the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a 17.9_o jer._n 17.9_o who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o text_n though_o primary_o intend_v to_o denote_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v what_o other_o man_n think_v or_o what_o opinion_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o thing_n hereafter_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o those_o which_o go_v before_o yet_o they_o may_v well_o serve_v to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o difficulty_n of_o give_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o present_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o what_o the_o true_a bent_n and_o tendency_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n be_v for_o we_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o bosom_n sin_n and_o those_o darling_n delight_v which_o either_o custom_n or_o inclination_n have_v endear_v to_o we_o that_o we_o think_v we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o caress_n they_o and_o though_o our_o affection_n be_v draw_v out_o after_o the_o most_o extravagant_a manner_n after_o they_o yet_o we_o clothe_v they_o with_o such_o plausible_a and_o specious_a pretence_n as_o make_v the_o most_o criminal_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o appear_v at_o least_o to_o we_o harmless_a and_o lawful_a who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o the_o most_o intense_a and_o zealous_a affection_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o low_a and_o subordinate_a degree_n and_o yet_o how_o difficult_a a_o task_n will_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o most_o sordid_a and_o miserable_a worlding_n that_o his_o affection_n be_v not_o place_v on_o thing_n above_o but_o on_o thing_n below_o and_o though_o he_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o see_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o able_a to_o turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a and_o to_o discover_v it_o in_o himself_o so_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n do_v it_o require_v to_o range_v over_o all_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o those_o crooked_a path_n which_o sin_n and_o error_n have_v make_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o diligence_n require_v to_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o must_v needs_o call_v for_o our_o utmost_a care_n to_o manage_v they_o aright_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v the_o more_o need_n to_o consider_v iii_o the_o motive_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n i._n e._n our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o do_v depend_v upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o 1._o by_o keep_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o manage_v our_o affair_n with_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o extravagant_a action_n which_o man_n commit_v proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a deliberation_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o action_n or_o a_o discreet_a execute_n what_o their_o reason_n tell_v they_o be_v fit_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v either_o they_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o headstrong_a passion_n or_o bias_v by_o some_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o these_o betray_v they_o into_o indiscreet_a absurd_a and_o sinful_a word_n and_o action_n now_o he_o that_o be_v accustom_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n consider_v well_o and_o deliberate_o every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n before_o he_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o execution_n he_o weigh_v first_o his_o own_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o then_o inquire_v both_o into_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o avoid_v those_o rock_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o split_n i._n e._n rashness_n in_o set_v upon_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o skill_n to_o perform_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o too_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n on_o the_o other_o the_o first_o of_o these_o produce_v shame_n and_o disappointment_n when_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o not_o able_a to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o too_o bold_a and_o dare_a design_n the_o second_o deprive_v he_o of_o many_o valuable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o require_v only_o the_o pain_n of_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o possess_v himself_o of_o they_o and_o in_o truth_n since_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v the_o stream_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o heart_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n wise_o and_o prudent_o can_v go_v far_o astray_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n all_o our_o vital_a operation_n will_v savour_v of_o that_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n 2._o a_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v produce_v peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n by_o free_v we_o from_o those_o rage_a passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n from_o proud_a malicious_a and_o envious_a thought_n which_o disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o quiet_n and_o render_v our_o life_n uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o a_o very_a true_a observation_n that_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o by_o consequence_n happiness_n in_o this_o life_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o contentedness_n and_o satisfaction_n with_o that_o condition_n the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v allot_v we_o and_o a_o discreet_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v make_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n a_o sound_a mind_n in_o a_o sound_a body_n be_v the_o wise_a wish_n of_o a_o heathen_a poet_n for_o that_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o envy_n or_o malice_n or_o solicitous_a care_n or_o pride_n will_v be_v uneasy_a on_o a_o throne_n and_o miserable_a amid_o the_o most_o plentiful_a affluence_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n but_o he_o who_o have_v obtain_v the_o art_n of_o govern_v his_o thought_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_v mind_n amid_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o this_o world_n and_o remain_v content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o his_o condition_n without_o cast_v either_o a_o envious_a eye_n on_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v above_o he_o or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mean_a condition_n than_o himself_o from_o hence_o will_v flow_v 3._o peace_n of_o conscience_n 3.21_o 1_o joh._n 3.21_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o to_o set_v a_o strict_a and_o diligent_a watch_n over_o his_o thought_n will_v be_v from_o thence_o assure_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o towards_o god_n and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o this_o will_v produce_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n which_o the_o oracle_n give_v croesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o know_v thyself_o for_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o chief_a ingredient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n these_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o it_o be_v influence_n on_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o 1._o god_n have_v make_v the_o keep_v our_o heart_n one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prudential_a council_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n but_o a_o positive_a command_n god_n expect_v we_o shall_v comply_v with_o it_o and_o yield_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v imagine_v that_o
our_o way_n as_o to_o turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o 2_o tim_n iii_o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o this_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n ver._n 1._o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n periolous_a time_n shall_v come_v because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n and_o all_o which_o he_o comprehend_v under_o one_o character_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o time_n will_v be_v so_o perilous_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o wicked_a person_n shall_v conceal_v their_o crime_n under_o a_o form_n and_o show_v of_o godliness_n be_v they_o profess_o and_o open_o wicked_a there_o be_v some_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o their_o impudence_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tax_v or_o upbraid_v with_o hypocrisy_n be_v they_o covetous_a proud_a blasphemer_n without_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n than_o all_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v and_o detect_v they_o 55.12_o psal_n 55.12_o and_o from_o a_o open_a enemy_n i_o will_v have_v hide_v myself_o say_v david_n shelf_n and_o quicksand_n that_o have_v light_n always_o burn_v to_o discover_v they_o by_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o avoid_v and_o we_o be_v forewarn_v against_o the_o dog_n that_o bark_v first_o but_o these_o deceiver_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v have_v a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a outside_n though_o they_o be_v foul_a within_o these_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o be_v great_a professor_n of_o religion_n they_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o great_a sin_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a company_n