gulielmus_fw-la batesius_n s._n s._n theol_n prof._n aetat_fw-la 62_o nov_n 1687._o sell_v by_o n._n ranew_n &_o i._n robinson_n 1688._o the_o sure_a trial_n of_o uprightness_n open_v in_o several_a sermon_n upon_o psal._n xviii_o v_o 23._o i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o have_v keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n by_o william_n bates_z d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1689._o the_o preface_n it_o be_v the_o bless_a privilege_n obtain_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o his_o people_n that_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a sanctification_n be_v gracious_o accept_v of_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o this_o sincere_a holiness_n be_v strict_o and_o indispensable_o require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o mediator_n without_o it_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o the_o treasure_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o glory_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o matter_n that_o infinite_o concern_v we_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a blessedness_n to_o make_v a_o true_a discovery_n of_o our_o uprightness_n and_o usual_o all_o the_o fear_n and_o inquiry_n about_o our_o spiritual_a state_n issue_n in_o this_o whether_o we_o be_v upright_o or_o not_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o uprightness_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o relief_n in_o all_o perplex_v jealousy_n about_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o notwithstanding_o our_o defect_n he_o will_v spare_v we_o as_o a_o father_n spare_v his_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o this_o great_a question_n of_o our_o sincerity_n may_v be_v clear_v by_o a_o due_a observe_v our_o heart_n and_o way_n for_o conscience_n be_v a_o inseparable_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o even_o in_o the_o heathen_a accuse_v or_o excuse_v as_o their_o action_n be_v exorbitant_a or_o regular_a according_a to_o the_o internal_a law_n and_o consequent_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o wickedness_n or_o moral_a integrity_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o tell_v we_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o but_o this_o primary_o respect_v the_o discern_a it_o by_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o there_o may_v be_v the_o affectation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n join_v with_o a_o disaffection_n to_o the_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v solemn_a formality_n without_o cordial_a godliness_n a_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o personate_n devotion_n for_o vile_a ends._n but_o though_o the_o impure_a artist_n under_o a_o veil_n of_o hypocrisy_n may_v be_v conceal_v from_o other_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o many_o from_o ignorance_n or_o carelessness_n may_v presume_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n there_o be_v many_o carnal_a shift_n make_v use_v of_o to_o palliate_v the_o evil_a condition_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o their_o security_n proceed_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o due_a examine_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a excuse_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o plead_v the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o for_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o our_o deceivableness_n but_o willingness_n to_o be_v deceive_v that_o expose_v we_o to_o mistake_v our_o spiritual_a condition_n by_o the_o insinuation_n of_o satan_n as_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n adul_n observe_v a_o man_n be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a flatterer_n of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o flatterer_n but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o impartial_o search_v ourselves_o though_o the_o heart_n be_v such_o a_o dark_a labyrinth_n that_o every_o secret_a turn_n can_v be_v discover_v though_o all_o the_o deflection_n and_o error_n of_o our_o way_n can_v be_v exact_o know_v yet_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o habitual_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o follow_a sermon_n to_o direct_v man_n in_o the_o discussion_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v not_o from_o a_o err_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a heart_n deceive_v themselves_o in_o a_o matter_n that_o so_o near_o concern_v they_o and_o incur_v the_o double_a punishment_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o gild_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v when_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n many_o useful_a rule_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o divine_n whereby_o true_a grace_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o counterfeit_n but_o the_o plain_a trial_n and_o level_n to_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o low_a christian_a be_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a respect_n to_o all_o god_n command_n without_o the_o reservation_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n how_o pleasant_a soever_o to_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n or_o the_o exception_n against_o any_o know_a duty_n that_o be_v displease_v to_o they_o if_o man_n will_v retire_v from_o the_o vanity_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n into_o themselves_o and_o search_v their_o spirit_n with_o that_o seriousness_n that_o