our_o thought_n and_o imagination_n and_o of_o our_o action_n the_o product_n of_o they_o that_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v pure_a and_o holy_a the_o thought_n and_o then_o the_o action_n will_v be_v so_o too_o but_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v foul_a and_o wicked_a the_o issue_n of_o it_o will_v be_v correspondent_a when_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v true_o season_v with_o religion_n it_o will_v show_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o beauteous_a and_o lovely_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n but_o when_o the_o principle_n be_v vicious_a and_o debauch_a the_o effect_n must_v and_o will_v be_v filthy_a and_o abominable_a that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o defile_v by_o any_o material_a thing_n that_o he_o either_o eat_v or_o drink_v but_o by_o his_o own_o imagination_n desire_n and_o affection_n the_o thing_n which_o come_v out_o of_o he_o for_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false-witness_n blasphemy_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o defile_v a_o man_n but_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n defile_v not_o a_o man._n all_o the_o ceremonious_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n aim_v at_o and_o terminate_v in_o this_o their_o ceremony_n be_v signification_n and_o type_n of_o matter_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o frequent_a wash_n and_o cleansing_n be_v to_o denote_v the_o spiritual_a purify_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a god_n enjoin_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o a_o time_n the_o ignorance_n and_o nonage_n of_o the_o jew_n require_v such_o a_o material_a and_o gross_a way_n of_o instruction_n but_o these_o be_v all_o abolish_v and_o do_v away_o at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o become_v our_o divine_a instructor_n and_o teacher_n and_o inform_v mankind_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o rational_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o god_n do_v expect_v from_o we_o and_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o thought_n that_o live_v sacrifice_n alone_o that_o will_v please_v god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o refine_a joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o exalt_v pleasure_n of_o seraphim_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o mankind_n be_v to_o govern_v the_o heart_n and_o subdue_v the_o thought_n this_o then_o in_o short_a be_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n which_o do_v effectual_o humble_v these_o proud_a pharisee_n who_o whole_a religion_n be_v mere_a pomp_n and_o outward_a show_n and_o consist_v mere_o in_o broad_a phylactery_n a_o affect_a garb_n and_o demure_a look_n while_o these_o gaudy_a and_o paint_a sepulcher_n be_v within_o full_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o rottenness_n and_o uncleaness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v we_o see_v a_o description_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o how_o excellent_a and_o noble_a a_o institution_n that_o be_v which_o extend_v to_o the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o tend_v to_o refine_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o pure_a state_n of_o angel_n and_o therefore_o be_v far_o above_o all_o other_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o chap._n ii_o the_o next_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v handle_v be_v the_o vast_a advantage_n of_o well_o govern_v of_o our_o thought_n in_o order_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n now_o this_o advantage_n be_v very_o great_a and_o obvious_a every_o person_n must_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o only_a way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v well_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o his_o heart_n to_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o a_o true_a order_n and_o government_n for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o uniformity_n in_o his_o piety_n the_o good_a action_n that_o he_o do_v be_v break_v and_o imperfect_a and_o he_o be_v apt_a every_o now_o and_o then_o to_o make_v fresh_a work_n for_o repentance_n by_o return_v to_o his_o old_a sin_n but_o this_o advantage_n of_o the_o well_o govern_v our_o thought_n will_v be_v the_o better_o see_v by_o some_o particular_n first_o then_o a_o care_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v the_o great_a preservative_n against_o actual_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o great_a sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v be_v at_o first_o but_o a_o thought_n the_o foul_a wickedness_n and_o most_o monstrous_a impiety_n arise_v from_o so_o small_a a_o speck_n as_o a_o first_o thought_n may_v be_v resemble_v to_o the_o most_o horrid_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o virtuous_a action_n that_o ever_o be_v accomplish_v have_v no_o great_a a_o beginning_n of_o such_o a_o quick_a growth_n and_o spread_a nature_n be_v sin_n that_o it_o rival_n even_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o our_o lord_n tele_v we_o 31._o be_v like_a to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o a_o man_n take_v and_o sow_v in_o his_o field_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o when_o it_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o these_o country_n it_o be_v the_o great_a among_o herb_n and_o become_v a_o tree_n so_o that_o tbe_n bird_n of_o the_o air_n come_v and_o lodge_v in_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n 15._o represent_v it_o by_o a_o simile_n of_o another_o nature_n compare_v the_o original_a and_o growth_n of_o it_o to_o the_o formation_n of_o a_o embryo_n in_o the_o womb._n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o his_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n it_o be_v conceive_v breed_v life_n and_o grow_v in_o a_o man_n till_o at_o last_o it_o domineer_v in_o he_o and_o reign_v in_o his_o mortal_a body_n 12._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o govern_v and_o manage_v our_o thought_n without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v avoid_v fall_v into_o actual_a sin_n even_o the_o great_a that_o we_o resist_v the_o begining_n the_o very_a first_o emergency_n of_o evil_a if_o we_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o we_o can_v indulge_v evil_a thought_n without_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o commt_v actual_a sin_n or_o that_o speculation_n and_o practice_n be_v thing_n so_o vast_o distant_a from_o each_o other_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v ourselves_o from_o fall_v into_o actual_a sin_n we_o muft_v govern_v and_o suppress_v our_o thought_n and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o life_n pure_a and_o unspotted_a the_o heart_n must_v be_v keep_v in_o entire_a subjection_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o guilt_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o resist_v the_o first_o motion_n of_o evil_a all_o unlawful_a thought_n for_o no_o man_n be_v always_o in_o the_o same_o temper_n his_o resolution_n be_v not_o ever_o the_o same_o as_o it_o may_v be_v now_o or_o at_o another_o time_n his_o passion_n be_v fluctuate_a sometime_o there_o be_v as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o springtide_n of_o they_o and_o a_o man_n at_o some_o season_n be_v more_o receptive_a of_o evil_a impression_n more_o yield_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v tempt_v than_o at_o other_o and_o though_o a_o evil_a thought_n may_v not_o so_o strong_o move_v he_o at_o one_o time_n yet_o it_o may_v at_o another_o and_o every_o encouragement_n of_o it_o add_v to_o the_o falseness_n and_o treachery_n of_o his_o own_o deceitful_a and_o wicked_a heart_n which_o will_v betray_v he_o whenever_o a_o opportunity_n offer_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o be_v nice_o careful_a over_o his_o thought_n if_o he_o will_v not_o fall_v into_o actual_a sin_n let_v we_o think_v as_o bold_o and_o confident_o of_o ourselves_o as_o we_o please_v let_v we_o rest_v never_o so_o much_o upon_o our_o own_o strength_n it_o be_v our_o weakness_n it_o be_v not_o our_o presume_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o that_o will_v make_v we_o invincible_a nay_o there_o be_v none_o soon_o overcome_v and_o throw_v down_o than_o such_o as_o conceit_n great_a and_o mighty_a thing_n of_o themselves_o the_o shameful_a denial_n of_o the_o warm_a and_o boast_a apostle_n 74._o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o
a_o practical_a treatise_n concern_v evil_a thought_n wherein_o be_v some_o thing_n more_o especial_o useful_a for_o melancholy_a person_n by_o william_n chilcot_n m._n a._n ecce_fw-la coram_fw-la tot_fw-la millibus_fw-la populorum_fw-la nudabuntur_fw-la omnes_fw-la iniquitates_fw-la meae_fw-la tot_fw-la agminibus_fw-la angelorum_fw-la patebunt_fw-la universa_fw-la scelera_fw-la mea_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la actuum_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la cogitationum_fw-la simulque_fw-la locutionum_fw-la august_n lib._n 4._o medit._n exon_n print_v by_o samuel_n darker_n for_o charles_n yeo_n john_n peâ—rce_n and_o philip_n bishop_n 1698._o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o st._n john_n st._n george_n the_o martyr_n and_o allhollow_v on_o the_o wall_n in_o the_o city_n of_o exon._n brethren_n the_o follow_a treatise_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o several_a discourse_n deliver_v to_o you_o from_o the_o pulpit_n the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v undeniable_o most_o useful_a and_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o the_o more_o i_o consider_v of_o it_o the_o more_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o its_o moment_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n too_o and_o require_v more_o last_a attention_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o any_o person_n how_o well_o soever_o dispose_v can_v give_v to_o sermon_n when_o speak_v i_o think_v fit_a to_o publish_v it_o that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v these_o direction_n always_o before_o you_o which_o i_o hope_v may_v somewhat_o assist_v