and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o observe_v the_o caution_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n iii_o how_o we_o may_v discover_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o else_o only_a the_o form_n of_o it_o iu._n and_o last_o how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o godliness_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o devout_a and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o according_a to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o describe_v it_o more_o full_o and_o express_o 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_a love_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a whereby_o we_o be_v incite_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a towards_o man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o word_n be_v imply_v our_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o be_v express_v by_o st._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o paul_n by_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v mean_v a_o outward_a resemblance_n a_o colourable_a show_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o godliness_n when_o a_o man_n put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n act_n and_o mimic_n it_o so_o well_o as_o to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o judge_v according_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a holy_a and_o religious_a man_n though_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v nothing_o less_o he_o may_v not_o only_o deceive_v other_o but_o delude_v himself_o also_o and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o form_n must_v be_v like_o the_o pattern_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o form_n at_o all_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o picture_n or_o statue_n be_v such_o a_o man_n picture_n or_o statue_n unless_o it_o bear_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o his_o look_n and_o person_n thus_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n must_v be_v such_o a_o show_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o hue_n and_o complexion_n with_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o it_o though_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o imply_v that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o internal_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o action_n which_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v as_o st._n 8.12_o 1_o tiâ—â—_n 41_o 8.12_o paul_n say_v a_o example_n of_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v he_o to_o deny_v 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 if_o a_o man_n have_v charity_n in_o conversation_n faith_n and_o purity_n in_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o in_o himself_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o and_o godly_a towards_o his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n then_o be_v his_o soul_n and_o body_n entire_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n then_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o work_v mighty_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n of_o god_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o reduce_v the_o most_o stiffnecked_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n in_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o leave_v their_o belove_a sin_n and_o bosom_n vice_n and_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o subdue_a the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o unruly_a passion_n such_o as_o pride_n envy_n malice_n and_o revenge_n those_o sin_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o and_o in_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o men._n the_o lion_n become_v a_o lamb_n and_o the_o serpent_n a_o dove_n a_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n whole_o spiritual_a and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o child_n of_o god_n he_o aim_v at_o new_a end_n act_n by_o new_a principle_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v his_o life_n by_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o those_o hypocrite_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n be_v without_o here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v defective_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o show_v 2._o that_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v forewarn_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o for_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o his_o servant_n can_v put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n nay_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o true_a gospel_n with_o such_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a efficacy_n
excite_v the_o admiration_n of_o considerate_a man_n than_o the_o ill_a entertainment_n which_o religion_n and_o its_o professor_n have_v find_v in_o the_o world_n for_o its_o precept_n be_v so_o rational_a so_o easy_a so_o much_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o the_o general_n and_o the_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n even_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o will_v be_v every_o wise_a man_n choice_n be_v they_o not_o his_o duty_n and_o yet_o beside_o the_o internal_a goodness_n and_o conveniency_n of_o those_o command_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o he_o have_v enforce_v they_o with_o many_o powerful_a motive_n he_o have_v denounce_v many_o dreadful_a punishment_n against_o those_o person_n who_o disobey_v they_o punishment_n so_o intolerable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v even_o by_o those_o who_o must_v undergo_v they_o he_o have_v propose_v many_o excellent_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o comply_v with_o they_o such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o understand_v these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v one_o will_v think_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v not_o miss_v of_o a_o candid_a reception_n but_o that_o all_o man_n to_o who_o these_o joyful_a tiding_n come_v will_v soon_o become_v its_o proselyte_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v man_n i._n e._n reasonable_a and_o thoughtful_a being_n and_o not_o be_v christian_n and_o yet_o our_o experience_n convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v visible_a to_o every_o inquisitive_a observer_n that_o piety_n decay_v devotion_n grow_v cold_a in_o our_o age_n and_o those_o who_o live_v under_o the_o best_a law_n be_v most_o taint_v with_o vice_n and_o most_o dissolute_a in_o their_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o indeed_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n who_o wear_v his_o badge_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v few_o very_o few_o who_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o live_v by_o those_o rule_n he_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n now_o among_o the_o many_o cause_n which_o concur_v to_o produce_v this_o strange_a effect_n there_o be_v none_o which_o be_v assign_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n than_o the_o want_n of_o consideration_n that_o general_a stupidity_n and_o careless_a temper_n which_o have_v seize_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n most_o man_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o earnest_a pursuit_n after_o riches_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n with_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o seldom_o think_v of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v or_o consider_v what_o their_o condition_n will_v be_v hereafter_o nay_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o their_o mortality_n and_o consideration_n that_o they_o must_v short_o leave_v this_o world_n seem_v as_o unwelcome_a to_o they_o as_o death_n itself_o for_o do_v we_o but_o frequent_o and_o serious_o think_v on_o our_o way_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n second_o what_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v of_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n way_n be_v a_o metaphor_n very_o often_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n the_o time_n of_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o fit_o set_v out_o by_o a_o journey_n or_o pilgrimage_n it_o be_v begin_v at_o our_o birth_n and_o every_o moment_n which_o pass_v afterward_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o step_n which_o bring_v we_o near_o our_o long-home_o by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n may_v be_v mean_v either_o 1._o a_o compare_v a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n with_o a_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a one_o a_o consider_v what_o pleasure_n and_o conveniency_n each_o of_o they_o afford_v what_o effect_n they_o produce_v and_o a_o determine_n within_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o interest_n to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o live_v a_o honest_a sober_a and_o devout_a life_n though_o attend_v with_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o expose_v to_o many_o suffering_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o former_a discourse_n first_o sermon_n the_o first_o or_o else_o 2._o the_o think_v on_o our_o way_n may_v denote_v a_o reflection_n on_o our_o own_o particular_a action_n a_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n and_o examine_v our_o conscience_n whether_o we_o have_v live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v what_o the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v and_o what_o expectation_n we_o may_v reasonable_o entertain_v of_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o and_o if_o we_o take_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n