and_o unite_v they_o in_o one_o centre_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v toss_v hither_o and_o thither_o by_o independent_a design_n and_o intention_n because_o this_o will_v unavoidable_o distract_v he_o in_o his_o prosecution_n and_o so_o divide_v and_o weaken_v his_o principle_n of_o action_n that_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n god_n therefore_o be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o progress_n therein_o that_o we_o shall_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v respect_n and_o aim_v at_o he_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o action_n that_o we_o shall_v continual_o look_v up_o to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o direct_a star_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o steer_v our_o motion_n and_o conduct_v our_o whole_a life_n under_o a_o fix_a intention_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o imitate_v his_o nature_n and_o indeed_o unless_o we_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o good_a man_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o religion_n for_o religion_n as_o such_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o under_o this_o notion_n the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a enjoin_v all_o its_o duty_n viz._n of_o homage_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n for_o it_o require_v we_o to_o do_v all_o as_o unto_o god_n col._n iii._o 23_o and_o to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n x._o 31_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o imitation_n of_o he_o from_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o we_o and_o immutable_a right_o to_o rule_v and_o command_v we_o not_o that_o a_o actual_a explicit_a intention_n of_o obey_v or_o imitate_v god_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o good_a action_n for_o our_o occasion_n of_o do_v good_a be_v so_o infinite_a and_o so_o often_o occur_v in_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o incapable_a as_o they_o be_v of_o attend_v many_o thing_n at_o once_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o actual_o to_o intend_v obedience_n to_o god_n in_o every_o good_a thing_n we_o perform_v but_o that_o in_o the_o general_n we_o shall_v hearty_o intend_v it_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o the_o consecrate_v our_o best_a action_n and_o adopt_v they_o into_o the_o family_n of_o religion_n for_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o religion_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o particular_a command_n and_o prohibition_n of_o it_o do_v receive_v their_o force_n and_o obligation_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o do_v what_o he_o command_v with_o a_o general_a intention_n of_o mind_n to_o obey_v he_o we_o do_v not_o act_v upon_o a_o religious_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o though_o our_o action_n shall_v be_v material_o good_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o formal_o religious_a now_o to_o the_o fix_v and_o settle_v such_o a_o general_a intention_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o shall_v so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a actual_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v throw_v by_o all_o other_o end_v so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o refer_v our_o action_n direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o he_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o shall_v formal_o devote_v and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o his_o bless_a will_n and_o pleasure_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v this_o and_o this_o i_o do_v pure_o to_o please_v god_n with_o a_o single_a intention_n of_o soul_n to_o resemble_v and_o please_v he_o to_o transcribe_v his_o nature_n and_o comply_v with_o his_o will._n for_o which_o end_n we_o must_v take_v care_n as_o oft_o as_o we_o can_v to_o perform_v our_o religious_a action_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o no_o secular_a end_n may_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o our_o intention_n to_o be_v as_o private_a and_o as_o modest_a as_o we_o can_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o not_o expose_v it_o any_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n lest_o applause_n and_o reputation_n shall_v intrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o and_o carry_v away_o our_o intention_n from_o god_n for_o thus_o our_o saviour_n advise_v in_o the_o case_n of_o charity_n and_o prayer_n mat._n vi_fw-la 1_o 7._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n to_o be_v see_v of_o they_o nor_o sound_v a_o trumpet_n before_o they_o to_o make_v the_o street_n ring_v of_o our_o charity_n nay_o if_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o let_v our_o left_a hand_n know_v what_o our_o right_a hand_n do_v but_o that_o our_o alm_n shall_v be_v secret_a and_o know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o shall_v not_o affect_v to_o make_v a_o pompous_a show_n of_o it_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o our_o closert_n and_o shut_v our_o door_n and_o in_o the_o most_o private_a manner_n unbosom_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o sense_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o