laspe_n have_v just_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o grieve_a spirit_n be_v new_a obligation_n to_o thankfulness_n and_o the_o more_o grace_n the_o less_o merit_n 3._o the_o best_a work_n of_o man_n be_v imperfect_a allay_v with_o the_o mixture_n of_o infirmity_n and_o not_o of_o full_a weight_n in_o the_o divine_a balance_n if_o god_n shall_v strict_o examine_v our_o righteousness_n it_o will_v be_v find_v neither_o pure_a nor_o perfect_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o without_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n will_v be_v reject_v and_o that_o which_o want_v pardon_n can_v deserve_v praise_n and_o glory_n he_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o that_o love_n he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o obedience_n be_v meritorious_a it_o be_v strict_a justice_n to_o reward_v they_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o onesiphorus_n who_o have_v expose_v himself_o to_o great_a danger_n for_o his_o love_n to_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n grant_v he_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o that_o day_n the_o divine_a mercy_n give_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o day_n of_o eternal_a recompense_n ii_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o obtain_n heaven_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n comprehend_v all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o from_o he_o as_o the_o eternal_a word_n we_o have_v all_o benefit_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o as_o the_o incarnate_a word_n all_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n what_o we_o enjoy_v in_o time_n and_o expect_v in_o eternity_n be_v by_o he_o to_o show_v what_o influence_n his_o mediation_n have_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a we_o must_v consider_v 1._o man_n by_o his_o rebellion_n just_o forfeit_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o law_n exact_v precise_o the_o forfeiture_n pure_a justice_n require_v the_o crime_n shall_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o its_o quality_n much_o less_o will_v it_o suffer_v the_o guilty_a to_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o offence_n and_o injury_n to_o a_o private_a person_n but_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n and_o a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o order_n of_o government_n so_o that_o to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o govern_v justice_n a_o equivalent_a reparation_n be_v appoint_v till_o sin_n be_v expiate_v by_o a_o proper_a sacrifice_n the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v a_o seal_a spring_n and_o its_o bless_a effect_n restrain_v from_o the_o guilty_a creature_n now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o our_o assume_v nature_n offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o our_o stead_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n and_o remove_v the_o bar_n that_o mercy_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o salvation_n the_o apostle_n give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o 20._o we_o have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh._n 2._o such_o be_v the_o most_o precious_a merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o free_v the_o guilty_a contaminate_a race_n of_o mankind_n from_o hell_n but_o to_o purchase_v for_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o consider_v his_o humane_a nature_n all_o grace_n be_v bear_v with_o he_o as_o ray_n with_o the_o sun_n and_o shine_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o excellence_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o divine_a person_n derive_v a_o immense_a value_n to_o all_o he_o perform_v as_o mediator_n one_o act_n of_o his_o obedience_n be_v more_o honourable_a to_o god_n than_o all_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o death_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o angel_n god_n be_v more_o please_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o belove_a son_n than_o he_o be_v provoke_v by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o servant_n therefore_o as_o the_o just_a recompense_n of_o it_o he_o constitute_v he_o to_o be_v universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n invest_v he_o with_o divine_a glory_n and_o with_o power_n to_o communicate_v it_o to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n in_o short_a it_o be_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o we_o be_v glorify_v as_o that_o we_o be_v forgive_v the_o wound_v he_o receive_v in_o his_o body_n the_o character_n of_o ignominy_n and_o footstep_n of_o death_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o glory_n his_o abasement_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o exaltation_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o seem_v to_o lessen_v the_o freeness_n of_o this_o gift_n the_o answer_n be_v clear_a this_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n but_o undeserved_a by_o we_o beside_o the_o appoint_v his_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o ransom_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_n of_o his_o goodness_n 2._o the_o mean_n