in_o this_o last_o sense_n than_o they_o imply_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o a_o set_n apart_o some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o past_a action_n of_o our_o life_n have_v be_v second_o a_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n three_o a_o serious_a resolution_n to_o persevere_v in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o put_v these_o thing_n in_o practice_n and_o perform_v they_o with_o the_o better_a success_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n thus_o to_o consider_v his_o way_n ii_o i_o shall_v show_v after_o what_o manner_n we_o ought_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n iii_o what_o excellent_a effect_n a_o due_a performance_n of_o it_o will_v have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n first_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n to_o consider_v his_o way_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o enjoin_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o disposition_n and_o what_o mean_n will_v be_v most_o useful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n frequent_o exhort_v we_o to_o look_v back_o into_o our_o past_a life_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o action_n by_o compare_v they_o with_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o we_o find_v we_o have_v do_v amiss_o to_o repent_v and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o in_o the_o four_o psalm_n verse_n the_o four_o the_o psalmist_n advise_v we_o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n and_o be_v still_o upon_o which_o word_n st._n chrysostom_n thus_o dictate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n that_o be_v before_o you_o compose_v yourself_o to_o sleep_n summon_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o exact_v a_o severe_a account_n of_o yourself_o consider_v what_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o design_n you_o have_v harbour_v and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o have_v take_v effect_n arraign_v and_o condemn_v yourself_o for_o those_o sin_n and_o resolve_v that_o you_o will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o any_o more_o st._n ourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o will_v discern_v or_o distinguish_v ourselves_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v i._n e._n we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o sin_n which_o bring_v the_o divine_a judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o same_o advice_n be_v couch_v in_o those_o parable_n luk._n 14.28_o 29._o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o which_o of_o you_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o compute_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o happy_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v he_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o
circumspect_o and_o that_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n they_o will_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n hallow_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o more_o particular_o of_o those_o time_n when_o we_o intend_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o make_v a_o more_o diligent_a search_n into_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o we_o retain_v no_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n no_o evil_a thing_n unrepented_a of_o which_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n next_o to_o the_o time_n let_v we_o consider_v 2._o the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o here_o let_v we_o make_v a_o exact_a scrutiny_n into_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n concern_v our_o thought_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o most_o think_v upon_o be_v my_o thought_n serious_a seasonable_a and_o pure_a be_v my_o inclination_n compliant_a with_o god_n law_n what_o do_v most_o easy_o stir_v i_o and_o how_o be_v my_o heart_n move_v be_v my_o affection_n calm_a and_o orderly_o and_o well_o place_v what_o plot_n do_v i_o contrive_v what_o project_n be_o i_o drive_v on_o be_v my_o design_n good_a be_v my_o intention_n upright_o and_o sincere_a concern_v our_o word_n let_v we_o demand_v thus_o 39.1_o psal_n 39.1_o have_v i_o learn_v to_o keep_v my_o tongue_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bridle_n to_o refrain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o evil_a speech_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o to_o that_o use_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o communicate_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o as_o to_o our_o action_n let_v we_o first_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o let_v we_o reason_n thus_o with_o ourselves_o this_o action_n be_v indeed_o well_o do_v but_o may_v i_o not_o have_v do_v better_a may_v i_o not_o have_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v more_o good_a for_o my_o neighbour_n be_v not_o this_o good_a action_n imperfect_a as_o to_o some_o particular_n be_v i_o not_o too_o blame_v as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o resolve_v that_o if_o ever_o god_n put_v another_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o action_n again_o we_o will_v mend_v these_o defect_n and_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a for_o the_o future_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o upon_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n we_o find_v they_o have_v be_v evil_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o say_v thus_o to_o ourselves_o i_o have_v do_v this_o wicked_a act_n and_o hereby_o offend_v my_o good_a god_n but_o what_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n have_v i_o get_v for_o myself_o do_v not_o that_o trouble_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o feel_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n much_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n i_o take_v in_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n to_o purchase_v so_o little_a so_o momentary_a a_o pleasure_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o my_o mind_n a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o several_a aggravate_v circumstance_n which_o attend_v they_o perhaps_o the_o crime_n which_o we_o commit_v be_v do_v with_o deliberation_n perhaps_o in_o despite_n to_o the_o check_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o bless_a motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v frequent_o repeat_v and_o we_o still_o continue_v to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o call_v to_o repentance_n and_o the_o many_o vow_n and_o resolution_n we_o have_v make_v of_o leave_v and_o forsake_v it_o these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n whereby_o our_o sin_n be_v render_v more_o heinous_a and_o more_o exceed_o sinful_a thus_o the_o treason_n of_o judas_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o deep_o die_v because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n familiar_a friend_n and_o disciple_n who_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o do_v eat_v of_o his_o bread_n and_o solomon_n idolatry_n do_v offend_v god_n the_o more_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v turn_v from_o the_o lord_n 11.9_o 1_o kin._n 11.9_o who_o appear_v unto_o he_o twice_o and_o have_v command_v he_o concern_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v astray_o after_o other_o go_n these_o be_v the_o step_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o when_o we_o have_v perform_v that_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o take_v a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o compare_v our_o present_a condition_n with_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n and_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n whether_o our_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o resolution_n be_v more_o root_v and_o confirm_v 1.8_o 2_o pet_n 1.8_o or_o else_o whether_o we_o lose_v ground_n and_o become_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o the_o standard_n of_o our_o improvement_n in_o holy_a live_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o affection_n these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n we_o be_v then_o soon_o warm_v and_o raise_v up_o into_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n especial_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n when_o our_o passion_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o we_o and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n but_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o year_n these_o heat_n languish_v and_o decay_n and_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n improve_v we_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o these_o transport_v of_o our_o assection_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o we_o live_v up_o more_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whether_o we_o yield_v a_o more_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o we_o have_v former_o do_v whether_o we_o have_v leave_v off_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a practice_n and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o our_o belove_a sin_n whether_o we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n patient_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n more_o content_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v of_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o do_v indeed_o grow_v better_a and_o better_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o have_v make_v these_o improvement_n what_o motive_n and_o inducement_n most_o wrought_v upon_o we_o what_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v most_o useful_a what_o company_n and_o example_n be_v most_o allure_a 3.16_o phil._n 3.16_o and_o then_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v that_o we_o decline_v in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o our_o sin_n those_o son_n of_o anak_n have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o heinous_a and_o presumptuous_a crime_n then_o let_v we_o careful_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v which_o betray_v we_o into_o these_o sin_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o do_v such_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a action_n action_n which_o be_v both_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o rank_a of_o be_v which_o we_o hold_v in_o the_o world_n by_o what_o mean_n and_o method_n do_v the_o devil_n that_o old_a serpent_n wind_v himself_o into_o our_o soul_n with_o what_o bait_n do_v he_o allure_v we_o under_o what_o specious_a show_n do_v he_o represent_v his_o temptation_n which_o be_v our_o weak_a side_n that_o first_o yield_v to_o the_o assault_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o
