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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n good_a great_a sin_n 3,394 5 4.6230 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58787 The Christian life from its beginning, to its consummation in glory : together with the several means and instruments of Christianity conducing thereunto : with directions for private devotion and forms of prayer fitted to the several states of Christians / by John Scott ... Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1681 (1681) Wing S2043; ESTC R38893 261,748 609

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to_o and_o fair_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n wherewith_o we_o must_v engage_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v render_v they_o actual_a and_o present_a to_o we_o by_o suppose_v ourselves_o already_o engage_v in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o surround_v with_o all_o the_o temptation_n both_o from_o within_o and_o without_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v will_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o have_v thus_o place_v ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v never_o cease_v urge_v ourselves_o with_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o it_o till_o we_o have_v thorough_o persuade_v our_o stubborn_a will_n and_o obtain_v of_o they_o a_o explicit_a consent_n to_o every_o duty_n that_o call_v for_o our_o consent_n and_o resolution_n iii_o to_o our_o good_a beginning_n of_o the_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v deep_o and_o thorough_o convince_v of_o our_o great_a need_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o render_v we_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o necessary_a truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o express_o declare_v that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n two_o 5_o that_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v 1_o john_n two_o 1_o 2_o 12._o that_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n eph._n i._n 7_o and_o that_o without_o the_o shed_v his_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n and_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o that_o christ_n put_v away_o sin_n heb._n ix_o 22_o 26._o that_o we_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n through_o his_o belove_a son_n eph._n i._n 6_o that_o christ_n be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n now_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o heb._n ix_o 24_o and_o that_o there_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o heb._n seven_o 25_o that_o it_o be_v through_o he_o that_o we_o have_v access_n unto_o the_o father_n eph._n two_o 18_o and_o by_o he_o that_o we_o have_v admittance_n to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n rom._n v._n 2_o the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v thorough_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o by_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o we_o have_v all_o render_v ourselves_o so_o very_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o vengeance_n that_o he_o will_v not_o pardon_v we_o upon_o any_o less_o atonement_n than_o the_o precious_a blood_n nor_o admit_v we_o into_o favour_n upon_o any_o less_o motive_n than_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o his_o own_o son_n that_o by_o the_o heinousness_n of_o our_o gild_n we_o have_v so_o high_o incense_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n against_o we_o that_o no_o less_o consideration_n than_o the_o death_n and_o advocation_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dear_a person_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v move_v he_o to_o admit_v of_o our_o repentance_n and_o listen_v to_o our_o supplication_n and_o certain_o next_o to_o exact_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o our_o sin_n at_o our_o own_o hand_n the_o most_o dreadful_a severity_n he_o can_v have_v express_v be_v to_o resolve_v not_o to_o remit_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n than_o that_o of_o his_o own_o son_n undergo_n it_o in_o our_o stead_n by_o which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v afford_v to_o tremble_v at_o his_o justice_n even_o whilst_o we_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v deep_o and_o thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o our_o sin_n have_v set_v we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o god_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v reconcile_v he_o to_o we_o and_o that_o though_o without_o our_o repentance_n he_o will_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o we_o can_v do_v that_o he_o will_v be_v induce_v to_o receive_v we_o into_o favour_n but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o precious_a sacrifice_n which_o his_o eternal_a son_n have_v offer_v up_o for_o we_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o consideration_n of_o which_o will_v mighty_o over-awe_n our_o mind_n and_o imprint_v upon_o they_o such_o ghastly_a and_o horrible_a apprehension_n of_o sin_n as_o will_v scare_v we_o from_o all_o thought_n of_o compliance_n with_o it_o the_o dreadful_a demonstration_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o righteous_a severity_n against_o it_o in_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o his_o pardon_v it_o will_v effectual_o antidote_n we_o against_o all_o our_o sinful_a security_n and_o confidence_n for_o this_o way_n of_o god_n pardon_v we_o upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n guard_v his_o mercy_n with_o such_o a_o awful_a terror_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o dishearten_v the_o most_o desperate_a sinner_n from_o presume_v upon_o it_o for_o he_o that_o dare_v presume_v to_o sin_v on_o upon_o a_o mercy_n that_o cost_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v courage_n enough_o to_o outface_v the_o flame_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o mercy_n that_o the_o great_a god_n can_v indulge_v with_o safety_n to_o his_o own_o authority_n for_o what_o mercy_n can_v be_v safe_a from_o that_o man_n abuse_n and_o presumption_n that_o dare_v abuse_v a_o mercy_n so_o guard_v and_o secure_v as_o this_o be_v by_o be_v found_v upon_o such_o a_o dreadful_a consideration_n and_o as_o a_o through_o persuasion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n to_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a severity_n and_o set_v before_o we_o a_o most_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o the_o vast_a demerit_n of_o our_o sin_n both_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o through_o reformation_n so_o a_o through_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o intercession_n to_o render_v our_o duty_n our_o prayer_n and_o person_n acceptable_a to_o god_n will_v effectual_o humble_a and_o abase_v we_o in_o our_o own_o eye_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o by_o and_o by_o be_v high_o conducive_a to_o a_o good_a beginning_n of_o this_o our_o christian_a warfare_n for_o next_o to_o banish_v we_o from_o his_o presence_n for_o ever_o the_o most_o effectual_a course_n god_n can_v take_v to_o abase_v we_o be_v to_o exclude_v we_o from_o all_o immediate_a intercourse_n with_o he_o and_o not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o more_o address_n or_o supplication_n from_o we_o but_o only_o through_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mediator_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n how_o infinite_o pure_a he_o be_v and_o how_o base_a and_o vile_a our_o sin_n have_v render_v we_o insomuch_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o sinful_a creature_n to_o come_v near_o he_o otherwise_o than_o by_o a_o proxy_n that_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o a_o service_n from_o a_o guilty_a hand_n nor_o listen_v to_o a_o prayer_n from_o a_o sinful_a mouth_n till_o it_o be_v first_o hallow_a and_o present_v to_o he_o by_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a mediator_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v strange_o inconsiderate_a we_o can_v but_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n when_o we_o think_v at_o what_o a_o distance_n the_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n keep_v we_o how_o he_o stand_v off_o at_o the_o stench_n of_o our_o abomination_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o benignity_n towards_o we_o will_v neither_o hear_v we_o nor_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o we_o without_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o as_o our_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n we_o have_v of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o affect_v we_o with_o holy_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n both_o which_o be_v very_o powerful_a instrument_n of_o our_o reformation_n so_o our_o persuasion_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o mediation_n be_v no_o less_o apt_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o mighty_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n if_o we_o reform_v and_o amend_v for_o it_o seem_v that_o upon_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o intercede_v spirit_n guilty_a mind_n have_v be_v always_o incline_v to_o place_v their_o confidence_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n general_o
be_v it_o to_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o we_o do_v to_o recommend_v ourselves_o to_o man_n to_o man_n that_o must_v stand_v at_o the_o same_o tribunal_n and_o undergo_v the_o same_o judgement_n with_o ourselves_o for_o what_o will_v their_o good_a opinion_n avail_v we_o if_o the_o judge_n disaprove_v we_o in_o who_o hand_n our_o life_n and_o soul_n be_v if_o he_o think_v well_o of_o we_o we_o be_v safe_a though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v condemn_v we_o but_o if_o he_o condemn_v we_o though_o every_o creature_n shall_v acquit_v they_o can_v rescue_v we_o from_o his_o sentence_n but_o alas_o how_o different_o soever_o god_n and_o man_n may_v think_v of_o we_o now_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o discover_v his_o thought_n of_o we_o in_o his_o public_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n all_o the_o world_n will_v be_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o if_o we_o stand_v right_a in_o his_o opinion_n we_o shall_v be_v applaud_v by_o the_o whole_a universe_n howsoever_o we_o may_v be_v vilify_v now_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o he_o condemn_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v hiss_v at_o throughout_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o spirit_n how_o glorious_o soever_o we_o may_v be_v think_v of_o at_o present_a and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o better_o we_o be_v esteem_v of_o now_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v hiss_v at_o then_o when_o the_o cheat_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o hypocritical_a vizor_n be_v pluck_v from_o our_o devil_n face_n this_o if_o man_n due_o consider_v and_o fix_v it_o in_o their_o mind_n will_v effectual_o cure_v they_o of_o all_o their_o hypocrisy_n for_o alas_o what_o hypocrisy_n can_v so_o cunning_o disguise_v they_o as_o to_o render_v they_o incognito_o to_o omniscience_n if_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a therefore_o they_o be_v even_o as_o good_a put_v on_o a_o bold_a face_n and_o be_v wicked_a open_o for_o it_o be_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n for_o they_o to_o sneak_v into_o corner_n unless_o they_o can_v find_v one_o dark_a enough_o to_o conceal_v they_o from_o god_n and_o cover_v they_o from_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n for_o why_o shall_v that_o man_n be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o let_v a_o boy_n or_o neighbour_n be_v conscious_a to_o his_o wickedness_n that_o never_o scruple_n to_o commit_v it_o in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n by_o who_o final_a sentence_n his_o everlasting_a fate_n must_v be_v decide_v and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o study_v to_o be_v more_o devout_a and_o temperate_a sober_a and_o charitable_a in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n than_o we_o be_v in_o our_o retirement_n when_o we_o have_v no_o other_o eye_n but_o god_n upon_o we_o that_o which_o we_o be_v main_o concern_v in_o be_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o can_v do_v this_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o though_o our_o closet_n be_v all_o our_o stage_n and_o heaven_n our_o only_a spectator_n god_n hear_v the_o soft_a whisper_v of_o our_o soul_n and_o see_v through_o all_o our_o honest_a intention_n and_o our_o most_o secret_a virtue_n be_v as_o legible_a to_o his_o eye_n as_o if_o they_o be_v write_v on_o our_o forehead_n with_o a_o sunbeam_n we_o need_v no_o trumpet_n to_o proclaim_v our_o alm_n in_o his_o ear_n for_o he_o know_v by_o who_o such_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v relieve_v such_o a_o starve_a family_n succour_v though_o we_o shall_v not_o superscribe_v our_o name_n upon_o our_o charity_n nor_o let_v our_o left_a hand_n know_v what_o our_o right_a hand_n have_v do_v and_o if_o by_o the_o sincere_a discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n we_o have_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n what_o need_v we_o concern_v ourselves_o any_o far_o since_o it_o be_v not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n that_o we_o expect_v the_o recompense_n of_o our_o obedience_n no_o doubtless_o do_v we_o but_o live_v under_o the_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o and_o inspection_n over_o we_o we_o shall_v regard_v he_o much_o more_o in_o every_o good_a action_n and_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n much_o less_o than_o we_o do_v and_o the_o more_o secret_a our_o good_a deed_n be_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o they_o because_o they_o will_v give_v we_o a_o strong_a testimony_n of_o our_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n for_o what_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o be_v good_a when_o god_n only_o see_v we_o but_o pure_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o a_o honest_a intention_n of_o obey_v he_o and_o if_o obedience_n be_v our_o design_n the_o more_o private_a our_o good_a deed_n be_v the_o more_o pleasure_n they_o will_v afford_v we_o because_o those_o good_a deed_n have_v most_o of_o obedience_n in_o they_o that_o have_v least_o of_o the_o theatre_n vi_o to_o prosper_v our_o course_n and_o progress_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v frequent_o examine_v and_o review_v our_o own_o action_n for_o this_o our_o religion_n injoin_v as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o militant_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a so_o 2_o cor._n xiii_o 5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o particular_o it_o be_v enjoin_v as_o a_o proper_a preparation_n to_o the_o sacrament_n let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v 1_o cor._n xi_o 28_o so_o also_o gal._n vi_fw-la 4_o let_v a_o man_n prove_v or_o examine_v his_o own_o work_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o all_o these_o text_n we_o render_v to_o prove_v or_o examine_v have_v two_o signification_n first_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_n to_o try_v our_o past_a action_n by_o the_o rule_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n second_o to_o take_v such_o a_o due_a care_n of_o our_o action_n as_o that_o upon_o a_o strict_a trial_n of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o approve_v they_o to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n in_o the_o first_o of_o which_o sense_n the_o new-testament_n do_v most_o common_o understand_v it_o namely_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_n and_o make_v a_o strict_a survey_n of_o our_o action_n and_o pass_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n upon_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o according_o 1_o cor._n xi_o 31_o instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o 28_o verse_n i._n e._n let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o the_o apostle_n use_v as_o a_o synonimous_a phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n if_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o if_o we_o summon_v our_o past_a action_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o according_a as_o we_o find_v they_o to_o approve_v or_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o great_a necessity_n to_o the_o successful_a prosecution_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v frequent_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o take_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o our_o past_a action_n and_o behaviour_n we_o shall_v incur_v a_o thousand_o error_n and_o immorality_n in_o the_o hurry_n of_o our_o secular_a occasion_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o those_o sin_n which_o we_o heedless_o commit_v and_o never_o think_v of_o afterward_o though_o at_o first_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v little_a or_o no_o malice_n in_o they_o do_v yet_o leave_v a_o malicious_a infusion_n behind_o they_o and_o infect_v the_o will_n with_o bad_a inclination_n and_o insensible_o dispose_v it_o to_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o one_o bad_a action_n will_v be_v still_o invite_v we_o to_o another_o and_o that_o to_o a_o three_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v inconsiderate_o toll_v on_o from_o sin_n to_o sin_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o heedless_a and_o unreflect_a life_n till_o before_o ever_o we_o be_v aware_a our_o inclination_n to_o the_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v so_o heedless_o repeat_v become_v too_o strong_a for_o our_o pious_a resolution_n for_o when_o we_o have_v careless_o permit_v one_o sin_n to_o break_v through_o our_o fence_n that_o will_v open_v a_o gap_n for_o another_o to_o follow_v and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o present_o stop_v by_o repentance_n it_o will_v make_v the_o breach_n yet_o wide_o for_o other_o and_o those_o again_o for_o other_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v quite_o tread_v down_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o make_v a_o thoroughfare_n in_o our_o will_n for_o a_o custom_n of_o sin_v but_o if_o we_o frequent_o reflect_v upon_o and_o examine_v ourselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a our_o fault_n shall_v long_o escape_v our_o discovery_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o see_v they_o time_n
first_o charity_n p._n 178.179_o etc._n etc._n second_o justice_n p._n 190.191_o etc._n etc._n three_o peaceableness_n p._n 201.202_o etc._n etc._n four_a modesty_n five_o courtesy_n p._n 209.210_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iv._o contain_v some_o motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n first_o the_o suitableness_n of_o they_o to_o our_o present_a state_n and_o relation_n p._n 222.223_o etc._n etc._n second_o the_o dignity_n of_o they_o p._n 226.227_o etc._n etc._n three_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o they_o p._n 229.230_o etc._n etc._n four_a the_o pleasure_n of_o they_o p._n 234.235_o etc._n etc._n five_o the_o ease_n and_o repose_v of_o they_o p._n 238.239_o etc._n etc._n sixthly_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o they_o p._n 242.243_o etc._n etc._n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o mean_n necessary_a to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v the_o christian_a virtue_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a distribution_n of_o which_o man_n be_v consider_v under_o a_o threefold_a respect_n to_o the_o christian_a life_n first_o as_o enter_v into_o it_o second_o as_o actual_o engage_v in_o it_o three_o as_o grow_v on_o to_o perfection_n by_o perseverance_n in_o it_o to_o one_o of_o which_o three_o state_n these_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o christianity_n belong_v p._n 247.248_o etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o contain_v those_o instrumental_a duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o in_o our_o entrance_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v first_o faith_n p._n 250.251_o second_o consideration_n p._n 254.255_o etc._n etc._n three_o a_o deep_a and_o through_o conviction_n of_o our_o need_n of_o a_o mediator_n p._n 259.260_o etc._n etc._n four_a a_o deep_a sorrow_n shame_n and_o remorse_n for_o our_o past_a iniquity_n p._n 268.269_o etc._n etc._n five_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o divine_a assistance_n p._n 271_o 272_o etc._n etc._n sixthly_a a_o serious_a and_o solemn_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n p._n 275.276_o etc._n etc._n sect_n ii_o contain_v certain_a motive_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n first_o the_o vast_a necessity_n of_o our_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a life_n one_o time_n or_o other_o p._n 281.282_o second_o the_o great_a security_n and_o advantage_n of_o our_o enter_v upon_o it_o now_o p._n 284.285_o etc._n etc._n three_o the_o necessary_a dependence_n of_o the_o final_a success_n upon_o the_o well-beginning_n of_o it_o p._n 288.289_o etc._n etc._n four_a that_o when_o once_o it_o be_v well_o begin_v the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o it_o be_v over_o p._n 291.292_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iii_o contain_v those_o instrumental_a duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o when_o we_o be_v actual_o engage_v in_o the_o christian_a life_n p._n 298_o etc._n etc._n in_o general_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v frequent_o repeat_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o entrance_n p._n 299.300_o but_o more_o particular_o first_o that_o we_o shall_v arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n and_o courage_n p._n 304.305_o etc._n etc._n second_o that_o we_o shall_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o the_o best_a example_n p._n 308.309_o three_o that_o we_o shall_v frequent_o apply_v ourselves_o for_o advice_n and_o direction_n to_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n p._n 216.317_o etc._n etc._n four_a that_o as_o often_o as_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v actual_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n p._n 323.324_o etc._n etc._n five_o that_o we_o shall_v possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o and_o inspection_n over_o we_o p._n 333.334_o etc._n etc._n sixthly_a that_o we_o shall_v frequenty_n examine_v and_o review_v our_o own_o action_n p._n 343.344_o etc._n etc._n seventhly_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a p._n 348.349_o etc._n etc._n eighthly_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o our_o particular_a calling_n p._n 353.354_o etc._n etc._n ninthly_a that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o constant_a cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n in_o religion_n p._n 365.366_o etc._n etc._n tenthly_a that_o we_o shall_v maintain_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o constant_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n p._n 372.373_o etc._n etc._n eleventhly_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o religion_n p._n 377.378_o sect_n iv._o contain_v certain_a motive_n to_o animate_v man_n against_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o duty_n first_o that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o they_o we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o for_o it_o p._n 388.389_o etc._n etc._n second_o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n as_o well_o as_o in_o these_o duty_n p._n 391.392_o etc._n etc._n three_o that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o difficulty_n be_v it_o must_v be_v undergon_fw-la or_o that_o which_o be_v much_o more_o intolerable_a p._n 394.395_o four_a that_o how_o difficult_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v render_v they_o possible_a to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o p._n 396.397_o five_o that_o though_o they_o be_v difficult_a yet_o they_o be_v fair_o consistent_a with_o all_o our_o other_o necessary_a occasion_n p._n 400.401_o six_o that_o the_o difficulty_n be_v such_o as_o will_v abate_v and_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n p._n 404.405_o seventh_o that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o present_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n intermingle_v with_o the_o difficulty_n p._n 407.408_o eight_o that_o the_o difficulty_n be_v abundant_o compensated_a by_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o p._n 411.412_o sect_n v._o contain_v those_o instrumental_a duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o improve_n towards_o perfection_n by_o perseverance_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v first_o that_o while_o we_o stand_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v over-confident_a of_o ourselves_o but_o keep_v a_o jealous_a eye_n upon_o the_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n p._n 417.418_o second_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o wilful_o fall_v we_o shall_v immediate_o arise_v again_o by_o repentance_n p._n 420.421_o three_o that_o for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v endeavour_n to_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o from_o those_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o fall_n p._n 424.425_o four_a that_o we_o shall_v curious_o search_v into_o the_o small_a defect_n and_o indecency_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o our_o timely_a correct_v and_o reform_v they_o p._n 429.430_o etc._n etc._n five_o that_o we_o shall_v as_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o can_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n p._n 434.435_o etc._n etc._n sixthly_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o stint_v our_o progress_n in_o religion_n out_o of_o a_o fond_a opinion_n that_o we_o be_v good_a enough_o already_o to_o any_o determinate_a degree_n or_o measure_n of_o goodness_n p._n 458.459_o etc._n etc._n seventhly_a that_o we_o shall_v frequent_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o prospect_n of_o our_o mortality_n 462.463_o eight_o that_o to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o good_a posture_n of_o die_v we_o shall_v discharge_v our_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o relic_n and_o remain_n of_o our_o past_a guilt_n p._n 467.468_o etc._n etc._n ninthly_a that_o to_o compensate_a so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a for_o those_o guilt_n we_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o redeem_v the_o time_n we_o have_v former_o misspend_v in_o sinful_a course_n by_o be_v double_o diligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n p._n 471.472_o etc._n etc._n tenthly_a that_o we_o shall_v labour_v after_o a_o rational_a and_o wellgrounded_n assurance_n p._n 476.477_o etc._n etc._n sect_n vi_o contain_v certain_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o perseverance_n which_o be_v all_o deduce_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o our_o final_a perseverance_n as_o first_o unless_o we_o immediate_o recover_v when_o we_o have_v wilful_o relapse_v we_o shall_v go_v much_o fast_a back_n than_o ever_o we_o go_v forward_o p._n 487.488_o etc._n etc._n second_o if_o after_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o religion_n we_o total_o relapse_n we_o shall_v thereby_o forfeit_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o our_o past_a labour_n p._n 490.491_o etc._n etc._n three_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v undergo_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o it_o p._n 494.495_o etc._n etc._n four_a we_o shall_v not_o only_o forfeit_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o past_a labour_n but_o render_v our_o recovery_n more_o hazardous_a p._n 497.498_o etc._n etc._n
