another_o since_o otherwise_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n will_v be_v extreme_o maim_v and_o incomplete_a i_o will_v insist_v therefore_o no_o long_o on_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n perfect_a and_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o further_a proof_n that_o my_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v true_o scriptural_a i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o the_o utmost_a height_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n exhort_v we_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o steady_a habit_n of_o holiness_n that_o the_o bright_a character_n it_o give_v of_o the_o perfect_a man_n the_o lovely_a description_n it_o make_v we_o of_o the_o perfect_a state_n be_v all_o make_v up_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o confess_v property_n of_o a_o ripe_a habit._n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n that_o i_o know_v of_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n every_o man_n experience_n instruct_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a philosophy_n of_o it_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v we_o exert_v ourselves_o with_o desire_n and_o earnestness_n with_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n that_o it_o render_v we_o fix_v in_o our_o choice_n and_o constant_a in_o our_o action_n and_o almost_o as_o averse_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o as_o we_o be_v to_o those_o which_o be_v distasteful_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o in_o a_o word_n it_o so_o entire_o and_o absolute_o possess_v the_o man_n that_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v nor_o the_o empire_n of_o it_o to_o be_v shake_v off_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v remove_v and_o extirpate_v without_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o difficulty_n imaginable_a all_o this_o be_v a_o confess_v and_o almost_o palpable_a truth_n in_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o ascribe_v the_o same_o force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o habit_n of_o virtue_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o strength_n easiness_n and_o pleasure_n which_o belong_v natural_o to_o these_o habit_n receive_v no_o small_a accession_n from_o the_o supernatural_a energy_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o will_v therefore_o in_o few_o word_n show_v how_o that_o state_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o scripture_n invite_v we_o to_o as_o our_o perfection_n direct_o answer_v this_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o a_o habit._n be_v habit_n in_o general_n a_o second_o nature_n this_o state_n of_o righteousness_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a man_n eph._n 4.24_o the_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o do_v it_o consequent_o rule_n and_o govern_v man_n hear_v how_o st._n paul_n express_v this_o power_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n in_o himself_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ_n nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o this_o be_v a_o constant_a effect_n of_o habit_n and_o be_v equal_o discernible_a in_o those_o of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n that_o they_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o man_n they_o possess_v rom._n 6.16_o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n shall_v i_o go_v on_o to_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n the_o first_o be_v a_o great_a aversion_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o or_o obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n towards_o temptation_n and_o sin_n he_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o glory_v in_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o what_o before_o he_o court_v with_o fondness_n and_o passion_n he_o now_o shun_v with_o fear_n and_o vigilance_n in_o brief_a the_o scripture_n describe_v such_o a_o one_o as_o possess_v with_o a_o utter_a hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n and_o as_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o virtue_n and_o his_o god_n thus_o psal_n 119.163_o i_o hate_v and_o abhor_v lie_v but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o verse_n 128._o therefore_o i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n and_o this_o be_v a_o genuine_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o integrity_n or_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_n the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o and_o indeed_o every_o where_o a_o hatred_n a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o evil_n be_v account_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n psal_n 37.10_o you_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n hate_v evil_a and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n resolve_v to_o practise_v himself_o what_o he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o psal_n 101.2.3_o i_o will_v behave_v myself_o wise_o in_o a_o perfect_a way_n o_o when_o will_v thou_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n i_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o turn_v aside_o it_o shall_v not_o cleave_v to_o i_o and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v otherwise_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o abhorrence_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o habit_n which_o confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o one_o must_v confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o other_o too_o 2._o the_o next_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n be_v that_o the_o action_n which_o flow_v from_o it_o be_v if_o we_o meet_v not_o with_o violent_a opposition_n perform_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n what_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a and_o habit_n be_v a_o second_o nature_n when_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o vice_n have_v once_o root_v themselves_o in_o the_o soul_n what_o can_v be_v more_o natural_a then_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o one_o and_o shun_v the_o other_o since_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o embrace_v and_o enjoy_v what_o we_o love_v and_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o what_o we_o detest_v this_o therefore_o be_v one_o constant_a character_n of_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n be_v every_o where_o say_v to_o accompany_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n when_o it_o be_v once_o grow_v up_o to_o strength_n and_o maturity_n the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n prov._n 3.17_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 4.18_o and_o to_o he_o that_o love_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a man_n delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n psal_n 1.2_o nor_o do_v he_o delight_v less_o in_o action_n then_o meditation_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o much_o as_o knowledge_n and_o abound_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o good_a work_n as_o he_o increase_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consonant_a to_o this_o property_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v that_o in_o psalm_n 19_o and_o 119._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o we_o hear_v the_o psalmist_n express_v a_o kind_n of_o inconceiveable_a joy_n and_o transport_v in_o the_o meditation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n so_o the_o first_o christian_n who_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o devotion_n faith_n and_o charity_n be_v say_v act._n 2.46_o to_o have_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v a_o delightful_a description_n we_o have_v of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 6.10_o as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n 3._o vigour_n and_o activity_n or_o much_o earnestness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o three_o property_n of_o a_o habit._n it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v intent_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v even_o a_o habitual_a passion_n if_o this_o expression_n may_v be_v allow_v i_o a_o inclination_n which_o have_v gather_v strength_n and_o authority_n from_o custom_n will_v exert_v itself_o with_o some_o warmth_n and_o briskness_n now_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o
with_o the_o other_o one_o will_v think_v now_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o further_o needful_a to_o establish_v the_o consolation_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o god_n out_o of_o regard_n no_o doubt_n to_o the_o vast_a importance_n and_o happy_a influence_n of_o assurance_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o another_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o third_z and_o last_o namely_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o spirit_n as_o it_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o examination_n so_o it_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v our_o sentence_n by_o its_o suffrage_n fortify_v our_o assurance_n and_o increase_v our_o joy_n all_o this_o the_o scripture_n express_o teach_v we_o for_o the_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n the_o seal_n of_o our_o redemption_n eph._n 1.13_o 14._o eph._n 4.30_o 31._o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o 2_o cor._n 5._o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a place_n may_v relate_v more_o immediate_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v conspicuous_a in_o miracle_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v accompany_v all_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n mark_v 16_o 17._o yet_o be_v there_o text_n enough_o which_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v impart_v to_o believer_n through_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v one_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o comfort_v we_o and_o be_v a_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a favour_n thus_o rom._n 15.13_o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o for_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v 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 the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v here_o demand_v what_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o powerful_a energy_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n shed_v abroad_o and_o increase_a the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o tribulation_n work_v patience_n patience_z experience_n and_o experience_n hope_n and_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o obsignation_n the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n happy_a be_v he_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o he_o have_v attain_v the_o maturity_n of_o perfection_n and_o pleasure_n i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v go_v in_o with_o some_o of_o the_o father_n who_o think_v that_o such_o as_o these_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v apply_v to_o such_o those_o word_n rev._n 20.6_o bless_a and_o holy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n on_o such_o the_o second_o death_n have_v no_o power_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o consider_v assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o present_a time_n but_o 2._o assurance_n may_v regard_v the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o it_o conduce_v very_o little_o less_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v persevere_v in_o a_o good_a state_n then_o that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o one_o let_v we_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n examine_v what_o ground_n the_o perfect_a man_n may_v have_v for_o such_o a_o persuasion_n now_o these_o be_v likewise_o three_o first_o the_o propension_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o perfect_a man._n second_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o three_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n 1._o the_o favour_n of_o god_n i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v be_v ever_o ready_a to_o assist_v the_o perfect_a man_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o his_o ear_n be_v always_o open_a to_o their_o prayer_n that_o they_o be_v the_o dear_a object_n of_o his_o delight_n and_o love_n reason_n and_o scripture_n both_o do_v abundant_o attest_v this_o and_o the_o repeat_v promise_n of_o god_n to_o good_a man_n encourage_v they_o to_o hope_v from_o god_n whatever_o belove_a child_n may_v from_o a_o tender_a and_o kind_a father_n be_v not_o this_o enough_o then_o to_o inspire_v the_o perfect_a man_n with_o great_a and_o confident_a hope_n he_o know_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v a_o immutable_a god_n free_a from_o all_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o therefore_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o presumptino_n and_o obstinacy_n habitual_a neglect_n or_o wickedness_n can_v tempt_v he_o to_o recall_v his_o gift_n or_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o favour_n he_o know_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o he_o be_v able_a but_o he_o know_v also_o