a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n lay_v down_o in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n 1_o chron._n 16.29_o worship_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n imprimatur_fw-la july_n 18_o 1678._o guilford_n sill_n london_n print_v by_o j._n c._n for_o robert_n soliers_fw-fr at_o the_o king_n arm_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1679._o the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n page_n 7._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n 11_o chap._n iii_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n 48_o sect._n 1._o the_o noble_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n 49_o above_o all_o thing_n most_o advantageous_a 124_o chap._n iu_o frivolous_a cavil_n and_o objection_n remove_v 142_o the_o introduction_n man_n in_o his_o original_a condition_n when_o he_o first_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o maker_n be_v a_o very_a noble_a and_o venerable_a creature_n adorn_v with_o many_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o as_o the_o psalmist_n observe_v only_o make_v a_o little_a low_o than_o glorious_a angel_n but_o of_o all_o his_o perfection_n holiness_n as_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o oriental_a so_o do_v it_o also_o give_v a_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n to_o the_o rest_n it_o make_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n lovely_a and_o desirable_a his_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n venerable_a and_o every_o other_o attribute_n which_o without_o this_o be_v terrible_a and_o dreadful_a to_o be_v comely_a and_o praiseworthy_a this_o be_v that_o single_a perfection_n that_o raise_v man_n above_o the_o beast_n it_o be_v indeed_o matter_n of_o great_a sadness_n to_o consider_v the_o lofty_a and_o intolerable_a affront_n that_o be_v now_o cast_v upon_o holiness_n how_o man_n be_v arrive_v at_o that_o pitch_n of_o impiety_n to_o scorn_v and_o deride_v religion_n which_o former_a age_n be_v at_o some_o pain_n to_o advance_v as_o if_o holiness_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o generosity_n and_o only_o become_v mean_a and_o morose_a spirit_n how_o transcendent_a a_o folly_n and_o madness_n this_o be_v will_v easy_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o shall_v afterward_o lay_v down_o i_o think_v the_o naked_a representation_n of_o holiness_n shall_v be_v motive_n enough_o if_o not_o to_o court_v it_o yet_o to_o engage_v man_n to_o correct_v their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la they_o entertain_v against_o it_o and_o even_o force_v its_o great_a antagonist_n to_o become_v its_o advocate_n but_o alas_o vice_n have_v cast_v such_o a_o dark_a shadow_n upon_o man_n judgement_n that_o they_o be_v become_v as_o unfit_a judge_n of_o its_o beauty_n as_o blind_a man_n be_v of_o colour_n otherwise_o we_o may_v yet_o expect_v to_o see_v contemn_v virtue_n much_o more_o in_o vogue_n than_o ever_o vice_n be_v to_o excite_v our_o desire_n scripture_n have_v represent_v it_o under_o the_o most_o comely_a dress_v have_v discover_v its_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n and_o recommend_v it_o by_o the_o most_o endear_n motive_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o work_v both_o upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_v upon_o our_o hope_n by_o propose_v a_o infinitely-valuable_a reward_n to_o the_o righteous_a beside_o the_o present_a advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o upon_o our_o fear_n by_o open_v to_o our_o view_n the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o discover_v the_o insupportable_a misery_n that_o the_o damn_a suffer_v day_n and_o night_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o so_o far_o actuate_v their_o reason_n as_o sober_o to_o consult_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o alone_a shall_v be_v motive_n enough_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o scare_v they_o from_o those_o way_n of_o sin_n that_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n it_o will_v make_v one_o will_v think_v the_o great_a sensualist_n to_o relinquish_v the_o momentary_a pleasure_n he_o enjoy_v here_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o eternal_a joy_n that_o the_o pure_a in_o spirit_n shall_v reap_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n and_o the_o most_o harden_a and_o impregnable_a sinner_n tremble_v to_o think_v of_o dwell_v with_o devour_a flame_n now_o the_o only_a infallible_a way_n to_o attain_v those_o celestial_a felicity_n and_o to_o evite_v the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o vice_n and_o those_o pain_n and_o torture_n that_o it_o expose_v its_o votary_n to_o be_v to_o abandon_v every_o lust_n be_v it_o never_o so_o impetuous_a and_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v we_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o the_o better_a direct_v our_o present_a inquisition_n i_o shall_v first_o brief_o represent_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n and_o show_v the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o its_o rule_n and_o more_o particular_o discover_v the_o several_a branch_n of_o holiness_n three_o i_o shall_v propound_v