more_o frequent_o require_v of_o or_o attribute_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o when_o action_n flow_v at_o once_o from_o principle_n and_o custom_n when_o they_o spring_v from_o love_n and_o be_v attend_v by_o pleasure_n and_o be_v incite_v and_o quicken_v by_o faith_n and_o hope_v too_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v repeat_v they_o with_o some_o eagerness_n and_o feel_v a_o holy_a impatience_n as_o often_o as_o we_o be_v hinder_v or_o disappoint_v and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n show_v that_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o be_v there_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o thus_o it_o be_v shall_v i_o mention_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a act._n 10.38_o shall_v i_o propose_v the_o labour_n and_o travil_n of_o st._n paul_n these_o pattern_n it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v judge_v by_o some_o too_o bright_a and_o dazzle_a a_o light_n for_o we_o to_o look_v on_o or_o at_o least_o too_o perfect_a for_o we_o to_o copy_n after_o and_o yet_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o joh._n 2.6_o and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v of_o christ_n but_o if_o the_o fervency_n of_o christ_n and_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o have_v soar_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o imitation_n we_o have_v inferior_a instance_n enough_o to_o prove_v the_o zeal_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o habitual_a goodness_n thus_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal_n 119.10_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o and_o josiah_n 2_o king_n 23.25_o be_v say_v to_o have_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v how_o fervent_a be_v anna_n woe_n depart_v not_o from_o the_o temple_n but_o serve_v god_n with_o fast_n and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n luk._n 2.37_o how_o charitable_a tabytha_n who_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n and_o alms-deed_n which_o she_o do_v act._n 9.36_o where_o shall_v i_o place_v cornelius_n with_o what_o word_n shall_v i_o set_v out_o his_o virtue_n with_o what_o but_o those_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 10.2_o he_o be_v a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n which_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o but_o peradventure_o some_o may_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v something_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a in_o these_o eminent_a person_n which_o we_o must_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v but_o must_v be_v content_a to_o follow_v they_o at_o a_o vast_a distance_n well_o let_v this_o be_v so_o what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v to_o whole_a church_n animate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o zeal_n what_o be_v we_o to_o think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n who_o charity_n st._n paul_n thus_o magnify_v 2_o cor._n 8.2_o 3._o in_o a_o great_a trial_n of_o affliction_n the_o abundance_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o their_o deep_a poverty_n abound_v to_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n for_o to_o their_o power_n i_o bear_v record_n yea_o and_o beyond_o their_o power_n they_o be_v willing_a of_o themselves_o and_o st._n paul_n declare_v himself_o persuade_v of_o the_o roman_n that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n rom._n 15.14_o and_o of_o the_o corinthian_n he_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o thing_n and_o come_v behind_o in_o no_o gift_n 1_o cor._n 1.5_o 6._o that_o they_o do_v abound_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o faith_n in_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o i_o will_v stop_v here_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o instance_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o vigour_n and_o fervency_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v no_o miraculous_a gift_n no_o extraordinary_a prerogative_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o natural_a and_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o well_o confirm_v habit_n of_o holiness_n last_o be_v constancy_n and_o steadiness_n the_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a property_n of_o perfection_n too_o in_o scripture_n good_a man_n be_v every_o where_o represent_v as_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o one_o word_n as_o constant_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o maintain_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n and_o so_o natural_a be_v this_o to_o one_o habitual_o good_a that_o st._n john_n affirm_v of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o he_o can_v sin_v 1_o joh._n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n according_o job_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o his_o life_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v righteous_a walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a luk._n 1.6_o enoch_n noah_n david_n and_o other_o excellent_a person_n who_o be_v pronounce_v by_o god_n righteous_a and_o just_a and_o perfect_a be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n with_o a_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o be_v that_o constancy_n which_o christian_n be_v often_o exhort_v to_o watch_v you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n quit_v you_o like_o man_n be_v strong_a 1_o cor._n 16.13_o and_o of_o which_o the_o first_o follower_n of_o our_o lord_n leave_v we_o such_o remarkable_a example_n the_o disciple_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n luk._n 24._o and_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o have_v continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n act_n 2.42_o thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v my_o notion_n of_o perfection_n from_o scripture_n nor_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o text_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o unless_o he_o mistake_v the_o main_a design_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v and_o exalt_v we_o to_o a_o steady_a habit_n of_o holiness_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a this_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o his_o heart_n purify_v and_o to_o be_v inform_v act_v and_o influence_v by_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o by_o a_o vital_a principle_n and_o all_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o habitual_a goodness_n if_o any_o one_o desire_n further_o