shall_v we_o endeavour_v so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v so_o to_o circumstantiate_v our_o charity_n and_o devotion_n as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o opportunity_n to_o secular_a end_n and_o aim_v to_o obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o to_o mingle_v with_o our_o pious_a intention_n and_o deflower_v the_o purity_n of_o they_o not_o that_o i_o think_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o intend_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o that_o our_o intention_n be_v bad_a when_o it_o immediate_o respect_v any_o worldly_a end_n such_o as_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o honour_n which_o be_v propose_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o what_o hurt_n can_v it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o aim_v at_o that_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a if_o worldly_a advantage_n be_v the_o only_a or_o chief_a end_n we_o aim_v at_o our_o intention_n be_v naught_o and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o action_n thence_o proceed_v but_o if_o together_o with_o that_o we_o do_v so_o hearty_o intend_v and_o aim_v to_o please_v god_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o bless_a will_n and_o nature_n as_o to_o continue_v on_o in_o the_o path_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o not_o only_a when_o we_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o outward_a advantage_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o it_o but_o when_o outward_a evil_n and_o inconvenience_n lie_v in_o our_o way_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o our_o intention_n be_v true_o good_a and_o sincere_a notwithstanding_o those_o immediate_a respect_n which_o it_o many_o time_n have_v to_o secular_a end_n and_o inducement_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o more_o it_o respect_v these_o the_o more_o imperfect_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o liable_a to_o be_v vanquish_v by_o outward_a temptation_n for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n that_o it_o be_v conscious_a of_o its_o own_o weakness_n when_o it_o dare_v not_o stand_v alone_o but_o be_v fain_o to_o call_v in_o to_o it_o the_o assistance_n of_o these_o worldly_a end_n to_o support_v and_o defend_v it_o and_o the_o less_o of_o worldly_a aim_n there_o be_v in_o our_o religious_a intention_n to_o be_v sure_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o simple_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o of_o substantial_a piety_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_o sincere_a notwithstanding_o its_o be_v compound_v with_o secular_a aim_n and_o respect_n yet_o the_o more_o of_o these_o there_o be_v in_o it_o the_o weak_a and_o more_o instable_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o our_o mind_n be_v finite_a can_v possible_o intend_v many_o thing_n with_o equal_a strength_n and_o vigour_n as_o it_o can_v do_v one_o and_o when_o its_o intention_n be_v disperse_v among_o various_a object_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v more_o languid_a than_o when_o it_o be_v collect_v unite_a and_o fix_v upon_o one_o and_o consequent_o the_o more_o a_o man_n intention_n respect_v the_o world_n the_o less_o in_o proportion_n it_o must_v respect_v god_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n and_o then_o the_o less_o a_o man_n respect_v god_n in_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o more_o he_o respect_v the_o world_n the_o more_o liable_a he_o will_v be_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o worldly_a loss_n or_o advantage_n for_o when_o those_o advantage_n which_o he_o so_o much_o respect_n lie_v on_o the_o opposite_a side_n to_o his_o duty_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o incline_v to_o desert_n it_o and_o as_o often_o as_o fortune_n shift_v side_n and_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o advantage_n of_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n
consideration_n of_o thing_n with_o that_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o those_o earnest_n cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o strong_a and_o last_a resolution_n be_v no_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n for_o in_o all_o those_o preparatory_a exercise_n we_o have_v a_o rove_a mind_n a_o hard_a heart_n and_o a_o perverse_a nature_n to_o contend_v with_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o call_v in_o our_o wander_a thought_n and_o unite_v they_o together_o into_o a_o fix_a and_o steady_a consideration_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o motive_n and_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v entertain_v they_o with_o this_o unwonted_a argument_n there_o be_v a_o thousand_o object_n with_o which_o they_o be_v better_o acquaint_v that_o will_v be_v call_v they_o away_o so_o that_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o violence_n to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o together_o so_o long_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o form_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o pass_v a_o true_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o we_o have_v fix_v our_o thought_n