you_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o great_a respect_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o many_o obligation_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o you_o i_o have_v dedicate_v they_o to_o you_o the_o rather_o hope_v that_o you_o will_v the_o more_o attentive_o peruse_v they_o and_o more_o serious_o and_o earnest_o apply_v they_o whatever_o defect_n there_o be_v in_o this_o treatise_n i_o hope_v my_o sincerity_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a protection_n to_o the_o meanness_n of_o my_o endeavour_n all_o my_o aim_n be_v to_o contribute_v to_o your_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a advantage_n which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v always_o part_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o your_o daily_a orator_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n william_n chilcot_n exon_n may_v 2._o 1698._o a_o practical_a treatise_n concern_v evil_a thought_n matth._n 15._o 19_o for_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n i_o be_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o subject_n which_o demand_v more_o than_o ordinary_a attention_n of_o the_o reader_n the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n be_v what_o i_o intend_v to_o discourse_v on_o from_o these_o word_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n so_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n few_o medicine_n can_v reach_v internal_a wound_n and_o he_o be_v a_o artist_n indeed_o that_o can_v cure_v they_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n i_o have_v attempt_v it_o and_o shall_v lay_v before_o you_o the_o best_a method_n that_o i_o can_v in_o order_n to_o the_o well-governing_a of_o the_o thought_n which_o when_o attain_v be_v a_o achievement_n above_o those_o of_o the_o great_a conqueror_n and_o deserve_v trophy_n beyond_o rhe_n most_o famous_a exploit_n of_o victory_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v the_o wise_a of_o man_n tell_v we_o 32._o that_o he_o that_o rule_v his_o spirit_n be_v better_a than_o he_o that_o take_v a_o city_n and_o our_o own_o experience_n confirm_v this_o sentence_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o a_o more_o common_a observation_n than_o that_o great_a general_n and_o captain_n who_o have_v carry_v their_o arm_n through_o distant_a nation_n and_o have_v do_v wonder_n and_o even_o bring_v the_o world_n into_o subjection_n have_v yet_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o own_o self_n tame_o yield_v to_o their_o own_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a heart_n and_o have_v not_o obtain_v a_o conquest_n over_o their_o own_o thought_n they_o have_v not_o avoid_v soil_v their_o triumph_n with_o their_o vice_n and_o asperse_v their_o glorious_a action_n with_o a_o wicked_a life_n as_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o best_a action_n be_v to_o be_v their_o worst_a and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o crown_n to_o their_o arm_n to_o be_v dissolve_v in_o lust_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n as_o if_o the_o blessing_n of_o success_n be_v riot_n and_o intemperance_n and_o the_o great_a of_o sin_n to_o be_v their_o herald_n what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a and_o true_a reflection_n than_o this_o which_o as_o it_o take_v off_o from_o the_o credit_n and_o applause_n of_o the_o noble_a action_n so_o it_o serve_v to_o show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o difficult_a task_n to_o conquer_v our_o own_o thought_n than_o the_o most_o potent_a adversary_n to_o subdue_v our_o heart_n and_o soul_n than_o whole_a battalion_n and_o that_o man_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o himself_o for_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o know_v the_o thought_n speak_v these_o word_n the_o occasion_n on_o which_o he_o speak_v they_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o vast_a advantage_n of_o well-governing_a our_o thought_n in_o order_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n three_o that_o evil_a thought_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o proceed_v from_o thence_o which_o lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o we_o of_o restrain_v they_o and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v four_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o general_n rule_n and_o direction_n for_o our_o easy_a and_o better_o perform_v of_o this_o great_a and_o difficult_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a work_n of_o well-governing_a the_o thought_n and_o five_o i_o shall_v select_v some_o special_a kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n and_o shall_v discourse_v more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a remedy_n against_o they_o chap._n i._n the_o occasion_n on_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n for_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n be_v this_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o expounder_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o give_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o instead_o of_o that_o do_v gross_o pervert_v the_o real_a design_n sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o put_v erroneous_a and_o false_a gloss_n upon_o it_o and_o many_o time_n impose_v their_o own_o tradition_n upon_o the_o people_n in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o none_o pretend_v a_o more_o strict_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n than_o they_o insomuch_o that_o we_o find_v they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n with_o a_o usual_a arrogance_n demand_v of_o our_o saviour_n 2._o why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o wash_v not_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o eat_v bread_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o answer_n viz._n that_o they_o of_o all_o man_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o tax_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o such_o a_o ceremony_n as_o wash_v before_o meat_n as_o if_o that_o be_v such_o a_o invasion_n upon_o tradition_n and_o a_o cry_a sin_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o much_o great_a in_o endeavour_v to_o vacate_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n by_o false_o suppose_v a_o case_n which_o will_v discharge_v they_o from_o honour_v and_o relieve_v their_o parent_n and_o so_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o their_o own_o tradition_n with_o a_o witness_n 12._o their_o corban_n be_v a_o effectual_a way_n to_o cover_v their_o avarice_n and_o they_o can_v not_o have_v invent_v a_o more_o colourable_a pretence_n to_o varnish_v over_o their_o most_o sordid_a and_o unnatural_a temper_n than_o that_o be_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v their_o common_a method_n when_o they_o have_v any_o wicked_a design_n in_o hand_n then_o to_o seem_v most_o religious_a and_o when_o they_o make_v long_a prayer_n it_o be_v but_o too_o sure_a a_o sign_n of_o their_o devour_a widow_n house_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n our_o bless_a lord_n do_v so_o often_o and_o so_o severe_o rebuke_v they_o particular_o here_o where_o after_o he_o have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o he_o do_v he_o expose_v and_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o the_o people_n and_o censure_v the_o vanity_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o all_o their_o religious_a pretension_n and_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o people_n he_o assure_v they_o that_o true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o such_o outward_a wash_n and_o cleansing_n and_o ceremonious_a purgation_n but_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a purification_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o
the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v not_o above_o that_o advice_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v if_o we_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n and_o a_o careful_a hand_n over_o our_o thought_n they_o will_v inevitable_o betray_v we_o when_o a_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o make_v most_o furious_a assault_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o be_v least_o aware_a of_o it_o we_o can_v no_o more_o restrain_v they_o when_o we_o please_v whatever_o we_o think_v we_o can_v no_o more_o stop_v they_o from_o break_v out_o than_o we_o can_v smother_v a_o rage_a flame_n or_o chain_v a_o foam_a billow_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o allow_v his_o thought_n a_o extravagant_a liberty_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v if_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o stop_v there_o but_o admit_v that_o he_o can_v can_v it_o be_v think_v by_o any_o rational_a creature_n that_o god_n do_v not_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o his_o 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he_o by_o a_o life_n of_o thought_n upon_o which_o consideration_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o disregard_v our_o thought_n that_o he_o have_v a_o principal_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v chance_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o break_v out_o into_o action_n and_o gross_a practice_n yet_o god_n look_v to_o the_o inward_a part_n be_v a_o narrow_a observer_n and_o searcher_n of_o the_o thought_n be_v please_v when_o his_o throne_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o his_o dominion_n and_o empire_n over_o all_o its_o thought_n and_o imagination_n and_o abhor_v and_o abandon_v a_o unclean_a wicked_a or_o rebellious_a heart_n to_o he_o all_o the_o pomp_n of_o religion_n and_o splendour_n of_o outward_a performance_n be_v without_o it_o detestable_a 11._o the_o soul_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o our_o body_n they_o be_v entire_o at_o the_o command_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n be_v their_o despotic_a ruler_n and_o as_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o thought_n be_v dispose_v so_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o they_o the_o almighty_a principal_o regard_v as_o a_o man_n can_v never_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n