of_o our_o obtain_n heaven_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v free_a in_o its_o act_n and_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o creature_n of_o merit_n or_o inducement_n to_o prevail_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o cause_n yet_o he_o require_v qualification_n in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v enjoy_v that_o bless_a unchangeable_a kingdom_n the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v 9.16_o but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n but_o we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o mercy_n which_o be_v dispense_v in_o that_o order_n the_o gospel_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o mercy_n be_v the_o powerful_a call_v the_o sinner_n from_o his_o corrupt_a and_o wretched_a state_n a_o second_o mercy_n be_v the_o pardon_v his_o sin_n the_o last_o and_o most_o eminent_a be_v the_o glorify_v he_o in_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o place_n the_o show_v of_o mercy_n signify_v the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o conversion_n for_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o show_v mercy_n be_v oppose_v not_o to_o condemn_v but_o to_o harden_v and_o consequent_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o divine_a grace_n overcome_v the_o rebellious_a will_n soften_v the_o stiff_a and_o stubborn_a heart_n and_o make_v it_o pliant_a to_o obedience_n this_o flow_v from_o his_o pure_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o least_o motive_n from_o the_o inclination_n or_o endeavour_n of_o sinful_a men._n but_o the_o other_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n require_v condition_n in_o the_o subject_n that_o receive_v they_o for_o he_o pardon_v only_o penitent_a believer_n and_o glorify_v none_o but_o persevere_v saint_n to_o make_v this_o clear_a it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n the_o gospel_n have_v several_a denomination_n it_o be_v call_v a_o law_n a_o covenant_n and_o a_o testament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n 3.27_o and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o a_o law_n it_o signify_v a_o new_a right_o that_o god_n have_v most_o free_o establish_v in_o favour_n of_o lose_a man_n that_o command_v certain_a duty_n and_o set_v before_o they_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n and_o eternal_a death_n the_o punishment_n of_o disobedience_n according_a to_o this_o the_o trial_n and_o decision_n of_o man_n everlasting_a state_n shall_v be_v which_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a law_n this_o law_n of_o grace_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o require_v entire_a innocence_n and_o for_o the_o least_o omission_n or_o accuse_v act_n past_o a_o irrevocable_a doom_n upon_o the_o offender_n for_o that_o strictness_n and_o severity_n be_v mollify_v by_o the_o gospel_n which_o accept_v of_o sincere_a persevere_v obedience_n though_o imperfect_a according_o it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o liberty_n 2._o but_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n be_v unalterable_a and_o admit_v of_o no_o dispensation_n from_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v everlasting_o happy_a 2._o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v a_o covenant_n and_o that_o import_v a_o reciprocal_a engagement_n between_o party_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n include_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_v and_o reward_v mercy_n on_o god_n part_n and_o the_o condition_n on_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v there_o be_v a_o inviolable_a dependence_n between_o they_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n 9_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o we_o must_v be_v his_o people_n to_o yield_v
the_o apostle_n though_o a_o transcendent_a saint_n deve_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v entire_o cover_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o renounce_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o as_o his_o surety_n in_o that_o day_n of_o account_n and_o obtain_v pardon_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o sin_n we_o can_v perfect_o obey_v the_o command_n nor_o appease_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n but_o the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n propitiat_v the_o divine_a justice_n this_o alone_a can_v make_v we_o stand_v in_o judgement_n before_o the_o fiery_a law_n and_o the_o fiery_a tribunal_n and_o the_o judge_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o all_o the_o guilty_a that_o appear_v in_o their_o sin_n before_o he_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o mediator_n have_v sprinkle_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o it_o by_o a_o unfeigned_a faith_n we_o may_v appear_v before_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o celestial_a sanctuary_n with_o joy_n 2._o not_o only_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o the_o acceptance_n and_o reward_v of_o our_o service_n with_o eternal_a glory_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n complete_a righteousness_n there_o be_v defilement_n in_o the_o