those_o virtue_n which_o through_o our_o vicious_a aversation_n to_o they_o seem_v at_o first_o impossible_a will_v grow_v on_o by_o degree_n from_o possible_a to_o easy_a and_o from_o easy_a to_o necessary_a and_o then_o the_o sin_n will_v be_v more_o impossible_a to_o we_o than_o the_o virtue_n now_o what_o a_o mighty_a encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n of_o the_o christian_a warfare_n that_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o conquer_v the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o it_o that_o when_o we_o have_v break_v through_o all_o those_o opposition_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a resolution_n we_o be_v pass_v the_o frontier_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v get_v over_o those_o steep_a alps_o at_o its_o entrance_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v the_o region_n round_o about_o a_o plain_a and_o a_o easy_a champain_n in_o which_o the_o further_a we_o go_v the_o smooth_a it_o will_v be_v and_o so_o smooth_a and_o smooth_a till_o at_o last_o it_o will_v be_v all_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a like_o the_o flowery_a walk_n of_o paradise_n let_v we_o therefore_o be_v persuade_v without_o any_o far_a delay_n to_o enter_v immediate_o upon_o this_o our_o holy_a warfare_n and_o by_o faith_n and_o consideration_n etc._n etc._n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o religious_a resolution_n that_o so_o when_o we_o be_v actual_o engage_v against_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v our_o ground_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o that_o have_v final_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v they_o we_o may_v receive_v that_o immortal_a crown_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o victorious_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n viz._n our_o entrance_n into_o it_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a warfare_n with_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o duty_n thereunto_o appertain_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n viz._n the_o course_n and_o progress_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o holy_a live_n for_o when_o once_o we_o have_v reduce_v our_o will_n to_o a_o firm_a and_o wellgrounded_n resolution_n of_o enter_v into_o this_o militant_a state_n that_o which_o be_v next_o incumbent_n upon_o we_o be_v to_o pursue_v our_o resolution_n in_o the_o future_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o endeavour_n to_o mortify_v our_o inclination_n to_o it_o and_o to_o practice_v all_o the_o contrary_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o endeavour_v to_o improve_v they_o to_o far_o and_o far_a degree_n of_o perfection_n or_o as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o to_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o to_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o die_v to_o it_o and_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o this_o consist_v the_o course_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v still_o repeat_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v first_o prepare_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o all_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o our_o good_a resolution_n be_v produce_v be_v natural_o conducive_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o faith_n and_o consideration_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o enjoin_v as_o temporary_a duty_n that_o be_v only_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o warfare_n but_o as_o mean_n that_o will_v be_v always_o necessary_a for_o we_o throughout_o our_o whole_a progress_n to_o heaven_n for_o so_o we_o be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o acquire_v a_o sincere_a faith_n or_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o continue_v and_o be_v establish_v in_o it_o col._n i._n 2_o 3._o compare_v with_o cap._n two_o 7_o and_o so_o again_o we_o be_v enjoin_v not_o only_o to_o admit_v the_o proposal_n of_o religion_n into_o our_o consideration_n but_o to_o keep_v they_o there_o luk._n viij_o 15_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o coll._n iii._o 16_o and_o so_o for_o all_o those_o other_o preparatory_a duty_n for_o that_o from_o a_o hearty_a conviction_n of_o our_o need_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v beg_v all_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v a_o stand_a precept_n of_o christian_a devotion_n john_n xuj_o 24_o and_o so_o be_v also_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n 1_o john_n i_o 9_o and_o prayer_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n coll._n four_o 2_o nor_o be_v it_o only_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o repent_v or_o change_v our_o bad_a resolution_n for_o a_o good_a one_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v also_o repeat_v and_o confirm_v our_o good_a resolution_n that_o we_o shall_v establish_v our_o heart_n that_o be_v keep_v our_o will_n fix_v and_o determine_v to_o all_o good_a intention_n and_o purpose_n james_n v._n 8_o and_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n with_o a_o firm_a and_o constant_a resolution_n phil._n four_o 1_o for_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o christian_a warfare_n be_v constant_o to_o live_v up_o to_o our_o good_a resolution_n which_o will_v require_v a_o continue_a application_n of_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v first_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o thus_o faith_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v than_o it_o be_v to_o prepare_v we_o to_o make_v our_o good_a resolution_n and_o still_o the_o more_o we_o believe_v our_o religion_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o concern_v in_o its_o proposal_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o firm_o we_o shall_v be_v resolve_v to_o close_v with_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o so_o still_o as_o our_o faith_n improve_v in_o degree_n of_o certainty_n our_o resolution_n will_v proportionable_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a again_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o resolution_n that_o we_o shall_v first_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o motive_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v resolve_v on_o than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v frequent_o consider_v over_o these_o motive_n and_o difficulty_n again_o and_o balance_v they_o one_o against_o another_o and_o at_o first_o especial_o while_o our_o good_a resolution_n be_v yet_o in_o its_o infancy_n it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v every_o day_n before_o we_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n spend_v some_o portion_n of_o time_n in_o forthinking_a of_o the_o many_o temptation_n that_o do_v lie_v in_o wait_n for_o we_o whether_o in_o our_o business_n or_o company_n or_o necessary_a refreshment_n and_o diversion_n and_o fore-arming_a ourselves_o against_o they_o with_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v our_o weapon_n ready_a when_o ever_o they_o shall_v assault_v we_o and_o be_v always_o provide_v to_o resist_v they_o again_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o form_v our_o resolution_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o reality_n of_o our_o saviour_n mediation_n than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o that_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o our_o action_n shall_v still_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o glorious_a assurance_n of_o mercy_n and_o horrid_a prospect_n of_o sin_n which_o this_o conviction_n imply_v once_o more_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o well_o make_v of_o our_o resolution_n that_o we_o shall_v affect_v ourselves_o beforehand_o with_o a_o hearty_a shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o our_o past_a transgression_n then_o will_v it_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o confirm_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v ever_o and_o anon_o revive_v this_o our_o shame_n and_o grief_n by_o reflect_v on_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o past_a state_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_n and_o by_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o both_o to_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a god_n that_o so_o our_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v digest_v into_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n may_v sharpen_v our_o resolution_n and_o animate_v it_o more_o and_o more_o against_o they_o in_o short_a if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n of_o our_o resolution_n that_o we_o shall_v first_o earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o that_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o shall_v continual_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o throne_n
come_v 1_o cor._n xi_o 26_o and_o that_o this_o do_v not_o like_o the_o precept_n of_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o for_o once_o only_o and_o no_o more_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o forego_n word_n of_o this_o last_o recite_v text_n as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o these_o sacramental_a element_n be_v to_o be_v more_o than_o once_o receive_v by_o we_o it_o be_v true_a how_o often_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v any_o where_o define_v but_o if_o we_o consult_v primitive_a example_n which_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o express_a precept_n be_v the_o best_a rule_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o by_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v very_o frequent_o receive_v for_o from_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o seem_v probable_a that_o christian_n do_v then_o communicate_v every_o day_n as_o particular_o act_v two_o 46_o where_o they_o be_v say_v to_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o house_n that_o be_v as_o it_o seem_v probable_a in_o some_o upper_a room_n of_o the_o temple_n though_o perhaps_o this_o daily_a may_v refer_v only_o to_o the_o lord_n day_n agreeable_o to_o that_o act_n xx_o 7_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whensoever_o they_o assemble_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n they_o close_v it_o with_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o they_o do_v for_o a_o great_a while_n in_o the_o western_a church_n every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n and_o in_o the_o eastern_a as_o st._n basil_n tell_v we_o epist._n 289._o four_o time_n a_o week_n beside_o festival_n so_o that_o allow_v for_o our_o declension_n from_o the_o primitive_a zeal_n and_o devotion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o communicate_v now_o once_o in_o four_o week_n shall_v be_v a_o very_a moderate_a proportion_n but_o as_o for_o those_o that_o whole_o neglect_v this_o sacred_a institution_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o wilful_a rebellion_n against_o their_o saviour_n or_o with_o what_o confidence_n they_o can_v expect_v either_o that_o he_o shall_v assist_v they_o with_o his_o grace_n on_o the_o way_n or_o crown_v they_o with_o his_o salvation_n in_o the_o end_n when_o they_o so_o perverse_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o a_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v solemn_o institute_v for_o a_o conveyance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o other_o but_o will_v we_o take_v that_o care_n that_o become_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o and_o frequent_v this_o holy_a institution_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o till_o we_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o confirm_a state_n of_o good_a our_o holy_a fervour_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o cool_v our_o good_a purpose_n to_o slacken_v and_o unwind_v and_o our_o virtuous_a endeavour_n to_o languish_v and_o tire_v and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o take_v care_n frequent_o to_o revive_v our_o religion_n with_o this_o spiritual_a repast_n and_o restorative_n and_o still_o to_o add_v new_a fuel_n to_o it_o as_o the_o flame_n decay_v it_o will_v quick_o pine_v away_o and_o expire_v but_o if_o upon_o the_o solemn_a return_v of_o this_o sacred_a festival_n we_o will_v constant_o come_v with_o due_a preparation_n to_o our_o master_n table_n and_o here_o renew_v our_o vow_n re-invigorate_a our_o resolution_n repair_v our_o decay_n and_o put_v our_o sluggish_a grace_n into_o a_o new_a fermentation_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o religion_n not_o only_o live_v but_o thrive_v and_o be_v still_o acquire_v new_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o activity_n but_o because_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v already_o so_o full_o handle_v in_o our_o practical_a treatise_n particular_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n patrick_n in_o his_o mensa_fw-la mystica_fw-la and_o christian_a sacrifice_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n thither_o for_o the_o far_a consideration_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o with_o all_o the_o brevity_n i_o can_v i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o course_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n sect_n iv._o contain_v certain_a motive_n to_o animate_v man_n against_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o duty_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o course_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n how_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o we_o those_o aforenamed_a duty_n be_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n have_v be_v sufficient_o show_v so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o our_o sloth_n and_o vnwillingness_n can_v object_v against_o they_o but_o only_o this_o that_o they_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o do_v require_v more_o of_o our_o time_n and_o care_n and_o pain_n than_o we_o can_v convenient_o spare_v from_o our_o other_o necessary_a occasion_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v so_o unpleasant_a and_o severe_a and_o attend_v with_o so_o much_o cumber_v and_o trouble_v that_o we_o very_o much_o doubt_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o go_v through_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o remove_v this_o objection_n out_o of_o man_n way_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o necessary_a duty_n i_o shall_v for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o it_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o for_o it_o 2._o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o warfare_n against_o it_o 3._o that_o how_o difficult_a soever_o this_o warfare_n may_v be_v it_o must_v be_v endure_v or_o that_o which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o 4._o that_o though_o it_o be_v difficult_a yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v render_v possible_a to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o 5._o that_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a but_o that_o it_o be_v fair_o consistent_a with_o all_o our_o other_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o diversion_n 6._o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v certain_o abate_v and_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n if_o we_o constant_o practise_v they_o 7._o that_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o present_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n intermingle_v 8._o that_o their_o difficulty_n be_v abundant_o compensated_a by_o the_o final_a reward_n of_o they_o i._o consider_v that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o for_o it_o for_o if_o we_o have_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o before_o we_o have_v enter_v ourselves_o into_o sinful_a course_n and_o have_v therein_o contract_v sinful_a habit_n and_o inclination_n we_o may_v have_v prevent_v those_o difficulty_n which_o we_o now_o complain_v of_o for_o our_o religion_n be_v make_v for_o and_o adapt_v to_o our_o nature_n and_o will_v have_v sweet_o accord_v with_o all_o its_o affection_n and_o propension_n have_v we_o not_o vitiate_v they_o by_o our_o own_o wilful_a sin_n and_o clap_v a_o preternatural_a bias_n upon_o they_o but_o though_o the_o light_n be_v natural_o congruous_a to_o the_o eye_n yet_o if_o through_o a_o distillation_n of_o ill_a humour_n into_o it_o the_o eye_n grow_v sore_a and_o weak_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o grievous_a and_o offensive_a to_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o religion_n which_o to_o the_o pure_a and_o uncontaminated_a nature_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o most_o grateful_a and_o aggreeable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o by_o our_o own_o ill_a government_n we_o disease_n our_o nature_n and_o deprave_v its_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o well_o proportion_v to_o it_o in_o its_o purity_n shall_v sit_v hard_a and_o uneasy_a upon_o it_o in_o its_o apostasy_n and_o corruption_n for_o to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o fever_n every_o thing_n be_v bitter_a even_a honey_n which_o when_o he_o be_v well_o be_v exceed_v sweet_a and_o grateful_a but_o the_o bitterness_n which_o he_o taste_v be_v not_o in_o the_o honey_n but_o in_o the_o gall_n which_o overflow_v his_o own_o palate_n and_o so_o to_o a_o nature_n that_o be_v disease_v with_o any_o unnatural_a lust_n that_o which_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o itself_o will_v be_v
delay_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v stray_v from_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v have_v soon_o recover_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v lose_v by_o it_o and_o by_o a_o little_a more_o diligence_n have_v get_v as_o far_o onward_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o interrupt_v our_o progress_n at_o all_o by_o defer_v our_o repentance_n we_o set_v ourselves_o far_o and_o far_a back_n and_o shall_v every_o day_n be_v more_o and_o more_o indispose_v to_o return_v for_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o stand_v still_o but_o either_o we_o be_v progressive_a or_o retrograde_a go_v backward_o or_o forward_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v so_o that_o when_o once_o we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o way_n we_o be_v still_o go_v far_o out_o till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o return_v again_o and_o consequent_o the_o long_o we_o be_v out_o the_o hard_a it_o will_v be_v to_o return_v and_o the_o far_o we_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o way_n for_o when_o i_o first_o sin_n and_o the_o wound_n of_o my_o innocence_n be_v yet_o green_a &_o fresh_a it_o may_v easy_o be_v cure_v by_o the_o timely_a application_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a confession_n and_o new_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n but_o if_o i_o neglect_v it_o it_o will_v rot_v and_o putrify_v my_o sense_n of_o it_o will_v be_v harden_v and_o my_o inclination_n to_o it_o grow_v every_o day_n more_o inveterate_a and_o then_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lance_v and_o corrode_v by_o a_o sharp_a a_o long_a and_o a_o painful_a repentance_n it_o will_v turn_v into_o a_o incurable_a gangrene_n hence_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n that_o be_v to_o repent_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n heb._n iii._o 13_o so_o that_o when_o we_o have_v wilful_o sin_v we_o run_v a_o mighty_a hazard_n of_o our_o final_a perseverance_n if_o we_o do_v repent_n immediate_o for_o all_o the_o while_o we_o delay_v our_o conscience_n grow_v more_o sear_v and_o our_o lust_n grow_v more_o confirm_v and_o god_n know_v where_o it_o will_v end_v but_o it_o be_v fearful_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o that_o neglect_a bruise_v which_o we_o get_v by_o our_o fall_n will_v grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o and_o determine_v at_o last_o in_o final_a impenitency_n wherefore_o as_o we_o intend_v to_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a it_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_v not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o any_o wilful_a sin_n nor_o suffer_v ourselves_o by_o any_o hope_n or_o fear_n to_o be_v tempt_v from_o our_o good_a resolution_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n our_o wicked_a inclination_n shall_v prevail_v against_o it_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o immediate_o to_o a_o serious_a repentance_n to_o make_v a_o sorrowful_a confession_n of_o it_o to_o our_o offend_a god_n and_o solemn_o renew_v our_o resolution_n against_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v stop_v the_o grow_a evil_n betimes_o before_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o endanger_n our_o final_a apostasy_n iii_o to_o our_o final_a perseverance_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o to_o prevent_v the_o like_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o more_o especial_o from_o those_o temptation_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o fall_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v strict_o prohibit_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n col._n iii._o 21_o to_o love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n joh._n ay_o two_o 15_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n mat._n vi_fw-la 19_o and_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n to_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n gal._n vi_fw-la 14_o and_o to_o converse_v as_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n in_o it_o heb._n xi_o 13_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n be_v make_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o infidel_n and_o apostate_n phil._n iii._o 19_o compare_v with_o tim._n two_o 3.4_o and_o so_o inconsistent_a be_v a_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o the_o world_n with_o our_o perseverance_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n that_o st._n james_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n be_v enmity_n with_o god_n jam._n four_o 4_o and_o it_o be_v to_o the_o excess_n of_o our_o friendship_n to_o it_o that_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o attribute_n our_o apostasy_n tim._n two_o 4.10_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a that_o be_v immoderate_o covet_v to_o be_v so_o fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o perdition_n and_o destruction_n and_o that_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 1_o tim._n vi_o 9_o 10._o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n in_o order_n to_o our_o perseverance_n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o wean_v and_o abstract_n ourselves_o from_o the_o world_n for_o this_o world_n be_v the_o magazine_n of_o all_o those_o temptation_n by_o which_o our_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n be_v importune_v and_o assault_v and_o it_o be_v either_o the_o hope_n of_o some_o worldly_a pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n that_o allure_v or_o the_o fear_n of_o some_o of_o the_o contrary_a evil_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n that_o affright_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n whilst_o therefore_o we_o immoderate_o love_v those_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o be_v the_o solicitour_n of_o vice_n we_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v conquer_v and_o lead_v captive_a by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o sin_v that_o man_n sin_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o good_n or_o to_o avoid_v those_o evil_n which_o be_v appendent_a to_o their_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o a_o man_n love_v those_o good_n which_o cling_v and_o adhere_v to_o a_o sinful_a action_n the_o more_o propense_a he_o will_v be_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o the_o more_o he_o dread_v those_o evil_n which_o he_o can_v most_o easy_o avoid_v by_o a_o sinful_a action_n the_o more_o prone_a and_o inclinable_a he_o will_v be_v to_o it_o wherefore_o to_o secure_v our_o perseverance_n in_o this_o warfare_n against_o sin_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o rectify_v our_o opinion_n of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n and_o moderate_a and_o abate_v our_o affection_n towards_o they_o especial_o towards_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o prevalent_a with_o we_o for_o the_o temptation_n that_o prevail_v upon_o we_o discover_v the_o weak_a side_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o instruct_v the_o devil_n what_o good_a or_o evil_a it_o be_v that_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o allure_v or_o affright_v we_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o subtle_a tempter_n who_o have_v be_v so_o many_o thousand_o year_n study_v the_o art_n of_o seduce_v we_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o assault_v we_o again_o where_o he_o have_v be_v already_o successful_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o fortify_v ourselves_o there_o where_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o enemy_n will_v assault_v we_o and_o to_o rectify_v our_o opinion_n of_o and_o mortify_v our_o affection_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v already_o so_o much_o impose_v upon_o our_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n for_o it_o be_v our_o imagination_n that_o give_v life_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o charm_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n and_o render_v they_o so_o successful_a against_o we_o we_o fancy_v that_o to_o be_v in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o and_o so_o be_v affect_v not_o so_o much_o with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o with_o the_o false_a representation_n we_o make_v of_o they_o for_o its_o plain_a the_o good_n of_o the_o world_n be_v behold_v to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o beauty_n with_o which_o they_o tempt_v and_o allure_v we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o fancy_n that_o give_v the_o paint_n and_o fucus_n with_o which_o they_o charm_v and_o enamour_v our_o affection_n and_o so_o for_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v our_o own_o imagination_n that_o disguise_v they_o into_o such_o bug_n and_o scarecrow_n and_o put_v those_o ghastly_a vizor_n on_o they_o with_o which_o they_o fright_v and_o amaze_v we_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v but_o take_v care_n to_o rectify_v our_o opinion_n of_o they_o both_o and_o to_o strip_v they_o out_o of_o their_o imaginary_a
