four_o if_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o a_o man_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v not_o perfect_a for_o though_o the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v general_o harsh_a and_o severe_a to_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n yet_o to_o he_o that_o have_v conquer_a the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n to_o he_o that_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a hence_o be_v that_o observation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus._n 4.17_o 18._o for_o at_o the_o first_o she_o will_v walk_v with_o he_o by_o crooked_a way_n and_o bring_v fear_n and_o dread_n upon_o he_o and_o torment_v he_o with_o her_o discipline_n until_o she_o may_v trust_v his_o soul_n and_o try_v he_o by_o her_o law_n then_o will_v she_o return_v the_o straight_a way_n unto_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o and_o show_v he_o her_o secret_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v palpable_a it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n to_o render_v difficult_a thing_n easy_a harsh_a thing_n pleasant_a to_o fix_v a_o float_a and_o uncertain_a humour_n to_o nurse_n and_o ripen_v a_o weak_a and_o tender_a disposition_n into_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v these_o effect_n in_o religious_a as_o in_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o habit_n last_o he_o who_o do_v not_o find_v religion_n full_a of_o pleasure_n who_o do_v not_o glory_n in_o god_n and_o rejoice_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n he_o who_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o a_o humble_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o a_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n do_v yet_o want_v something_o he_o be_v yet_o defective_a with_o respect_n either_o to_o the_o brightness_n of_o illumination_n the_o absoluteness_n of_o liberty_n or_o the_o ardour_n of_o love_n he_o may_v be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o his_o christian_a race_n but_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n still_o behind_o to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a he_o some_o error_n or_o other_o create_v he_o groundless_a scruple_n some_o encumbrance_n or_o impediment_n or_o other_o whether_o a_o infelicity_n of_o temper_n or_o the_o incommodiousness_n of_o his_o circumstance_n or_o a_o little_a too_o warm_a a_o application_n towards_o something_o of_o the_o world_n retard_v his_o vigour_n and_o abate_v his_o affection_n i_o have_v now_o finish_v all_o that_o i_o can_v think_v necessary_a to_o form_v a_o general_a idea_n of_o religious_a perfection_n for_o i_o have_v not_o only_o give_v a_o plain_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o it_o and_o confirm_v and_o fortify_v that_o description_n by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o the_o currant_n sense_n of_o all_o side_n and_o party_n but_o have_v also_o by_o various_a inference_n deduce_v from_o the_o general_n notion_n of_o perfection_n preclude_v all_o groundless_a pretension_n to_o it_o and_o enable_v man_n to_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v and_o distant_a from_o it_o or_o how_o near_o they_o approach_v it_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o method_n i_o have_v propose_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o fruit_n and_o advantage_n of_o perfection_n a_o consideration_n which_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o great_a and_o i_o hope_v effectual_a incitement_n or_o motive_n to_o it_o and_o demonstrate_v its_o subservencie_n to_o our_o happiness_n chap._n iu._n a_o general_n account_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o religious_a perfection_n the_o glorious_a and_o delightful_a fruit_n of_o religious_a perfection_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n first_o it_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a and_o living_n god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n in_o the_o world_n second_o it_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n three_o it_o produce_v in_o the_o perfect_a man_n a_o full_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o glory_n four_o it_o put_v he_o in_o possession_n of_o true_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n of_o the_o two_o former_a i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o here_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o they_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n under_o the_o head_n of_o zeal_n where_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v by_o my_o method_n to_o consider_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o only_o i_o can_v here_o forbear_v remark_v that_o perfection_n while_o it_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n promote_v our_o own_o happiness_n too_o since_o it_o must_v on_o this_o account_n most_o effectual_o recommend_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o they_o that_o honour_n i_o say_v god_n i_o will_v honour_v 1_o sam._n 2.30_o and_o our_o saviour_n observe_v that_o even_o publican_n and_o sinner_n love_v those_o who_o love_v they_o matth._n 5.46_o according_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o of_o christ_n luk._n 2.52_o that_o jesus_n increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o stature_n and_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o those_o eminent_o devout_a and_o charitable_a soul_n act._n 2._o that_o they_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n so_o resistless_a a_o charm_n be_v the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o perfect_a charity_n even_o in_o the_o most_o deprave_a and_o corrupt_a time_n and_o what_o a_o blessing_n now_o what_o a_o comfort_n