person_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o saint_n their_o most_o holy_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n be_v perfume_v by_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o intercession_n 8.3_o and_o so_o become_v grateful_a to_o god_n our_o best_a virtue_n be_v mix_v and_o shadow_v with_o imperfection_n but_o in_o he_o all_o grace_n be_v conspicuous_a in_o their_o consummate_a degree_n our_o obedience_n suppose_v it_o perfect_a be_v of_o no_o desert_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n but_o his_o obedience_n be_v infinite_o meritorious_a by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o his_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o excellent_a reward_n not_o that_o his_o merit_n derive_v a_o value_n to_o our_o work_n to_o make_v they_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a glory_n as_o some_o noble_a mineral_n infuse_v into_o water_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o without_o taste_n or_o efficacy_n give_v it_o a_o medicinal_a tincture_n and_o virtue_n for_o this_o be_v impossible_a since_o the_o infinite_a dignity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o his_o most_o perfect_a habitual_a &_o actual_a holiness_n that_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o merit_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o our_o person_n and_o work_n but_o the_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o satisfactory_a and_o meritorious_a that_o god_n be_v please_v gracious_o to_o reward_v with_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n the_o mean_a service_n of_o those_o who_o be_v by_o a_o lively_a and_o purify_n faith_n unite_v to_o he_o second_o sincere_a obedience_n that_o be_v a_o uniform_a and_o entire_a respect_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n will_v alone_o be_v accept_v in_o that_o day_n for_o his_o authority_n run_v through_o all_o and_o bind_v they_o on_o the_o conscience_n david_n have_v this_o testimony_n from_o god_n himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o fulfil_v all_o his_o will._n and_o st._n john_n refer_v the_o decision_n of_o our_o state_n to_o this_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o of_o any_o allow_a sin_n of_o omission_n or_o commission_n 21._o much_o more_o god_fw-we will_n who_o be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o illuminate_v tender_a conscience_n do_v not_o condemn_v we_o of_o insincerity_n we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o he_o will_v spare_v and_o accept_v we_o notwithstanding_o our_o frailty_n and_o give_v free_a and_o safe_a access_n into_o his_o presence_n the_o life_n of_o many_o be_v chequer_a with_o a_o strange_a disparity_n they_o be_v restrain_v from_o some_o sin_n of_o apparent_a odiousness_n but_o indulgent_a to_o other_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o some_o duty_n but_o loose_a and_o slack_a in_o other_o as_o if_o they_o hope_v by_o way_n of_o commutation_n to_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n to_o expiate_v their_o delinquency_n in_o one_o kind_n by_o supererrogate_a in_o another_o some_o be_v paint_v pharisees_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n very_o exact_a in_o the_o formality_n of_o outward_a devotion_n but_o gross_a publican_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o careless_a of_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n other_o be_v in_o appearance_n strict_o moral_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o man_n and_o negligent_a of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n but_o partial_a obedience_n can_v never_o endure_v the_o trial_n of_o conscience_n much_o less_o of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v the_o weak_a light_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o pure_a eye_n of_o his_o glory_n it_o will_v make_v we_o liable_a to_o inward_a rebuke_n now_o and_o to_o open_a confusion_n at_o the_o last_o 1.12_o st._n paul_n rejoice_v be_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n he_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o he_o express_v it_o in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v his_o daily_a exercise_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n though_o our_o conquest_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o complete_a yet_o our_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n must_v be_v to_o mortify_v it_o in_o every_o kind_n though_o our_o obedience_n have_v not_o the_o perfection_n of_o degree_n we_o must_v be_v equal_o regard_v the_o divine_a law_n if_o there_o be_v any_o secret-favoured_a sin_n either_o of_o omission_n or_o commission_n it_o will_v render_v our_o petition_n unacceptable_a at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o our_o person_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n the_o law_n require_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o abatement_n or_o denounce_v the_o penalty_n without_o allay_n or_o mitigation_n the_o gospel_n have_v not_o relax_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v life_n sincere_a obedience_n be_v accept_v by_o that_o gracious_a covenant_n where_o the_o legal_a perfection_n be_v want_v but_o that_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o