same_o pitch_n of_o devotion_n but_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o low_a ebb_n he_o endeavour_v to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v his_o affection_n he_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o inflame_v his_o heart_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o can_v rest_v satisfy_v till_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v in_o upon_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n assure_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o he_o these_o be_v the_o four_o mark_n by_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o discover_v if_o we_o will_v but_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o trial_n whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o form_n only_o i_o come_v now_o four_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o i._o we_o must_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n ii_o detest_v their_o evil_a example_n iii_o avoid_v their_o company_n i._o we_o must_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o a_o hint_n of_o both_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n 18._o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n there_o be_v their_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o avoid_v they_o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v their_o end_n and_o design_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a whatever_o doctrine_n have_v a_o show_n of_o seem_a holiness_n and_o piety_n and_o yet_o by_o probable_a consequence_n tend_v to_o promote_v any_o evil_a and_o wicked_a design_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v till_o try_v by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o be_v find_v exact_o conformable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o we_o must_v detest_v their_o evil_a example_n for_o this_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o certain_a rule_n that_o unless_o we_o dislike_v their_o evil_a practice_n and_o alienate_v our_o affection_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v write_v after_o the_o same_o copy_n our_o life_n will_v be_v according_a to_o our_o like_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v hate_v and_o detest_v their_o hypocrisy_n though_o we_o love_v the_o man_n we_o must_v abhor_v the_o uglyness_n of_o their_o vice_n though_o we_o bear_v no_o ill_a will_n to_o their_o person_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v hate_v they_o right_a sore_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n 139.22_o psal_n 139.22_o even_o as_o though_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n iii_o we_o must_v avoid_v their_o company_n and_o this_o be_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o the_o text._n from_o such_o turn_n away_o it_o be_v a_o subtle_a though_o a_o wicked_a policy_n of_o jeroboam_n to_o set_v up_o two_o golden_a calf_n the_o one_o at_o dan_n the_o other_o at_o bethâ—el_n that_o he_o may_v detain_v his_o people_n at_o home_n lest_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o subject_n of_o rehoboam_n they_o shall_v contract_v a_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o be_v persuade_v to_o return_v to_o their_o obedience_n he_o know_v how_o much_o company_n and_o conversation_n win_v upon_o man_n affection_n and_o that_o society_n and_o familiarity_n have_v by_o degree_n wrought_v out_o what_o the_o most_o persuasive_a rhetoric_n can_v never_o accomplish_v be_v you_o not_o therefore_o unequal_o yoke_v say_v the_o apostle_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n etc._n etc._n 16._o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 16._o wherefore_o come_v you_o out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o but_o this_o be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o too_o many_o split_n they_o first_o look_v upon_o all_o other_o man_n as_o common_a and_o unclean_a who_o in_o truth_n be_v much_o better_a than_o themselves_o and_o then_o not_o only_o avoid_v their_o conversation_n but_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v treat_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a honesty_n and_o thus_o by_o strain_v the_o string_n too_o high_a make_v it_o jar_v and_o spoil_v all_o the_o harmony_n and_o consort_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o set_v out_o the_o bound_n and_o limitation_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o man_n as_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o first_o we_o be_v not_o hereby_o engage_v to_o quit_v our_o particular_a engagement_n or_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o our_o friend_n and_o near_a relation_n for_o the_o servant_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o master_n the_o child_n to_o his_o parent_n the_o husband_n and_o wife_n to_o each_o other_o and_o no_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n nay_o we_o must_v not_o so_o turn_v away_o from_o any_o man_n as_o to_o refuse_v do_v good_a and_o charitable_a office_n either_o to_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o rather_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 5.45_o matth._n 5.45_o who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o descend_v on_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a tâ—â—_n more_o wicked_a any_o man_n be_v and_o the_o more_o infect_v with_o the_o leprosy_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o need_n he_o have_v of_o a_o physician_n if_o therefore_o we_o see_v a_o man_n who_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v we_o omit_v no_o opportunity_n of_o reclaim_v he_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n let_v we_o assist_v he_o with_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o do_v he_o all_o the_o good_a turn_v that_o lie_n in_o our_o way_n remember_v that_o excellent_a say_v of_o a_o heathen_a homo_fw-la sum_fw-la humani_fw-la nihil_fw-la à _fw-la i_o alienum_fw-la puto_fw-la i_o myself_o be_o but_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o affliction_n can_v happen_v to_o any_o one_o but_o i_o bear_v my_o part_n in_o it_o but_o let_v we_o not_o contract_v a_o familiarity_n with_o a_o vicious_a or_o heretical_a person_n let_v we_o not_o lay_v such_o a_o one_o in_o our_o bosom_n or_o make_v he_o our_o particular_a friend_n but_o keep_v such_o a_o strict_a guard_n over_o ourselves_o and_o be_v so_o cautious_a in_o our_o deal_n with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o his_o evil_a example_n we_o must_v treat_v he_o as_o we_o usual_o do_v those_o who_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o infectious_a disease_n furnish_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n he_o want_v administer_v to_o all_o his_o press_a necessity_n but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o converse_v frequent_o with_o he_o or_o to_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o catch_v that_o distemper_n under_o which_o he_o labour_v such_o a_o familiarity_n as_o this_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o avoid_v 1.1_o psal_n 1.1_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n say_v david_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a and_o in_o another_o place_n i_o have_v not_o dwell_v with_o vain_a person_n 43.4_o psal_n 43.4_o neither_o will_v i_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o deceitful_a i_o have_v hate_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o will_v not_o sit_v among_o the_o ungodly_a i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n o_o lord_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o calling_n oblige_v we_o to_o frequent_v their_o company_n we_o must_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o mesech_n 120.5_o psal_n 120.5_o and_o take_v up_o my_o habitation_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n in_o short_a let_v we_o observe_v these_o three_o rule_n 1._o let_v we_o imitate_v they_o in_o good_a thing_n the_o form_n of_o godliness_n the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o praiseworthy_a let_v we_o therefore_o imitate_v they_o in_o this_o nay_o let_v we_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o solemnity_n of_o our_o fast_n the_o become_a decency_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o in_o avoid_v all_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o only_o heinous_a offence_n against_o god_n but_o scandalous_a among_o man_n and_o uneasy_a to_o modest_a and_o virtuous_a conversation_n let_v that_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o put_v on_o incite_v in_o we_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o outdo_v they_o in_o their_o own_o art_n for_o good_a be_v still_o the_o same_o in_o whatsoever_o subject_a it_o be_v find_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n