terror_n and_o allurement_n we_o shall_v thereby_o disarm_v they_o of_o their_o main_a strength_n and_o render_v they_o much_o less_o able_a to_o seduce_v we_o for_o the_o future_a and_o this_o methinks_v we_o may_v easy_o do_v if_o we_o will_v but_o fair_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o the_o present_a state_n and_o posture_n of_o our_o affair_n for_o we_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o being_n that_o be_v every_o moment_n travail_v from_o hence_o to_o a_o eternal_a world_n where_o a_o unexpressible_a happiness_n or_o misery_n attend_v we_o and_o all_o that_o we_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v in_o this_o life_n be_v only_o the_o convenience_n or_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o short_a journey_n to_o a_o long_a home_o but_o can_v have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o our_o everlasting_a condition_n than_o as_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n either_o of_o our_o virtue_n or_o vice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a good_n and_o evil_n that_o will_v accompany_v we_o to_o eternity_n and_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a there_o for_o ever_o but_o as_o for_o poverty_n or_o riches_n pain_n or_o pleasure_n disgrace_n or_o reputation_n they_o be_v thing_n which_o probable_o within_o these_o ten_o or_o twenty_o year_n will_v be_v as_o perfect_o indifferent_a to_o we_o as_o our_o last_o night_n dream_n be_v when_o we_o awake_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o this_o methinks_v due_o consider_v be_v enough_o to_o render_v we_o very_o unconcern_v at_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o can_v happen_v to_o we_o here_o for_o what_o a_o mighty_a matter_n be_v it_o whether_o i_o fare_v well_o or_o ill_o for_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n who_o when_o that_o be_v expire_v must_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o million_o of_o million_o of_o age_n and_o what_o will_v these_o little_a good_n or_o evil_n signify_v to_o i_o when_o my_o body_n be_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o my_o soul_n in_o eternity_n when_o i_o be_o strip_v into_o a_o naked_a spirit_n and_o set_v ashore_o upon_o the_o invisible_a world_n than_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v as_o if_o they_o never_o be_v and_o in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n i_o shall_v lose_v sight_n of_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o of_o all_o that_o i_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v have_v nothing_o remain_v but_o my_o virtue_n or_o vice_n who_o issue_n will_v prove_v my_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n doubtless_o will_v we_o but_o accustom_v our_o mind_n to_o such_o reflection_n as_o these_o they_o will_v effectual_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o immoderate_a love_n or_o fear_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o reduce_v we_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o efficacious_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o this_o world_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o do_v our_o duty_n nor_o any_o evil_a incident_a to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n that_o be_v not_o infinite_o less_o formidable_a than_o sin_n and_o when_o once_o our_o affection_n to_o this_o world_n and_o our_o opinion_n of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o moderate_v and_o rectify_v the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n will_v quite_o lose_v their_o hold_n of_o we_o and_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o fasten_v upon_o our_o resolution_n so_o that_o now_o we_o may_v pass_v safe_o through_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v sparkle_v about_o we_o there_o be_v no_o tinder_n in_o our_o breast_n for_o they_o to_o catch_v fire_n and_o kindle_v upon_o now_o they_o will_v be_v no_o long_o capable_a to_o allure_v or_o affright_v we_o those_o bosom_n orator_n be_v silence_v that_o be_v wont_a to_o contend_v for_o they_o and_o to_o magnify_v their_o charm_n and_o terror_n and_o when_o we_o neither_o immoderate_o love_n nor_o fear_v they_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o defend_v our_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n against_o all_o their_o assault_n and_o importunity_n iv._o to_o our_o final_a perseverance_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v more_o curious_o search_v into_o the_o small_a defect_n and_o indecency_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o our_o reform_v and_o correct_v they_o hence_o we_o be_v command_v to_o hate_v even_o the_o garment_n spot_v by_o the_o flesh_n judas_n 23._o i_o e._n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o least_o spot_n or_o infection_n of_o it_o and_o according_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n to_o rub_v out_o the_o great_a stain_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o to_o be_v diligent_a that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v of_o our_o lord_n in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a 2_o pet._n three_o 14_o i_o e._n to_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v those_o small_a and_o more_o indiscernible_a defect_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o total_o stain_v yet_o very_a much_o spot_n and_o blemish_v it_o that_o so_o at_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o may_v be_v find_v not_o only_o sincere_a and_o upright_a but_o as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v innocent_a and_o blameless_a for_o so_o phil._n two_o 15_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o be_v blameless_a harmless_a and_o without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n i._n e._n to_o endeavour_v so_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n as_o that_o we_o may_v appear_v not_o only_o honest_a for_o the_o main_a but_z so_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a spotless_a and_o unreprovable_a and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o frequent_o occasion_v man_n final_a miscarriage_n in_o religion_n than_o their_o not_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o they_o first_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a warfare_n they_o very_o industrious_o set_v themselves_o against_o that_o course_n of_o wilful_a sin_n in_o which_o they_o former_o live_v and_o this_o be_v wondrous_a well_o if_o they_o do_v not_o stop_v here_o and_o go_v no_o far_o but_o alas_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o they_o be_v thus_o industrious_o busy_v in_o subdue_a their_o old_a sin_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o lesser_a flaw_n and_o defect_n in_o their_o nature_n which_o by_o a_o timely_a care_n and_o inspection_n they_o may_v easy_o correct_v but_o these_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o but_o quiet_o permit_v they_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v till_o at_o last_o they_o become_v as_o hurtful_a &_o dangerous_a to_o they_o as_o their_o old_a sin_n be_v against_o which_o they_o have_v all_o this_o while_n so_o zealous_o contend_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o they_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n they_o be_v profane_v it_o may_v be_v or_o sensual_a or_o vehement_o addict_v to_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n and_o against_o these_o they_o oppose_v themselves_o with_o great_a zeal_n and_o animosity_n and_o so_o far_o they_o do_v well_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n perhaps_o there_o be_v pride_n and_o ostentation_n envy_n and_o peevishness_n selfwill_a and_o censoriousness_n secret_o bud_v and_o sprout_v up_o in_o their_o nature_n all_o which_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o cure_v by_o timely_a application_n but_o alas_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o contest_v against_o their_o other_o sin_n they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o mind_v or_o regard_v these_o but_o even_o leave_v they_o alone_o till_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o obstinate_a and_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o become_v every_o whit_n as_o fatal_a and_o destructive_a to_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o be_v which_o they_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n subdue_a and_o mortify_v so_o that_o after_o all_o they_o have_v only_o change_v their_o sin_n and_o have_v be_v conjure_v up_o one_o devil_n while_o they_o have_v be_v lay_v another_o and_o whilst_o the_o tide_n of_o their_o wickedness_n have_v be_v ebb_v on_o this_o shore_n it_o have_v be_v flow_v on_o the_o contrary_a and_o as_o it_o have_v sink_v in_o sensuality_n it_o have_v swell_v into_o devilishness_n perhaps_o whilst_o you_o be_v zealous_o carry_v on_o your_o warfare_n against_o your_o old_a sin_n you_o may_v find_v yourselves_o too_o apt_a to_o be_v tickle_v with_o applause_n and_o puff_v with_o vain_a ostentation_n have_v a_o care_n now_o that_o while_o you_o be_v starve_v one_o vice_n you_o do_v not_o pamper_v another_o for_o if_o you_o do_v not_o correct_v this_o little_a irregularity_n of_o your_o nature_n betimes_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v as_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a to_o you_o as_o ever_o any_o of_o those_o vice_n be_v against_o which_o you_o be_v contend_v it_o will_v by_v degree_n so_o insinuate_v into_o your_o good_a intention_n and_o so_o sophisticate_a the_o purity_n of_o they_o that_o at_o last_o you_o will_v intend_v nothing_o else_o but_o applause_n and_o so_o your_o whole_a religion_n will_v be_v convert_v into_o dead_a show_n and_o empty_a pageantry_n and_o your_o spiritual_a warfare_n will_v prove_v only_o a_o passage_n out_o of_o profaneness_n
what_o kind_n of_o mean_n be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v it_o how_o natural_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n do_v raise_v up_o man_n soul_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o all_o the_o contrary_a vice_n do_v as_o natural_o sink_v and_o press_v they_o down_o to_o hell_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v he_o will_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o if_o he_o be_v i_o will_v advise_v he_o 2._o serious_o to_o read_v over_o and_o consider_v the_o first_o and_o second_o section_n of_o the_o four_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o several_a duty_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o his_o state_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o also_o proper_a argument_n and_o motive_n to_o engage_v he_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o which_o if_o he_o will_v read_v to_o good_a effect_n he_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n content_v himself_o with_o a_o single_a perusal_n but_o read_v they_o over_o at_o least_o once_o a_o week_n whilst_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n till_o he_o full_o comprehend_v the_o mean_v and_o use_v of_o all_o those_o duty_n and_o the_o force_n and_o cogency_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v he_o will_v at_o last_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o through_o and_o wel-weighed_n resolution_n of_o forsake_v his_o sin_n and_o actual_o engage_v in_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v do_v i_o will_v advise_v he_o 3._o with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o frequency_n to_o peruse_v the_o three_o and_o four_o section_n of_o the_o four_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v contain_v all_o the_o several_a duty_n proper_a to_o this_o second_o state_n of_o actual_a engagement_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n as_o also_o sundry_a argument_n or_o motive_n to_o press_v and_o enforce_v they_o and_o when_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o these_o duty_n he_o have_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n faithful_a and_o constant_a to_o his_o good_a resolution_n 4._o together_o with_o the_o three_o and_o four_o section_n let_v he_o often_o peruse_v and_o consider_v the_o five_o and_o six_o wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o duty_n appertain_v to_o the_o three_o state_n of_o improvement_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n together_o with_o some_o consideration_n to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o all_o which_o i_o will_v earnest_o persuade_v the_o pious_a reader_n to_o read_v and_o consider_v over_o and_o over_o again_o till_o his_o mind_n be_v full_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o each_o duty_n and_o have_v thorough_o digest_v the_o force_n and_o evidence_n of_o every_o argument_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o first_o thing_n propose_v concern_v the_o profitable_a method_n of_o read_v this_o practical_a treatise_n ii_o as_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o main_o design_n in_o this_o chapter_n viz._n the_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o private_a exercise_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o each_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n together_o with_o the_o form_n of_o private_a prayer_n fit_v for_o each_o take_v they_o in_o their_o follow_a order_n direction_n for_o the_o more_o profitable_a exercise_n of_o our_o private_a religion_n in_o the_o state_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o morning_n before_o you_o go_v into_o the_o world_n enter_v into_o your_o closet_n and_o there_o consider_v with_o yourself_o a_o while_n the_o miserable_a state_n you_o have_v reduce_v yourself_o to_o by_o your_o past_a sinful_a course_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o your_o forsake_v they_o and_o the_o possibility_n of_o your_o recovery_n if_o your_o hearty_o endeavour_n it_o and_o then_o address_v yourself_o to_o god_n in_o this_o follow_a prayer_n o_o most_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a god_n thou_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o being_n the_o father_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n the_o righteous_a and_o almighty_a governor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n from_o thy_o throne_n thou_o behold_v all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o their_o most_o secret_a action_n be_v open_a and_o naked_a to_o thy_o alseeing_a eye_n and_o such_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o thy_o nature_n that_o thou_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n wheresoever_o thou_o behold_v it_o with_o what_o face_n then_o can_v i_o a_o most_o miserable_a pollute_a wretch_n appear_v in_o thy_o presence_n who_o by_o the_o past_a course_n of_o my_o wickedness_n and_o rebellion_n against_o thou_o have_v not_o only_o render_v myself_o guilty_a and_o just_o obnoxious_a to_o thy_o eternal_a displeasure_n but_o have_v also_o contract_v such_o obstinate_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n to_o sin_n on_o as_o without_o thy_o grace_n and_o assistance_n i_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v o_o desperate_a vile_a and_o ungrateful_a wretch_n that_o i_o have_v be_v i_o have_v renounce_v the_o god_n of_o my_o be_v and_o the_o fountain_n of_o my_o mercy_n i_o have_v despise_v thy_o goodness_n trample_v upon_o thy_o authority_n mock_v and_o abuse_v thy_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v and_o in_o particular_a i_o must_v confess_v to_o my_o own_o shame_n and_o confusion_n i_o have_v be_v woeful_o guilty_a of_o etc._n and_o now_o by_o these_o my_o manifold_a abomination_n i_o have_v utter_o undo_v myself_o unless_o thou_o take_v pity_n upon_o i_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v forfeit_v my_o soul_n into_o thy_o hand_n and_o if_o thou_o so_o please_v thou_o may_v just_o cast_v i_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o make_v i_o a_o dire_a example_n of_o thy_o vengeance_n for_o ever_o but_o i_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o thou_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o live_v and_o upon_o the_o propitiation_n of_o thy_o own_o son_n blood_n thou_o have_v declare_v thyself_o willing_a to_o receive_v return_a prodigal_n and_o to_o be_v hearty_o reconcile_v to_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o past_a provocation_n o_o that_o i_o can_v return_v that_o i_o can_v but_o shake_v off_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n which_o detain_v my_o wretched_a soul_n in_o captivity_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o contribute_v towards_o it_o whatsoever_o i_o be_o able_a but_o alas_o without_o thou_o all_o that_o i_o can_v do_v will_v be_v utter_o ineffectual_a wherefore_o for_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n sake_n for_o thy_o dear_a son_n and_o my_o saviour_n sake_n have_v pity_n upon_o a_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o without_o thy_o help_a hand_n be_v lose_v for_o ever_o and_o since_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o thy_o gospel_n as_o a_o outward_a mean_n to_o save_v and_o recover_v i_o o_o do_v thou_o enable_v i_o by_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n hearty_o to_o believe_v and_o thorough_o to_o consider_v it_o for_o which_o end_n i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o remove_v all_o sinful_a prejudices_fw-la from_o my_o mind_n that_o so_o i_o may_v impartial_o weigh_v those_o evidence_n thou_o have_v give_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o do_v thou_o suggest_v they_o to_o my_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o clear_a and_o convince_a light_n as_o that_o they_o may_v at_o last_o conquer_v my_o infidelity_n and_o beget_v in_o i_o a_o firm_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o my_o mind_n be_v vain_a and_o rove_a and_o utter_o averse_a to_o all_o serious_a consideration_n o_o do_v thou_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o can_v turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o way_n thou_o please_v inspire_v good_a thought_n into_o i_o and_o imprint_v they_o upon_o i_o with_o such_o a_o power_n and_o efficacy_n as_o that_o my_o wander_a mind_n may_v be_v reduce_v by_o they_o to_o a_o through_o consideration_n and_o my_o stubborn_a will_n to_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n particular_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o give_v i_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o urgent_a need_n i_o have_v of_o a_o saviour_n and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v and_o be_v still_o do_v at_o thy_o right_a hand_n in_o order_n to_o the_o cleanse_v my_o guilty_a and_o pollute_a nature_n and_o restore_v i_o to_o thy_o grace_n and_o favour_n that_o so_o hereby_o i_o may_v be_v full_o convince_v how_o odious_a my_o sin_n be_v in_o thy_o sight_n how_o base_a and_o vile_a they_o have_v render_v i_o and_o at_o what_o a_o mighty_a distance_n they_o have_v set_v i_o from_o thou_o and_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o may_v put_v on_o a_o holy_a shame_n and_o confusion_n and_o abhor_v myself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n before_o thou_o thou_o know_v o_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o soften_v this_o hard_a and_o unrelenting_a heart_n and_o affect_v it_o with_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o work_v a_o true_a repentance_n o_o do_v thou_o smite_v it_o with_o such_o a_o sharp_a and_o
pierce_a sense_n of_o my_o sin_n as_o may_v cause_v the_o flood_n of_o unfeigned_a grief_n and_o contrition_n to_o gush_v forth_o from_o it_o cause_v i_o to_o bleed_v for_o my_o sin_n now_o that_o i_o may_v not_o bleed_v for_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o have_v feel_v the_o smart_n and_o anguish_n of_o they_o i_o may_v utter_o detest_v and_o abhor_v they_o and_o never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o more_o thus_o do_v thou_o assist_v i_o o_o good_a god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n till_o thou_o have_v thorough_o conquer_v my_o will_n by_o they_o and_o prepare_v it_o for_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o now_o that_o i_o be_o go_v into_o the_o world_n among_o those_o very_a temptation_n that_o have_v hitherto_o so_o miserable_o captivate_v and_o enslave_v i_o o_o let_v thy_o bless_a spirit_n be_v present_a with_o i_o to_o 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your_o belove_a sin_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o every_o duty_n and_o even_o to_o those_o that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o your_o vicious_a inclination_n if_o you_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a you_o will_v not_o for_o some_o time_n or_o if_o you_o find_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o suspect_v you_o be_v not_o press_v yourself_o anew_o with_o such_o divine_a reason_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o affect_v you_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o your_o saviour_n represent_v your_o obstinacy_n to_o yourself_o with_o all_o its_o baseness_n and_o disingenuity_n madness_n and_o folly_n till_o you_o find_v yourself_o affect_v with_o a_o sorrowful_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o then_o offer_v up_o this_o follow_a prayer_n o_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o consolation_n who_o be_v a_o ready_a help_n in_o time_n of_o need_n look_v down_o upon_o i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o a_o miserable_a and_o forlorn_a wretch_n that_o have_v wilful_o sell_v myself_o captive_a to_o the_o devil_n and_o be_o now_o struggle_v to_o get_v loose_a from_o this_o my_o wretched_a bondage_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o i_o be_o strive_v for_o my_o immortal_a life_n and_o according_o as_o i_o succeed_v i_o expect_v to_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o i_o have_v serious_o consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o be_o full_o satisfy_v in_o my_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v infinite_o more_o force_n in_o thy_o promise_n and_o threat_n than_o in_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o my_o duty_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o my_o sin_n but_o after_o all_o this_o i_o find_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n in_o my_o mind_n a_o perverse_a will_n that_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o my_o reason_n that_o make_v obstinate_a reservation_n of_o some_o belove_a sin_n and_o exception_n to_o some_o particular_a duty_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o persuasion_n of_o my_o reason_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o after_o all_o my_o endeavour_n i_o be_o still_o detain_v in_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o my_o member_n and_o be_o not_o able_a to_o incline_v myself_o to_o a_o entire_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n i_o know_v o_o lord_n though_o i_o be_o weak_a and_o impotent_a and_o of_o myself_o unable_a to_o shake_v off_o the_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o my_o lust_n yet_o thy_o grace_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o rescue_v and_o deliver_v i_o from_o they_o and_o thou_o have_v promise_v to_o assist_v with_o it_o my_o honest_a endeavour_n and_o crown_v they_o with_o a_o bless_a success_n wherefore_o for_o thy_o truth_n and_o mercy_n sake_n suffer_v not_o thy_o poor_a creature_n who_o with_o pitiful_a and_o bemoan_v look_v cry_n out_o for_o help_v to_o thou_o to_o spend_v himself_o in_o weary_a and_o fruitless_a struggle_n against_o this_o violent_a torrent_n of_o my_o sinful_a nature_n which_o without_o thy_o aid_n will_v quick_o overcome_v my_o poor_a endeavour_n and_o drive_v i_o down_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n my_o sole_a dependence_n be_v upon_o thou_o my_o hope_n of_o success_n be_v whole_o in_o thou_o help_n lord_n help_n or_o else_o i_o perish_v stretch_v forth_o thy_o powerful_a arm_n to_o my_o sink_a soul_n and_o let_v not_o this_o deep_a swallow_n i_o up_o but_o do_v thou_o so_o quicken_v my_o faint_a endeavour_n so_o strengthen_v my_o weak_a and_o doubt_a faith_n so_o enliven_v my_o cold_a and_o languid_a consideration_n so_o clear_v up_o my_o conviction_n of_o my_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o odiousness_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o thereby_o so_o increase_v my_o penitential_a sorrow_n and_o remorse_n as_o that_o by_o all_o these_o mean_n together_o my_o obstinate_a will_n may_v at_o last_o be_v conquer_v and_o effectual_o persuade_v to_o part_v with_o every_o sin_n be_v it_o never_o so_o dear_a to_o i_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o every_o duty_n be_v it_o never_o so_o cross_a to_o my_o vile_a inclination_n then_o shall_v i_o free_o resign_v up_o myself_o unto_o thou_o and_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n devote_v all_o my_o power_n to_o thy_o service_n and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v so_o and_o by_o so_o do_v be_v reconcile_v to_o thou_o o_o my_o offend_a god_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v receive_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o into_o thy_o protection_n this_o night_n that_o i_o may_v yet_o see_v the_o light_n of_o another_o day_n and_o have_v a_o long_a space_n to_o finish_v my_o repentance_n all_o which_o i_o humble_o implore_v even_o for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n in_o who_o name_n and_o word_n i_o far_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n if_o upon_o search_v your_o own_o heart_n you_o find_v that_o after_o you_o have_v fair_o represent_v to_o yourself_o what_o sinful_a pleasure_n you_o must_v part_v with_o what_o duty_n you_o must_v submit_v to_o and_o what_o difficulty_n you_o must_v engage_v with_o you_o be_v willing_a without_o any_o reserve_v or_o exception_n to_o submit_v yourself_o to_o god_n beware_v you_o be_v not_o too_o hasty_a to_o form_v your_o resolution_n but_o take_v some_o little_a time_n to_o try_v yourself_o see_v whether_o you_o will_v continue_v to_o morrow_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n you_o be_v in_o now_o and_o if_o then_o you_o perceive_v you_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v yourself_o try_v a_o little_a long_o and_o at_o the_o present_a endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o confirm_v and_o settle_v yourself_o in_o the_o good_a mind_n you_o be_v in_o by_o press_v and_o urge_v yourself_o with_o all_o those_o argument_n of_o your_o religion_n by_o which_o you_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o convince_v and_o persuade_v and_o while_o you_o be_v thus_o try_v yourself_o instead_o of_o the_o former_a let_v this_o be_v your_o evening_n prayer_n o_o bless_a lord_n and_o most_o merciful_a father_n thou_o be_v a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n and_o to_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v i_o admire_v thy_o goodness_n i_o adore_v thy_o grace_n that_o after_o so_o many_o heinous_a provocation_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o for_o which_o thou_o may_v have_v just_o shut_v thy_o ear_n against_o i_o for_o ever_o thou_o have_v hear_v my_o cry_n and_o pity_v my_o misery_n and_o thus_o far_o contribute_v towards_o my_o recovery_n i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v by_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o that_o this_o stubborn_a heart_n begin_v at_o last_o to_o relent_v this_o perverse_a will_n to_o bow_v and_o stoop_v these_o lewd_a affection_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o