light_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v he_o read_v the_o eight_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o he_o will_v soon_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o there_o find_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v hiterto_fw-mi advance_v there_o though_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v not_o find_v the_o thing_n call_v perfection_n be_v describe_v in_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n in_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o there_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v represent_v as_o one_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n as_o one_o who_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v set_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n one_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o mind_n or_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n one_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v he_o do_v not_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o transient_a visit_n but_o here_o he_o reign_v and_o rule_n and_o inhabit_v one_o final_o in_o who_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o confidence_n the_o security_n and_o transport_v that_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_n but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v
and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o we_o must_v watch_v and_o pray_v and_o contend_v labour_n and_o persevere_v and_o that_o long_a too_o ere_o we_o can_v attain_v it_o and_o whoever_o fancy_n himself_o rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n on_o a_o sudden_a will_v find_v himself_o as_o sudden_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n again_o if_o he_o do_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o fortify_v his_o resolution_n to_o cherish_v the_o newborn_a flame_n and_o to_o guard_v and_o improve_v his_o virtue_n 3_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o the_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o maturity_n of_o it_o my_o colour_n be_v too_o bright_a my_o stroke_n too_o bold_a and_o the_o form_n i_o have_v give_v it_o too_o divine_a for_o you_o describe_v it_o will_v one_o say_v as_o if_o man_n now_o grow_v perfect_a have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v already_o enter_v into_o rest_n and_o do_v actual_o sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o heavenly_a place_n as_o if_o in_o a_o word_n virtue_n be_v no_o long_o his_o task_n but_o pleasure_n as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rejoice_v continual_o nothing_o further_a to_o press_v after_o nothing_o to_o combat_n nothing_o to_o contend_v with_o whereas_o the_o father_n general_o and_o all_o judicious_a modern_a writer_n seem_v to_o place_n perfection_n in_o nothing_o high_a then_o in_o a_o perpetual_a progress_n towards_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o life_n as_o a_o perpetual_a warfare_n and_o utter_o deny_v any_o such_o height_n or_o eminence_n as_o be_v raise_v above_o cloud_n and_o storm_n above_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o say_v which_o will_v clear_v my_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o dispel_v all_o objection_n first_o i_o have_v describe_v the_o last_o stage_n of_o the_o christian_n spiritual_a progress_n which_o i_o call_v a_o state_n of_o zeal_n and_o in_o which_o i_o suppose_v the_o christian_n to_o commence_v perfect_a this_o i_o say_v i_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o the_o same_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v second_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v any_o where_n to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v any_o state_n in_o this_o life_n raise_v above_o trial_n and_o temptation_n alas_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n will_v find_v it_o work_v enough_o to_o make_v good_a the_o ground_n he_o have_v gain_v and_o maintain_v the_o conquest_n he_o have_v win_v much_o watchfulness_n and_o labour_n much_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o many_o other_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o perseverance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n three_o as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o and_o indeed_o ever_o do_v perfection_n be_v a_o state_n we_o arrive_v at_o very_o late_a and_o all_o the_o way_n to_o it_o full_a of_o labour_n and_o travel_v full_a of_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o life_n of_o man_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a warfare_n but_o four_o i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n affirm_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v incapable_a of_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o unfold_v my_o sense_n more_o full_o afterward_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v forbear_v observe_v here_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o a_o perfect_a christian_a for_o suppose_v grace_n to_o be_v always_o increase_v and_o the_o very_a maturity_n of_o virtue_n to_o admit_v of_o degree_n yet_o the_o mark_n and_o distinction_n of_o such_o different_a degree_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o delicate_a that_o the_o advances_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v scarce_o perceptible_a to_o himself_o without_o the_o close_a and_o strict_a enquiry_n much_o less_o can_v they_o fall_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o the_o first_o change_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n from_o a_o aversion_n for_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o a_o sincere_a though_o not_o a_o perfect_a love_n of_o both_o be_v very_o palpable_a so_o again_o the_o change_n from_o a_o state_n of_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n to_o one_o of_o strength_n of_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n to_o one_o of_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o fear_n and_o doubt_n to_o one_o of_o confidence_n and_o pleasure_n be_v little_o less_o evident_a and_o sensible_a but_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o growth_n afterward_o the_o improvement_n whatever_o they_o be_v of_o a_o mature_a state_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n not_o consist_v in_o a_o change_n but_o addition_n and_o that_o make_v insensible_o here_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o order_n to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o mind_n need_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a examination_n of_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o