be_v due_a to_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n if_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n if_o conscience_n be_v inquisitive_a as_o under_o god_n eye_n that_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n into_o every_o breast_n they_o may_v have_v a_o inward_a testimony_n of_o their_o sincerity_n or_o deceitfulness_n the_o apostle_n refer_v the_o decision_n of_o our_o state_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o of_o any_o habitual_a indulge_v sin_n than_o we_o have_v peace_n towards_o god._n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o neglect_n of_o try_v themselves_o many_o live_v in_o a_o cloud_n of_o delusion_n and_o from_o inward_a darkness_n pass_v to_o outer_a darkness_n for_o ever_o the_o sure_a trial_n of_o uprightness_n psal._n xviii_o 23._o i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o have_v keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n the_o title_n of_o this_o psalm_n declare_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o david_n speak_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o word_n of_o this_o song_n in_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o heavenly_a mind_n that_o after_o his_o victory_n and_o triumph_n when_o his_o throne_n be_v establish_v in_o peace_n he_o recount_v the_o signal_n act_v of_o divine_a providence_n with_o holy_a ecstasy_n of_o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o leave_v a_o everlasting_a memorial_n of_o god_n excellent_a goodness_n to_o he_o carnal_a person_n in_o extremity_n may_v be_v ardent_a in_o request_n for_o deliverance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v obtain_v they_o retain_v but_o a_o cold_a remembrance_n of_o god_n preserve_a mercy_n nay_o they_o often_o pervert_v his_o benefit_n the_o affluence_n and_o ease_n and_o security_n of_o their_o condition_n occasion_n the_o ungrateful_a forgetfulness_n of_o their_o benefactor_n self-love_n kindle_v desire_n for_o what_o we_o want_v the_o love_n of_o god_n inspire_v a_o holy_a heat_n in_o praise_n for_o what_o we_o enjoy_v in_o the_o psalm_n the_o inspire_a composer_n display_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o lofty_a figure_n of_o speech_n suitable_a to_o sacred_a poesy_n and_o in_o a_o relative_a endear_n way_n as_o manifest_v in_o his_o preservation_n he_o attribute_n such_o title_n to_o god_n as_o be_v significant_a of_o the_o benefit_n he_o receive_v sometime_o god_n discover_v the_o crafty_a and_o cruel_a design_n that_o be_v form_v against_o his_o people_n his_o eye_n save_v they_o and_o he_o be_v style_v their_o light_n sometime_o he_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o enemy_n his_o hand_n and_o power_n save_v they_o he_o be_v style_v their_o defence_n here_o the_o psalmist_n with_o exuberant_a affection_n multiply_v the_o divine_a title_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n and_o my_o deliverer_n my_o shield_n and_o my_o high_a tower_n and_o my_o refuge_n and_o my_o salvation_n a_o rock_n be_v a_o natural_a a_o tower_n a_o artificial_a defence_n both_o be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o safe_a protection_n he_o find_v in_o god._n he_o than_o set_v forth_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o danger_n to_o add_v a_o luster_n to_o the_o name_n of_o his_o preserver_n the_o wave_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o the_o flood_n of_o ungodly_a man_n make_v i_o afraid_a his_o ruin_n be_v imminent_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v inevitable_a but_o in_o that_o distress_n his_o servant_n prayer_n his_o cry_n to_o god_n
pierce_v the_o heaven_n god_n hear_v his_o voice_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n and_o speedy_o in_o the_o best_a season_n come_v for_o his_o deliverance_n he_o be_v see_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n he_o ride_v upon_o a_o cherub_n those_o swift_a spirit_n and_o do_v fly_v he_o describe_v the_o terror_n of_o his_o come_n against_o his_o enemy_n the_o lord_n thunder_v from_o the_o heaven_n he_o send_v down_o his_o arrow_n and_o scatter_v they_o his_o lightning_n discomfit_v they_o the_o act_n of_o justice_n reverse_v have_v the_o ensign_n of_o mercy_n on_o they_o the_o drown_v of_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v the_o preserve_n of_o the_o israelite_n brief_o he_o ascribe_v his_o deliverance_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sole_a mover_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sole_a worker_n of_o it_o he_o deliver_v i_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o i_o his_o free_a and_o compassionate_a love_n be_v primary_o active_a and_o draw_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o its_o most_o noble_a exercise_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o david_n such_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o grateful_a sense_n the_o psalmist_n have_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o give_v the_o sweet_a relish_n of_o his_o deliverance_n this_o be_v his_o true_a triumph_n after_o the_o final_a conquest_n of_o his_o enemy_n indeed_o his_o enemy_n be_v unjust_a and_o cruel_a and_o god_n vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n against_o they_o therefore_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n reward_v i_o according_a to_o my_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o cleanness_n of_o my_o hand_n have_v he_o recompense_v i_o he_o declare_v the_o holiness_n of_o his_o conversation_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v not_o wicked_o depart_v from_o my_o god._n