all_o i_o may_v illustrate_v this_o by_o a_o passage_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a who_o be_v desirous_a to_o learn_v geometry_n apply_v himself_o to_o a_o skilful_a instructor_n in_o it_o but_o his_o warlike_a disposition_n make_v he_o more_o capable_a to_o conquer_v than_o to_o measure_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o tire_v with_o the_o first_o proposition_n he_o desire_v his_o master_n to_o make_v the_o scheme_n more_o clear_a and_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o he_o 91._o to_o who_o the_o master_n reply_v that_o the_o theorem_n of_o that_o science_n be_v equal_o difficult_a to_o all_o and_o require_v the_o same_o attention_n of_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o thus_o the_o gospel_n of_o mercy_n require_v of_o all_o sincere_a sanctification_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o without_o this_o none_o shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o condemnation_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n i_o shall_v add_v a_o more_o restrain_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o respect_v religion_n the_o duty_n of_o piety_n consist_v of_o a_o outward_a and_o inward_a part_n and_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o be_v but_o as_o a_o carcase_n without_o a_o quicken_a soul_n now_o there_o will_v be_v a_o exquisite_a anatomy_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o judgement_n a_o discovery_n of_o all_o the_o principle_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o man_n be_v act_v and_o then_o he_o that_o be_v a_o saint_n inward_o in_o the_o spirit_n who_o with_o pure_a aim_n and_o holy_a affection_n have_v serve_v god_n shall_v have_v praise_n of_o he_o and_o those_o who_o have_v use_v god_n to_o enjoy_v the_o world_n that_o have_v assume_v pretence_n of_o piety_n for_o secular_a end_n shall_v be_v reprove_v this_o will_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o wonder_n in_o that_o day_n that_o many_o who_o be_v high_o esteem_v by_o man_n as_o excellent_a saint_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n that_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o hell_n thousand_o go_v thither_o be_v sad_a beyond_o expression_n but_o not_o strange_a at_o all_o but_o that_o in_o the_o path_n of_o heaven_n any_o shall_v descend_v to_o hell_n be_v astonish_v that_o those_o who_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o profane_a neglect_n of_o his_o worship_n in_o a_o dissolute_a disorderly_a course_n shall_v fall_v under_o condemnation_n be_v believe_v
honour_n or_o riches_n be_v not_o content_a with_o a_o mediocrity_n of_o success_n but_o drive_v on_o his_o affair_n to_o the_o full_a period_n of_o his_o desire_n a_o ardent_a lover_n of_o learning_n with_o a_o noble_a jealousy_n strive_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n in_o short_a no_o man_n design_n and_o belong_v for_o a_o thing_n as_o his_o happiness_n but_o will_v use_v all_o diligence_n to_o gain_v the_o present_a and_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o person_n sincere_o propound_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n as_o his_o end_n but_o love_n will_v make_v he_o fervent_a and_o industrious_a to_o be_v as_o heavenly_a as_o be_v possible_a here_o he_o will_v strive_v by_o bless_a and_o glorious_a gradation_n to_o ascend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o aim_n and_o desire_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 to_o be_v pure_a as_o christ_n be_v pure_a we_o have_v a_o admirable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o st._n paul_n who_o declare_v brethren_n 14._o i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n his_o progress_n be_v great_a yet_o that_o do_v not_o make_v he_o slack_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o end_n he_o labour_v to_o attain_v the_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n and_o life_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n entire_o and_o perfect_o as_o christ_n have_v apprehend_v he_o he_o be_v very_o diligent_a to_o improve_v the_o divine_a image_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v of_o lukewarm_a affection_n in_o religion_n the_o abhor_a character_n of_o laodicea_n who_o esteem_v it_o a_o prudent_a principle_n as_o convenient_a for_o their_o carnal_a ease_n and_o interest_n not_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o follow_v holiness_n vice_n in_o mediocrity_n be_v tolerable_a with_o they_o only_o the_o excess_n be_v condemn_v they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o mediocrity_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o secure_a as_o the_o church_n that_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o they_o boast_v as_o if_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o temperate_a region_n between_o the_o burn_a line_n and_o the_o freeze_a pole_n they_o account_v all_o that_o be_v above_o their_o degree_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v furious_a or_o indiscreet_a zeal_n and_o all_o below_o to_o be_v dead_a cold_a profaneness_n they_o censure_v those_o for_o hypocrisy_n or_o unnecessary_a strictness_n who_o be_v visible_o better_a and_o stand_v upon_o proud_a comparison_n