the_o christian_a life_n from_o its_o beginning_n to_o its_o consummation_n in_o glory_n together_o with_o the_o several_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o christianity_n conduce_v thereunto_o with_o direction_n for_o private_a devotion_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n fit_v to_o the_o several_a state_n of_o christian_n by_o john_n scott_n rector_n of_o saint_n peter_n poor_a london_n london_n print_v by_o m._n clark_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1681._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o right_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n henry_n lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n that_o i_o presume_v to_o lay_v these_o paper_n at_o your_o lordship_n foot_n be_v not_o because_o i_o imagine_v they_o deserve_v but_o because_o i_o be_o conscious_a they_o need_v so_o great_a a_o patronage_n not_o but_o that_o be_v the_o discourse_n they_o contain_v as_o great_a and_o meritorious_a as_o their_o argument_n they_o may_v safe_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o their_o own_o desert_n and_o challenge_v homage_n instead_o of_o beg_a protection_n but_o though_o i_o have_v do_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o treat_v this_o great_a theme_n suitable_o to_o its_o own_o native_a majesty_n yet_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a it_o have_v not_o escape_v the_o too_o common_a fate_n of_o all_o such_o sublime_a and_o excellent_a subject_n which_o be_v to_o be_v foul_v and_o sully_v by_o coarse_a handle_n but_o my_o lot_n fall_v in_o this_o unhappy_a age_n wherein_o the_o best_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o such_o apparent_a danger_n of_o be_v crucify_a like_o their_o bless_a author_n between_o those_o two_o thief_n and_o both_o alas_o impenitent_a one_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v not_o to_o sit_v still_o as_o a_o unconcerned_a spectator_n of_o the_o tragedy_n but_o in_o my_o little_a sphere_n and_o according_a to_o my_o poor_a ability_n to_o endeavour_v its_o prevention_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_v the_o romanist_n have_v use_v to_o subvert_v this_o church_n which_o they_o so_o much_o envy_n and_o all_o the_o reformation_n do_v so_o much_o admire_v and_o depend_v on_o have_v be_v to_o divide_v she_o own_o child_n from_o she_o and_o arm_v they_o against_o she_o by_o start_v new_a opinion_n among_o they_o and_o engage_v their_o zeal_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v employ_v to_o better_a purpose_n in_o hot_a dispute_n about_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o her_o worship_n i_o think_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a sphere_n of_o christian_a zeal_n may_v be_v a_o good_a expedient_a to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o those_o dangerous_a contention_n which_o be_v kindle_v and_o be_v feed_v and_o blow_v by_o such_o as_o design_v our_o common_a ruin_n for_o sure_a do_v our_o people_n thorough_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o and_o how_o much_o duty_n that_o imply_v they_o can_v never_o find_v so_o much_o leisure_n as_o they_o do_v to_o quarrel_v and_o wrangle_v about_o trifle_n this_o my_o lord_n be_v the_o sincere_a design_n of_o what_o i_o here_o present_a to_o your_o lordship_n and_o however_o it_o may_v succeed_v i_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o i_o mean_v well_o and_o have_v express_v my_o good_a will_n to_o this_o poor_a envy_a church_n who_o true_o primitive_a constitution_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n i_o shall_v always_o admire_v and_o reverence_v and_o whatsoever_o her_o fate_n may_v be_v i_o be_o chain_v to_o her_o fortune_n by_o my_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o shall_v ever_o esteem_v it_o more_o eligible_a to_o be_v crush_v in_o piece_n by_o her_o fall_n which_o god_n avert_v than_o to_o flourish_v and_o triumph_n on_o her_o ruin_n but_o among_o the_o many_o ill_a omen_n that_o threaten_v our_o church_n there_o be_v one_o which_o seem_v to_o presage_v its_o prosperity_n and_o that_o be_v that_o such_o eminent_a station_n in_o it_o as_o your_o lordship_n be_v so_o excellent_o supply_v for_o although_o whether_o the_o part_v you_o be_v design_v for_o be_v to_o grace_n her_o triumph_n or_o her_o funeral_n be_v know_v only_o to_o the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o event_n yet_o this_o my_o lord_n all_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o our_o church_n conclude_v that_o god_n bestow_v you_o upon_o she_o as_o a_o token_n of_o love_n for_o which_o they_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n even_o from_o the_o daily_a experience_n they_o have_v of_o the_o prudence_n and_o vigilance_n of_o your_o government_n the_o piety_n integrity_n and_o generosity_n of_o your_o temper_n of_o your_o invincible_a loyalty_n to_o your_o prince_n your_o undaunted_a zeal_n for_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o grave_n and_o oblige_a deportment_n towards_o all_o you_o converse_v with_o i_o shall_v trouble_v your_o lordship_n no_o far_o but_o conclude_v this_o address_n with_o that_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o all_o your_o honest_a clergy_n that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v long_o continue_v your_o lordship_n a_o blessing_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o this_o diocese_n a_o honour_n to_o your_o sacred_a order_n and_o the_o noble_a stock_n you_o descend_v from_o and_o if_o what_o i_o here_o present_a prove_v but_o so_o prosperous_a as_o to_o do_v some_o good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o obtain_v your_o lordship_n acceptance_n it_o will_v be_v a_o noble_a compensation_n of_o this_o well-meant_a endeavour_n i_o be_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n john_n scott_n the_o preface_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o long_a apology_n for_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n though_o i_o may_v plead_v as_o other_o author_n do_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n who_o judgement_n i_o very_o much_o reverence_n for_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v that_o in_o a_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v safe_a or_o fit_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v overbear_v by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o those_o who_o judgement_n he_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v may_v be_v bribe_v by_o their_o friendship_n and_o therefore_o have_v i_o not_o hope_v that_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o wherein_o through_o our_o own_o division_n and_o debauchery_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o hellish_a contrivance_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o have_v such_o a_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o thing_n before_o we_o these_o paper_n may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o will_v never_o have_v trouble_v the_o world_n with_o they_o but_o hope_v they_o may_v i_o have_v venture_v upon_o that_o reason_n to_o publish_v they_o i_o have_v for_o some_o year_n be_v a_o sorrowful_a spectator_n of_o the_o black_a cloud_n that_o be_v gather_v over_o my_o native_a country_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v have_v not_o be_v without_o my_o share_n of_o the_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n of_o the_o age_n but_o be_v at_o last_o quite_o sick_a of_o look_v downward_o upon_o this_o uncomfortable_a scene_n of_o thing_n i_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o relieve_v my_o oppress_a thought_n but_o to_o raise_v they_o above_o this_o miserable_a world_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o comfort_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a state_n beyond_o the_o grave_a wherein_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o have_v find_v such_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v my_o black_a apprehension_n of_o the_o ensue_a storm_n very_o tolerable_a and_o now_o because_o i_o will_v not_o eat_v my_o morsel_n alone_o and_o enjoy_v my_o satisfaction_n to_o myself_o i_o have_v endeavour_v by_o this_o follow_a treatise_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o way_n thither_o to_o break_v and_o distribute_v it_o among_o my_o distress_a neighbour_n that_o so_o by_o carry_v their_o mind_n from_o these_o dismal_a expectation_n into_o the_o quiet_a and_o happy_a region_n above_o and_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o action_n thither_o i_o may_v communicate_v to_o they_o the_o bless_a art_n how_o to_o live_v happy_o in_o a_o distract_a world_n and_o methinks_v when_o our_o present_a state_n be_v so_o perplex_a and_o uncertain_a we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o concern_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o something_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o a_o future_a wellbeing_a that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v miserable_a in_o both_o world_n as_o for_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v undertake_v i_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o modesty_n say_v it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o noble_a one_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a life_n which_o next_o to_o the_o angelical_a approach_n near_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o the_o management_n of_o it_o all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v be_v this_o i_o have_v
and_o instrument_n of_o building_n i._o one_o sort_n of_o mean_n necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o respect_v it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n in_o the_o perfection_n whereof_o the_o heavenly_a life_n consist_v for_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o all_o heavenly_a virtue_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v and_o perfect_v only_o by_o practice_n that_o as_o all_o bad_a disposition_n be_v acquire_v and_o improve_v into_o habit_n by_o bad_a practice_n and_o custom_n so_o be_v all_o the_o contrary_a virtuous_a one_o by_o the_o contrary_a practice_n for_o religion_n proceed_v in_o the_o method_n of_o nature_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o from_o the_o act_n to_o the_o disposition_n and_o from_o the_o disposition_n to_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n the_o divine_a grace_n which_o accompany_v religion_n do_v ordinary_o work_v its_o effect_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n not_o by_o a_o instantaneous_a infusion_n of_o virtuous_a habit_n into_o the_o will_n but_o by_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o vicious_a habit_n and_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o till_o they_o have_v mortify_v those_o habit_n and_o thorough_o habituate_v and_o enure_v themselves_o to_o these_o so_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o graff_n which_o though_o it_o be_v put_v into_o a_o stock_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o kind_n do_v yet_o make_v use_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o juice_n of_o the_o stock_n and_o so_o by_o cooperate_n with_o they_o convert_v it_o by_o degree_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o man_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o reformation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o act_v virtuous_o from_o habit_n and_o inclination_n that_o it_o go_v against_o the_o very_a grain_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o they_o will_v much_o rather_o return_v to_o their_o vicious_a course_n if_o they_o be_v not_o chase_v and_o pursue_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o when_o afterward_o they_o come_v to_o act_v upon_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a principle_n yet_o still_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a averseness_n and_o reluctancy_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n usual_o ere_o they_o arrive_v to_o a_o habit_n or_o facility_n of_o act_v virtuous_o but_o then_o by_o perseverance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v more_o and_o more_o incline_v and_o dispose_v to_o it_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n it_o become_v easy_a and_o natural_a to_o they_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v ever_o arrive_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o the_o heavenly_a state_n imply_v it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n by_o a_o continual_a train_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n which_o by_o degree_n will_v wear_v off_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o adapt_v and_o familiarize_v our_o nature_n to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o thing_n which_o they_o that_o learn_v aught_o to_o do_v they_o learn_v by_o do_v they_o thus_o we_o learn_v devotion_n by_o prayer_n submission_n to_o god_n by_o deny_v ourselves_o charity_n by_o give_v alm_n and_o meekness_n by_o forgive_a injury_n and_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o commence_v learn_v without_o study_n as_o virtuous_a without_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n since_o therefore_o the_o formal_a happiness_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o it_o be_v by_o these_o alone_a that_o we_o can_v relish_v and_o enjoy_v the_o blissful_a object_n of_o heaven_n it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o immediate_a mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o bless_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o then_o ii_o another_o sort_n of_o mean_n necessary_a to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n consist_v of_o certain_a instrumental_a duty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o acquire_v improve_v and_o perfect_a these_o heavenly_a virtue_n what_o these_o mean_n be_v will_v be_v hereafter_o large_o show_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o they_o at_o present_a be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v no_o far_o good_a and_o useful_a than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o do_v tend_v towards_o the_o acquire_n improve_n and_o perfect_v it_o for_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n may_v be_v distribute_v into_o these_o two_o general_n viz._n the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n contain_v all_o that_o heavenly_a virtue_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v and_o this_o the_o apostle_n distribute_v into_o three_o particular_n viz._n sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n comprehend_v all_o that_o duty_n which_o do_v either_o natural_o or_o by_o institution_n respect_n and_o drive_v at_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o that_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o be_v not_o itself_o a_o natural_a branch_n and_o part_n of_o it_o do_v respect_n and_o drive_v at_o it_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a for_o the_o purpose_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n be_v either_o 1._o to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o they_o or_o 2._o to_o perfect_v the_o humane_a nature_n or_o 3._o to_o entitle_v man_n to_o heaven_n or_o 4._o to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v they_o for_o the_o heavenly_a life_n to_o neither_o of_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v any_o far_a useful_a than_o as_o it_o produce_v and_o promote_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n for_o i._o it_o be_v no_o further_a useful_a towards_o the_o reconcile_a we_o to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o us._n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hearty_a reconciliation_n between_o adverse_a party_n without_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a likeness_n and_o agreement_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o carnal_a mind_n which_o include_v all_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n seven_o 17_o that_o be_v have_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o antipathy_n the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v found_v in_o our_o wicked_a work_n coloss._n i_o 21_o so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v practice_v never_o so_o diligent_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n though_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n with_o never_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v be_v insignificant_a as_o to_o the_o reconcile_a our_o nature_n to_o god_n unless_o it_o destroy_v in_o we_o that_o carnal_a mind_n and_o those_o wicked_a work_n which_o render_v we_o so_o averse_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o though_o god_n bear_v a_o hearty_a good_a will_n to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o good_a and_o embrace_n his_o whole_a creation_n with_o the_o outstretch_v arm_n of_o his_o benevolence_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v please_v with_o or_o delight_v in_o any_o but_o such_o as_o resemble_v he_o in_o those_o amiable_a grace_n of_o purity_n and_o goodness_n for_o which_o he_o love_v himself_o for_o he_o love_v not_o himself_o mere_o because_o he_o be_v himself_o which_o will_v be_v a_o blind_a instinct_n rather_o than_o a_o reasonable_a love_n but_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o he_o love_v himself_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n because_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a good_a and_o consequent_o he_o love_v all_o other_o thing_n proportionable_o as_o they_o approach_v and_o resemble_v he_o in_o goodness_n and_o indeed_o if_o he_o love_v we_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n beside_o that_o for_o which_o he_o love_v himself_o he_o will_v not_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o love_v himself_o because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v that_o reason_n to_o love_v himself_o for_o which_o he_o love_v and_o take_v delight_n in_o vs._n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o our_o resemblance_n of_o god_n can_v reconcile_v he_o to_o we_o and_o since_o our_o resemblance_n of_o he_o
his_o happiness_n for_o what_o great_a torment_n can_v our_o mind_n endure_v than_o to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a spectator_n of_o the_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n of_o one_o who_o it_o hate_v how_o then_o will_v it_o fret_v and_o gall_v our_o meager_a and_o envious_a spirit_n to_o see_v that_o bless_a be_v who_o we_o can_v endure_v surround_v with_o a_o infinite_a happiness_n with_o a_o happiness_n so_o vast_a as_o that_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o increase_n and_o yet_o so_o secure_a as_o that_o it_o can_v never_o suffer_v a_o diminution_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a you_o see_v for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o live_v happy_o upon_o god_n in_o the_o other_o life_n unless_o it_o be_v inspire_v beforehand_o with_o a_o hearty_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o holy_a religion_n do_v so_o strict_o require_v we_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n mat._n xxii_o 37_o to_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o to_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o the_o lord_n psal._n xxxvii_o 4_o and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n phil._n iii._o 1_o and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o phil._n four_o 4_o i_o e._n to_o be_v habitual_o complacent_fw-la or_o well_o please_v with_o the_o infinite_a beauty_n goodness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n nay_o of_o such_o vast_a import_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v there_o recommend_v as_o the_o proper_a principle_n of_o christian_a life_n for_o so_o rom._n xiii_o 10_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o adequate_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a obedience_n and_o gal._n v._n 6_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n that_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o any_o account_n with_o christ_n buch_v such_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o hearty_a love_n to_o god_n and_o do_v thereby_o work_v and_o exert_v itself_o as_o by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a genuine_a principle_n of_o christian_a life_n and_o action_n it_o be_v true_a beside_o this_o principle_n of_o love_n the_o gospel_n act_v we_o both_o by_o our_o fear_n and_o hope_n exciting_a the_o one_o by_o threaten_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o animate_v the_o other_o with_o promise_n of_o the_o great_a good_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o principle_n of_o religious_a action_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n whilst_o they_o be_v total_o separate_v from_o love_n to_o he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o obedience_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o a_o principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n but_o to_o love_n god_n be_v a_o great_a and_o main_a instance_n of_o obedience_n that_o can_v be_v no_o principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n which_o do_v not_o effectual_o excite_v we_o to_o love_v he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o religion_n of_o most_o man_n begin_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o these_o be_v good_a beginning_n but_o yet_o till_o by_o these_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o love_n god_n as_o well_o as_o to_o do_v the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n our_o obedience_n be_v lame_a and_o partial_a and_o consequent_o unacceptable_a so_o that_o though_o hope_v and_o fear_n be_v good_a ingredient_n to_o compound_v a_o acceptable_a principle_n of_o obedience_n yet_o without_o a_o intermixture_n of_o love_n they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a there_o may_v be_v indeed_o and_o at_o first_o there_o general_o be_v much_o less_o of_o love_n in_o this_o internal_a spring_n of_o our_o obedience_n than_o of_o hope_n or_o fear_v whilst_o yet_o the_o whole_a composition_n be_v true_o please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o cordial_a love_n intermix_v with_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_v be_v sufficient_a to_o leaven_n and_o consecrate_v they_o into_o a_o acceptable_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o still_o the_o less_o of_o love_n there_o be_v in_o it_o the_o more_o weak_a and_o languid_a and_o imperfect_a it_o be_v and_o in_o all_o its_o progress_v towards_o perfection_n its_o ripeness_n and_o maturity_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o till_o our_o love_n be_v arrive_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o fervour_n and_o ardency_n as_o to_o become_v the_o predominant_a motive_n and_o master_n ingredient_n of_o this_o our_o compound_a principle_n of_o obedience_n our_o state_n in_o goodness_n be_v very_o low_a and_o imperfect_a so_o that_o in_o short_a the_o principle_n that_o act_n and_o move_v we_o in_o religion_n be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o perfect_a the_o more_o of_o love_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o the_o less_o of_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o when_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v both_o swallow_v up_o in_o love_n and_o this_o be_v become_v the_o sole_a spring_n of_o action_n in_o we_o then_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o heaven_n the_o soul_n that_o act_n and_o animate_v the_o religion_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a so_o that_o if_o ever_o we_o design_v to_o grow_v up_o to_o their_o bless_a state_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o kindle_v and_o blow_v up_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o we_o must_v be_v frequent_o represent_v to_o our_o own_o mind_n the_o infinite_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o love_v he_o and_o press_v ourselves_o with_o the_o vast_a obligation_n he_o have_v lay_v upon_o we_o spread_v they_o fair_o before_o our_o thought_n in_o all_o their_o endear_n circumstance_n we_o must_v ever_o and_o anon_o set_v our_o cold_a and_o freeze_a soul_n before_o those_o melt_a flame_n of_o his_o love_n and_o beauty_n and_o never_o leave_v chafe_v they_o at_o they_o urge_v and_o press_v they_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o till_o we_o feel_v the_o heavenly_a fire_n begin_v to_o kindle_v in_o our_o bosom_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v take_v care_n by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n nature_n to_o reconcile_v our_o mind_n and_o temper_n to_o he_o for_o till_o this_o be_v do_v we_o can_v never_o be_v habitual_o please_v or_o delight_v in_o he_o but_o when_o once_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o goodness_n that_o be_v found_v in_o his_o bless_a nature_n we_o have_v so_o far_o reconcile_v our_o nature_n to_o he_o as_o that_o our_o heart_n and_o his_o stand_n bend_v the_o same_o way_n and_o be_v for_o the_o main_a alike_o incline_v and_o dispose_v than_o we_o be_v prepare_v for_o and_o make_v proper_a and_o convenient_a fuel_n to_o receive_v this_o heavenly_a flame_n of_o love_n to_o he_o and_o when_o this_o be_v once_o so_o thorough_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n as_o that_o we_o be_v habitual_o well_o please_v and_o delight_v in_o he_o so_o as_o to_o rejoice_v in_o his_o happiness_n acquiesce_v in_o his_o will_n and_o meditate_v on_o his_o beauty_n and_o goodness_n with_o a_o unfeigned_a complacency_n of_o soul_n we_o be_v then_o in_o the_o same_o state_n that_o be_v in_o kind_a though_o not_o in_o degree_n with_o the_o bless_a people_n of_o heaven_n and_o though_o in_o this_o life_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v ourselves_o to_o that_o height_n of_o love_n as_o we_o desire_v and_o much_o less_o as_o that_o bless_a object_n deserve_v our_o present_a knowledge_n be_v short_a our_o thought_n unsteady_a and_o our_o affection_n entangle_v in_o sense_n and_o sensual_a thing_n yet_o when_o we_o go_v from_o hence_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v there_o admit_v to_o a_o more_o intimate_a view_n of_o his_o nature_n work_n and_o perfection_n our_o imperfect_a love_n will_v be_v immediate_o improve_v into_o a_o high_a seraphic_a flame_n for_o now_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o know_v he_o better_o have_v he_o always_o in_o our_o view_n and_o continual_o shine_v full_a in_o our_o eye_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o all_o other_o object_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o divert_v our_o thought_n or_o divide_v our_o affection_n from_o he_o so_o that_o now_o our_o love_n be_v kindle_v and_o feed_v with_o the_o pure_a light_n with_o the_o ever_o outstreaming_a ray_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n will_v always_o exert_v its_o utmost_a vigour_n and_o spend_v itself_o without_o decay_n in_o one_o continue_v everlasting_a rapture_n and_o then_o how_o unconceivable_o happy_a will_v our_o state_n be_v when_o we_o shall_v always_o live_v in_o view_n of_o the_o most_o lovely_a