and_o as_o a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o he_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n i_o be_v upright_o also_o before_o he_o and_o keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n in_o the_o text_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o david_n uprightness_n by_o his_o atte_a god_n the_o searcher_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o heart_n i_o be_v upright_o before_o he_o and_o by_o a_o infallible_a proof_n of_o it_o i_o keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n there_o be_v one_o difficulty_n to_o be_v remove_v before_o i_o come_v to_o discourse_v upon_o the_o proposition_n and_o that_o be_v how_o this_o profession_n of_o uprightness_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o david_n action_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o his_o sin_n the_o crimson_a gild_n and_o kill_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v they_o especial_o the_o deliberate_a and_o cruel_a contrivance_n of_o uriah_n death_n or_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o fearful_a interval_n between_o his_o sin_n and_o repentance_n for_o like_o some_o fair_a river_n that_o in_o their_o current_n sudden_o sink_v under_o ground_n and_o be_v lose_v in_o their_o secret_a passage_n till_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n they_o rise_v and_o flow_v again_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o david_n he_o that_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a in_o holiness_n of_o life_n sink_v into_o a_o gulf_n of_o sensuality_n and_o cruelty_n and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v unrelenting_a and_o unreformed_a till_o by_o a_o special_a message_n from_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n he_o be_v renew_v to_o repentance_n and_o restore_v to_o the_o forfeit_a favour_n of_o god._n to_o this_o objection_n some_o learned_a interpreter_n answer_v that_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o a_o tacit_n exception_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n concern_v he_o that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o command_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n save_v only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n that_o sin_n though_o a_o dreadful_a provocation_n yet_o do_v not_o blast_v the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n and_o make_v it_o unacceptable_a to_o god._n 2._o this_o affirmation_n of_o david_n may_v refer_v to_o his_o afflict_a state_n when_o his_o conscience_n be_v tender_a and_o vigilant_a and_o his_o passion_n so_o subdue_v that_o though_o saul_n his_o most_o unrighteous_a and_o implacable_a adversary_n be_v at_o his_o mercy_n and_o he_o can_v as_o 〈◊〉_d have_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n as_o the_o lap_n of_o his_o garment_n though_o he_o be_v provoke_v to_o take_v his_o full_a revenge_n on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o own_o fear_n yet_o he_o reject_v the_o motion_n with_o abhorrence_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v he_o spare_v saul_n and_o will_v not_o by_o such_o a_o irregular_a act_n obtain_v the_o kingdom_n though_o elect_v to_o it_o by_o god_n himself_o by_o this_o we_o may_v take_v a_o estimate_n of_o his_o integrity_n which_o god_n reward_v at_o last_o the_o proposition_n that_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o be_v this_o that_o the_o preserve_v a_o man_n self_n from_o his_o iniquity_n be_v a_o undeceive_a evidence_n of_o uprightness_n in_o the_o manage_n the_o doctrine_n three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o unfold_v 1._o what_o sin_n may_v be_v denominate_v a_o man_n own_o 2._o what_o the_o preserve_n one_o self_n from_o that_o sin_n imply_v 3._o how_o this_o be_v a_o undeceive_a evidence_n of_o uprightness_n 1._o what_o sin_n may_v be_v denominate_v a_o man_n own_o in_o general_n every_o sin_n that_o a_o man_n commit_v may_v be_v style_v his_o own_o as_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o his_o deprave_a will._n st._n james_n express_v it_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v that_o be_v effectual_o when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust._n the_o devil_n may_v solicit_v and_o excite_v but_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v he_o can_v never_o fasten_v gild_n upon_o we_o every_o actual_a sin_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n voluntary_a but_o some_o sin_n in_o a_o eminent_a propriety_n and_o peculiar_a manner_n may_v be_v call_v our_o own_o such_o as_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a tendency_n to_o commit_v either_o from_o the_o natural_a inclination_n or_o custom_n that_o be_v a_o accessary_a nature_n or_o from_o special_a respect_n that_o engage_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n compose_v of_o various_a member_n some_o be_v more_o dear_a and_o useful_a as_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o the_o right_a hand_n so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v style_v by_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o variety_n and_o union_n of_o the_o vicious_a affection_n there_o be_v some_o particular_a lust_n either_o for_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n be_v as_o the_o right_a eye_n or_o right_a hand_n in_o our_o saviour_n language_n so_o dear_a to_o man_n that_o they_o will_v lose_v eternal_a life_n rather_o than_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o these_o reign_a sin_n that_o have_v a_o complete_a dominion_n in_o the_o unregenerate_a be_v of_o