be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o be_v of_o it_o this_o include_v first_o a_o conformity_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o god_n as_o a_o good_a complexion_n fluorish_v in_o the_o countenance_n from_o the_o root_n of_o a_o good_a constitution_n within_o so_o real_a holiness_n shine_v in_o the_o conversation_n proceed_v from_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o life_n seat_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n the_o understanding_n esteem_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n law_n as_o best_a in_o themselves_o and_o best_a for_o we_o the_o will_n consent_n to_o the_o sanctity_n and_o royalty_n of_o the_o law_n david_n declare_v i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o commandment_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n if_o the_o divine_a will_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v impartial_a many_o elude_v duty_n and_o deceive_v conscience_n by_o partial_a respect_n to_o the_o law_n they_o will_v make_v amends_o for_o delinquency_n in_o some_o thing_n by_o supererogate_a in_o other_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o carnal_a ease_n and_o interest_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n be_v mighty_a son_n of_o the_o church_n very_o accurate_a in_o sanctimonious_a form_n great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n but_o stain_v religion_n with_o injustice_n and_o uncharitableness_n they_o pretend_v to_o love_n god_n but_o hate_v their_o neighbour_n they_o fast_v twice_o a_o week_n but_o devour_v widow_n house_n they_o be_v very_o nice_a in_o observe_v the_o numerous_a rite_n of_o religion_n but_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o substantial_a goodness_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o exact_a resemblance_n between_o the_o immediate_a sight_n of_o the_o face_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o by_o reflection_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o true_a glass_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o old_a pharisees_n be_v like_o the_o formalist_n in_o every_o age._n thus_o among_o the_o papist_n how_o many_o under_o the_o veil_n of_o virginity_n conceal_v the_o gross_a impurity_n and_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o poverty_n be_v covetous_a and_o rapacious_a but_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o unless_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o our_o obedience_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n to_o the_o rule_n if_o there_o be_v a_o indulgence_n to_o contravene_n any_o precept_n the_o word_n of_o st._n james_n be_v decisive_a and_o convince_a whoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o own_o instance_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o in_o one_o allow_v sin_n of_o omission_n or_o commission_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a disobedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n although_o the_o best_a saint_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o without_o sin_n yet_o the_o least_o be_v without_o guile_n 2._o sincerity_n produce_v constancy_n there_o be_v a_o strict_a connexion_n between_o the_o lead_a faculty_n and_o their_o inward_a operation_n with_o the_o outward_a action_n according_a to_o the_o renew_a temper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n such_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o life_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n that_o be_v exercise_v from_o divine_a principle_n and_o eternal_a motive_n will_v fortify_v a_o christian_a against_o all_o temptation_n he_o will_v neither_o be_v allure_v nor_o terrifle_v from_o his_o duty_n some_z when_o religion_n be_v in_o public_a esteem_n be_v forward_a professor_n but_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n expose_v they_o to_o reproach_n as_o seditious_a and_o disloyal_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o reproach_n they_o will_v comply_v with_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o time_n to_o secure_v their_o secular_a interest_n and_o as_o there_o be_v change_n of_o garment_n summer_n and_o winter_n garment_n according_a to_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n so_o they_o have_v change_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o time_n vary_v persecution_n discover_v they_o to_o have_v be_v formal_a professor_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o depth_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o sincere_a christian_n be_v conspicuous_o such_o in_o the_o fiery_a trial_n it_o be_v observe_v in_o dig_v well_n in_o the_o hot_a month_n of_o july_n and_o august_n if_o a_o vein_n of_o water_n flow_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o last_a spring_n thus_o if_o in_o the_o burn_a heat_n of_o persecution_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a