or_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o soul_n without_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o the_o well_o govern_v of_o his_o thought_n so_o without_o it_o damnation_n may_v just_o be_v his_o portion_n though_o the_o plague_n break_v not_o out_o in_o the_o botch_n and_o ulcer_n of_o a_o profligate_n conversation_n though_o the_o pollution_n be_v conceal_v and_o hide_a indeed_o if_o we_o be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o think_v of_o god_n as_o a_o man_n and_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o if_o his_o eye_n can_v not_o penetrate_v any_o deep_a than_o we_o but_o be_v fallible_a and_o weak_a if_o he_o can_v not_o see_v into_o our_o breast_n and_o discover_v the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n then_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o we_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o do_v not_o regard_v our_o thought_n so_o our_o visible_a behaviour_n be_v smooth_a and_o untainted_a but_o since_o he_o be_v a_o all-seeing_a and_o a_o all-knowing_a god_n and_o profess_o declare_v himself_o such_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n 139._o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v submit_v to_o such_o a_o idle_a fancy_n as_o this_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o a_o man_n thought_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a must_v believe_v that_o he_o have_v a_o especial_a eye_n to_o they_o and_o will_v assure_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n for_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o though_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n mat._n 12._o 36._o extend_v only_o to_o every_o idle_a word_n yet_o in_o the_o very_a verse_n before_o he_o show_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v principal_o regard_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o ourselves_o and_o more_o full_o and_o clear_o in_o his_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n mat._n 5._o 20._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v and_o whosoever_o shall_v kill_v shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o v_o 27._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n already_o with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n from_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v indulge_v himself_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o licentious_a thought_n without_o any_o further_a danger_n yet_o that_o god_n know_v be_v evil_a sufficient_a because_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v principal_o regard_v by_o almighty_a god_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o imagine_v how_o any_o person_n that_o be_v careless_a of_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o of_o his_o life_n or_o how_o he_o that_o be_v vain_a filthy_a or_o any_o way_n vicious_a in_o his_o imagination_n can_v be_v pure_a and_o holy_a sober_a and_o religious_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o practice_n upon_o both_o which_o account_n we_o see_v the_o vast_a advantage_n that_o we_o shall_v iufallible_o reap_v by_o be_v diligent_a and_o careful_a in_o the_o well-governing_a of_o our_o thought_n but_o three_o that_o which_o will_v serve_v to_o make_v we_o further_o sensible_a of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o well-governing_a our_o thought_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o we_o shall_v ever_o be_v in_o a_o preparation_n for_o the_o best_a and_o most_o weighty_a duty_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v and_o repel_v the_o fury_n of_o temptation_n but_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o duty_n these_o man_n that_o have_v not_o inure_v themselves_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o thought_n and_o constant_o exercise_v a_o strict_a regimen_n over_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n will_v require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o recollect_v and_o order_v their_o thought_n and_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o proper_a frame_n and_o posture_n these_o that_o careless_o give_v their_o mind_n a_o loose_a as_o soon_o as_o any_o solemn_a and_o weighty_a duty_n be_v over_o and_o suffer_v their_o thought_n to_o return_v to_o the_o old_a subject_n of_o the_o world_n or_o any_o other_o of_o their_o vanity_n the_o same_o difficulty_n will_v attend_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o thought_n into_o a_o due_a frame_n again_o which_o do_v at_o first_o so_o that_o they_o will_v thereby_o be_v mighty_o hinder_v in_o their_o advance_n in_o religion_n their_o progress_n in_o holiness_n will_v be_v much_o retard_v they_o labour_v in_o a_o circle_n or_o at_o best_o they_o will_v move_v but_o slow_o on_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o that_o keep_v a_o constant_a and_o strict_a government_n over_o their_o thought_n these_o latter_a will_v be_v able_a always_o to_o say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v ready_a 1._o my_o heart_n be_v ready_a and_o what_o a_o happy_a and_o desirable_a temper_n of_o soul_n be_v this_o what_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o benefit_n do_v these_o enjoy_v which_o other_o for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n deprive_v themselves_o of_o these_o only_a want_n
purge_v and_o refine_v the_o drossy_a mass_n 3._o the_o divine_a grace_n alone_o can_v restore_v health_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o corrupt_a deprave_a degenerous_a heart_n of_o man._n and_o that_o will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n it_o will_v operate_v with_o our_o endeavour_n but_o not_o without_o they_o something_o be_v in_o our_o power_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o let_v we_o do_v that_o and_o the_o rest_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v supply_v and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a incentives_n to_o make_v we_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n be_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o take_v a_o slight_a and_o transient_a view_n only_o but_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o deep_a and_o accurate_a investigation_n of_o ourselves_o search_v every_o corner_n of_o that_o cell_n every_o recess_n of_o that_o labyrinth_n with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v for_o leven_a 12._o and_o upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o lord_n word_n verify_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v all_o evil_a thought_n no_o good_a proper_o so_o call_v proceed_v from_o thence_o but_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a issue_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o product_n of_o his_o heavenly_a inspiration_n who_o be_v continual_o strive_v with_o man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o consecrate_v and_o hallow_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n every_o good_a thought_n every_o religious_a flight_n or_o sacred_a desire_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o he_o be_v his_o immediate_a suggestion_n who_o be_v wrestle_a with_o the_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o our_o impure_a imagination_n to_o reduce_v they_o into_o their_o proper_a order_n and_o condition_n or_o else_o it_o be_v the_o whisper_n of_o some_o good_a angel_n commission_v by_o he_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o perform_v a_o godlike_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v raise_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o lend_v we_o wing_n to_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o high_a heaven_n withal_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n natural_o be_v full_a of_o evil_n and_o out_o of_o it_o proceed_v all_o kind_n of_o wicked_a thought_n and_o vain_a imagination_n it_o disembogue_v such_o impure_a steam_n and_o contagious_a exhalation_n as_o blast_v and_o infect_v the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o asphalites_n a_o dead_a sea_n which_o send_v up_o most_o noxious_a vapour_n it_o be_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o all_o the_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n original_o proceed_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o natural_a piece_n of_o advice_n that_o whenever_o we_o behold_v any_o evil_n in_o any_o part_n or_o instance_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n we_o present_o lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o breast_n look_v into_o ourselves_o and_o examine_v our_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v folly_n to_o lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o this_o and_o that_o and_o other_o thing_n when_o we_o shall_v trace_v the_o evil_n to_o its_o fountainhead_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o all_o the_o vile_a and_o sinful_a thought_n the_o base_a and_o most_o abominable_a lust_n proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n but_o when_o they_o be_v breed_v out_o of_o the_o corruption_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o the_o heart_n itself_o and_o when_o cast_v into_o it_o by_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o determine_v the_o accurse_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v no_o doubt_n lie_v hold_v on_o all_o opportunity_n to_o cast_v into_o our_o mind_n wicked_a thought_n and_o be_v very_o watchful_a of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n when_o to_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v our_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o yet_o more_o vile_a than_o natural_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o these_o wicked_a thought_n which_o many_o timorous_a soul_n imagine_v to_o be_v their_o own_o may_v be_v rational_o presume_v to_o be_v he_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o mark_n which_o probable_o may_v serve_v to_o distinguish_v the_o devil_n injection_n from_o our_o own_o cogitation_n as_o when_o they_o be_v monstrous_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a when_o they_o assault_v we_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a with_o a_o tempestuous_a vehemence_n fill_v we_o with_o terror_n and_o amazement_n or_o else_o when_o they_o be_v such_o thought_n as_o contradict_v