that_o he_o have_v a_o powerful_a intercessor_n at_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n who_o can_v but_o prevail_v nor_o be_v this_o all_o yet_o he_o have_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n that_o plead_v for_o he_o with_o god_n there_o be_v his_o tear_n which_o be_v bottle_a up_o there_o be_v his_o prayer_n and_o alm_n which_o be_v go_v up_o for_o a_o memorial_n before_o god_n there_o be_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v wherein_o all_o his_o pious_a discourse_n be_v register_v and_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o can_v forget_v his_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o soon_o quit_v the_o bosom_n that_o it_o so_o long_o reside_v in_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o that_o person_n with_o who_o it_o have_v enter_v into_o so_o close_a a_o union_n that_o it_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v inanimate_v or_o incorporate_v with_o he_o and_o become_v essential_a to_o his_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v grieve_v when_o he_o be_v force_v and_o compel_v to_o retire_v 2._o the_o second_o ground_n of_o aslurance_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o divine_a assistance_n the_o good_a man_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n will_v never_o refuse_v the_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o can_v be_v too_o difficult_a for_o these_o providence_n can_v prevent_v a_o temptation_n or_o remove_v it_o the_o spirit_n can_v support_v he_o under_o it_o and_o enable_v he_o to_o vanquish_v it_o nay_o it_o can_v enable_v he_o to_o extract_v new_a strength_n and_o vigour_n from_o it_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o assertion_n have_v be_v illustrious_o prove_v by_o the_o victory_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n who_o have_v triumph_v over_o unite_a force_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n though_o then_o the_o conscience_n of_o human_a frailty_n may_v awaken_v in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n fear_v and_o caution_n the_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n can_v but_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o holy_a confidence_n the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o subtlety_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v just_o create_v a_o solicitude_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n but_o when_o they_o consider_v themselves_o encompass_v with_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o despond_v 3._o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n be_v a_o three_o ground_n of_o a_o good_a man_n confidence_n he_o know_v that_o nothing_o but_o cry_v provocation_n can_v quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o oblige_v god_n to_o desert_n he_o and_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o this_o be_v that_o he_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n be_v not_o only_o repugnant_a to_o his_o principle_n but_o to_o the_o very_a bend_v of_o his_o nature_n to_o all_o the_o inclination_n and_o passion_n of_o his_o soul_n i_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n can_v he_o ever_o wilful_o dishonour_v and_o disobey_v god_n who_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v do_v so_o long_o can_v he_o forsake_v and_o betray_v his_o saviour_n who_o have_v long_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o he_o who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n as_o
appearance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o a_o sincere_a man_n who_o do_v indeed_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n shall_v swallow_v a_o camel_n he_o that_o preserve_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n as_o he_o will_v have_v a_o aversion_n for_o small_a sin_n so_o will_v he_o have_v a_o horror_n for_o great_a one_o three_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v possess_v and_o awe_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o a_o slight_a and_o transient_a but_o a_o deep_a and_o last_a one_o the_o psalmist_n be_v not_o content_a to_o say_v i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judment_n but_o to_o express_v how_o thorough_o this_o fear_n have_v seize_v he_o he_o add_v my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o psal_n 119._o and_o certain_o this_o fear_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o impenetrable_a armour_n which_o extinguish_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o suddenness_n or_o the_o briskness_n of_o a_o temptation_n unless_o we_o first_o lie_v aside_o this_o shield_n four_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v always_o on_o our_o watch_n and_o guard_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o relax_v our_o discipline_n if_o we_o live_v secure_a and_o careless_a if_o we_o rash_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o danger_n our_o sin_n then_o will_v be_v but_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o folly_n and_o therefore_o one_o error_n can_v be_v a_o excuse_n or_o a_o apology_n for_o another_o i_o think_v therefore_o the_o apology_n of_o surprise_n shall_v be_v confine_v and_o limit_v to_o slight_a offence_n it_o can_v proper_o have_v room_n in_o great_a one_o or_o if_o it_o have_v it_o may_v be_v urge_v in_o mitigation_n of_o our_o punishment_n but_o never_o i_o doubt_v for_o total_a impunity_n 3._o last_o venial_a sin_n have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o disadvantageous_a circumstance_n of_o our_o state_n here_o come_v in_o the_o failure_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o duty_n if_o these_o can_v be_v proper_o reckon_v for_o sin_n i_o say_v if_o they_o can_v for_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o love_n by_o that_o law_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n therefore_o whatsoever_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o absolute_a degree_n of_o love_n be_v a_o sin_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n whatever_o be_v short_a of_o perfection_n will_v be_v sin_n we_o must_v love_v nothing_o better_o than_o god_n nothing_o equal_a to_o he_o this_o will_v constitute_v we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sincerity_n what_o be_v further_o require_v be_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o pursue_v after_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a degree_n of_o love_n but_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o attain_v they_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o our_o fall_a short_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v proper_o reckon_v among_o sin_n when_o they_o spring_v from_o defect_n of_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n and_o if_o these_o defect_n be_v such_o as_o can_v consist_v with_o sincerity_n then_o be_v the_o imperfection_n or_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o virtue_n pardonable_a and_o then_o only_o here_o again_o fall_v in_o omission_n wander_a thought_n dulness_n and_o heaviness_n in_o duty_n the_o short_a titillation_n of_o some_o irregular_a fancy_n forgetfulness_n slight_a and_o short_a fit_n of_o envy_n discontent_n anger_n ambition_n gaiety_n of_o mind_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o disciple_n fall_v asleep_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v pray_v mat._n 26._o and_o david_n pray_v quicken_v thou_o i_o psal_n 119._o thus_o his_o soul_n too_o be_v often_o cast_v down_o and_o disquiet_v within_o he_o psal_n 42._o 2_o chron._n 30.18_o 19_o job_n curse_a the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n in_o short_a our_o nature_n be_v human_a not_o angelical_a and_o our_o state_n be_v full_a of_o variety_n of_o accident_n that_o they_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o discompose_v the_o mind_n and_o divert_v it_o from_o its_o great_a end_n the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o a_o unlucky_a constitution_n or_o a_o distemper_n the_o multitude_n or_o confusion_n of_o affair_n the_o violence_n or_o the_o length_n of_o trial_n the_o ease_n and_o flattery_n of_o prosperity_n the_o weariness_n of_o the_o body_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n the_o incommodiousness_n of_o fortune_n roughness_n of_o conversation_n these_o and_o a_o thousand_o other_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v defect_n and_o failure_n in_o our_o obedience_n short_a disorder_n in_o our_o affection_n and_o such_o emotion_n and_o eruption_n as_o abundant_o prove_v the_o best_a to_o be_v but_o man_n and_o the_o high_a perfection_n if_o it_o be_v but_o human_a to_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a i_o think_v i_o have_v now_o omit_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o form_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n my_o next_o business_n therefore_o be_v to_o consider_v s._n 3._o how_o far_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o venial_a sin_n aught_o to_o be_v extend_v there_o be_v great_a affinity_n between_o venial_a and_o original_a sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a man_n liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o consist_v in_o much_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o same_o method_n so_o that_o i_o may_v well_o enough_o dismiss_v this_o subject_a and_o pass_v on_o to_o mortal_a sin_n but_o reflect_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o sin_n and_o yet_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o think_v well_o of_o ourselves_o i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o guard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o venial_a sin_n by_o some_o few_o rule_n which_o may_v at_o once_o serve_v to_o secure_v our_o sincerity_n and_o point_n out_o the_o perfection_n we_o be_v to_o aspire_v to_o one_a then_o if_o we_o will_v prevent_v any_o fatal_a event_n of_o sin_n flow_v from_o ignorance_n we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o our_o ignorance_n itself_o be_v not_o criminal_a and_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v if_o our_o heart_n be_v sincere_o dispose_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o if_o we_o use_v moral_a diligence_n to_o know_v it_o if_o we_o be_v impartial_a humble_a and_o honest_a and_o have_v that_o concern_v for_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n proportionable_a to_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o the_o ignorance_n that_o arise_v from_o natural_a incapacity_n or_o want_v of_o sufficient_a revelation_n be_v invincible_a and_o therefore_o innocent_a joh._n 9.41_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o if_o you_o be_v blind_a you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v and_o 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n this_o rule_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n in_o general_n and_o more_o legible_a and_o conspicuous_a line_n of_o duty_n both_o which_o notwithstanding_o there_o may_v be_v room_n for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n to_o enter_v where_o mortal_a one_o can_v there_o may_v be_v imperfect_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o latent_fw-la prejudices_fw-la there_o may_v be_v instance_n of_o duty_n of_o a_o slight_a moment_n there_o may_v be_v several_a circumstance_n and_o small_a emergency_n that_o may_v either_o be_v without_o the_o aim_n or_o escape_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o moral_a search_n that_o be_v of_o a_o human_a one_o which_o though_o it_o be_v without_o hypocrisy_n be_v yet_o not_o without_o more_o or_o less_o frailty_n as_o to_o perfection_n it_o differ_v in_o this_o as_o it_o do_v in_o other_o case_n from_o sincerity_n only_o in_o the_o degree_n by_o which_o it_o be_v advance_v above_o it_o he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v search_v for_o wisdom_n as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n his_o delight_n must_v be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n must_v be_v meditate_v day_n and_o night_n his_o thirst_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v more_o eager_a and_o impatient_a his_o diligence_n more_o wakeful_a more_o circumspect_a more_o particular_a more_o steady_a and_o constant_a than_o that_o of_o the_o beginner_n or_o of_o one_o who_o be_v no_o far_o advance_v than_o such_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o sincerity_n will_v carry_v he_o 2_o sin_n that_o be_v occasion_v by_o surprise_n and_o inadvertency_n will_v not_o prove_v destructive_a if_o the_o inadvertency_n itself_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n innocent_a that_o be_v first_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n and_o now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o perfect_a man_n long_o for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o rapture_n if_o god_n be_v for_o i_o who_o can_v be_v against_o i_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n who_o shall_v separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o on_o if_o any_o one_o will_v see_v the_o perfect_a man_n describe_v in_o few_o word_n he_o need_v but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o rom._n 6.22_o but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n chap._n ii_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n countenance_v by_o all_o