religion_n be_v declare_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n it_o proceed_v from_o sincere_a grace_n that_o will_v be_v spring_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n there_o be_v numerous_a example_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o despise_v the_o enrage_a world_n as_o a_o swarm_n of_o angry_a fly_n and_o turn_v persecution_n into_o a_o pleasure_n and_o with_o undecline_a fervour_n and_o courage_n persevere_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n unfeigned_a faith_n and_o sincere_a love_n be_v the_o strong_a security_n against_o apostasy_n he_o that_o be_v sound_a at_o the_o centre_n be_v unshaken_a by_o storm_n the_o double-minded_n who_o heart_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n and_o their_o carnal_a affection_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o their_o way_n some_o have_v short_a expire_a fit_n of_o devotion_n while_o they_o be_v in_o afflict_a circumstance_n either_o by_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o disease_n in_o their_o body_n or_o disaster_n in_o their_o estate_n they_o resolve_v to_o be_v regular_a and_o reform_v in_o their_o life_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o but_o when_o they_o be_v release_v from_o their_o trouble_n they_o degenerate_a from_o their_o design_n and_o falsify_v their_o resolution_n and_o like_o a_o lion_n slip_v from_o his_o chain_n that_o return_v to_o his_o fierceness_n with_o his_o liberty_n so_o they_o relapse_n into_o their_o old_a rebellious_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v they_o be_v not_o inward_o cleanse_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n nor_o change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o their_o misery_n they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n though_o restrain_v from_o the_o visible_a eruption_n of_o it_o but_o real_a saint_n have_v their_o conversation_n all_o of_o a_o colour_n in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n they_o be_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a in_o short_a sincere_a christian_n study_v the_o divine_a law_n to_o know_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o decline_v the_o strict_a scrutiny_n it_o be_v david_n prayer_n lord_n search_v i_o and_o try_v i_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n in_o i_o and_o discover_v it_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v forsake_v it_o conscience_n will_v be_v quick_a and_o tender_a like_o the_o eye_n which_o if_o any_o dirt_n be_v in_o it_o weep_v it_o out_o there_o may_v be_v rebel_n in_o a_o loyal_a city_n but_o they_o be_v not_o conceal_v and_o cherish_v the_o loyal_a subject_n search_v to_o discover_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o the_o hypocrite_n hate_v the_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a they_o cherish_v a_o wilful_a ignorance_n that_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v their_o lusts._n the_o sincere_a christian_a aim_n at_o perfection_n he_o pray_v resolve_v watch_n mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o every_o sin_n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o uprightness_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v without_o spot_n or_o blemish_v here_o but_o the_o hypocrite_n though_o he_o external_o comply_v with_o some_o precept_n of_o easy_a obedience_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o sweet_a sin_n now_o if_o any_o sin_n be_v entertain_v or_o unrenounce_v by_o a_o person_n he_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o a_o captive_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o a_o bird_n be_v ensnare_v by_o one_o leg_n it_o be_v as_o sure_o the_o prey_n of_o the_o the_o fowler_n as_o if_o it_o be_v seize_v by_o both_o wing_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v sincerity_n commend_v we_o to_o god_n it_o give_v value_n to_o the_o mean_a service_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o corrupt_v the_o most_o eminent_a service_n jehu_n zeal_n be_v a_o bloody_a murder_n though_o the_o destruction_n of_o ahab_n family_n be_v command_v by_o god_n the_o consciousness_n of_o sincerity_n rejoice_v the_o live_a saint_n with_o present_a comfort_n and_o the_o die_a with_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n the_o apostle_n when_o surround_v with_o calamity_n declare_v this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n that_o 〈◊〉_d with_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n hezekiah_n have_v receive_v a_o mortal_a message_n by_o the_o prophet_n address_v himself_o to_o god_n remember_v o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n truth_n and_o perfection_n be_v equivalent_a this_o be_v a_o revive_a cordial_n