virtue_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o make_v good_a his_o post_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o he_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o if_o he_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o perfection_n shall_v i_o insist_v particular_o on_o every_o one_o of_o the_o mean_n or_o instrument_n of_o perfection_n it_o will_v lead_v i_o through_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o moral_a righteousness_n for_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v all_o afford_v mutual_a support_n and_o nourishment_n to_o one_o another_o and_o mutual_o minister_v to_o their_o own_o growth_n and_o strength_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o to_o mention_v meditation_n psalmody_n conversation_n discipline_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o almost_o all_o christian_a grace_n as_o repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n but_o this_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n i_o purpose_v therefore_o here_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o few_o general_n observation_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o direction_n in_o the_o use_n of_o gospel_n means_n point_v out_o the_o end_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o utmost_a benefit_n from_o they_o these_o observation_n be_v 1._o the_o practice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o improve_v and_o strengthen_v both_o 2._o the_o two_o general_a and_o immediate_a instrument_n as_o of_o conversion_n so_o of_o perfection_n too_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n 3._o the_o natural_a and_o immediate_a fruit_n of_o meditation_n prayer_n eucharist_n psalmody_n and_o good_a conversation_n be_v the_o quicken_a and_o enliven_a the_o conscience_n the_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n and_o the_o raise_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n 4._o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o subdue_a the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n 5._o last_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n than_o other_o i_o will_v very_o brief_o illustrate_v each_o of_o these_o observation_n and_o suggest_v from_o they_o such_o rule_n as_o i_o shall_v judge_v most_o serviceable_a to_o promote_v perfection_n §_o 1._o the_o practice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o improve_v and_o strengthen_v both_o this_o be_v a_o proposition_n almost_o self-evident_a for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o single_a act_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o natural_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o a_o habit_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n give_v a_o man_n great_a boldness_n towards_o god_n mingle_v joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o all_o his_o address_n to_o he_o purify_v and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a joh._n 8.31.3_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n mat._n 13.12_o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o undoubted_o it_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o such_o a_o solitude_n or_o retirement_n as_o cut_v off_o the_o opportunity_n of_o many_o virtue_n which_o may_v be_v daily_o practise_v in_o a_o more_o public_a and_o active_a life_n the_o true_a
slight_a and_o insignificant_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v attend_v by_o no_o mischievous_a connsequence_n nor_o to_o offer_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n nor_o injustice_n to_o man._n but_o i_o doubt_v this_o notion_n of_o venial_a sin_n have_v no_o solidity_n in_o it_o for_o either_o man_n perform_v such_o action_n deliberate_o or_o indeliberate_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a now_o if_o we_o perform_v any_o action_n deliberate_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a we_o never_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o little_a sin_n much_o less_o a_o venial_a one_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a the_o first_o notion_n that_o every_o man_n have_v of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o and_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o then_o to_o do_v that_o deliberate_o which_o we_o know_v will_v provoke_v god_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o fearless_a and_o irreligious_a heart_n a_o heart_n destitute_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o heaven_n but_o if_o a_o man_n transgress_v in_o a_o trifle_a instance_n indeliberate_o this_o alter_v the_o case_n for_o the_o matter_n not_o be_v of_o importance_n enough_o to_o excite_v the_o intention_n and_o application_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v consequent_o no_o malignity_n of_o the_o will_n in_o a_o action_n where_o there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n of_o the_o judgement_n i_o can_v but_o think_v this_o may_v very_o well_o pass_v for_o a_o human_a infirmity_n for_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o can_v be_v here_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o man_n be_v incogitancy_n or_o inadvertency_n and_o that_o too_o as_o excusable_a a_o one_o as_o can_v be_v last_o where_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o action_n be_v very_o trifle_v and_o inconsiderable_a and_o draw_v after_o it_o no_o ill_a consequence_n either_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o man_n judge_v it_o no_o sin_n i_o can_v think_v it_o iâ—_n any_o to_o he_o though_o by_o a_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a construction_n it_o may_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o some_o divine_a prohibition_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o schoolman_n be_v good_a enough_o here_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o law_n but_o not_o against_o it_o or_o it_o be_v against_o the_o letter_n but_o not_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o with_o eternal_a misery_n or_o that_o it_o can_v become_v a_o man_n of_o sense_n serious_o to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n for_o they_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o shall_v provoke_v god_n if_o pass_v through_o a_o field_n of_o my_o neighbour_n corn_n or_o pease_n i_o shall_v pull_v off_o a_o ear_n or_o cod_n or_o pass_v through_o his_o orchard_n shall_v eat_v a_o apple_n the_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o law_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o entertain_v such_o trifle_a weak_a and_o superstitious_a