can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o do_v not_o abate_v for_o our_o defect_n and_o admit_v we_o to_o be_v righteous_a in_o the_o main_a even_o while_o we_o be_v imperfect_o so_o and_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o distinction_n it_o frequent_o make_v between_o the_o less_o and_o the_o more_o perfect_a still_o allow_v both_o to_o be_v righteous_a thus_o it_o distinguish_v between_o babe_n and_o man_n allow_v both_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n between_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o strong_a and_o confirm_v allow_v both_o to_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o speak_v of_o some_o who_o upon_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n bring_v forth_o thirty_o of_o other_o who_o bring_v forth_o sixty_o and_o other_o a_o hundred-fold_n do_v yet_o allow_v they_o all_o to_o be_v good_a ground_n matth._n 13._o and_o luke_n 19_o 14._o he_o as_o well_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v a_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n who_o have_v improve_v his_o talent_n into_o five_o as_o he_o who_o have_v improve_v his_o into_o ten._n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o judge_v of_o our_o main_a state_n by_o the_o degree_n but_o by_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o righteousness_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v premise_v that_o that_o which_o constitute_v we_o righteous_a man_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v some_o internal_a vital_a principle_n of_o righteousness_n for_o as_o all_o other_o thing_n receive_v their_o denomination_n from_o their_o form_n so_o it_o be_v from_o some_o internal_a form_n of_o righteousness_n that_o righteous_a man_n receive_v their_o denomination_n it_o be_v not_o the_o simple_a do_v righteous_a action_n that_o constitute_v a_o man_n righteous_a for_o he_o may_v be_v a_o very_a bad_a man_n not_o only_o while_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v righteous_a but_o also_o in_o the_o very_o do_v of_o it_o thus_o a_o man_n may_v fast_o and_o pray_v only_o to_o gloss_n his_o oppression_n he_o may_v do_v a_o honest_a action_n to_o disguise_v a_o knavish_a design_n in_o which_o case_n he_o sin_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o because_o in_o the_o do_v it_o he_o profane_v religion_n by_o make_v it_o a_o cloak_n for_o his_o wickedness_n a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o action_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v material_o good_a do_v partake_v of_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o do_v proceed_v and_o receive_v their_o form_n and_o denomination_n from_o they_o see_v even_o good_a action_n may_v be_v infect_v by_o a_o bad_a principle_n and_o derive_v into_o themselves_o the_o malignity_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v and_o if_o without_o a_o righteous_a principle_n our_o action_n can_v be_v righteous_a to_o be_v sure_a neither_o can_v we_o b_o cause_n we_o be_v as_o our_o action_n be_v hence_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o good_a man_n be_v general_o denominate_v from_o some_o internal_a form_n of_o goodness_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o they_o 1._o joh._n 3._o 9_o and_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n eph._n 4._o 23._o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v rom._n 8._o 6._o and_o to_o be_v transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o their_o mind_n rom._n 12._o 2._o and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o all_o which_o do_v plain_o denote_v that_o to_o constitute_v we_o righteous_a man_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v some_o internal_a form_n and_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n 3._o and_o last_o we_o must_v premise_v that_o christianity_n be_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o internal_a principle_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o law_n constitute_v we_o righteous_a must_v be_v strict_o religious_a that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v immediate_o respect_n god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o religion_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o under_o this_o notion_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n christianity_n exact_v every_o duty_n of_o we_o for_o it_o require_v we_o to_o do_v all_o as_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o out_o of_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o immutable_a right_o to_o rule_v and_o command_v we_o and_o even_o those_o moral_a virtue_n which_o do_v immediate_o respect_v our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o be_v enjoin_v as_o duty_n unto_o god_n and_o bind_v upon_o we_o with_o religious_a obligation_n so_o that_o now_o all_o the_o act_n and_o function_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v adopt_v into_o the_o rubric_n of_o christian_n worship_n and_o require_v of_o we_o as_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o those_o act_n must_v be_v strict_o religious_a immediate_o respect_v god_n and_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o act_n shall_v be_v true_o religious_a which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o religious_a principle_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o come_v now_o to_o lay_v down_o what_o that_o principle_n be_v which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o christian_a religion_n constitute_v we_o righteous_a men._n in_o general_n it_o be_v a_o considerate_a universal_a prevail_a resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n proceed_v from_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o particular_a term_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o resolution_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n of_o obey_v god_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o considerate_a resolution_n 4._o a_o universal_a and_o 5._o a_o prevalent_a one_o 6._o a_o resolution_n of_o obey_v god_n spring_v out_o of_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n by_o which_o i_o exclude_v the_o habit_n of_o obedience_n from_o be_v the_o prime_n and_o constitutive_a principle_n of_o christian_a righteousness_n for_o christianity_n as_o be_v show_v before_o suppose_v great_a imperfection_n and_o infirmity_n even_o in_o those_o who_o it_o allow_v to_o be_v righteous_a in_o the_o main_a if_o we_o will_v judge_v right_o of_o our_o own_o state_n by_o the_o christian_a rule_n we_o must_v take_v measure_n of_o ourselves_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o low_a and_o most_o imperfect_a principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o not_o conclude_v ourselves_o to_o be_v unrighteous_a because_o we_o be_v not_o righteous_a to_o such_o a_o degree_n but_o as_o for_o the_o habit_n of_o obedience_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o inherent_a promptness_n facility_n and_o easiness_n to_o obey_v it_o be_v so_o perfect_a a_o principle_n as_o be_v not_o attainable_a but_o under_o a_o long_a progress_n in_o religion_n for_o when_o after_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n we_o begin_v to_o reform_v we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v habituate_v to_o obey_v god_n that_o we_o obey_v he_o with_o difficulty_n and_o strong_a reluctancy_n and_o be_v fain_o to_o row_v against_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o own_o inclination_n in_o which_o state_n we_o be_v far_o from_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o habit_n or_o promptness_n of_o obey_v so_o that_o by_o make_v this_o the_o constitutive_a principle_n of_o christian_a righteousness_n we_o exclude_v from_o the_o state_n of_o righteousness_n all_o beginner_n in_o religion_n and_o do_v allow_v none_o to_o be_v faithful_a servant_n but_o those_o who_o have_v conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o obey_v the_o true_a form_n or_o principle_n therefore_o from_o which_o we_o receive_v the_o denomination_n of_o righteous_a man_n be_v that_o point_n or_o term_n from_o which_o we_o begin_v to_o be_v righteous_a and_o that_o be_v a_o righteous_a resolution_n for_o choice_n and_o resolution_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o voluntary_a action_n and_o consequent_o from_o thence_o we_o begin_v to_o act_v righteous_o and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o we_o grow_v and_o improve_v into_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n our_o first_o step_n be_v to_o resolve_v well_o our_o next_o to_o do_v well_o the_o uninterrupted_a repetition_n of_o which_o will_v at_o length_n improve_v into_o a_o habit_n of_o well-doing_n i_o will_v arise_v say_v the_o prodigal_n and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n that_o be_v the_o first_o step_n of_o his_o return_n and_o the_o vital_a principle_n whence_o all_o his_o after-motion_n do_v proceed_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n by_o which_o i_o exclude_v those_o good_a resolution_n from_o be_v the_o christian_a principle_n of_o righteousness_n which_o have_v no_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o god_n but_o either_o