to_o force_v and_o extort_v it_o when_o those_o that_o be_v superior_a in_o may_v and_o power_n do_v all_o rule_n with_o a_o fierce_a and_o tyrannical_a will_n and_o will_v condescend_v to_o nothing_o that_o be_v beneficial_a for_o their_o subject_n and_o those_o that_o be_v inferior_a do_v obey_v with_o a_o perverse_a and_o stubborn_a heart_n and_o will_v submit_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o they_o be_v force_v and_o compel_v to_o and_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a power_n and_o dread_a by_o which_o they_o rule_v and_o be_v rule_v in_o a_o word_n when_o they_o all_o mutual_o hate_n and_o abominate_a each_o other_o and_o those_o that_o command_n be_v a_o company_n of_o cruel_a and_o imperious_a devil_n that_o impose_v nothing_o but_o grievance_n and_o plague_n and_o those_o that_o obey_v be_v a_o company_n of_o surly_a and_o untractable_a slave_n that_o submit_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o by_o plague_n so_o that_o plague_n and_o grievance_n be_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o all_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n when_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o state_n of_o their_o society_n with_o one_o another_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o most_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a condition_n for_o where_o all_o be_v transact_v by_o force_n and_o compulsion_n as_o to_o be_v sure_o all_o be_v among_o such_o a_o company_n of_o perverse_a and_o self-willed_a spirit_n there_o every_o one_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a a_o fury_n and_o a_o devil_n to_o every_o one_o and_o those_o that_o do_v compel_v be_v like_o so_o many_o savage_a tyrant_n continual_o vex_v and_o enrage_v with_o stubborn_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n and_o those_o that_o be_v compel_v like_o so_o many_o obstinate_a galleyslave_n be_v continual_o lash_v into_o a_o unsufferable_a obedience_n and_o force_v by_o one_o torment_n to_o submit_v to_o another_o and_o thus_o all_o their_o society_n with_o one_o another_o be_v a_o perpetual_a intercourse_n of_o mutual_a outrage_n and_o violence_n this_o be_v therefore_o the_o miserable_a fate_n and_o issue_n of_o a_o perverse_a and_o stubborn_a and_o untractable_a temper_n the_o gospel_n who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o direct_v we_o to_o our_o happiness_n do_v industrious_o endeavour_v to_o root_v it_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o plant_v in_o its_o room_n a_o gentle_a obsequious_a and_o condescend_v disposition_n for_o hither_o tend_v all_o those_o evangelical_n precept_n which_o require_v we_o to_o become_v weak_a to_o the_o weak_a that_o we_o may_v gain_v they_o 1_o cor._n ix_o 22_o to_o bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n rom._n xv_o 1_o and_o support_v they_o and_o be_v patient_a towards_o they_o 1_o thess._n v_o 14_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o our_o elder_n 1_o pet._n v_o 5_o and_o to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o heb._n xiii_o 17_o to_o obey_v our_o magistrate_n our_o parent_n and_o our_o master_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o not_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n to_o honour_v king_n and_o submit_v to_o their_o law_n and_o governor_n 1_o pet._n two_o 13_o 14._o in_o a_o word_n to_o honour_v all_o man_n as_o they_o deserve_v 1_o pet._n two_o 17_o and_o to_o hold_v good_a man_n in_o reputation_n phil._n two_o 19_o and_o in_o honour_n to_o prefer_v one_o another_o rom._n twelve_o 10_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o treat_v all_o man_n as_o become_v we_o in_o the_o rank_n and_o station_n we_o be_v place_v in_o to_o honour_v those_o that_o be_v our_o superior_n whether_o in_o place_n or_o virtue_n to_o give_v that_o modest_a deference_n to_o their_o judgement_n that_o reverence_n to_o their_o person_n that_o respect_n to_o their_o virtue_n and_o homage_n to_o their_o desire_n or_o command_v which_o the_o degree_n or_o kind_a of_o their_o superiority_n require_v to_o condescend_v to_o those_o that_o be_v our_o inferior_n and_o treat_v they_o with_o all_o that_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n sweetness_n and_o affability_n that_o the_o respective_a distance_n of_o our_o state_n will_v allow_v to_o consult_v their_o conveniency_n and_o do_v they_o all_o good_a office_n and_o pity_n and_o bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v safe_o and_o wise_o tolerable_a by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o which_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v gradual_o cure_v of_o all_o that_o perverseness_n and_o surliness_n of_o temper_n which_o indispose_v we_o to_o the_o respective_a duty_n of_o our_o relation_n of_o all_o that_o contempt_n and_o selfishness_n which_o render_v we_o averse_a to_o the_o proper_a duty_n of_o superior_n and_o of_o all_o that_o self-conceit_n and_o impatience_n of_o command_n which_o indispose_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o inferior_n and_o our_o will_n be_v once_o wrought_v into_o a_o easy_a pliableness_n either_o to_o submission_n or_o condescension_n we_o be_v in_o a_o forward_a preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o of_o heaven_n where_o doubtless_o under_o god_n the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n there_o be_v numberless_a degree_n of_o superiority_n and_o inferiority_n for_o so_o some_o be_v say_v to_o reap_v spare_o and_o some_o abundant_o some_o to_o be_v ruler_n of_o five_o city_n and_o some_o of_o ten_o some_o to_o be_v the_o least_o and_o some_o the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n all_o which_o imply_v that_o in_o that_o bless_a state_n there_o be_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o advancement_n and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o our_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o more_o or_o less_o perfect_a we_o be_v the_o more_o or_o less_o happy_a we_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o every_o far_a degree_n of_o goodness_n we_o attain_v to_o be_v a_o widen_v and_o enlargement_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o far_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o beatitude_n and_o according_o when_o we_o arrive_v at_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o element_n of_o beatitude_n we_o shall_v all_o be_v fill_v according_a to_o the_o content_a and_o measure_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o drink_v in_o more_o or_o less_o of_o its_o river_n of_o pleasure_n as_o we_o be_v more_o or_o less_o enlarge_v to_o contain_v they_o so_o that_o according_a as_o we_o do_v more_o and_o more_o improve_v ourselves_o in_o true_a goodness_n we_o do_v natural_o make_v more_o and_o more_o room_n in_o our_o soul_n for_o heaven_n which_o do_v always_o fill_v the_o vessel_n of_o glory_n of_o all_o size_n and_o pour_v in_o happiness_n upon_o they_o till_o they_o all_o overflow_n and_o can_v contain_v no_o more_o since_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o entire_o resign_v to_o and_o guide_v by_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o in_o these_o their_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o dignity_n they_o mutual_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o become_a and_o that_o since_o under_o god_n the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o their_o society_n there_o be_v from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a a_o most_o exact_a and_o regular_a subordination_n of_o member_n they_o do_v every_o one_o perform_v their_o part_n and_o duty_n towards_o every_o one_o in_o all_o those_o different_a station_n of_o glory_n they_o be_v place_v in_o and_o consequent_o do_v submit_v and_o condescend_v to_o each_o other_o according_a as_o they_o be_v of_o a_o superior_a or_o inferior_a class_n and_o order_n so_o that_o if_o when_o we_o go_v from_o hence_o into_o the_o other_o world_n we_o carry_v along_o with_o we_o a_o submissive_a and_o condescend_v frame_n of_o spirit_n we_o shall_v be_v train_v up_o and_o predisposed_a to_o live_v under_o the_o bless_a hierarchy_n of_o heaven_n to_o yield_v a_o cheerful_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o it_o and_o to_o render_v all_o the_o honour_n to_o those_o above_o and_o all_o the_o condescension_n to_o those_o beneath_o we_o in_o glory_n which_o the_o statute_n of_o that_o heavenly_a regiment_n do_v require_v in_o do_v whereof_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o enjoy_v a_o most_o unspeakable_a content_n and_o felicity_n for_o though_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v numberless_a degree_n of_o advancement_n and_o dignity_n and_o one_o star_n there_o as_o well_o as_o here_o differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n yet_o so_o free_o and_o cheerful_o do_v they_o all_o condescend_v and_o submit_v to_o each_o other_o in_o these_o their_o respective_a difference_n of_o rank_n and_o station_n that_o in_o the_o wide_a distance_n of_o their_o state_n and_o degree_n of_o glory_n they_o all_o
happiness_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o give_v some_o brief_a account_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v pure_o militant_a and_o which_o whole_o consist_v of_o those_o instrumental_a duty_n by_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o to_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v they_o which_o difficulty_n as_o i_o show_v before_o chap._n 2._o be_v the_o inbred_a corruption_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n together_o with_o those_o manifold_a temptation_n from_o without_o by_o which_o they_o be_v continual_o provoke_v and_o excite_v and_o so_o to_o subdue_v and_o conquer_v these_o as_o that_o they_o may_v neither_o take_v we_o off_o from_o nor_o clog_v and_o indispose_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o business_n of_o this_o warfaring_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n that_o i_o may_v therefore_o handle_v it_o distinct_o i_o shall_v divide_v it_o into_o three_o part_n and_o endeavour_v with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v first_o to_o explain_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o part_n and_o to_o show_v how_o they_o all_o conduce_v to_o our_o conquer_a the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o to_o the_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v they_o and_o second_o to_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o part_n with_o proper_a and_o suitable_a argument_n in_o this_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n therefore_o there_o be_v 1._o our_o beginning_n or_o entrance_n into_o it_o which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n 2._o our_o course_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o holy_a life_n 3._o our_o perfect_a and_o consummation_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v final_a perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v each_o of_o which_o have_v their_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a duty_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v sect_n i._o concern_v those_o duty_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o our_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n into_o this_o warfaring_a part_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n show_v how_o they_o all_o conduce_v to_o the_o subdue_a of_o sin_n and_o acquire_v the_o heavenly_a virtue_n this_o first_o part_n of_o our_o militant_a life_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o initial_a repentance_n or_o the_o first_o turn_v of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n from_o a_o state_n of_o wilful_a sin_n and_o rebellion_n the_o duty_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o it_o and_o by_o which_o this_o turn_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v and_o perform_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o six_o head_n 1._o a_o hearty_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o its_o motive_n and_o a_o balance_a of_o they_o with_o the_o hardship_n and_o difficulty_n we_o be_v to_o undergo_v 3._o a_o deep_a and_o through_o conviction_n of_o our_o great_a need_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o render_v we_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 4._o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n shame_n and_o remorse_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a 5._o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o aid_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o effectual_o to_o renounce_v they_o 6._o a_o serious_a and_o well_o weigh_v resolution_n to_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v they_o for_o ever_o i._o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o good_a beginning_n of_o this_o our_o christian_a warfare_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o our_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a weapon_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o combat_v against_o the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o lusts._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o breastplate_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o two_o principal_a part_n of_o armour_n of_o defence_n denote_v that_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o principal_a 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violence_n of_o fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a nay_o so_o great_a a_o share_n have_v faith_n in_o the_o success_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n that_o it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n 1_o tim._n vi_o 12_o and_o s._n john_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1_o john_n v._n 4_o for_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o undeniable_a answer_n to_o return_v to_o all_o temptation_n and_o enable_v our_o faith_n infinite_o to_o outbid_v the_o world_n whatsoever_o it_o shall_v proffer_v we_o for_o our_o innocence_n for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n carry_v in_o the_o one_o hand_n infinite_o great_a good_n and_o in_o the_o other_o infinite_o great_a evil_n to_o allure_v and_o bind_v we_o fast_o to_o our_o duty_n than_o any_o the_o world_n can_v propose_v to_o entice_v or_o terrify_v we_o from_o it_o for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o immortal_a region_n of_o the_o bless_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o pure_a element_n of_o happiness_n where_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n live_v in_o a_o continue_a fruition_n of_o their_o utmost_a wish_n be_v every_o moment_n entertain_v with_o fresh_a inravish_a scene_n of_o pleasure_n where_o all_o their_o happiness_n be_v eternal_a and_o all_o their_o eternity_n nothing_o else_o but_o one_o continue_a act_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o joy_n and_o triumph_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sigh_n or_o tear_n no_o intermixture_n of_o sorrow_n or_o misery_n but_o every_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o joy_n and_o every_o joy_n be_v a_o quintessence_n and_o every_o happy_a moment_n be_v crown_v with_o some_o fresh_a and_o new_a enjoyment_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n a_o most_o frightful_a and_o amaze_a prospect_n of_o those_o dismal_a shade_n of_o horror_n where_o mighty_a number_n of_o condemn_a ghost_n perpetual_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o torment_v with_o endless_a rage_n and_o despair_n where_o they_o always_o burn_v without_o consume_v always_o faint_a but_o never_o die_v be_v force_v to_o languish_v out_o a_o long_a eternity_n in_o unpitied_a sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o after_o such_o a_o prospect_n as_o this_o what_o poor_a inconsiderable_a trifle_n will_v all_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n appear_v to_o we_o but_o yet_o unless_o we_o believe_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o how_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o they_o will_v signify_v no_o more_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o be_v the_o master_n spring_v of_o our_o action_n than_o if_o they_o be_v so_o many_o golden_a dream_n or_o liveless_a scare-crow_n for_o all_o proposal_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n proportionable_o as_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o assent_v to_o and_o as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a be_v not_o so_o that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v be_v move_v by_o that_o good_a or_o evil_a which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o in_o which_o by_o consequence_n we_o can_v apprehend_v ourselves_o concern_v wherefore_o in_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o we_o do_v not_o take_v up_o our_o faith_n at_o a_o venture_n and_o believe_v wink_v without_o know_v why_o or_o wherefore_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a impartial_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o its_o credibility_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o reason_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o for_o
which_o end_v it_o will_v be_v needful_a that_o we_o shall_v read_v and_o impartial_o consider_v some_o of_o the_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o we_o have_v sundry_a excellent_a one_o in_o our_o own_o language_n wolse_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o instruct_v ourselves_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o easy_a evidence_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v quick_o see_v abundant_a cause_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o then_o our_o faith_n be_v found_v on_o a_o firm_a basis_n of_o reason_n will_v be_v able_a to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o outstand_v the_o most_o furious_a storm_n of_o temptation_n ii_o to_o our_o good_a beginning_n of_o this_o our_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v due_o consider_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o balance_v they_o with_o the_o hardship_n and_o difficulty_n we_o be_v to_o undergo_v for_o thus_o our_o saviour_n make_v consideration_n a_o necessary_a introduction_n to_o our_o christian_a warfare_n luke_n fourteen_o 28_o where_o he_o compare_v man_n rush_v headlong_o into_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n without_o consideration_n to_o a_o man_n resolve_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n without_o compute_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o or_o a_o king_n go_v to_o war_n without_o ever_o consider_v beforehand_o whether_o with_o his_o army_n of_o ten_o thousand_o he_o be_v able_a to_o encounter_v his_o enemy_n with_o twenty_o by_o both_o which_o comparison_n he_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o unprosperous_a issue_n of_o man_n list_v themselves_o under_o his_o banner_n to_o combat_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n without_o ever_o consider_v beforehand_o either_o their_o own_o strength_n or_o their_o enemy_n the_o argument_n with_o which_o they_o must_v fight_v or_o the_o difficulty_n that_o will_v trash_n and_o oppose_v they_o so_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o execute_v their_o rash_a resolution_n there_o start_v up_o so_o many_o difficulty_n in_o their_o way_n which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o and_o against_o which_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o fore-arm_n themselves_o that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o courage_n to_o stand_v before_o they_o but_o after_o a_o few_o faint_a attempt_n be_v present_o sound_v a_o cowardly_a retreat_n for_o indeed_o consideration_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o faith_n that_o animate_v and_o actuate_v its_o principle_n and_o elicit_v and_o draw_v forth_o all_o their_o natural_a power_n and_o energy_n and_o let_v the_o truth_n we_o believe_v be_v never_o so_o weighty_a and_o momentous_a in_o themselves_o never_o so_o apt_a to_o spirit_n and_o invigorate_v we_o yet_o unless_o we_o serious_o consider_v and_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o extract_v out_o of_o they_o their_o native_a vigour_n and_o efficacy_n and_o to_o infuse_v it_o into_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n they_o will_v lie_v like_o so_o many_o dead_a notion_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o never_o impart_v to_o we_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a courage_n and_o activity_n and_o according_o our_o saviour_n attribute_n the_o ill_a success_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o highway_n the_o stony_a and_o thorny_a ground_n either_o to_o their_o not_o consider_v it_o at_o all_o or_o to_o their_o not_o consider_v it_o deep_o enough_o or_o to_o their_o not_o consider_v it_o long_o enough_o either_o the_o divine_a truth_n which_o they_o hear_v go_v no_o far_o than_o their_o ear_n and_o so_o lie_v open_o expose_v like_o so_o many_o loose_a corn_n upon_o the_o highway_n to_o be_v pick_v up_o by_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n or_o if_o it_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o consideration_n it_o be_v so_o slight_o and_o superficial_o that_o like_o corn_n sow_v in_o a_o rocky_a ground_n it_o have_v not_o depth_n enough_o to_o take_v root_n to_o fasten_v and_o grow_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o digest_v into_o principle_n of_o action_n or_o if_o they_o at_o present_a receive_v it_o into_o their_o deep_a and_o more_o serious_a consideration_n it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n for_o by_o and_o by_o they_o permit_v their_o worldly_a care_n and_o pleasure_n like_o thorn_n to_o spring_v up_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o choke_v it_o before_o it_o be_v arrive_v to_o any_o maturity_n but_o that_o which_o render_v it_o so_o prosperous_a and_o fruitful_a in_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n be_v that_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n they_o keep_v it_o i._n e._n retain_v it_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o consideration_n and_o so_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n luk._n viij_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o so_o that_o to_o the_o make_n of_o a_o good_a beginning_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v ponder_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o religion_n and_o balance_v they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v revolve_v and_o repeat_v they_o on_o our_o mind_n till_o we_o have_v represent_v to_o ourselves_o with_o the_o utmost_a life_n and_o reality_n whatsoever_o make_v for_o and_o against_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o christian_a warfare_n and_o upon_o our_o have_v weigh_v they_o over_o and_o over_o in_o the_o scale_n of_o a_o even_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n we_o have_v bring_v the_o debate_n to_o this_o result_n and_o conclusion_n that_o there_o be_v infinite_o more_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n of_o religion_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o than_o in_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o to_o dishearten_v we_o from_o it_o for_o unless_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n fore-armed_n with_o the_o motive_n and_o forewarn_v of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v our_o ground_n but_o find_v more_o opposition_n than_o we_o expect_v and_o have_v not_o a_o sufficient_a strength_n of_o argument_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o it_o we_o shall_v quick_o repent_v of_o our_o rash_a undertake_n and_o be_v force_v to_o retreat_v from_o it_o with_o shame_n and_o dishonour_v for_o this_o be_v usual_o the_o issue_n of_o those_o rash_a and_o unsettle_a purpose_n which_o man_n make_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o passion_n when_o they_o have_v be_v warm_v by_o some_o pathetic_a discourse_n or_o startle_v by_o some_o great_a danger_n or_o chafe_v into_o a_o displeasure_n against_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o very_a dolorous_a accident_n whereinto_o they_o have_v be_v betray_v by_o they_o in_o these_o or_o such_o like_a case_n its_o usual_a with_o man_n to_o make_v hasty_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n without_o consider_v either_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o resolve_v upon_o or_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v support_v their_o resolution_n and_o so_o find_v when_o they_o come_v to_o practice_n more_o difficulty_n in_o the_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o have_v not_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o it_o their_o resolution_n flag_n in_o the_o execution_n and_o very_o often_o yield_v to_o the_o next_o temptation_n which_o encounter_v they_o now_o though_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o those_o heat_n of_o passion_n be_v good_a opportunity_n to_o begin_v our_o religion_n in_o and_o if_o wise_o improve_v will_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o our_o voyage_n heavenwards_o and_o like_o a_o brisk_a gale_n of_o wind_n render_v it_o much_o more_o expedite_a and_o easy_a yet_o if_o in_o these_o heat_n we_o resolve_v too_o soon_o without_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o all_o particular_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a that_o our_o resolution_n shall_v ever_o prove_v a_o last_a principle_n of_o goodness_n for_o when_o we_o resolve_v inconsiderate_o we_o resolve_v to_o do_v we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o our_o resolution_n include_v a_o thousand_o particular_n that_o we_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o most_o of_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n will_v when_o we_o come_v to_o practice_v they_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o will_v easy_o startle_v our_o weak_a resolution_n which_o have_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o reason_n to_o support_v it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o outstand_v those_o boisterous_a storm_n of_o temptation_n whereunto_o it_o will_v be_v continual_o expose_v if_o therefore_o we_o mean_v our_o resolution_n shall_v hold_v out_o and_o commence_v a_o live_a principle_n of_o goodness_n we_o must_v found_v it_o in_o a_o through_o consideration_n both_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v engage_v we_o to_o embrace_v it_o we_o must_v set_v before_o our_o mind_n all_o the_o sin_n we_o must_v part_v with_o and_o all_o the_o duty_n we_o must_v submit_v
never_o return_v to_o they_o more_o whatsoever_o temptation_n may_v invite_v or_o difficulty_n encounter_v and_o oppose_v we_o which_o resolution_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v repentance_n but_o in_o strictness_n signify_v a_o change_n of_o mind_n or_o of_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n a_o renounce_v our_o sinful_a purpose_n and_o solemn_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o a_o contrary_a resolution_n of_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o precept_n of_o repentance_n be_v express_v by_o this_o word_n the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o change_v the_o wicked_a purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n into_o a_o firm_a and_o serious_a resolution_n of_o forsake_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o entire_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n to_o change_v our_o mind_n and_o convert_v or_o turn_v be_v in_o scripture_n so_o often_o put_v together_o the_o one_o denote_v the_o inward_a change_n of_o our_o resolution_n the_o other_o the_o outward_a change_n of_o our_o practice_n pursuant_n to_o it_o so_o act_v three_o 19_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o act_n xxvi_o 20_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o submit_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o put_v their_o resolution_n into_o practice_n and_o so_o that_o other_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o also_o render_v repentance_n strict_o signify_v a_o after-care_n that_o be_v pursuant_n unto_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o change_n of_o resolution_n now_o this_o repentance_n or_o change_n of_o resolution_n be_v the_o initial_a act_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o sinner_n whereby_o they_o resume_v their_o inward_a man_n from_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o submit_v and_o resign_v their_o will_n to_o god_n whereby_o in_o heart_n and_o will_n they_o forsake_v the_o devil_n colour_n and_o list_v themselves_o volunteer_n under_o the_o banner_n of_o christ._n and_o be_v so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o care_n and_o preparation_n for_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o great_a erterprise_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o they_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o firm_o lay_v will_v be_v apt_a to_o sink_v under_o the_o superstructure_n and_o to_o endanger_v their_o ruin_n and_o downfall_n now_o all_o the_o forego_n duty_n be_v necessary_a preparation_n to_o a_o good_a resolution_n we_o ought_v before_o we_o resolve_v to_o spend_v a_o considerable_a portion_n of_o time_n in_o the_o diligent_a practice_n of_o they_o and_o not_o to_o resolve_v hand_n over_o head_n till_o we_o be_v due_o and_o thorough_o prepare_v for_o it_o till_o by_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o consideration_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v break_v and_o tame_v our_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a will_n and_o thorough_o persuade_v they_o to_o part_v with_o every_o sin_n and_o to_o approve_v of_o and_o consent_n to_o every_o duty_n that_o be_v comprehend_v in_o a_o through_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o if_o when_o we_o be_v about_o to_o resolve_v we_o find_v upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n any_o secret_a reserve_v or_o exception_n in_o our_o will_n if_o there_o be_v any_o lust_n which_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v to_o part_v with_o or_o any_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v not_o full_o reconcile_v we_o ought_v for_o that_o time_n to_o forbear_v resolve_v and_o to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o preparatory_a duty_n till_o we_o find_v our_o reluctant_a will_n thorough_o conquer_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o leak_n leave_v open_a in_o our_o resolution_n for_o any_o sin_n to_o creep_v in_o at_o that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o insinuate_v in_o the_o next_o storm_n of_o temptation_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o let_v in_o other_o sin_n after_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o it_o will_v it_o will_v by_o its_o own_o single_a weight_n sink_v we_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n wherefore_o before_o ever_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o our_o will_n be_v thorough_o prepare_v