when_o he_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o enter_v naked_a and_o solitary_a into_o the_o next_o world_n where_o he_o will_v be_v poor_a for_o ever_o he_o be_v rich_a that_o carry_v with_o he_o divine_a grace_n and_o comfort_n the_o treasure_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o he_o die_v and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o inheritance_n undefiled_a that_o pass_v not_o away_o how_o often_o do_v worldly_a man_n in_o their_o last_o hour_n when_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v declare_v with_o most_o feeling_n and_o least_o affectation_n condemn_v their_o unaccountable_a folly_n for_o their_o have_v set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n below_o and_o neglect_v thing_n above_o that_o with_o such_o fervour_n and_o constancy_n they_o prosecute_v their_o secular_a end_n and_o be_v so_o cold_o affect_v to_o eternal_a thing_n as_o unworthy_a of_o their_o care_n and_o diligence_n those_o forlorn_a wretch_n in_o their_o extremity_n with_o what_o significant_a and_o lively_a expression_n do_v they_o decry_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o seek_v it_o it_o be_v relate_v of_o philip_n king_n of_o the_o macedonian_n that_o while_o one_o be_v plead_v before_o he_o he_o drop_v asleep_a and_o wake_v on_o a_o sudden_a past_a sentence_n against_o the_o righteous_a cause_n upon_o this_o the_o injure_a person_n cry_v out_o i_o appeal_v the_o king_n with_o indignation_n ask_v to_o who_o he_o reply_v from_o yourself_o sleep_v to_o yourself_o wake_a and_o have_v the_o judgement_n reverse_v that_o be_v against_o he_o thus_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a moment_n if_o there_o be_v a_o appeal_n from_o the_o sleep_n to_o the_o wake_a thought_n of_o man_n when_o death_n open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o bona_fw-la dross_n of_o false_a treasure_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o true_a what_o a_o change_n will_v it_o make_v in_o their_o mind_n affection_n and_o action_n but_o o_o folly_n and_o misery_n they_o but_o superficial_o consider_v thing_n till_o constrain_a when_o it_o be_v too_o late_a from_o these_o consideration_n we_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n declare_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n as_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n that_o trust_v in_o his_o riches_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n he_o can_v by_o so_o strong_a a_o light_n represent_v the_o eternal_a kingdom_n to_o man_n mind_n and_o purify_v their_o affection_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o use_v the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v god_n we_o shall_v from_o hence_o be_v excite_v to_o watchfulness_n against_o this_o sin_n our_o saviour_n give_v a_o double_a caution_n to_o his_o disciple_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n in_o some_o the_o leprosy_n appear_v in_o their_o forehead_n their_o company_n their_o conversation_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o world_n be_v set_v in_o their_o heart_n in_o other_o the_o leprosy_n be_v in_o their_o bosom_n their_o affection_n be_v intense_o and_o entire_o set_v on_o the_o world_n though_o the_o discovery_n be_v not_o so_o visible_a none_o but_o the_o circumspect_a can_v be_v safe_a in_o order_n to_o the_o mortify_v this_o lust_n the_o follow_a mean_n with_o the_o divine_a blessing_n will_v be_v very_o useful_a the_o inward_a cause_n of_o the_o greedy_a desire_n and_o tenacious_a humour_n of_o the_o covetous_a be_v the_o irregular_a esteem_n of_o riches_n and_o consequent_o the_o jealousy_n of_o lose_v what_o be_v so_o high_o value_v and_o solicitude_n to_o prevent_v all_o possible_a future_a want_n now_o to_o take_v away_o these_o cause_n consider_v 1._o there_o be_v treasure_n infinite_o more_o precious_a and_o durable_a and_o more_o worthy_a of_o our_o esteem_n and_o love_n than_o all_o the_o gold_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o mine_n in_o peru_n the_o true_a enrichment_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o a_o man_n possess_v of_o all_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o flota_n be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n but_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a 3._o and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a god_n offer_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o portion_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o all_o perfection_n who_o treasure_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o unwasted_a if_o we_o seek_v his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v inherit_v substance_n and_o durable_a riches_n the_o apostle_n when_o the_o scale_n be_v fall_v from_o his_o eye_n discover_v such_o a_o excellency_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o count_v all_o thing_n loss_n and_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o this_o eminent_a advantage_n there_o be_v in_o seek_v heavenly_a treasure_n we_o shall_v certain_o obtain_v