all_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o when_o a_o man_n think_v of_o murder_v and_o destroy_v himself_o such_o a_o thought_n can_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o heart_n itself_o though_o very_o corrupt_a but_o rather_o throw_v in_o by_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o i_o say_v as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o evil_a thought_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o know_v which_o be_v our_o own_o or_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n be_v as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v the_o immediate_a result_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o devil_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o ready_a to_o improve_v they_o and_o for_o these_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n injection_n our_o corrupt_a heart_n be_v too_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o so_o that_o we_o must_v think_v ourselves_o equal_o oblige_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o there_o be_v something_o unquestionable_o in_o our_o power_n in_o order_n to_o it_o we_o can_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o unless_o we_o will_v look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o machine_n and_o so_o destroy_v both_o reason_n and_o religion_n at_o once_o i_o will_v agree_v that_o by_o a_o hypochondriack_a or_o some_o other_o disease_n or_o by_o a_o long_a series_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_v which_o be_v a_o disease_n more_o inveterate_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v cure_v that_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v so_o break_v and_o shatter_a that_o the_o power_n of_o think_v be_v become_v very_o weak_a and_o impair_v and_o that_o the_o lassitude_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o great_a almost_o as_o those_o of_o the_o body_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v few_o case_n but_o a_o man_n can_v do_v something_o in_o order_n to_o a_o regular_a think_n few_o man_n be_v arrive_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o either_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o towards_o it_o though_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v some_o can_v do_v much_o more_o than_o other_o our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n do_v not_o give_v useless_a description_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o man_n otherwise_o than_o rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o suppose_v that_o when_o he_o show_v they_o that_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o govern_v and_o subdue_v they_o now_o we_o may_v lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n viz._n that_o evil_a thought_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v do_v not_o endanger_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n further_o than_o we_o comply_v with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n further_o than_o we_o indulge_v they_o but_o total_o to_o hinder_v they_o i_o think_v be_v a_o thing_n impracticable_a it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o such_o offence_n will_v come_v and_o i_o believe_v the_o holy_a man_n find_v it_o so_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o world_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o object_n and_o in_o a_o state_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o when_o wicked_a thought_n arise_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o may_v certain_o choose_v whether_o we_o will_v harbour_v and_o embrace_v they_o or_o not_o this_o we_o may_v do_v as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o liberty_n of_o will_n leave_v so_o much_o be_v unquestionable_o in_o our_o power_n though_o it_o be_v confess_v they_o will_v make_v frequent_a return_n upon_o we_o and_o every_o now_o and_o then_o with_o great_a importunity_n present_v themselves_o to_o we_o though_o but_o the_o last_o moment_n we_o thrust_v they_o out_o like_o a_o importunate_a creditor_n or_o a_o impertinent_a guest_n they_o will_v obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o if_o we_o tell_v they_o we_o have_v never_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n they_o will_v still_o be_v troublesome_a and_o haunt_v we_o while_o we_o be_v actual_o engage_v in_o it_o nay_o will_v pursue_v we_o even_o to_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o assault_v we_o at_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o we_o as_o often_o trust_v they_o out_o as_o they_o return_v they_o will_v never_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o give_a they_o encouragement_n and_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o that_o make_v we_o criminal_a then_o alone_a thought_n
will_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o as_o our_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v please_v with_o they_o or_o when_o we_o do_v not_o â—â—ominate_v and_o cast_v they_o out_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v into_o our_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v power_n to_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_a it_o be_v true_a the_o devil_n may_v continue_v to_o disquiet_v and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o wicked_a injection_n and_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n evil_a thought_n but_o though_o they_o be_v our_o grief_n and_o molestation_n yet_o they_o be_v resist_v be_v his_o sin_n and_o god_n will_v judge_v he_o for_o they_o and_o spare_v and_o pity_v we_o god_n know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n the_o bless_a jesus_n assume_v our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o well_o know_v how_o to_o compassionate_v we_o in_o such_o circumstance_n he_o be_v himself_o solicit_v by_o the_o accurse_a tempter_n 4._o but_o he_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o he_o but_o resist_v he_o and_o if_o we_o follow_v our_o lord_n example_n and_o do_v so_o too_o if_o he_o do_v not_o present_o flee_v from_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n but_o unhappiness_n to_o be_v infest_a with_o he_o and_o this_o certain_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o may_v undoubted_o choose_v whether_o we_o will_v consent_v to_o wicked_a thought_n and_o approve_v they_o or_o not_o if_o they_o do_v indeed_o meet_v with_o a_o kind_a entertainment_n at_o our_o hand_n no_o wonder_n that_o they_o grow_v bold_a and_o familiar_a but_o if_o we_o deny_v they_o admittance_n and_o shut_v they_o out_o we_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v rid_v of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o they_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o even_o the_o devil_n be_v put_v to_o flight_n by_o resistance_n 7._o st._n james_n tell_v we_o he_o remember_v his_o apostasy_n he_o tremble_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o when_o a_o christian_a behave_v himself_o brave_o against_o he_o he_o do_v not_o care_n to_o abide_v the_o combat_n if_o we_o give_v the_o same_o reply_n to_o all_o his_o suggestion_n as_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v our_o trouble_n be_v great_a than_o our_o danger_n if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v watchful_a over_o ourselves_o and_o have_v as_o much_o care_n as_o we_o can_v of_o our_o thought_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o complain_v so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o we_o often_o do_v it_o be_v much_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o many_o evil_a thought_n proceed_v from_o thence_o the_o malignity_n or_o folly_n of_o our_o imagination_n be_v much_o owe_v to_o ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n to_o idleness_n or_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n or_o some_o such_o cause_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o we_o ought_v to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o look_v on_o they_o as_o our_o sin_n though_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v many_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o ourselves_o be_v often_o more_o chargeable_a with_o they_o than_o either_o of_o these_o and_o if_o we_o narrow_o and_o true_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a that_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o soil_n where_o this_o hemlock_n be_v sow_v there_o wicked_a thought_n be_v conceive_v they_o owe_v their_o original_n either_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o or_o be_v throw_v in_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n from_o thence_o they_o proceed_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o do_v lie_v a_o obligation_n on_o we_o of_o well_o govern_v they_o that_o we_o be_v not_o altogether_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o it_o but_o something_o be_v in_o our_o power_n we_o can_v choose_v whether_o we_o will_v cherish_v they_o or_o not_o we_o can_v either_o bid_v they_o welcome_n or_o bid_v they_o be_v go_v and_o beside_o we_o can_v use_v other_o help_n and_o assistance_n and_o follow_v these_o rule_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o well-governing_a our_o thought_n and_o what_o they_o be_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n the_o rule_n and_o direction_n which_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n viz._n the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a government_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v divide_v into_o general_n and_o particular_a the_o general_n will_v have_v relation_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v the_o latter_a will_v concern_v chief_o these_o sort_n of_o they_o hereafter_o mention_v the_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n than_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o prayer_n constant_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n this_o be_v a_o catholicon_n a_o sovereign_a remedy_n for_o every_o ail_fw-we and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o soul_n 24._o it_o be_v very_o powerful_a with_o god_n 16._o and_o avail_n much_o it_o be_v a_o preservative_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o a_o defence_n against_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n prayer_n as_o it_o