be_v so_o much_o in_o our_o own_o power_n wherefore_o let_v not_o man_n think_v they_o can_v be_v holy_a without_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o do_v whenever_o grace_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o virtue_n they_o may_v as_o well_o think_v they_o may_v be_v godly_a without_o religion_n devout_a and_o pious_a without_o all_o sober_a and_o sincere_a use_n of_o their_o understanding_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n for_o this_o mischief_n will_v certain_o ensue_v upon_o it_o that_o man_n will_v embrace_v metaphor_n and_o allegory_n fancy_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a and_o real_a righteousness_n it_o be_v certain_a then_o religion_n the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n that_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o material_a concern_v of_o religion_n and_o as_o in_o the_o ordinary_a generation_n of_o mankind_n that_o vital_a principle_n the_o soul_n form_n and_o mould_v the_o foetus_fw-la according_a to_o the_o specifical_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o never_o give_v over_o till_o it_o have_v work_v the_o whole_a bodily_a mass_n into_o a_o full_a compliment_n of_o part_n so_o by_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n call_v grace_n and_o derive_v from_o god_n through_o christ_n into_o the_o mind_n true_a wisdom_n righteousness_n justice_n holiness_n integrity_n and_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v fashion_v by_o this_o quicken_a spirit_n in_o the_o thought_n and_o action_n of_o good_a and_o pious_a man_n this_o make_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o regeneration_n intelligible_a so_o that_o any_o nicodemus_n may_v discern_v the_o manner_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o signify_v in_o its_o utmost_a meaning_n to_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n be_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v as_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o baptism_n this_o be_v the_o clear_a proof_n we_o can_v give_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o that_o we_o own_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n if_o for_o his_o sake_n we_o love_v truth_n and_o goodness_n above_o all_o worldly_a interest_n creature_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o new_a creature_n now_o to_o be_v regenerate_v be_v to_o be_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v qualify_v a_o man_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a it_o follow_v that_o regeneration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o metaphor_n which_o express_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n fit_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o be_v such_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o divine_a seed_n have_v wrought_v its_o due_a and_o proper_a effect_n upon_o his_o soul_n by_o its_o precept_n the_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o will_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o use_v to_o say_v of_o a_o meek_a spirit_a man_n that_o he_o can_v be_v furious_a and_o of_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o he_o can_v deceive_v and_o of_o a_o generous_a man_n that_o he_o can_v do_v a_o base_a or_o unworthy_a action_n that_o be_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o to_o do_v just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n he_o can_v sin_v because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o inclination_n and_o bent_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v holy_a will_v produce_v a_o godly_a and_o virtuous_a life_n this_o notion_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o reckon_v himself_o regenerate_v who_o do_v not_o amend_v his_o life_n according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n this_o will_v keep_v hypocrite_n from_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v their_o heart_n be_v good_a when_o their_o manner_n be_v naught_o but_o the_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_v person_n be_v call_v spiritual_a as_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n so_o it_o may_v be_v call_v moral_a as_o consist_v in_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n now_o he_o who_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n a_o spiritual_a and_o moral_a state_n must_v think_v that_o to_o disbelieve_v any_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o to_o disobey_v any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n be_v not_o immorality_n or_o that_o a_o regenerate_v state_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o state_n be_v call_v regeneration_n a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o a_o natural_a generation_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o change_n that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o creature_n for_o first_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v inform_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n concern_v god_n themselves_o and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v than_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v so_o work_v upon_o their_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v turn_v from_o sensuality_n to_o the_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o this_o will_v produce_v a_o suitable_a change_n in_o their_o life_n which_o be_v not_o now_o lead_v according_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o example_n of_o ill_a man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o we_o come_v to_o the_o true_a use_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n as_o a_o infant_n after_o it_o be_v bear_v fall_v into_o those_o natural_a motion_n which_o be_v hinder_v by_o its_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o womb_n