several_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v what_o i_o chief_o intend_v to_o insist_v upon_o four_o i_o shall_v remove_v all_o those_o cavil_n and_o objection_n that_o be_v urge_v against_o holiness_n and_o last_o conclude_v with_o some_o short_a reflection_n and_o inference_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n i_o intend_v not_o here_o to_o descend_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o every_o particular_a branch_n of_o holiness_n but_o to_o discourse_v of_o it_o in_o the_o general_n as_o it_o be_v the_o combination_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o consider_v i_o need_v not_o i_o think_v in_o the_o description_n of_o it_o accurate_o study_v all_o those_o logical_a rule_n philosopher_n require_v in_o a_o good_a definition_n for_o my_o part_n it_o full_o enough_o satisfy_v i_o to_o know_v that_o holiness_n be_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a compliance_n with_o those_o original_n dictate_v of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o command_v reveal_v in_o sacred_a writ_n so_o long_o as_o man_n remain_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o maker_n his_o holiness_n be_v untainted_a and_o his_o beauty_n and_o primitive_a congenite_fw-la comeliness_n continue_a but_o by_o his_o woeful_a apostasy_n he_o lose_v that_o noble_a embellishment_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o do_v indeed_o give_v a_o grace_n to_o all_o his_o other_o accomplishment_n and_o be_v now_o become_v ugly_a and_o deform_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o spirit_n be_v different_a word_n but_o of_o the_o same_o signification_n and_o be_v promiscuous_o use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o same_o present_a state_n expect_v not_o more_o from_o we_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v he_o be_v not_o so_o rigorous_a a_o lord_n to_o require_v brick_n where_o there_o be_v no_o straw_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o only_o require_v a_o holiness_n which_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o creature_n to_o attain_v at_o least_o it_o exact_v and_o expect_v no_o more_o but_o that_o we_o endeavour_v sincere_o and_o unfeigned_o to_o obey_v all_o those_o precept_n he_o have_v enjoin_v that_o we_o habituate_v ourselves_o to_o perform_v good_a action_n that_o the_o general_a propension_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o will_n and_o appetite_n be_v towards_o the_o do_n of_o what_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o and_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o holiness_n consist_v not_o in_o speculation_n but_o in_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o duty_n but_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o it_o that_o entitle_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o that_o too_o not_o superficial_o or_o in_o a_o good_a mode_n and_o rare_o perform_v but_o sincere_o and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o man_n to_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o perform_v it_o be_v to_o enhance_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o double_a stripe_n and_o to_o perform_v some_o good_a action_n and_o abstain_v from_o the_o grosser_n pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v vicious_a in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v such_o a_o holiness_n that_o will_v never_o profit_v any_o man_n the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n to_o which_o we_o must_v hearty_o study_v a_o actual_a conformity_n do_v not_o dispense_v no_o not_o with_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n nor_o omission_n of_o the_o small_a duty_n but_o because_o general_a description_n of_o thing_n be_v frequent_o overlook_v i_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o unnecessary_a to_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a survey_n and_o consider_v holiness_n in_o its_o several_a branch_n as_o they_o be_v
good_a law_n that_o epaminondas_n in_o thebes_n lycurgus_n in_o lacedaemon_n and_o aristides_n in_o athens_n teach_v be_v in_o the_o gospel-oeconomy_n more_o excellent_o confirm_v and_o we_o be_v now_o undoubted_o secure_v that_o we_o do_v well_o in_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v and_o in_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v prohibit_v which_o numa_n pompilius_n marcus_n antonius_n and_o all_o the_o lawgiver_n either_o of_o greece_n or_o rome_n can_v never_o be_v full_o ascertain_v of_o three_o we_o have_v better_a encouragement_n and_o inducement_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel-precept_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n prescribe_v the_o best_a motive_n to_o virtue_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v that_o virtue_n be_v a_o reward_n to_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o be_v celebrate_v by_o after-age_n and_o such_o like_a which_o be_v but_o insignificant_a encouragement_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o eternal_a and_o give_v of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1.16_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n chap._n iii_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n as_o the_o naked_a proposal_n and_o representation_n of_o a_o excellent_a