fancy_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o very_o much_o perplex_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o good_a people_n that_o be_v a_o idle_a word_n and_o jest_a concern_v both_o which_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o such_o be_v miserable_o mistake_v and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o unless_o unreasonable_a and_o superstitious_a scruple_n make_v they_o so_o this_o i_o say_v on_o supposition_n that_o by_o idle_a word_n they_o mean_v only_o such_o talk_n as_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o by_o jest_a only_o that_o which_o be_v innocent_a and_o divertive_a by_o a_o idle_a word_n matt._n 12._o our_o saviour_n plain_o mean_v a_o blasphemous_a word_n if_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o every_o idle_a word_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o context_n for_o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o blasphemy_n which_o the_o jew_n belch_v out_o against_o his_o miracle_n or_o if_o our_o lord_n here_o on_o this_o occasion_n advance_v a_o general_a doctrine_n then_o by_o a_o idle_a word_n we_o must_v understand_v a_o wicked_a one_o proceed_v from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o naughty_a heart_n and_o tend_v as_o direct_o to_o promote_v impiety_n as_o gracious_a and_o wholesome_a discourse_n do_v to_o promote_v edification_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o ver_fw-la 25._o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n and_o a_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n bring_v forth_o evil_a thing_n and_o ver_fw-la 37._o for_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o jest_a eph._n 5.4_o the_o apostle_n understand_v the_o modish_a raillery_n of_o the_o greek_n which_o be_v general_o make_v up_o of_o profaneness_n and_o wantonness_n or_o brisk_a and_o sharp_a irony_n this_o be_v plain_a both_o from_o the_o company_n we_o find_v it_o in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d filthiness_n and_o foolish_a speak_v and_o from_o the_o character_n give_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o other_o two_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v give_v the_o most_o infamous_a and_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n rom._n 1.28_o thing_n not_o convenient_a be_v a_o diminutive_a expression_n imply_v such_o thing_n as_o contain_v much_o turpitude_n and_o wickedness_n in_o they_o beza_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o note_n read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o place_n foolish_a speak_v or_o not_z and_z jest_a which_o as_o he_o observe_v make_v jest_a the_o same_o thing_n with_o foolish_a speak_v or_o buffonery_n and_o justify_v that_o jest_a which_o consist_v in_o a_o pleasant_a and_o divertive_a facetiousness_n from_o 1_o king_n 18.27_o 2_o king_n 3.23_o isa_n 14.11_o 2._o some_o think_v that_o the_o mere_a reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n of_o conscience_n against_o sin_n be_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o this_o have_v receive_v no_o small_a countenance_n from_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o rom._n 7._o as_o make_v holiness_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o vicissitude_n of_o desire_n and_o action_n repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o but_o at_o this_o rate_n no_o man_n sin_n will_v be_v damn_v but_o he_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o when_o one_o heart_n do_v condemn_v one_o god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o acquit_v one_o which_o agree_v very_o ill_a with_o st._n john_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 1_o joh._n 3.21_o no_o man_n unless_o arrive_v at_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a without_o reluctancy_n for_o his_o conscience_n will_v forbid_v he_o as_o long_o as_o it_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o tenderness_n in_o it_o and_o restrain_v he_o as_o far_o as_o it_o have_v power_n and_o as_o to_o rom._n 7._o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o consider_v and_o i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n as_o rom._n 8._o do_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v free_a st._n austin_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o understand_v that_o chapter_n at_o first_o as_o the_o pelagean_n do_v for_o a_o person_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o find_v himself_o constrain_v afterward_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o st._n paul_n himself_o i_o will_v not_o examine_v the_o solidity_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o i_o that_o his_o change_n of_o opinion_n do_v religion_n no_o harm_n for_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v a_o state_n of_o holiness_n to_o consist_v with_o act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o conscience_n that_o he_o will_v not_o excuse_v so_o much_o as_o rebellious_a motion_n and_o appetite_n if_o consent_v to_o all_o that_o he_o contend_v for_o in_o a_o good_a man_n from_o this_o chapter_n be_v that_o lapse_v nature_n will_v sometime_o exert_v itself_o even_o in_o the_o best_a man_n in_o disorderly_a and_o distemper_a appetite_n 3._o other_o last_o will_v have_v those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o fall_v either_o overpower_a by_o the_o strength_n or_o weary_v out_o by_o the_o assiduity_n or_o length_n of_o a_o temptation_n pass_v for_o infirmity_n but_o this_o opinion_n have_v as_o little_a ground_n as_o the_o two_o former_a i_o can_v find_v no_o scripture_n that_o countenance_n this_o notion_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o of_o great_a reputation_n who_o have_v promote_v it_o but_o i_o think_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n make_v against_o it_o 1_o cor._n