they_o and_o never_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o whereas_o the_o most_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o earthly_a riches_n be_v uncertain_o successful_a and_o if_o we_o do_v acquire_v they_o they_o will_v certain_o be_v lose_v now_o as_o inward_a bleed_v that_o endanger_v life_n be_v stop_v by_o revulsion_n in_o open_v a_o vein_n so_o if_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o affection_n be_v direct_v to_o thing_n above_o it_o will_v stop_v their_o impetuous_a current_n to_o thing_n below_o 2._o the_o liberal_a use_n of_o riches_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o in_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o secure_v the_o tenure_n of_o our_o temporal_a possession_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o pay_v the_o tribute_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o he_o can_v by_o right_n and_o power_n resume_v they_o in_o a_o moment_n beside_o there_o be_v no_o epithet_n more_o proper_a to_o be_v join_v with_o riches_n than_o uncertain_a be_v that_o man_n certain_o rich_a who_o entire_a estate_n be_v in_o a_o ship_n sail_v through_o dangerous_a sea_n and_o open_a to_o frequent_v piracy_n there_o be_v no_o great_a a_o distance_n between_o a_o tempest_n and_o a_o shipwreck_n than_o between_o often_o and_o always_o innumerable_a disaster_n be_v imminent_a and_o near_o threaten_v the_o undo_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n but_o god_n who_o command_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o govern_v the_o will_n of_o man_n who_o providence_n order_v the_o most_o fortuitous_a event_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o liberal_a man_n who_o devise_v liberal_a thing_n he_o shall_v stand_v he_o have_v a_o special_a protection_n and_o as_o he_o be_v like_a to_o god_n in_o give_v so_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o not_o be_v poor_a for_o his_o give_v the_o apostle_n incourage_v christian_n not_o to_o be_v covetous_a by_o this_o argument_n god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o we_o may_v firm_o rely_v on_o his_o promise_n for_o truth_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o trust_n and_o rest_n on_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v omnipotent_a add_v to_o this_o consideration_n there_o be_v a_o accessional_a security_n to_o the_o charitable_a from_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o man_n be_v sociable_a by_o instinct_n and_o the_o civil_a life_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o he_o will_v be_v dissolve_v without_o mutual_a assistance_n it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o complete_o sufficient_a in_o himself_o so_o absolute_o and_o independent_o happy_a but_o he_o want_v the_o counsel_n the_o courage_n the_o help_n of_o other_o it_o be_v usual_a that_o he_o who_o possess_v most_o can_v do_v less_o and_o that_o he_o that_o have_v less_o can_v do_v more_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o other_o the_o giving_z that_o wherein_o one_o abound_v and_o the_o receive_v that_o which_o the_o other_o want_v make_v such_o a_o equipoise_n between_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a that_o they_o can_v be_v disjoin_v experience_n declare_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o endear_v and_o engage_v the_o affection_n of_o other_o to_o we_o than_o act_n of_o kindness_n beneficence_n join_v with_o innocence_n render_v man_n venerable_a and_o amiable_a conciliate_v esteem_n and_o love_n for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v whereas_o the_o covetous_a and_o incompassionate_a not_o only_o provoke_v god_n for_o he_o that_o abuse_v a_o benefit_n despise_v the_o benefactor_n and_o by_o imprison_v their_o treasure_n without_o do_v good_a the_o abuse_n be_v as_o real_a as_o by_o riotous_a waste_v they_o but_o be_v expose_v to_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n and_o if_o a_o disaster_n surprise_v they_o a_o secret_a joy_n touch_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v riches_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n not_o only_o in_o spiritual_n but_o in_o temporal_n as_o a_o man_n sow_v so_o he_o shall_v reap_v both_o in_o the_o recompense_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o