and_o beautiful_a object_n be_v motive_n enough_o to_o excite_v our_o love_n and_o draw_v out_o our_o affection_n to_o it_o so_o methinks_v holiness_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a most_o excellent_a and_o the_o most_o lovely_a shall_v even_o abstract_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o utility_n and_o advantage_n conquer_v our_o esteem_n but_o god_n know_v how_o much_o our_o deprave_a nature_n in_o this_o lapse_v estate_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o encouragement_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o i_o wish_v common_a experience_n do_v not_o make_v it_o too_o certain_a that_o all_o motive_n be_v little_a enough_o to_o form_v we_o to_o holiness_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n i_o have_v only_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o this_o for_o i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o tell_v man_n what_o i_o understand_v by_o holiness_n before_o i_o shall_v excite_v they_o to_o it_o in_o this_o dark_a age_n of_o the_o world_n we_o want_v not_o instance_n god_n know_v too_o many_o of_o man_n too_o frequent_a mistake_a vice_n for_o virtue_n to_o prevent_v which_o error_n it_o be_v think_v necessary_a to_o show_v man_n their_o duty_n and_o have_v do_v this_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o lay_v down_o several_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n found_v sole_o upon_o this_o that_o all_o those_o endear_n argument_n that_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o perform_v any_o duty_n or_o action_n relate_v to_o our_o secular_a concern_v do_v more_o powerful_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a this_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o subject_n which_o for_o its_o nobleness_n deserve_v a_o better_a judgement_n a_o more_o clear_a wit_n and_o a_o more_o enliven_a and_o quick_a fancy_n to_o handle_v it_o than_o i_o can_v pretend_v to_o yet_o if_o i_o can_v but_o prevail_v with_o other_o to_o perfect_v what_o i_o have_v begin_v i_o shall_v not_o think_v i_o have_v much_o misemployed_a my_o time_n in_o write_v this_o discourse_n this_o chapter_n be_v like_a to_o be_v somewhat_o disproportionable_a to_o the_o rest_n in_o length_n it_o be_v at_o first_o the_o only_o design_v subject_n to_o be_v discourse_v on_o i_o shall_v therefore_o divide_v it_o into_o several_a section_n sect_n 1._o the_o noble_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n the_o great_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n to_o imitation_n give_v ground_n i_o doubt_v not_o and_o now_o see_v example_n have_v so_o much_o force_n methinks_v i_o hear_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n say_v as_o abimelek_n say_v to_o the_o man_n that_o be_v with_o he_o judg._n 9.48_o make_v haste_n and_o do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v christ_n jesus_n have_v by_o his_o example_n teach_v we_o our_o duty_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o 16._o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a as_o i_o be_o holy_a upon_o which_o account_n we_o be_v serious_o exhort_v in_o scripture_n to_o look_v unto_o jesus_n and_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v and_o can_v any_o consideration_n more_o abundant_o serve_v to_o inspirit_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o live_v holy_a than_o this_o methinks_v our_o have_v so_o brave_a a_o example_n shall_v provoke_v we_o to_o follow_v his_o footstep_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n there_o be_v two_o chief_a reason_n that_o great_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o imitate_v other_o example_n first_o the_o dignity_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o person_n second_o interest_n and_o advantage_n now_o both_o these_o motive_n shall_v most_o powerful_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o make_v christ_n the_o copy_n of_o our_o life_n for_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o dignity_n and_o worth_n of_o his_o person_n be_v he_o not_o the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v call_v equal_a with_o god_n he_o be_v not_o a_o person_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a extraction_n how_o mean_o soever_o he_o live_v here_o but_o one_o of_o extraordinary_a worth_n who_o by_o partake_v of_o humane_a nature_n elevate_v it_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o honour_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o but_o the_o delight_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n before_o who_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n must_v appear_v and_o the_o great_a man_n to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o as_o for_o interest_n i_o shall_v afterward_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o we_o in_o nothing_o more_o cross_a our_o advantage_n than_o in_o walk_v contrary_n to_o christ._n but_o alas_o how_o little_o be_v we_o move_v by_o this_o noble_a precedent_n to_o mind_n holiness_n how_o seldom_o do_v we_o express_v in_o our_o action_n the_o virtue_n of_o our_o spiritual_a king_n although_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o rational_a more_o equitable_a and_o just_a than_o to_o follow_v his_o footstep_n