for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o fair_a compliance_n with_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v resolve_v upon_o and_o effectual_o dissuade_v out_o of_o all_o resolution_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v we_o may_v cheerful_o proceed_v to_o the_o form_n of_o our_o good_a resolution_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o between_o god_n and_o ourselves_o with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n for_o now_o our_o heart_n be_v ready_a we_o be_v to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o our_o knee_n and_o in_o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n to_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o god_n o_o thou_o bless_a author_n of_o my_o be_v i_o be_o now_o full_o convince_v that_o i_o owe_v myself_o to_o thou_o by_o a_o thousand_o tie_n and_o obligation_n and_o be_o infinite_o sorry_a and_o ashamed_a that_o i_o have_v so_o long_o sequester_v and_o withdraw_v myself_o from_o thou_o to_o serve_v my_o own_o base_a lust_n and_o affection_n wherefore_o now_o in_o thy_o dread_a presence_n and_o in_o that_o of_o thy_o holy_a angel_n i_o here_o entire_o resign_v up_o myself_o unto_o thou_o and_o do_v resolve_v without_o any_o reserve_v or_o exception_n that_o whatsoever_o temptation_n i_o may_v meet_v with_o for_o the_o future_a i_o will_v never_o wilful_o withdraw_v or_o alienate_v myself_o from_o thou_o more_o from_o henceforth_o i_o hearty_o renounce_v all_o my_o sin_n and_o particular_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a and_o pleasant_a to_o i_o and_o do_v faithful_o promise_v to_o continue_v thy_o true_a and_o loyal_a subject_n as_o long_o as_o i_o breath_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o invitation_n i_o may_v have_v to_o the_o contrary_n i_o will_v never_o revoke_v the_o resolution_n i_o now_o make_v or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o so_o help_v i_o o_o my_o god_n and_o have_v thus_o solemn_o resolve_v it_o will_v be_v high_o necessary_a that_o for_o the_o far_a ratification_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v yet_o more_o solemn_o repeat_v it_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n wherein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o feast_n upon_o sacrifice_n god_n and_o every_o faithful_a communicant_a do_v mutual_o re-oblige_a themselves_o to_o one_o another_o and_o upon_o the_o sacred_a symbol_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n do_v ratify_v to_o each_o other_o each_o other_o part_n of_o that_o everlasting_a covenant_n which_o by_o the_o federal_n rite_n of_o his_o meritorious_a death_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v inviolable_o seal_v and_o confirm_v so_o that_o when_o we_o take_v those_o holy_a element_n into_o our_o hand_n which_o the_o priest_n in_o god_n stead_n present_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o we_o do_v in_o effect_n make_v this_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n here_o we_o offer_v and_o present_v unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a holy_a and_o lively_a sacrifice_n unto_o thou_o and_o here_o we_o call_v to_o witness_v this_o sacred_a blood_n that_o redeem_v we_o and_o those_o vocal_a wound_n which_o do_v now_o intercede_v for_o we_o that_o from_o henceforth_o we_o oblige_v ourselves_o never_o to_o start_v from_o thy_o service_n what_o difficulty_n soever_o we_o may_v encounter_v in_o it_o or_o what_o temptation_n soever_o we_o may_v have_v to_o forsake_v it_o and_o have_v thus_o resolve_v and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o what_o we_o have_v resolve_v we_o have_v actual_o list_v and_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o a_o warfare_n against_o sin_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n upon_o the_o final_a success_n whereof_o our_o everlasting_a fate_n depend_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o duty_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o beginning_n or_o entrance_n of_o this_o warfaring_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n sect_n ii_o wherein_o some_o motive_n be_v urge_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o christian_a warfare_n have_v in_o the_o former_a section_n give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o well_o begin_v of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n i_o shall_v now_o for_o a_o close_a of_o that_o argument_n endeavour_v to_o press_v and_o persuade_v those_o who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o begin_v to_o enter_v immediate_o
consideration_n of_o thing_n with_o that_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o those_o earnest_n cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o strong_a and_o last_a resolution_n be_v no_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n for_o in_o all_o those_o preparatory_a exercise_n we_o have_v a_o rove_a mind_n a_o hard_a heart_n and_o a_o perverse_a nature_n to_o contend_v with_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o call_v in_o our_o wander_a thought_n and_o unite_v they_o together_o into_o a_o fix_a and_o steady_a consideration_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o motive_n and_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v entertain_v they_o with_o this_o unwonted_a argument_n there_o be_v a_o thousand_o object_n with_o which_o they_o be_v better_o acquaint_v that_o will_v be_v call_v they_o away_o so_o that_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o violence_n to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o together_o so_o long_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o form_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o pass_v a_o true_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o we_o have_v fix_v our_o thought_n into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o our_o lust_n will_v object_v much_o more_o against_o they_o than_o our_o reason_n that_o they_o will_v be_v cast_v mist_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o bribe_v and_o bias_v our_o understanding_n the_o other_o way_n and_o that_o thereupon_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o we_o be_v aware_a to_o convince_v ourselves_o thorough_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v so_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o balance_v the_o motive_n with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o ourselves_o a_o full_a and_o free_a consent_n to_o they_o here_o again_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o at_o a_o mighty_a plunge_v for_o though_o the_o motive_n to_o our_o duty_n be_v at_o first_o view_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v unspeakable_o more_o intolerable_a to_o lose_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o incur_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n than_o to_o endure_v the_o sharp_a brunt_n of_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n yet_o these_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a have_v a_o more_o immediate_a access_n to_o we_o and_o consequent_o be_v apt_a to_o move_v we_o then_o either_o of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v both_o of_o they_o future_a and_o invisible_a so_o that_o unless_o we_o do_v earnest_o press_v and_o urge_v ourselves_o with_o those_o motive_n and_o imprint_v they_o upon_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o real_a character_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o overrule_v in_o despite_n of_o they_o by_o these_o present_a and_o sensible_a difficulty_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o when_o we_o have_v effectual_o convince_v ourselves_o that_o those_o difficulty_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v much_o less_o considerable_a than_o the_o motive_n to_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o persuade_v our_o will_n into_o a_o free_a and_o explicit_a consent_n to_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o for_o now_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o strong_a aversation_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o sundry_a of_o those_o duty_n that_o call_v for_o our_o approbation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a counterstrive_v between_o our_o reason_n and_o inclination_n our_o darling_n lust_n those_o bosom_n orator_n within_o we_o will_v now_o employ_v all_o their_o rhetoric_n to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o part_v with_o they_o they_o will_v clasp_v about_o our_o soul_n like_o depart_a lover_n and_o use_v all_o their_o charm_n and_o allurement_n to_o hold_v we_o fast_o and_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o we_o and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n though_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n on_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o will_v be_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n effectual_o to_o dispose_v our_o will_n to_o close_v with_o so_o many_o offensive_a duty_n and_o part_n with_o so_o many_o belove_a sin_n but_o when_o this_o be_v do_v which_o to_o be_v sure_o will_v cost_v we_o many_o a_o violent_a struggle_v and_o contention_n with_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o difficulty_n to_o be_v master_v for_o now_o we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o our_o past_a ill_a life_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o all_o its_o natural_a horror_n turpitude_n and_o infamy_n and_o never_o leave_v reproach_v ourselves_o with_o the_o foulness_n and_o disingenuity_n the_o madness_n and_o folly_n of_o it_o till_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n affect_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o and_o indignation_n against_o it_o and_o for_o we_o that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o cokes_z and_o flatter_v ourselves_o to_o paint_v and_o varnish_v our_o deformity_n and_o crown_v our_o brow_n with_o force_a and_o undeserved_a applause_n for_o we_o to_o condemn_v and_o upbraid_v ourselves_o to_o strip_v our_o action_n of_o all_o their_o artificial_a beauty_n and_o set_v ourselves_o before_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o all_o our_o naked_a undisguised_a ugliness_n and_o not_o look_v off_o till_o we_o have_v look_v ourselves_o into_o shame_n and_o horror_n and_o hatred_n of_o ourselves_o will_v be_v at_o first_o especial_o a_o very_a ungrateful_a employment_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a while_n perhaps_o before_o our_o hard_a and_o unmalleable_a heart_n will_v yield_v to_o the_o impression_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o remorse_n but_o when_o this_o difficulty_n be_v conquer_v our_o work_n be_v not_o yet_o total_o finish_v for_o now_o we_o must_v come_v off_o from_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o presumptuous_a dependence_n upon_o our_o own_o ability_n and_o power_n and_o in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o most_o wretched_a weakness_n and_o impotency_n throw_v ourselves_o whole_o upon_o god_n and_o with_o earnest_n and_o importunate_a outcry_n implore_v his_o gracious_a aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o to_o man_n that_o have_v be_v all_o along_o enure_v to_o such_o glorious_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o such_o mighty_a confidence_n in_o their_o own_o ability_n that_o have_v promise_v themselves_o from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o at_o such_o and_o such_o a_o time_n they_o will_v repent_v and_o amend_v as_o if_o without_o god_n help_v it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o repent_v when_o they_o please_v for_o such_o man_n as_o these_o i_o say_v to_o come_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o self-confidence_n and_o whole_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o a_o foreign_a help_n so_o sensible_o to_o feel_v and_o ingenuous_o to_o own_o their_o own_o inability_n as_o to_o fly_v to_o god_n and_o confess_v themselves_o lose_v and_o undo_v without_o he_o be_v a_o much_o hard_a matter_n than_o we_o can_v well_o imagine_v till_o we_o come_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n and_o yet_o this_o all_o this_o must_v be_v do_v before_o we_o can_v be_v well_o prepare_v to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o christian_a warfare_n this_o i_o have_v the_o long_o insist_v on_o because_o i_o will_v deal_v plain_o with_o you_o and_o show_v you_o the_o worst_a of_o thing_n for_o whether_o you_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o or_o no_o you_o will_v find_v it_o if_o ever_o you_o make_v the_o experiment_n that_o all_o your_o good_a resolution_n without_o these_o preparation_n will_v soon_o unravel_v in_o the_o execution_n and_o that_o after_o you_o have_v resolve_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o you_o will_v be_v just_a where_o you_o be_v and_o not_o one_o step_n far_o in_o religion_n but_o for_o your_o encouragement_n know_v that_o when_o with_o these_o necessary_a preparation_n you_o have_v solemnize_v your_o resolution_n you_o have_v win_v the_o main_a and_o tough_a victory_n in_o all_o your_o spiritual_a warfare_n a_o victory_n by_o which_o you_o have_v pull_v down_o your_o sin_n from_o its_o throne_n and_o break_a and_o disarray_v its_o power_n and_o force_n so_o that_o now_o you_o be_v upon_o the_o pursuit_n of_o a_o fly_a enemy_n and_o if_o you_o do_v but_o diligent_o follow_v your_o blow_n and_o pursue_v your_o brave_a resolution_n through_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o do_v not_o suffer_v your_o vanquish_a enemy_n to_o rally_v and_o reinforce_v himself_o against_o you_o you_o will_v sensible_o perceive_v his_o strength_n decay_n and_o those_o lust_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o invincible_a will_v languish_v away_o by_o degree_n from_o weak_a to_o weak_a till_o at_o last_o they_o expire_v into_o the_o habit_n of_o their_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o so_o proportionable_o
and_o unite_v they_o in_o one_o centre_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v toss_v hither_o and_o thither_o by_o independent_a design_n and_o intention_n because_o this_o will_v unavoidable_o distract_v he_o in_o his_o prosecution_n and_o so_o divide_v and_o weaken_v his_o principle_n of_o action_n that_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n god_n therefore_o be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o progress_n therein_o that_o we_o shall_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v respect_n and_o aim_v at_o he_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o action_n that_o we_o shall_v continual_o look_v up_o to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o direct_a star_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o steer_v our_o motion_n and_o conduct_v our_o whole_a life_n under_o a_o fix_a intention_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o imitate_v his_o nature_n and_o indeed_o unless_o we_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o good_a man_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o religion_n for_o religion_n as_o such_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o under_o this_o notion_n the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a enjoin_v all_o its_o duty_n viz._n of_o homage_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n for_o it_o require_v we_o to_o do_v all_o as_o unto_o god_n col._n iii._o 23_o and_o to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n x._o 31_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o imitation_n of_o he_o from_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o we_o and_o immutable_a right_o to_o rule_v and_o command_v we_o not_o that_o a_o actual_a explicit_a intention_n of_o obey_v or_o imitate_v god_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o good_a action_n for_o our_o occasion_n of_o do_v good_a be_v so_o infinite_a and_o so_o often_o occur_v in_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o incapable_a as_o they_o be_v of_o attend_v many_o thing_n at_o once_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o actual_o to_o intend_v obedience_n to_o god_n in_o every_o good_a thing_n we_o perform_v but_o that_o in_o the_o general_n we_o shall_v hearty_o intend_v it_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o the_o consecrate_v our_o best_a action_n and_o adopt_v they_o into_o the_o family_n of_o religion_n for_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o religion_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o particular_a command_n and_o prohibition_n of_o it_o do_v receive_v their_o force_n and_o obligation_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o do_v what_o he_o command_v with_o a_o general_a intention_n of_o mind_n to_o obey_v he_o we_o do_v not_o act_v upon_o a_o religious_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o though_o our_o action_n shall_v be_v material_o good_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o formal_o religious_a now_o to_o the_o fix_v and_o settle_v such_o a_o general_a intention_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o shall_v so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a actual_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v throw_v by_o all_o other_o end_v so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o refer_v our_o action_n direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o he_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o shall_v formal_o devote_v and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o his_o bless_a will_n and_o pleasure_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v this_o and_o this_o i_o do_v pure_o to_o please_v god_n with_o a_o single_a intention_n of_o soul_n to_o resemble_v and_o please_v he_o to_o transcribe_v his_o nature_n and_o comply_v with_o his_o will._n for_o which_o end_n we_o must_v take_v care_n as_o oft_o as_o we_o can_v to_o perform_v our_o religious_a action_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o no_o secular_a end_n may_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o our_o intention_n to_o be_v as_o private_a and_o as_o modest_a as_o we_o can_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o not_o expose_v it_o any_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n lest_o applause_n and_o reputation_n shall_v intrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o and_o carry_v away_o our_o intention_n from_o god_n for_o thus_o our_o saviour_n advise_v in_o the_o case_n of_o charity_n and_o prayer_n mat._n vi_fw-la 1_o 7._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n to_o be_v see_v of_o they_o nor_o sound_v a_o trumpet_n before_o they_o to_o make_v the_o street_n ring_v of_o our_o charity_n nay_o if_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o let_v our_o left_a hand_n know_v what_o our_o right_a hand_n do_v but_o that_o our_o alm_n shall_v be_v secret_a and_o know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o shall_v not_o affect_v to_o make_v a_o pompous_a show_n of_o it_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o our_o closert_n and_o shut_v our_o door_n and_o in_o the_o most_o private_a manner_n unbosom_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o sense_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o shall_v we_o endeavour_v so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v so_o to_o circumstantiate_v our_o charity_n and_o devotion_n as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o opportunity_n to_o secular_a end_n and_o aim_v to_o obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o to_o mingle_v with_o our_o pious_a intention_n and_o deflower_v the_o purity_n of_o they_o not_o that_o i_o think_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o intend_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o that_o our_o intention_n be_v bad_a when_o it_o immediate_o respect_v any_o worldly_a end_n such_o as_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o honour_n which_o be_v propose_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o what_o hurt_n can_v it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o aim_v at_o that_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a if_o worldly_a advantage_n be_v the_o only_a or_o chief_a end_n we_o aim_v at_o our_o intention_n be_v naught_o and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o action_n thence_o proceed_v but_o if_o together_o with_o that_o we_o do_v so_o hearty_o intend_v and_o aim_v to_o please_v god_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o bless_a will_n and_o nature_n as_o to_o continue_v on_o in_o the_o path_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o not_o only_a when_o we_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o outward_a advantage_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o it_o but_o when_o outward_a evil_n and_o inconvenience_n lie_v in_o our_o way_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o our_o intention_n be_v true_o good_a and_o sincere_a notwithstanding_o those_o immediate_a respect_n which_o it_o many_o time_n have_v to_o secular_a end_n and_o inducement_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o more_o it_o respect_v these_o the_o more_o imperfect_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o liable_a to_o be_v vanquish_v by_o outward_a temptation_n for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n that_o it_o be_v conscious_a of_o its_o own_o weakness_n when_o it_o dare_v not_o stand_v alone_o but_o be_v fain_o to_o call_v in_o to_o it_o the_o assistance_n of_o these_o worldly_a end_n to_o support_v and_o defend_v it_o and_o the_o less_o of_o worldly_a aim_n there_o be_v in_o our_o religious_a intention_n to_o be_v sure_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o simple_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o of_o substantial_a piety_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_o sincere_a notwithstanding_o its_o be_v compound_v with_o secular_a aim_n and_o respect_n yet_o the_o more_o of_o these_o there_o be_v in_o it_o the_o weak_a and_o more_o instable_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o our_o mind_n be_v finite_a can_v possible_o intend_v many_o thing_n with_o equal_a strength_n and_o vigour_n as_o it_o can_v do_v one_o and_o when_o its_o intention_n be_v disperse_v among_o various_a object_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v more_o languid_a than_o when_o it_o be_v collect_v unite_a and_o fix_v upon_o one_o and_o consequent_o the_o more_o a_o man_n intention_n respect_v the_o world_n the_o less_o in_o proportion_n it_o must_v respect_v god_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n and_o then_o the_o less_o a_o man_n respect_v god_n in_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o more_o he_o respect_v the_o world_n the_o more_o liable_a he_o will_v be_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o worldly_a loss_n or_o advantage_n for_o when_o those_o advantage_n which_o he_o so_o much_o respect_n lie_v on_o the_o opposite_a side_n to_o his_o duty_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o incline_v to_o desert_n it_o and_o as_o often_o as_o fortune_n shift_v side_n and_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o advantage_n of_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n
enough_o to_o correct_v and_o amend_v they_o before_o they_o be_v too_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v wound_v themselves_o too_o far_o into_o our_o inclination_n and_o a_o wound_n in_o our_o innocence_n as_o well_o as_o our_o body_n may_v be_v easy_o cure_v if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o time_n but_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v too_o long_o it_o will_v rankle_v by_o degree_n into_o a_o incurable_a gangreen_n and_o as_o frequent_v self-examination_n be_v a_o great_a bridle_n to_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o effectual_a spur_n to_o our_o virtue_n for_o as_o when_o a_o man_n reflect_v upon_o his_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o consider_v how_o and_o where_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o his_o conscience_n will_v be_v present_o urge_v and_o exciting_a he_o to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n so_o when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o virtue_n and_o sincerity_n his_o conscience_n will_v smile_v upon_o and_o crown_v he_o with_o applause_n and_o give_v he_o such_o a_o sweet_a and_o grateful_a relish_n of_o his_o own_o action_n as_o will_v mighty_o encourage_v he_o to_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a for_o in_o all_o our_o self-examination_n we_o taste_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o sweetness_n of_o that_o and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o this_o and_o consequent_o the_o often_o we_o do_v so_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o like_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o one_o and_o to_o dislike_v and_o nauseate_a the_o other_o wherefore_o to_o secure_v a_o good_a success_n to_o this_o our_o christian_a warfare_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a especial_o at_o first_o that_o we_o shall_v every_o morning_n before_o we_o go_v into_o the_o world_n repeat_v and_o enforce_v our_o good_a resolution_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o requisite_a especial_o till_o we_o have_v make_v some_o considerable_a progress_n that_o we_o shall_v every_o night_n when_o we_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o world_n strict_o examine_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o day_n whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v comport_v with_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o impartial_a survey_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v though_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o weak_o and_o imperfect_o let_v we_o attend_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n to_o that_o silent_a melody_n that_o resound_v from_o our_o conscience_n to_o our_o action_n and_o so_o lie_v down_o in_o peace_n blessing_n and_o adore_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o have_v be_v assist_v and_o preserve_v or_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o have_v be_v unwary_o faulty_a for_o want_v of_o due_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n let_v we_o resolve_v to_o take_v more_o care_n for_o the_o future_a and_o thereby_o to_o put_v a_o timely_a stop_n to_o our_o sin_n before_o it_o have_v too_o far_o insinuate_v into_o our_o will_n and_o inclination_n but_o if_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o wilful_a breach_n upon_o our_o morning_n vow_n of_o obedience_n let_v we_o lament_v and_o bewail_v it_o with_o shame_n and_o indignation_n what_o have_v i_o do_v o_o wretched_a traitor_n that_o i_o be_o to_o god_n and_o my_o own_o soul_n i_o have_v falsify_v my_o vow_n to_o heaven_n and_o break_v those_o sacred_a band_n by_o which_o i_o be_v tie_v up_o from_o my_o lust_n and_o my_o ruin_n what_o can_v i_o plead_v for_o myself_o base_a and_o unworthy_a that_o i_o be_o with_o what_o face_n can_v i_o go_v into_o his_o dreadful_a presence_n who_o i_o have_v so_o often_o mock_v with_o my_o treacherous_a promise_n of_o amendment_n yet_o go_v i_o will_v though_o i_o be_o all_o ashamed_a and_o confound_v and_o confess_v and_o bewail_v my_o iniquity_n before_o he_o if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v care_n thus_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_v every_o night_n and_o impartia_o to_o censure_v the_o action_n of_o the_o day_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v how_o fast_o it_o will_v set_v we_o forward_o in_o our_o christian_a warfare_n how_o much_o the_o reflection_n on_o a_o well-spent_a day_n will_v cheer_v and_o enliven_v we_o how_o the_o grateful_a sense_n of_o it_o will_v spirit_n our_o faculty_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o go_v on_o against_o all_o opposition_n how_o much_o the_o review_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o day_n will_v contribute_v to_o make_v our_o reason_n more_o vigilant_a and_o our_o conscience_n more_o tender_a for_o the_o future_a how_o