different_a kind_n in_o several_a person_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o 1._o by_o a_o direct_a light_n from_o their_o cause_n 2._o by_o a_o reflex_n light_n from_o their_o effect_n the_o cause_n of_o special_a sin_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o moral_a the_o natural_a be_v the_o different_a temperament_n of_o man_n body_n and_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o passion_n that_o so_o strong_o draw_v the_o will_n that_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o understand_v what_o vicious_a action_n be_v natural_o consequent_a as_o astronomer_n foretell_v the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o different_a temperament_n of_o man_n body_n which_o be_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o their_o inclination_n and_o aversion_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o premise_v that_o original_a sin_n the_o poison_n distil_v through_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n by_o propagation_n be_v a_o universal_a supreme_a evil_n it_o be_v a_o seminary_n of_o all_o plâ—â—_n corrupt_a desire_n from_o whence_o the_o issue_n of_o actual_a sin_n be_v derive_v and_o that_o some_o be_v less_o incline_v to_o notorious_a sin_n than_o other_o be_v not_o from_o naked_a nature_n but_o from_o the_o singular_a distinguish_a mercy_n of_o god._n this_o depravation_n so_o general_a and_o deplorable_a be_v observe_v by_o the_o wise_a heathen_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o the_o rebellious_a sin_n of_o adam_n the_o common_a father_n and_o representative_a of_o mankind_n this_o corruption_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o extenuate_v but_o aggravate_v our_o gild_n as_o the_o psalmist_n with_o deep_a sorrow_n acknowledge_v his_o native_a inherent_a pollution_n in_o sin_n be_v i_o
the_o inquisition_n and_o judicature_n of_o conscience_n wealth_n and_o wickedness_n harden_v they_o against_o the_o most_o serious_a counsel_n the_o most_o solemn_a reproof_n and_o ardent_a exhortation_n they_o be_v blind_a to_o the_o sun_n and_o deaf_a to_o thunder_n but_o a_o sharp_a affliction_n clear_v the_o eye_n unlock_v the_o ear_n open_v the_o heart_n and_o prick_v the_o tender_a vein_n the_o awaken_v penitent_a will_v make_v a_o exact_a search_n to_o find_v out_o the_o achan_n the_o troubler_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o special_a sin_n be_v so_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o vigilant_a and_o afflict_a conscience_n the_o bitter_a remembrance_n of_o that_o sin_n be_v answerable_a to_o its_o gild_n the_o more_o it_o be_v indulge_v the_o more_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v the_o more_o it_o wound_v the_o spirit_n when_o the_o pleasure_n be_v past_a nothing_o remain_v but_o the_o sting_n and_o poison_n joseph_n brethren_n who_o so_o long_o have_v be_v insensible_a of_o their_o treacherous_a sell_v he_o to_o bondage_n and_o misery_n yet_o in_o their_o fear_n conscience_n remember_v it_o with_o aggravation_n of_o their_o unnatural_a cruelty_n and_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o last_o consider_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o sin_n to_o find_v out_o your_o own_o some_o be_v of_o omission_n some_o of_o commission_n some_o be_v spiritual_a and_o inward_a some_o be_v carnal_a and_o act_v with_o noise_n and_o notice_n some_o distinct_o flow_v from_o visible_a cause_n some_o spring_n from_o a_o unsuspected_a fountain_n there_o be_v many_o of_o a_o civil_a compose_v conversation_n who_o be_v careless_a of_o spiritual_a duty_n of_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n by_o raise_v solemn_a thought_n and_o ardent_a desire_n of_o watchfulness_n over_o their_o heart_n to_o regulate_v their_o aim_n and_o affection_n by_o the_o pure_a law_n and_o be_v insensible_a of_o their_o neglect_n and_o gild_n the_o unrenewed_a nature_n have_v a_o strong_a reluctance_n against_o spiritual_a duty_n many_o be_v righteous_a to_o man_n and_o unrighteous_a towards_o god_n they_o do_v not_o pay_v those_o duty_n that_o be_v indispensible_o require_v from_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o bless_a creator_n the_o high_a love_n for_o his_o perfection_n and_o benefit_n a_o obedient_a respect_n to_o his_o command_n in_o their_o action_n a_o resign_v submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o wisdom_n a_o entire_a trust_n in_o his_o fatherly_a providence_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n many_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o time_n that_o be_v consecrate_v to_o his_o service_n the_o lord_n day_n though_o it_o be_v our_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a when_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v at_o a_o end_n as_o if_o the_o remainder_n be_v unsanctified_a they_o wretched_o waste_v in_o complemental_a visit_n in_o civil_a matter_n in_o discourse_n impertinent_a to_o the_o solemn_a work_n of_o it_o many_o who_o be_v diligent_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n yet_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o infidel_n in_o neglect_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o command_v they_o to_o be_v circumspect_a in_o their_o way_n to_o set_v before_o they_o a_o live_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n and_o careless_o suffer_v their_o precious_a soul_n to_o perish_v for_o ever_o how_o many_o who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o open_a rebellious_a sin_n against_o the_o law_n yet_o neglect_v the_o great_a indispensible_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o