we_o court_v till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o take_v as_o much_o pleasure_n in_o the_o obedience_n as_o ever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 2_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o provoke_a nature_n so_o criminal_a in_o their_o birth_n and_o mischievous_a in_o their_o consequence_n that_o one_o single_a act_n or_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o these_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o habit_n of_o other_o such_o be_v murder_n idolatry_n perjury_n adultery_n these_o can_v be_v commit_v without_o renounce_v humanity_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n without_o resist_v the_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o must_v break_v through_o a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n and_o terror_n ere_o we_o can_v come_v at_o these_o sin_n we_o must_v commit_v many_o other_o in_o order_n to_o commit_v one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v deliberate_v long_o resolve_v desperate_o and_o in_o defiance_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n and_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o habit_n in_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o necessary_a preparative_a in_o these_o that_o be_v obduration_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o the_o unhappy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o set_v free_a when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o never_o repeat_v it_o again_o but_o then_o when_o he_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a reparation_n of_o the_o wrong_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o when_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n require_v it_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v oppress_v with_o shame_n and_o suffering_n when_o in_o one_o word_n a_o long_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n have_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n 2._o we_o must_v be_v free_a not_o only_o from_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a presumptuous_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a mortal_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o wound_v the_o conscience_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o renounce_v our_o hope_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n at_o least_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o habit_n but_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n death_n be_v the_o penalty_n the_o sanction_n of_o every_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n do_v not_o prohibit_v habit_n only_o but_o single_a act_n too_o nor_o be_v there_o indeed_o any_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v here_o but_o in_o one_o case_n which_o be_v if_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o in_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o here_o indeed_o much_o may_v be_v say_v and_o with_o much_o uncertainty_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n do_v not_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v minister_v to_o any_o good_a or_o necessary_a end_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o god_n in_o all_o other_o case_n every_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a for_o if_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o station_n but_o by_o repentance_n if_o he_o repent_v present_o he_o be_v safe_a but_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n if_o he_o repeat_v it_o he_o pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n widen_v the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n decline_v insensible_o into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o render_v his_o wound_n more_o and_o more_o incurable_a it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n i_o think_v here_o to_o consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n even_o of_o the_o same_o sin_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n because_o a_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o commit_v it_o at_o all_o if_o he_o do_v though_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n and_o with_o a_o divide_a soul_n though_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n seem_v not_o utter_o to_o have_v forsake_v he_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o the_o very_a minute_n it_o be_v finish_v and_o repentance_n and_o remorse_n take_v off_o the_o relish_n of_o the_o unhappy_a draught_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n damnable_a and_o nothing_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n can_v purge_v the_o gild_n 3._o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o only_o actual_o to_o abstain_v from_o mortal_a sin_n but_o to_o be_v advance_v so_o far_o in_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o to_o do_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o it_o must_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o his_o victory_n over_o ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v more_o confirm_v and_o absolute_a his_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o more_o deep_a and_o sensible_a more_o fix_v and_o last_a than_o that_o of_o a_o beginner_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o regenerate_v at_o first_o fear_v the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o degree_n he_o hate_v the_o sin_n itself_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o soul_n render_v he_o now_o incapable_a of_o find_v any_o pleasure_n in_o what_o he_o dote_v on_o before_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o temptation_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 4._o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n abstinence_n be_v not_o only_o more_o easy_a and_o steady_a but_o more_o entire_a and_o complete_a also_o than_o that_o of_o other_o he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o elevation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o expound_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o most_o enlarge_v sense_n and_o interpret_v they_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o refrain_v from_o action_n direct_o criminal_a but_o shun_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o labour_n to_o mortify_v all_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o his_o nature_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v whatever_o circumstance_n of_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o body_n he_o have_v crucify_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n too_o that_o pleasure_n that_o honour_n that_o power_n that_o profit_n which_o captives_z the_o sinner_n tempt_v and_o try_v and_o disquiet_v the_o novice_n be_v but_o a_o burden_n a_o trouble_n to_o he_o he_o find_v no_o gust_n no_o relish_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intemperance_n so_o far_o from_o wantonness_n so_o far_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n that_o can_v he_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n he_o will_v imitate_v the_o meanness_n the_o plainness_n the_o laboriousness_n the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n not_o only_o in_o disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o even_o in_o his_o outward_a state_n and_o deportment_n and_o will_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n he_o inquire_v not_o how_o far_o he_o may_v