into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o our_o lust_n will_v object_v much_o more_o against_o they_o than_o our_o reason_n that_o they_o will_v be_v cast_v mist_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o bribe_v and_o bias_v our_o understanding_n the_o other_o way_n and_o that_o thereupon_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o we_o be_v aware_a to_o convince_v ourselves_o thorough_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v so_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o balance_v the_o motive_n with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o ourselves_o a_o full_a and_o free_a consent_n to_o they_o here_o again_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o at_o a_o mighty_a plunge_v for_o though_o the_o motive_n to_o our_o duty_n be_v at_o first_o view_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v unspeakable_o more_o intolerable_a to_o lose_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o incur_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n than_o to_o endure_v the_o sharp_a brunt_n of_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n yet_o these_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a have_v a_o more_o immediate_a access_n to_o we_o and_o consequent_o be_v apt_a to_o move_v we_o then_o either_o of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v both_o of_o they_o future_a and_o invisible_a so_o that_o unless_o we_o do_v earnest_o press_v and_o urge_v ourselves_o with_o those_o motive_n and_o imprint_v they_o upon_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o real_a character_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o overrule_v in_o despite_n of_o they_o by_o these_o present_a and_o sensible_a difficulty_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o when_o we_o have_v effectual_o convince_v ourselves_o that_o those_o difficulty_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v much_o less_o considerable_a than_o the_o motive_n to_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o persuade_v our_o will_n into_o a_o free_a and_o explicit_a consent_n to_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o for_o now_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o strong_a aversation_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o sundry_a of_o those_o duty_n that_o call_v for_o our_o approbation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a counterstrive_v between_o our_o reason_n and_o inclination_n our_o darling_n lust_n those_o bosom_n orator_n within_o we_o will_v now_o employ_v all_o their_o rhetoric_n to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o part_v with_o they_o they_o will_v clasp_v about_o our_o soul_n like_o depart_a lover_n and_o use_v all_o their_o charm_n and_o allurement_n to_o hold_v we_o fast_o and_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o we_o and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n though_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n on_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o will_v be_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n effectual_o to_o dispose_v our_o will_n to_o close_v with_o so_o many_o offensive_a duty_n and_o part_n with_o so_o many_o belove_a sin_n but_o when_o this_o be_v do_v which_o to_o be_v sure_o will_v cost_v we_o many_o a_o violent_a struggle_v and_o contention_n with_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o difficulty_n to_o be_v master_v for_o now_o we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o our_o past_a ill_a life_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o all_o its_o natural_a horror_n turpitude_n and_o infamy_n and_o never_o leave_v reproach_v ourselves_o with_o the_o foulness_n and_o disingenuity_n the_o madness_n and_o folly_n of_o it_o till_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n affect_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o and_o indignation_n against_o it_o and_o for_o we_o that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o cokes_z and_o flatter_v ourselves_o to_o paint_v and_o varnish_v our_o deformity_n and_o crown_v our_o brow_n with_o force_a and_o undeserved_a applause_n for_o we_o to_o condemn_v and_o upbraid_v ourselves_o to_o strip_v our_o action_n of_o all_o their_o artificial_a beauty_n and_o set_v ourselves_o before_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o all_o our_o naked_a undisguised_a ugliness_n and_o not_o look_v off_o till_o we_o have_v look_v ourselves_o into_o shame_n and_o horror_n and_o hatred_n of_o ourselves_o will_v be_v at_o first_o especial_o a_o very_a ungrateful_a employment_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a while_n perhaps_o before_o our_o hard_a and_o unmalleable_a heart_n will_v yield_v to_o the_o impression_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o remorse_n but_o when_o this_o difficulty_n be_v conquer_v our_o work_n be_v not_o yet_o total_o finish_v for_o now_o we_o must_v come_v off_o from_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o presumptuous_a dependence_n upon_o our_o own_o ability_n and_o power_n and_o in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o most_o wretched_a weakness_n and_o impotency_n throw_v ourselves_o whole_o upon_o god_n and_o with_o earnest_n and_o importunate_a