engage_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o the_o protection_n of_o almighty_n god_n in_o all_o case_n so_o it_o natural_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o heart_n keep_v it_o in_o a_o due_a frame_n and_o religious_a temper_n the_o soul_n be_v thereby_o prompt_v and_o dispose_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o ponderates_n towards_o god_n it_o give_v a_o relish_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n more_o and_o more_o averse_a to_o all_o evil_a vain_a or_o silly_a thought_n and_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v preserve_v from_o wicked_a thought_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n in_o due_a temper_n and_o government_n we_o shall_v be_v constant_a and_o earnest_a in_o our_o approach_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n daily_o and_o fervent_a in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o conquer_a the_o stubbornness_n and_o irregularity_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o imagination_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o by_o he_o to_o govern_v subdue_v and_o sanctify_v all_o the_o motion_n power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o no_o unclean_a spirit_n may_v inhabit_v there_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sweep_v and_o garnish_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n and_o ever_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o visit_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o benign_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v sure_a then_o that_o you_o omit_v not_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o first_o rule_n in_o order_n to_o the_o well-governing_a your_o thought_n for_o without_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v signify_v nothing_o second_o the_o next_o rule_n be_v that_o you_o avoid_v idleness_n that_o hateful_a vice_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n like_o the_o field_n of_o the_o sluggard_n 30._o all_o overgrow_v with_o thorn_n and_o brier_n full_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o wanton_a desire_n evil_a motion_n and_o impure_a thought_n when_o a_o man_n be_v idle_a and_o loiter_v a_o thousand_o ill_a thing_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n which_o a_o honest_a industry_n will_v prevent_v and_o the_o most_o desirable_a opportunity_n the_o devil_n have_v for_o inject_v wicked_a thought_n or_o temptation_n successful_o be_v when_o a_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o avoid_v be_v idle_a and_o so_o practise_v both_o part_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n advice_n 41._o watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n idleness_n be_v the_o nurse_n of_o wickedness_n sin_n be_v procurer_n a_o vice_n most_o odious_a in_o its_o self_n and_o lead_v into_o all_o other_o it_o lay_v a_o man_n open_a to_o all_o assault_n and_o temptation_n and_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o dangerous_a solicitation_n of_o a_o legion_n of_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n at_o once_o whereas_o a_o industrious_a man_n put_v satan_n to_o the_o toil_n of_o a_o long_a siege_n as_o it_o be_v the_o negligent_a and_o idle_a person_n make_v a_o present_a and_o voluntary_a surrender_n of_o himself_o to_o he_o thus_o much_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n mat._n 12._o 43._o when_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o of_o a_o man_n he_o walk_v through_o dry_a place_n seek_v rest_n and_o find_v none_o he_o say_v i_o will_v return_v into_o my_o house_n from_o whence_o i_o come_v out_o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o find_v it_o empty_a sweep_v and_o garnish_v then_o go_v he_o and_o
fear_n or_o some_o temporal_a consideration_n may_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o execute_v his_o revenge_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_n himself_o from_o wicked_a uncharitable_a thought_n which_o be_v hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o high_o punishable_a the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o demerit_n be_v a_o proper_a expedient_a and_o here_o we_o can_v but_o fall_v down_o in_o adoration_n of_o the_o forbearance_n and_o longanimity_n of_o a_o provoke_v god_n towards_o we_o miserable_a offender_n we_o can_v but_o with_o the_o deep_a conviction_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v offend_v god_n infinite_o more_o than_o any_o have_v offend_v we_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n be_v a_o transcendent_a aggravation_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a persuasive_a motive_n for_o we_o to_o overlook_v all_o injury_n and_o affront_v which_o how_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o be_v yet_o comparative_o petty_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o great_a presumption_n for_o any_o person_n to_o have_v forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o in_o his_o mouth_n while_o he_o harbour_v envious_a malicious_a or_o uncharitable_a thought_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o whosoever_o due_o consider_v himself_o and_o what_o a_o sinful_a unworthy_a creature_n he_o be_v an_o he_o will_v do_v well_o here_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v some_o of_o his_o great_a sin_n will_v not_o easy_o cherish_v any_o rancorous_a or_o invidious_a thought_n long_o nay_o not_o suffer_v the_o sun_n to_o go_v down_o upon_o his_o wrath_n it_o may_v cool_v our_o incense_a or_o uncharitable_a thought_n if_o when_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o consider_v on_o that_o perfect_a love_n union_n and_o sincere_a affection_n that_o there_o be_v among_o all_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n we_o must_v be_v like_o they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n animate_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o opposition_n or_o variation_n in_o their_o desire_n or_o affection_n every_o one_o of_o the_o bless_a be_v unspeakable_o dear_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n god_n be_v love_n 16._o st._n john_n tell_v we_o and_o his_o radiant_a likeness_n be_v stamp_v upon_o every_o glorify_v soul_n which_o make_v it_o surpass_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a love_n it_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o happiness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o cement_n of_o this_o creation_n which_o keep_v all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o a_o harmonious_a order_n so_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o heaven_n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o retain_v the_o least_o grudge_n or_o uncharitable_a suspicion_n or_o revengeful_a thought_n be_v unfit_a to_o live_v among_o these_o affectionate_a spirit_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o transport_v illapse_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o infinite_a love_n which_o consideration_n shall_v effectual_o banish_v every_o malicious_a or_o uncharitable_a thought_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o indeed_o this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n be_v such_o as_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n esteem_v slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a they_o often_o produce_v very_o sad_a effect_n when_o encourage_v they_o run_v man_n into_o horrible_a extreme_n beside_o that_o they_o great_o hinder_v we_o in_o do_v our_o duty_n acceptable_o and_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o god_n that_o they_o render_v all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n vain_a and_o insignicant_a and_o blast_v the_o best_a of_o our_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o choice_a gift_n that_o we_o bring_v to_o the_o altar_n 23._o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v they_o and_o never_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v at_o rest_n until_o we_o find_v in_o we_o a_o real_a and_o universal_a reconciliation_n and_o a_o undissembled_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o which_o there_o be_v some_o other_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o a_o immoderate_a self-love_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o stick_v to_o most_o man_n avoid_v pride_n and_o partiality_n constant_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o hope_v these_o that_o i_o have_v mention_v may_v put_v you_o upon_o inquire_v after_o the_o rest_n chap._n viii_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o affliction_n to_o we_o and_o that_o more_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o spiritual_a comfort_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o service_n of_o god_n than_o the_o inconstancy_n and_o wander_v of_o our_o thought_n while_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o holy_a thing_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o such_o remedy_n against_o wander_v thought_n as_o i_o hope_v may_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n do_v in_o its_o compass_n take_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o they_o for_o sometime_o our_o wander_v thought_n be_v profane_a and_o blasphemous_a sometime_o wanton_a and_o obscene_a and_o sometime_o idle_a and_o foolish_a etc._n etc._n now_o these_o wander_v thought_n when_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o holy_a thing_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n owe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o there_o be_v much_o in_o our_o power_n in_o order_n to_o their_o cure_n we_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a occasion_n of_o they_o and_o that_o will_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o remedy_n against_o they_o first_o then_o wander_v thought_n be_v oftentimes_o occasion_v by_o a_o want_n of_o preparation_n to_o holy_a duty_n we_o careless_o and_o temerarious_o rush_v on_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o we_o think_v indeed_o that_o they_o must_v be_v do_v but_o yet_o consider_v not_o as_o we_o ought_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o we_o go_v to_o our_o prayer_n as_o to_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o make_v but_o little_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o