with_o some_o attainment_n and_o presume_v we_o be_v perfect_a we_o must_v be_v contend_v till_o our_o conquest_n over_o sin_n be_v clear_a and_o complete_a the_o reflection_n upon_o our_o progress_n will_v aug._n give_v new_a spirit_n to_o proceed_v to_o new_a work_n to_o he_o that_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n glory_n and_o immortality_n be_v the_o reward_n perseverance_n be_v the_o crown_n of_o christianity_n 2._o i_o now_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o allegation_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o discourage_v man_n from_o endeavour_n after_o perfect_a holiness_n i_o have_v in_o the_o preface_n answer_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a objection_n i_o will_v consider_v some_o other_o to_o remove_v the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o divine_a command_n of_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a be_v the_o impossibility_n of_o obey_v it_o how_o can_v sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n be_v perfect_a as_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v to_o this_o a_o clear_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o it_o be_v true_a if_o a_o law_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o cancel_v itself_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n in_o a_o superior_a to_o command_v nor_o obligation_n on_o a_o subject_a to_o obey_v in_o a_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o his_o choice_n absolute_a impossibility_n quench_v desire_v and_o cause_n despair_v and_o that_o enervate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o industry_n now_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o wisdom_n rectitude_n and_o goodness_n be_v essential_a and_o unchangeable_a shall_v command_v reasonable_a creature_n any_o thing_n utter_o impossible_a for_o then_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n will_v not_o rise_v from_o themselves_o but_o they_o will_v be_v fatal_o lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o 2._o the_o command_n signify_v not_o a_o resemblance_n of_o equality_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n but_o of_o analogy_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a nature_n of_o which_o intellectual_a creature_n be_v capable_a 3._o in_o the_o present_a state_n our_o conformity_n be_v not_o entire_a our_o grace_n be_v not_o pure_a our_o virtue_n not_o refine_v without_o allay_n but_o this_o be_v from_o our_o culpable_a impotence_n and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v this_o law_n and_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v contract_v a_o sinful_a disability_n to_o perform_v it_o beside_o god_n be_v please_v to_o offer_v divine_a assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o the_o kind_n of_o holiness_n though_o not_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o degree_n and_o though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n here_o we_o may_v be_v ascend_v to_o it_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o strive_v for_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o be_v we_o must_v be_v add_v new_a degree_n of_o light_n in_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o full_a enlighten_v state_n above_o and_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a till_o we_o come_v to_o his_o transform_a presence_n in_o heaven_n but_o we_o must_v be_v aspire_v to_o it_o we_o have_v the_o most_o excellent_a encouragement_n to_o this_o duty_n for_o if_o we_o be_v zealous_a in_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n god_n will_v pardon_v our_o imperfection_n and_o accept_v we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_a but_o those_o who_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o defect_n and_o lie_v still_o in_o their_o laziness_n will_v be_v just_o condemn_v 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o duty_n be_v at_o least_o extreme_o difficult_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o difficulty_n be_v a_o unreasonable_a pretence_n in_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o infinite_a consequence_n our_o saviour_n command_v we_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v and_o hard_o to_o keep_v but_o that_o only_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v escape_v by_o flight_n it_o be_v better_a to_o take_v pain_n than_o to_o suffer_v pain_n the_o cord_n of_o duty_n be_v more_o easy_a than_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n insuperable_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n love_n be_v not_o cold_a and_o idle_a but_o ardent_a and_o active_a in_o pursuit_n of_o its_o object_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n that_o resolve_v diligence_n will_v overcome_v great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o design_n of_o men._n demosthenes_n the_o athenian_a be_v the_o most_o unqualify_v for_o a_o orator_n of_o a_o thousand_o his_o breath_n be_v so_o short_a that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v out_o a_o full_a sentence_n his_o voice_n and_o pronunciation_n be_v so_o harsh_a and_o his_o action_n so_o ungrateful_a and_o offensive_a to_o the_o most_o delicate_a sense_n the_o eye_n and_o ear_n that_o the_o first_o time_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v entertain_v with_o derision_n and_o the_o second_o with_o disdain_n by_o the_o people_n yet_o by_o unwearied_a industry_n and_o exercise_n he_o correct_v his_o defect_n and_o become_v the_o most_o