side_n after_o i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v warrant_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n i_o see_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o solicitous_a whether_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o clash_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o men._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o examine_v not_o so_o much_o the_o expression_n and_o word_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o all_o party_n about_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o well_o enough_o agree_v in_o it_o at_o the_o bottom_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o notwithstanding_o several_a incidental_a dispute_n they_o shall_v yet_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a since_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n do_v easy_o teach_v we_o what_o sort_n of_o perfection_n human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o what_o can_v or_o can_v not_o actual_o be_v attain_v by_o man._n the_o pelagian_o do_v not_o contend_v for_o a_o angelical_a perfection_n nor_o st._n austin_n deny_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o suitable_a to_o man_n the_o one_o can_v not_o be_v so_o far_o a_o stranger_n to_o human_a nature_n as_o to_o exempt_v it_o in_o reality_n from_o those_o error_n and_o defect_n which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n complain_v of_o and_o labour_n against_o nor_o be_v st._n austin_n so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o not_o to_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a and_o that_o such_o be_v influence_v and_o act_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o a_o fervent_a love_n and_o well_o ground_a hope_n the_o dispute_n between_o they_o then_o concern_v perfection_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o this_o whether_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a this_o be_v in_o reality_n acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n nor_o whether_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o defect_n for_o this_o too_o both_o side_n can_v not_o but_o be_v sensible_a of_o but_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o grace_n what_o to_o nature_n and_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o definition_n or_o essence_n of_o perfection_n but_o to_o the_o source_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o second_o whether_o those_o irregular_a motion_n defect_n and_o error_n to_o which_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a be_v to_o be_v account_v sin_n or_o not_o neither_o the_o one_o side_n nor_o the_o other_o then_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v discern_v do_v in_o truth_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o human_a perfection_n each_o place_v it_o in_o habitual_a righteousness_n the_o one_o contend_v for_o no_o more_o nor_o do_v the_o other_o contend_v for_o less_o in_o the_o perfect_a man._n and_o when_o the_o one_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o sin_n he_o do_v not_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o defect_n and_o while_o the_o other_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v without_o sin_n they_o do_v not_o by_o sin_n understand_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o such_o disorder_n opposition_n to_o or_o deviation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o pelagian_a himself_n must_v needs_o own_o to_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a man._n the_o dispute_v then_o be_v not_o what_o man_n may_v or_o may_v not_o attain_v to_o for_o both_o side_n agree_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o habitual_a righteousness_n both_o side_n allow_v he_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o frailty_n but_o one_o side_n will_v have_v these_o frailty_n account_v sin_n and_o the_o other_o will_v not_o numerous_n indeed_o have_v be_v the_o controversy_n between_o the_o popish_a and_o reform_a church_n about_o precept_n and_o counsel_n mortal_a and_o venial_a sin_n the_o possibility_n of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o suchlike_a but_o after_o all_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o height_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v arrive_v what_o those_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n be_v to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a it_o be_v i_o think_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v about_o this_o nor_o do_v it_o much_o concern_v my_o present_a purpose_n in_o what_o sense_n or_o on_o what_o account_n papist_n think_v some_o sin_n venial_a and_o protestant_n deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o since_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o exempt_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o infirmity_n nor_o assert_v any_o other_o height_n or_o perfection_n then_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o consummate_a and_o well_o establish_a habit_n of_o virtue_n some_o man_n may_v and_o do_v talk_v very_o extravagant_o but_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o sober_a and_o pious_a man_n shall_v run_v in_o with_o they_o such_o when_o they_o talk_v of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n must_v sure_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gracious_a and_o equitable_a sense_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n assert_n of_o every_o sincere_a christian_a when_o they_o talk_v of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o transcendent_a perfection_n in_o monkery_n they_o must_v sure_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o poverty_n chastity_n and_o obedience_n be_v heroic_a instance_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o that_o a_o ascetic_a discipline_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o effectual_a way_n to_o a_o consummate_v habit_n of_o righteousness_n final_o by_o the_o distinction_n of_o precept_n and_o counsel_n such_o can_v never_o intend_v sure_o more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o some_o thing_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n too_o other_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n for_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o i_o to_o comprehend_v that_o any_o man_n who_o judgement_n be_v not_o enslave_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o party_n shall_v deny_v either_o of_o these_o two_o truth_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n be_v indifferent_a 2._o that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v more_o than_o love_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v and_o his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o instance_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v not_o comprise_v within_o the_o latitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o these_o word_n but_o whatever_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n st._n austin_n 121._o austin_n quaecunque_fw-la non_fw-la jubentur_fw-la sed_fw-la speciali_fw-la consilio_fw-la monentur_fw-la tum_fw-la recté_fw-fr fiunt_fw-la cum_fw-la referuntur_fw-la ad_fw-la deligendum_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o proximum_fw-la propter_fw-la deum_fw-la aug._n euch._n cap._n 121._o can_v never_o understand_v any_o merit_n or_o excellence_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o counsel_n not_o precept_n unless_o they_o flow_v from_o and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o cassian_n ibid._n cassian_n ac_fw-la proinde_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la qualitates_fw-la statutas_fw-la videmus_fw-la &_o tempora_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la sic_fw-la observata_fw-la sanctificant_fw-la ut_fw-la omissa_fw-la non_fw-la polluant_fw-la media_fw-la esse_fw-la manifestum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la puta_fw-la naptias_fw-la agriculturam_fw-la divitias_fw-la solitudinis_fw-la remotionem_fw-la etc._n etc._n cassian_n colla._n patr._n talem_fw-la igitur_fw-la definitionem_fw-la supra_fw-la jejunii_fw-la etc._n etc._n nec_fw-la in_o ipso_fw-la spei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la terminum_fw-la defigamus_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la per_fw-la ipsum_fw-la ad_fw-la puritatem_fw-la cordis_n &_o apostolicam_fw-la charitatem_fw-la pervenire_fw-la possimus_fw-la ibid._n excellent_a monk_n resolve_v all_o the_o value_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o consist_v in_o their_o tendency_n to_o promote_v apostolical_a purity_n and_o charity_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n nazian_n nazianzen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d greg._n
nazian_n think_v it_o very_o extravagant_a to_o pretend_v to_o be_v perfect_a than_o the_o rule_n and_o exacter_n than_o the_o law_n the_o quaker_n have_v make_v much_o noise_n and_o stir_v about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n and_o have_v reflect_v very_o severe_o on_o other_o as_o subvert_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n but_o with_o what_o justice_n will_v easy_o appear_v when_o i_o have_v represent_v their_o sense_n which_o i_o will_v do_v very_o impartial_o and_o in_o as_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n as_o i_o can_v mr._n w._n p._n etc._n p._n a_o key_n open_v etc._n etc._n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o infallible_a and_o perfect_a as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v indeed_o true_a but_o it_o be_v mere_a trifle_n for_o this_o be_v a_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n which_o no_o man_n deny_v who_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o whoever_o follow_v his_o guidance_n must_v be_v in_o the_o right_n unless_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n he_o urge_v it_o be_v true_a a_o great_a number_n of_o scripture_n to_o show_v they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n that_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n from_o sin_n though_o not_o in_o fullness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n but_o this_o be_v too_o dark_a and_o short_a a_o hint_n to_o infer_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o party_n from_o it_o mr._n ed._n burrough_n etc._n burrough_n principle_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o full_a we_o believe_v say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o may_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o christ_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o without_o sin_n and_o may_v have_v victory_n over_o all_o temptation_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o believe_v every_o saint_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n aught_o to_o press_v after_o perfection_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o temptation_n upon_o earth_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o that_o faithful_o wait_v for_o it_o shall_v obtain_v it_o and_o shall_v be_v present_v without_o sin_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n and_o such_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o remember_v no_o more_o for_o they_o cease_v to_o commit_v sin_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n if_o by_o sin_n here_o he_o mean_v as_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v deliberate_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o establish_v church_n whether_o protestant_n or_o popish_a teach_v otherwise_o mr._n barclay_n 8._o barclay_n apol._n thes_n 8._o go_v very_o methodical_o to_o work_v and_o first_o set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n then_o confute_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o he_o answer_v their_o objection_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o last_o establish_v his_o own_o doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o perfection_n which_o he_o assert_n he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o impossibility_n of_o sin_v but_o a_o possibility_n of_o not_o sin_v and_o that_o his_o perfect_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o daily_a growth_n and_o improvement_n when_o to_o this_o i_o have_v add_v that_o he_o speak_v all_o along_o of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v wilful_a sin_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o description_n of_o it_o for_o he_o call_v it_o iniquity_n wickedness_n impurity_n the_o service_n of_o satan_n and_o attribute_n such_o effect_n to_o it_o as_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v add_v to_o render_v his_o sense_n clear_a i_o can_v ready_o subscribe_v to_o he_o for_o i_o know_v no_o such_o doctrine_n in_o our_o church_n as_o those_o which_o he_o there_o oppose_v namely_o that_o the_o regenerate_v be_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v impure_a and_o sinful_a but_o then_o he_o either_o mistake_v the_o main_a point_n in_o debate_n or_o prudent_o decline_v it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o good_a man_n may_v live_v in_o mortal_a or_o wilful_a sin_n but_o whether_o good_a man_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v indeed_o sin_n though_o not_o imputable_a under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whether_o the_o quaker_n be_v not_o in_o this_o point_n pelagian_n