what_o a_o pleasure_n be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n and_o man_n the_o three_o and_o four_o i_o will_v now_o discourse_v of_o and_o that_o the_o more_o large_o because_o as_o to_o assurance_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o rich_a ingredient_n of_o human_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o as_o to_o our_o present_a happiness_n which_o be_v the_o four_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o have_v engage_v in_o my_o present_a subject_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o i_o shall_v render_v the_o tendency_n of_o perfection_n to_o procure_v our_o present_a happiness_n very_o conspicuous_a begin_v therefore_o with_o assurance_n i_o will_v assert_v the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o in_o this_o life_n not_o by_o embroil_v myself_o in_o the_o brake_n of_o several_a nice_a and_o subtle_a speculation_n with_o which_o this_o subject_n be_v overgrow_v but_o by_o lay_v down_o in_o a_o practical_a manner_n the_o ground_n on_o which_o assurance_n depend_v by_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a at_o once_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n and_o its_o dependence_n upon_o perfection_n now_o assurance_n may_v relate_v to_o the_o time_n present_v or_o to_o come_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o question_n give_v the_o mind_n a_o perfect_a ease_n about_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o be_v be_o i_o assure_v that_o i_o be_o at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o be_o i_o assure_v that_o i_o shall_v continue_v so_o to_o my_o life_n end_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o enquiry_n depend_v on_o three_o ground_n first_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o declare_v in_o general_n who_o shall_v be_v save_v namely_o they_o who_o believe_v and_o repent_v nor_o do_v any_o sect_n doubt_v but_o that_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o life_n it_o be_v true_a the_o notion_n of_o repentance_n be_v miserable_o pervert_v by_o some_o and_o that_o of_o faith_n by_o other_o but_o what_o remedy_n be_v there_o against_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o require_v repentance_n and_o faith_n but_o it_o explain_v and_o describe_v the_o nature_n of_o both_o by_o such_o conspicuous_a and_o infallible_a character_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v mistake_v in_o these_o two_o point_n but_o his_o error_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o criminal_a prejudices_fw-la or_o inclination_n that_o byass_n and_o pervert_v he_o good_a man_n have_v ever_o be_v agree_v in_o these_o matter_n and_o catholic_n tradition_n be_v no_o where_n more_o uncontrollable_a than_o here_o the_o general_n doctrine_n of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v and_o in_o this_o still_o be_v that_o by_o repentance_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o new_a nature_n and_o new_a life_n and_o by_o faith_n when_o distinguish_v from_o repentance_n as_o it_o sometime_o be_v in_o scripture_n a_o reliance_n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n and_o atonement_n of_o his_o blood_n heaven_n lie_v open_a to_o all_o that_o perform_v these_o condition_n every_o page_n of_o the_o gospel_n attest_v this_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o christ_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v preach_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o
good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o firm_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o a_o spectator_n and_o will_v very_o sudden_o come_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n and_o rewarder_n of_o his_o suffering_n how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o to_o he_o who_o have_v a_o eternal_a joy_n a_o eternal_a crown_n always_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o a_o life_n to_o come_v can_v make_v a_o man_n rejoice_v even_o in_o suffer_v evil_a how_o much_o more_o in_o do_v good_a if_o it_o enable_v he_o to_o conquer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o church_n trial_n and_o affliction_n how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o enable_v he_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o virtue_n in_o the_o day_n of_o its_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n how_o free_o will_v a_o man_n give_v to_o the_o distress_a member_n of_o christ_n who_o believe_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n himself_o stand_v by_o and_o receive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o place_v it_o to_o his_o own_o account_n to_o be_v repay_v a_o thousand-fold_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o easy_o will_v a_o man_n allay_v the_o storm_n of_o passion_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o weapon_n of_o revenge_n and_o anger_n with_o indignation_n against_o himself_o if_o his_o faith_n do_v but_o present_v he_o often_o with_o a_o view_n of_o that_o canaan_n which_o the_o meek_a in_o heart_n shall_v inherit_v for_o ever_o how_o importunate_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n who_o sense_n who_o soul_n who_o imagination_n be_v strike_v with_o a_o dread_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v from_o god_n and_o exclude_v from_o the_o joy_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o bless_a how_o fervent_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n who_o thought_n be_v daily_o swallow_v up_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o a_o eternity_n and_o who_o mind_n be_v as_o full_o possess_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o world_n as_o of_o the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o how_o natural_a final_o