i_o will_v give_v as_o a_o king_n thus_o god_n in_o the_o dispense_n his_o favour_n do_v not_o respect_v the_o meanness_n of_o our_o person_n or_o service_n but_o give_v to_o we_o as_o a_o god_n and_o the_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n therefore_o all-sufficient_a and_o most_o willing_a to_o make_v his_o creature_n complete_o happy_a 4._o if_o a_o creature_n perfect_o holy_a that_o never_o sin_v be_v uncapable_a to_o merit_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n much_o less_o can_v those_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o guilty_a of_o innumerable_a actual_a transgression_n pretend_v to_o deserve_v any_o reward_n for_o their_o work_n this_o be_v presumption_n inspire_v by_o prodigious_a vanity_n for_o 1._o by_o his_o most_o free_a grace_n they_o be_v restore_v in_o conversion_n to_o that_o spiritual_a power_n by_o which_o they_o serve_v he_o the_o chaos_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a lump_n before_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o vital_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n wrought_v upon_o they_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o oblige_v to_o god_n that_o if_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o for_o his_o glory_n be_v perform_v yet_o they_o can_v discharge_v what_o they_o owe._n 2._o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o powerful_a supply_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o even_o since_o their_o holy_a call_n by_o many_o lapse_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 necessary_a 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 human_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 16._o nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v 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 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 irrevokable_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 unreserved_a obedience_n to_o he_o cor._n he_o will_v be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o son_n and_o daughter_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o term_n of_o purify_n ourselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o unfeigned_a endeavour_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n it_o be_v astonish_a goodness_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o such_o a_o treaty_n with_o fall_v creature_n by_o a_o voluntary_a promise_n he_o encourage_v they_o but_o though_o most_o free_a in_o make_v it_o be_v conditional_a in_o the_o performance_n the_o constancy_n of_o his_o holy_a nature_n oblige_v he_o to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n but_o it_o be_v if_o we_o do_v not_o fail_v on_o our_o part_n by_o carelessness_n of_o our_o duty_n a_o presumer_n may_v seal_v assurance_n to_o himself_o and_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o great_a matter_n but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v if_o we_o prove_v false_a in_o the_o covenant_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a and_o exclude_v those_o from_o heaven_n that_o be_v neglectful_a of_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v 3._o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v a_o testament_n seal_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n confirm_v by_o his_o death_n the_o donation_n of_o eternal_a blessing_n in_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a but_o the_o heir_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o inheritance_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o rich_a liberal_a and_o wise_a testator_n there_o can_v be_v no_o regular_a title_n or_o claim_v make_v out_o without_o perform_v what_o be_v require_v and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n our_o sanctification_n without_o which_o we_o can_v enjoy_v it_o now_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v the_o admirable_a agreement_n between_o these_o two_o notion_n that_o heaven_n be_v a_o gift_n and_o a_o reward_n it_o be_v a_o reward_n in_o the_o order_n of_o give_v it_o not_o due_a to_o the_o work_n but_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o giver_n god_n give_v heaven_n to_o those_o that_o faithful_o serve_v he_o but_o their_o service_n be_v due_a to_o god_n of_o no_o worth_n in_o respect_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o man_n work_n be_v no_o merit_n and_o god_n reward_n be_v a_o gift_n our_o everlasting_a glory_n must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o most_o free_a grace_n as_o much_o as_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o the_o gospel_n declare_v to_o be_v indispensible_o requisite_a in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o holy_a change_n of_o man_n nature_n which_o i_o will_v brief_o unfold_v and_o show_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o qualify_v we_o for_o celestial_a glory_n 1._o this_o holy_a change_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o new_a birth_n our_o saviour_n with_o a_o solemn_a repeat_v asseveration_n tell_v nicodemus_n 3._o very_o very_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sin_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n from_o his_o conception_n and_o birth_n and_o infect_v with_o its_o contagion_n all_o his_o faculty_n this_o be_v foment_v and_o cherish_v by_o temptation_n that_o easy_o encompass_v he_o the_o understanding_n