gulielmus_fw-la batesius_n s._n s._n theol_n prof._n aetat_fw-la 62_o nov_n 1687._o sell_v by_o n._n ranew_n &_o i._n robinson_n 1688._o the_o sure_a trial_n of_o uprightness_n open_v in_o several_a sermon_n upon_o psal._n xviii_o v_o 23._o i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o have_v keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n by_o william_n bates_z d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1689._o the_o preface_n it_o be_v the_o bless_a privilege_n obtain_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o his_o people_n that_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a sanctification_n be_v gracious_o accept_v of_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o this_o sincere_a holiness_n be_v strict_o and_o indispensable_o require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o mediator_n without_o it_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o the_o treasure_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o glory_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o matter_n that_o infinite_o concern_v we_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a blessedness_n to_o make_v a_o true_a discovery_n of_o our_o uprightness_n and_o usual_o all_o the_o fear_n and_o inquiry_n about_o our_o spiritual_a state_n issue_n in_o this_o whether_o we_o be_v upright_o or_o not_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o uprightness_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o relief_n in_o all_o perplex_v jealousy_n about_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o notwithstanding_o our_o defect_n he_o will_v spare_v we_o as_o a_o father_n spare_v his_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o this_o great_a question_n of_o our_o sincerity_n may_v be_v clear_v by_o a_o due_a observe_v our_o heart_n and_o way_n for_o conscience_n be_v a_o inseparable_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o even_o in_o the_o heathen_a accuse_v or_o excuse_v as_o their_o action_n be_v exorbitant_a or_o regular_a according_a to_o the_o internal_a law_n and_o consequent_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o wickedness_n or_o moral_a integrity_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o tell_v we_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o but_o this_o primary_o respect_v the_o discern_a it_o by_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o there_o may_v be_v the_o affectation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n join_v with_o a_o disaffection_n to_o the_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v solemn_a formality_n without_o cordial_a godliness_n a_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o personate_n devotion_n for_o vile_a ends._n but_o though_o the_o impure_a artist_n under_o a_o veil_n of_o hypocrisy_n may_v be_v conceal_v from_o other_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o many_o from_o ignorance_n or_o carelessness_n may_v presume_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n there_o be_v many_o carnal_a shift_n make_v use_v of_o to_o palliate_v the_o evil_a condition_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o their_o security_n proceed_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o due_a examine_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a excuse_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o plead_v the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o for_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o our_o deceivableness_n but_o willingness_n to_o be_v deceive_v that_o expose_v we_o to_o mistake_v our_o spiritual_a condition_n by_o the_o insinuation_n of_o satan_n as_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n adul_n observe_v a_o man_n be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a flatterer_n of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o flatterer_n but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o impartial_o search_v ourselves_o though_o the_o heart_n be_v such_o a_o dark_a labyrinth_n that_o every_o secret_a turn_n can_v be_v discover_v though_o all_o the_o deflection_n and_o error_n of_o our_o way_n can_v be_v exact_o know_v yet_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o habitual_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o follow_a sermon_n to_o direct_v man_n in_o the_o discussion_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v not_o from_o a_o err_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a heart_n deceive_v themselves_o in_o a_o matter_n that_o so_o near_o concern_v they_o and_o incur_v the_o double_a punishment_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o gild_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v when_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n many_o useful_a rule_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o divine_n whereby_o true_a grace_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o counterfeit_n but_o the_o plain_a trial_n and_o level_n to_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o low_a christian_a be_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a respect_n to_o all_o god_n command_n without_o the_o reservation_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n how_o pleasant_a soever_o to_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n or_o the_o exception_n against_o any_o know_a duty_n that_o be_v displease_v to_o they_o if_o man_n will_v retire_v from_o the_o vanity_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n into_o themselves_o and_o search_v their_o spirit_n with_o that_o seriousness_n that_o be_v due_a to_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n if_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n if_o conscience_n be_v inquisitive_a as_o under_o god_n eye_n that_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n into_o every_o breast_n they_o may_v have_v a_o inward_a testimony_n of_o their_o sincerity_n or_o deceitfulness_n the_o apostle_n refer_v the_o decision_n of_o our_o state_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o of_o any_o habitual_a indulge_v sin_n than_o we_o have_v peace_n towards_o god._n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o neglect_n of_o try_v themselves_o many_o live_v in_o a_o cloud_n of_o delusion_n and_o from_o inward_a darkness_n pass_v to_o outer_a darkness_n for_o ever_o the_o sure_a trial_n of_o uprightness_n psal._n xviii_o 23._o i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o have_v keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n the_o title_n of_o this_o psalm_n declare_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o david_n speak_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o word_n of_o this_o song_n in_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o heavenly_a mind_n that_o after_o his_o victory_n and_o triumph_n when_o his_o throne_n be_v establish_v in_o peace_n he_o recount_v the_o signal_n act_v of_o divine_a providence_n with_o holy_a ecstasy_n of_o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o leave_v a_o everlasting_a memorial_n of_o god_n excellent_a goodness_n to_o he_o carnal_a person_n in_o extremity_n may_v be_v ardent_a in_o request_n for_o deliverance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v obtain_v they_o retain_v but_o a_o cold_a remembrance_n of_o god_n preserve_a mercy_n nay_o they_o often_o pervert_v his_o benefit_n the_o affluence_n and_o ease_n and_o security_n of_o their_o condition_n occasion_n the_o ungrateful_a forgetfulness_n of_o their_o benefactor_n self-love_n kindle_v desire_n for_o what_o we_o want_v the_o love_n of_o god_n inspire_v a_o holy_a heat_n in_o praise_n for_o what_o we_o enjoy_v in_o the_o psalm_n the_o inspire_a composer_n display_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o lofty_a figure_n of_o speech_n suitable_a to_o sacred_a poesy_n and_o in_o a_o relative_a endear_n way_n as_o manifest_v in_o his_o preservation_n he_o attribute_n such_o title_n to_o god_n as_o be_v significant_a of_o the_o benefit_n he_o receive_v sometime_o god_n discover_v the_o crafty_a and_o cruel_a design_n that_o be_v form_v against_o his_o people_n his_o eye_n save_v they_o and_o he_o be_v style_v their_o light_n sometime_o he_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o enemy_n his_o hand_n and_o power_n save_v they_o he_o be_v style_v their_o defence_n here_o the_o psalmist_n with_o exuberant_a affection_n multiply_v the_o divine_a title_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n and_o my_o deliverer_n my_o shield_n and_o my_o high_a tower_n and_o my_o refuge_n and_o my_o salvation_n a_o rock_n be_v a_o natural_a a_o tower_n a_o artificial_a defence_n both_o be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o safe_a protection_n he_o find_v in_o god._n he_o than_o set_v forth_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o danger_n to_o add_v a_o luster_n to_o the_o name_n of_o his_o preserver_n the_o wave_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o the_o flood_n of_o ungodly_a man_n make_v i_o afraid_a his_o ruin_n be_v imminent_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v inevitable_a but_o in_o that_o distress_n his_o servant_n prayer_n his_o cry_n to_o god_n