much_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o sin_n will_v be_v allay_v and_o abate_v by_o the_o sting_a reflection_n we_o shall_v make_v upon_o they_o and_o how_o much_o the_o dread_a of_o have_v the_o same_o reflection_n repeat_v to_o we_o at_o night_n will_v secure_v we_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n vii_o to_o prosper_v the_o course_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a for_o this_o also_o be_v one_o of_o those_o militant_a duty_n which_o the_o gospel_n injoin_v we_o thus_o matt._n xxvi_o 41_o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o mark_v xiii_o 37_o what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n so_o also_o 1_o cor._n xuj_o 13_o watch_v you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n quit_v yourselves_o like_o man_n and_o 1_o thes._n v_o 6_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o sleep_v as_o do_v other_o but_o let_v we_o watch_v and_o be_v sober_a where_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v plain_o discover_v by_o its_o opposite_a or_o contrary_a let_v we_o not_o sleep_v but_o watch_v i._n e._n do_v not_o behave_v yourselves_o like_o man_n that_o be_v asleep_a that_o take_v no_o notice_n or_o regard_n of_o what_o be_v do_v by_o to_z or_o about_o they_o but_o be_v sure_a you_o exercise_v a_o suitful_a prudent_a and_o constant_a care_n over_o your_o own_o action_n and_o those_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o assault_n and_o surround_v you_o and_o therefore_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v express_v by_o walk_v circumspect_o eph._n v._n 15_o i_o e._n look_v round_o about_o you_o weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o your_o action_n and_o use_v all_o honest_a care_n either_o to_o prevent_v the_o temptation_n that_o threaten_v you_o or_o to_o provide_v against_o they_o so_o that_o in_o short_a the_o sense_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v this_o that_o we_o careful_o avoid_v act_v rash_o and_o precipitant_o without_o consider_v beforehand_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a case_n we_o impartial_o consult_v our_o rule_n and_o conscience_n and_o look_v before_o we_o leap_v and_o take_v care_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o design_n before_o we_o put_v they_o into_o execution_n in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o do_v not_o careless_o run_v ourselves_o into_o temptation_n but_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v they_o if_o not_o to_o be_v sure_a to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o they_o and_o keep_v as_o far_o off_o from_o all_o sin_n especial_o from_o that_o we_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o necessary_a occasion_n or_o in_o few_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v always_o well_o advise_v in_o what_o we_o do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a to_o remove_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v from_o all_o occasion_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o and_o provide_v ourselves_o with_o consideration_n against_o it_o and_o to_o keep_v they_o always_o awake_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v by_o it_o unaware_o which_o be_v a_o duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n for_o whilst_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o act_v rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o without_o bethink_v beforehand_o what_o we_o say_v or_o do_v we_o wander_v like_o blind_a man_n in_o a_o field_n that_o be_v full_a of_o pit_n and_o quagmire_n and_o be_v every_o moment_n in_o danger_n of_o stumble_v into_o one_o mischief_n or_o other_o and_o shall_v certain_o plunge_v ourselves_o into_o many_o a_o evil_a custom_n before_o ever_o we_o have_v bethink_v ourselves_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o so_o instead_o of_o conquer_a our_o old_a sin_n we_o shall_v be_v ever_o and_o anon_o run_v ourselves_o into_o new_a one_o and_o while_o we_o be_v run_v away_o from_o one_o evil_a shall_v many_o time_n stumble_v into_o another_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o defect_n of_o virtue_n leap_v headlong_o into_o the_o excess_n of_o it_o for_o in_o most_o moral_a action_n the_o transition_n from_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o be_v lawful_a into_o the_o nearmost_a of_o what_o be_v sinful_a be_v indiscernible_a and_o that_o line_n which_o part_v this_o virtue_n from_o that_o neighbour_a vice_n be_v general_o so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o distinguish_v
where_o they_o be_v separate_v and_o to_o fix_v the_o just_a boundary_a whitherto_o we_o may_v go_v and_o no_o far_o but_o then_o consider_v that_o almost_o every_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o middle_a between_o two_o sinful_a extreme_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o by_o any_o plain_a or_o visible_a landmark_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o without_o great_a care_n of_o our_o step_n to_o keep_v on_o steadfast_o in_o the_o right_a path_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o wrong_a one_o border_v upon_o it_o for_o when_o we_o perceive_v we_o have_v wander_v too_o far_o towards_o either_o extreme_a and_o be_v endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v great_a care_n of_o our_o step_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o wander_v as_o far_o the_o other_o way_n and_o so_o stumble_v out_o of_o one_o extreme_a into_o another_o for_o he_o who_o live_v heedless_o and_o incurious_o regard_v not_o how_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o any_o sin_n provide_v he_o do_v but_o keep_v himself_o out_o of_o it_o and_o when_o once_o a_o man_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o go_v as_o near_o to_o any_o sin_n as_o he_o think_v he_o lawful_o may_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o will_v be_v transport_v by_o his_o inclination_n a_o great_a deal_n further_o than_o he_o shall_v so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o clem._n alex._n paedag._n lib._n 2._o c._n 1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n they_o who_o will_v do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a will_v quick_o be_v induce_v to_o do_v what_o be_v unlawful_a especial_o if_o they_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o it_o because_o the_o very_a nearness_n of_o what_o a_o man_n love_v do_v always_o render_v it_o more_o tempt_a and_o allure_a to_o he_o thus_o he_o that_o have_v a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o lie_v can_v never_o be_v safe_a so_o long_o as_o he_o allow_v himself_o to_o be_v excessive_o talkative_a he_o that_o be_v vehement_o propense_a to_o fleshly_a lust_n must_v needs_o endanger_v his_o innocence_n if_o he_o come_v too_o near_o the_o farthermost_a limit_n of_o a_o modest_a freedom_n and_o he_o who_o nature_n be_v prone_a to_o malice_n and_o revenge_n can_v but_o run_v a_o mighty_a hazard_n if_o he_o indulge_v to_o himself_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o a_o just_a and_o lawful_a resentment_n for_o bad_a inclination_n be_v never_o so_o impatient_a of_o restraint_n as_o when_o they_o be_v within_o prospect_n of_o their_o proper_a satisfaction_n and_o the_o object_n which_o attract_v they_o be_v near_o and_o easy_a to_o be_v enjoy_v upon_o which_o account_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o such_o as_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n to_o live_v within_o sight_n of_o the_o temptation_n they_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o because_o the_o near_o they_o be_v to_o they_o the_o more_o they_o will_v court_v and_o importune_v they_o and_o while_o a_o man_n come_v near_o a_o belove_a lust_n and_o do_v not_o enjoy_v it_o he_o do_v but_o tantalise_v himself_o and_o enrage_v his_o appetite_n after_o those_o vicious_a satisfaction_n who_o allure_a relish_v he_o have_v almost_o forget_v if_o therefore_o he_o will_v obtain_v a_o perfect_a victory_n over_o his_o lust_n he_o must_v not_o only_o forbear_v to_o act_v but_o also_o to_o approach_v it_o at_o least_o till_o he_o have_v so_o far_o wean_v his_o inclination_n from_o it_o as_o that_o its_o nearness_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o he_o for_o inclination_n like_o all_o other_o motion_n be_v always_o swift_a when_o it_o be_v near_a its_o centre_n and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n and_o attraction_n of_o it_o it_o hurry_v towards_o it_o with_o fury_n and_o impatience_n and_o if_o in_o this_o its_o violent_a rage_n it_o happen_v to_o break_v out_o to_o its_o belove_a sin_n and_o to_o taste_v the_o forbid_a pleasure_n of_o it_o it_o will_v thereby_o immediate_o recover_v all_o its_o impair_a strength_n and_o become_v as_o headstrong_a and_o outrageous_a as_o ever_o and_o so_o all_o that_o ground_n which_o we_o get_v in_o a_o month_n abstinence_n from_o our_o sin_n we_o shall_v lose_v in_o a_o moment_n enjoyment_n of_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o if_o we_o will_v succeed_v in_o our_o christian_a warfare_n to_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a to_o look_v well_o to_o our_o step_n and_o not_o approach_v too_o near_o to_o any_o sin_n but_o especial_o to_o any_o that_o we_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o viii_o to_o give_v we_o good_a success_n in_o this_o our_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o our_o particular_a calling_n this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o instrumental_a duty_n which_o our_o religion_n prescribe_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n thus_o 1_o thes._n 4._o x_o 2._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o and_o that_o you_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o do_v your_o own_o business_n and_o work_v with_o your_o own_o hand_n as_o we_o command_v you_o and_o this_o 2_o thes._n three_o 10_o he_o back_n with_o another_o that_o if_o any_o will_v not_o work_v they_o shall_v not_o eat_v i._n e._n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v maintain_v in_o their_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n and_o like_a drone_n be_v permit_v to_o dwell_v at_o ease_n in_o the_o hive_n and_o devour_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o more_o industrious_a bee_n and_o this_o verse_n xi_o he_o call_v walk_v disorderly_a and_o v_o viij_o and_o ix_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n that_o he_o rather_o choose_v to_o work_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o his_o livelihood_n than_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o they_o as_o he_o may_v just_o have_v demand_v that_o he_o may_v make_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o diligence_n for_o they_o to_o follow_v so_o also_o eph._n four_o 28_o let_v he_o that_o steal_v steal_v no_o more_o but_o rather_o let_v he_o labour_n work_v with_o his_o hand_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a i._n e._n employ_v himself_o in_o some_o honest_a call_v that_o he_o may_v have_v to_o give_v to_o he_o that_o needs_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o some_o honest_a call_v or_o employment_n and_o to_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o it_o and_o how_o necessary_a this_o be_v to_o secure_v we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o religion_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o be_v natural_o a_o sort_n of_o very_o active_a being_n that_o must_v be_v employ_v one_o way_n or_o other_o that_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n within_o we_o that_o will_v be_v always_o in_o motion_n that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a subsistence_n and_o as_o such_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a matter_n will_v never_o admit_v of_o rest_n and_o inactivity_n that_o derive_v all_o its_o pleasure_n from_o action_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o live_v upon_o but_o the_o grateful_a relish_n of_o its_o own_o motion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o that_o active_a principle_n within_o we_o that_o constitute_v we_o man_n we_o have_v need_n take_v great_a care_n to_o keep_v it_o honest_o busy_v and_o employ_v for_o it_o be_v natural_o such_o a_o exceed_a busy_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v something_o or_o other_o to_o work_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o constant_o employ_v about_o honest_a and_o lawful_a thing_n it_o will_v quick_o divert_v the_o current_n of_o its_o motion_n another_o way_n and_o exert_v its_o activity_n upon_o dishonest_a and_o unlawful_a one_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o since_o the_o apostasy_n of_o humane_a nature_n god_n have_v place_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n in_o such_o circumstance_n wherein_o some_o honest_a call_v and_o their_o diligence_n and_o industry_n therein_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o their_o comfortable_a subsistence_n for_o he_o wise_o consider_v that_o such_o be_v the_o indisposition_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n to_o the_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n to_o keep_v our_o mind_n always_o intent_n upon_o they_o to_o fix_v our_o thought_n continual_o upon_o he_o and_o exert_v our_o power_n without_o any_o pause_v or_o interruption_n in_o perpetual_a act_n of_o love_n adoration_n and_o imitation_n of_o he_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o repugnance_n in_o our_o temper_n to_o these_o bless_a operation_n that_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v they_o will_v soon_o grow_v irksome_a and_o intolerable_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o lest_o be_v quite_o tire_v out_o with_o these_o spiritual_a act_n of_o
be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o in_o the_o course_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n for_o as_o for_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v institute_v and_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o a_o day_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o weekly_a thanksgiving_n for_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n in_o which_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v consummate_v and_o certain_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o vast_a advantage_n to_o be_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o sequester_v from_o the_o world_n and_o employ_v in_o divine_a office_n in_o solemn_a prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o assist_v and_o edify_v one_o another_o by_o the_o mutual_a example_n and_o union_n of_o our_o devotion_n to_o hear_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n explain_v the_o sin_n against_o it_o reprehend_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o unfold_v and_o reduce_v to_o plain_a and_o easy_a principle_n of_o practice_n what_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n may_v we_o reap_v from_o all_o these_o bless_a ministries_n if_o we_o will_v but_o attend_v to_o they_o with_o that_o concern_v and_o seriousness_n which_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o require_v and_o deserve_v especial_o if_o when_o the_o public_a office_n be_v over_o we_o will_v not_o let_v loose_a ourselves_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n as_o we_o too_o frequent_o do_v to_o our_o secular_a care_n and_o diversion_n and_o thereby_o choke_v those_o good_a instruction_n we_o have_v hear_v and_o stifle_v those_o devout_a and_o pious_a affection_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v and_o excite_v in_o we_o but_o instead_o of_o so_o do_v we_o will_v devote_v at_o least_o some_o good_a portion_n of_o it_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o family_n and_o to_o the_o private_a exercise_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o concern_v our_o past_a behaviour_n and_o the_o reinforcing_a our_o resolution_n to_o behave_v ourselves_o better_a for_o the_o future_a if_o i_o say_v we_o will_v thus_o spend_v our_o lord_n day_n we_o shall_v doubtless_o find_v ourselves_o better_a man_n for_o it_o all_o the_o week_n after_o we_o shall_v go_v into_o the_o world_n again_o with_o much_o better_a affection_n and_o strong_a resolution_n with_o our_o grace_n more_o vigorous_a and_o our_o bad_a inclination_n more_o reduce_v and_o tame_v and_o whereas_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o gather_v manna_n enough_o on_o their_o six_o day_n to_o feed_v their_o body_n on_o the_o ensue_a sabbath_n we_o shall_v gather_v manna_n enough_o upon_o our_o sabbath_n to_o feed_v and_o strengthen_v our_o soul_n all_o the_o six_o day_n after_o but_o to_o this_o we_o must_v also_o add_v frequent_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n institute_v on_o purpose_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o the_o improve_n and_o further_a we_o in_o our_o christian_a warfare_n for_o beside_o that_o herein_o we_o have_v one_o of_o the_o most_o puissant_a argument_n against_o sin_n represent_v by_o visible_a sign_n to_o our_o sense_n viz._n the_o bloody_a sacrifice_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o expiate_v and_o make_v atonement_n for_o it_o beside_o that_o those_o bleed_a wound_n of_o his_o which_o be_v here_o represent_v by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n do_v proclaim_v our_o sin_n his_o asassine_n and_o murderer_n the_o thought_n of_o which_o if_o we_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n in_o we_o be_v enough_o to_o incense_v in_o we_o the_o most_o implacable_a indignation_n against_o they_o beside_o that_o his_o suffering_n for_o our_o sin_n of_o which_o this_o sacred_a solemnity_n be_v a_o lively_a picture_n do_v horrible_o remonstrate_v god_n displeasure_n against_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o pardon_v they_o upon_o any_o mean_a expiation_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n than_o which_o hell_n itself_o be_v not_o a_o more_o dreadful_a argument_n to_o scare_v and_o terrify_v we_o from_o they_o in_o a_o word_n beside_o that_o his_o so_o free_o submit_v and_o offer_v up_o himself_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o we_o of_o which_o this_o holy_a festival_n be_v a_o solemn_a commemoration_n be_v a_o expression_n of_o kindness_n sufficient_a to_o captivate_v the_o most_o ungrateful_a soul_n and_o extort_v obedience_n from_o they_o beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v as_o it_o be_v a_o feast_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v a_o federal_n rite_n whereby_o god_n and_o we_o by_o feast_v together_o do_v according_o to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n mutual_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o one_o another_o whereby_o god_n by_o give_v we_o the_o mystical_a bread_n and_o wine_n and_o we_o by_o receive_v they_o do_v mutual_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o one_o another_o upon_o those_o sacred_a pledge_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n that_o we_o faithful_o perform_v each_o other_o part_n of_o that_o everlasting_a covenant_n which_o be_v purchase_v by_o he_o and_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a restraint_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v solicit_v to_o any_o sin_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o be_v under_o such_o a_o dreadful_a vow_n and_o obligation_n with_o what_o face_n dare_v we_o listen_v to_o any_o temptation_n to_o evil_a when_o we_o remember_v late_o we_o solemn_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o and_o very_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v this_o that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o that_o seem_a modest_a pretence_n of_o vnworthiness_n which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o urge_v in_o excuse_n for_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n namely_o that_o they_o love_v their_o lust_n and_o can_v resolve_v to_o part_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a to_o make_v such_o a_o solemn_a abjuration_n of_o they_o as_o the_o eat_n and_o drink_v the_o consecrate_a element_n imply_v and_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o be_v their_o reason_n they_o be_v unworthy_a indeed_o the_o more_o shame_n for_o they_o but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o vnworthiness_n as_o be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v that_o it_o only_o aggravate_v their_o neglect_n for_o for_o any_o man_n to_o plead_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n because_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o sin_n on_o be_v to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v his_o fault_n his_o apology_n and_o to_o excuse_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o wherefore_o if_o we_o be_v hearty_o resolve_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o reform_v and_o amend_v let_v we_o abstain_v no_o long_o from_o this_o great_a federal_n rite_n upon_o pretence_n of_o vnworthiness_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o use_n of_o this_o among_o other_o mean_n that_o we_o be_v to_o improve_v and_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o worthy_a for_o the_o very_a repetition_n of_o our_o resolution_n as_o i_o have_v show_v above_o be_v a_o proper_a mean_n of_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o certain_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o so_o when_o it_o be_v renew_v and_o repeat_v with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a observe_n how_o much_o care_n our_o lord_n have_v take_v in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o constant_a solemn_a repetition_n of_o our_o good_a resolution_n for_o at_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o he_o we_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v in_o which_o solemnity_n we_o do_v open_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o religious_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n but_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v this_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v continual_o to_o be_v perform_v and_o more_o than_o one_o world_n depend_v upon_o it_o therefore_o he_o have_v think_v fit_a not_o to_o trust_v whole_o to_o this_o first_o engagement_n but_o have_v so_o methodise_v our_o religion_n as_o 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possess_v of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o present_a but_o assure_v of_o a_o happy_a life_n for_o the_o future_a when_o he_o have_v conquer_v the_o difficulty_n he_o contend_v with_o viii_o consider_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o duty_n be_v abundant_o compensated_a by_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o a_o generous_a mind_n will_v think_v no_o mean_n too_o hard_o which_o tend_v to_o noble_a and_o worthy_a end_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o opposition_n only_o whet_v its_o courage_n and_o resolution_n so_o that_o doubtless_o have_v we_o any_o spark_n of_o generosity_n in_o we_o the_o vastness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o end_n we_o pursue_v will_v make_v we_o despise_v all_o difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o what_o a_o meanness_n of_o spirit_n therefore_o do_v it_o argue_v in_o we_o to_o stand_v boggle_n as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n to_o think_v much_o of_o spend_v a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n in_o this_o world_n in_o strive_v and_o contend_v with_o our_o inclination_n in_o consideration_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o severe_a reflection_n on_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v beforehand_o that_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o short_a conflict_n we_o shall_v be_v carry_v off_o by_o angel_n in_o triumph_n to_o heaven_n and_o there_o receive_v from_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n a_o crown_n of_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n when_o after_o a_o few_o moment_n pain_n and_o labour_n we_o shall_v live_v million_o of_o million_o of_o most_o happy_a age_n in_o the_o ravish_a fruition_n of_o a_o boundless_a good_a and_o after_o these_o be_v expire_v have_v as_o many_o million_o of_o million_o more_o to_o live_v what_o a_o unconscionable_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o complain_v of_o any_o difficulty_n who_o have_v such_o a_o vast_a recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o our_o view_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n sir_n what_o will_v you_o have_v why_o we_o will_v have_v 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the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n viz._n the_o consummation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v final_a perseverance_n for_o after_o we_o have_v actual_o engage_v and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o our_o next_o care_n and_o duty_n be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o relapse_n and_o base_o retreat_v from_o what_o we_o have_v so_o prosperous_o undertake_v and_o hitherto_o so_o effectual_o prosecute_v but_o that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v we_o persist_v in_o a_o open_a defiance_n to_o our_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pursue_v and_o mortify_v our_o inclination_n to_o they_o and_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n still_o endeavour_v thereby_o to_o improve_v and_o grow_v on_o to_o perfection_n that_o so_o we_o may_v die_v as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o live_v and_o consummate_v our_o warfare_n in_o a_o final_a victory_n and_o that_o when_o our_o lord_n shall_v come_v or_o send_v his_o herald_n death_n to_o summon_v we_o off_o from_o the_o field_n we_o may_v be_v find_v fight_v under_o his_o banner_n against_o sin_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o final_o die_v as_o we_o have_v live_v his_o faithful_a soldier_n and_o follower_n for_o this_o he_o indispensable_o exact_v of_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o shall_v be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n rev._n two_o 10_o that_o we_o shall_v patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n rom._n two_o 7_o that_o we_o shall_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n matt._n x._o 22_o and_o hold_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a to_o the_o end_n heb._n iii._o 14_o that_o we_o shall_v keep_v his_o work_n to_o the_o end_n and_o final_o overcome_v as_o well_o as_o fight_v rev._n two_o 26_o in_o a_o word_n that_o have_v set_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n we_o shall_v not_o look_v back_o luke_n ix_o 62_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 58_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o begin_v this_o our_o christian_a warfare_n and_o prosecute_v it_o for_o a_o while_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v proceed_v and_o persevere_v in_o it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o breath_n and_o never_o lie_v down_o our_o arm_n till_o we_o lie_v down_o our_o life_n in_o order_n to_o which_o as_o we_o must_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o course_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o warfare_n so_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v practice_v and_o which_o have_v a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o the_o final_a success_n and_o consummation_n of_o it_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o follow_v particular_n 1._o that_o while_o we_o stand_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v over_o confident_a of_o ourselves_o but_o still_o keep_v a_o jealous_a eye_n upon_o the_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n 2._o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o wilful_o fall_v and_o miscarry_v we_o shall_v immediate_o arise_v again_o by_o repentance_n 3._o that_o to_o prevent_v the_o like_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o more_o especial_o from_o those_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o fall_n 4._o that_o we_o shall_v more_o curious_o search_v into_o the_o small_a defect_n and_o indecency_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o our_o reform_v and_o correct_v they_o 5._o that_o so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v live_v in_o a_o close_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n 6._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o out_o of_o a_o fond_a opinion_n that_o we_o be_v good_a enough_o already_o