outcry_n implore_v his_o gracious_a aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o to_o man_n that_o have_v be_v all_o along_o enure_v to_o such_o glorious_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o such_o mighty_a confidence_n in_o their_o own_o ability_n that_o have_v promise_v themselves_o from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o at_o such_o and_o such_o a_o time_n they_o will_v repent_v and_o amend_v as_o if_o without_o god_n help_v it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o repent_v when_o they_o please_v for_o such_o man_n as_o these_o i_o say_v to_o come_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o self-confidence_n and_o whole_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o a_o foreign_a help_n so_o sensible_o to_o feel_v and_o ingenuous_o to_o own_o their_o own_o inability_n as_o to_o fly_v to_o god_n and_o confess_v themselves_o lose_v and_o undo_v without_o he_o be_v a_o much_o hard_a matter_n than_o we_o can_v well_o imagine_v till_o we_o come_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n and_o yet_o this_o all_o this_o must_v be_v do_v before_o we_o can_v be_v well_o prepare_v to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o christian_a warfare_n this_o i_o have_v the_o long_o insist_v on_o because_o i_o will_v deal_v plain_o with_o you_o and_o show_v you_o the_o worst_a of_o thing_n for_o whether_o you_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o or_o no_o you_o will_v find_v it_o if_o ever_o you_o make_v the_o experiment_n that_o all_o your_o good_a resolution_n without_o these_o preparation_n will_v soon_o unravel_v in_o the_o execution_n and_o that_o after_o you_o have_v resolve_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o you_o will_v be_v just_a where_o you_o be_v and_o not_o one_o step_n far_o in_o religion_n but_o for_o your_o encouragement_n know_v that_o when_o with_o these_o necessary_a preparation_n you_o have_v solemnize_v your_o resolution_n you_o have_v win_v the_o main_a and_o tough_a victory_n in_o all_o your_o spiritual_a warfare_n a_o victory_n by_o which_o you_o have_v pull_v down_o your_o sin_n from_o its_o throne_n and_o break_a and_o disarray_v its_o power_n and_o force_n so_o that_o now_o you_o be_v upon_o the_o pursuit_n of_o a_o fly_a enemy_n and_o if_o you_o do_v but_o diligent_o follow_v your_o blow_n and_o pursue_v your_o brave_a resolution_n through_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o do_v not_o suffer_v your_o vanquish_a enemy_n to_o rally_v and_o reinforce_v himself_o against_o you_o you_o will_v sensible_o perceive_v his_o strength_n decay_n and_o those_o lust_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o invincible_a will_v languish_v away_o by_o degree_n from_o weak_a to_o weak_a till_o at_o last_o they_o expire_v into_o the_o habit_n of_o their_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o so_o proportionable_o
from_o virtue_n to_o vice_n or_o from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n he_o will_v still_o be_v ready_a to_o face_v about_o with_o it_o and_o be_v always_o veer_v like_o a_o weathercock_n to_o a_o contrary_a point_n upon_o every_o change_n of_o wind._n whereas_o when_o a_o man_n intention_n pure_o respect_v god_n it_o will_v be_v immovable_o fix_v among_o all_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n from_o without_o for_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a change_n or_o capricio_n of_o fortune_n can_v hinder_v a_o man_n from_o please_a god_n who_o love_n to_o we_o depend_v not_o upon_o our_o be_v poor_a or_o rich_a please_v or_o pain_v depress_v or_o advance_v but_o upon_o our_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a and_o therefore_o if_o our_o aim_n be_v pure_o to_o please_v he_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o continue_v so_o which_o side_n soever_o fortune_n smile_v upon_o wherefore_o to_o our_o successful_a progress_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o shall_v abstract_a and_o separate_v our_o religious_a intention_n from_o all_o these_o worldly_a respect_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o look_v frequent_o up_o to_o god_n and_o actual_o refer_v and_o dedicate_a our_o action_n to_o he_o by_o shut_v our_o eye_n when_o we_o be_v enter_v upon_o any_o duty_n to_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o determine_v with_o ourselves_o this_o i_o will_v do_v pure_o because_o it_o be_v godlike_a or_o because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o whether_o i_o shall_v be_v commend_v or_o disgrace_v for_o it_o whether_o i_o shall_v get_v or_o lose_v by_o it_o i_o will_v not_o now_o regard_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o and_o therefore_o for_o this_o reason_n only_o i_o will_v do_v it_o without_o any_o other_o respect_n or_o consideration_n by_o which_o mean_v we_o shall_v by_o degree_n so_o purify_v our_o intention_n and_o refine_v they_o from_o worldly_a aim_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o act_v vigorous_o in_o religion_n without_o any_o other_o respect_n but_o that_o of_o please_a god_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o nature_n and_o when_o once_o we_o can_v do_v thus_o we_o be_v in_o a_o great_a forwardness_n in_o religion_n for_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v