the_o other_o so_o according_a to_o the_o excess_n of_o love_n will_v be_v the_o excess_n of_o grief_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o eminent_a instance_n in_o david_n who_o sorrow_n for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o rebellious_a son_n be_v as_o immoderate_a as_o his_o love_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o 2._o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o moral_a cause_n of_o habitual_a sin_n the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n that_o be_v influential_a to_o give_v a_o custom_n to_o nature_n and_o viciousness_n to_o custom_n as_o the_o sea_n have_v rock_n and_o sand_n gulf_n and_o current_n tempest_n and_o calm_n so_o the_o present_a life_n have_v symbolical_o in_o its_o different_a state_n that_o endanger_v we_o in_o our_o passage_n to_o the_o next_o world._n the_o different_a condition_n of_o life_n i_o will_v consider_v under_o four_o head_n 1._o the_o several_a calling_n wherein_o man_n be_v engage_v 2._o the_o opposite_a state_n of_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o suitable_a temptation_n 3._o the_o society_n with_o who_o we_o be_v conversant_a 4._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v 1._o let_v we_o search_v for_o the_o predominant_a sin_n in_o the_o calling_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v for_o according_a to_o their_o quality_n temptation_n surround_v we_o and_o be_v likely_a to_o surprise_v we_o the_o spider_n spin_v his_o web_n where_o fly_v usual_o pass_v to_o entangle_v and_o destroy_v they_o so_o the_o subtle_a tempter_n lay_v his_o snare_n in_o our_o calling_n wherein_o we_o be_v conversant_a john_n the_o baptist_n therefore_o when_o the_o publican_n address_v to_o he_o for_o instruction_n master_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v say_v to_o they_o exact_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v appoint_v you_o and_o to_o the_o soldier_n he_o say_v do_v violence_n to_o no_o man_n neither_o accuse_v any_o false_o and_o be_v content_a with_o your_o wage_n he_o warn_v they_o against_o rapine_n and_o force_v and_o injurious_a accuse_v other_o of_o which_o sin_n publican_n and_o soldier_n be_v usual_o guilty_a i_o will_v to_o be_v the_o more_o instructive_a particular_o consider_v some_o calling_n and_o the_o sin_n that_o evident_o attend_v they_o the_o sacred_a call_v of_o minister_n do_v not_o secure_v they_o from_o temptation_n but_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o expose_v they_o to_o dangerous_a temptation_n the_o devil_n scale_n we_o on_o the_o temple-side_n and_o often_o get_v possession_n of_o our_o heart_n minister_n be_v often_o guilty_a of_o a_o spiritless_a formality_n in_o the_o manage_n holy_a thing_n in_o the_o compose_n of_o sermon_n the_o mind_n be_v exercise_v about_o the_o matter_n order_n and_o expression_n without_o holy_a affection_n suitable_a to_o divine_a truth_n partly_o because_o from_o custom_n the_o most_o solemn_a and_o concern_v thing_n pass_v through_o the_o soul_n without_o serious_a regard_n and_o application_n and_o partly_o because_o the_o ministerial_a office_n oblige_v we_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o admirable_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v that_o the_o only_a end_n of_o our_o study_n like_o vintner_n that_o buy_v great_a quantity_n of_o wine_n for_o sale_n and_o not_o for_o their_o own_o use_n there_o be_v not_o in_o many_o minister_n a_o spark_n of_o that_o heavenly_a fire_n which_o the_o reflexive_a meditation_n on_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a truth_n inspire_v into_o the_o soul_n which_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o kindle_v their_o knowledge_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o operative_a but_o like_o a_o winter_n sun_n that_o shine_v without_o vital_a heat_n if_o they_o be_v enrich_v with_o rare_a talent_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o profane_v that_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o preach_v by_o secret_a aim_n and_o desire_v of_o vainglory_n the_o temptation_n be_v more_o dangerous_a because_o esteem_v and_o praise_n for_o intellectual_a excellency_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o man_n and_o wherein_o the_o eminence_n of_o his_o nature_n consist_v be_v very_o please_a even_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o unspotted_a conversation_n and_o free_a from_o carnal_a pollution_n chrysostom_n confess_v of_o himself_o that_o cicer._n when_o he_o preach_v to_o a_o thin_a auditory_a his_o word_n die_v on_o his_o lip_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v quench_v but_o when_o he_o be_v encompass_v with_o a_o numerous_a full_a assembly_n his_o spirit_n be_v inflame_v and_o he_o breathe_v fire_n the_o attention_n and_o applause_n of_o the_o hearer_n the_o regard_v one_o another_o with_o wonder_n as_o if_o never_o man_n speak_v better_a the_o reign_v over_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n by_o powerful_a oratory_n be_v apt_a to_o inspire_v vainglorious_a conceit_n into_o the_o preacher_n and_o many_o carry_v along_o by_o the_o current_n of_o their_o injudicious_a auditor_n be_v curious_a to_o bespangle_v their_o discourse_n with_o light_a ornament_n to_o please_v the_o ear_n and_o be_v not_o studious_a to_o preach_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a in_o a_o stile_n distant_a from_o all_o shadow_n of_o vanity_n to_o save_v the_o soul._n another_o temptation_n attend_v that_o holy_a call_v be_v from_o humane_a passion_n which_o minister_n often_o bring_v up_o into_o the_o pulpit_n with_o they_o and_o with_o a_o counterfeit_a zeal_n vent_v their_o animosity_n against_o those_o of_o who_o they_o be_v jealous_a as_o diminish_v their_o secular_a interest_n god_n under_o the_o law_n severe_o forbid_v the_o offering_n up_o sacrifice_n by_o common_a fire_n but_o only_o by_o celestial_a that_o be_v preserve_v day_n and_o night_n upon_o the_o altar_n by_o the_o priest_n it_o be_v symbolical_a that_o the_o reprehension_n of_o sinner_n by_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v express_v with_o heat_n of_o anger_n against_o their_o person_n but_o with_o holy_a zeal_n that_o love_n to_o their_o soul_n shall_v be_v the_o pure_a motive_n of_o the_o severe_a rebuke_n last_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v lest_o minister_n have_v a_o respect_n more_o to_o the_o temporal_a reward_n of_o their_o office_n than_o the_o divine_a end_n of_o it_o therefore_o st._n peter_n with_o that_o solemnity_n enjoin_v evangelical_n pastor_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n take_v 3._o the_o oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n neither_o to_o act_v as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o to_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n it_o be_v true_a the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n and_o if_o we_o sow_v spiritual_a 11._o thing_n be_v it_o a_o great_a matter_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o we_o reap_v your_o carnal_a thing_n but_o though_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o regular_a to_o eat_v to_o live_v yet_o to_o live_v to_o eat_v be_v prodigious_o brutish_a so_o it_o be_v a_o most_o guilty_a vile_a intention_n to_o use_v