will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o to_o delight_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o a_o unfeigned_a humility_n to_o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o image_n of_o jesus_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o a_o little_a after_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n always_o before_o he_o but_o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v here_o object_v we_o discern_v not_o this_o efficacy_n you_o attribute_v to_o this_o motive_n the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n be_v the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v every_o where_o preach_v throughout_o christendom_n and_o yet_o man_n general_o seem_v to_o have_v as_o much_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v be_v there_o no_o other_o they_o practise_v no_o virtue_n but_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a and_o fashionable_a or_o none_o any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o most_o act_n thus_o there_o be_v many_o i_o hope_v very_o many_o who_o do_v otherwise_o and_o that_o all_o in_o general_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o want_n either_o of_o due_a consideration_n or_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n first_o from_o not_o considerate_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v it_o be_v the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v distant_a and_o invisible_a he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a that_o will_v derive_v any_o strength_n and_o virtue_n from_o this_o motive_n must_v supply_v this_o distance_n by_o devout_a and_o daily_a contemplation_n he_o must_v fetch_v the_o remore_n object_n of_o faith_n home_o to_o he_o he_o must_v render_v they_o as_o it_o be_v present_a he_o must_v see_v and_o feel_v they_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n of_o meditation_n which_o if_o he_o do_v then_o will_v his_o faith_n certain_o prove_v a_o vital_a and_o victorious_a principle_n then_o will_v no_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n be_v able_a to_o combat_v the_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o heaven_n nor_o any_o worldly_a evil_n or_o difficulty_n sustain_v for_o virtue_n be_v able_a to_o confront_v the_o terror_n of_o a_o hell_n a_o second_o reason_n why_o this_o motive_n do_v not_o operate_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v want_n of_o faith_n we_o doubt_v we_o waver_v we_o stagger_v or_o take_v thing_n upon_o trust_n assent_v very_o slight_o and_o superficial_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n and_o look_v upon_o good_a work_n rather_o as_o not_o injurious_a to_o this_o world_n then_o serviceable_a to_o a_o better_a and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n that_o the_o unbelieving_a christian_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o perfection_n and_o rest_n than_o that_o the_o unbelieving_a jew_n do_v not_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n if_o the_o word_n of_o life_n do_v not_o profit_v the_o christian_n when_o not_o believe_v by_o he_o then_o if_o it_o do_v not_o profit_v a_o pagan_a who_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o infidelity_n be_v in_o its_o measure_n and_o proportion_n true_a when_o apply_v to_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o pray_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n he_o must_v daily_o consider_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a stand_n the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o future_a immortality_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o demonstrastration_n of_o this_o contain_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n and_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o may_v add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o state_n and_o fortune_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n from_o all_o which_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o infer_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o another_o world_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o amount_n to_o this_o whoever_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o i_o shall_v i_o think_v have_v say_v almost_o hourly_o ponder_v the_o blessedness_n that_o attend_v perfection_n in_o another_o life_n he_o must_v ponder_v it_o serious_o that_o he_o may_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o it_o he_o must_v ponder_v it_o often_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o may_v be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a in_o his_o soul_n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o perfection_n what_o the_o several_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n be_v will_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o a_o very_a slight_a reflection_n either_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o perfection_n already_o lay_v down_o if_o we_o consider_v man_n who_o perfection_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o moral_a perfection_n relate_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o body_n no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n we_o find_v these_o three_o thing_n understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o improvement_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o human_a perfection_n must_v consequent_o consist_v and_o if_o we_o inquire_v wherein_o this_o improvement_n or_o accomplishment_n lie_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o obvious_a that_o it_o will_v not_o need_v any_o proof_n that_o illumination_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n liberty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o description_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o