enjoy_v and_o be_v safe_a but_o how_o far_o he_o may_v deny_v himself_o and_o be_v wise_a he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v forbid_a satisfaction_n that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a and_o afraid_a to_o find_v too_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a action_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v this_o to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o forego_n chapter_n for_o it_o be_v what_o i_o have_v be_v do_v throughout_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a time_n and_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o what_o the_o best_a author_n have_v write_v who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o work_n or_o have_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a conversation_n let_v any_o one_o but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o st._n basil_n or_o any_o other_o after_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o now_o do_v the_o promote_a holiness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o far_o from_o have_v carry_v this_o matter_n too_o high_a i_o
disturb_v and_o indispose_v the_o body_n many_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o distract_v and_o clog_v the_o mind_n from_o both_o which_o because_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v utter_o free_a in_o this_o world_n therefore_o our_o devotion_n will_v never_o be_v so_o constant_a and_o uniform_a but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v its_o interruption_n and_o allay_v and_o dulness_n and_o lifelessness_n will_v sometime_o seize_v upon_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n but_o then_o if_o this_o spiritual_a deadness_n in_o religious_a exercise_n be_v fix_v constant_a and_o habitual_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o true_a principle_n of_o grace_n within_o which_o shall_v never_o or_o very_o rare_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o sincerity_n and_o fervency_n of_o our_o devotion_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o that_o man_n who_o be_v general_o slight_a and_o superficial_a in_o his_o confession_n shall_v have_v a_o true_a compunction_n and_o sincere_a contrition_n for_o sin_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o be_v general_o indifferent_a formal_a and_o cold_a in_o his_o petition_n shall_v have_v a_o just_a sense_n either_o of_o his_o want_n or_o danger_n or_o a_o true_a value_n for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n be_v deadness_n in_o duty_n be_v either_o general_n or_o rare_a common_a or_o accidental_a if_o it_o befall_v we_o common_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a heart_n if_o rare_o it_o be_v not_o but_o if_o the_o return_v of_o life_n and_o deadness_n in_o duty_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o unconstant_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o prevail_v most_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o state_n also_o of_o such_o a_o man_n be_v very_o dubious_a 2._o duty_n must_v never_o be_v destitute_a of_o sincerity_n though_o it_o may_v of_o pleasure_n and_o transport_v it_o must_v never_o be_v without_o seriousness_n and_o concernment_n though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o defective_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o ardency_n thus_o in_o prayer_n the_o tenderness_n and_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n dissolve_v in_o love_n and_o sorrow_n be_v a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n much_o above_o what_o the_o penitent_a common_o arrive_v at_o but_o a_o aversion_n for_o sin_n a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v be_v what_o he_o must_v not_o want_v so_o again_o joy_n and_o transport_n the_o ardour_n and_o exultancy_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o clear_a understanding_n a_o assure_a conscience_n a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o love_n and_o a_o strict_a life_n whoever_o therefore_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o one_o will_v general_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o other_o too_o but_o every_o christian_a that_o be_v true_o such_o must_v have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o want_n a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o please_v god_n a_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o a_o steady_a dependence_n upon_o it_o through_o christ_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o unite_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o lip_n in_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o make_v we_o in_o earnest_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n we_o perform_v and_o careful_a to_o intend_v the_o main_a end_n of_o they_o 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v general_o offer_v up_o with_o the_o tender_a and_o most_o exalt_a passion_n and_o a_o holy_a pleasure_n mingle_v itself_o in_o every_o part_n of_o his_o office_n his_o petition_n and_o praise_n his_o confession_n deprecation_n and_o confidence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o expression_n of_o warm_a and_o delightful_a passion_n and_o how_o can_v we_o well_o conceive_v it_o otherwise_o must_v not_o those_o praise_n and_o magnificate_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n and_o transport_n which_o flow_v from_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n from_o a_o long_a experience_n of_o his_o love_n and_o from_o the_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n can_v those_o deprecation_n and_o confidence_n want_v a_o heavenly_a calm_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n which_o rest_n upon_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n the_o promise_n of_o a_o immutable_a god_n and_o the_o pledge_n of_o his_o spirit_n can_v those_o confession_n want_v contrition_n that_o have_v all_o the_o tenderness_n that_o holy_a zeal_n and_o the_o humble_a reflection_n can_v inspire_v they_o with_o which_o be_v power_v forth_o by_o a_o soul_n enlighten_v purify_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n by_o a_o soul_n consequent_o that_o have_v the_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n of_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o that_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n can_v final_o those_o petition_n want_v desire_n and_o flame_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o soul_n that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n that_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n that_o pant_v after_o god_n that_o longâ—_n