the_o sacred_a ministry_n for_o obtain_v secular_a thing_n this_o will_v corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o hinder_v the_o discharge_n the_o office_n with_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o end_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o a_o worldly_a minister_n will_v frame_v his_o sermon_n and_o order_v his_o affair_n to_o obtain_v the_o world._n if_o it_o be_v for_o his_o secular_a interest_n he_o will_v appear_v as_o a_o apostle_n full_a of_o zeal_n against_o error_n and_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o worldly_a design_n he_o will_v neglect_v his_o duty_n to_o preserve_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n untainted_a from_o destructive_a error_n he_o will_v mollify_v the_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n rebate_v their_o edge_n and_o thereby_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o presumptuous_a sinner_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v 4._o of_o the_o vine_n if_o they_o be_v support_v upon_o crooked_a stake_n they_o will_v grow_v so_o so_o carnal_a preacher_n will_v conform_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o those_o upon_o who_o they_o servile_o depend_v in_o court_n of_o judicature_n the_o temptation_n be_v intimate_v in_o the_o wise_a advice_n of_o jethro_n to_o moses_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v man_n fear_v god_n and_o hate_v covetousness_n without_o the_o overrule_a fear_n of_o god_n judge_n will_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n even_o and_o courageous_o humane_a respect_n will_v tempt_v they_o to_o bend_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o obliquity_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o desire_n when_o they_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o fear_n or_o favour_n of_o man_n they_o will_v part_v with_o justice_n and_o conscience_n and_o true_a honour_n and_o their_o soul_n and_o how_o often_o do_v the_o weight_n of_o gold_n turn_v the_o scale_n in_o judgement_n and_o preponderate_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o cause_n with_o those_o who_o be_v most_o solemn_o oblige_v to_o universal_a
the_o father_n love_n to_o they_o be_v faint_a in_o comparison_n to_o the_o warm_a beam_n reflect_v upon_o joseph_n 2._o the_o darling_n corruption_n ingross_v the_o thought_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a levity_n and_o featheriness_n in_o the_o mind_n a_o strange_a inconsistency_n and_o discurrency_n of_o the_o thought_n but_o love_n will_v fasten_v they_o intense_o upon_o its_o object_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o habitual_a and_o delightful_a thought_n be_v the_o best_a discovery_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o spiritual_a state._n word_n and_o action_n may_v be_v overrule_v and_o counterfeit_a for_o divers_a reason_n but_o thought_n be_v the_o invisible_a production_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o without_o fear_n or_o mask_n without_o restraint_n or_o disguise_n undissemble_o discover_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n thought_n be_v the_o immediate_a offspring_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o as_o the_o water_n that_o immediate_o flow_v from_o the_o spring_n be_v strong_a of_o the_o mineral_n so_o the_o thought_n be_v most_o deep_o tincture_v with_o the_o affection_n a_o saint_n be_v therefore_o describe_v by_o his_o meditate_v 1._o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o his_o delight_n in_o it_o uncounterfeit_a religion_n amoris_fw-la and_o holiness_n consist_v in_o the_o order_n of_o love_n as_o st._n austin_n brief_o and_o full_o describe_v it_o the_o will_n be_v carry_v to_o its_o object_n and_o end_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o love_n and_o love_n apply_v the_o mind_n entire_o to_o the_o object_n to_o which_o it_o be_v strong_o incline_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v corrupt_a the_o ordinary_a current_n of_o the_o thought_n be_v in_o the_o channel_n of_o our_o lusts._n the_o contrive_v thought_n the_o device_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o contemplative_a thought_n and_o inward_a muse_n be_v conversant_a about_o the_o belove_a lust_n that_o engage_v the_o mind_n to_o it_o thus_o when_o covetousness_n be_v the_o reign_a passion_n the_o mind_n be_v in_o continual_a exercise_n to_o compass_v secular_a end_n it_o be_v full_a of_o project_n how_o to_o order_v the_o mean_v most_o successful_o to_o increase_v riches_n and_o how_o to_o remove_v whatever_o may_v obstruct_v the_o main_a design_n the_o spirit_n be_v captivate_v and_o like_o a_o drudge_n in_o a_o mill_n be_v continual_o grind_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o earthly_a appetite_n when_o the_o more_o sensual_a voluptuous_a passion_n be_v predominant_a the_o contrive_v thought_n be_v to_o make_v provision_n 1._o for_o the_o flesh_n to_o satisfy_v the_o lust_n thereof_o the_o understanding_n be_v debase_v to_o be_v the_o pander_n and_o caterer_n for_o the_o intemperate_a and_o incontinent_a appetite_n the_o ambitious_a spirit_n lay_v the_o scene_n how_o to_o obtain_v his_o desire_a honour_n and_o forecast_v how_o to_o ascend_v to_o some_o place_n of_o eminence_n so_o anger_v sour_v into_o revenge_n envy_v at_o the_o excellency_n and_o advancement_n of_o other_o turn_v the_o mind_n to_o plot_v mischief_n the_o contemplative_a thought_n and_o muse_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v also_o fix_v on_o the_o darling_n lust._n as_o a_o holy_a believer_n in_o who_o heart_n the_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v god_n in_o heaven_n be_v the_o supreme_a affection_n frequent_o ascend_v in_o his_o mind_n thither_o and_o by_o solemn_a serious_a thought_n substantiate_n his_o future_a happiness_n and_o have_v a_o unspeakable_a glorious_a joy_n in_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o unrenewed_a heart_n turn_v the_o thought_n to_o the_o desire_a object_n either_o in_o represent_v it_o in_o all_o its_o charm_n or_o in_o reflection_n upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o be_v past_a or_o in_o expectation_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v and_o please_v itself_o with_o the_o supposition_n instead_o of_o fruition_n a_o proud_a person_n entertain_v vainglorious_a thought_n of_o his_o own_o worth_n and_o worship_v the_o vain_a idol_n himself_o in_o his_o mind_n he_o repeat_v the_o echo_n of_o praise_n that_o his_o foolish_a flatterer_n lavish_a upon_o he_o it_o be_v record_v of_o nabuchadnezzar_n that_o as_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o palace_n he_o say_v be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n that_o i_o have_v build_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o might_n of_o my_o power_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o majesty_n his_o high_a tower_a word_n be_v the_o expression_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o discover_v pride_n to_o be_v the_o reign_a passion_n of_o his_o heart_n the_o sensual_a wretch_n survey_v his_o carnal_a paradise_n and_o personate_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n by_o impure_a imagination_n his_o fancy_n run_v riotous_o over_o tempt_a beauty_n by_o a_o active_a contemplation_n he_o contract_v a_o new_a stain_n and_o induce_v a_o new_a gild_n upon_o himself_o he_o commit_v the_o same_o sin_n a_o thousand_o time_n by_o renew_v the_o pleasant_a thought_n of_o it_o and_o by_o carnal_a complacence_n in_o the_o remembrance_n in_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o night_n when_o a_o curtain_n of_o darkness_n be_v draw_v over_o the_o visible_a world_n and_o the_o soul_n not_o divert_v by_o sensible_a object_n be_v most_o free_a in_o its_o operation_n than_o the_o thought_n be_v conversant_a about_o the_o belove_a sin._n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a they_o plot_v mischief_n upon_o their_o bed_n the_o rich_a fool_n be_v contrive_v how_o to_o bestow_v his_o fruit_n and_o good_n and_o entertain_v himself_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o festival_n voluptuous_a live_n in_o the_o night_n wherein_o his_o soul_n be_v require_v and_o in_o the_o morning_n the_o virgin_n thought_n