into_o any_o man_n sober_a thought_n and_o if_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o but_o that_o whereas_o we_o be_v extreme_o shortsighted_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o glister_a show_n and_o appearance_n he_o have_v such_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o when_o we_o forsake_v our_o own_o way_n and_o follow_v god_n we_o can_v be_v mislead_v but_o at_o every_o step_n must_v be_v tend_v direct_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o if_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v and_o we_o may_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o whenever_o our_o way_n to_o happiness_n lie_v contrary_a to_o he_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o consequent_o that_o when_o we_o forsake_v his_o way_n to_o follow_v our_o own_o we_o go_v from_o happiness_n to_o misery_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o belong_v to_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o order_n and_o regulate_v its_o affection_n and_o action_n that_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o just_a bound_n and_o measure_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o where_o to_o be_v indulge_v better_a than_o the_o god_n that_o form_v and_o compose_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o be_v we_o not_o much_o better_o resign_v our_o will_n to_o his_o government_n than_o to_o live_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n for_o he_o desire_v to_o govern_v we_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o know_v he_o can_v govern_v we_o much_o better_a than_o ourselves_o he_o see_v that_o we_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o blind_a and_o precipitant_a creature_n that_o must_v unavoidable_o stumble_v into_o eternal_a ruin_n if_o we_o follow_v our_o own_o will_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v fain_o retrieve_v we_o our_o of_o our_o own_o hand_n that_o so_o have_v the_o sole_a disposal_n of_o we_o himself_o he_o may_v conduct_v we_o safe_o to_o happiness_n and_o when_o he_o intend_v as_o kind_o to_o we_o as_o we_o can_v to_o ourselves_o be_v we_o not_o better_o follow_v his_o wisdom_n than_o our_o own_o folly_n he_o know_v that_o our_o self-love_n will_v in_o the_o effect_n prove_v self-hatred_n to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o moderate_v and_o direct_v by_o a_o better_a and_o a_o wise_a love_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v it_o under_o the_o direction_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a love_n in_o the_o world_n he_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o government_n of_o our_o will_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o only_o that_o he_o may_v determine_v all_o its_o choice_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o require_v our_o heart_n of_o we_o mere_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v fill_v they_o with_o peace_n and_o rest._n he_o know_v that_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n lie_v in_o compliance_n with_o our_o duty_n in_o piety_n and_o justice_n mercy_n and_o humility_n and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o free_a and_o constant_a sprightly_a and_o vivacious_a exercise_n of_o these_o virtue_n arise_v all_o our_o heaven_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o know_v this_o that_o tender_a love_n he_o bear_v we_o that_o mighty_a concern_v he_o have_v for_o our_o welfare_n make_v he_o thus_o urgent_a and_o importunate_a with_o we_o in_o his_o demand_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o he_o regard_v our_o duty_n no_o far_o than_o it_o tend_v to_o our_o good_a and_o value_v each_o act_n of_o our_o obedience_n by_o what_o it_o contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n he_o affect_v not_o to_o burden_n we_o with_o unnecessary_a imposition_n all_o that_o he_o require_v of_o we_o be_v what_o our_o interest_n require_v which_o be_v so_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o nothing_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o promote_v and_o secure_v it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o he_o will_v not_o dispense_v with_o we_o because_o he_o can_v without_o release_n we_o from_o our_o obligation_n to_o be_v happy_a why_o then_o shall_v we_o desire_v o_o foolish_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v release_v from_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o government_n or_o how_o can_v we_o count_v it_o liberty_n to_o be_v loose_v from_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o be_v conduct_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n for_o whatsoever_o my_o blind_a lust_n and_o passion_n may_v dictate_v my_o reason_n assure_v i_o that_o the_o great_a privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v release_v i_o from_o my_o subjection_n to_o his_o will_n by_o a_o dispensation_n under_o the_o broad-seal_n of_o heaven_n and_o give_v i_o a_o unlimited_a licence_n to_o live_v as_o i_o list_v promise_v never_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o i_o more_o or_o to_o take_v any_o far_a cognizance_n of_o my_o action_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a thing_n i_o can_v do_v for_o myself_o will_v be_v to_o resign_v back_o myself_o to_o his_o government_n and_o surrender_v up_o my_o blind_a and_o precipitant_a will_n to_o his_o most_o wise_a and_o gracious_a disposal_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v refuse_v to_o re-admit_a i_o to_o his_o government_n and_o abandon_v i_o for_o ever_o to_o my_o own_o selfwill_a i_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o forlorn_a soul_n on_o this_o side_n hell_n i_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o to_o do_v nor_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v myself_o but_o be_v force_v to_o wander_v in_o a_o dark_a wilderness_n without_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o discover_v any_o certain_a pathway_n to_o my_o happiness_n but_o so_o long_o as_o i_o be_o under_o the_o government_n of_o god_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_o safe_a and_o while_o i_o follow_v his_o alwise_a and_o most_o gracious_a will_n i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o go_v to_o a_o happy_a end_n and_o that_o how_o rough_a soever_o my_o way_n be_v it_o will_v bring_v i_o to_o canaan_n what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o from_o henceforth_o we_o utter_o deny_v ourselves_o renounce_v our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o inclination_n and_o cheerful_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o other_o design_n upon_o we_o but_o to_o do_v we_o good_a to_o raise_v and_o advance_v our_o degenerate_a nature_n and_o conduct_v we_o through_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n 1_o john_n iii_o 7._o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a these_o word_n be_v a_o short_a and_o