perfection_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o to_o constitute_v a_o firm_a habit_n of_o righteousness_n three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o 2._o the_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o passion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v it_o last_o not_o only_o a_o free_a but_o warm_a and_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o consist_v illumination_n in_o the_o second_o liberty_n and_o in_o the_o three_o zeal_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o man_n that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o treat_v in_o order_n of_o these_o three_o thing_n illumination_n liberty_n and_o zeal_n as_o so_o many_o essential_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n nor_o must_v i_o stop_v here_o but_o must_v to_o those_o three_o avoidable_a add_v humility_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o
several_a particular_a deduction_n to_o lay_v every_o man_n state_n as_o plain_o open_a to_o his_o view_n as_o i_o can_v one_a then_o from_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v give_v of_o perfection_n it_o appear_v that_o if_o a_o man_n life_n be_v very_o vneven_a unconstant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o if_o he_o be_v to_o day_n a_o saint_n and_o to_o morrow_n a_o sinner_n if_o he_o yield_v to_o day_n to_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o morrow_n to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v perfect_a so_o far_o that_o there_o be_v not_o ground_n enough_o to_o conclude_v he_o sincere_a or_o real_a though_o imperfect_a convert_n the_o only_a certain_a proof_n of_o regeneration_n be_v victory_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n over-cometh_a the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o i'faith_o though_o it_o be_v true_a be_v not_o present_o save_v and_o justify_v till_o it_o have_v subdue_v the_o will_n and_o captivate_v the_o heart_n i._n e._n till_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o corn_n in_o the_o parable_n which_o though_o it_o shoot_v up_o yet_o have_v it_o not_o depth_n of_o earth_n nor_o root_n enough_o and_o therefore_o be_v wither_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n regret_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o excellent_a passion_n but_o till_o it_o have_v subdue_v our_o corruption_n change_v our_o affection_n and_o purify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o that_o save_v repentance_n in_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o we_o may_v have_v some_o sudden_a heat_n and_o passion_n for_o virtue_n but_o if_o they_o be_v too_o short_a live_v to_o implant_v it_o in_o we_o this_o be_v not_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o animate_v and_o impregnate_v the_o new_a creature_n mention_v gal._n 5.6_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n last_o we_o may_v have_v good_a purpose_n intention_n nay_o resolution_n but_o if_o these_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o obtain_v a_o conquest_n over_o our_o corruption_n if_o they_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n we_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v demonstrate_v we_o righteous_a or_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o crown_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n to_o how_o little_a purpose_n controversy_n have_v be_v multiply_v about_o the_o justification_n of_o man._n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o god_n to_o justify_v we_o i_o e._n to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o account_v we_o righteous_a and_o his_o child_n and_o another_o for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o former_a it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v account_v righteous_a by_o god_n till_o he_o real_o be_v so_o and_o when_o the_o man_n be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n then_o be_v he_o certain_o justify_v and_o not_o till_o then_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o except_o antinomian_o and_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o lie_v in_o the_o form_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n they_o that_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n do_v not_o i_o suppose_v imagine_v that_o the_o work_n be_v holy_a before_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o for_o as_o be_v the_o fountain_n such_o will_v be_v its_o stream_n as_o be_v the_o tree_n such_o will_v be_v its_o fruit_n what_o absurdity_n then_o be_v there_o in_o admit_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v before_o they_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n if_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o good_a work_n till_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o change_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o who_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v that_o the_o man_n be_v thorough_o change_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a grace_n but_o also_o that_o this_o grace_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v opportunity_n will_v exert_v and_o express_v itself_o in_o good_a work_n and_o they_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o work_v by_o love_n be_v a_o historical_a unanimate_v faith_n and_o if_o so_o how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o comprise_v in_o that_o holiness_n which_o justify_v not_o only_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o of_o the_o action_n but_o here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o consider_v whether_o that_o thorough_a change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sinner_n which_o be_v call_v holiness_n be_v now_o