i_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v because_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v already_o consider_v two_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o mr._n barclay_n state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o can_v so_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o one_o be_v that_o he_o express_v himself_o so_o injudicious_o about_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o perfect_a man_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o forget_v the_o difference_n the_o scripture_n make_v between_o babe_n and_o full_a grow_v man_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o place_n perfection_n so_o low_a in_o reference_n to_o positive_a righteousness_n or_o virtue_n as_o if_o it_o consist_v in_o negative_a only_o or_o cease_v from_o sin_n the_o other_o be_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o peremptory_o affirm_v a_o state_n of_o impeccability_n attainable_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o he_o seem_v incline_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o imagine_v it_o countenance_v by_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v consider_v that_o whatever_o impeccability_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o text_n it_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n but_o to_o all_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o observe_v upon_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o these_o man_n place_n perfection_n especial_o in_o refrain_v from_o sin_n i_o advance_v high_a and_o place_v it_o in_o a_o well-setled_n habit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v as_o little_o dissatisfy_v with_o i_o for_o this_o as_o i_o be_o with_o they_o for_o assert_v the_o perfect_a man_n free_v from_o sin_n for_o as_o mr._n barclay_n express_v himself_o i_o think_v he_o have_v in_o reality_n no_o adversary_n but_o antinomian_o and_o ranter_n as_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v magnify_v by_o mystical_a writer_n some_o of_o they_o have_v only_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o figurative_a and_o unintelligible_a term_n those_o of_o they_o which_o write_v with_o more_o life_n and_o heat_n than_o other_o man_n ordinary_o do_v recommend_v nothing_o but_o that_o holiness_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o be_v consummate_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o fix_v and_o unite_v man_n to_o his_o sovereign_a good_a that_o be_v god_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v not_o differ_v with_o these_o there_o be_v i_o confess_v almost_o innumerable_a say_n of_o the_o father_n which_o sufficient_o testify_v how_o little_a friend_n they_o be_v to_o perfection_n in_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o general_o embrace_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o primitive_a spirit_n breathe_v nothing_o but_o humility_n it_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o all_o self-confidence_n and_o arrogance_n to_o supererogation_n and_o merit_n and_o it_o invite_v man_n earnest_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sin_n and_o slip_v of_o life_n and_o on_o that_o opposition_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o body_n maintain_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o in_o the_o best_a men._n this_o consideration_n force_v the_o bishop_n of_o condome_n to_o that_o plain_a and_o honest_a confession_n itaque_fw-la justitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la licet_fw-la per_fw-la charitatis_fw-la infusionem_fw-la sit_fw-la vera_fw-la etc._n etc._n though_o our_o righteousness_n because_o of_o that_o love_n which_o the_o spirit_n shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o real_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o absolute_a and_o consummate_a because_o of_o the_o opposition_n of_o concupiscence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v perpetual_o bewail_v the_o error_n of_o life_n wherefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v humble_o to_o confess_v with_o st._n austin_n that_o our_o righteousness_n in_o this_o life_n consist_v rather_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n then_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o concern_v not_o i_o i_o never_o dream_n of_o any_o man_n pass_v the_o course_n of_o life_n without_o sin_n nor_o do_v i_o contend_v for_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o st._n austin_n call_v absolute_a which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o increase_n and_o
be_v exempt_a from_o defect_n and_o error_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o think_v some_o carry_v this_o matter_n too_o far_o and_o while_o they_o labour_v to_o abate_v the_o pride_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n give_v too_o much_o encouragement_n to_o negligence_n and_o presumption_n i_o can_v see_v how_o frequent_a relapse_n into_o deliberate_a act_n of_o wickedness_n can_v consist_v with_o a_o well_o settle_v and_o establish_a habit_n of_o goodness_n the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n in_o some_o and_o a_o sort_n of_o implicit_a faith_n for_o their_o authority_n in_o other_o have_v produce_v many_o unwary_a expression_n and_o i_o doubt_v very_o unsound_a and_o pernicious_a notion_n about_o this_o matter_n chap._n iii_o inference_n deduce_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n have_v in_o the_o two_o former_a chapter_n fix_v the_o notion_n of_o religious_a perfection_n and_o prove_v it_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o not_o so_o only_o but_o also_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v countenance_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o who_o have_v ever_o handle_v this_o subject_a i_o have_v nothing_o now_o to_o do_v but_o by_o way_n of_o inference_n to_o represent_v the_o advantage_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v from_o hence_o plain_a that_o perfection_n must_v not_o be_v place_v in_o fantastic_a speculation_n or_o voluntary_a observance_n but_o in_o the_o solid_a and_o useful_a virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o work_v of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o love_n and_o the_o patience_n of_o hope_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o humility_n of_o a_o child_n of_o light_n in_o the_o constancy_n and_o magnanimity_n which_o become_v one_o who_o have_v bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n and_o have_v set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n be_v well_o enough_o describe_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o st._n bennet_n ergo_fw-la his_fw-la omnibus_fw-la humilitatis_fw-la gradibus_fw-la ascensis_fw-la monachus_n mox_fw-la ad_fw-la charitatem_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o monk_n have_v pass_v through_o these_o several_a stage_n of_o humility_n or_o mortification_n will_v arrive_v at_o that_o love_n of_o god_n which_o cast_v out_o fear_n by_o which_o he_o will_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v all_o thing_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_o which_o before_o he_o perform_v with_o reluctancy_n and_o dread_a be_v now_o move_v and_o act_v not_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n but_o by_o a_o delight_n in_o goodness_n and_o the_o force_n of_o a_o excellent_a habit_n both_o which_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n vouchsafe_v to_o increase_v and_o exalt_v in_o his_o servant_n now_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o vice_n 2._o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n prove_v all_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o it_o for_o as_o all_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o habit_n of_o holiness_n so_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o if_o perfection_n be_v indeed_o a_o angelical_a state_n if_o it_o do_v consist_v in_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o elevation_n of_o virtue_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v then_o i_o confess_v all_o discourse_n of_o it_o and_o much_o more_o all_o attempt_n after_o it_o will_v be_v vain_a and_o insolent_a too_o if_o again_o it_o do_v consist_v in_o some_o heroic_a pitch_n of_o virtue_n which_o shall_v appear_v to_o have_v some_o thing_n so_o singular_a in_o it_o as_o shall_v make_v it_o look_v more_o like_o a_o miracle_n than_o a_o duty_n it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o once_o in_o a_o age_n from_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n call_v to_o it_o by_o peculiar_a inspiration_n and_o extraordinary_a gift_n but_o if_o christian_a perfection_n be_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v only_o a_o well_o confirm_v habit_n of_o goodness_n if_o it_o differ_v from_o sincerity_n only_o when_o sincerity_n be_v in_o its_o weakness_n and_o infancy_n not_o when_o grow_v up_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o every_o christian_n lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o it_o according_o the_o scripture_n exhort_v all_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n heb._n 6._o and_o it_o assign_v this_o as_o one_o great_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n namely_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.12_o 13._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n pursue_v this_o great_a end_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o labour_n earnest_o contend_v and_o endeavour_v to_o present_v all_o christian_n perfect_a before_o god_n 1_o thess_n 3.10_o night_n and_o day_n pray_v exceed_o that_o we_o may_v see_v your_o face_n and_o may_v perfect_v that_o which_o be_v lack_v in_o your_o faith_n col._n 1.28_o who_o we_o preach_v warn_v every_o man_n and_o teach_v every_o man_n in_o all_o wisdom_n that_o we_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n see_v 1_o pet._n 5.10_o coll._n 4.13_o nay_o further_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o danger_n who_o do_v not_o proceed_v and_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o press_v on_o towards_o perfection_n now_o all_o this_o be_v very_o easy_o accountable_a take_v perfection_n for_o a_o well_o settle_a habit_n of_o holiness_n but_o on_o no_o other_o notion_n of_o it_o 3._o this_o account_n of_o perfection_n remove_v those_o scruple_n which_o be_v often_o start_v about_o the_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o measure_n of_o duty_n and_o be_v wont_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n clog_n the_o vigour_n and_o damp_n the_o alacrity_n of_o many_o well_o mean_v and_o good_a people_n nay_o many_o of_o acute_a part_n and_o good_a learning_n be_v often_o puzzle_v about_o this_o matter_n some_o teach_v that_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v his_o best_a other_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o bind_v to_o it_o that_o he_o be_v always_o oblige_v to_o pursue_v the_o most_o perfect_a duty_n to_o choose_v the_o most_o perfect_a mean_n and_o to_o exert_v the_o utmost_a of_o that_o strength_n and_o act_n according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o that_o capacity_n with_o which_o god_n have_v endow_v he_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n when_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v these_o general_n doctrine_n to_o particular_a instance_n and_o a_o vast_a variety_n of_o circumstance_n have_v so_o much_o latitude_n ambiguity_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o they_o that_o man_n of_o tender_a conscience_n and_o defective_a understanding_n reap_v nothing_o from_o such_o high_a fly_v indefinite_a discourse_n but_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n it_o require_v a_o strong_a and_o penetrate_a judgement_n to_o resolve_v what_o be_v the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o our_o power_n and_o capacity_n what_o the_o best_a mean_a and_o what_o the_o most_o perfect_a duty_n when_o many_o present_a themselves_o to_o we_o and_o all_o various_o circumstantiate_v but_o now_o as_o i_o have_v state_v matter_n we_o be_v bind_v indeed_o to_o pursue_v and_o labour_v after_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n in_o purity_n humility_n and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o we_o shall_v certain_o do_v if_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o other_o matter_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o prudence_n and_o if_o the_o error_n of_o our_o choice_n proceed_v only_o from_o a_o error_n in_o judgement_n not_o a_o corruption_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v safe_a enough_o 4._o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o discern_v now_o where_o we_o stand_v in_o reference_n to_o perfection_n how_o remote_a we_o be_v from_o it_o or_o how_o near_o to_o it_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a the_o effect_n and_o property_n of_o it_o obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o determine_v upon_o a_o impartial_a examination_n whether_o we_o be_v habitual_o good_a or_o not_o or_o what_o approach_n we_o have_v make_v towards_o it_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n and_o man_n be_v general_o backward_o enough_o to_o advance_v too_o far_o into_o such_o reflection_n and_o application_n as_o may_v breed_v any_o disturbance_n to_o their_o peace_n or_o any_o diminution_n of_o their_o good_a opinion_n for_o themselves_o though_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v too_o well_o ground_v i_o shall_v not_o think_v my_o time_n misspend_v if_o i_o here_o take_v this_o task_n upon_o i_o and_o endeavour_v by_o