plain_a resolution_n of_o that_o grand_a case_n viz._n how_o a_o man_n may_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o good_a christian._n the_o gnostic_n against_o who_o st._n john_n particular_o direct_v this_o epistle_n place_v all_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n in_o certain_a pretend_a illumination_n which_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o certain_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n and_o like_o gild_a bubble_n be_v blow_v up_o with_o wind_n and_o fill_v with_o mystical_a nonsense_n and_o though_o in_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n they_o be_v a_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n not_o only_o to_o religion_n but_o even_o to_o humane_a nature_n yet_o mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o their_o own_o wild_a dream_n they_o vaunt_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a elect_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o advance_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o that_o they_o be_v above_o all_o law_n and_o free_o dispense_v with_o under_o the_o broad-seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o live_v as_o they_o list_v and_o to_o wallow_v in_o riot_n and_o voluptuousness_n against_o these_o wild_a man_n the_o apostle_n here_o seem_v to_o forewarn_v his_o little_a child_n suffer_v not_o these_o vile_a deceiver_n to_o impose_v upon_o your_o faith_n this_o their_o damnable_a error_n viz._n that_o by_o receive_v their_o high-flown_a mystery_n and_o pretend_a revelation_n you_o shall_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n be_v constitute_v perfect_a and_o righteous_a man_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o from_o god_n himself_o i_o do_v assure_v you_o that_o he_o and_o he_o only_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a i._n e._n as_o christ_n be_v righteous_a of_o who_o i_o just_o before_o discourse_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o do_v righteousness_n in_o general_a second_o what_o that_o righteous_a do_v be_v which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o christianity_n constitute_v we_o righteous_a men._n 1._o what_o it_o be_v to_o do_v righteousness_n
saucy_a in_o our_o language_n and_o irreverent_a in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o think_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o bodily_a worship_n be_v of_o so_o much_o account_n and_o necessity_n in_o religion_n that_o to_o neglect_v it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o great_a injustice_n to_o god_n and_o a_o high_a affront_n to_o his_o majesty_n whereunto_o we_o owe_v the_o lowly_a homage_n and_o adoration_n but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o unless_o our_o bodily_a worship_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o inward_a lively_a sense_n of_o god_n with_o great_a and_o worthy_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o suitable_a affection_n towards_o he_o it_o be_v all_o but_o a_o perfect_a pageantry_n which_o though_o it_o make_v a_o goodly_a show_n have_v nothing_o of_o substance_n or_o reality_n in_o it_o nay_o if_o by_o those_o external_a reverence_n we_o render_v he_o we_o do_v not_o express_v the_o inward_a veneration_n of_o our_o soul_n while_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_v he_o we_o mock_v he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o by_o offer_v he_o a_o shell_n which_o have_v no_o kernel_n in_o it_o we_o only_o seek_v to_o put_v a_o trick_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v he_o believe_v we_o honour_n and_o adore_v he_o when_o in_o reality_n we_o do_v but_o more_o demure_o flout_v he_o and_o with_o our_o mock-obeysance_n affront_v he_o with_o great_a ceremony_n if_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o bow_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o as_o well_o as_o our_o knee_n in_o our_o most_o solemn_a address_n to_o he_o we_o be_v but_o so_o many_o liveless_a image_n of_o prayer_n that_o like_o our_o grandfather_n statue_n on_o their_o tomb_n have_v our_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o no_o soul_n to_o animate_v our_o devotion_n but_o god_n expect_v that_o those_o that_o worship_v he_o shall_v approach_v he_o with_o pure_a and_o humble_a mind_n with_o their_o will_n inspire_v with_o divine_a affection_n and_o their_o soul_n touch_v with_o a_o over-awing_a sense_n of_o he_o majesty_n without_o which_o he_o account_v all_o our_o bodily_a adoration_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o demure_a scorn_n and_o complemental_a mockery_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n god_n denounce_v most_o fearful_a judgement_n against_o israel_n because_o they_o draw_v near_o he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_v he_o when_o their_o heart_n be_v remove_v far_o from_o he_o isa._n xxix_o 13._o six_o and_o last_o another_o sort_n of_o bodily_a exercise_n that_o be_v of_o some_o though_o but_o little_a account_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o mere_a outward_a form_n or_o round_n of_o religious_a duty_n such_o as_o say_n of_o our_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v of_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o express_o enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o purge_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o impurity_n and_o wickedness_n and_o to_o acquire_v those_o divine_a habit_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a life_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n such_o mean_v they_o be_v as_o if_o right_o use_v will_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o natural_a efficacy_n exceed_o conduce_v to_o those_o great_a and_o worthy_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v for_o what_o mean_n can_v be_v more_o conducive_a to_o our_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n than_o constant_a and_o diligent_a prayer_n for_o beside_o that_o hereby_o we_o move_v god_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n by_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o assistance_n by_o these_o our_o solemn_a address_n to_o he_o we_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o abstract_n our_o mind_n from_o carnal_a and_o sensitive_a thing_n to_o excite_v and_o raise_v our_o affection_n towards_o god_n and_o inspire_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o awful_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n which_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a antidote_n 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and_o assistance_n to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n do_v sensible_o represent_v to_o we_o one_o of_o the_o mighty_a argument_n to_o obedience_n in_o all_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n for_o here_o we_o see_v his_o bloody_a tragedy_n act_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o break_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o blood_n for_o we_o be_v visible_o represent_v to_o we_o which_o dismal_a spectacle_n if_o we_o have_v any_o remain_v of_o ingenuity_n in_o we_o can_v but_o affect_v we_o both_o with_o love_n to_o he_o who_o suffer_v so_o deep_o for_o we_o and_o with_o horror_n against_o our_o sin_n which_o bring_v those_o suffering_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v thus_o affect_v how_o can_v we_o forbear_v vow_v revenge_n upon_o our_o sin_n and_o perpetual_a obedience_n to_o our_o most_o love_a redeemer_n which_o be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o this_o sacred_a festival_n so_o that_o these_o outward_a duty_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o religion_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v effectual_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o that_o internal_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o our_o religion_n do_v principal_o require_v and_o design_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n for_o any_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o the_o ordinary_a