be_v prostitute_v to_o the_o belove_a lust._n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n when_o the_o pure_a majesty_n and_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n shall_v unite_v the_o thought_n and_o compose_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o holy_a solemn_a frame_n than_o the_o belove_a lust_n will_v be_v so_o impudent_a and_o outrageous_a as_o to_o break_v into_o the_o mind_n the_o chamber_n of_o presence_n and_o seat_n itself_o there_o as_o lot_n wife_n lead_v by_o a_o angel_n out_o of_o sodom_n turn_v a_o linger_a eye_n towards_o it_o so_o the_o carnal_a heart_n even_o in_o religious_a service_n and_o address_n to_o god_n reflect_v upon_o the_o sinful_a object_n that_o have_v a_o attractive_a force_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v charge_v against_o those_o fine_a hypocrite_n in_o ezekiel_n they_o sit_v before_o 31._o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n it_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o high_a aggravation_n of_o their_o gild_n yea_o in_o my_o house_n have_v i_o find_v their_o 11._o wickedness_n say_v the_o lord_n the_o familiar_a lust_n will_v haunt_v man_n in_o the_o divine_a presence_n this_o make_v they_o cold_a and_o careless_a in_o holy_a duty_n this_o make_v their_o devotion_n so_o faint_a and_o dilute_a that_o god_n be_v infinite_o provoke_v by_o they_o in_o short_a the_o darling_n lust_n do_v so_o entire_o and_o intense_o fix_v the_o mind_n upon_o it_o that_o man_n account_n be_v dreadful_o increase_v by_o the_o swarm_n of_o wicked_a thought_n that_o defile_v their_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o revelation_n there_o will_v be_v a_o discovery_n make_v to_o their_o everlasting_a confusion_n 4._o the_o sin_n man_n desire_v to_o conceal_v from_o other_o and_o from_o conscience_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o defend_v or_o extenuate_v and_o be_v impatient_a of_o reproof_n for_o it_o have_v a_o special_a interest_n in_o their_o affection_n every_o sinner_n be_v a_o master_n of_o this_o art_n to_o counterfeit_v the_o virtue_n he_o want_v and_o dissemble_v the_o vice_n that_o he_o allow_v it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o solomon_n god_n make_v man_n upright_o but_o he_o seek_v out_o many_o invention_n especial_o to_o palliate_v and_o hide_v or_o to_o excuse_v his_o fault_n sin_n in_o its_o native_a deformity_n be_v so_o foul_a that_o man_n employ_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n and_o study_n either_o to_o conceal_v it_o under_o a_o veil_n of_o darkness_n or_o a_o deceitful_a mask_n of_o virtue_n or_o by_o various_a excuse_n to_o lessen_v its_o gild_n and_o ignominy_n adam_n patch_v up_o a_o apron_n of_o figleaf_n to_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n a_o resemblance_n of_o his_o care_n to_o hide_v his_o sin._n david_n can_v not_o expect_v to_o deceive_v god_n but_o to_o hide_v his_o adultery_n with_o bathsheba_n from_o man_n he_o send_v for_o uriah_n from_o the_o army_n that_o he_o may_v have_v go_v home_o to_o his_o wife_n it_o be_v observe_v of_o caesar_n and_o pompey_n who_o ambitious_a spirit_n aspire_v to_o sovereign_a power_n they_o make_v use_v of_o some_o ensign_n of_o royalty_n to_o accustom_v
the_o inquisition_n and_o judicature_n of_o conscience_n wealth_n and_o wickedness_n harden_v they_o against_o the_o most_o serious_a counsel_n the_o most_o solemn_a reproof_n and_o ardent_a exhortation_n they_o be_v blind_a to_o the_o sun_n and_o deaf_a to_o thunder_n but_o a_o sharp_a affliction_n clear_v the_o eye_n unlock_v the_o ear_n open_v the_o heart_n and_o prick_v the_o tender_a vein_n the_o awaken_v penitent_a will_v make_v a_o exact_a search_n to_o find_v out_o the_o achan_n the_o troubler_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o special_a sin_n be_v so_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o vigilant_a and_o afflict_a conscience_n the_o bitter_a remembrance_n of_o that_o sin_n be_v answerable_a to_o its_o gild_n the_o more_o it_o be_v indulge_v the_o more_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v the_o more_o it_o wound_v the_o spirit_n when_o the_o pleasure_n be_v past_a nothing_o remain_v but_o the_o sting_n and_o poison_n joseph_n brethren_n who_o so_o long_o have_v be_v insensible_a of_o their_o treacherous_a sell_v he_o to_o bondage_n and_o misery_n yet_o in_o their_o fear_n conscience_n remember_v it_o with_o aggravation_n of_o their_o unnatural_a cruelty_n and_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o last_o consider_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o sin_n to_o find_v out_o your_o own_o some_o be_v of_o omission_n some_o of_o commission_n some_o be_v spiritual_a and_o inward_a some_o be_v carnal_a and_o act_v with_o noise_n and_o notice_n some_o distinct_o flow_v from_o visible_a cause_n some_o spring_n from_o a_o unsuspected_a fountain_n there_o be_v many_o of_o a_o civil_a compose_v conversation_n who_o be_v careless_a of_o spiritual_a duty_n of_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n by_o raise_v solemn_a thought_n and_o ardent_a desire_n of_o watchfulness_n over_o their_o heart_n to_o regulate_v their_o aim_n and_o affection_n by_o the_o pure_a law_n and_o be_v insensible_a of_o their_o neglect_n and_o gild_n the_o unrenewed_a nature_n have_v a_o strong_a reluctance_n against_o spiritual_a duty_n many_o be_v righteous_a to_o man_n and_o unrighteous_a towards_o god_n they_o do_v not_o pay_v those_o duty_n that_o be_v indispensible_o require_v from_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o bless_a creator_n the_o high_a love_n for_o his_o perfection_n and_o benefit_n a_o obedient_a respect_n to_o his_o command_n in_o their_o action_n a_o resign_v submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o wisdom_n a_o entire_a trust_n in_o his_o fatherly_a providence_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n many_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o time_n that_o be_v consecrate_v to_o his_o service_n the_o lord_n day_n though_o it_o be_v our_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a when_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v at_o a_o end_n as_o if_o the_o remainder_n be_v unsanctified_a they_o wretched_o waste_v in_o complemental_a visit_n in_o civil_a matter_n in_o discourse_n impertinent_a to_o the_o solemn_a work_n of_o it_o many_o who_o be_v diligent_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n yet_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o infidel_n in_o neglect_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o command_v they_o to_o be_v circumspect_a in_o their_o way_n to_o set_v before_o they_o a_o live_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n and_o careless_o suffer_v their_o precious_a soul_n to_o perish_v for_o ever_o how_o many_o who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o open_a rebellious_a sin_n against_o the_o law_n yet_o neglect_v the_o great_a indispensible_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o humble_a unfeigned_a entire_a close_n with_o christ_n as_o their_o prince_n and_o saviour_n they_o presume_v upon_o their_o moral_a virtue_n of_o the_o safety_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o never_o have_v a_o feel_a sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o god_n nor_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o if_o only_a the_o profane_a riotous_a notorious_a sinner_n have_v need_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a merit_n and_o mediation_n to_o abolish_v their_o gild_n and_o save_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v they_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o civil_a person_n remain_v in_o a_o unrenewed_a state_n and_o be_v the_o natural_a subject_n of_o satan_n and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n some_o be_v regular_a in_o a_o course_n of_o religious_a duty_n they_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o without_o those_o holy_a affection_n that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o religious_a duty_n yet_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o external_a bodily_a service_n which_o be_v neither_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o their_o soul_n some_o