several_a particular_a deduction_n to_o lay_v every_o man_n state_n as_o plain_o open_a to_o his_o view_n as_o i_o can_v one_a then_o from_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v give_v of_o perfection_n it_o appear_v that_o if_o a_o man_n life_n be_v very_o vneven_a unconstant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o if_o he_o be_v to_o day_n a_o saint_n and_o to_o morrow_n a_o sinner_n if_o he_o yield_v to_o day_n to_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o morrow_n to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v perfect_a so_o far_o that_o there_o be_v not_o ground_n enough_o to_o conclude_v he_o sincere_a or_o real_a though_o imperfect_a convert_n the_o only_a certain_a proof_n of_o regeneration_n be_v victory_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n over-cometh_a the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o i'faith_o though_o it_o be_v true_a be_v not_o present_o save_v and_o justify_v till_o it_o have_v subdue_v the_o will_n and_o captivate_v the_o heart_n i._n e._n till_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o corn_n in_o the_o parable_n which_o though_o it_o shoot_v up_o yet_o have_v it_o not_o depth_n of_o earth_n nor_o root_n enough_o and_o therefore_o be_v wither_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n regret_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o excellent_a passion_n but_o till_o it_o have_v subdue_v our_o corruption_n change_v our_o affection_n and_o purify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o that_o save_v repentance_n in_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o we_o may_v have_v some_o sudden_a heat_n and_o passion_n for_o virtue_n but_o if_o they_o be_v too_o short_a live_v to_o implant_v it_o in_o we_o this_o be_v not_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o animate_v and_o impregnate_v the_o new_a creature_n mention_v gal._n 5.6_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n last_o we_o may_v have_v good_a purpose_n intention_n nay_o resolution_n but_o if_o these_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o obtain_v a_o conquest_n over_o our_o corruption_n if_o they_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n we_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v demonstrate_v we_o righteous_a or_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o crown_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n to_o how_o little_a purpose_n controversy_n have_v be_v multiply_v about_o the_o justification_n of_o man._n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o god_n to_o justify_v we_o i_o e._n to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o account_v we_o righteous_a and_o his_o child_n and_o another_o for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o former_a it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v account_v righteous_a by_o god_n till_o he_o real_o be_v so_o and_o when_o the_o man_n be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n then_o be_v he_o certain_o justify_v and_o not_o till_o then_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o except_o antinomian_o and_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o lie_v in_o the_o form_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n they_o that_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n do_v not_o i_o suppose_v imagine_v that_o the_o work_n be_v holy_a before_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o for_o as_o be_v the_o fountain_n such_o will_v be_v its_o stream_n as_o be_v the_o tree_n such_o will_v be_v its_o fruit_n what_o absurdity_n then_o be_v there_o in_o admit_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v before_o they_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n if_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o good_a work_n till_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o change_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o who_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v that_o the_o man_n be_v thorough_o change_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a grace_n but_o also_o that_o this_o grace_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v opportunity_n will_v exert_v and_o express_v itself_o in_o good_a work_n and_o they_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o work_v by_o love_n be_v a_o historical_a unanimate_v faith_n and_o if_o so_o how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o comprise_v in_o that_o holiness_n which_o justify_v not_o only_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o of_o the_o action_n but_o here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o consider_v whether_o that_o thorough_a change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sinner_n which_o be_v call_v holiness_n be_v now_o effect_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o not_o rather_o gradual_o and_o in_o time_n for_o this_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o draw_v off_o from_o speculation_n and_o theory_n to_o more_o useful_a and_o practical_a thought_n and_o discourse_n about_o it_o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o dazzle_a light_n by_o surprise_v miracle_n by_o exuberant_a influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o extraordinary_a thing_n sanctification_n as_o in_o the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o family_n act._n 16._o may_v be_v begin_v and_o finish_v in_o the_o same_o hour_n but_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v rare_o so_o with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n our_o vice_n be_v not_o so_o sudden_o subdue_v nor_o our_o virtue_n so_o sudden_o implant_v our_o conviction_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o conversion_n be_v seldom_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a as_o they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v infuse_v in_o the_o same_o plenty_n and_o power_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o them_o and_o if_o so_o than_o these_o thing_n will_v follow_v 1._o though_o in_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n be_v convert_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n ingraft_v by_o baptism_n into_o christ_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o earnest_a of_o their_o justification_n or_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o their_o future_a glory_n we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o justify_v but_o also_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o before_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o any_o other_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n than_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o to_o christ_n by_o that_o solemn_a rite_n of_o baptism_n but_o at_o this_o day_n when_o conversion_n be_v not_o effect_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n do_v mutual_o cherish_v one_o another_o when_o righteousness_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o into_o victory_n but_o by_o long_a labour_n and_o travel_v i_o see_v not_o why_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n may_v not_o be_v pronounce_v joint_o and_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n have_v be_v much_o ridicule_v and_o expose_v as_o absurd_a by_o some_o man_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o habit_n to_o be_v acquire_v by_o length_n of_o time_n and_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n than_o a_o infuse_v habit_n be_v a_o very_a odd_a expression_n but_o why_o god_n can_v produce_v in_o we_o those_o strong_a disposition_n to_o virtue_n in_o a_o moment_n which_o be_v natural_o produce_v by_o time_n or_o why_o we_o may_v not_o ascribe_v as_o much_o efficacy_n to_o infuse_v grace_n as_o philosopher_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o repeat_v act_n i_o can_v see_v nor_o can_v i_o see_v why_o such_o disposition_n when_o infuse_v may_v not_o be_v call_v habit_n if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o property_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o that_o such_o excellent_a disposition_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v too_o plain_a from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n to_o need_v a_o proof_n but_o whether_o such_o change_n be_v ordinary_o effect_v so_o sudden_o at_o this_o day_n we_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o doubt_v nay_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o if_o so_o the_o infusion_n of_o habit_n can_v be_v so_o proper_o insist_v on_o now_o as_o then_o and_o we_o may_v be_v more_o subject_a to_o make_v unwarrantable_a inference_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o bright_a and_o miraculous_a day_n 3._o as_o our_o progress_n to_o sanctification_n must_v be_v slow_a than_o former_o as_o it_o must_v be_v long_o before_o
liberty_n the_o constancy_n and_o uniformity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o both_o strength_n and_o passion_n be_v general_o owe_v to_o a_o tender_a and_o enlighten_v conscience_n for_o while_o the_o conscience_n preserve_v a_o quick_a and_o nice_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v their_o proper_a force_n and_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o we_o these_o than_o be_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o meditation_n the_o eucharist_n psalmody_n and_o suchlike_a if_o they_o do_v not_o add_v life_n and_o light_n to_o the_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v not_o augment_v our_o strength_n nor_o exalt_v our_o passion_n if_o they_o do_v not_o increase_v our_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quicken_v and_o excite_v devout_a purpose_n if_o they_o do_v not_o engage_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n by_o holy_a joy_n and_o heavenly_a pleasure_n if_o i_o say_v they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o promote_v these_o thing_n we_o reap_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o from_o they_o or_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o do_v but_o though_o the_o end_v i_o have_v mention_v be_v of_o this_o great_a use_n to_o all_o and_o consequent_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v at_o they_o yet_o may_v the_o different_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o different_a christian_n render_v one_o of_o these_o end_v more_o necessary_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o to_o intend_v and_o pursue_v that_o for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n temper_n be_v such_o that_o his_o passion_n do_v soon_o kindle_v and_o soon_o die_v again_o that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o form_n wise_a and_o great_a project_n and_o as_o unapt_a to_o accomplish_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o aim_v especial_o at_o the_o increase_n of_o strength_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o man_n temper_n be_v cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a slow_a and_o heavy_a it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v particular_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o awaken_n and_o exciting_a devout_a affection_n in_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o excellent_a purpose_n do_v often_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n so_o steadiness_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n do_v seldom_o effect_v any_o great_a matter_n when_o it_o want_v life_n and_o passion_n to_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n again_o if_o one_o past_a life_n have_v be_v very_o sinful_a or_o the_o present_n be_v not_o very_o fruitful_a it_o will_v behoove_v such_o a_o one_o to_o increase_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o add_v more_o light_a and_o life_n to_o its_o conviction_n that_o by_o a_o daily_a repetition_n of_o contrition_n and_o compunction_n he_o may_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n or_o by_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o his_o follow_a life_n repair_v the_o barrenness_n of_o that_o past_a have_v thus_o in_o few_o word_n both_o make_v out_o the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o three_o end_n i_o propose_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o show_v in_o what_o case_n he_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v more_o immediate_o at_o one_o than_o another_o i_o will_v now_o inquire_v and_o that_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v how_o these_o three_o end_n may_v be_v scure_v and_o promote_v one_a of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o full_a and_o lively_a conviction_n of_o it_o to_o promote_v this_o the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a be_v meditation_n no_o man_n who_o diligent_o search_v and_o study_v the_o book_n of_o god_n can_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o duty_n not_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o book_n reveal_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o clear_a and_o full_a term_n it_o give_v we_o such_o infallible_a