get_v such_o a_o ascendant_n over_o we_o that_o as_o we_o can_v cheerful_o obey_v he_o without_o external_a inducement_n so_o we_o can_v free_o contemn_v all_o inducement_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o it_o be_v our_o great_a and_o chief_a aim_n to_o please_v and_o be_v like_o he_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o we_o will_v have_v very_o little_a power_n to_o move_v we_o one_o way_n or_o '_o other_o because_o now_o our_o great_a aim_n be_v above_o they_o and_o our_o eye_n be_v so_o steadfast_o fix_v upon_o god_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o regard_v they_o and_o our_o mind_n be_v thus_o indispose_v to_o listen_v to_o the_o restless_a importunity_n of_o external_a good_n and_o evil_n our_o innocence_n be_v safe_a and_o we_o may_v pass_v triumphant_o through_o all_o their_o temptation_n it_o be_v a_o noble_a say_v of_o epictetus_n lib._n 2._o c._n 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o eject_v sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o lust_n from_o his_o soul_n but_o by_o look_v up_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o he_o only_o and_o devote_v our_o life_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v his_o scholar_n that_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o he_o drive_v at_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n to_o make_v they_o free_a and_o bless_a by_o persuade_v they_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n whether_o it_o be_v small_a or_o great_a lib._n 2._o c._n 19_o for_o whilst_o in_o our_o religious_a intention_n we_o do_v too_o much_o respect_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o we_o we_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n intrust_v they_o with_o our_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o make_v they_o inducement_n to_o our_o duty_n so_o far_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o secure_v or_o betray_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n so_o much_o as_o i_o aim_v at_o profit_n in_o any_o religious_a action_n so_o much_o power_n profit_n have_v over_o my_o religion_n and_o if_o the_o same_o profit_n shall_v invite_v i_o to_o a_o wicked_a action_n it_o will_v have_v as_o much_o power_n to_o betray_v my_o religion_n as_o it_o have_v to_o secure_v it_o for_o the_o same_o gain_n will_v have_v the_o same_o influence_n on_o i_o when_o it_o tempt_v i_o to_o sin_n as_o it_o have_v when_o it_o tempt_v i_o to_o obey_v what_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n therefore_o be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o intrust_v such_o a_o treasure_n as_o their_o innocence_n and_o religion_n in_o such_o irresponsible_a hand_n and_o to_o give_v those_o outward_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n a_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o virtue_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o sheep_n to_o a_o wolf_n or_o of_o our_o chastity_n to_o a_o goat_n wherefore_o as_o we_o will_v be_v safe_a in_o our_o religious_a progress_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o purify_v our_o good_a intention_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a from_o all_o worldly_a respect_n and_o to_o level_v they_o direct_o and_o immediate_o at_o god_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o v._o to_o render_v the_o course_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n successful_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o and_o inspection_n over_o we_o among_o the_o many_o excellent_a rule_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n have_v give_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o man_n life_n this_o be_v one_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n they_o shall_v imagine_v some_o excellent_a person_n for_o who_o they_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o spectator_n of_o all_o their_o action_n and_o it_o be_v wholesome_a advice_n that_o one_o give_v his_o lewd_a friend_n that_o he_o shall_v hang_v the_o picture_n of_o his_o grave_n and_o serious_a father_n in_o the_o room_n where_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o celebrate_v his_o debauch_n imagine_v that_o the_o severe_a eye_n of_o the_o good_a old_a man_n though_o but_o in_o effigy_n will_v give_v a_o mighty_a check_n to_o the_o wanton_a sally_n of_o the_o intemperate_a youth_n and_o if_o the_o bare_a fiction_n of_o a_o man_n be_v present_a with_o we_o or_o his_o be_v present_a only_o in_o a_o dead_a picture_n may_v be_v rational_o suppose_v to_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n on_o our_o action_n of_o how_o much_o great_a force_n must_v our_o firm_a belief_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o we_o be_v to_o regulate_v our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thus_o present_a with_o we_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v not_o only_o from_o the_o infinite_a plenitude_n of_o his_o essence_n which_o be_v self-existent_a can_v not_o be_v bound_v or_o limit_v by_o any_o cause_n from_o without_o and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o be_v boundless_a and_o immense_a but_o also_o from_o express_a assertion_n of_o scripture_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o every_o place_n behold_v