nay_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o divine_a temper_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o good_a man_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a with_o regard_n to_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n as_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v with_o respect_n to_o their_o nature_n for_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n we_o apprehend_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o so_o that_o we_o will_v not_o run_v into_o the_o fire_n nor_o down_o precepice_n so_o in_o the_o regenerate_v state_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v detestable_a and_o pernicious_a to_o our_o soul_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n do_v communicate_v to_o we_o a_o new_a sense_n of_o thing_n whereby_o we_o be_v so_o much_o alter_v for_o the_o better_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o live_v till_o then_o and_o we_o have_v infinite_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v of_o this_o alteration_n in_o our_o state_n than_o to_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n for_o now_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v wherefore_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n together_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n such_o as_o righteousness_n mercy_n patience_n love_n joy_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n god_n all_o moral_a virtue_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o depend_v upon_o that_o force_n only_o which_o the_o bare_a revelation_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o obedience_n have_v to_o persuade_v we_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v now_o lose_v labour_n to_o call_v upon_o god_n to_o help_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n but_o see_v all_o virtue_n and_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o christian_a virtue_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o say_v s._n james_n every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v and_o s._n paul_n say_v that_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n this_o one_o scripture_n comprehend_v all_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o account_v religion_n that_o they_o live_v godly_o which_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o humble_a gratitude_n towards_o god_n sober_o which_o contain_v the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n chastity_n modesty_n and_o all_o other_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o dominion_n of_o reason_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n righteous_o which_o imply_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n as_o affability_n courtesy_n meekness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n let_v man_n
foundation_n in_o reason_n and_o nature_n these_o do_v depend_v whole_o upon_o instruction_n and_o memory_n and_o can_v be_v preserve_v without_o they_o but_o we_o see_v among_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a upon_o who_o hardly_o any_o care_n or_o instruction_n be_v use_v man_n have_v as_o lively_a a_o sense_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o many_o particular_n as_o the_o more_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o tradition_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v apply_v to_o humane_a policy_n for_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v never_o enact_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o yet_o they_o obtain_v among_o mankind_n as_o gratitude_n charity_n and_o such_o like_a seneca_n say_v that_o gratitude_n be_v never_o enjoin_v by_o any_o law_n but_o that_o of_o the_o macedonian_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n owe_v their_o original_a to_o some_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o nature_n the_o author_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o reality_n however_o it_o be_v object_v that_o several_a person_n and_o some_o whole_a nation_n have_v differ_v about_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n so_o that_o this_o consent_n be_v not_o so_o general_a beside_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o world_n in_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n may_v seem_v to_o weaken_v this_o argument_n from_o the_o universal_a agreement_n of_o mankind_n about_o good_a and_o evil._n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o man_n may_v so_o vitiate_v their_o nature_n vice_n nature_n may_v be_v so_o vitiate_v as_o to_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n as_o to_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o it_o may_v remain_v true_a that_o mankind_n have_v a_o natural_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o some_o by_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n may_v so_o spoil_v their_o palate_n that_o they_o may_v not_o taste_v the_o difference_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n yet_o this_o last_o be_v never_o the_o less_o natural_a to_o mankind_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o natural_a and_o moral_a agent_n natural_a agent_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o but_o voluntary_a agent_n may_v vary_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_a especial_o where_o man_n have_v debauch_v their_o nature_n and_o have_v offer_v great_a violence_n to_o themselves_o more_o than_o this_o the_o exception_n be_v not_o so_o general_a as_o to_o infringe_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n the_o difference_n be_v but_o in_o few_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o be_v collect_v together_o in_o history_n they_o may_v seem_v a_o great_a many_o but_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o note_v be_v a_o sign_n they_o be_v but_o few_o what_o if_o one_o