n be_v precious_a encourage_v we_o by_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o reward_n the_o threaten_n terrible_a to_o preserve_v we_o from_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o instrumental_a fitness_n in_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o perfect_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o we_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o convey_v the_o revelation_n to_o we_o have_v a_o congruity_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o the_o ear_n the_o first_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n be_v by_o it_o through_o the_o ear_n be_v the_o entrance_n of_o death_n it_o be_v now_o the_o gate_n of_o life_n in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v know_v god_n by_o sight_n now_o by_o hear_v when_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enlighten_v from_o heaven_n and_o zealous_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n he_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n than_o if_o a_o angel_n be_v a_o minister_a spirit_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a office_n for_o he_o that_o preach_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o the_o doctrine_n declare_v by_o he_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v near_o concern_v and_o therefore_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o affect_v other_o when_o a_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o breast_n it_o will_v inflame_v the_o lip_n the_o mind_n convince_v the_o mind_n and_o the_o heart_n persuade_v the_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o instrument_n can_v effect_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v make_v without_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o apply_v for_o that_o end_n so_o without_o a_o superior_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o give_v vital_a power_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v without_o efficacy_n what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o natural_a life_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n mouth_n a_o minister_n with_o all_o his_o reason_n and_o rhetoric_n can_v turn_v a_o soul_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n without_o the_o omnipotent_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o thessalonian_n that_o the_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o they_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o gospel_n than_o come_v only_o in_o word_n when_o it_o pierce_v no_o further_a than_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n to_o try_v word_n and_o distinguish_v different_a sound_n and_o voice_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n direct_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o ear_n the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o pass_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o heart_n that_o make_v a_o change_n so_o real_a and_o great_a in_o the_o quality_n of_o man_n as_o be_v express_v by_o substantial_a production_n it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n become_v effectual_a for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n when_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o entire_a obedience_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n our_o king_n lawgiver_n and_o judge_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o present_a duty_n and_o of_o future_a judgement_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o decision_n the_o divine_a law_n be_v universal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o some_o and_o needless_a for_o other_o but_o must_v be_v obey_v without_o partiality_n notwithstanding_o the_o repugnance_n of_o the_o carnal_a passion_n when_o it_o be_v serious_o believe_v and_o consider_v the_o hearer_n be_v induce_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o preparation_n and_o resolution_n of_o yield_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o evident_a nor_o injure_v than_o this_o that_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n this_o all_o profess_v in_o the_o general_n but_o contradict_v in_o particular_n when_o a_o temptation_n cross_v the_o precept_n now_o the_o first_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o believe_v it_o with_o so_o steadfast_a a_o assent_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o reform_v the_o whole_a man_n 2._o with_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v join_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o grow_v in_o holiness_n this_o be_v declare_v by_o st._n peter_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a appetite_n of_o food_n to_o maintain_v it_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o necessity_n cause_n a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o suitable_a supply_n to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v it_o this_o be_v experiment_a in_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n they_o attend_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o not_o mere_o to_o prevent_v the_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o impious_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o that_o proceed_v from_o fear_n not_o from_o desire_n but_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n not_o in_o a_o airy_a flashy_a knowledge_n that_o be_v only_o fruitful_a to_o increase_v gild_n and_o punishment_n but_o substantial_a and_o save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v influential_a upon_o practice_n hear_v be_v in_o order_n to_o do_v and_o do_v be_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o the_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o evil_n do_v no_o hurt_n nor_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n do_v no_o good_n feeding_n without_o digest_v the_o food_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n afford_v no_o nourishment_n nor_o strength_n the_o most_o diligent_a hear_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n be_v not_o profitable_a the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v content_v that_o divine_a truth_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o understanding_n if_o he_o can_v intercept_v their_o passage_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o conversation_n he_o practise_v over_o continual_o the_o first_o temptation_n to_o induce_v we_o by_o guile_n to_o choose_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n we_o be_v therefore_o command_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n 3._o that_o the_o spiritual_a life_n may_v be_v increase_v by_o the_o word_n it_o must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o hide_v in_o the_o heart_n david_n say_v i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o his_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n cause_v his_o continual_a meditation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o live_a root_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o season_n if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o remember_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n prescribe_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o man_n use_v in_o remember_v and_o practise_v rule_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o health_n of_o their_o body_n and_o it_o be_v just_o requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v more_o since_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n infinite_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n how_o holy_a and_o bless_v will_v they_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o roman_a physician_n that_o be_v conducive_a for_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o soul_n after_o celsus_n a_o full_a meal_n abstain_v from_o laborious_a action_n that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v concenter_v in_o the_o stomach_n for_o digestion_n otherwise_o if_o divert_v and_o employ_v in_o labour_n the_o stomach_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o crudity_n thus_o after_o hear_v the_o word_n our_o thought_n shall_v not_o be_v scatter_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o shall_v recollect_v and_o revolve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v be_v digest_v into_o practice_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n she_o keep_v th●se_a say_n and_o 19_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n there_o be_v powerful_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o this_o duty_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hear_v i_o that_o be_v with_o subjection_n of_o soul_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o in_o one_o instance_n he_o have_v declare_v how_o much_o approve_v and_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o he_o for_o when_o martha_n be_v employ_v about_o entertain_v he_o and_o mary_n be_v attentive_a to_o receive_v his_o instruction_n he_o say_v mary_n have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o she_o his_o feed_n mary_n be_v more_o