the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a prov._n xv_o 3_o that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n at_o hand_n and_o not_o a_o god_n afar_o off_o and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a place_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o and_o that_o he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n jer._n xxiii_o 23_o 24._o and_o that_o we_o can_v go_v no_o whither_o from_o his_o presence_n psal._n cxxxix_o 7_o 8._o and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o his_o eye_n heb._n four_o 13_o that_o be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v surround_v and_o fill_v with_o his_o be_v which_o be_v both_o the_o womb_n that_o contain_v and_o the_o soul_n that_o pervade_v the_o creation_n and_o that_o be_v thus_o present_a with_o we_o wherever_o we_o be_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o constant_a inspection_n over_o we_o and_o a_o clear_a sense_n and_o perception_n of_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v and_o he_o be_v thus_o present_a with_o we_o in_o reality_n and_o not_o in_o fiction_n or_o picture_n it_o must_v doubtless_o be_v of_o mighty_a avail_n to_o the_o well-government_n of_o our_o life_n to_o be_v continual_o inspire_v with_o a_o actual_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v we_o to_o do_v good_a from_o a_o
delay_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v stray_v from_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v have_v soon_o recover_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v lose_v by_o it_o and_o by_o a_o little_a more_o diligence_n have_v get_v as_o far_o onward_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o interrupt_v our_o progress_n at_o all_o by_o defer_v our_o repentance_n we_o set_v ourselves_o far_o and_o far_a back_n and_o shall_v every_o day_n be_v more_o and_o more_o indispose_v to_o return_v for_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o stand_v still_o but_o either_o we_o be_v progressive_a or_o retrograde_a go_v backward_o or_o forward_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v so_o that_o when_o once_o we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o way_n we_o be_v still_o go_v far_o out_o till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o return_v again_o and_o consequent_o the_o long_o we_o be_v out_o the_o hard_a it_o will_v be_v to_o return_v and_o the_o far_o we_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o way_n for_o when_o i_o first_o sin_n and_o the_o wound_n of_o my_o innocence_n be_v yet_o green_a &_o fresh_a it_o may_v easy_o be_v cure_v by_o the_o timely_a application_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a confession_n and_o new_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n but_o if_o i_o neglect_v it_o it_o will_v rot_v and_o putrify_v my_o sense_n of_o it_o will_v be_v harden_v and_o my_o inclination_n to_o it_o grow_v every_o day_n more_o inveterate_a and_o then_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lance_v and_o corrode_v by_o a_o sharp_a a_o long_a and_o a_o painful_a repentance_n it_o will_v turn_v into_o a_o incurable_a gangrene_n hence_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n that_o be_v to_o repent_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n heb._n iii._o 13_o so_o that_o when_o we_o have_v wilful_o sin_v we_o run_v a_o mighty_a hazard_n of_o our_o final_a perseverance_n if_o we_o do_v repent_n immediate_o for_o all_o the_o while_o we_o delay_v our_o conscience_n grow_v more_o sear_v and_o our_o lust_n grow_v more_o confirm_v and_o god_n know_v where_o it_o will_v end_v but_o it_o be_v fearful_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o that_o neglect_a bruise_v which_o we_o get_v by_o our_o fall_n will_v grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o and_o determine_v at_o last_o in_o final_a impenitency_n wherefore_o as_o we_o intend_v to_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a it_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_v not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o any_o wilful_a sin_n nor_o suffer_v ourselves_o by_o any_o hope_n or_o fear_n to_o be_v tempt_v from_o our_o good_a resolution_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n our_o wicked_a inclination_n shall_v prevail_v against_o it_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o immediate_o to_o a_o serious_a repentance_n to_o make_v a_o sorrowful_a confession_n of_o it_o to_o our_o offend_a god_n and_o solemn_o renew_v our_o resolution_n against_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v stop_v the_o grow_a evil_n betimes_o before_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o endanger_n our_o final_a apostasy_n iii_o to_o our_o final_a perseverance_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o to_o prevent_v the_o like_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o more_o especial_o from_o those_o temptation_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o fall_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v strict_o prohibit_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n col._n iii._o 21_o to_o love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n joh._n ay_o two_o 15_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n mat._n vi_fw-la 