neglect_n of_o these_o instrumental_a duty_n because_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v not_o only_o affront_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n to_o which_o he_o have_v vow_v submission_n and_o obedience_n but_o also_o reject_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o recovery_n and_o reformation_n and_o so_o do_v open_o declare_v himself_o a_o reckless_a profligate_v creature_n one_o that_o neither_o be_v good_a nor_o ever_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o but_o yet_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o that_o only_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v sacrament_n and_o place_n all_o his_o religion_n in_o a_o perpetual_a round_n of_o these_o outward_a performance_n have_v nothing_o of_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o he_o for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v to_o you_o these_o duty_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o that_o internal_a purity_n of_o mind_n and_o those_o divine_a and_o godlike_a disposition_n of_o soul_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v now_o you_o know_v it_o be_v not_o bare_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o either_o be_v or_o do_v good_a but_o the_o use_v they_o to_o some_o good_a end_n or_o purpose_n as_o for_o instance_n book_n be_v mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o learning_n but_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o the_o use_n of_o book_n or_o turn_v over_o the_o leave_v of_o they_o that_o will_v make_v man_n wise_a or_o learned_a but_o the_o use_v they_o so_o as_o to_o understand_v the_o content_n of_o they_o and_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o the_o thing_n and_o notion_n contain_v in_o they_o thus_o prayer_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v of_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o excellent_a mean_n to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a but_o bare_o to_o use_v they_o without_o any_o far_a intention_n be_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n that_o signify_v nothing_o that_o neither_o be_v good_a in_o it_o self_n nor_o will_v do_v any_o good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v use_v they_o to_o any_o purpose_n we_o must_v use_v they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v design_v for_o or_o else_o we_o have_v as_o good_a not_o use_v they_o at_o all_o for_o we_o may_v as_o soon_o become_v good_a scholar_n bare_o by_o turn_v over_o the_o leave_v of_o learned_a book_n as_o we_o shall_v good_a christian_n bare_o by_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v if_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o the_o end_v we_o may_v be_v
by_o use_v these_o mean_n by_o cut_v the_o wood_n and_o carve_v the_o stone_n without_o any_o far_a aim_n or_o intention_n he_o will_v find_v himself_o extreme_o mistake_v so_o he_o that_o will_v be_v godly_a must_v use_v the_o mean_n of_o godliness_n he_o must_v profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v sacrament_n but_o he_o that_o think_v he_o be_v godly_a mere_o because_o he_o use_v these_o mean_n though_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v himself_o to_o direct_v they_o unto_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v do_v but_o deceive_v and_o abuse_v his_o own_o soul_n for_o for_o god_n sake_n what_o do_v it_o signify_v for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v in_o his_o family_n and_o afterward_o to_o go_v and_o cheat_v in_o his_o shop_n to_o keep_v the_o lord_n day_n strict_o and_o play_v the_o knave_n all_o the_o week_n after_o what_o do_v it_o avail_v for_o a_o man_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o obey_v it_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o charity_n if_o he_o still_o retain_v hatred_n and_o ill-will_a to_o his_o neighbour_n do_v we_o think_v that_o god_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o these_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o their_o sake_n to_o dispense_v with_o these_o gross_a and_o fulsome_a immorality_n no_o no_o these_o be_v thing_n only_o fit_a to_o cheat_v child_n and_o fool_n withal_o but_o let_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n will_v be_v so_o impose_v upon_o that_o when_o he_o have_v ordain_v these_o duty_n only_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o acquire_v that_o universal_a purity_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o principal_o intend_v and_o require_v he_o will_v be_v content_v bare_o with_o your_o use_v these_o mean_n whether_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o design_v they_o be_v ever_o obtain_v by_o you_o or_o no._n if_o you_o shall_v enjoin_v your_o servant_n to_o copy_n out_o such_o a_o letter_n or_o manuscript_n and_o for_o that_o end_n shall_v require_v he_o to_o use_v pen_n ink_n and_o paper_n will_v you_o not_o think_v he_o extreme_o absurd_a or_o insolent_a shall_v he_o come_v and_o show_v you_o a_o large_a insignificant_a scribble_n and_o tell_v you_o that_o according_a to_o your_o command_n he_o have_v use_v the_o pen_n ink_n and_o paper_n though_o indeed_o he_o have_v not_o transcribe_v one_o word_n with_o they_o of_o what_o you_o do_v command_v and_o enjoin_v he_o and_o yet_o thus_o rude_o and_o insolent_o do_v you_o deal_v by_o god_n who_o place_n all_o your_o religion_n in_o the_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o it_o god_n do_v require_v of_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v copy_v out_o his_o justice_n purity_n and_o goodness_n and_o transcribe_v they_o into_o your_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o order_n to_o your_o do_v of_o this_o he_o have_v prescribe_v you_o certain_a mean_n and_o instrument_n such_o as_o prayer_n and_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o sacrament_n and_o when_o you_o come_v to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o that_o mighty_a task_n he_o have_v enjoin_v you_o you_o show_v he_o a_o insignificant_a flourish_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v for_o yourselves_o but_o that_o according_a to_o his_o appointment_n you_o have_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v sacrament_n but_o you_o must_v confess_v that_o with_o all_o these_o you_o have_v not_o transcribe_v one_o tittle_n or_o jota_n of_o that_o purity_n and_o holiness_n which_o he_o require_v at_o your_o hand_n be_v this_o a_o proper_a account_n do_v you_o think_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n will_v you_o be_v thus_o mock_v by_o your_o own_o servant_n and_o dare_v you_o presume_v thus_o to_o mock_v the_o great_a god_n between_o who_o and_o you_o there_o be_v infinite_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o between_o you_o and_o the_o mean_a vassal_n about_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o what_o end_n do_v you_o pray_v be_v it_o to_o please_v he_o with_o a_o fine_a speech_n or_o a_o humble_a and_o eloquent_a address_n or_o be_v it_o to_o persmade_v he_o by_o your_o fawn_a submission_n to_o befriend_v you_o in_o all_o your_o wickedness_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v your_o aim_n i_o must_v plain_o tell_v you_o you_o be_v as_o good_a save_o your_o breath_n for_o some_o other_o purpose_n but_o if_o you_o pray_v to_o he_o upon_o a_o sincere_a design_n to_o affect_v your_o mind_n with_o a_o awful_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o to_o obtain_v of_o he_o grace_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o repent_v and_o amend_v and_o for_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n upon_o your_o unfeigned_a repentance_n then_o your_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o make_v you_o more_o meek_a and_o humble_a and_o industrious_a to_o please_v he_o by_o a_o free_a and_o generous_a obedience_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v you_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v you_o think_v it_o gratify_v the_o almighty_a that_o you_o will_v please_v to_o give_v he_o the_o hear_v or_o