divine_a joy_n to_o see_v those_o church_n raise_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o adorn_v with_o a_o more_o splendid_a magnificency_n than_o their_o first_o founder_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n increase_v and_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n more_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n be_v build_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o cost_n be_v spare_v nothing_o be_v think_v too_o good_a for_o this_o sacred_a use_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n do_v seem_v to_o rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o bestow_v their_o good_n to_o this_o holy_a purpose_n and_o their_o profuse_a liberality_n be_v speak_v of_o with_o honour_n and_o approbation_n gaudentium_fw-la st._n jerom._n ad_fw-la nepotian_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la clerici_fw-la ad_fw-la demetr_v epist_n 12._o ad_fw-la gaudentium_fw-la it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o father_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v these_o expensive_a building_n but_o than_o it_o be_v only_o comparative_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o lay_v out_o upon_o these_o structure_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o bestow_v on_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o have_v such_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o adorn_v church_n that_o they_o starve_v the_o poor_a and_o do_v not_o provide_v a_o competent_a allowance_n for_o those_o who_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_v to_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o holy_a duty_n and_o a_o devout_a comportment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o filial_a regard_n to_o all_o those_o devout_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n enjoin_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n that_o so_o we_o who_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a may_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n will_v permit_v resemble_v that_o hide_a dignity_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n be_v glorify_v and_o worship_n our_o god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n sermon_n vi._n 1_o thes_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o several_a truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a connection_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o exact_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o those_o which_o go_v immediate_o before_o do_v bear_v some_o relation_n for_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n concern_v our_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a we_o must_v careful_o examine_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o which_o seem_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v real_o so_o we_o must_v reject_v the_o one_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v take_v quite_o different_a measure_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a which_o either_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o we_o have_v any_o probable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v be_v so_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n there_o be_v indeed_o another_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o syriac_a version_n render_v they_o abstain_v from_o every_o kind_n of_o evil_n but_o since_o this_o word_n be_v not_o so_o render_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n from_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n to_o translate_v it_o so_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n to_o follow_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o render_v it_o as_o in_o my_o text_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o rather_o â—â—_o phil._n 4._o â—â—_o because_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n the_o word_n thus_o understand_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o the_o direct_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o my_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v what_o those_o action_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o word_n 1._o absolute_o and_o 2._o as_o they_o bear_v a_o respect_n and_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n first_o take_v absolute_o they_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o action_n which_o either_o real_o be_v or_o have_v the_o blush_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil._n second_o if_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o neighbour_n they_o import_v that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o our_o brother_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n absolute_o and_o then_o they_o import_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n ii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o iii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o into_o sin_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o it_o may_v appear_v of_o never_o so_o little_a concernment_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o in_o the_o small_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o because_o every_o such_o transgression_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o god_n anger_n and_o by_o consequence_n render_v we_o liable_a to_o everlasting_a punishment_n let_v we_o therefore_o careful_o avoid_v even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o eye_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o offend_v with_o our_o tongue_n remember_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n every_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o and_o that_o in_o god_n book_n all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v record_v some_o sin_n be_v indeed_o of_o a_o deep_a dye_n than_o other_o and_o do_v admit_v of_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n sin_n commit_v wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o be_v more_o hateful_a to_o god_n be_v the_o conscience_n more_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o soul_n than_o those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o temptation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v sin_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v small_a or_o little_a or_o as_o the_o papist_n speak_v venial_a for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o wilful_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3.4_o 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o whoever_o wilful_o offend_v god_n just_o incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n nay_o even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o of_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n unto_o we_o than_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n imply_v a_o great_a gild_n a_o small_a injury_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v we_o be_v resent_v more_o heinous_o than_o when_o we_o sustain_v a_o great_a damage_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o least_o sin_n wilful_o commit_v and_o obstinate_o persevere_v in_o will_v deprive_v we_o utter_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n how_o vain_a and_o dangerous_a then_o be_v that_o know_a distinction_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o papist_n into_o sin_n venial_a and_o sin_n mortal_a i._n e._n as_o they_o explain_v it_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o do_v deserve_v eternal_a
apostle_n advice_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a 4.8_o phil._n 4.8_o but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o action_n still_o remain_v indifferent_a for_o those_o action_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v necessary_a by_o some_o circumstance_n limit_v and_o bound_v they_o and_o if_o my_o indifferent_a action_n be_v annex_v to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n or_o determine_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n i_o be_o no_o long_o at_o liberty_n which_o way_n to_o act_n nor_o will_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o my_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o best_a casuist_n have_v lay_v down_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o where_o they_o fall_v short_a our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o director_n hereby_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o do_v not_o live_v themselves_o up_o to_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n suit_v their_o action_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o thing_n and_o comport_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v best_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o have_v have_v leisure_n and_o part_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v thing_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o dissent_v from_o we_o our_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v we_o that_o freedom_n which_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v my_o advice_n be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a 5.1_o gal._n 5.1_o least_o by_o any_o mean_a and_o undue_a compliance_n we_o shall_v confirm_v the_o erroneous_a shake_v the_o faithful_a encourage_v the_o adversary_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o but_o of_o other_o let_v we_o have_v compassion_n 22._o jud._n 22._o make_v a_o difference_n those_o who_o be_v indeed_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a information_n be_v scrupulous_a in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o give_v they_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o disgust_v they_o either_o by_o our_o word_n or_o action_n but_o endeavour_v to_o win_v they_o over_o by_o all_o the_o lawful_a art_n and_o