character_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n as_o render_v our_o ignorance_n or_o error_n inexcusable_a it_o point_v out_o the_o great_a end_n of_o life_n so_o plain_o and_o conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o such_o general_a and_o unerring_a rule_n that_o there_o be_v no_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v so_o perplex_v and_o ravel_v our_o duty_n but_o that_o a_o honest_a man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o may_v easy_o discover_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v light_n because_o it_o do_v distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n and_o like_o a_o lamp_n do_v manifest_v the_o path_n which_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v and_o disperse_v that_o mist_n and_o darkness_n with_o which_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n have_v cover_v it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a have_v such_o a_o value_n and_o the_o wicked_a such_o a_o aversion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n joh._n 3.20_o 21._o nor_o can_v he_o that_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o any_o more_o than_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o light_n ransack_v all_o the_o recess_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o trace_n all_o its_o affection_n back_o to_o their_o first_o spring_n and_o source_n it_o lay_v open_v all_o its_o desire_n and_o project_n and_o strip_v its_o most_o secret_a purpose_n of_o all_o their_o disguise_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_v sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v the_o conscience_n quick_a and_o sensible_a we_o must_v be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o this_o command_n with_o that_o authority_n instruct_v with_o that_o clearness_n persuade_v with_o that_o force_n reprove_v with_o that_o purity_n prudence_n and_o charity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v it_o it_o describe_v righteousness_n and_o sin_n in_o such_o true_a and_o lively_a colour_n proclaim_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o such_o powerful_a and_o move_a language_n that_o it_o rouse_v even_o the_o dead_a in_o sin_n penetrate_v and_o wound_v the_o stupid_a and_o obdurate_a to_o meditation_n we_o must_v add_v prayer_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a and_o essential_a mean_n to_o refresh_v and_o renew_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o to_o improve_v those_o impression_n which_o meditation_n have_v make_v upon_o it_o we_o can_v easy_o put_v up_o petition_n to_o god_n with_o confidence_n unless_o we_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o for_o our_o heart_n will_v misgive_v we_o and_o our_o very_a petition_n will_v reproach_v we_o and_o the_o mere_a thought_n of_o enter_v more_o immediate_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o careful_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o action_n for_o god_n be_v not_o only_o omniscient_a but_o just_a and_o holy_a too_o we_o can_v no_o more_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o any_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o fondness_n or_o negligence_n than_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o search_v out_o and_o discover_v our_o own_o heart_n psal_n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a and_o if_o we_o do_v this_o sincere_o god_n will_v undoubted_o grant_v our_o request_n and_o will_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o all_o our_o present_a defect_n and_o infirmity_n and_o show_v we_o how_o far_o short_a we_o come_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n which_o many_o eminent_a saint_n actual_o arrive_v at_o upon_o earth_n and_o we_o way_n be_v sure_a that_o light_n which_o break_v in_o upon_o our_o mind_n with_o this_o brightness_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o latent_fw-la corruption_n to_o continue_v undiscovered_a nor_o permit_v we_o to_o forget_v the_o stain_n and_o ruin_n which_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o conversation_n be_v another_o way_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o by_o which_o conscience_n
all_o our_o sinful_a or_o vain_a desire_n devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n and_o learn_v to_o expect_v happiness_n from_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o merit_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o cross_n so_o profound_a be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o institution_n that_o it_o evident_o speak_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o proclaim_v the_o too_o common_a neglect_n of_o it_o in_o most_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n a_o in-excusable_a sin_n and_o folly_n 3._o a_o three_o end_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o raise_n and_o keep_v up_o holy_a and_o devout_a affection_n i_o know_v not_o why_o passion_n be_v so_o common_o undervalue_v and_o disparage_v in_o religion_n unless_o they_o who_o thus_o treat_v it_o mean_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o a_o short-lived_a and_o superficial_a commotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o leave_v no_o print_n or_o relish_v behind_o it_o and_o be_v present_o succeed_v by_o sin_n and_o folly_n holy_a passion_n be_v the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o state_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v thorough_o move_v and_o affect_v and_o therefore_o to_o form_n to_o one_o self_a religion_n destitute_a of_o passion_n be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o content_v one_o self_n with_o one_o that_o be_v lazy_a lukewarm_a and_o lifeless_a and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o temper_n very_o unapt_a to_o be_v move_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v how_o even_o these_o can_v be_v wrought_v up_o to_o a_o resolution_n or_o that_o resolution_n be_v support_v and_o continue_v without_o their_o be_v affect_v so_o thorough_o as_o to_o feel_v either_o a_o real_a passion_n or_o something_o very_o near_o approach_v one_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v easy_o elevate_v and_o transport_v into_o holy_a passion_n and_o i_o find_v that_o all_o those_o virtue_n or_o rather_o act_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v describe_v to_o the_o life_n and_o which_o be_v by_o all_o judge_v most_o perfect_a and_o lovely_a have_v most_o of_o passion_n in_o they_o how_o warm_a and_o passionate_a be_v the_o love_n of_o david_n for_o his_o god_n what_o flame_n what_o vehemence_n of_o desire_n be_v he_o move_v by_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 42.1_o 2._o as_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n what_o awful_a concussion_n and_o agitation_n of_o spirit_n do_v he_o feel_v when_o he_o thus_o describe_v his_o fear_n my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n psal_n 119.120_o what_o affliction_n of_o soul_n what_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o repentance_n of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o weep_v bitter_o of_o mary_n magdalen_n or_o whoever_o that_o woman_n in_o luk._n 7._o be_v when_o she_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n when_o he_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n psal_n 6.6_o nor_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o assurance_n less_o sensible_a and_o vehement_a than_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n when_o the_o first_o christian_n rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o hope_n full_a of_o glory_n shall_v i_o here_o add_v that_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n that_o vehement_a desire_n of_o make_v some_o reparation_n for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n that_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a character_n of_o perfection_n itself_o shall_v i_o call_v these_o passion_n i_o must_v not_o for_o though_o they_o have_v the_o heat_n and_o agitation_n of_o passion_n they_o have_v in_o they_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadiness_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o those_o other_o excellent_a affection_n of_o soul_n which_o i_o before_o name_v can_v be_v render_v natural_a and_o habitual_a the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o this_o undoubted_o the_o perfect_a i_o doubt_v mortality_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o such_o height_n but_o the_o more_o frequent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o more_o vehement_a and_o fervent_a the_o better_a certain_o for_o great_a be_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o holy_a passion_n the_o flame_n of_o love_n refine_v our_o nature_n and_o purify_v it_o from_o all_o its_o dross_n the_o tear_n of_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n extinguish_v all_o our_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o agitation_n of_o fear_n preserve_v the_o chastity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o our_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v animate_v by_o holy_a passion_n that_o the_o more_o frequent_a and_o natural_a these_o grow_v the_o more_o perfect_a we_o be_v that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v sensible_o and_o thorough_o affect_v by_o divine_a truth_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v attain_v to_o this_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o great_a and_o important_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a truth_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o affect_v we_o and_o that_o thorough_o unless_o lust_n or_o infidelity_n have_v render_v we_o stupid_a and_o impenetrable_a and_o that_o gospel_n truth_n be_v such_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o let_v the_o conviction_n be_v full_a the_o representation_n lively_a and_o the_o truth_n will_v do_v its_o work_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o such_o circumstance_n and_o such_o sensible_a notion_n of_o a_o object_n as_o may_v strike_v the_o imagination_n for_o want_v of_o close_a and_o particular_a application_n when_o divine_a truth_n do_v not_o move_v we_o this_o now_o do_v not_o only_o call_v we_o to_o the_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o the_o most_o affect_v subject_n the_o majesty_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n but_o it_o show_v also_o how_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o meditation_n that_o they_o prove_v not_o cold_a and_o sluggish_a let_v the_o object_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o sensible_a image_n or_o resemblance_n let_v it_o be_v clad_v with_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n let_v it_o be_v make_v as_o particular_a as_o it_o can_v by_o fix_v its_o eye_n upon_o we_o and_o point_v its_o motion_n towards_o we_o but_o above_o all_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o strong_a prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n very_o apt_a to_o move_v the_o passion_n the_o mind_n have_v disengage_v itself_o from_o all_o earthly_a and_o bodily_a affection_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o impression_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o draw_v near_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o shed_v a_o awful_a reverence_n upon_o it_o it_o have_v a_o clear_a calm_a and_o more_o serious_a view_n of_o divine_a thing_n then_o when_o it_o be_v obscure_v and_o disturb_v by_o worldly_a object_n in_o a_o word_n meditation_n be_v in_o this_o exercise_n render_v more_o solemn_a and_o more_o particular_a and_o when_o the_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o dilate_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o till_o the_o strength_n of_o desire_n the_o vehemence_n of_o holy_a love_n transcend_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o mortal_a nature_n we_o faint_v under_o the_o passion_n that_o we_o can_v bear_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o holy_a rite_n wonderful_o adapt_v to_o raise_v excellent_a passion_n here_o christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o crucify_a among_o we_o we_o see_v his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n pour_v forth_o here_o with_o a_o devout_a joy_n we_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o those_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o ill_o prepare_v it_o must_v have_v very_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n grace_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o a_o crow_v of_o holy_a passion_n spring_v up_o in_o it_o at_o this_o sacrament_n hymn_n and_o psalm_n have_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o natural_a magic_n a_o peculiar_a force_n and_o operation_n upon_o a_o pious_a mind_n divine_a poetry_n have_v a_o noble_a elevation_n of_o thought_n it_o do_v not_o devise_v and_o counterfeit_v passion_n but_o only_o vent_v those_o which_o it_o feel_v and_o these_o be_v pure_a and_o lovely_a kindle_v from_o above_o therefore_o be_v all_o its_o character_n natural_a its_o description_n lively_a its_o language_n move_v and_o powerful_a and_o all_o be_v