with_o those_o who_o be_v visible_o worse_o and_o thus_o set_v off_o themselves_o by_o tax_v other_o but_o how_o easy_o do_v man_n deceive_v and_o damn_v themselves_o can_v we_o have_v too_o much_o of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o earth_n can_v we_o become_v too_o like_o god_n when_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o he_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o felicity_n indeed_o moral_a virtue_n consist_v in_o a_o mediocrity_n not_o of_o the_o habitual_a quality_n but_o of_o the_o affection_n and_o action_n between_o the_o vicious_a extremity_n fortitude_n consist_v in_o the_o mean_a between_o cowardice_n and_o rash_a boldness_n but_o how_o much_o the_o more_o confirm_v the_o courageous_a habit_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o that_o virtue_n liberality_n consist_v between_o a_o indiscreet_a profuseness_n and_o sordid_a avarice_n patience_n between_o a_o soft_a delicacy_n and_o stupid_a insensibility_n thus_o philosophic_a virtue_n glory_n in_o its_o beauty_n as_o pure_a and_o entire_a between_o two_o vicious_a deformity_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o many_o be_v paganism_n dress_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a fashion_n but_o this_o mediocrity_n only_o belong_v to_o inferior_a virtue_n that_o respect_v thing_n of_o create_a limit_a goodness_n and_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o divine_a grace_n respect_v a_o object_n supreme_o good_a and_o their_o perfection_n consist_v in_o their_o most_o excellent_a degree_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a affection_n and_o operation_n that_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o faith_n in_o its_o obedience_n hope_v in_o its_o assurance_n love_n in_o its_o ardour_n can_v never_o exceed_v when_o the_o object_n be_v infinite_a a_o mediocrity_n be_v vicious_a humility_n can_v never_o descend_v too_o low_a nor_o love_n ascend_v too_o high_a for_o reflect_v upon_o our_o natural_a and_o moral_a imperfection_n that_o we_o be_v raise_v from_o nothing_o that_o we_o be_v defile_v and_o debase_v with_o sin_n we_o can_v have_v too_o low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o and_o since_o god_n the_o sovereign_n be_v infinite_a in_o perfection_n and_o infinite_o amiable_a be_v the_o object_n no_o bound_n or_o measure_n must_v be_v set_v to_o our_o affection_n but_o with_o all_o our_o unite_a power_n all_o the_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o the_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o the_o strength_n we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o please_v he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v belove_v of_o he_o there_o be_v other_o will_v acknowledge_v their_o defect_n and_o tell_v you_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o eminent_a sanctity_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n nor_o aspire_v to_o their_o degree_n in_o glory_n they_o be_v content_a with_o a_o low_a place_n in_o heaven_n and_o less_o strict_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n this_o deceit_n be_v strengthen_v by_o popery_n that_o enervate_v and_o dissolve_v many_o of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n by_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o law_n oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o obedience_n that_o will_v attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o meritorious_o entitle_v to_o a_o rich_a crown_n and_o though_o man_n by_o impure_a indulgency_n please_v their_o sensual_a affection_n yet_o by_o taste_v purgatory_n in_o the_o way_n they_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n on_o easy_a term_n than_o a_o universal_a respect_n to_o god_n command_n and_o a_o equal_a care_n to_o observe_v they_o but_o death_n will_v confute_v all_o these_o feeble_a wretched_a pretence_n for_o though_o the_o saint_n above_o shine_n with_o a_o unequal_a brightness_n as_o the_o star_n differ_v in_o glory_n yet_o none_o be_v there_o but_o saint_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o mourn_v under_o their_o imperfection_n and_o unfeigned_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v better_o be_v never_o real_o good_a the_o slothful_a servant_n that_o do_v not_o waste_v but_o neglect_n to_o improve_v his_o talon_n be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o punishment_n in_o hell_n but_o the_o least_o miserable_a there_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o in_o short_a it_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n a_o prodigy_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v he_o be_v sincere_a in_o his_o choice_n and_o prepare_v in_o his_o affection_n for_o the_o pure_a glorious_a felicity_n in_o heaven_n that_o do_v not_o labour_n to_o cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n second_o the_o choice_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n must_v be_v early_o in_o the_o prime_n of_o our_o day_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o reason_n bind_v we_o to_o remember_v our_o creator_n in_o our_o youth_n to_o pay_v to_o he_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o our_o time_n and_o strength_n when_o we_o be_v surround_v with_o entice_a