that_o you_o meet_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n to_o furnish_v your_o head_n with_o notion_n and_o your_o tongue_n with_o discourse_n if_o this_o be_v your_o opinion_n i_o must_v needs_o tell_v you_o you_o have_v very_o mean_a apprehension_n of_o god_n to_o think_v he_o a_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v please_v with_o such_o a_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a trifle_n but_o if_o you_o come_v with_o humble_a honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n to_o learn_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o your_o obey_v it_o your_o hear_n will_v necessary_o lead_v you_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o excellent_a virtue_n which_o god_n require_v at_o your_o hand_n what_o do_v you_o design_v when_o you_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v it_o to_o please_v god_n with_o offer_v vow_n to_o he_o which_o you_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o perform_v to_o pacify_v he_o with_o a_o short_a pang_n of_o religious_a passion_n with_o shed_v a_o few_o tear_n over_o your_o bleed_a saviour_n or_o to_o get_v your_o pardon_n seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n if_o so_o i_o must_v needs_o tell_v you_o you_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o only_o to_o deceive_v and_o abuse_v your_o own_o soul_n but_o if_o you_o come_v with_o a_o honest_a design_n to_o remember_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o your_o saviour_n have_v do_v for_o you_o to_o excite_v your_o love_n to_o he_o with_o the_o spectacle_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o to_o renew_v your_o communion_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o your_o vow_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n you_o will_v then_o infallible_o be_v make_v better_a by_o it_o and_o be_v more_o and_o more_o accomplish_a in_o every_o part_n of_o true_a and_o real_a goodness_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o perform_v this_o outward_a and_o bodily_a religion_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o true_a godliness_n we_o perform_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o let_v i_o therefore_o beseech_v you_o even_o for_o god_n sake_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n do_v not_o rest_v in_o this_o bodily_a religion_n think_v not_o that_o you_o have_v do_v enough_o when_o you_o have_v fast_v and_o pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v sacrament_n for_o if_o you_o do_v you_o be_v short_a of_o your_o duty_n and_o will_v infallible_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n indeed_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n neglect_v they_o be_v the_o necessary_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o reformation_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v they_o as_o such_o we_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o no_o purpose_n if_o they_o do_v not_o render_v we_o more_o humble_a and_o charitable_a more_o sober_a and_o heavenly-minded_n we_o have_v spend_v all_o our_o labour_n in_o vain_a and_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v have_v no_o other_o reward_n for_o it_o but_o the_o portion_n of_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n ezekiel_n xviii_o 30._o repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v against_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n procedure_n with_o they_o viz._n that_o he_o punish_v they_o not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o but_o for_o their_o father_n sin_n which_o objection_n though_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o impeach_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o he_o to_o inflict_v temporal_a evil_n upon_o the_o child_n for_o their_o father_n sin_n yet_o that_o they_o may_v urge_v it_o no_o more_o as_o a_o pretence_n of_o god_n unrighteous_a deal_n with_o they_o god_n assure_v they_o by_o his_o
prophet_n that_o from_o thenceforth_o he_o will_v remit_v that_o right_o he_o have_v to_o make_v they_o smart_v for_o their_o father_n iniquity_n and_o inflict_v no_o other_o punishment_n upon_o they_o than_o what_o be_v due_a for_o their_o own_o personal_a fault_n that_o if_o they_o do_v well_o they_o shall_v fare_v well_o notwithstanding_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v wicked_o they_o shall_v sure_o smart_v for_o it_o how_o well_o soever_o their_o parent_n behave_v themselves_o nay_o say_v he_o your_o father_n merit_n or_o demerit_n shall_v henceforth_o be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v you_o from_o or_o expose_v you_o to_o punishment_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o your_o own_o past_a wickedness_n if_o you_o repent_v of_o it_o nor_o yet_o escape_v for_o your_o past_a righteousness_n if_o you_o revolt_v from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n to_o the_o 24_o verse_n and_o yet_o say_v he_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n say_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o equal_a o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a can_v any_o method_n of_o reward_v and_o punish_v be_v more_o equal_a than_o this_o which_o i_o now_o propose_v or_o can_v any_o accusation_n be_v more_o injurious_a than_o this_o of_o you_o against_o i_o but_o know_v it_o be_v not_o your_o unjust_a reproach_n shall_v make_v i_o desist_v from_o this_o my_o most_o righteous_a procedure_v therefore_o say_v he_o verse_n the_o 30_o i_o will_v judge_v you_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o way_n how_o much_o soever_o you_o reproach_n and_o calumniate_v i_o i_o will_v strict_o insist_v upon_o this_o method_n of_o reward_v and_o punish_v you_o according_a as_o you_o repent_v of_o or_o persevere_v in_o your_o iniquity_n and_o to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o i_o will_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o reward_v you_o upon_o the_o former_a as_o to_o punish_v you_o upon_o the_o latter_a do_v but_o for_o once_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o i_o repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n and_o you_o shall_v sure_o find_v that_o your_o past_a iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o word_n resolve_v into_o two_o proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o any_o people_n or_o nation_n tend_v direct_o to_o their_o ruin_n 2._o that_o true_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n be_v the_o certain_a way_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n which_o iniquity_n tend_v to_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o any_o people_n or_o nation_n tend_v direct_o to_o their_o ruin_n so_o it_o shall_v not_o intimate_v that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v their_o iniquity_n will_v certain_o end_v in_o their_o ruin_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n for_o if_o you_o consult_v either_o sacred_a or_o profane_a history_n you_o will_v find_v that_o iniquity_n like_o the_o worm_n at_o the_o root_n of_o ionah_n gourd_n have_v many_o time_n blast_v the_o most_o flourish_a kingdom_n pull_v down_o their_o bank_n and_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o such_o inundation_n of_o misery_n as_o have_v final_o overwhelm_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o strict_a inquiry_n into_o humane_a affair_n have_v constant_o observe_v that_o the_o rise_v and_o fall_v of_o nation_n have_v be_v more_o owe_v to_o their_o virtue_n and_o vice_n than_o to_o any_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o hinge_n general_o the_o fate_n of_o empire_n turn_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o rise_n be_v lay_v in_o virtuous_a brave_a and_o generous_a action_n and_o that_o by_o wickedness_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n they_o be_v undermine_v and_o sink_v into_o a_o final_a ruin_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o full_o appear_v by_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n vice_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o a_o