which_o flow_v from_o different_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o depend_v not_o on_o ourselves_o this_o be_v premise_v in_o order_n to_o prevent_v my_o be_v mistake_v i_o proceed_v and_o determine_v 1._o that_o illumination_n depend_v not_o upon_o a_o man_n outward_a fortune_n there_o be_v indeed_o several_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o without_o much_o leisure_n and_o much_o expense_n and_o in_o order_n to_o support_v the_o one_o and_o enjoy_v the_o other_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v master_n of_o a_o good_a fortune_n hence_o be_v that_o observation_n of_o the_o author_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 38.24_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n come_v by_o opportunity_n of_o leisure_n and_o he_o that_o have_v little_a business_n shall_v become_v wise_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o exclude_v the_o husbandman_n the_o statuary_n the_o engraver_n the_o smith_n the_o potter_n and_o all_o consequent_o who_o time_n and_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o in_o make_v the_o necessary_a provision_n for_o life_n these_o i_o say_v he_o exclude_v from_o all_o pretension_n to_o wisdom_n how_o can_v he_o get_v wisdom_n that_o hold_v the_o plough_n and_o that_o glori_v in_o the_o goad_n who_o talk_n be_v of_o bullock_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n that_o i_o be_o inquire_v after_o and_o which_o constitute_v illumination_n that_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o law_n of_o our_o earthly_a but_o heavenly_a country_n not_o in_o art_n and_o science_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o body_n and_o minister_n to_o a_o temporal_a life_n but_o in_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o minister_v to_o a_o eternal_a one_o no_o not_o in_o notional_a improvement_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o in_o spiritual_a and_o vital_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o husbandman_n and_o the_o artist_n the_o mechanic_n and_o the_o trader_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o this_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n as_o the_o man_n of_o office_n money_n or_o quality_n there_o need_v no_o wealth_n to_o render_v one_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n there_o be_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o book_n of_o revelation_n both_o the_o book_n of_o god_n both_o write_v throughout_o with_o glorious_a illuminate_a truth_n these_o lie_v wide_o open_a to_o every_o honest_a christian_a the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v full_o reveal_v and_o unanswerable_o prove_v and_o though_o every_o honest_a man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v all_o the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v yet_o may_v he_o discover_v enough_o and_o what_o be_v more_o he_o may_v have_v a_o inward_a vital_a sensible_a proof_n of_o they_o he_o may_v feel_v the_o power_n the_o charm_n of_o holiness_n experiment_n its_o congruity_n and_o loveliness_n to_o the_o human_a soul_n and_o observe_v a_o thousand_o demonstration_n of_o its_o serviceableness_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n he_o may_v have_v a_o a_o full_a convictive_a sense_n of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o excellent_a tendency_n of_o it_o may_v be_v so_o palpable_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o he_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o voice_n within_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n which_o will_v ever_o abide_v with_o he_o and_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n all_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o joh._n 7.17_o 2._o extraordinary_a natural_a part_n such_o as_o sagacity_n or_o acuteness_n of_o judgement_n strength_n of_o memory_n the_o liveliness_n of_o imagination_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o illumination_n the_o gospel_n as_o i_o remember_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o these_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o require_v rather_o purity_n of_o heart_n than_o quickness_n of_o apprehension_n to_o render_v we_o enamour_v of_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o all_o gospel_n motive_n and_o of_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n too_o of_o divine_a truth_n to_o convince_v and_o affect_v we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n but_o probity_n and_o sincerity_n however_o i_o have_v two_o or_o three_o reflection_n to_o make_v here_o which_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a for_o though_o acuteness_n and_o retention_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v quickness_n in_o discern_v and_o firmness_n in_o preserve_a truth_n be_v common_o account_v natural_a part_n and_o general_o be_v so_o yet_o i_o think_v where_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v most_o defective_a they_o may_v be_v much_o help_v and_o wonderful_o improve_v to_o which_o end_n i_o remark_n first_o that_o those_o defect_n of_o understanding_n or_o memory_n which_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o accuse_v themselves_o of_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v with_o more_o justice_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o concern_v and_o affection_n for_o such_o thing_n than_o to_o any_o incapacity_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o easy_o understand_v and_o easy_o remember_v what_o we_o desire_v and_o love_n and_o wherever_o we_o follow_v the_o impulse_n or_o conduct_v of_o strong_a inclination_n we_o seldom_o fail_v of_o excel_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v care_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o our_o judgement_n and_o memory_n will_v no_o more_o fail_v we_o here_o then_o in_o those_o worldly_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o be_v most_o intent_n upon_o second_o as_o to_o memory_n it_o depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o perspicuity_n regularity_n and_o order_n of_o our_o notion_n many_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o memory_n when_o the_o defect_n be_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o other_o while_o they_o grasp_v at_o all_o retain_v nothing_o in_o order_n then_o to_o relieve_v this_o infirmity_n of_o memory_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o confine_v our_o search_n and_o meditation_n to_o a_o few_o object_n and_o to_o have_v these_o clear_o and_o methodical_o handle_v a_o catechetical_a way_n of_o expound_v and_o assert_v the_o rudiment_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v of_o great_a service_n to_o person_n of_o all_o capacity_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o of_o mean_a for_o thus_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o useful_a thing_n and_o of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o obligation_n either_o to_o belief_n or_o practice_n be_v bottom_v but_o also_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o general_a principle_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o they_o may_v steer_v their_o judgement_n in_o all_o case_n and_o with_o certain_a head_n of_o faith_n and_o moral_n to_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o reduce_v most_o of_o what_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v three_o it_o be_v with_o the_o understanding_n as_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n one_o see_v further_o off_o and_o in_o a_o faint_a light_n but_o another_o see_v as_o well_o with_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o use_n of_o life_n who_o yet_o require_v that_o the_o object_n shall_v be_v near_o and_o the_o light_n better_o man_n of_o slow_a capacity_n must_v not_o be_v dare_v or_o precipitate_v in_o pass_v their_o sentence_n and_o form_v their_o notion_n they_o must_v examine_v whether_o the_o matter_n they_o inquire_v after_o be_v not_o too_o remote_a and_o obscure_a whether_o the_o object_n may_v be_v bring_v near_o and_o place_v in_o a_o better_a light_n or_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o telescope_n or_o microscope_n fit_a for_o they_o if_o not_o they_o must_v quit_v the_o search_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o improper_a and_o unnecessary_a for_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o will_v at_o least_o avoid_v be_v deceive_v or_o perplex_v which_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o be_v enrich_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o universal_a knowledge_n be_v a_o great_a thing_n but_o i_o doubt_v too_o great_a for_o man._n next_o to_o this_o be_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o error_n and_o perplexity_n in_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v no_o great_a excess_n of_o modesty_n or_o humility_n for_o man_n to_o be_v content_a with_o this_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n of_o acquire_v learning_n in_o order_n to_o true_a illumination_n our_o saviour_n
a_o gracious_a master_n and_o thus_o the_o child_n do_v with_o respectful_a love_n meet_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n which_o sometime_o raise_v some_o one_o happy_a mortal_a above_o the_o common_a size_n and_o height_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o sure_o diminish_v but_o increase_v the_o affection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o friend_n that_o enjoy_v he_o again_o the_o nature_n of_o enjoyment_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o various_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n one_o way_n we_o enjoy_v truth_n and_o another_o goodness_n one_o way_n beauty_n and_o another_o harmony_n and_o so_o on_o these_o thing_n consider_v i_o see_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o make_v god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o fruition_n either_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o to_o any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o his_o glory_n or_o to_o exalt_v our_o self_n to_o a_o height_n we_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o i_o easy_o see_v that_o we_o who_o love_n and_o adore_v god_n here_o shall_v when_o we_o enter_v into_o his_o presence_n admire_v and_o love_v he_o infinite_o more_o for_o god_n be_v infinite_o amiable_a the_o more_o we_o contemplate_v the_o more_o clear_o we_o discern_v his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o beauty_n the_o more_o must_v our_o soul_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o passion_n for_o he_o and_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o the_o most_o gracious_a return_v of_o our_o love_n and_o express_v his_o affection_n for_o we_o in_o such_o condescension_n in_o such_o communication_n of_o himself_o as_o will_v transport_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o create_v being_n be_v capable_a of_o will_v not_o god_n that_o shed_v abroad_o his_o love_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n here_o full_o satisfy_v it_o hereafter_o will_v not_o god_n who_o fill_v we_o here_o with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o inconceivable_a way_n communicate_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o ravish_a and_o ecstatick_a manner_n to_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v behold_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o encircle_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o love_n and_o glory_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o beatific_a vision_n will_v be_v the_o supreme_a pleasure_n of_o heaven_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v to_o exclude_v those_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n god_n will_v be_v there_o not_o only_o all_o but_o in_o all_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o reflect_v in_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n nay_o in_o all_o the_o various_a treasure_n of_o that_o happy_a place_n but_o in_o far_o more_o bright_a and_o lovely_a charcter_n than_o in_o his_o work_n here_o below_o this_o be_v a_o state_n now_o that_o answer_v all_o end_n and_o satisfy_v all_o appetite_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o various_a never_o so_o boundless_a temporal_a good_a nay_o a_o state_n accumulate_v with_o all_o temporal_a good_n have_v still_o something_o defective_a something_o empty_a in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n with_o hear_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o labour_n man_n can_v utter_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o temporal_a thing_n yet_o that_o one_o think_v of_o solomon_n that_o he_o must_v leave_v they_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n of_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o which_o complete_v heaven_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a be_v heaven_n to_o have_v a_o end_n that_o end_n will_v make_v it_o none_o that_o death_n will_v be_v as_o much_o more_o intolerable_a than_o this_o here_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v above_o those_o of_o earth_n for_o the_o terror_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o will_v be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o happiness_n which_o it_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o to_o die_v in_o paradise_n amid_o a_o crowd_n of_o satisfaction_n how_o much_o more_o intolerable_a be_v this_o than_o to_o die_v in_o those_o accurse_a region_n that_o breed_v continual_o briar_n and_o bramble_n