ordinary_a action_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o the_o cause_n why_o our_o thought_n wander_v and_o scatter_v and_o so_o we_o reap_v but_o little_a comfort_n or_o advantage_n from_o our_o best_a performance_n it_o be_v expedient_a then_o and_o our_o duty_n before_o ever_o we_o engage_v in_o any_o set_a performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o by_o some_o previous_a thought_n and_o pious_a disposition_n that_o so_o we_o may_v come_v to_o our_o duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v prepossess_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n we_o think_v it_o too_o bold_a and_o presume_v to_o thrust_v ourselves_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n without_o due_a consideration_n and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v think_v less_o to_o approach_v the_o face_n of_o the_o infinite_a god_n without_o a_o solemn_a composure_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o preparation_n of_o thought_n but_o beside_o the_o evil_a of_o so_o do_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v to_o make_v our_o thought_n loose_a and_o wander_a and_o unless_o we_o set_v about_o holy_a duty_n with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n it_o can_v hardly_o be_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o when_o therefore_o we_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n either_o in_o our_o closet_n or_o family_n or_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o of_o these_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n beforehand_o and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o due_a frame_n of_o devotion_n because_o our_o deportment_n when_o we_o be_v actual_o engage_v in_o it_o do_v mighty_o depend_v thereon_o thus_o the_o preacher_n 2._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_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 offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o this_o rule_n in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_n wander_a thought_n may_v be_v but_o little_o mind_v but_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o useful_a second_o want_v of_o intention_n and_o settle_v the_o mind_n on_o god_n in_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n be_v another_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o wander_a of_o our_o thought_n therein_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o complaint_n that_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o our_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o advantage_n pray_v with_o that_o fervour_n of_o devotion_n praise_v he_o with_o that_o enlargement_n of_o soul_n and_o have_v
fight_v with_o they_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v it_o be_v impossible_a i_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v total_o free_v from_o they_o in_o this_o fluid_fw-la medium_fw-la in_o this_o state_n of_o frailty_n and_o corruption_n that_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v quite_o cleanse_v of_o these_o annoyance_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o our_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a warfare_n and_o our_o condition_n here_o a_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v as_o if_o we_o have_v do_v no_o good_a because_o we_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o what_o this_o life_n can_v afford_v but_o to_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o this_o viz._n that_o if_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n we_o maintain_v the_o combat_n and_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o use_v such_o remedy_n as_o be_v prescribe_v god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o endeavour_n pass_v by_o our_o infirmity_n and_o grant_v we_o at_o last_o a_o complete_a victory_n in_o heaven_n above_o which_o alone_o be_v consummation_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o bodily_a weakness_n which_o many_o time_n great_o administer_v to_o such_o and_o indeed_o i_o think_v to_o most_o other_o evil_a thought_n and_o from_o all_o the_o feebleness_n and_o impotency_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o all_o vain_a and_o entice_a object_n from_o without_o and_o from_o all_o the_o treachery_n of_o corruption_n from_o within_o from_o every_o wanton_a glance_n every_o vain_a imagination_n and_o every_o idle_a thought_n chap._n ix_o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n which_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o handle_v in_o this_o treatise_n viz._n sad_a melancholy_a or_o despair_a thought_n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o take_v a_o true_a observation_n of_o these_o and_o apply_v proper_a remedy_n against_o they_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o thought_n be_v partly_o in_o the_o habit_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n this_o be_v undeniable_a to_o any_o person_n that_o have_v make_v but_o the_o least_o observation_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o these_o person_n who_o be_v most_o of_o all_o trouble_a with_o this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n for_o such_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v be_v hypochondriacal_a and_o hysterical_a people_n and_o who_o constitution_n be_v impair_v by_o some_o bodily_a disease_n and_o therefore_o the_o remedy_n against_o they_o must_v be_v partly_o natural_a and_o partly_o spiritual_a but_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v think_v to_o trespass_n if_o i_o happen_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o the_o former_a dea_fw-la bona_fw-la valetudo_fw-la health_n be_v the_o great_a of_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v but_o weak_o prosecute_v our_o spiritual_a concern_v it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o life_n and_o as_o we_o can_v never_o be_v too_o thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o so_o every_o act_n of_o excess_n whereby_o it_o be_v impair_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o man_n be_v aware_a because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o body_n that_o it_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o serve_v god_n and_o of_o due_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o every_o disease_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o body_n do_v and_o will_v affect_v the_o mind_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o dream_n of_o the_o stoic_n but_o of_o all_o the_o disease_n incident_a to_o humane_a body_n that_o of_o melancholy_n deserve_v most_o to_o be_v pity_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v slight_v with_o the_o reproachful_a name_n of_o whimsy_n and_o mere_a fancy_n it_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n do_v to_o person_n who_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o to_o disregard_n their_o complaint_n and_o laugh_v at_o their_o mifery_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o indulge_v they_o yet_o some_o pity_n be_v due_a to_o they_o do_v they_o but_o know_v the_o woe_n and_o anguish_n the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n that_o they_o endure_v can_v they_o but_o be_v sensible_a of_o half_a their_o misery_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o pity_v they_o a_o hypochondriacal_a or_o hysterical_a person_n that_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o the_o disease_n be_v a_o object_n that_o as_o well_o deserve_v compassion_n as_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o and_o if_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o adequate_a description_n of_o that_o malady_n it_o will_v fill_v a_o volume_n what_o a_o infinite_a variety_n of_o evil_a thought_n of_o all_o kind_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n owe_v to_o the_o disease_n the_o hurry_n of_o the_o imagination_n follow_v that_o of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n there_o be_v some_o natural_a remedy_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o which_o i_o must_v leave_v you_o to_o the_o learned_a in_o nature_n who_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o very_o much_o depend_v upon_o observation_n and_o exercise_n that_o to_o be_v morigerous_a and_o moderate_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o be_v much_o in_o bodily_a exercise_n but_o not_o violent_a be_v most_o proper_a advice_n if_o a_o person_n have_v but_o the_o virtue_n to_o be_v regular_a in_o his_o way_n of_o live_v and_o the_o patience_n to_o continue_v bodily_a exercise_n he_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n towards_o make_v his_o life_n more_o easy_a and_o his_o thought_n more_o comfortable_a for_o every_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n lively_a regular_a and_o vigorous_a tend_v to_o dispel_v the_o blackness_n and_o heaviness_n of_o the_o thought_n which_o therefore_o whoever_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v afflict_v with_o melancholy_a must_v study_v he_o must_v i_o say_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o cherish_v his_o blood_n and_o exalt_v his_o spirit_n to_o which_o all_o vicious_a extreme_n be_v direct_o contrary_a the_o learned_a physician_n will_v also_o tell_v you_o that_o none_o be_v more_o voracious_a of_o medicine_n than_o melancholy_a person_n but_o that_o their_o desire_n in_o that_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v indulge_v than_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o too_o little_a but_o i_o be_o go_v too_o far_o this_o way_n i_o will_v only_o have_v it_o observe_v that_o sad_a melancholy_a and_o even_o despair_a thought_n be_v sometime_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o disease_n for_o such_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o fever_n or_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o pysician_n must_v be_v consult_v but_o although_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n do_v very_o much_o conduce_v to_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o yet_o we_o shall_v be_v mindful_a that_o there_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o they_o too_o and_o not_o so_o to_o lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o natural_a indisposition_n as_o to_o have_v no_o other_o thought_n about_o