object_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v entire_a and_o most_o capable_a to_o enjoy_v they_o when_o the_o elect_a power_n be_v in_o their_o vigour_n then_o it_o be_v just_a we_o shall_v live_v to_o god_n obey_v he_o as_o our_o lawgiver_n and_o prefer_v the_o fruition_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n before_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o vanity_n it_o be_v very_o honourable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n to_o give_v the_o heart_n to_o he_o when_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n strong_o solicit_v to_o withdraw_v it_o it_o be_v a_o high_a endearment_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o he_o when_o his_o excellency_n be_v prevalent_a in_o the_o esteem_n and_o affection_n above_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n to_o declare_v the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n by_o despise_v temptation_n when_o they_o be_v most_o invite_v and_o the_o appetite_n be_v eager_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o but_o alas_o how_o many_o
passion_n like_o solomon_n brazen_a sea_n unmoveable_a by_o any_o wind_n of_o temptation_n be_v they_o entire_o exempt_v from_o the_o impression_n of_o object_n and_o the_o low_a affection_n no_o they_o be_v alive_a and_o sensible_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o ravish_v the_o affection_n of_o carnal_a man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n despise_v and_o overcome_v they_o and_o this_o grace_n be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o that_o sincere_o desire_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a wretched_a pretence_n that_o religion_n bind_v to_o hard_a service_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o sometime_o religion_n expose_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o heavy_a suffering_n i_o answer_v indeed_o the_o gospel_n be_v plain_a and_o peremptory_a in_o this_o if_o we_o will_v reign_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v suffer_v with_o he_o when_o we_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o give_v a_o noble_a testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o extraordinary_a elevation_n no_o point_n of_o perfection_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a in_o the_o disposition_n and_o resolution_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n require_v it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n to_o suffer_v transient_a affliction_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o happy_a immortality_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o our_o suffer_a redeemer_n that_o we_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o his_o glory_n how_o many_o christian_n esteem_v themselves_o honour_v in_o the_o disgrace_n and_o bless_v in_o the_o injury_n they_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o invincible_a patience_n and_o astonish_a joy_n endure_v the_o most_o cruel_a persecution_n though_o yet_o the_o human_a nature_n in_o they_o be_v as_o tender_v and_o sensible_a of_o pain_n as_o in_o other_o but_o the_o natural_a aversion_n and_o repugnance_n to_o suffering_n be_v overrule_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o rational_a will_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o reward_n attend_v it_o they_o give_v a_o most_o convince_a sensible_a testimony_n how_o much_o more_o valuable_a heaven_n be_v than_o this_o present_a world_n willing_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o evil_a here_o and_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a issue_n in_o short_a the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n be_v a_o triumphal_a crown_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o victory_n there_o can_v be_v no_o triumph_n and_o where_o no_o combat_n no_o victory_n and_o where_o no_o enemy_n no_o combat_n therefore_o we_o be_v command_v to_o fight_v against_o our_o internal_a enemy_n our_o corrupt_a affection_n to_o kill_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o encounter_v and_o overcome_v by_o humility_n and_o meek_a submission_n the_o cruelty_n of_o malicious_a enemy_n without_o we_o in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o a_o believer_n that_o have_v heaven_n in_o taste_n and_o expectation_n will_v easy_o renounce_v the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o willing_o endure_v the_o sharp_a temptation_n for_o the_o bless_a reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n last_o fervent_a and_o constant_a prayer_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v fix_v our_o aim_n aright_o upon_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o use_v those_o sure_a mean_n that_o with_o divine_a advantage_n be_v propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n such_o be_v the_o depravation_n of_o man_n since_o his_o fall_n the_o mind_n be_v divert_v by_o vain_a thought_n and_o the_o heart_n prepossess_v with_o sensual_a desire_n that_o till_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v renew_v and_o his_o original_a affection_n to_o the_o supreme_a good_a be_v revive_v and_o restore_v by_o divine_a grace_n he_o be_v regardless_o of_o it_o and_o only_o apply_v himself_o to_o what_o be_v please_v