endearment_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n and_o if_o we_o must_v still_o differ_v in_o small_a matter_n let_v we_o love_v as_o brethren_n if_o we_o can_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o opinion_n yet_o let_v we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n amen_o and_o amen_o sermon_n vii_o eccles_n v._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil._n the_o design_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o approach_v with_o humble_a reverence_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o a_o become_a decency_n and_o devotion_n to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n with_o â—ouls_n affect_v with_o awful_a and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n with_o open_a ear_n and_o obedient_a heart_n dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o keep_v thy_o foot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n prepare_v and_o fit_v thyself_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n compose_v thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o body_n to_o a_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o duty_n thou_o be_v about_o and_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o expression_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n of_o pluck_v off_o their_o shoe_n when_o they_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o solemn_a respect_n or_o tread_v on_o consecrate_a ground_n and_o of_o wash_v their_o foot_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o palace_n of_o their_o king_n or_o the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n of_o these_o custom_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 3.5_o exod._n 3.5_o when_o god_n appear_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n he_o command_v he_o to_o put_v his_o shoe_n from_o off_o his_o foot_n because_o the_o place_n whereon_o he_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n say_v unto_o joshua_n 5.15_o josh_n 5.15_o lose_v the_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a loose_v or_o pluck_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v a_o ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o we_o a_o token_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o therefore_o they_o wash_v and_o make_v clean_o their_o foot_n when_o they_o go_v into_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n to_o denote_v that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reverent_a demeanour_n of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v there_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o how_o we_o must_v comport_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v present_o add_v and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i.e._n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o attentive_a ear_n and_o a_o obedient_a heart_n along_o with_o thou_o with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v than_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n think_v though_o very_o foolish_o to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v he_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o they_o though_o they_o lead_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o such_o man_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o impure_a heart_n such_o as_o those_o who_o think_v that_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n will_v atone_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o enlargement_n upon_o they_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n ii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o be_v worship_v he_o iii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n 1._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o our_o edify_v and_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v prepare_a and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v it_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n 29.13_o isay_n 29.13_o if_o whilst_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o will_v our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o if_o whilst_o we_o be_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a element_n we_o cherish_v and_o harbour_v sinful_a and_o impure_a thought_n
never_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o perform_v who_o both_o by_o their_o look_n and_o gesture_n declare_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o some_o other_o place_n and_o employ_v on_o some_o other_o business_n a_o multitude_n of_o needless_a and_o insignificant_a ceremony_n such_o as_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tend_v to_o divert_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o business_n we_o be_v about_o and_o make_v so_o much_o employment_n for_o our_o body_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o serve_v he_o with_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o our_o religious_a worship_n nor_o do_v i_o plead_v for_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o devout_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o i_o will_v enforce_v a_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o that_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n our_o church_n prescribe_v that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n that_o humble_a prostration_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o become_v man_n who_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n will_v appear_v 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o as_o i_o have_v former_o observe_v consist_v in_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o man_n have_v for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n who_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o every_o thing_n they_o enjoy_v which_o make_v they_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o profound_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o will_v discover_v itself_o in_o their_o look_n word_n and_o action_n for_o there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o union_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o when_o the_o one_o be_v serious_o affect_v the_o other_o can_v remain_v unconcern_v when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o glorious_a idea_n of_o god_n wonderful_a perfection_n his_o majesty_n power_n goodness_n and_o lovingkindness_n towards_o we_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o our_o bosom_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v 6.27_o prov._n 6.27_o as_o to_o contain_v ourselves_o from_o discover_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o visible_a demonstration_n beside_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o public_a worship_n that_o we_o make_v know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o public_a token_n of_o reverence_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n this_o be_v one_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o worship_a god_n in_o public_a 15.6_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o incite_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v he_o and_o declare_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o a_o reverence_n we_o retain_v for_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o our_o external_a behaviour_n and_o devout_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o man_n deserve_o eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o devotion_n who_o do_v not_o join_v bodily_a worship_n with_o his_o mental_a adoration_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o three_o consideration_n 3._o that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a that_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o decent_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o with_o humility_n and_o respect_n uncover_v our_o head_n and_o bend_v our_o body_n and_o give_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o attention_n and_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n than_o we_o will_v be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o temporal_a prince_n do_v god_n appear_v in_o our_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n will_v put_v every_o one_o of_o we_o into_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o devout_a posture_n yet_o god_n be_v here_o present_a of_o a_o truth_n though_o we_o know_v it_o not_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n do_v not_o only_o look_v down_o and_o behold_v we_o but_o be_v as_o certain_o present_a in_o this_o congregation_n as_o if_o we_o behold_v they_o with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n let_v we_o therefore_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o god_n 95.6_o psal_n 95.6_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n let_v we_o give_v he_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o our_o body_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o bow_v down_o ourselves_o before_o he_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o that_o the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n may_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o not_o give_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o worldly_a thought_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o divine_a service_n be_v end_v much_o less_o shall_v we_o let_v loose_v our_o thought_n to_o pastime_n and_o recreation_n though_o never_o so_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a for_o be_v there_o no_o divine_a command_n common_a prudence_n will_v dictate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o fix_v those_o truth_n we_o have_v hear_v upon_o our_o memory_n be_v to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o digest_v what_o we_o have_v hear_v by_o serious_a meditation_n and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o divert_v our_o thought_n to_o other_o employment_n will_v