kingdom_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o eight_o head_n 1._o it_o do_v it_o by_o deprive_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n 2._o by_o inflict_v positive_a plague_n and_o punishment_n upon_o they_o 3._o by_o corrupt_v and_o infatuate_a their_o counsel_n 4._o by_o melt_v and_o emasculate_v their_o courage_n 5._o by_o break_v and_o disturb_v their_o order_n 6._o by_o dissolve_v their_o unity_n and_o concord_n 7._o by_o consume_v their_o wealth_n and_o substance_n 8._o by_o debase_v their_o esteem_n and_o reputation_n 1._o wickedness_n direct_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n as_o it_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n for_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o almighty_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n we_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o the_o strength_n and_o establishment_n of_o kingdom_n be_v found_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o protection_n that_o his_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v the_o pillar_n upon_o which_o those_o vast_a and_o mighty_a structure_n lean_a and_o consequent_o that_o if_o he_o withdraw_v from_o they_o those_o necessary_a support_v they_o can_v stand_v but_o must_v inevitable_o sink_v under_o their_o own_o weight_n into_o irreparable_a ruin_n for_o nothing_o can_v subsist_v without_o god_n and_o much_o less_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n which_o have_v so_o many_o principle_n of_o corruption_n lurk_v within_o their_o own_o bowel_n and_o in_o which_o there_o be_v compound_v so_o many_o boisterous_a passion_n repugnant_a humour_n inconsistent_a design_n and_o contest_a interest_n all_o which_o like_o the_o contrary_a quality_n of_o our_o body_n do_v by_o their_o mutual_a jar_a with_o one_o another_o continual_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o that_o do_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o almighty_a providence_n of_o god_n continual_o superintend_v these_o contrary_a principle_n and_o by_o its_o skilful_a mingle_v they_o with_o one_o another_o preserve_v they_o in_o a_o just_a and_o due_a temper_n those_o great_a and_o unwieldy_a body_n in_o which_o they_o do_v reside_v will_v be_v every_o moment_n in_o danger_n of_o be_v disease_v corrupt_a and_o destroy_v by_o they_o but_o now_o the_o sin_n of_o nation_n do_v mighty_o contribute_v to_o the_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o benefit_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o protection_n for_o how_o can_v any_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n expect_v that_o god_n will_v continue_v to_o protect_v they_o in_o their_o rebellion_n against_o himself_o that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o implacable_a a_o enemy_n of_o wickedness_n and_o so_o zealous_a a_o assertor_n of_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o authority_n will_v employ_v his_o power_n to_o patronize_v they_o in_o the_o one_o and_o take_v their_o part_n against_o the_o other_o and_o if_o he_o withdraw_v his_o uphold_v providence_n from_o a_o nation_n he_o needs_o do_v no_o more_o for_o now_o it_o must_v sink_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n and_o like_o a_o fall_a house_n when_o its_o prop_n be_v remove_v its_o weight_n will_v bear_v it_o down_o and_o quick_o crush_v it_o into_o ruin_n 2._o wickedness_n tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n not_o only_o by_o engage_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o protection_n from_o but_o also_o to_o inflict_v positive_a plague_n and_o punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o of_o this_o world_n of_o man_n who_o be_v so_o extreme_o prone_a to_o contemn_v and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o his_o government_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o since_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v the_o master-spring_n of_o all_o our_o motion_n he_o shall_v take_v especial_a care_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o allure_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n so_o on_o the_o other_o to_o awe_v we_o into_o it_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o there_o will_v be_v no_o confine_v such_o extravagant_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v within_o any_o rule_n or_o compass_n now_o as_o for_o particular_a offender_n the_o great_a scene_n of_o god_n reward_v and_o punish_v they_o be_v the_o future_a state_n where_o every_o man_n must_v answer_v for_o himself_o and_o receive_v the_o just_a retribution_n of_o his_o own_o action_n but_o as_o for_o sinful_a and_o virtuous_a nation_n they_o be_v capable_a only_o of_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o particular_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v where_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v the_o two_o nation_n into_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v distribute_v so_o that_o if_o wicked_a nation_n be_v not_o punish_v here_o as_o such_o they_o can_v never_o be_v punish_v at_o
all_o those_o duty_n he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n be_v to_o dress_v and_o prepare_v our_o soul_n for_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n it_o be_v by_o these_o that_o he_o carve_v and_o pollish_v our_o nature_n cut_v off_o the_o roughness_n and_o unevenness_n of_o our_o temper_n and_o square_n we_o into_o fit_a material_n for_o the_o heavenly_a building_n for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n even_o our_o sanctification_n 1_o thess._n 4._o 3._o that_o be_v the_o purge_v our_o nature_n from_o all_o its_o aversion_n and_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o blessedness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o inlay_v it_o with_o all_o those_o divine_a disposition_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n with_o heaven_n consist_v for_o so_o our_o saviour_n explain_v it_o io._n 12._o 50_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a that_o be_v that_o what_o he_o command_v be_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o everlasting_a blessedness_n that_o it_o be_v the_o charity_n and_o humility_n the_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o self-resignation_n which_o he_o command_v which_o do_v attemper_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o relish_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o for_o ever_o for_o it_o be_v these_o virtue_n that_o do_v reconcile_v our_o appetite_n to_o heaven_n and_o without_o these_o our_o soul_n can_v no_o more_o relish_v the_o joy_n of_o it_o than_o our_o palate_n can_v sweetmeat_n while_o be_v be_v over-flowed_n with_o gall._n unless_o therefore_o we_o will_v deny_v our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o affection_n and_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n it_o be_v nonsense_n for_o we_o to_o talk_v of_o go_v to_o heaven_n for_o heaven_n itself_o without_o a_o heavenly_a disposition_n to_o relish_v it_o be_v a_o tasteless_a and_o insipid_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o please_v a_o blind_a man_n with_o the_o beauty_n of_o colour_n and_o a_o deaf_a man_n with_o a_o consort_n of_o music_n as_o to_o gratify_v a_o vicious_a mind_n with_o its_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n 4._o and_o last_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o essential_a act_n and_o ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v not_o what_o we_o will_v but_o what_o god_n will_v it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o external_a possession_n or_o in_o be_v seize_v of_o a_o great_a plenty_n of_o outward_a good_n of_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o whither_o they_o be_v earthly_a or_o heavenly_a it_o be_v not_o the_o possess_v the_o outward_a good_n of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o enjoy_v they_o that_o make_v any_o man_n happy_a and_o if_o i_o have_v all_o the_o world_n in_o my_o possession_n no_o more_o of_o it_o can_v go_v into_o my_o happiness_n than_o