cherish_v a_o secret_a pride_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o other_o some_o a_o vain_a presumption_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n because_o they_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o pure_a way_n of_o worship_n than_o other_o when_o they_o neglect_v substantial_a religion_n that_o recommend_v we_o to_o his_o gracious_a eye_n some_o will_v severe_o reflect_v upon_o the_o visible_a sin_n of_o other_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o unperceived_a consumption_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n in_o themselves_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n when_o the_o real_a inward_a motive_n be_v to_o quiet_a conscience_n by_o a_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o make_v it_o inobservant_a of_o their_o inward_a voluntary_a defect_n the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n may_v be_v counterfeit_a satan_n may_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n sinful_a affection_n may_v be_v varnish_v and_o gild_v so_o as_o to_o be_v mistake_v for_o divine_a grace_n brief_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o everlasting_a deceiver_n and_o without_o a_o perpetual_a watchfulness_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o close_a corruption_n that_o will_v blast_v our_o sincerity_n to_o find_v out_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o search_v where_o we_o may_v think_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v the_o find_v it_o 2._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v what_o the_o preserve_a himself_o from_o his_o peculiar_a sin_n imply_v 1._o a_o abstain_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o sin._n when_o david_n have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v saul_n his_o unrighteous_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n and_o secure_v himself_o when_o excite_v to_o it_o by_o abishai_n who_o will_v have_v dispatch_v he_o at_o a_o blow_n yet_o he_o reject_v the_o temptation_n with_o abhorrence_n the_o lord_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v 11._o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v thus_o he_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o commit_v 8._o sin_n be_v a_o servant_n of_o sin_n a_o indulgent_a course_n of_o sin_n denominate_v a_o person_n a_o slave_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o rebel_n against_o god_n and_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o sincerity_n it_o be_v true_a a_o upright_a man_n may_v fall_v by_o sudden_a surreption_n by_o a_o insinuate_a infirmity_n into_o a_o foul_a sin_n from_o which_o he_o have_v a_o settle_a aversation_n and_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o single_a act_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o blemish_n of_o his_o integrity_n but_o retract_v by_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n do_v not_o denominate_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n one_o may_v be_v pale_a from_o a_o accidental_a surprise_n by_o fear_n or_o red_a through_o a_o sudden_a flush_a of_o blood_n from_o anger_n yet_o not_o be_v so_o by_o complexion_n for_o the_o complexion_n pale_a and_o sanguine_a be_v draw_v by_o the_o pencil_n of_o nature_n the_o lively_a character_n of_o the_o predominant_a humour_n and_o be_v usual_o visible_a in_o the_o countenance_n but_o although_o a_o upright_a person_n keep_v himself_o from_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v clear_o against_o natural_a conscience_n and_o supernatural_a grace_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n the_o body_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o final_o expire_v and_o temptation_n be_v as_o importunate_a as_o fly_n about_o we_o from_o who_o the_o tempter_n have_v his_o title_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o be_v absolute_o undefiled_a therefore_o uprightness_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v careful_o consider_v our_o weak_a side_n what_o passion_n we_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o by_o our_o temper_n and_o so_o diligent_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o though_o we_o can_v arrive_v yet_o we_o may_v advance_v towards_o the_o complete_a conquest_n of_o sin._n and_o in_o our_o endeavour_n against_o the_o sin_n to_o
which_o we_o be_v most_o inclinable_a and_o that_o often_o foil_v we_o constancy_n be_v inseparable_a from_o sincerity_n if_o we_o neglect_v the_o humble_v of_o our_o soul_n for_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n the_o earnest_n seek_v for_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o grace_n and_o a_o careful_a watch_v against_o they_o we_o so_o far_o decline_v from_o uprightness_n 2._o it_o imply_v the_o mortify_a the_o inward_a affection_n to_o that_o sin._n the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n require_v this_o cleanse_v your_o hand_n you_o sinner_n purify_v your_o heart_n you_o 8._o double-minded_n the_o will_n be_v the_o proper_a principle_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o depravation_n of_o the_o free_a faculty_n actual_a sin_n proceed_v as_o the_o love_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o prince_n so_o the_o love_n of_o any_o sin_n preserve_v its_o dominion_n there_o may_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n to_o hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o heart_n be_v guilty_a a_o unclean_a person_n when_o separate_v from_o the_o object_n of_o his_o impure_a desire_n may_v languish_v in_o his_o lust_n and_o by_o contemplative_a commission_n be_v guilty_a before_o god._n a_o malicious_a person_n may_v keep_v the_o fire_n of_o malice_n in_o his_o breast_n without_o the_o least_o discovery_n by_o a_o spark_n or_o smoak_n in_o his_o word_n or_o action_n wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n that_o he_o may_v take_v his_o full_a revenge_n and_o be_v a_o murderer_n in_o his_o wish_n the_o rapacious_a desire_n of_o another_o good_n senec._n without_o actual_a robbery_n induce_v the_o gild_n of_o thest._n there_o may_v be_v a_o invincible_a bar_n between_o the_o sinful_a affection_n and_o the_o object_n sickness_n or_o age_n may_v so_o waste_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v the_o gross_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o this_o abstinence_n have_v no_o moral_a value_n for_o it_o only_o proceed_v from_o the_o disability_n of_o the_o instrumental_a faculty_n if_o one_o in_o a_o consumption_n leave_v his_o revel_a and_o licentiousness_n it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o divine_a grace_n but_o of_o waste_a nature_n as_o in_o a_o sick_a person_n the_o appetite_n fail_v the_o soul_n abhor_v 33._o dainty_a meat_n but_o if_o he_o recover_v his_o appetite_n revive_v and_o be_v more_o crave_v for_o his_o abstinence_n thus_o many_o who_o can_v not_o enjoy_v their_o pleasant_a lust_n in_o the_o time_n of_o disease_n be_v restore_v to_o strength_n their_o vicious_a affection_n be_v reincit_v by_o new_a temptation_n and_o with_o great_a excess_n act_v over_o their_o old_a sin_n as_o if_o they_o will_v pay_v interest_n for_o their_o impatient_a forbearance_n a_o old_a sinner_n may_v retain_v and_o cherish_v the_o fire_n of_o lust_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o age_n have_v snow_v upon_o his_o head_n as_o in_o mount_n aetna_n the_o sulphurous_a fire_n and_o snow_n be_v near_o together_o but_o as_o the_o philosopher_n observe_v if_o a_o young_a eye_n be_v put_v into_o a_o old_a man_n head_n he_o will_v see_v as_o clear_o as_o ever_o so_o if_o natural_a strength_n be_v restore_v in_o a_o unconverted_a sinner_n he_o will_v be_v as_o ardent_a and_o active_a in_o prosecute_a his_o carnal_a desire_n as_o before_o terror_n of_o conscience_n may_v stop_v the_o current_n of_o man_n lust_n fear_n have_v torment_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n the_o fear_n of_o visible_a vengeance_n that_o sometime_o strike_v the_o wicked_a or_o the_o apprehension_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v control_v the_o licentious_a appetite_n from_o break_v forth_o into_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n but_o as_o when_o the_o lion_n spare_v