philosopher_n mention_v that_o snow_n be_v black_a and_o ten_o more_o have_v be_v of_o his_o mind_n this_o will_v have_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o sense_n or_o reason_n of_o mankind_n for_o all_o man_n agree_v that_o self-preservation_n be_v a_o natural_a instinct_n notwithstanding_o some_o particular_a person_n have_v offer_v violence_n to_o their_o own_o life_n as_o to_o superstition_n or_o idolatry_n there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o agreement_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o as_o to_o prove_v it_o to_o have_v a_o foundation_n in_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o indeed_o it_o grow_v up_o by_o degree_n and_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o time_n be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o owe_v its_o rise_n to_o nature_n but_o to_o the_o defection_n of_o mankind_n for_o while_o idolatry_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v condemn_v by_o several_a man_n as_o a_o stupid_a and_o sottish_a thing_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o declare_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o so_o that_o whilst_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o great_a folly_n by_o those_o that_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_n last_o we_o know_v what_o be_v virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a more_o distinct_o vice_n outward_a revelation_n discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v virtue_n and_o what_o be_v vice_n by_o outward_a revelation_n in_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n several_a way_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v leave_v sole_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v a_o public_a and_o more_o full_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n by_o his_o son_n and_o this_o revelation_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n our_o saviour_n comprehend_v it_o under_o these_o two_o head_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o apostle_n reduce_v it_o to_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o piety_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o nature_n dictate_v to_o mankind_n for_o these_o be_v the_o very_a virtue_n which_o natural_a light_n prompt_a man_n unto_o only_o we_o allow_v a_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o they_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v affix_v to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n there_o be_v great_a and_o eternal_a reward_n promise_v to_o one_o and_o endless_a punishment_n threaten_v to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o now_o mankind_n have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n their_o duty_n be_v so_o clear_o lay_v open_a to_o they_o and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n so_o plain_o reveal_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o through_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o supply_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o much_o better_o say_v than_o the_o prophet_n can_v in_o his_o day_n mich._n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n but_o as_o to_o external_a revelation_n it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o obscure_a and_o give_v we_o not_o sufficient_a direction_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o objection_n have_v no_o colour_n of_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o who_o be_v behold_v for_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o quarrel_n with_o it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a as_o to_o precept_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n but_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o pretend_v its_o defection_n in_o as_o if_o god_n have_v not_o intend_v to_o reveal_v but_o conceal_v his_o mind_n in_o these_o thing_n indeed_o they_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o pretend_v this_o consider_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o find_v several_a of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n they_o all_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v clear_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n about_o the_o obscurity_n thereof_o do_v not_o lie_v against_o what_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v therefore_o see_v moral_a virtue_n may_v be_v plain_o understand_v by_o natural_a instinct_n natural_a reason_n the_o consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o outward_a revelation_n we_o must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n see_v how_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a they_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v first_o they_o be_v easy_a because_o we_o be_v assist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o all_o difficulty_n whatsoever_o second_o they_o be_v both_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a because_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o all_o thing_n improve_v our_o understanding_n and_o bring_v peace_n to_o our_o mind_n for_o our_o christian_a race_n be_v a_o warfare_n and_o we_o have_v many_o conquest_n to_o make_v over_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o influence_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o disorder_n of_o passion_n arise_v whence_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n do_v