just_a what_o i_o enjoy_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v like_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o great_a mountain_n of_o sand_n which_o i_o can_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v nor_o apply_v to_o any_o of_o my_o needs_o or_o conveniency_n so_o that_o the_o possession_n of_o outward_a good_n be_v good_a only_o as_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o abstract_v from_o which_o it_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a whether_o i_o be_o possess_v of_o they_o or_o no._n but_o now_o it_o be_v by_o our_o own_o action_n that_o we_o do_v enjoy_v the_o good_n we_o be_v possess_v of_o by_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o need_v and_o conveniency_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n we_o take_v in_o the_o application_n so_o that_o in_o short_a our_o happiness_n be_v not_o in_o the_o good_n that_o be_v without_o we_o but_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o that_o be_v within_o we_o that_o be_v in_o those_o act_n of_o fruition_n by_o which_o we_o feel_v and_o perceive_v they_o and_o thus_o if_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o all_o those_o outward_a good_n that_o heaven_n abound_v with_o they_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o happiness_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o by_o proper_a act_n of_o fruition_n do_v taste_v and_o perceive_v their_o beauty_n and_o delightfulness_n so_o that_o all_o the_o happiness_n you_o see_v that_o heaven_n or_o earth_n can_v afford_v we_o be_v immediate_o lodge_v in_o our_o own_o act_n of_o enjoyment_n without_o which_o neither_o the_o possession_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n upon_o earth_n nor_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v make_v we_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n happy_a since_o therefore_o our_o happiness_n be_v so_o immediate_o lodge_v in_o our_o own_o act_n it_o will_v hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o those_o act_n by_o which_o the_o good_n of_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v be_v the_o act_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n now_o the_o chief_a good_n of_o heaven_n be_v god_n and_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o ourselves_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o heaven_n must_v consist_v in_o those_o act_n by_o which_o god_n and_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o ourselves_o be_v enjoy_v and_o by_o what_o act_n can_v these_o be_v enjoy_v but_o by_o godly_a saintly_o and_o angelical_a one_o it_o be_v by_o worship_n and_o contemplation_n by_o love_n and_o imitation_n by_o dependence_n and_o subjection_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o we_o it_o be_v by_o charity_n and_o righteousness_n by_o modesty_n and_o peaceableness_n by_o submission_n and_o condescension_n that_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o we_o it_o be_v by_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n by_o fortitude_n temperance_n and_o humility_n that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o when_o we_o go_v into_o eternity_n we_o carry_v with_o we_o a_o mind_n and_o will_n habituate_v to_o these_o beatific_a action_n these_o act_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n will_n and_o law_n whilst_o therefore_o we_o take_v part_n with_o our_o own_o will_n against_o god_n we_o act_v quite_o counter_a to_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o go_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o our_o heavenly_a fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n for_o that_o which_o god_n design_n in_o all_o his_o command_n be_v to_o educate_v and_o train_v up_o our_o nature_n for_o heaven_n to_o discipline_n and_o exercise_n it_o in_o the_o beatifical_a act_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n that_o so_o when_o it_o be_v advance_v from_o this_o school_n of_o probation_n to_o the_o university_n of_o happiness_n it_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o language_n and_o naturalize_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v predispose_v and_o habituate_v to_o love_n and_o dependence_n to_o charity_n and_o righteousness_n and_o all_o those_o beatifical_a act_n by_o which_o heaven_n be_v enjoy_v so_o that_o while_o we_o follow_v his_o will_n we_o be_v learning_n to_o enjoy_v heaven_n and_o perfect_v ourselves_o in_o the_o act_n of_o our_o everlasting_a fruition_n that_o so_o when_o we_o go_v from_o hence_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o good_n above_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_o verse_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o have_v the_o skill_n and_o ability_n to_o make_v a_o happy_a use_n of_o they_o for_o ever_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a while_o we_o follow_v our_o own_o corrupt_a will_n and_o inclination_n we_o do_v not_o only_o not_o learn_v these_o bless_a act_n of_o fruition_n but_o we_o learn_v the_o quite_o contrary_n instead_o of_o learning_n to_o enjoy_v god_n by_o love_n and_o adoration_n we_o learn_v how_o to_o divide_v ourselves_o eternal_o from_o he_o by_o contract_a enmity_n to_o he_o and_o a_o profane_a contempt_n of_o his_o majesty_n instead_o of_o learning_n to_o enjoy_v saint_n and_o angel_n by_o charity_n and_o righteousness_n we_o learn_v how_o to_o banish_v ourselves_o from_o their_o society_n by_o contract_v malicious_a and_o dishonest_a inclination_n in_o a_o word_n instead_o of_o learning_n to_o enjoy_v ourselves_o by_o humility_n and_o temperance_n we_o learn_v how_o to_o be_v our_o own_o devil_n and_o tormentor_n by_o contract_a pride_n and_o a_o unlimited_a propension_n to_o bodily_a pleasure_n by_o which_o mean_n we_o shall_v at_o last_o render_v our_o nature_n not_o only_o impotent_a but_o also_o irreconcilable_a to_o all_o those_o bless_a act_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o so_o utter_o disable_v ourselves_o from_o enjoy_v heaven_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o real_a grievance_n to_o we_o to_o be_v force_v to_o endure_v it_o for_o when_o by_o thus_o follow_v my_o own_o wicked_a will_n i_o have_v contract_v a_o deep_a and_o inveterate_a aversion_n to_o all_o those_o beatifical_a act_n by_o which_o heaven_n be_v enjoy_v i_o have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o heaven_n in_o my_o nature_n and_o so_o long_o as_o this_o
this_o reason_n he_o that_o have_v say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v james_z 2._o 10_o 11._o i._n e._n it_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n that_o forbid_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o thou_o do_v not_o the_o one_o yet_o if_o thou_o do_v the_o other_o thou_o sin_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o both_o see_v therefore_o we_o be_v not_o account_v universal_o righteous_a by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n unless_o we_o do_v universal_o obey_v it_o a_o partial_a resolution_n to_o obey_v can_v never_o constitute_v we_o righteous_a because_o such_o a_o resolution_n will_v never_o make_v we_o universal_o obedient_a then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a say_v david_n when_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n psal._n 119._o 6._o so_o that_o to_o make_v our_o resolution_n a_o christian_a principle_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v universal_a i._n e._n of_o equal_a extent_n with_o that_o law_n which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o like_o a_o fruitful_a womb_n it_o shall_v be_v pregnant_a with_o every_o good_a work_n and_o virtual_o contain_v in_o it_o every_o particular_a that_o our_o religion_n have_v make_v our_o duty_n 5._o it_o must_v be_v a_o prevail_a resolution_n a_o resolution_n of_o such_o force_n as_o do_v engage_v we_o to_o do_v what_o we_o resolve_v and_o actual_o prevail_v over_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a resolution_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o action_n because_o if_o that_o we_o resolve_v