daniel_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o change_n of_o their_o wild_a devour_a nature_n for_o they_o destroy_v his_o accuser_n immediate_o but_o from_o the_o suspending_a their_o hurtful_a power_n so_o when_o a_o strong_a fear_n lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o active_a power_n yet_o inward_a lust_n be_v the_o same_o and_o will_v licentious_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o restraint_n licet_fw-la take_v away_o the_o keep_n one_o self_n from_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o uprightness_n proceed_v from_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o carnal_a circumcision_n without_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v of_o no_o avail_n to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n so_o the_o outward_a forbearance_n of_o sin_n without_o inward_a purity_n can_v never_o commend_v we_o to_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n a_o rebel_n may_v be_v drive_v from_o the_o frontier_n but_o so_o long_o as_o he_o keep_v the_o royal_a city_n he_o be_v unsubdued_a so_o if_o a_o lust_n keep_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n though_o the_o executive_a power_n may_v be_v retain_v or_o disable_v from_o the_o outward_a act_n it_o still_o reign_v 3._o i_o shall_v now_o prove_v that_o the_o keep_v a_o man_n self_n from_o his_o special_a sin_n be_v a_o undeceive_a evidence_n of_o sincerity_n 1._o god_n approve_v it_o i_o be_v upright_o before_o he_o god_n have_v not_o eye_n of_o flesh_n he_o do_v not_o see_v as_o man_n see_v the_o deep_a breast_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o crystal_n in_o his_o sight_n he_o weigh_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o exact_o know_v what_o be_v true_a gold_n and_o what_o be_v counterfeit_a he_o be_v the_o searcher_n and_o judge_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o his_o approbation_n be_v the_o strong_a seal_n of_o our_o uprightness_n as_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n now_o i_o know_v 12._o thou_o fear_v i_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o so_o if_o we_o sacrifice_n at_o his_o command_n the_o sin_n that_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o we_o as_o isaac_n be_v to_o his_o father_n the_o sin_n of_o our_o love_n and_o delight_n the_o sin_n that_o be_v we_o by_o choice_n and_o custom_n than_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o bless_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n that_o we_o love_v god_n in_o sincerity_n he_o will_v own_v we_o as_o his_o friend_n sincere_a christian_n can_v appeal_v to_o god_n in_o the_o psalmist_n language_n and_o with_o his_o affection_n lord_n search_v i_o and_o try_v i_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n in_o i_o they_o be_v not_o conscious_a of_o any_o indulge_v course_n of_o sin_n which_o will_v make_v they_o fearful_a of_o his_o pure_a and_o pierce_a eye_n 2._o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o keep_n ourselves_o from_o our_o peculiar_a sin_n be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n of_o uprightness_n by_o consider_v in_o what_o it_o consist_v in_o scripture_n uprightness_n be_v equivalent_a to_o perfection_n and_o integrity_n and_o opposite_a to_o gild_n 1._o it_o be_v equivalent_a to_o perfection_n mark_v 37._o the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n be_v not_o attainable_a upon_o earth_n none_o be_v refine_v to_o a_o height_n of_o purity_n without_o mixture_n and_o allay_v but_o according_a to_o the_o mitigation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o saint_n who_o aim_n desire_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o obtain_v perfection_n be_v accept_v in_o the_o bless_a mediator_n as_o perfect_v now_o the_o indulgence_n of_o any_o darling_n sin_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o perfection_n in_o the_o mild_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o with_o uprightness_n this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a by_o consider_v that_o uprightness_n be_v equivalent_a with_o integrity_n the_o psalmist_n pray_v let_v integrity_n and_o uprightness_n preserve_v i_o integrity_n imply_v a_o uniform_a equal_a respect_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a command_n when_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o reverence_n of_o his_o authority_n shine_v in_o his_o law_n incline_v we_o to_o obey_v all_o his_o will_n we_o be_v upright_o partial_a obedience_n that_o divide_v the_o precept_n and_o comply_v with_o those_o that_o be_v agree_v with_o our_o carnal_a affection_n and_o interest_n and_o neglect_v the_o rest_n be_v a_o inconsistent_a with_o sincerity_n as_o death_n and_o life_n as_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v a_o vital_a principle_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n and_o sense_n proceed_v so_o renew_v grace_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n herod_n do_v many_o thing_n glad_o upon_o the_o preach_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n but_o he_o will_v not_o part_v with_o herodias_n his_o charm_a lust_n still_o have_v dominion_n in_o his_o heart_n the_o young_a man_n observe_v other_o command_n of_o the_o law_n but_o when_o our_o saviour_n try_v his_o integrity_n by_o command_v he_o to_o sell_v all_o and_o to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o he_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v say_v he_o go_v
truth_n vice_n and_o virtue_n error_n be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a and_o at_o war_n among_o themselves_o but_o truth_n have_v a_o universal_a consent_n and_o mutual_a dependence_n in_o all_o its_o part_n there_o be_v no_o contrariety_n between_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a verity_n vice_n be_v sometime_o so_o contrary_a in_o their_o end_n and_o exercise_n that_o they_o fall_v foul_a upon_o one_o another_o that_o none_o can_v be_v so_o universal_o wicked_a as_o to_o commit_v all_o sin_n but_o if_o he_o be_v addict_v to_o one_o must_v forsake_v the_o other_o but_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n though_o different_a in_o their_o object_n and_o nature_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o same_o tendency_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o subject_a there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o straight_a way_n to_o a_o place_n but_o there_o be_v innumerable_a deviation_n from_o it_o as_o many_o crooked_a way_n to_o hell_n as_o there_o be_v sinful_a lust_n that_o bring_v man_n thither_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o all_o we_o like_v sheep_n have_v go_v astray_o every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o way_n there_o be_v many_o by-path_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n we_o must_v also_o observe_v to_o prevent_v mistake_v there_o may_v be_v a_o forsake_v of_o a_o particular_a sin_n that_o have_v be_v delightful_a and_o predominant_a without_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n for_o another_o lust_n may_v have_v get_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v the_o throne_n there_o be_v a_o alternate_a succession_n of_o appetite_n in_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o man_n temper_n or_o interest_n in_o the_o world._n as_o seed_n sow_v in_o that_o order_n in_o a_o garden_n that_o it_o be_v always_o full_a of_o the_o fruit_n in_o season_n so_o original_a sin_n that_o be_v sow_v in_o our_o nature_n be_v productive_a of_o divers_a lust_n some_o in_o the_o spring_n other_o in_o the_o summer_n of_o our_o age_n some_o in_o the_o autumn_n other_o in_o the_o winter_n sensual_a lust_n flourish_n in_o youth_n but_o when_o mature_a age_n have_v cool_v these_o desire_n worldly_a lust_n succeed_v in_o old_a age_n there_o be_v no_o relish_n of_o sensuality_n but_o covetousness_n reign_v imperious_o and_o as_o the_o condition_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n alter_v so_o their_o affection_n change_v they_o be_v not_o constant_a to_o their_o bosom-sin_n now_o he_o that_o expel_v one_o sin_n and_o entertain_v another_o continues_z in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v but_o exchange_v of_o one_o familiar_a for_o another_o or_o to_o borrow_v the_o