effect_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o not_o rather_o gradual_o and_o in_o time_n for_o this_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o draw_v off_o from_o speculation_n and_o theory_n to_o more_o useful_a and_o practical_a thought_n and_o discourse_n about_o it_o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o dazzle_a light_n by_o surprise_v miracle_n by_o exuberant_a influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o extraordinary_a thing_n sanctification_n as_o in_o the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o family_n act._n 16._o may_v be_v begin_v and_o finish_v in_o the_o same_o hour_n but_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v rare_o so_o with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n our_o vice_n be_v not_o so_o sudden_o subdue_v nor_o our_o virtue_n so_o sudden_o implant_v our_o conviction_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o conversion_n be_v seldom_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a as_o they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v infuse_v in_o the_o same_o plenty_n and_o power_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o them_o and_o if_o so_o than_o these_o thing_n will_v follow_v 1._o though_o in_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n be_v convert_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n ingraft_v by_o baptism_n into_o christ_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o earnest_a of_o their_o justification_n or_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o their_o future_a glory_n we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o justify_v but_o also_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o before_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o any_o other_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n than_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o to_o christ_n by_o that_o solemn_a rite_n of_o baptism_n but_o at_o this_o day_n when_o conversion_n be_v not_o effect_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n do_v mutual_o cherish_v one_o another_o when_o righteousness_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o into_o victory_n but_o by_o long_a labour_n and_o travel_v i_o see_v not_o why_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n may_v not_o be_v pronounce_v joint_o and_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n have_v be_v much_o ridicule_v and_o expose_v as_o absurd_a by_o some_o man_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o habit_n to_o be_v acquire_v by_o length_n of_o time_n and_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n than_o a_o infuse_v habit_n be_v a_o very_a odd_a expression_n but_o why_o god_n can_v produce_v in_o we_o those_o strong_a disposition_n to_o virtue_n in_o a_o moment_n which_o be_v natural_o produce_v by_o time_n or_o why_o we_o may_v not_o ascribe_v as_o much_o efficacy_n to_o infuse_v grace_n as_o philosopher_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o repeat_v act_n i_o can_v see_v nor_o can_v i_o see_v why_o such_o disposition_n when_o infuse_v may_v not_o be_v call_v habit_n if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o property_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o that_o such_o excellent_a disposition_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v too_o plain_a from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n to_o need_v a_o proof_n but_o whether_o such_o change_n be_v ordinary_o effect_v so_o sudden_o at_o this_o day_n we_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o doubt_v nay_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o if_o so_o the_o infusion_n of_o habit_n can_v be_v so_o proper_o insist_v on_o now_o as_o then_o and_o we_o may_v be_v more_o subject_a to_o make_v unwarrantable_a inference_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o bright_a and_o miraculous_a day_n 3._o as_o our_o progress_n to_o sanctification_n must_v be_v slow_a than_o former_o as_o it_o must_v be_v long_o before_o
sin_n through_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o bless_a advantage_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v above_o natural_a that_o it_o contain_v a_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o upon_o these_o term_n natural_a religion_n indeed_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o be_v just_o too_o and_o it_o can_v never_o assure_v we_o what_o bound_n god_n will_v set_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o when_o justice_n and_o when_o mercy_n shall_v take_v place_n what_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o uncertainty_n consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o best_a life_n be_v ever_o natural_o apt_a to_o beget_v despondency_n melancholy_a and_o sometime_o a_o superstitious_a dread_n of_o god_n the_o second_o ground_n of_o assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a state_n be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o particular_a case_n thus_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o believe_v and_o repent_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o examination_n of_o himself_o may_v be_v thorough_o assure_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o repent_v be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o only_o exhort_v we_o to_o enter_v upon_o this_o examination_n but_o also_o assert_v that_o assurance_n joy_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o it_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o it_o be_v true_a man_n do_v often_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o their_o state_n then_o they_o ought_v but_o whence_o proceed_v this_o even_o from_o too_o partial_a or_o superficial_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o