it_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o this_o case_n be_v pure_o physical_a and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o spiritual_a remedy_n for_o there_o be_v the_o first_o of_o which_o that_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v proper_a be_v a_o strict_a and_o faithful_a ezamination_n of_o our_o own_o self_n we_o must_v call_v our-selve_n to_o a_o account_n search_v into_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n and-see_a what_o we_o have_v be_v and_o do_v and_o perhaps_o we_o may_v find_v some_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o or_o some_o wrong_n or_o injustice_n that_o we_o continue_v in_o which_o happen_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o blackness_n and_o sadness_n and_o these_o dismal_a thought_n which_o so_o affright_v we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o check_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a monitor_n and_o adviser_n and_o impartial_o censure_n and_o judge_n all_o our_o action_n the_o good_a that_o we_o do_v it_o approve_v of_o commend_v and_o applaud_v in_o we_o but_o no_o wilful_a sin_n can_v escape_v its_o lash_n and_o bitter_a reproach_n it_o be_v authority_n be_v a_o emblem_n of_o the_o almighty_n power_n and_o omniscience_n and_o its_o sentence_n praejudicium_fw-la ultimi_fw-la judicii_fw-la it_o will_v in_o spite_n of_o the_o sinner_n set_v his_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o he_o and_o fill_v he_o with_o horror_n and_o tremble_a and_o fearful_a thought_n which_o if_o they_o arise_v from_o hence_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o repentance_n nothing_o but_o the_o tear_n of_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n can_v ease_v his_o heavy_a heart_n and_o renew_a resolution_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o a_o more_o diligent_a obedience_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v the_o best_a expedient_a to_o remove_v the_o blackness_n and_o sadness_n that_o be_v upon_o his_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o sinner_n have_v true_o
repent_v and_o there_o be_v a_o entire_a change_n wrought_v upon_o he_o then_o he_o may_v hope_v for_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n to_o shine_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v comfort_v he_o now_o after_o the_o time_n that_o he_o have_v plague_v he_o and_o for_o the_o year_n wherein_o he_o have_v suffer_v adversity_n but_o if_o upon_o a_o serious_a and_o deep_a examination_n of_o himself_o he_o can_v find_v that_o these_o sad_a and_o frightful_a thought_n which_o infest_v he_o proceed_v from_o any_o such_o cause_n as_o some_o wilful_a and_o notorious_a sin_n but_o that_o the_o sincere_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v always_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v a_o true_a conformity_n to_o all_o his_o law_n and_o command_v then_o second_o the_o next_o remedy_n against_o these_o black_a and_o despair_a thought_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o transcendent_a goodness_n of_o god._n this_o be_v a_o proper_a mean_n to_o fortify_v our_o mind_n against_o they_o why_o shall_v i_o think_v that_o i_o be_o cast_v off_o of_o god_n and_o forsake_v of_o he_o what_o argument_n can_v there_o be_v for_o desperation_n why_o be_v my_o heart_n so_o dismal_a my_o thought_n so_o trouble_v my_o fear_n so_o tempestuous_a be_v it_o because_o i_o be_o a_o great_a sinner_n true_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o i_o to_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o humble_v to_o the_o very_a dust_n and_o flood_n of_o tear_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o bewail_v the_o guilt_n of_o my_o sin_n but_o yet_o o_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n he_o be_v the_o most_o love_a and_o merciful_a be_v a_o compassionate_a and_o forgive_a father_n he_o be_v more_o our_o father_n than_o our_o earthly_a parent_n can_v be_v he_o be_v essential_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o good_a and_o gracious_a to_o his_o creature_n he_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v every_o penitent_a sâ—nner_n 15._o be_v his_o sin_n never_o so_o great_a nay_o he_o love_o invite_v he_o to_o come_v to_o he_o 28._o and_o this_o be_v a_o consideration_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v thou_o grieve_v with_o such_o a_o sorrow_n as_o will_v bring_v thou_o to_o he_o and_o not_o drive_v thou_o from_o he_o such_o a_o sorrow_n as_o may_v prompt_v thou_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o that_o thou_o know_v to_o be_v thy_o duty_n and_o not_o such_o a_o sorrow_n as_o total_o incapacitates_fw-la thou_o for_o it_o and_o so_o be_v both_o a_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o a_o very_a great_a injury_n to_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o thrust_v out_o all_o black_a dismal_a or_o despair_a thought_n cast_v thy_o eye_n abroad_o into_o the_o world_n see_o this_o noble_a structure_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o riches_n of_o it_o bespeak_v his_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n behold_v this_o ample_a theatre_n of_o praise_n wherein_o every_o thing_n show_v forth_o his_o goodness_n and_o then_o look_v in_o upon_o thyself_o and_o thou_o will_v find_v thy_o own_o self_n another_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n what_o instance_n of_o god_n goodness_n can_v thou_o discover_v in_o thyself_o what_o particular_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o numerous_a act_n of_o his_o love_a kindness_n this_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n be_v also_o another_o consideration_n which_o will_v be_v a_o proper_a remedy_n against_o this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n before_o we_o consider_v then_o your_o own_o experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n when_o thou_o be_v at_o any_o time_n haunt_v with_o any_o dreadful_a kill_v despair_a thought_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v reprobate_v of_o god_n and_o consign_v to_o eternal_a damnation_n call_v to_o mind_n how_o much_o of_o the_o forbearance_n and_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n thou_o have_v experiment_a and_o then_o thou_o will_v see_v how_o little_a reason_n thou_o have_v to_o yield_v to_o such_o confound_a thought_n nay_o he_o do_v not_o only_o spare_v thou_o and_o extend_v his_o patience_n towards_o thou_o but_o be_v multiply_v his_o other_o mercy_n upon_o thou_o and_o so_o give_v thou_o all_o the_o convince_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v that_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o any_o sinner_n but_o be_v the_o great_a lover_n of_o soul_n 4._o and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n how_o many_o danger_n and_o evil_n have_v he_o deliver_v thou_o from_o nay_o have_v he_o not_o deliver_v thou_o from_o hurt_v thy_o own_o self_n and_o by_o some_o strange_a providence_n or_o other_o baffle_v thy_o wicked_a intention_n in_o a_o word_n what_o large_a experience_n have_v thou_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n both_o to_o thy_o soul_n and_o body_n how_o then_o can_v thou_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v reject_v thou_o when_o thou_o feel_v irrefragable_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o thyself_o when_o thou_o taste_v and_o see_v and_o have_v demonstration_n how_o good_a and_o how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v no_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n suggestion_n to_o torment_v and_o disquiet_v thou_o for_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o persecute_v these_o who_o he_o can_v kill_v and_o terrify_v those_o who_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o destroy_v it_o be_v the_o stratagem_n of_o the_o accurse_a enemy_n of_o our_o peace_n who_o take_v advantage_n perhaps_o of_o the_o weakness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o thy_o spirit_n cause_v by_o some_o bodily_a indisposition_n or_o other_o to_o inject_v dreadful_a thought_n represent_v almighty_a god_n as_o a_o implacable_a judge_n endeavour_v to_o make_v he_o seem_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v to_o himself_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n 11._o and_o of_o his_o restless_a malice_n if_o those_o poor_a creature_n who_o be_v afflict_v with_o this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n can_v but_o be_v bring_v to_o entertain_v this_o consideration_n viz._n what_o experience_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o argue_v as_o this_o particular_a teach_v they_o they_o will_v it_o be_v hope_v find_v much_o ease_n and_o relief_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o their_o despond_v thought_n be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o moreover_o a_o dishonour_n and_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v thou_o at_o any_o time_n afflict_v with_o any_o melancholy_n dismal_a or_o despair_a thought_n as_o a_o remedy_n against_o they_o consider_v on_o the_o mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o there_o thou_o will_v find_v such_o argument_n against_o thought_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o shall_v one_o will_v think_v be_v able_a entire_o to_o subdue_v and_o conquer_v they_o how_o great_a how_o incomprehensible_a be_v that_o goodness_n that_o not_o only_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o enrich_v all_o creature_n with_o his_o beneficence_n but_o send_v down_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v undo_v man_n who_o can_v form_v a_o thought_n worthy_a of_o such_o goodness_n o_o christian_n think_v with_o your_o utmost_a intention_n how_o great_a the_o dignity_n of_o that_o person_n be_v who_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o then_o think_v serious_o on_o what_o he_o do_v to_o redeem_v we_o what_o tongue_n can_v express_v or_o mind_n conceive_v the_o agony_n that_o he_o endure_v when_o he_o become_v the_o propitiation_n and_o atonement_n the_o wrath_n that_o lie_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o interpose_v between_o a_o angry_a god_n and_o sinful_a man_n hâ—s_n suffering_n be_v vast_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o our_o idea_n of_o his_o sorrow_n be_v all_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a good_a god_n how_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o man_n salvation_n admire_v the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n therein_o and_o adore_v the_o divine_a philanthropy_n who_o can_v despair_v of_o mercy_n from_o he_o who_o have_v give_v we_o his_o own_o son_n how_o can_v we_o think_v he_o will_v reject_v we_o for_o ever_o when_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n for_o we_o in_o the_o circumstance_n that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n presumption_n be_v a_o evil_n to_o which_o methinks_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o probable_o tempt_v than_o despair_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o abominable_a because_o such_o illustrious_a goodness_n such_o unparalleled_a mercy_n be_v display_v in_o this_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n 14._o such_o peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n as_o be_v enough_o for_o ever_o to_o silence_v all_o the_o sad_a complaint_n of_o despond_v sinner_n and_o to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v the_o most_o guilty_a soul_n to_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n when_o the_o devil_n therefore_o at_o any_o