deface_v all_o those_o good_a impression_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v make_v on_o our_o mind_n blot_v they_o out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o make_v those_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v like_o the_o seed_n sow_o by_o the_o way_n side_n 13.5_o matth._n 13.5_o which_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n let_v we_o therefore_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o recollect_v what_o the_o preacher_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o consider_v what_o article_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v explain_v what_o virtue_n have_v be_v recommend_v what_o vice_n reprove_v what_o argument_n and_o motive_n have_v be_v use_v and_o in_o short_a in_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o transcribe_v it_o into_o our_o life_n let_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o grow_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o conclude_v all_o with_o our_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o inlighten_v our_o understanding_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o to_o render_v his_o good_a word_n effectual_a to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v only_o bare_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o same_o let_v we_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o the_o many_o gracious_a opportunity_n he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o enter_v his_o court_n and_o approach_v his_o sanctuary_n that_o we_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a and_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o his_o gospel_n whilst_o so_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n 107.10_o psal_n 107.10_o and_o let_v we_o not_o only_o content_v ourselves_o with_o make_v a_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o favour_n but_o testify_v our_o thankfulness_n by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n and_o word_n and_o make_v it_o the_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n sermon_n viii_o 2_o cor._n xii_o 9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o wonderful_a good_a and_o gracicious_a be_v the_o design_n of_o providence_n towards_o mankind_n both_o as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n in_o this_o life_n be_v so_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n to_o implant_v in_o they_o such_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o habit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v excellent_a advice_n though_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o heathen_a si_fw-la vis_fw-la consilium_fw-la permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la
we_o the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o he_o will_v give_v we_o some_o better_a thing_n instead_o of_o they_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o that_o affliction_n or_o trouble_v we_o groan_v under_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o a_o suitable_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o support_v we_o under_o it_o either_o of_o these_o consideration_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o place_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o persevere_v in_o our_o address_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n sermon_n ix_o prov_n iv_o 23._o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n it_o be_v deserve_o look_v upon_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a excellency_n of_o the_o persian_a law_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o design_n the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o use_v mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o that_o by_o a_o careful_a education_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o morality_n they_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o render_v their_o duty_n so_o familiar_a and_o habitual_a to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o those_o terrible_a torture_n and_o bloody_a execution_n whereby_o other_o lawgiver_n fright_v their_o subject_n into_o obedience_n and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o duty_n recommend_v in_o the_o text_n for_o be_v but_o this_o one_o precept_n sincere_o conform_v to_o do_v we_o but_o perform_v this_o one_o duty_n conscientious_o and_o honest_o we_o shall_v find_v very_o little_a difficulty_n in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o that_o man_n will_v never_o commit_v murder_n that_o dare_v not_o be_v angry_a without_o a_o cause_n nor_o be_v adulterous_a in_o the_o act_n who_o do_v not_o first_o transgress_v in_o his_o desire_n can_v we_o think_v he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o deliberate_a perjury_n that_o fear_v a_o oath_n or_o defraud_v another_o who_o permit_v not_o himself_o to_o covet_n for_o if_o the_o first_o spark_n of_o ill_n be_v quench_v within_o they_o will_v never_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v advice_n well_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n in_o which_o word_n be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n i._o of_o a_o duty_n recommend_v to_o we_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n ii_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o all_o diligence_n iii_o of_o the_o motive_n to_o engage_v we_o thus_o to_o perform_v it_o for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n iv_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o direction_n to_o facilitate_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n 1._o here_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v we_o heart_n psal_n 12.2_o 2_o kin._n 10.30_o matth._n 22.37_o 2_o sam._n 24.5_o rom._n 7.22_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o man_n within_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n now_o the_o heart_n have_v different_a acceptation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v sometime_o take_v for_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o sometime_o for_o another_o for_o the_o understanding_n the_o will_n the_o affection_n the_o conscience_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o whole_a soul_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n and_o then_o it_o will_v denote_v to_o we_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o inclination_n the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o its_o most_o noble_a operation_n so_o that_o by_o keep_v the_o heart_n be_v mean_v a_o look_v into_o the_o most_o private_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o curious_a and_o particular_a observation_n what_o be_v transact_v there_o the_o take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o our_o inclination_n passion_n desire_n and_o affection_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n approve_v those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o disallow_v those_o which_o be_v evil._n it_o denote_v also_o the_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o due_a frame_n and_o temper_v the_o take_a care_n that_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n may_v not_o be_v take_v up_o with_o any_o unlawful_a object_n or_o draw_v out_o too_o far_o on_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n but_o that_o we_o sincere_o desire_v and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a man_n to_o govern_v their_o heart_n so_o exact_o as_o never_o to_o transgress_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o never_o to_o offend_v in_o thought_n alas_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n will_v continual_o spring_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o incite_v they_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o present_v such_o tempt_a and_o allure_a object_n to_o our_o fancy_n as_o will_v produce_v inordinate_a affection_n and_o desire_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o that_o no_o vain_a thought_n shall_v intrude_v themselves_o there_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o frail_a body_n and_o house_n of_o clay_n we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o many_o passion_n and_o the_o fume_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o inferior_a appetite_n will_v cloud_v our_o understanding_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n captivate_v our_o reason_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n proceed_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o body_n and_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o present_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o and_o the_o object_n we_o converse_v with_o if_o we_o be_v of_o a_o cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a constitution_n we_o shall_v be_v affect_v with_o melancholy_a and_o distrustful_a thought_n and_o fancy_n if_o of_o a_o choleric_a temper_n passion_n will_v sometime_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o we_o when_o we_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o in_o prosperity_n our_o thought_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o gay_a and_o volatile_a if_o in_o pain_n or_o misery_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o pore_v on_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o a_o good_a christian_a can_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o as_o good_a a_o frame_n as_o he_o possible_o can_v to_o be_v continual_o on_o his_o guard_n and_o though_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o by_o curb_v his_o unruly_a passion_n govern_v his_o affection_n and_o appetite_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o whenever_o they_o break_v out_o and_o act_n irregular_o reduce_v they_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o not_o allow_v or_o delight_v in_o the_o least_o sinful_a thought_n or_o