correct_v this_o error_n be_v a_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a search_n into_o ourselves_o for_o if_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v something_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o he_o deceive_v himself_o but_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o gal._n 6.3_o 4._o but_o it_o be_v object_v against_o all_o this_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deceitful_a that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o make_v a_o thorough_a discovery_n of_o it_o we_o often_o think_v ourselves_o sincere_a when_o the_o success_n of_o the_o next_o temptation_n give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o call_v this_o sincerity_n into_o question_n such_o be_v the_o contradiction_n composition_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o often_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o inward_a conviction_n and_o frequent_o fail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o design_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v think_v very_o well_o ground_v and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o the_o levity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n how_o can_v we_o safe_o frame_v any_o right_a opinion_n of_o our_o self_n from_o those_o affection_n and_o purpose_n which_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n concern_v our_o progress_n or_o perfection_n too_o hasty_o we_o be_v not_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o a_o war_n by_o the_o success_n of_o one_o or_o two_o engagement_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o assurance_n be_v to_o advance_v slow_o and_o gradual_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o abatement_n of_o the_o enemy_n force_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o examine_v and_o prove_v our_o own_o heart_n second_o a_o sincere_a christian_a but_o especial_o one_o of_o a_o mature_a virtue_n may_v easy_o discern_v his_o spiritual_a state_n by_o the_o inward_a moving_n and_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o he_o attend_v to_o they_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a what_o impression_n divine_a truth_n make_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a whether_o his_o faith_n stand_v firm_a against_o the_o shock_n of_o all_o carnal_a objection_n whether_o he_o earnest_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n as_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n whether_o he_o thirst_v after_o the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o after_o that_o of_o sensible_a thing_n be_v it_o possible_a the_o soul_n shall_v bewail_v its_o heaviness_n and_o dryness_n which_o the_o best_a be_v liable_a to_o at_o some_o season_n or_o other_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v carry_v upward_o frequent_o on_o the_o wing_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n that_o it_o shall_v maintain_v a_o familiar_a and_o constant_a conversation_n with_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v long_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o world_n of_o trouble_n and_o this_o body_n of_o death_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o region_n of_o peace_n of_o life_n and_o righteousness_n be_v it_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o affection_n the_o long_n and_o earning_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o that_o the_o good_a man_n the_o perfect_a man_n who_o often_o enter_v into_o his_o closet_n and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o it_o can_v be_v in_o a_o word_n can_v the_o reluctance_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v disarm_v weaken_a and_o reduce_v can_v the_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v very_o eager_a the_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n brisk_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o contempt_n of_o worldly_a thing_n be_v real_a and_o thorough_o settle_v and_o yet_o the_o man_n be_v insensible_a of_o all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v but_o if_o we_o fall_v these_o affection_n in_o we_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v at_o least_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n three_o the_o sure_a test_n of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v our_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o tree_n by_o its_o fruit_n be_v our_o master_n own_o rule_n and_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v we_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o then_o we_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n if_o we_o be_v modest_a and_o grateful_a in_o the_o success_n patient_n and_o resigned_n calm_a and_o serene_a under_o the_o cross_n and_o trouble_v of_o life_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o punctual_a but_o honourable_a in_o our_o deal_n if_o we_o be_v vigorous_a and_o generous_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o true_a but_o meek_a gentle_a and_o oblige_v in_o our_o word_n if_o we_o retrench_v not_o only_o the_o sinful_a but_o something_o from_o the_o innocent_a liberty_n and_o gratification_n of_o sense_n to_o give_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o faith_n if_o final_o we_o never_o be_v ashamed_a of_o virtue_n nor_o flatter_v compliment_n nor_o wink_v at_o vice_n if_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v with_o death_n with_o comfort_n and_o retain_v life_n with_o some_o degree_n of_o indifference_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v in_o we_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o state_n for_o good_a work_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v abound_v in_o the_o one_o without_o be_v possess_v