and_o goodness_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o take_v our_o own_o course_n but_o be_v rescue_v from_o sin_n and_o misery_n ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o so_o kind_a a_o hand_n all_z that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o trade_n shall_v give_v a_o man_n a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o than_o read_v all_o the_o book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v about_o it_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v better_o know_v a_o country_n by_o travel_v into_o it_o than_o by_o pore_v upon_o all_o the_o map_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v dispose_v we_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o prejudice_n by_o make_v our_o understanding_n more_o clear_a and_o take_v away_o the_o great_a obstacle_n of_o wisdom_n which_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o furtherance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a and_o most_o unhappy_a aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n for_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n no_o reflection_n will_v more_o enrage_v our_o torment_n than_o to_o think_v that_o we_o choose_v to_o lead_v vicious_a life_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o know_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n for_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n s._n paul_n judgement_n be_v undoubted_o true_a 1_o corin._n 8.1_o that_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v now_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v this_o corinth_n the_o metropolis_n of_o achaia_n be_v as_o all_o other_o rich_a and_o populous_a place_n excessive_o proud_a and_o luxurious_a softness_n and_o ease_n have_v expel_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n yet_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v the_o man_n be_v ingenious_a though_o they_o be_v wicked_a in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o world_n condemn_v they_o for_o their_o debauchery_n but_o admire_v they_o for_o their_o part_n wherefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v they_o very_o true_o that_o their_o knowledge_n be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o their_o error_n they_o may_v be_v blow_v up_o with_o science_n but_o they_o must_v be_v edify_v with_o charity_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o gnostic_n dote_v on_o the_o mystery_n of_o word_n do_v pride_n themselves_o about_o fruitless_a genealogy_n and_o the_o unintelligible_a method_n of_o science_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n paul_n do_v severe_o reprehend_v these_o vainglorious_a sciolist_n and_o declare_v that_o a_o little_a charity_n towards_o a_o offend_a brother_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o all_o their_o subtle_a theorem_n or_o the_o position_n of_o any_o the_o most_o celebrate_a dogmatist_n so_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a give_v another_o interpretation_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d know_v thyself_o and_o improve_v it_o into_o self-conceit_n and_o arrogance_n their_o principle_n and_o their_o dictate_v seem_v always_o to_o be_v frame_v rather_o to_o oppose_v than_o to_o establish_v truth_n if_o from_o they_o we_o pass_v to_o the_o time_n of_o christianity_n we_o find_v julian_n and_o lucian_n arrius_n and_o socinus_n all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o several_a way_n despise_v the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o own_o trifle_a opinion_n which_o must_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o teach_n of_o fisherman_n nay_o how_o many_o volume_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o subject_a be_v little_a else_o but_o breach_n of_o charity_n which_o charity_n and_o not_o great_a word_n nor_o the_o fantastical_a hypothesis_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o wise_a must_v set_v a_o lustre_n upon_o all_o we_o do_v for_o neither_o happiness_n here_o nor_o heaven_n hereafter_o be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o haughty_a look_n or_o supposition_n but_o by_o a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o bountifulness_n in_o our_o life_n and_o integrity_n in_o our_o action_n suppose_v therefore_o we_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o high_a mountain_n of_o metaphysic_n and_o have_v thence_o the_o ravish_a prospect_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o human_a learning_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o philosophy_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o worship_v one_o notion_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o moral_a virtue_n a_o manifest_a decay_n have_v be_v bring_v upon_o moral_a virtue_n first_o by_o hypocrisy_n or_o formality_n when_o man_n follow_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o second_o by_o licentiousness_n of_o live_v whereby_o debauchery_n and_o ill_a manner_n have_v much_o prevail_v three_o by_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n four_o by_o make_v morality_n and_o grace_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o elude_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n by_o some_o trifle_a childish_a and_o unprofitable_a show_v thereof_o how_o can_v we_o but_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o love_n to_o be_v their_o own_o impostor_n condemn_v hypocrisy_n condemn_v and_o that_o when_o they_o may_v be_v true_o good_a at_o so_o easy_a and_o advantageous_a a_o rate_n labour_v to_o be_v but_o seem_o so_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o trouble_v and_o with_o the_o pharisee_n take_v twice_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o scour_v the_o outside_n of_o the_o dish_n only_o that_o it_o may_v shine_v and_o glister_n than_o be_v needful_a to_o keep_v the_o inside_n neat_a and_o cleanly_a thus_o they_o change_v wise_a notice_n of_o thing_n for_o childish_a conceit_n freedom_n of_o spirit_n for_o narrowness_n of_o soul_n cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n for_o slavish_a fear_n a_o sweet_a and_o oblige_a conversation_n for_o cynical_a zeal_n temperance_n and_o sobriety_n for_o harsh_a and_o monkish_a mortification_n in_o a_o word_n they_o