prophet_n expression_n it_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v fly_v from_o a_o lion_n and_o meet_v with_o a_o bear_n that_o will_v as_o certain_o devour_v he_o 2._o the_o forsake_v our_o respective_a sin_n be_v the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o uprightness_n it_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o that_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v divide_v between_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o inclination_n to_o any_o sin_n it_o be_v false_a to_o god._n repent_v ephraim_n say_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v any_o more_o with_o 41._o idol_n a_o expression_n of_o vehement_a detestation_n idolatry_n have_v be_v the_o reign_a sin_n of_o that_o tribe_n and_o therefore_o the_o renounce_n of_o idol_n be_v a_o clear_a convince_a sign_n of_o their_o sound_a conversion_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o the_o habitual_a allowance_n of_o a_o know_a sin_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n as_o for_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n and_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o philistine_n to_o be_v place_v on_o the_o same_o altar_n uprightness_n be_v consistent_a with_o frailty_n but_o not_o with_o choose_a lusts._n as_o loyalty_n to_o the_o prince_n be_v consistent_a with_o some_o action_n contravening_a his_o law_n that_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n or_o surprise_n but_o loyalty_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o rebellion_n that_o be_v open_a treason_n or_o with_o treasonable_a design_n that_o be_v secret_a rebellion_n so_o any_o sin_n that_o man_n presumptuous_o live_v in_o or_o consent_v to_o in_o their_o heart_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o uprightness_n 2._o let_v we_o be_v excite_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o with_o all_o diligence_n from_o our_o iniquity_n this_o be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o mortification_n the_o noble_a effect_n of_o renew_v grace_n and_o very_o difficult_a to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o enforce_v this_o duty_n i_o will_v propound_v those_o motive_n and_o mean_n as_o be_v very_o conduce_v for_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o motive_n be_v 1._o habitual_a indulge_v lust_n be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n they_o render_v the_o sinner_n till_o forsake_v uncapable_a of_o god_n pardon_v mercy_n here_o and_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n hereafter_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o gracious_a act_n of_o oblivion_n for_o the_o restore_n of_o rebellious_a sinner_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o the_o pardon_n be_v obtain_v upon_o condition_n that_o be_v indespensable_a mercy_n be_v assure_v to_o penitent_a believer_n for_o all_o their_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o those_o frailty_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o daily_a sorrow_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o for_o all_o presumptuous_a sin_n retract_v by_o repentance_n but_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n exclude_v the_o impenitent_a and_o unreformed_a from_o mercy_n unless_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v now_o when_o repentance_n be_v sound_a and_o solemn_a the_o spirit_n be_v deep_o wound_v for_o that_o sin_n whereby_o god_n have_v be_v most_o dishonour_v and_o his_o law_n violate_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o open_v a_o full_a stream_n of_o tear_n &_o excit_v a_o holy_a hatred_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n and_o revenge_n there_o will_v be_v care_n to_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o that_o sin._n the_o psalmist_n say_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v no_o iniquity_n in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n imply_v that_o one_o reserve_v lust_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n of_o deceit_n in_o the_o fair_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o bar_n against_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o tenor_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o their_o unrighteousness_n and_o their_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n i_o will_v remember_v no_o more_o god_n promise_v to_o reconcile_v their_o affection_n to_o his_o command_n the_o law_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n of_o a_o unsanctified_a person_n for_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o most_o repugnant_a thing_n be_v consistent_a in_o those_o faculty_n but_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o contrary_a object_n the_o love_n of_o god_n law_n expel_v the_o predominant_a love_n of_o sin._n now_o since_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o inward_a sanctification_n which_o imply_v a_o universal_a aversion_n from_o sin_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o indulge_v habitual_a lust_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o pardon_n whatever_o quality_n the_o sin_n be_v of_o whether_o of_o omission_n or_o commission_n the_o allowance_n make_v it_o destructive_a to_o sinner_n as_o from_o what_o corner_n soever_o a_o blast_a wind_n come_v whether_o from_o the_o east_n or_o the_o north_n it_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n if_o but_o one_o select_v sin_n remain_v in_o the_o affection_n and_o practice_n it_o contract_v the_o malignity_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o will_v prove_v deadly_a to_o the_o soul._n it_o be_v not_o a_o presumptuous_a reliance_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n will_v save_v man_n with_o their_o sin_n the_o atonement_n make_v to_o divine_a justice_n by_o the_o precious_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n be_v never_o design_v for_o the_o reconcile_a god_n to_o those_o who_o with_o deprave_a obstinacy_n continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n holiness_n justice_n and_o truth_n to_o appoint_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o final_a impenitency_n such_o outsin_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o to_o its_o infinite_a merit_n but_o as_o to_o the_o application_n and_o intend_a benefit_n of_o it_o the_o value_n of_o his_o death_n to_o abolish_v the_o gild_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o to_o mortify_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v inseparable_a the_o precicious_a balm_n have_v a_o fragrant_a smell_n that_o revive_v the_o spirit_n but_o without_o apply_v its_o substance_n to_o the_o wound_v the_o scent_n will_v not_o heal_v it_o the_o soul_n must_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n suffering_n to_o kill_v our_o sin_n otherwise_o the_o please_a belief_n of_o his_o righteousness_n
record_v of_o croesus_n when_o pursue_v by_o the_o army_n of_o the_o persian_n he_o fill_v a_o straight_a passage_n between_o the_o mountain_n with_o bough_n of_o tree_n and_o set_a fire_n to_o they_o and_o thereby_o secure_v his_o retreat_n if_o man_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o set_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n between_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o their_o affection_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sure_a defence_n from_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o the_o scene_n of_o torment_n prepare_v for_o unreformed_a sinner_n be_v little_o understand_v and_o less_o believe_v by_o man_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o prosperity_n though_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o great_a mercy_n reveal_v they_o in_o such_o expression_n as_o may_v terrify_v even_o secure_a carnalist_n that_o only_o live_v to_o sense_n infidelity_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o render_v the_o most_o terrible_a truth_n ineffectual_a there_o be_v such_o a_o riddle_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o divine_a mercy_n till_o deprive_v of_o they_o nor_o of_o divine_a judgement_n till_o they_o feel_v they_o but_o if_o right_a reason_n be_v attend_v to_o they_o must_v be_v convince_v of_o unseen_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v