to_o do_v be_v not_o necessary_a it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o resolve_v to_o do_v it_o or_o no_o but_o if_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v do_v otherwise_o we_o have_v be_v as_o good_a never_o to_o have_v resolve_v to_o do_v it_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o resolution_n therefore_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o engagement_n to_o practice_v what_o we_o resolve_v and_o consequent_o if_o our_o resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n be_v not_o prevalent_a enough_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o obey_v he_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a principle_n of_o christian_a righteousness_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a insignificant_a cypher_n for_o as_o that_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n which_o produce_v no_o effect_n so_o that_o can_v be_v no_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v not_o productive_a of_o it_o and_o if_o to_o make_v it_o a_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o prevalent_a engagement_n to_o a_o righteous_a life_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o when_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v prevalent_a it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o consequent_o that_o whenever_o we_o do_v commit_v any_o sin_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o prevail_a resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n we_o do_v for_o that_o time_n cease_v to_o be_v righteous_a men._n but_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n inconsistent_a with_o a_o prevail_a resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n but_o such_o as_o do_v prevail_v against_o it_o and_o actual_o overpower_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o for_o those_o weakness_n surreption_n and_o surprise_v which_o for_o distinction-sake_n we_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n either_o we_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o overpower_v our_o good_a resolution_n that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o contest_v with_o it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v consent_n to_o they_o it_o be_v unaware_o before_o we_o can_v oppose_v our_o resolution_n against_o they_o so_o that_o though_o upon_o surprise_n they_o do_v win_v our_o consent_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o win_v it_o from_o our_o good_a resolution_n which_o in_o this_o sudden_a hurry_n of_o thought_n have_v not_o time_n to_o canvas_v for_o it_o but_o have_v power_n enough_o to_o have_v obtain_v it_o have_v it_o have_v but_o opportunity_n to_o prefer_v its_o claim_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o these_o they_o may_v fair_o comport_v with_o a_o prevail_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n but_o then_o there_o be_v sin_n of_o wilfulness_n which_o proceed_v either_o from_o wilful_a habit_n or_o from_o deliberate_a choice_n and_o these_o be_v no_o more_o consistent_a with_o such_o a_o resolution_n than_o one_o contrary_a be_v with_o another_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n for_o he_o who_o sin_n wilful_o be_v prevalent_o resolve_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v so_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prevalent_o resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n whilst_o therefore_o sin_n have_v the_o prevalence_n in_o we_o we_o be_v so_o long_a servant_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v so_o long_o cease_v to_o be_v servant_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o the_o long_o a_o man_n continue_v wicked_a the_o worse_o he_o will_v be_v but_o still_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v more_o prevalent_o resolve_v to_o sin_n than_o to_o obey_v god_n and_o he_o who_o be_v so_o though_o but_o for_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o day_n be_v so_o long_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o continue_v so_o for_o a_o month_n or_o a_o year_n he_o be_v not_o wicked_a indeed_o to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n and_o so_o may_v far_o more_o easy_o recover_v but_o from_o the_o time_n that_o we_o deliberate_o consent_v to_o any_o know_a sin_n to_o the_o time_n that_o we_o repent_v of_o it_o we_o be_v wilful_a sinner_n if_o we_o repent_v immediate_o we_o immediate_o recover_v into_o that_o good_a estate_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v fall_v and_o so_o our_o wound_n be_v cure_v almost_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v make_v for_o the_o proper_a repentance_n of_o single_a act_n of_o wilful_a sin_n be_v either_o to_o resolve_v not_o to_o repeat_v they_o or_o where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v to_o undo_v they_o again_o by_o restitution_n but_o when_o our_o baffle_a resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n be_v thus_o recover_v into_o a_o prevalent_a engagement_n to_o obey_v he_o it_o revive_v into_o a_o live_a principle_n of_o righteousness_n but_o yet_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o conclude_v it_o be_v such_o we_o must_v make_v some_o trial_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o until_o it_o be_v prevalent_a it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o righteousness_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o till_o for_o some_o time_n it_o have_v actual_o prevail_v we_o can_v be_v secure_a that_o it_o be_v prevalent_a that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o prevalent_a resolution_n that_o for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o week_n put_v we_o into_o a_o fit_a of_o religion_n and_o so_o expire_v such_o flashy_a purpose_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v through_o cure_n that_o they_o be_v only_o so_o many_o intermission_n of_o our_o disease_n that_o always_o leave_v we_o as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o they_o find_v we_o but_o if_o upon_o sufficient_a trial_n we_o find_v that_o our_o resolution_n do_v hold_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o actual_o engage_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o solicitation_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o may_v then_o safe_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v that_o very_o vital_a principle_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n do_v constitute_v we_o righteous_a men._n and_o according_o matth._n 21._o 28_o 29_o 30._o our_o saviour_n compare_v those_o who_o may_v but_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o son_n that_o first_o resolve_v to_o go_v whither_o his_o father_n command_v he_o but_o afterward_o cool_v and_o do_v not_o obey_v imply_v that_o the_o great_a fault_n which_o spoil_v his_o resolution_n and_o render_v it_o insignificant_a be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o firm_a and_o prevalent_a which_o have_v it_o be_v it_o have_v actual_o enter_v he_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 6._o and_o last_o it_o must_v be_v a_o resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n spring_v out_o of_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o it_o be_v which_o render_v it_o strict_o and_o proper_o a_o christian_a principle_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o either_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o christianity_n or_o it_o have_v never_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n our_o infidelity_n will_v have_v be_v only_o our_o misery_n but_o not_o our_o crime_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o through_o consideration_n of_o the_o argument_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o natural_o spring_v out_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n we_o be_v effectual_o resolve_v to_o study_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v it_o to_o obey_v it_o it_o have_v be_v no_o criminal_a defect_n in_o our_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v found_v upon_o