change_v all_o the_o branch_n and_o fruit_n of_o a_o holy_a mind_n and_o virtuous_a action_n for_o form_n and_o gaiety_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o caution_n man_n against_o this_o formality_n as_o a_o most_o dangerous_a cheat_n that_o secret_o enervate_v all_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o goodness_n it_o make_v a_o show_n of_o that_o whilst_o it_o pretend_v high_o to_o advance_v religion_n undermine_v it_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v first_o by_o lay_v down_o some_o of_o its_o most_o peculiar_a character_n second_o by_o discover_v the_o art_n it_o make_v use_v of_o to_o overthrow_v the_o power_n of_o moral_a virtue_n three_o by_o explain_v what_o the_o power_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v first_o then_o the_o formalist_n serve_v god_n bare_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o fear_n and_o not_o at_o all_o out_o of_o love_n he_o only_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o great_a and_o austere_a be_v that_o sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n demand_v harsh_a and_o arbitrary_a homage_n from_o his_o creature_n he_o apprehend_v he_o as_o a_o imperious_a almighty_a one_o that_o because_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o these_o little_a imperfect_a being_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o impose_v severe_a and_o unreasonable_a law_n and_o exact_v for_o the_o few_o pleasure_n he_o have_v grant_v to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n to_o be_v pay_v with_o sharp_a and_o troublesome_a penance_n but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o have_v not_o tho_o least_o thought_n of_o gain_v his_o favour_n by_o divine_a and_o virtuous_a quality_n whereas_o if_o we_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o true_a holiness_n we_o must_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a design_n of_o heaven_n to_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o all_o excellency_n perfective_a of_o their_o nature_n trick_n religion_n no_o trick_n for_o religion_n be_v no_o trick_n or_o artifice_n but_o its_o natural_a design_n be_v to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a it_o be_v no_o contrivance_n of_o heaven_n to_o bring_v advantage_n to_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v gracious_o intend_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o creator_n work_n in_o complete_n those_o thing_n which_o he_o make_v and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o like_o he_o than_o he_o leave_v they_o but_o the_o formalist_n or_o hypocrite_n be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o all_o inward_a sense_n of_o goodness_n and_o so_o he_o can_v please_v god_n as_o he_o think_v by_o give_v he_o his_o due_n of_o religious_a performance_n he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v for_o solid_a and_o essential_a righteousness_n thus_o the_o degenerate_a jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v
arise_v these_o be_v the_o rub_v in_o our_o way_n which_o make_v a_o virtuous_a course_n so_o difficult_a at_o first_o because_o to_o cast_v off_o old_a habit_n of_o vice_n and_o folly_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v be_v that_o at_o which_o man_n be_v general_o gall_v for_o a_o state_n of_o vice_n and_o of_o virtue_n be_v not_o like_o two_o way_n that_o be_v just_o part_v by_o a_o line_n so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n may_v step_v out_o of_o the_o one_o full_a into_o the_o other_o when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v but_o they_o be_v like_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o two_o very_a distant_a place_n one_o where_o happiness_n be_v the_o other_o where_o destruction_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o far_o separate_v as_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v for_o the_o far_a a_o man_n have_v travel_v in_o the_o way_n of_o vice_n he_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o those_o of_o virtue_n so_o that_o it_o require_v time_n and_o much_o strive_v too_o to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o long_a and_o severe_a conflict_n to_o master_n evil_a habit_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o flesh_n will_v rally_v and_o make_v head_n again_o after_o they_o have_v be_v beat_v off_o notwithstanding_o these_o difficulty_n the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n under_o the_o influence_n and_o care_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n will_v get_v the_o better_a and_o grow_v up_o to_o such_o a_o strength_n as_o will_v conquer_v they_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a unpleasant_a sight_n for_o a_o vicious_a person_n to_o look_v into_o himself_o or_o to_o consider_v on_o his_o bad_a course_n therefore_o he_o labour_v all_o he_o can_v to_o stifle_v his_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v not_o think_v himself_o a_o vicious_a person_n be_v a_n very_a unpleasant_a sight_n to_o himself_o what_o will_v be_v the_o sad_a issue_n of_o a_o ungodly_a life_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n find_v some_o bitterness_n in_o cast_v off_o their_o lust_n according_a to_o the_o progress_n they_o have_v make_v in_o vice_n for_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a life_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o many_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v before_o the_o contrary_a vice_n will_v be_v subdue_v we_o have_v many_o irregular_a passion_n to_o bring_v into_o order_n and_o must_v root_v out_o all_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a custom_n we_o have_v a_o body_n of_o sin_n to_o put_v off_o which_o cling_v close_o to_o we_o and_o be_v bind_v to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o increase_v and_o improve_v