to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o as_o we_o may_v thus_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n collect_v what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n those_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n general_o be_v so_o may_v we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n and_o other_o demonstrate_v all_o this_o to_o be_v no_o vain_a speculation_n but_o real_a matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v true_a weight_n and_o dignity_n of_o matter_n gravity_n and_o significancy_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o character_n most_o conspicuous_a in_o public_a office_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a prayer_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n we_o find_v in_o they_o few_o or_o no_o figure_n of_o speech_n no_o vehemence_n of_o expression_n but_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o soul_n disengage_v as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o body_n retire_v from_o the_o world_n collect_v within_o itself_o raise_v by_o daily_a contemplation_n and_o accustom_a to_o converse_v with_o heaven_n flow_v natural_o and_o easy_o those_o great_a idea_n which_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n composure_n present_a to_o the_o mind_n inflame_v the_o desire_n awaken_v all_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n without_o any_o labour_n of_o imagination_n or_o artifice_n of_o word_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o my_o next_o business_n be_v to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o quit_v it_o and_o become_v sincere_a and_o zealous_a only_o i_o must_v first_o take_v notice_n by_o the_o way_n that_o beside_o idleness_n and_o lukewarmness_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o three_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o unfruitfulness_n which_o deserve_v never_o to_o be_v slight_v that_o be_v fickleness_n vnsteadiness_n or_o inconstancy_n many_o there_o be_v who_o often_o purpose_n project_n and_o resolve_v great_a matter_n but_o never_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n what_o they_o build_v one_o day_n they_o throw_v down_o another_o they_o put_v on_o as_o many_o various_a moral_a form_n as_o proteus_n in_o the_o poet_n do_v natural_a one_o sometime_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a of_o zeal_n at_o other_o time_n nothing_o but_o coldness_n and_o bare_a form_n sometime_o they_o be_v in_o the_o camp_n of_o virtue_n sometime_o in_o that_o of_o vice_n in_o a_o word_n they_o halt_v like_o the_o israelite_n between_o god_n and_o baal_n and_o be_v divide_v and_o distract_v between_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n between_o the_o check_n and_o incitement_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o some_o foolish_a inclination_n on_o the_o other_o this_o state_n i_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n too_o very_o often_o nor_o shall_v i_o forget_v it_o here_o but_o shall_v propose_v such_o a_o method_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o formality_n as_o may_v be_v also_o of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o all_o such_o as_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o true_o and_o thorough_o change_v but_o be_v only_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o only_o not_o altogether_o so_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o other_o this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v and_o 1._o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o lukewarmness_n and_o all_o abortive_a attempt_n after_o virtue_n flow_v 2._o i_o will_v show_v the_o folly_n gild_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o laodicean_n state_n §_o 1._o of_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v general_o four_n 1._o man_n find_v themselves_o under_o great_a difficulty_n in_o come_v up_o to_o
holiness_n in_o the_o true_a genuine_a and_o gospel_n notion_n of_o it_o have_v endeavour_v to_o enlarge_v the_o way_n and_o widen_v the_o gate_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o have_v therefore_o form_v to_o themselves_o more_o soft_a and_o pliant_a notion_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n such_o as_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o accommodate_v either_o to_o their_o particular_a inclination_n or_o to_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n than_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o among_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o some_o regard_n for_o religion_n humility_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n self-denial_n abstinence_n and_o mortification_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v visible_a in_o their_o practice_n that_o we_o seem_v to_o have_v almost_o lose_v the_o notion_n of_o they_o and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v so_o universal_o practise_v that_o though_o we_o know_v that_o these_o in_o st._n john_n be_v the_o name_n of_o vice_n we_o scarce_o know_v what_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v we_o have_v confound_v the_o mere_n and_o bound_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o such_o be_v the_o freedom_n i_o will_v now_o say_v of_o those_o who_o profess_v debauchery_n but_o christianity_n that_o if_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o determine_v what_o excess_n be_v and_o in_o a_o word_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o christ_n do_v yet_o live_v as_o if_o all_o the_o business_n of_o life_n be_v to_o get_v and_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o heart_n be_v lowly_a his_o fortune_n mean_a and_o his_o appearance_n humble_a do_v yet_o lay_v out_o their_o time_n their_o labour_n their_o wealth_n on_o this_o one_o design_n to_o make_v such_o a_o show_n such_o a_o figure_n in_o the_o world_n as_o may_v render_v they_o the_o gaze_v and_o envy_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o as_o our_o indulgence_n to_o ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o pride_n and_o vanitfy_v of_o life_n and_o the_o ease_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n be_v very_o great_a so_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v our_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n very_o little_a faint_a and_o remiss_a conversation_n have_v very_o little_a savour_n very_o little_a grace_n in_o it_o and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v resolute_a and_o industrious_a to_o awe_v or_o shame_n vice_n abroad_o that_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o