who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n nothing_o more_o honourable_a nor_o can_v advance_v our_o happiness_n more_o than_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n yet_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o most_o endear_n encouragement_n we_o have_v as_o much_o set_v at_o nought_o his_o example_n as_o herod_n and_o his_o man_n of_o war_n do_v his_o person_n luke_n 23.11_o alas_o what_o tear_n be_v sufficient_a to_o express_v and_o set_v forth_o this_o exceed_a great_a madness_n and_o insolency_n we_o to_o learn_v meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o he_o mat._n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o do_v evidence_n a_o spirit_n full_a of_o calmness_n and_o quietness_n if_o we_o trace_v his_o footstep_n from_o the_o cradle_n to_o the_o cross_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v he_o either_o by_o his_o word_n or_o action_n discover_v the_o least_o expression_n of_o wrath_n or_o revenge_n but_o the_o most_o admirable_a disposition_n of_o gentleness_n and_o meekness_n even_o then_o when_o his_o insult_a enemy_n endeavour_v to_o cast_v upon_o he_o the_o most_o ignominious_a affront_n we_o read_v numb_a 12.3_o of_o moses_n his_o great_a meekness_n but_o how_o be_v he_o once_o and_o again_o transport_v with_o passion_n but_o never_o do_v our_o meek_a jesus_n by_o the_o most_o insufferable_a abuse_n he_o receive_v ever_o discover_v a_o discompose_v spirit_n isa._n 53.7_o he_o be_v oppress_v and_o he_o be_v afflict_v yet_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o her_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o do_v indeed_o frequent_o meet_v with_o extraordinary_a provocation_n to_o anger_n but_o yet_o how_o sweet_a be_v his_o reproof_n when_o the_o samaritan_n refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o luke_n 9.53_o he_o do_v not_o treat_v they_o with_o contumelious_a speech_n nor_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o they_o although_o he_o can_v have_v do_v it_o with_o ease_n but_o be_v desire_v by_o his_o exasperate_v disciple_n to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v they_o he_o rebuke_v their_o revengeful_a motion_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o it_o will_v be_v too_o prolix_a a_o business_n to_o instance_n the_o several_a example_n of_o his_o gentleness_n and_o meekness_n only_o let_v we_o view_v the_o last_o scene_n of_o his_o life_n where_o we_o shall_v behold_v lively_a instance_n to_o confirm_v this_o when_o he_o do_v find_v his_o three_o disciple_n who_o he_o have_v command_v to_o watch_v sleep_v
our_o adverse_a state_n why_o do_v we_o repine_v and_o complain_v if_o we_o do_v indeed_o compare_v our_o mercy_n with_o our_o suffering_n our_o receipt_n with_o our_o merit_n or_o our_o condition_n with_o that_o of_o some_o other_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v convince_v of_o our_o folly_n but_o we_o still_o poor_a upon_o the_o sore_a all_o our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o and_o in_o exercise_n about_o our_o affliction_n if_o we_o will_v deal_v rational_o let_v we_o view_v the_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n and_o see_v if_o we_o dare_v make_v a_o contrary_a conclusion_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 4.1_o forasmuch_o then_o as_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o in_o flesh_n let_v we_o arm_v our_o self_n likewise_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n he_o suffer_v patient_o and_o calm_o for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o servant_n imitate_v their_o master_n and_o suffer_v the_o disaster_n they_o meet_v our_o rule_n yet_o how_o ready_a be_v we_o to_o despise_v it_o if_o in_o the_o least_o it_o cross_v our_o humour_n or_o carnal_a interest_n alas_o little_a do_v we_o consider_v that_o obedience_n be_v essential_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o that_o torment_n as_o severe_a and_o intolerable_a as_o they_o be_v last_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o disobedient_a it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o rebellious_a posterity_n of_o adam_n will_v but_o serious_o ponder_v what_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o audit_n sure_a i_o be_o the_o whole_a contexture_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o divine_a precept_n and_o doctrine_n be_v equitable_a and_o just_a and_o therefore_o call_v for_o our_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o they_o the_o wise_a god_n never_o issue_v out_o any_o command_n which_o can_v not_o be_v obey_v he_o be_v not_o like_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n to_o require_v brick_n while_o there_o be_v no_o straw_n nay_o indeed_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n be_v couple_v together_o so_o close_o that_o if_o we_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o for_o the_o misery_n we_o have_v choose_v and_o as_o his_o obedience_n be_v set_v before_o we_o for_o imitation_n so_o be_v his_o love_n charity_n and_o compassion_n also_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v spend_v in_o do_v good_a to_o man_n how_o transcendent_a be_v his_o love_n in_o pity_v we_o in_o our_o degenerate_a and_o forlorn_a estate_n when_o we_o be_v at_o odds_o with_o heaven_n and_o