our_o virtue_n that_o be_v add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n temperance_n patience_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o change_n can_v be_v wrought_v without_o some_o trouble_n this_o new-birth_n can_v be_v bring_v about_o without_o some_o bitter_a pang_n a_o thorough_a reformation_n of_o manner_n be_v a_o work_n that_o require_v much_o time_n deliberation_n and_o labour_n to_o effect_v it_o however_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v discourage_v for_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a course_n of_o life_n spirit_n a_o good_a course_n of_o life_n be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n we_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o god_n will_v help_v we_o in_o and_o if_o we_o pursue_v our_o advantage_n we_o shall_v every_o day_n gain_v ground_n and_o the_o work_n will_v grow_v easy_a upon_o our_o hand_n and_o though_o we_o may_v be_v a_o little_a dishearten_v at_o first_o at_o the_o hardship_n of_o virtue_n yet_o after_o a_o little_a while_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o pleasure_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n require_v those_o thing_n of_o we_o that_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o strength_n to_o perform_v whereas_o god_n take_v delight_n in_o bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o we_o nothing_o be_v more_o please_v to_o he_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v partake_v of_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v make_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v bring_v back_o to_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o be_v when_o we_o come_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n therefore_o one_o of_o the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v a_o false_a and_o unworthy_a representation_n of_o god_n life_n a_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n as_o if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v real_o destitute_a of_o any_o ability_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o his_o gospel_n require_v and_o yet_o shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o not_o do_v they_o these_o be_v hard_a thing_n to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o best_a be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o one_o who_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v infinite_o more_o goodness_n in_o he_o than_o be_v among_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n so_o that_o s._n james_n 1.5_o say_v if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o and_o upray_v not_o by_o which_o wisdom_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o so_o s._n james_n have_v describe_v it_o that_o it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a work_n indeed_o when_o we_o think_v of_o our_o own_o weakness_n the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o strength_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a adversary_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o despond_v like_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n in_o their_o passage_n to_o the_o holy_a land_n but_o if_o we_o will_v look_v beyond_o ourselves_o and_o our_o enemy_n as_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n do_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o weakness_n become_v strong_a and_o put_v to_o flight_v the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n for_o we_o read_v 2_o king_n 16.13_o of_o elisha_n servant_n that_o he_o come_v to_o his_o master_n in_o great_a perplexity_n of_o mind_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o alas_o master_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v behold_v a_o host_n have_v encompass_v the_o city_n both_o with_o horse_n and_o chariot_n but_o when_o he_o have_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o young_a man_n he_o behold_v the_o mountain_n full_a of_o horse_n use_v chariot_n of_o fire_n about_o elisha_n thus_o if_o our_o eye_n be_v open_v to_o view_v the_o secret_a aid_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o virtue_n our_o fear_n will_v soon_o vanish_v and_o we_o shall_v take_v courage_n against_o all_o the_o enemy_n that_o do_v assault_v we_o not_o only_a flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n for_o say_v our_o saviour_n s._n luke_n 19.26_o to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o have_v which_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o he_o who_o improve_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v more_o and_o from_o he_o who_o make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o have_v make_v no_o improvement_n of_o for_o no_o man_n who_o enjoy_v the_o gospel_n be_v destitute_a of_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n salvation_n the_o gospel_n afford_v to_o all_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o he_o be_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o want_v to_o himself_o to_o what_o end_n else_o do_v we_o persuade_v man_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n when_o we_o know_v they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v what_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o and_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o these_o purpose_n for_o if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o god_n give_v that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v only_o to_o a_o few_o and_o that_o he_o always_o work_v upon_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o can_v resist_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n because_o unless_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o work_v effectual_o upon_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o get_a salvation_n and_o if_o we_o be_v of_o that_o number_n we_o need_v