eloquent_a and_o perfect_a orator_n that_o ever_o flourish_v in_o greece_n now_o can_v there_o be_v any_o so_o difficult_a height_n in_o religion_n but_o a_o strong_a resolution_n join_v with_o consequent_a endeavour_n and_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v gradual_o attain_v to_o to_o naked_a nature_n the_o command_v of_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v extreme_o hard_a carnal_a man_n pretend_v they_o can_v as_o easy_o stop_v the_o circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n as_o mortify_v their_o sensual_a inclination_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o pleasant_a to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o word_n imply_v i_o can_v easy_o st._n john_n declare_v his_o command_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o gracious_a yoke_n the_o impotence_n of_o man_n to_o obey_v christ_n consist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o be_v not_o infect_v by_o fate_n nor_o determine_v by_o destiny_n and_o constrain_v by_o strict_a necessity_n to_o follow_v their_o sinful_a course_n but_o be_v chain_v to_o their_o allure_a vicious_a object_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o own_o wi_n i_o will_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o title_n and_o profession_n and_o pretend_v invincible_a impediment_n against_o perform_v their_o duty_n propound_v the_o moral_a excellency_n that_o shine_v in_o some_o heathen_n in_o regulate_v the_o angry_a and_o desire_a appetite_n socrates_n who_o have_v a_o fiery_a nature_n that_o incline_v he_o to_o sudden_a anger_n yet_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o constant_a equal_a temper_n that_o when_o provoke_v by_o injury_n his_o countenance_n be_v more_o placid_a and_o serene_a his_o voice_n more_o temperate_a his_o word_n more_o kind_a and_o oblige_a plato_n surprise_v with_o passion_n for_o a_o great_a fault_n of_o his_o servant_n take_v a_o staff_n to_o beat_v he_o and_o have_v lift_v up_o his_o hand_n for_o a_o stroke_n stop_v sudden_o and_o a_o friend_n 3._o come_v in_o and_o wonder_v to_o see_v he_o in_o that_o posture_n say_v i_o chastise_v a_o angry_a man_n reflect_v with_o shame_n upon_o himself_o thus_o he_o disarm_v his_o passion_n when_o alexander_n have_v conquer_v darius_n and_o take_v his_o queen_n a_o woman_n of_o exquisite_a beauty_n he_o will_v not_o have_v she_o bring_v into_o his_o presence_n that_o his_o virtue_n may_v not_o be_v violate_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o she_o scipio_n have_v take_v a_o town_n in_o spain_n and_o among_o they_o a_o noble_a virgin_n very_o beautiful_a resign_v her_o untouched_a with_o her_o ransom_n of_o great_a value_n to_o the_o prince_n to_o who_o she_o be_v contract_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o vanity_n assist_v virtue_n in_o these_o person_n and_o one_o carnal_a passion_n vanquish_v another_o the_o desire_n of_o praise_n the_o pride_n of_o life_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o shall_v not_o divine_a grace_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o humane_a motive_n the_o impotence_n of_o carnal_a christian_n be_v not_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o assist_a grace_n but_o their_o culpable_a neglect_n of_o use_v it_o but_o for_o the_o entire_a conviction_n of_o carnalist_n that_o be_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o voluptuous_a
and_o of_o different_a degree_n of_o goodness_n the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n the_o appletree_n if_o a_o appletree_n produce_v the_o best_a fruit_n in_o its_o kind_n though_o not_o equal_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n it_o be_v perfect_o good_a thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v several_a condition_n of_o life_n among_o man_n some_o be_v in_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o superiority_n other_o of_o subjection_n and_o service_n a_o servant_n that_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o excel_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o be_v equal_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o other_o in_o a_o high_a order_n he_o that_o gain_v two_o talent_n be_v esteem_v as_o faithful_a as_o he_o that_o gain_v five_o because_o the_o profit_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o stock_n entrust_v with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n relative_n to_o the_o various_a spiritual_a state_n of_o christian_n here_o st._n john_n address_v his_o counsel_n to_o christian_n under_o several_a title_n to_o child_n to_o young_a man_n and_o father_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o different_a age_n in_o christianity_n a_o child_n be_v perfect_a in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o child_n when_o he_o have_v the_o stature_n the_o strength_n the_o understanding_n that_o be_v become_v his_o age_n though_o