incapable_a to_o help_v ourselves_o then_o even_o then_o do_v he_o commiserate_v our_o case_n and_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n reconcile_v we_o to_o the_o father_n it_o be_v the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o love_n imaginable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n joh._n 15.13_o and_o yet_o more_o wonderful_a be_v the_o love_n of_o our_o redeemer_n in_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o we_o who_o be_v but_o rebel_n and_o enenemy_n o_o how_o shall_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o boundless_a compassion_n transport_v and_o ravish_v we_o with_o love_n how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o the_o high_a endearment_n of_o love_n have_v not_o inflame_v our_o spirit_n and_o make_v love_n mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a affection_n of_o a_o noble_a original_n by_o which_o we_o resemble_v the_o best_a of_o being_n the_o great_a god_n be_v by_o the_o belove_a disciple_n describe_v to_o be_v love_n and_o indeed_o well_o do_v this_o description_n suit_n with_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n but_o alas_o how_o unlike_a be_v we_o to_o god_n in_o this_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o duty_n more_o frequent_o inculcate_v by_o our_o saviour_n than_o love_n john_n 15.12_o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o and_o yet_o how_o little_a efficacy_n have_v either_o his_o precept_n or_o example_n with_o we_o bless_a redeemer_n how_o unworthy_a do_v since_o it_o have_v produce_v so_o little_a love_n in_o we_o to_o himself_o but_o however_o i_o need_v not_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o prove_v that_o hereby_o we_o demonstrate_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o ungrate_a and_o just_o liable_a to_o the_o severe_a punishment_n ever_o inflict_v upon_o the_o great_a criminal_a it_o will_v be_v too_o prolix_a to_o enumerate_v the_o several_a instance_n wherein_o christ_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o our_o pattern_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o have_v by_o his_o example_n teach_v we_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o i_o may_v say_v as_o himself_o say_v in_o another_o case_n if_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v we_o if_o we_o do_v they_o to_o sum_v up_o this_o section_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o obviate_v a_o objection_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o very_o trivial_a although_o it_o be_v too_o common_o urge_v the_o objection_n be_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o conform_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a ans._n i_o have_v already_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v our_o bless_a redeemer_n in_o all_o and_o every_o of_o those_o action_n he_o perform_v but_o in_o all_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o he_o have_v enjoin_v by_o his_o righteous_a precept_n and_o encourage_v we_o by_o his_o example_n to_o perform_v these_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n neglect_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o possibility_n of_o do_v these_o we_o may_v satisfy_v ourselves_o by_o view_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a life_n of_o primitive_a christian_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v we_o be_v command_v to_o a_o rigorous_a and_o strict_a conversation_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v the_o faithful_a in_o former_a age_n have_v run_v the_o same_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o they_o have_v full_o enough_o clear_v the_o possibility_n of_o our_o duty_n wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o heb._n 12.1_o for_o shame_v let_v we_o rather_o imitate_v the_o excellent_a holiness_n of_o primitive_a christian_n than_o the_o impure_a practice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o sacred_a covenant_n o_o the_o perfect_a love_n and_o imitable_a kindness_n of_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o purity_n what_o integrity_n and_o innocence_n appear_v in_o their_o life_n how_o ravish_a and_o splendent_a be_v their_o virtue_n and_o grace_n their_o patience_n in_o suffering_n their_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n in_o death_n their_o temperance_n and_o moderation_n their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n their_o equality_n and_o justice_n and_o their_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o earthly_a concern_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o honour_n of_o their_o master_n these_o be_v the_o virtue_n they_o be_v adorn_v with_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o only_o holy_a soul_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o participate_v of_o that_o future_a felicity_n and_o these_o may_v without_o the_o least_o charge_n of_o presumption_n claim_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o for_o those_o vicious_a wretch_n who_o be_v whole_o pollute_v who_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o commit_v sin_n with_o greediness_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o do_v evil_n how_o utter_o incapable_a be_v they_o if_o they_o continue_v such_o to_o