care_n and_o sorrow_n and_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o one_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o heaven_n be_v it_o believe_v be_v such_o a_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n such_o a_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o none_o can_v resist_v do_v i_o believe_v this_o have_v i_o hear_v one_o say_v i_o will_v quit_v my_o trade_n and_o all_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o this_o world_n and_o whole_o apply_v myself_o to_o get_v that_o other_o you_o talk_v of_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o go_v thus_o far_o but_o this_o show_v what_o the_o natural_a influence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v general_o owe_v to_o infidelity_n where_o it_o be_v frustrate_v and_o defeat_v what_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v do_v what_o proof_n what_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o he_o who_o reject_v christianity_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n he_o that_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v general_o believe_v by_o the_o gentile_a world_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o much_o obscure_v but_o never_o extinguish_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o many_o fabulous_a and_o superstitious_a fancy_n so_o strong_a be_v the_o tradition_n or_o reason_n or_o rather_o both_o on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v the_o jew_n universal_o embrace_v it_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o several_a shadow_n and_o type_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n do_v confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o even_o from_o enoch_n noah_n and_o all_o their_o pious_a ancestor_n nor_o must_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o sadducee_n among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o epicurean_o among_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o this_o argument_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v found_v in_o tradition_n and_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o inconsiderable_a compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a or_o pagan_a world_n but_o also_o desertor_n and_o apostate_n from_o the_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n receive_v to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o proceed_v from_o the_o gentile_a and_o jew_n to_o the_o christian_a be_v christianity_n entertain_v as_o it_o ought_v the_o very_a supposal_n of_o any_o doubt_n concern_v a_o life_n to_o come_v will_v be_v impertinent_a here_o we_o have_v numerous_a demonstratition_n of_o it_o not_o only_o the_o fortune_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v often_o very_o calamitous_a but_o even_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o nature_n of_o it_o do_v plain_o evince_v a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o to_o what_o end_n can_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n by_o abstraction_n and_o meditation_n be_v enjoin_v if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o come_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o renovation_n or_o regeneration_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o life_n to_o come_v one_o will_v think_v '_o the_o common_a end_n of_o this_o natural_a life_n may_v be_v well_o enough_o secure_v upon_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o reason_n and_o human_a law_n what_o shall_v i_o here_o add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n from_o both_o which_o we_o may_v derive_v many_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o though_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o it_o appear_v as_o much_o above_o our_o merit_n as_o it_o be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n what_o less_o than_o a_o heaven_n can_v we_o expect_v from_o a_o infinite_a merit_n and_o almighty_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v be_v perfect_a as_o himself_o and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n must_v be_v estimate_v by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o his_o suffering_n he_o that_o can_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a gospel-argument_n will_v be_v find_v i_o doubt_v impenetrable_a to_o all_o other_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o argue_v with_o such_o a_o one_o from_o natural_a topic_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v stop_v here_o i_o shall_v now_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n the_o attainment_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o
slight_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o which_o we_o do_v by_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o gild_n that_o will_v sink_v down_o the_o obstinate_a sinner_n into_o the_o low_a hell_n and_o render_v his_o condition_n more_o intolerable_a that_o that_o of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 2._o the_o second_o effect_n of_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o gospel_n truth_n be_v that_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o he_o that_o beelieve_v how_o short_a be_v time_n compare_v to_o eternity_n how_o false_a how_o empty_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o heaven_n how_o insignificant_a the_o esteem_n or_o love_n of_o man_n to_o that_o of_o god_n how_o worthless_a be_v all_o our_o worldly_a hope_n and_o pretension_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n now_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v once_o possess_v thorough_o with_o these_o notion_n what_o will_v it_o not_o do_v what_o will_v it_o not_o suffer_v rather_o than_o fall_v short_a of_o or_o forfeit_v its_o crown_n in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v content_v nay_o in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o abound_v in_o joy_n whilst_o it_o hold_v fast_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o its_o hope_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n here_o begin_v that_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o true_a epicureism_n that_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o alone_o be_v true_a honour_n and_o fortitude_n but_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v these_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o lively_a faith_n therefore_o my_o 2._o second_o rule_n or_o if_o you_o please_v another_o branch_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n shall_v be_v this_o they_o that_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o must_v frequent_o and_o serious_o ponder_v they_o till_o they_o have_v imprint_v in_o themselves_o as_o clear_v distinct_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o will_v soon_o mortify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n corrrect_v our_o false_a opinion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o baffle_v all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o confidence_n of_o lust_n a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o faith_n that_o import_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o natural_a the_o most_o full_a and_o enlarge_v notion_n of_o its_o object_n a_o faith_n that_o not_o only_a look_n upon_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n as_o true_a but_o behold_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n as_o present_v and_o so_o represent_v and_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n that_o they_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o great_a and_o move_a consideration_n this_o faith_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o it_o behold_v he_o and_o walk_n before_o he_o as_o present_v it_o see_v he_o array_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o all_o his_o majesty_n in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n in_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o one_o and_o attraction_n of_o the_o other_o and_o look_v upon_o both_o as_o at_o the_o door_n it_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v a_o mediator_n but_o take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o lie_v through_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o into_o which_o we_o be_v translate_v by_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o contemplate_v this_o mediator_n in_o all_o the_o several_a step_n of_o condescension_n and_o humiliation_n in_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o transport_v of_o his_o passion_n in_o all_o the_o melancholy_a scene_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o cheerful_a one_o of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o set_v we_o free_a 3._o we_o must_v not_o stop_v in_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n we_o must_v meditate_v divine_a truth_n till_o they_o have_v fire_v our_o soul_n till_o they_o have_v enkindle_v our_o affection_n till_o we_o be_v possess_v by_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n of_o jesus_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o heaven_n till_o all_o our_o other_o desire_n and_o passion_n be_v convert_v into_o and_o swallow_v up_o of_o love_n till_o god_n become_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v in_o he_o we_o glory_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rejoice_v o_o love_n how_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o thou_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v impregnate_n and_o animate_v faith_n itself_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v surmount_v the_o difficulty_n of_o duty_n and_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v cast_v out_o fear_v and_o make_v religion_n full_a of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o do_v make_v we_o watchful_a against_o temptation_n and_o impatient_a under_o the_o interruption_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o make_v we_o dis-relish_a the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v they_o even_o in_o this_o world_n who_o attain_v it_o but_o one_o caution_n i_o must_v here_o add_v that_o our_o love_n must_v not_o be_v a_o flesh_n a_o bit_n but_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o settle_a affection_n a_o affection_n that_o have_v the_o warmth_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o habit._n we_o must_v therefore_o by_o repeat_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n daily_o nourish_v this_o flame_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v out_o 4._o we_o must_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o we_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n the_o struggle_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n the_o gild_n and_o vexation_n the_o shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n its_o ill_a influence_n on_o our_o present_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n on_o our_o peace_n and_o hope_n be_v proper_a topic_n to_o effect_v this_o a_o thorough_a hatred_n of_o sin_n once_o settle_v and_o root_v in_o we_o will_v produce_v that_o sorrow_n that_o indignation_n that_o watchfulness_n that_o zeal_n which_o will_v remove_v we_o far_o enough_o not_o only_o from_o the_o sin_n but_o also_o from_o the_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o it_o and_o place_v we_o almost_o without_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o relapse_n to_o this_o former_a rule_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o other_o that_o when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n whatever_o difficulty_n he_o find_v in_o his_o way_n whatever_o baffle_v he_o meet_v with_o he_o must_v never_o quit_v the_o desgn_n of_o virtue_n and_o life_n he_o must_v never_o give_v over_o fight_v till_o he_o conquer_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o he_o must_v either_o conquer_v or_o die_v but_o this_o belong_v rather_o to_o perseverance_n in_o virtue_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o but_o just_a mention_n it_o 5._o it_o will_v not_o be_v imprudent_a in_o this_o moral_a as_o in_o physical_a cure_n to_o observe_v diligent_o and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v seed_n of_o generosity_n and_o honour_n the_o turpitude_n and_o shame_n of_o sin_n the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o such_o like_a be_v fit_a topic_n to_o dwell_v upon_o where_o fear_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v there_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o so_o whatever_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v argument_n in_o the_o gospel_n adapt_v to_o it_o which_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o prevalent_a as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a 6._o last_o we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o increase_v and_o cherish_v his_o influence_n we_o must_v ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v i._n e._n we_o must_v pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o travel_v with_o patience_n and_o with_o importunity_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o when_o we_o have_v it_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v it_o by_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o quench_v it_o by_o security_n or_o negligence_n by_o sensual_a freedom_n and_o presumption_n but_o we_o must_v cherish_v every_o motion_n improve_v every_o