19_o and_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n to_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n gal._n vi_fw-la 14_o and_o to_o converse_v as_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n in_o it_o heb._n xi_o 13_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n be_v make_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o infidel_n and_o apostate_n phil._n iii._o 19_o compare_v with_o tim._n two_o 3.4_o and_o so_o inconsistent_a be_v a_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o the_o world_n with_o our_o perseverance_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n that_o st._n james_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n be_v enmity_n with_o god_n jam._n four_o 4_o and_o it_o be_v to_o the_o excess_n of_o our_o friendship_n to_o it_o that_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o attribute_n our_o apostasy_n tim._n two_o 4.10_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a that_o be_v immoderate_o covet_v to_o be_v so_o fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o perdition_n and_o destruction_n and_o that_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 1_o tim._n vi_o 9_o 10._o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n in_o order_n to_o our_o perseverance_n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o wean_v and_o abstract_n ourselves_o from_o the_o world_n for_o this_o world_n be_v the_o magazine_n of_o all_o those_o temptation_n by_o which_o our_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n be_v importune_v and_o assault_v and_o it_o be_v either_o the_o hope_n of_o some_o worldly_a pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n that_o allure_v or_o the_o fear_n of_o some_o of_o the_o contrary_a evil_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n that_o affright_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n whilst_o therefore_o we_o immoderate_o love_v those_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o be_v the_o solicitour_n of_o vice_n we_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v conquer_v and_o lead_v captive_a by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o sin_v that_o man_n sin_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o good_n or_o to_o avoid_v those_o evil_n which_o be_v appendent_a to_o their_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o a_o man_n love_v those_o good_n which_o cling_v and_o adhere_v to_o a_o sinful_a action_n the_o more_o propense_a he_o will_v be_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o the_o more_o he_o dread_v those_o evil_n which_o he_o can_v most_o easy_o avoid_v by_o a_o sinful_a action_n the_o more_o prone_a and_o inclinable_a he_o will_v be_v to_o it_o wherefore_o to_o secure_v our_o perseverance_n in_o this_o warfare_n against_o sin_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o rectify_v our_o opinion_n of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n and_o moderate_a and_o abate_v our_o affection_n towards_o they_o especial_o towards_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o prevalent_a with_o we_o for_o the_o temptation_n that_o prevail_v upon_o we_o discover_v the_o weak_a side_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o instruct_v the_o devil_n what_o good_a or_o evil_a it_o be_v that_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o allure_v or_o affright_v we_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o subtle_a tempter_n who_o have_v be_v so_o many_o thousand_o year_n study_v the_o art_n of_o seduce_v we_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o assault_v we_o again_o where_o he_o have_v be_v already_o successful_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o fortify_v ourselves_o there_o where_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o enemy_n will_v assault_v we_o and_o to_o rectify_v our_o opinion_n of_o and_o mortify_v our_o affection_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v already_o so_o much_o impose_v upon_o our_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n for_o it_o be_v our_o imagination_n that_o give_v life_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o charm_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n and_o render_v they_o so_o successful_a against_o we_o we_o fancy_v that_o to_o be_v in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o and_o so_o be_v affect_v not_o so_o much_o with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o with_o the_o false_a representation_n we_o make_v of_o they_o for_o its_o plain_a the_o good_n of_o the_o world_n be_v behold_v to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o beauty_n with_o which_o they_o tempt_v and_o allure_v we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o fancy_n that_o give_v the_o paint_n and_o fucus_n with_o which_o they_o charm_v and_o enamour_v our_o affection_n and_o so_o for_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v our_o own_o imagination_n that_o disguise_v they_o into_o such_o bug_n and_o scarecrow_n and_o put_v those_o ghastly_a vizor_n on_o they_o with_o which_o they_o fright_v and_o amaze_v we_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v but_o take_v care_n to_o rectify_v our_o opinion_n of_o they_o both_o and_o to_o strip_v they_o out_o of_o their_o imaginary_a