dispense_v in_o the_o next_o state._n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n discover_v a_o essential_a difference_n between_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a from_o hence_o proceed_v the_o reflection_n of_o conscience_n either_o approve_v or_o condemn_v our_o own_o action_n and_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o other_o by_o that_o common_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o live_v this_o truth_n be_v so_o engrave_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o even_o the_o most_o wicked_a sinner_n who_o endeavour_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v conscience_n so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v and_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o feel_v yet_o can_v total_o exclude_v the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o and_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o general_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o other_o now_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n necessary_o infer_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o transgressor_n of_o it_o and_o the_o judgement_n include_v a_o punishment_n become_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n that_o ordain_v it_o and_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o power_n that_o execute_v it_o divine_a revelation_n make_v this_o truth_n much_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v and_o will_v god_n cease_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o true_a that_o impenitent_a sinner_n may_v escape_v punishment_n but_o there_o be_v some_o poisonous_a principle_n infuse_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n notwithstanding_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n some_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n will_v be_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a that_o for_o a_o single_a forbid_a pleasure_n when_o they_o respect_v other_o command_n of_o his_o law_n he_o will_v condemn_v they_o for_o ever_o the_o secret_a presumption_n that_o one_o transgression_n will_v not_o provoke_v their_o judge_n to_o extreme_a wrath_n harden_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n but_o st._n james_n declare_v he_o that_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o one_o know_v allow_v sin_n that_o a_o man_n habitual_o commit_v involve_v he_o in_o the_o gild_n of_o rebellion_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n that_o make_v the_o law._n it_o be_v observe_v before_o herod_n do_v something_n according_a to_o john_n divine_a instruction_n but_o he_o will_v not_o part_v with_o herodias_n and_o that_o one_o sin_n denominate_v he_o wicked_a many_o be_v like_o he_o they_o observe_v some_o rule_n of_o religion_n perform_v some_o duty_n be_v zealous_a against_o some_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v a_o herodias_n a_o sin_n pleasant_a to_o the_o taste_n of_o their_o temper_n that_o they_o will_v not_o relinquish_v and_o without_o any_o promise_n nay_o against_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n they_o believe_v he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o they_o notwithstanding_o their_o wickedness_n this_o presumption_n be_v a_o unnatural_a abuse_n of_o god_n mercy_n this_o exasperate_v that_o high_a and_o tender_a attribute_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o provoke_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o divine_a mercy_n shall_v encourage_v sin_n and_o protect_v unceform_v sinner_n from_o the_o arrest_n of_o vindictive_a justice_n the_o blood_n that_o ahab_n spare_v in_o benhadad_n induce_v a_o deadly_a gild_n as_o that_o he_o spill_v of_o naboth_n as_o god_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o he_o because_o thou_o have_v spare_v that_o man_n who_o i_o appoint_v to_o destruction_n thy_o life_n shall_v go_v for_o his_o life_n the_o application_n be_v easy_a to_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o sin_n will_v cost_v the_o life_n of_o the_o sinner_n one_o lust_n that_o adhere_a custom_n or_o the_o close_a nature_n or_o any_o carnal_a interest_n so_o endear_v to_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o mortify_v and_o forsake_v will_v be_v fatal_a to_o they_o for_o ever_o some_o habitual_a sinner_n when_o terrify_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o future_a judgement_n for_o god_n sometime_o thunder_v in_o the_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o air_n endeavour_v to_o quiet_v their_o fear_n by_o presume_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n will_v reconcile_v offend_v justice_n and_o his_o blood_n cleanse_v they_o from_o all_o sin._n they_o will_v lean_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o save_v they_o from_o fall_v into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n but_o not_o crucify_v one_o lust_n on_o it_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o have_v be_v show_v before_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v most_o opprobrious_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o most_o destructive_a to_o sinner_n for_o it_o be_v to_o make_v he_o the_o minister_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o compose_v a_o church_n of_o rot_a and_o corrupt_a member_n and_o unite_v it_o to_o himself_o such_o a_o mystieal_a body_n will_v be_v more_o monstrous_a than_o nebuthadnezzar_n image_n of_o which_o the_o head_n be_v gold_n and_o foot_n be_v miry_a clay_n and_o this_o will_v be_v most_o destructive_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o by_o turn_v the_o remedy_n of_o sin_n into_o a_o occasion_n of_o sin_v they_o derive_v a_o woeful_a gild_n from_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n instead_o of_o the_o precious_a benefit_n purchase_v by_o it_o for_o true_a believer_n for_o a_o unreformed_a sinner_n to_o oppose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o damnation_n render_v his_o condition_n desperate_a the_o most_o who_o continue_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n strive_v to_o elude_v the_o warning_n of_o conscience_n by_o resolve_v that_o after_o the_o season_n of_o sin_v be_v past_a they_o will_v reform_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o seek_v the_o favour_n and_o grace_n of_o god._n but_o how_o hazardous_a how_o incongruous_a be_v the_o delay_n of_o serious_a repentance_n how_o hazardous_a the_o life_n of_o sinner_n be_v forfeit_v in_o law_n their_o time_n be_v a_o reprieve_n depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o judge_n how_o can_v they_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o a_o day_n but_o they_o be_v young_a and_o strong_a and_o think_v the_o day_n of_o death_n and_o their_o last_o account_n to_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n vain_a security_n as_o if_o death_n be_v not_o in_o every_o place_n and_o every_o hour_n as_o near_o rebellious_a sinner_n as_o their_o sin_n that_o deserve_v it_o if_o thou_o do_v evil_a say_v god_n to_o cain_n sin_n be_v at_o the_o door_n damnation_n be_v ready_a to_o tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o sinner_n and_o if_o divine_a clemency_n and_o patience_n do_v not_o interpose_v will_v immediate_o seize_v upon_o they_o god_n sometime_o shoot_v from_o the_o cloud_n and_o break_v the_o strong_a building_n into_o ruin_n it_o be_v not_o the_o error_n of_o his_o hand_n but_o his_o pity_n that_o impenitent_a sinner_n escape_v his_o visible_a vengeance_n but_o who_o can_v assure_v they_o of_o future_a time_n beside_o suppose_v that_o sinner_n who_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v whilst_o present_a temptation_n be_v so_o invite_v have_v a_o lease_n of_o time_n can_v they_o command_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o now_o suppress_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o effect_n say_v to_o he_o as_o felix_n to_o st._n paul_n awaken_n his_o conscience_n with_o a_o sermon_n of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v go_v away_o for_o the_o present_a when_o it_o be_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o but_o will_v the_o holy_a spirit_n assist_v they_o at_o death_n who_o have_v always_o resist_v he_o