dwell_v in_o his_o presence_n who_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o take_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n and_o now_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o happiness_n and_o holiness_n it_o can_v be_v amiss_o if_o we_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o celestial_a felicity_n that_o it_o may_v more_o plain_o appear_v what_o a_o notable_a encouragement_n and_o motive_n it_o be_v to_o holiness_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o forcible_o recommend_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o future_a state_n of_o bliss_n first_o a_o perfect_a freedom_n and_o immunity_n from_o all_o evil_n and_o second_o a_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a first_o it_o be_v a_o blessedness_n whole_o exempt_a from_o evil_n whether_o of_o sense_n or_o loss_n it_o be_v a_o happiness_n attend_v with_o no_o inconvenience_n nor_o dismal_a circumstance_n as_o the_o happy_a state_n here_o be_v we_o now_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o perplex_v doubt_n and_o fear_n temptation_n increase_v our_o inquietude_n and_o danger_n our_o continual_a fear_n our_o complaint_n be_v by_o far_o more_o numerous_a than_o our_o joy_n nay_o what_o be_v our_o whole_a life_n but_o a_o scene_n where_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n act_v their_o part_n man_n that_o be_v
godliness_n be_v great_a gain_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o indeed_o any_o man_n who_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v but_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o how_o can_v that_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o trouble_v and_o disquietment_n who_o have_v get_v the_o mastery_n over_o his_o passion_n and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o sinner_n own_o experience_n whether_o vice_n have_v not_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o health_n macerate_v his_o body_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o torture_n and_o pain_n whether_o some_o sin_n have_v not_o bring_v he_o to_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n ruin_v both_o his_o estate_n and_o fame_n can_v any_o man_n produce_v any_o good_a effect_n that_o ever_o sin_v cause_v sure_o if_o man_n will_v speak_v impartial_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n than_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o four_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v consider_v need_v not_o puzzle_v any_o man_n to_o prove_v it_o how_o delightful_a be_v all_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n how_o unexpressible_a be_v that_o comfort_n that_o the_o devout_a soul_n find_v in_o converse_v with_o god_n well_o may_v the_o psalmist_n say_v light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n psal._n 97.11_o he_o often_o experience_v that_o sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o be_v the_o result_n of_o obedience_n whileas_o solomon_n who_o can_v pass_v the_o best_a verdict_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n yet_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o allay_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n first_o the_o unruliness_n of_o immoderate_a passion_n which_o fret_v and_o vex_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o hinder_v the_o sinner_n from_o taste_v its_o pleasure_n second_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o invisible_a be_v arm_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n conscience_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o guilt_n recoil_v upon_o the_o sinner_n and_o mar_v all_o the_o pleasure_n he_o promise_v himself_o to_o enjoy_v this_o make_a belshazzer_n a_o king_n and_o environ_v with_o his_o noble_n tremble_v and_o quake_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o cup_n but_o suppose_v vice_n do_v bring_v as_o much_o pleasure_n along_o with_o they_o as_o they_o pretend_v yet_o upon_o two_o account_n they_o be_v not_o half_a so_o delicious_a as_o the_o pleasure_n that_o spring_v from_o a_o good_a life_n first_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o interrupt_v of_o a_o short_a duration_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v they_o they_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n how_o quick_o will_v a_o period_n be_v put_v to_o all_o these_o pleasure_n which_o now_o make_v so_o much_o noise_n they_o be_v very_o fit_o compare_v by_o solomon_n to_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n which_o be_v scarce_o soon_o in_o a_o blaze_n than_o they_o vanish_v but_o the_o joy_n that_o spring_v from_o a_o good_a conversation_n be_v at_o their_o low_a ebb_n here_o they_o do_v indeed_o continue_v for_o no_o man_n take_v away_o this_o joy_n but_o heaven_n be_v the_o design_a place_n for_o the_o good_a soul_n to_o feed_v upon_o those_o river_n of_o pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o second_o sensual_a pleasure_n do_v soon_o cloy_v man_n appetite_n we_o can_v enjoy_v long_o any_o sensual_a delight_n but_o we_o be_v quick_o weary_a of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o spiritual_a delight_n it_o be_v only_o the_o absence_n of_o they_o when_o suspend_v for_o our_o sin_n that_o trouble_v and_o molest_v