forgive_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o blasphemy_n wherewith_o soever_o they_o shall_v blaspheme_v but_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o in_o luke_n 12._o 10_o there_o be_v but_o little_a variation_n whosoever_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o unto_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v now_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o these_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a sin_n you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o two_o former_a of_o these_o evangelist_n st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n in_o the_o context_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v heal_v a_o demoniak_a and_o when_o he_o have_v expel_v the_o devil_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o he_o have_v without_o measure_n to_o the_o great_a amazement_n of_o all_o the_o people_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o heart_n be_v sour_v with_o the_o leven_a of_o pride_n and_o envy_n notwithstanding_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o that_o and_o other_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v they_o blasphemous_o ascribe_v the_o do_v of_o they_o to_o the_o devil_n represent_v our_o lord_n as_o a_o wizard_n or_o a_o conjurer_n and_o as_o absurd_o as_o impious_o say_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n of_o this_o imputation_n our_o saviour_n severe_o reflect_v upon_o and_o public_o declare_v that_o these_o that_o out_o of_o a_o invenomed_a spirit_n and_o wilful_a spite_n and_o against_o the_o strong_a conviction_n thus_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n by_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o who_o almighty_a power_n these_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o thus_o endeavour_v to_o subvert_v the_o whole_a structure_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o wilful_o disow_v christ_n the_o saviour_n these_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o salvation_n leave_v they_o no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o can_v be_v save_v there_o be_v no_o other_o christ_n no_o other_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o man_n but_o eternal_a damnation_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n consist_v in_o word_n it_o be_v blasphemy_n and_o not_o every_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n neither_o not_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o some_o heretic_n have_v do_v and_o now_o do_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n which_o be_v a_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o visible_a glorious_a operation_n the_o immediate_a effect_n and_o office_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o such_o too_o as_o be_v utter_v not_o out_o of_o fear_n infirmity_n or_o cowardice_n but_o out_o of_o a_o hateful_a and_o malicious_a heart_n not_o of_o rashness_n but_o of_o set-purpose_n to_o do_v despite_n unto_o christ_n his_o know_a doctrine_n and_o work_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o universal_a defection_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o this_o sin_n in_o its_o formality_n can_v be_v commit_v now_o from_o this_o short_a explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v it_o do_v appear_v that_o none_o of_o these_o who_o be_v scare_v and_o terrify_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o can_v have_v commit_v it_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o fear_n and_o dismal_a thought_n about_o it_o be_v groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o our_o peace_n in_o order_n to_o disquiet_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v their_o duty_n or_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o melancholy_n or_o despair_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o person_n that_o wilful_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n and_o persist_v in_o impenitency_n shall_v final_o perish_v for_o ever_o as_o sure_o as_o if_o they_o have_v commit_v the_o the_o great_a sin_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o but_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o thousand_o do_v out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertence_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a that_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v the_o vile_a action_n the_o great_a sin_n of_o practice_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o sin_n call_v indeed_o for_o the_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o most_o unfeigned_a repentance_n but_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o repentance_n be_v thing_n very_o inconsisistent_a and_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n of_o mercy_n in_o god_n or_o want_v of_o merit_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o from_o a_o incapacity_n in_o the_o offender_n upon_o the_o whole_a than_o you_o see_v what_o this_o conclude_v sin_n be_v and_o consequent_o how_o little_a reason_n many_o poor_a deject_a soul_n have_v to_o be_v affright_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o have_v commit_v it_o and_o to_o sink_v and_o despond_v upon_o mere_a doubt_n conjecture_n and_o suspicion_n chap._n x._o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a indeed_o that_o have_v not_o a_o special_a regard_n to_o his_o thought_n and_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o have_v they_o pure_a holy_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n be_v a_o happiness_n never_o to_o be_v attain_v without_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o serious_a consideration_n and_o a_o ready_a and_o willing_a application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o proper_a mean_n the_o which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n endeavour_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o and_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n there_o be_v unquestionable_o a_o great_a deal_n in_o our_o own_o power_n in_o order_n to_o it_o as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v the_o evident_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o which_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o it_o not_o only_o above_o all_o other_o art_n and_o science_n which_o in_o their_o perfection_n be_v only_o the_o riches_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o beyond_o all_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v manifest_a christianity_n soar_v above_o all_o the_o tempt_a gaiety_n and_o little_a noisy_a vanity_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o its_o business_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o silly_a applause_n of_o the_o age_n or_o popular_a admiration_n it_o be_v not_o be_v see_v of_o man_n or_o to_o inherit_v this_o bubble_n it_o be_v not_o only_a to_o appear_v outward_o great_a or_o good_a but_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v a_o internal_a purity_n and_o holiness_n a_o conformity_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n though_o it_o go_v far_o yet_o come_v vast_o short_a of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o excellent_a rule_n deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n for_o the_o government_n of_o life_n be_v much_o below_o the_o divine_a oracle_n as_o for_o the_o jewish_a religion_n it_o consist_v of_o mere_a element_n 9_o and_o first_o rudiment_n the_o law_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o but_o as_o the_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o christ_n 24._o the_o law_n be_v deliver_v in_o blackness_n and_o thick_a darkness_n on_o mount_n sinai_n 11._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o darkness_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a discovery_n of_o the_o evangelical_n state_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o type_n figure_n and_o shadow_n and_o parabolical_a and_o mystical_a rite_n but_o in_o plain_a and_o perfective_a precept_n in_o such_o admirable_a rule_n and_o direction_n as_o due_o observe_v will_v wonderful_o enrich_v and_o beautify_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o near_o to_o perfection_n by_o a_o resemblance_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v it_o for_o the_o blissful_a enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o beatific_a vision_n the_o rite_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o vile_a impurity_n and_o as_o for_o mahomet_n as_o ambition_n and_o lust_n be_v the_o first_o motive_n to_o his_o imposture_n so_o lewdness_n and_o obscenity_n be_v his_o heaven_n too_o and_o indeed_o other_o religion_n too_o have_v take_v care_n to_o propagate_v uncleanness_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o a_o recluse_n life_n and_o the_o severe_a purity_n but_o true_a religion_n indeed_o such_o as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n always_o preach_v and_o urge_v upon_o man_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o genuine_a design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n