countenance_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v observe_v to_o pay_v any_o particular_a respect_n to_o religion_n or_o virtue_n in_o company_n the_o government_n of_o our_o family_n be_v so_o lax_n and_o easy_a that_o it_o savour_v more_o of_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n than_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o these_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o do_v general_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o they_o sit_v before_o he_o as_o his_o people_n and_o delight_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n when_o god_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 33.31_o that_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n we_o have_v but_o a_o odd_a character_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o these_o people_n of_o who_o god_n say_v yet_o they_o seek_v i_o daily_o and_o delight_n to_o know_v my_o way_n nay_o further_o they_o delight_v in_o approach_v to_o god_n isa_n 58.2_o now_o though_o such_o as_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o may_v not_o be_v guilty_a to_o this_o degree_n so_o as_o to_o be_v chargeable_a with_o open_a wickedness_n yet_o i_o be_o very_o much_o afraid_a that_o even_o in_o this_o duty_n they_o but_o promote_v the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n they_o put_v upon_o themselves_o and_o make_v their_o diligence_n in_o this_o point_n minister_v to_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n in_o their_o laodicean_n state_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o such_o as_o these_o do_v more_o general_o aim_v at_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o ear_n than_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o preacher_n now_o as_o god_n do_v of_o ezekiel_n and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o very_a pleasant_a voice_n ezek._n 33.32_o the_o music_n of_o the_o voice_n the_o gracefulness_n of_o delivery_n a_o flow_n of_o word_n the_o surprise_n of_o novelty_n and_o notion_n the_o beauty_n of_o sentence_n and_o the_o sparkle_v of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n or_o a_o appearance_n of_o learning_n these_o be_v i_o doubt_v too_o aften_o the_o thing_n that_o draw_v together_o and_o charm_v a_o auditory_a and_o so_o all_o be_v please_v but_o none_o convert_v or_o edify_v for_o who_o sweat_v or_o blush_n who_o tremble_v or_o grow_v pale_a at_o these_o sermon_n who_o go_v away_o from_o they_o wound_v or_o strike_v through_o serious_a and_o pensive_a full_a of_o pious_a fear_n and_o devout_a desire_n 2._o a_o laodicean_n state_n spring_v from_o sloth_n and_o pusillanimity_n or_o the_o want_n of_o a_o thorough_a and_o wellgrounded_n resolution_n this_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o israelite_n fluctuation_n and_o uncertainty_n they_o be_v indeed_o desirous_a of_o a_o canaan_n but_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o tedious_a march_n hazardous_a encounter_n and_o the_o hardship_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v and_o such_o like_a they_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o willing_a to_o have_v prefer_v the_o dishonour_n and_o servitude_n of_o egypt_n with_o security_n and_o fullness_n before_o a_o canaan_n on_o these_o thames_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v this_o day_n with_o christian_n of_o a_o laodicean_n spirit_n and_o a_o doubtful_a stagger_a allegiance_n a_o heaven_n they_o will_v have_v but_o will_v not_o purchase_v it_o at_o too_o dear_a a_o raâ—e_n they_o will_v be_v account_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o share_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o suffering_n but_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o his_o suffering_n but_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n in_o any_o sense_n and_o follow_v he_o but_o alas_o israel_n may_v as_o well_o have_v gain_v their_o liberty_n without_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n or_o a_o canaan_n without_o travel_n and_o hardship_n and_o blood_n as_o these_o virtue_n and_o heaven_n without_o watchfulness_n and_o industry_n we_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v to-support_a and_o increase_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n without_o food_n or_o exercise_n as_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n without_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n we_o may_v as_o soon_o conquer_v our_o enemy_n without_o discipline_n expense_n and_o blow_n as_o master_v our_o corruption_n and_o become_v virtuous_a without_o spiritual_a watchfulness_n travel_n or_o contention_n there_o be_v indeed_o force_v and_o efficacy_n enough_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n if_o we_o will_v but_o frequent_o and_o serious_o read_v and_o meditate_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o conquer_v our_o corruption_n and_o strengthen_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n if_o we_o do_v but_o earnest_o and_o frequent_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o cherish_v and_o improve_v it_o when_o obtain_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v be_v undoubted_o proper_a and_o suitable_a powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o the_o attainment_n preservation_n and_o increase_v of_o holiness_n and_o all_o his_o ordinance_n have_v a_o divine_a virtue_n and_o energy_n in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v but_o due_o and_o conscienscious_o make_v use_n of_o but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o watch_v if_o we_o do_v not_o meditate_v if_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v if_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o a_o vain_a and_o trifle_a conversation_n if_o we_o indulge_v the_o body_n all_o the_o ease_n it_o be_v incline_v to_o and_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o no_o duty_n practise_v no_o discipline_n that_o we_o have_v any_o reluctancy_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o our_o virtue_n be_v crazy_a and_o sickly_a if_o our_o performance_n be_v cold_a and_o unedifying_a our_o faith_n weak_a our_o affection_n low_a and_o grovel_v our_o life_n unsteady_a and_o unprofitable_a our_o religion_n destitute_a of_o true_a pleasure_n and_o our_o latter_a end_n of_o any_o rational_a comfort_n or_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n it_o be_v natural_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o sluggard_n shall_v be_v like_o his_o field_n prov._n 24.30_o i_o go_v by_o the_o field_n of_o the_o slothful_a and_o by_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o man_n