we_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o sensual_a pleasure_n can_v satisfy_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v never_o frame_v for_o a_o mahometan_a paradise_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v rational_o expect_v that_o he_o who_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o guilt_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o fear_n which_o be_v so_o torment_v can_v never_o permit_v man_n to_o enjoy_v pleasure_n free_o but_o let_v we_o descend_v to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o who_o be_v temperate_a and_o moderate_a be_v more_o likely_a to_o relish_v the_o pleasantness_n of_o meat_n drink_v and_o pastime_n than_o the_o intemperate_a and_o immoderate_a he_o who_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o refresh_v the_o needy_a can_v but_o find_v more_o real_a sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o do_v so_o than_o he_o who_o drink_v away_o his_o estate_n he_o who_o speak_v the_o truth_n find_v not_o those_o torment_a check_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o lie_v but_o all_o this_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o next_o objection_n the_o second_o imputation_n be_v bring_v from_o experience_n namely_o that_o wicked_a man_n be_v for_o ordinary_a very_o jovial_a and_o cheerful_a and_o enjoy_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o way_n whereas_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n be_v very_o sad_a and_o disconsolate_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o wicked_a man_n have_v some_o pleasure_n in_o their_o sin_n or_o not_o but_o whether_o that_o pleasure_n that_o arise_v from_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o infinite_o preferable_a to_o these_o alas_o the_o most_o promise_a sensual_a pleasure_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a be_v much_o inferior_a to_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n that_o spring_v from_o a_o good_a conscience_n how_o much_o more_o inconsiderable_a must_v sinful_a pleasure_n be_v which_o be_v attend_v with_o so_o black_a and_o dismal_a consequence_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a sinful_a pleasure_n be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o short_a and_o sure_o this_o consideration_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o lessen_v their_o value_n but_o that_o which_o make_v they_o so_o mean_v and_o not_o worth_a the_o enjoy_n be_v the_o painful_a eternity_n that_o succeed_v to_o they_o however_o than_o the_o wicked_a may_v appear_v jovial_a and_o merry_a yet_o their_o inward_a thought_n if_o we_o can_v discover_v they_o can_v be_v at_o quiet_a and_o ease_v whatever_o pleasure_n they_o may_v reap_v in_o the_o present_a act_n yet_o they_o can_v afterward_o look_v unto_o themselves_o without_o horror_n and_o amazement_n the_o after-sting_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o painful_a that_o he_o buy_v those_o present_a pleasure_n at_o a_o rate_n no_o reasonable_a man_n will_v purchase_v they_o but_o that_o wicked_a man_n can_v real_o enjoy_v that_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n they_o pretend_v to_o seem_v very_o plain_a from_o reason_n for_o first_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v satisfy_v with_o those_o action_n which_o be_v so_o cross_a to_o his_o very_a nature_n and_o opposite_a to_o reason_n as_o every_o sin_n be_v can_v a_o man_n find_v pleasure_n in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v sure_o the_o rebounding_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o do_v amiss_o will_v soon_o raze_v out_o any_o pleasure_n that_o sin_n afford_v and_o a_o sick_a man_n may_v more_o rational_o expect_v rest_n than_o those_o man_n pleasure_n and_o contentment_n second_o it_o can_v afford_v little_a pleasure_n to_o man_n to_o act_v quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v rather_o like_o the_o laughter_n of_o fool_n and_o mad_a man_n than_o a_o real_a pleasure_n that_o such_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o now_o every_o sinner_n quite_o ruin_v his_o interest_n and_o happiness_n while_o he_o run_v headlong_o to_o destruction_n and_o for_o a_o present_a pleasure_n which_o be_v only_o grateful_a to_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n lose_v those_o last_a river_n of_o pleasure_n which_o though_o future_a be_v yet_o certain_a and_o which_o be_v calculate_v for_o the_o soul_n three_o what_o pleasure_n can_v any_o man_n enjoy_v who_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v eternal_o torment_v as_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n so_o no_o pleasure_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o be_v at_o odds_n with_o god_n who_o favour_n be_v better_a than_o life_n but_o what_o reason_n have_v good_a man_n to_o be_v sad_a and_o disconsolate_a since_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o grief_n be_v remove_v from_o they_o light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o double_v that_o exhortation_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v o_o how_o satisfy_n and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o act_v reasonable_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v do_v their_o duty_n and_o have_v act_v for_o their_o own_o