to_o sense_n there_o may_v be_v some_o transient_a glance_n and_o volatile_a wish_n of_o heaven_n in_o carnal_a man_n but_o they_o be_v miserable_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a therefore_o a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o be_v by_o humble_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o reality_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o to_o reform_v our_o will_n that_o we_o may_v feel_v its_o attractive_a force_n both_o these_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v requisite_a that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a felicity_n may_v be_v the_o regent_n principle_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n 1._o for_o this_o end_n the_o holy_a spirit_n convince_v man_n thorough_o of_o the_o reality_n and_o greatness_n of_o a_o invisible_a happiness_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o many_o of_o eminent_a intellectual_a faculty_n be_v stupid_a as_o to_o their_o great_a interest_n and_o spend_v themselves_o about_o trifle_n and_o be_v equal_o tractable_a to_o eternal_a ruin_n as_o the_o ox_n to_o the_o slaughter_n he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o illuminate_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o now_o by_o the_o analogy_n between_o the_o corporal_a and_o intellectual_a faculty_n we_o may_v understand_v in_o some_o measure_n how_o the_o mind_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o see_v two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a 1._o external_n light_n in_o the_o air_n without_o which_o the_o colour_n figure_n and_o beauty_n of_o object_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o the_o sharp_a eye_n but_o lie_v obscure_v under_o impenetrable_a darkness_n 2._o internal_a light_n in_o the_o eye_n in_o which_o the_o visive_a power_n consist_v if_o this_o be_v extinguish_v the_o clear_a light_n of_o heaven_n be_v of_o no_o use_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o thing_n thus_o the_o understanding_n be_v enable_v to_o see_v spiritual_a thing_n 1._o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o object_n in_o this_o respect_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n till_o that_o bright_a discovery_n be_v make_v of_o eternal_a blessedness_n it_o be_v above_o the_o desire_n and_o hope_n of_o sinful_a man._n coelum_fw-la homo_fw-la nec_fw-la optare_fw-la poterat_fw-la ex_fw-la ignorantia_fw-la nec_fw-la sperare_fw-la ex_fw-la propriae_fw-la miseriae_fw-la conscientia_fw-la 2._o by_o the_o inward_a enlighten_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o remove_v the_o ignorance_n prejudice_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o as_o scales_n darken_v its_o sight_n and_o dispose_v it_o to_o perceive_v the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o spiritual_a and_o future_a thing_n though_o not_o with_o comprehensive_a evidence_n yet_o with_o that_o assurance_n that_o no_o doubtfulness_n or_o suspense_n remain_v concern_v they_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o faith_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o prudence_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n whereby_o a_o man_n know_v the_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o action_n and_o sin_n be_v call_v folly_n for_o as_o when_o the_o understand_a faculty_n either_o from_o the_o indisposedness_n of_o the_o organ_n as_o in_o idiot_n or_o from_o the_o disorder_n of_o fancy_n by_o inflammation_n of_o the_o humour_n as_o in_o distract_a person_n can_v weigh_v and_o compare_v and_o therefore_o make_v a_o perverse_a judgement_n of_o thing_n so_o the_o carnal_a mind_n by_o not_o due_a measure_n and_o ponder_v judge_n false_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o something_o no_o big_a than_o the_o hand_n be_v put_v before_o the_o eye_n it_o will_v intercept_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o he_o that_o not_o consider_v the_o property_n of_o thing_n near_o and_o distant_a shall_v conclude_v that_o piece_n to_o be_v big_a than_o the_o heaven_n be_v just_o repute_v a_o fool._n and_o the_o folly_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v more_o gross_a who_o prefer_v thing_n present_a to_o sense_n before_o what_o be_v future_a and_o of_o everlasting_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o if_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a will_v be_v count_v folly_n yet_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o in_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v wise_a be_v esteem_v prudent_a but_o they_o be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a folly_n now_o as_o the_o restore_n the_o laesum_fw-la principium_fw-la the_o break_a mind_n to_o its_o sound_a state_n whereby_o it_o be_v able_a to_o consider_v discern_v and_o conclude_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n such_o be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o corrupt_a mind_n clarify_n and_o enlighten_v it_o so_o that_o it_o receive_v full_a conviction_n by_o the_o clear_a mark_n of_o divine_a authority_n shine_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n therein_o contain_v and_o cause_v it_o by_o a_o steady_a application_n of_o the_o thought_n to_o see_v the_o vast_a