humble_a unfeigned_a entire_a close_n with_o christ_n as_o their_o prince_n and_o saviour_n they_o presume_v upon_o their_o moral_a virtue_n of_o the_o safety_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o never_o have_v a_o feel_a sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o god_n nor_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o if_o only_a the_o profane_a riotous_a notorious_a sinner_n have_v need_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a merit_n and_o mediation_n to_o abolish_v their_o gild_n and_o save_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v they_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o civil_a person_n remain_v in_o a_o unrenewed_a state_n and_o be_v the_o natural_a subject_n of_o satan_n and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n some_o be_v regular_a in_o a_o course_n of_o religious_a duty_n they_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o without_o those_o holy_a affection_n that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o religious_a duty_n yet_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o external_a bodily_a service_n which_o be_v neither_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o their_o soul_n some_o cherish_v a_o secret_a pride_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o other_o some_o a_o vain_a presumption_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n because_o they_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o pure_a way_n of_o worship_n than_o other_o when_o they_o neglect_v substantial_a religion_n that_o recommend_v we_o to_o his_o gracious_a eye_n some_o will_v severe_o reflect_v upon_o the_o visible_a sin_n of_o other_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o unperceived_a consumption_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n in_o themselves_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n when_o the_o real_a inward_a motive_n be_v to_o quiet_a conscience_n by_o a_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o make_v it_o inobservant_a of_o their_o inward_a voluntary_a defect_n the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n may_v be_v counterfeit_a satan_n may_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n sinful_a affection_n may_v be_v varnish_v and_o gild_v so_o as_o to_o be_v mistake_v for_o divine_a grace_n brief_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o everlasting_a deceiver_n and_o without_o a_o perpetual_a watchfulness_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o close_a corruption_n that_o will_v blast_v our_o sincerity_n to_o find_v out_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o search_v where_o we_o may_v think_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v the_o find_v it_o 2._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v what_o the_o preserve_a himself_o from_o his_o peculiar_a sin_n imply_v 1._o a_o abstain_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o sin._n when_o david_n have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v saul_n his_o unrighteous_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n and_o secure_v himself_o when_o excite_v to_o it_o by_o abishai_n who_o will_v have_v dispatch_v he_o at_o a_o blow_n yet_o he_o reject_v the_o temptation_n with_o abhorrence_n the_o lord_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v 11._o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v thus_o he_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o commit_v 8._o sin_n be_v a_o servant_n of_o sin_n a_o indulgent_a course_n of_o sin_n denominate_v a_o person_n a_o slave_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o rebel_n against_o god_n and_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o sincerity_n it_o be_v true_a a_o upright_a man_n may_v fall_v by_o sudden_a surreption_n by_o a_o insinuate_a infirmity_n into_o a_o foul_a sin_n from_o which_o he_o have_v a_o settle_a aversation_n and_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o single_a act_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o blemish_n of_o his_o integrity_n but_o retract_v by_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n do_v not_o denominate_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n one_o may_v be_v pale_a from_o a_o accidental_a surprise_n by_o fear_n or_o red_a through_o a_o sudden_a flush_a of_o blood_n from_o anger_n yet_o not_o be_v so_o by_o complexion_n for_o the_o complexion_n pale_a and_o sanguine_a be_v draw_v by_o the_o pencil_n of_o nature_n the_o lively_a character_n of_o the_o predominant_a humour_n and_o be_v usual_o visible_a in_o the_o countenance_n but_o although_o a_o upright_a person_n keep_v himself_o from_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v clear_o against_o natural_a conscience_n and_o supernatural_a grace_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n the_o body_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o final_o expire_v and_o temptation_n be_v as_o importunate_a as_o fly_n about_o we_o from_o who_o the_o tempter_n have_v his_o title_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o be_v absolute_o undefiled_a therefore_o uprightness_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v careful_o consider_v our_o weak_a side_n what_o passion_n we_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o by_o our_o temper_n and_o so_o diligent_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o though_o we_o can_v arrive_v yet_o we_o may_v advance_v towards_o the_o complete_a conquest_n of_o sin._n and_o in_o our_o endeavour_n against_o the_o sin_n to_o