infest_v we_o all_o over_o with_o continual_a anguish_n and_o pain_n how_o when_o he_o have_v tire_v and_o exhaust_v we_o with_o his_o continue_a battery_n and_o wear_v out_o our_o strength_n with_o a_o succession_n of_o wearisome_a night_n to_o sorrowful_a day_n he_o at_o last_o storm_n the_o soul_n out_o of_o all_o the_o outwork_n of_o nature_n and_o force_v it_o to_o retire_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o how_o when_o he_o have_v mark_v we_o for_o dead_a with_o a_o baptism_n of_o clammy_a and_o fatal_a sweat_v he_o summon_v our_o weep_a friend_n to_o assist_v he_o to_o grieve_v and_o vex_v we_o with_o their_o part_n kiss_v and_o sorrowful_a adieu_n and_o how_o at_o length_n when_o he_o be_v weary_a of_o torment_v we_o any_o more_o he_o rush_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o a_o few_o mortal_a pang_n and_o convulsion_n tear_n the_o soul_n from_o thence_o and_o turn_v it_o out_o to_o seek_v its_o fortune_n in_o the_o wide_a world_n of_o spirit_n where_o it_o be_v either_o seize_v on_o by_o devil_n and_o carry_v away_o to_o their_o dark_a prison_n of_o sorrow_n and_o despair_n there_o to_o languish_v out_o its_o life_n in_o a_o dismal_a expectation_n of_o that_o dreadful_a day_n wherein_o it_o must_v change_v its_o bad_a condition_n for_o a_o worse_o or_o be_v conduct_v by_o angel_n to_o some_o bless_a abide_v there_o to_o remain_v in_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n and_o tranquillity_n till_o it_o be_v crown_v with_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n now_o since_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o we_o must_v all_o one_o time_n or_o other_o experience_n these_o thing_n but_o most_o uncertain_a how_o soon_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o think_v of_o they_o beforehand_o and_o to_o forecast_v such_o provision_n and_o preparation_n for_o they_o as_o that_o whensoever_o they_o happen_v we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v for_o beside_o that_o the_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o death_n will_v familiarize_v its_o terror_n to_o we_o so_o that_o whensoever_o it_o come_v our_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o accustom_v to_o converse_v with_o it_o will_v be_v much_o less_o startle_v and_o amaze_v at_o it_o beside_o that_o it_o will_v wean_v we_o from_o the_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o over-eager_a prosecution_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o be_v the_o snare_n with_o which_o our_o vice_n do_v too_o often_o entangle_v we_o beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v it_o will_v put_v we_o upon_o lay_v in_o a_o store_n of_o spiritual_a provision_n against_o that_o great_a day_n of_o expense_n for_o he_o that_o often_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a approach_n the_o concomitant_a terror_n and_o the_o momentous_a issue_n and_o consequent_n of_o death_n must_v be_v strange_o stupefy_v if_o he_o be_v not_o thereby_o vigorous_o excite_v to_o fore-arm_n and_o fortify_v himself_o with_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o defence_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v it_o easy_a safe_a and_o prosperous_a viii_o to_o our_o final_a perseverance_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o good_a posture_n to_o die_v we_o shall_v discharge_v our_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o relic_n and_o remain_n of_o our_o past_a guilt_n for_o so_o we_o be_v command_v to_o take_v care_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n heb._n x._o 22_o and_o to_o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o tim._n i_o 19_o and_o to_o make_v this_o our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o cor._n i_o 12_o in_o a_o word_n to_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n act_v xxiii_o 1_o and_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n act_n xxiv_o 16_o which_o though_o they_o be_v general_a duty_n do_v necessary_o imply_v this_o particular_a that_o we_o shall_v very_o nice_o and_o curious_o examine_v our_o conscience_n those_o faithful_a record_n and_o register_n of_o our_o action_n and_o wherever_o we_o find_v the_o least_o item_n of_o a_o uncanceled_a gild_n immediate_o cross_v it_o out_o by_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o and_o moral_a revocation_n of_o it_o for_o notwithstanding_o we_o may_v have_v in_o the_o general_a repent_v of_o all_o our_o past_a sin_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o siin_n which_o notwithstanding_o we_o react_v no_o more_o do_v leave_v a_o last_a gild_n upon_o the_o mind_n which_o nothing_o can_v cancel_v but_o our_o actual_a revoke_v and_o unsinning_a they_o as_o suppose_v that_o i_o have_v heretofore_o either_o by_o my_o bad_a counsel_n or_o example_n seduce_v other_o man_n into_o wicked_a course_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o expiation_n of_o my_o fault_n that_o i_o myself_o abstain_v from_o those_o wicked_a course_n for_o the_o future_a but_o i_o must_v endeavour_v to_o undo_v the_o mischief_n which_o i_o have_v do_v to_o other_o by_o they_o and_o by_o a_o solemn_a recantation_n of_o my_o past_a folly_n by_o persuasion_n and_o good_a counsel_n and_o the_o application_n of_o all_o other_o pious_a and_o prudent_a mean_n endeavour_v to_o reduce_v those_o who_o i_o have_v former_o pervert_v for_o till_o i_o have_v do_v this_o i_o wilful_o permit_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o my_o sin_n to_o remain_v and_o if_o when_o i_o have_v wound_v another_o i_o suffer_v he_o to_o perish_v without_o take_v any_o care_n of_o his_o cure_n i_o be_o guilty_a of_o his_o murder_n though_o i_o never_o wound_v he_o more_o suppose_v again_o that_o i_o have_v injure_v another_o by_o any_o malicious_a slander_n or_o calumny_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o acquit_v i_o of_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o that_o i_o cease_v to_o scandalize_v he_o for_o the_o future_a but_o i_o must_v also_o endeavour_v by_o a_o free_a retractation_n to_o vindicate_v his_o injure_a name_n from_o the_o ill_a surmise_n of_o those_o to_o who_o i_o have_v asperse_v he_o for_o so_o long_o as_o his_o reputation_n suffer_v through_o my_o not_o retract_v the_o calumny_n i_o have_v cast_v upon_o it_o i_o wilful_o persist_v to_o defame_v and_o calumniate_v he_o and_o so_o long_a the_o gild_n of_o it_o must_v stick_v and_o abide_v upon_o my_o conscience_n once_o more_o suppose_v i_o have_v injure_v another_o in_o his_o estate_n either_o by_o theft_n or_o fraud_n or_o oppression_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v i_o that_o for_o the_o future_a i_o forbear_v defraud_v force_v or_o steal_v from_o he_o any_o more_o but_z if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n i_o must_v make_v restitution_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v wrongful_o deprive_v he_o of_o and_o that_o to_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v live_v or_o if_o not_o to_o those_o that_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o right_n and_o for_o want_v of_o such_o to_o the_o poor_a who_o by_o god_n donation_n have_v the_o propriety_n of_o all_o such_o weft_n and_o stray_n as_o have_v no_o other_o owner_n survive_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o my_o wrongful_a seizure_n of_o what_o be_v another_o man_n do_v not_o alienate_v his_o right_n to_o it_o so_o that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o it_o while_o i_o keep_v it_o from_o he_o as_o he_o have_v at_o first_o when_o i_o take_v it_o from_o he_o and_o consequent_o till_o i_o restore_v it_o back_o to_o he_o i_o continue_v to_o wrong_v he_o of_o it_o and_o my_o detain_v it_o be_v a_o continue_a repetition_n of_o that_o fraud_n or_o theft_n or_o oppression_n by_o which_o i_o wrongful_o seize_v it_o and_o whilst_o i_o thus_o continue_v the_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o must_v still_o abide_v upon_o i_o in_o these_o case_n therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o nice_a and_o curious_a in_o examine_v our_o account_n to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o these_o score_n yet_o uncanceled_a any_o of_o these_o bad_a effect_n of_o our_o sin_n yet_o remain_v for_o if_o any_o such_o matter_n appear_v in_o our_o account_n it_o concern_v we_o as_o much_o as_o our_o everlasting_a interest_n amount_v to_o to_o use_v all_o present_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o discharge_v it_o that_o so_o before_o death_n summon_v we_o to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n to_o the_o great_a auditor_n of_o the_o world_n all_o score_n between_o he_o and_o we_o may_v be_v even_v and_o adjust_v and_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v be_v safe_a it_o vast_o import_v we_o to_o leave_v as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v to_o do_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n for_o that_o be_v most_o common_o a_o very_a improper_a state_n for_o religious_a action_n since_o for_o all_o we_o know_v we_o may_v be_v distract_v in_o it_o by_o a_o fever_n or_o stupefy_v by_o a_o apoplexy_n or_o deprive_v
we_o to_o some_o great_a work_n or_o to_o support_v we_o under_o some_o extraordinary_a suffer_v for_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o careful_a father_n of_o his_o child_n and_o know_v it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v good_a than_o to_o be_v ravish_v and_o transport_v and_o that_o such_o high_a cordial_n be_v neither_o proper_a nor_o safe_a for_o we_o but_o in_o great_a extremity_n and_o therefore_o for_o we_o to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v they_o our_o ordinary_a food_n and_o entertainment_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o childish_a ignorance_n and_o presumption_n but_o though_o such_o immediate_a whisper_v and_o revelation_n may_v serve_v to_o good_a purpose_n in_o a_o pinch_v of_o extremity_n yet_o be_v they_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o ordinary_a stand_v assurance_n for_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o evil_a spirit_n without_o and_o a_o disorder_a fancy_n within_o we_o that_o can_v imitate_v these_o whisper_v we_o shall_v be_v continual_o liable_a so_o long_o as_o we_o put_v confidence_n in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o natural_a and_o diabolical_a enthusiasm_n and_o unavoidable_o mistake_v many_o a_o injection_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o many_o a_o warm_a flush_n of_o fancy_n or_o brisk_a fermentation_n of_o melancholy_a humour_n for_o a_o whisper_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v often_o lull_v into_o false_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n which_o like_o golden_a dream_n will_v vanish_v when_o we_o awake_v and_o leave_v we_o miserable_o disappoint_v that_o assurance_n therefore_o which_o we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o must_v be_v found_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o infer_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n and_o this_o we_o be_v command_v to_o endeavour_v after_o so_o heb._n x._o 22_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o confidence_n or_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o and_o our_o interest_n in_o his_o promise_n which_o persuasion_n be_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o according_o heb._n vi_fw-la 11_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o good_a work_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n i._n e._n to_o be_v so_o diligent_a in_o our_o duty_n as_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o acquire_v such_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n as_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o continue_v and_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n for_o so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o particular_o of_o our_o love_n to_o one_o another_o that_o we_o be_v to_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n 1_o joh._n three_o 14_o 19_o for_o say_v he_o v_o 21_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n among_o other_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o he_o write_v this_o catholic_n epistle_n that_o true_a christian_n may_v know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1_o joh._n v_o 13_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v after_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n as_o natural_o arise_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o certain_a sense_n of_o our_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o which_o our_o sincerity_n entitle_v we_o for_o when_o we_o be_v so_o far_o improve_v in_o religion_n as_o that_o upon_o a_o impartial_a survey_v of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v feel_v our_o own_o integrity_n and_o sensible_o perceive_v that_o our_o intention_n be_v pure_a our_o resolution_n fix_v and_o our_o heart_n entire_o devote_v to_o god_n we_o may_v from_o thence_o most_o certain_o infer_v our_o title_n and_o interest_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o to_o the_o obtain_v this_o assurance_n all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v so_o far_o to_o purify_v our_o intention_n from_o sinister_a aim_n and_o subdue_v our_o bad_a inclination_n to_o our_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n as_o that_o when_o ever_o we_o reflect_v upon_o and_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o the_o rule_n our_o conscience_n may_v be_v able_a without_o any_o diffidence_n to_o pronounce_v we_o sincere_a and_o then_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v our_o interest_n in_o heaven_n as_o we_o can_v that_o god_n promise_n be_v true_a and_o if_o after_o we_o be_v thus_o far_o improve_v in_o religion_n we_o still_o remain_v unassure_v it_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o want_n of_o sufficient_a evidence_n but_o either_o from_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n or_o a_o weak_a faith_n or_o a_o misinform_a conscience_n and_o whichsoever_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o when_o that_o be_v once_o remove_v we_o shall_v as_o plain_o feel_v our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o therein_o our_o interest_n in_o heaven_n as_o we_o do_v now_o our_o bodily_a passion_n and_o have_v once_o attain_v this_o assurance_n it_o will_v animate_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o heroic_a courage_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o with_o unspeakable_a alacrity_n through_o all_o the_o remain_a stage_n of_o our_o duty_n it_o will_v invigorate_v our_o endeavour_n and_o wing_v our_o activity_n and_o make_v we_o all_o life_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o as_o when_o the_o christian_a army_n after_o a_o tedious_a march_n towards_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n come_v within_o view_n of_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o behold_v afar_o off_o the_o tower_n and_o turret_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v so_o ecstacy_v with_o joy_n that_o they_o make_v the_o heaven_n ring_n with_o triumphant_a shout_n and_o acclamation_n and_o as_o if_o that_o sight_n have_v give_v new_a soul_n to_o they_o run_v on_o upon_o their_o enemy_n with_o a_o courage_n that_o force_a victory_n wherever_o they_o come_v so_o when_o a_o good_a man_n after_o a_o long_a progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o virtue_n to_o another_o be_v get_v so_o far_o as_o that_o from_o a_o certain_a sense_n and_o feel_v of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n he_o can_v discern_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n above_o and_o his_o own_o interest_n in_o it_o that_o bless_a sight_n will_v fill_v he_o with_o so_o much_o joy_n courage_n and_o alacrity_n that_o no_o temptation_n for_o the_o future_a will_v be_v able_a to_o withstand_v or_o interrupt_v he_o so_o that_o his_o conscience_n will_v be_v always_o ring_v with_o acclamation_n of_o victory_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o his_o march_n will_v be_v all_o a_o triumphal_a progress_n to_o he_o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o to_o die_v and_o pass_v the_o gate_n of_o this_o bless_a city_n the_o firm_a assurance_n which_o he_o have_v of_o admittance_n will_v dispel_v the_o fear_n sweeten_v the_o trouble_n and_o assuage_v the_o pang_n and_o agony_n of_o the_o dolorous_a passage_n so_o that_o he_o will_v die_v not_o only_o with_o peace_n but_o with_o joy_n and_o go_v away_o into_o eternity_n with_o hallelujah_n in_o his_o mouth_n if_o therefore_o we_o mean_v to_o bring_v this_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n to_o a_o happy_a conclusion_n it_o concern_v we_o now_o while_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o labour_v after_o a_o wise_a and_o wellgrounded_n assurance_n of_o heaven_n sect_n vi_o contain_v certain_a motive_n to_o press_n man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o perseverance_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n section_n describe_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n to_o wit_n final_a perseverance_n and_o show_v how_o effectual_o they_o all_o contribute_v thereunto_o i_o shall_v now_o according_a to_o my_o former_a method_n conclude_v with_o some_o motive_n to_o press_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v deduce_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o our_o final_a perseverance_n to_o which_o those_o duty_n be_v such_o necessary_a help_n and_o mean_n for_o unless_o we_o take_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o these_o duty_n in_o all_o probability_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n and_o unless_o we_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o fatal_a and_o mischievous_a piece_n of_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n for_o consider_v 1._o if_o after_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o religion_n we_o wilful_o relapse_n we_o shall_v go_v back_o much_o fast_o than_o ever_o we_o have_v
and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n after_o this_o thanksgiving_n consider_v brief_o with_o yourself_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o your_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n and_o how_o not_o only_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a but_o also_o hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o you_o all_o your_o past_a labour_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v without_o it_o and_o then_o conclude_v your_o morning_n devotion_n with_o this_o prayer_n for_o perseverance_n o_o god_n who_o art_n unchangeable_o holy_a and_o bless_a who_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o do_v never_o swerve_v or_o vary_v from_o the_o essential_a goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o thy_o own_o nature_n look_v down_o i_o beseech_v thou_o upon_o i_o a_o fickle_a weak_a and_o mutable_a creature_n who_o thou_o have_v redeem_v to_o thyself_o and_o hitherto_o conduct_v by_o thy_o grace_n and_o spirit_n thou_o know_v o_o lord_n the_o weakness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o how_o unable_a i_o be_o without_o thy_o strength_n and_o assistance_n to_o finish_v the_o race_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v before_o i_o thou_o know_v what_o temptation_n i_o must_v struggle_v with_o and_o what_o difficulty_n i_o must_v yet_o overcome_v before_o i_o be_o seize_v of_o the_o bless_a prize_n i_o be_o contend_v for_o wherefore_o since_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o be_v my_o constant_a support_n and_o defence_n forsake_v i_o not_o now_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n but_o as_o thou_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o i_o so_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o finish_v and_o complete_a it_o to_o uphold_v my_o feeble_a soul_n by_o thy_o free_a spirit_n under_o all_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n that_o so_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n i_o may_v seek_v for_o and_o at_o last_o obtain_v honour_n and_o glory_n immortality_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o which_o end_n o_o lord_n preserve_v i_o from_o be_v over-confident_a of_o my_o own_o ability_n and_o inspire_v i_o with_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n of_o myself_o that_o whilst_o i_o stand_v i_o may_v take_v heed_n lest_o i_o fall_v and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n i_o shall_v be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o offend_v thou_o wilful_o which_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o prevent_v for_o thy_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n sake_n o_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o sleep_v in_o my_o sin_n but_o recall_v i_o instant_o by_o the_o check_n of_o my_o conscience_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o spirit_n lest_o while_o i_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n and_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o my_o lust_n shall_v regain_v their_o dominion_n over_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v angry_a with_o i_o and_o reject_v i_o from_o thy_o covenant_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o i_o may_v every_o day_n serve_v thou_o more_o free_o and_o steadfast_o wean_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o more_o and_o more_o from_o those_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o be_v round_o about_o i_o and_o give_v i_o such_o a_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n as_o that_o neither_o the_o flattery_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o other_o may_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o withdraw_v i_o from_o my_o duty_n and_o lest_o while_o i_o be_o mortify_v my_o old_a sin_n i_o shall_v careless_o permit_v new_a one_o to_o spring_n up_o in_o my_o nature_n good_a god_n do_v thou_o mind_v i_o to_o search_v and_o try_v my_o own_o heart_n and_o take_v a_o severe_a account_n even_o of_o the_o small_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n within_o i_o that_o so_o i_o may_v correct_v and_o reform_v they_o in_o time_n before_o they_o be_v improve_v into_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v be_v always_o so_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o imperfection_n as_o that_o i_o may_v never_o rest_v in_o any_o present_a attainment_n but_o may_v still_o be_v press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o my_o high_a call_n in_o jesus_n christ._n suggest_v to_o i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o frequent_a thought_n of_o my_o mortality_n that_o so_o while_o i_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n i_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o my_o departure_n hence_o and_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o die_a hour_n in_o order_n whereunto_o assist_v i_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o strict_o to_o examine_v and_o review_v my_o past_a sinful_a course_n that_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o remain_v of_o gild_n abide_v upon_o my_o conscience_n i_o may_v purge_v they_o away_o by_o proper_a act_n of_o repentance_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v and_o grant_v that_o as_o i_o have_v former_o abound_v in_o sin_n so_o i_o may_v now_o redeem_v that_o precious_a time_n i_o have_v lose_v by_o abound_v in_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n that_o so_o as_o far_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v i_o may_v revoke_v and_o undo_v the_o multitude_n of_o my_o past_a sin_n by_o do_v all_o the_o good_a i_o be_o able_a for_o the_o future_a and_o that_o i_o may_v hold_v out_o and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n preserve_v and_o continue_v i_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o fall_v from_o my_o own_o steadfastness_n and_o final_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o bless_a mean_n i_o may_v so_o far_o prevail_v over_o the_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n of_o my_o nature_n as_o that_o at_o last_o i_o may_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a feel_v of_o my_o own_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n towards_o thou_o that_o so_o be_v from_o thence_o assure_v of_o thy_o love_n and_o of_o my_o title_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o may_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n more_o cheerful_o and_o at_o last_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o resign_v myself_o to_o thou_o take_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o into_o thy_o care_n and_o protection_n this_o day_n preserve_v i_o from_o all_o evil_a but_o especial_o from_o sin_n and_o quicken_v i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n unto_o every_o good_a work_n that_o so_o i_o may_v serve_v thou_o with_o a_o free_a and_o cheerful_a mind_n and_o make_v it_o my_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v thy_o blessed_a will_n all_o which_o i_o humble_o beg_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n in_o who_o name_n and_o mediation_n i_o further_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o evening_n when_o you_o enter_v into_o your_o closet_n consider_v what_o be_v the_o present_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o your_o mind_n and_o upon_o enquiry_n you_o will_v perceive_v either_o that_o through_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n you_o be_v averse_a to_o divine_a office_n or_o that_o through_o bodily_a infirmity_n you_o be_v indispose_v to_o they_o or_o that_o through_o worldly-mindedness_a and_o vanity_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v cold_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v distract_v in_o they_o or_o last_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v very_o much_o enlarge_v and_o your_o mind_n and_o affection_n vigorous_o dispose_v towards_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n if_o upon_o enquiry_n you_o find_v that_o through_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n you_o be_v averse_a to_o divine_a office_n endeavour_v to_o affect_v yourself_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o by_o represent_v to_o your_o mind_n the_o great_a impiety_n and_o baseness_n the_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o this_o your_o present_a temper_n and_o then_o offer_v up_o this_o follow_a prayer_n o_o my_o most_o gracious_a god_n and_o most_o kind_a and_o merciful_a father_n thou_o be_v the_o best_a friend_n i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o have_v show_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o love_n to_o i_o than_o ever_o i_o show_v to_o myself_o but_o after_o all_o the_o vast_a and_o most_o indear_v obligation_n thou_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o this_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a heart_n of_o i_o still_o retain_v some_o dregs_o of_o its_o ancient_a enmity_n against_o thou_o have_v i_o but_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o man_n in_o i_o how_o can_v i_o think_v of_o thou_o without_o rapture_n of_o love_n how_o can_v i_o draw_v near_o unto_o thou_o without_o transport_v of_o delight_n and_o complacency_n but_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a that_o i_o be_o i_o can_v think_v of_o all_o thy_o goodness_n with_o cold_a and_o freeze_a affection_n and_o can_v come_v into_o thy_o presence_n not_o only_o with_o indifference_n but_o reluctancy_n good_a god_n what_o be_o i_o make_v of_o what_o a_o insensible_a soul_n do_v i_o carry_v about_o i_o o_o i_o be_o ashamed_a of_o myself_o i_o be_o confound_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o baseness_n and_o yet_o woe_n be_v i_o i_o can_v help_v it_o i_o strive_v to_o shake_v off_o this_o clog_n of_o my_o corrupt_a