be_v pollute_v with_o evil_a principle_n full_a of_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la and_o lofty_a imagination_n against_o the_o supernatural_a mystery_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v full_a of_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n and_o from_o hence_o either_o reject_v they_o as_o incredible_a or_o despise_v they_o as_o impertinent_a or_o unprofitable_a the_o will_n be_v deprave_v and_o perverse_a full_a of_o unruly_a and_o unhallowed_a affection_n the_o sense_n be_v luxurious_a and_o rebellious_a in_o short_a man_n be_v so_o vicious_o and_o sensual_o incline_v so_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o divine_a part_n within_o he_o that_o shall_v aspire_v to_o a_o spiritual_a blessedness_n that_o shall_v regulate_v and_o control_v the_o excess_n of_o the_o inferior_a appetite_n this_o be_v the_o unhappy_a character_n satan_n impress_v on_o he_o in_o his_o fall_n and_o without_o renovation_n upon_o a_o infinite_a account_n he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o see_v god_n this_o renovation_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o substance_n as_o the_o water_n be_v miraculous_o turn_v into_o wine_n at_o the_o marriage_n in_o cana_n of_o galilee_n the_o same_o soul_n with_o its_o essential_a power_n the_o same_o body_n with_o its_o natural_a sense_n the_o work_n of_o the_o creator_n remain_v but_o in_o the_o cleanse_n of_o his_o stain_a nature_n in_o the_o sanctify_a his_o faculty_n that_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o his_o action_n the_o whole_a man_n be_v quicken_v into_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o enable_v to_o act_v in_o conformity_n to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v a_o convenient_a illustration_n a_o active_a principle_n of_o holiness_n be_v plant_v in_o he_o that_o spring_v up_o into_o visible_a action_n the_o apostle_n particular_o express_v it_o in_o his_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o and_o preserve_v your_o whole_a spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n blameless_a till_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ._n every_o faculty_n be_v renew_v and_o every_o grace_n infuse_v that_o constitute_v the_o divine_a image_n the_o mind_n be_v renew_v by_o spiritual_a light_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o unseen_a thing_n promise_v the_o reality_n and_o dreadfulness_n of_o thing_n threaten_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o see_v the_o true_a beauty_n in_o holiness_n the_o high_a honour_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n the_o great_a equity_n and_o excellence_n in_o his_o service_n the_o will_n be_v renew_v by_o holy_a love_n a_o purify_n flame_n and_o feel_v the_o attractive_a virtue_n of_o our_o bless_a end_n before_o all_o desirable_a thing_n on_o earth_n and_o determin_n to_o pursue_v it_o in_o the_o vigorous_a use_n of_o proper_a mean_n the_o body_n be_v make_v a_o holy_a instrument_n fit_a for_o the_o renew_v soul_n in_o short_a the_o natural_a man_n become_v spiritual_a in_o his_o perception_n resolution_n and_o action_n all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a there_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n a_o inviolable_a adherence_n to_o those_o most_o precious_a object_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o sincere_a choose_a constant_a obedience_n flow_v from_o the_o renew_a faculty_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o regenerate_a grace_n and_o formal_a hypocrisy_n in_o some_o and_o the_o proficiency_n of_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o common_a grace_n in_o other_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o religion_n be_v act_v from_o without_o by_o mercenary_a base_a respect_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v cauterise_v handle_v sacred_a thing_n without_o feeling_n a_o regenerate_a person_n be_v move_v by_o a_o internal_a live_a principle_n and_o perform_v his_o duty_n with_o lively_a affection_n natural_a conscience_n under_o the_o compulsion_n of_o fear_n may_v lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n without_o a_o inward_a consent_n to_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o law_n renew_v grace_n cleanse_v the_o fountain_n and_o the_o current_n be_v pure_a it_o reconcile_v the_o affection_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a command_n i_o love_v thy_o law_n because_o it_o be_v pure_a say_v
sound_v and_o perfect_a health_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o art_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o 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 14._o brethren_n 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 price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n 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 christians_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_a 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 chap._n v._n the_o choice_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v early_o the_o pretence_n of_o man_n delay_v repentance_n the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o 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 it_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 as_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 soâ—_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