suffer_v it_o to_o dwell_v or_o remain_v in_o our_o heart_n but_o cast_v it_o out_o with_o all_o speed_n and_o indignation_n imaginable_a and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v ii_o with_o all_o diligence_n which_o denote_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a employment_n that_o we_o do_v not_o let_v any_o day_n slip_v without_o examine_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o if_o we_o sleep_v never_o so_o little_a the_o evil_a one_o will_v take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o sow_v his_o tare_n in_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v not_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n or_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n will_v imprint_v either_o such_o light_n and_o garish_a or_o such_o melancholy_a and_o distract_n idea_n of_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o will_v produce_v a_o fruitful_a crop_n of_o vain_a solicitous_a and_o sinful_a thought_n this_o must_v be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o day_n for_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v disorder_v with_o every_o gust_n of_o passion_n and_o will_v require_v a_o watchful_a eye_n and_o a_o continual_a care_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o any_o tolerable_a order_n 2._o the_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n imply_v the_o great_a intenseness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n imaginable_a for_o we_o must_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n
thought_n be_v not_o sinful_a unless_o immediate_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o commit_v murder_n or_o adultery_n unless_o it_o be_v actual_o put_v in_o execution_n which_o we_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o among_o we_o who_o maintain_v this_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n their_o thought_n be_v so_o free_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o act_n so_o cunning_o as_o to_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n 55.21_o psal_n 55.21_o if_o they_o can_v but_o speak_v word_n smooth_a than_o oil_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o solicitous_a how_o their_o heart_n stand_v affect_v but_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v 2.15_o rom._n 2.15_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o loud_a word_n and_o most_o public_a action_n in_o god_n book_n not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v write_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v not_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o contrive_v beforehand_o how_o we_o may_v fulfil_v our_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o desire_n solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 9_o prov._n 2.4_o 9_o a_o foolish_a thought_n and_o that_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a device_n or_o thought_n god_n will_v condemn_v 12.2_o prov._n 12.2_o and_o st._n john_n affirm_v 3.15_o 1_o joh._n 3.15_o that_o whosoever_o hate_v his_o brother_n or_o retain_v any_o rancour_n or_o malice_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v a_o murderer_n now_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a intention_n of_o those_o person_n who_o fail_v in_o their_o obedience_n only_o for_o want_n of_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o so_o on_o the_o other_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v sinful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o we_o have_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n to_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n abraham_n only_o intend_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n isaac_n 11.17_o heb._n 11.17_o and_o this_o holy_a purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 18.12_o gen._n 18.12_o and_o when_o sarah_n disbelieved_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o deride_v it_o in_o her_o heart_n she_o be_v say_v to_o laugh_v within_o herself_o and_o god_n resent_v the_o provocation_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o a_o wicked_a thought_n be_v put_v into_o execution_n and_o break_v out_o into_o a_o wicked_a act_n 1.15_o jam._n 1.15_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o sin_n it_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o heinous_a nature_n and_o deep_a dye_n than_o when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o embryo_n or_o in_o the_o birth_n yet_o in_o many_o respect_v our_o thought_n may_v be_v more_o wicked_a than_o either_o our_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v for_o 1._o our_o thought_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o our_o action_n there_o must_v be_v many_o preparatory_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n many_o thought_n twist_v together_o to_o produce_v one_o deliberate_a sinful_a action_n how_o many_o plotting_n and_o contriving_n desire_n and_o hope_n wish_n and_o complacency_n must_v go_v before_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o evil_a deed_n there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o scheme_n erect_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o mean_n and_o method_n must_v be_v resolve_v on_o the_o instrument_n must_v be_v choose_v and_o the_o thing_n frequent_o act_v over_o in_o our_o thought_n before_o any_o notorious_a sinful_a action_n can_v be_v commit_v 2._o the_o same_o sin_n may_v be_v act_v over_o a_o thousand_o time_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o can_v only_o be_v once_o perform_v in_o the_o outward_a action_n we_o may_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o recall_v the_o sin_n we_o have_v former_o commit_v in_o represent_v they_o in_o our_o fancy_n and_o re-acting_a they_o over_o in_o our_o imagination_n and_o hereby_o draw_v down_o a_o fresh_a gild_n upon_o ourselves_o nay_o 3._o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n by_o contrive_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v real_o act_v thus_o the_o covetous_a man_n may_v rob_v his_o neighbour_n of_o his_o wealth_n though_o he_o never_o obtain_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a may_v murder_v his_o enemy_n when_o out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloodthirsty_a may_v imagine_v all_o mankind_n to_o have_v but_o one_o neck_n and_o then_o cut_v it_o off_o 14.1_o psal_n 14.1_o and_o the_o atheist_n may_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o fancy_v he_o exclude_v out_o of_o the_o world_n from_o these_o and_o such_o other_o consideration_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o think_v as_o we_o please_v but_o that_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n nay_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n that_o no_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v good_a or_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o unessayed_v heart_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v perform_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n they_o be_v only_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la counterfeit_a virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o that_o if_o we_o give_v our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n i._n e._n a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n all_o those_o good_a deed_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o 2._o the_o keep_v of_o our_o heart_n be_v conducive_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n because_o the_o maintain_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n depend_v on_o it_o now_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v maintain_v by_o our_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o so_o then_o what_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o impure_a desire_n and_o affection_n reek_v with_o lust_n or_o anger_n or_o revenge_n he_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o delight_n to_o dwell_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a heart_n 57.15_o isa_n 57.15_o and_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v infect_v with_o envy_n malice_n pride_n or_o lust_n we_o shall_v grieve_v he_o and_o he_o will_v depart_v from_o we_o and_o then_o the_o devil_n those_o impure_a spirit_n will_v take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o will_v become_v a_o cage_n of_o these_o unclean_a bird_n a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o these_o legion_n to_o dwell_v in_o 3._o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o preparation_n we_o have_v make_v for_o it_o in_o this_o our_o life_n here_o be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n a_o small_a span_n of_o time_n allot_v we_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o divine_a quality_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o welcome_a guest_n at_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o well-grounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o employment_n here_o to_o restrain_v our_o passion_n moderate_a our_o affection_n inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o holy_a meditation_n these_o be_v qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v we_o relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o life_n for_o we_o may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n hope_v to_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n with_o precious_a stone_n and_o diamond_n or_o our_o thirst_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o stately_a building_n or_o goodly_a apparel_n as_o that_o a_o malicious_a envious_a lustful_a or_o covetous_a person_n whilst_o he_o continue_v so_o shall_v take_v delight_n in_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o in_o sing_v praise_n and_o hallelujah_n unto_o god_n so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o