he_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o complete_a state_n to_o which_o he_o will_v arrive_v in_o his_o mature_a age._n a_o young_a man_n have_v the_o perfection_n proper_a to_o his_o age._n a_o new_a convert_n that_o have_v such_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n and_o his_o time_n of_o advancement_n by_o they_o be_v esteem_v complete_a in_o that_o state_n of_o grace_n some_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o school_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n other_o have_v make_v a_o high_a progress_n in_o it_o to_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o stature_n beyond_o the_o perfection_n attainable_a here_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o part_n and_o intention_n of_o degree_n it_o be_v our_o present_a duty_n to_o aspire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o this_o but_o attain_v only_o in_o heaven_n where_o every_o saint_n be_v renew_v into_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o god_n and_o make_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o by_o gradation_n christian_n ascend_v to_o that_o consummate_v state_n the_o period_n of_o perfection_n chap._n vi_o particular_a grace_n consider_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o perfection_n divine_a faith_n doctrinal_a justify_v and_o in_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n doctrinal_a faith_n be_v not_o imagination_n nor_o reason_n the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o motive_n consider_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n faith_n a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a mind_n god_n truth_n a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a his_o jurisdiction_n reach_v to_o man_n understanding_n god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o he_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o dangerous_a curiosity_n often_o fatal_a to_o faith_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n that_o supernatural_a doctrine_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o reason_n that_o when_o man_n use_v all_o mean_n sincere_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o involuntary_a speculative_a error_n i_o will_v now_o particular_o consider_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n and_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n and_o love_n hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o christian_a perfection_n i_o will_v first_o discourse_n of_o divine_a faith_n the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n 11._o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o bounty_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o holy_a worship_n this_o grace_n be_v most_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o the_o understanding_n be_v our_o supreme_a faculty_n and_o by_o submit_v it_o to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o pay_v the_o most_o humble_a homage_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n we_o conceive_v of_o god_n become_v his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o it_o be_v invisible_a and_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n though_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v encompass_v with_o opposition_n and_o seem_a impossibility_n we_o glorify_v his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o omnipotence_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a testimony_n set_v his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a ratify_v his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n faith_n be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o grace_n derive_v their_o flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o productive_a of_o its_o own_o act_n but_o excite_v and_o animate_v every_o grace_n in_o its_o distinct_a exercise_n like_o the_o animal_n spirit_n that_o give_v motion_n and_o vigour_n to_o all_o the_o sense_n faith_n in_o christ_n convey_v to_o a_o weak_a christain_n a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n the_o apostle_n declare_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 11._o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o other_o grace_n either_o active_a or_o suffer_a fortitude_n zeal_n self-denial_n patience_n be_v attribute_v to_o faith_n as_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o general_n by_o who_o conduct_n and_o courage_n the_o battle_n be_v manage_v though_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o soldier_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v from_o the_o guilt_n 1._o of_o our_o many_o and_o mighty_a sin_n we_o be_v 15._o purify_v from_o their_o deep_a pollution_n we_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o line_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v save_v from_o misery_n extreme_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v consider_v divine_a faith_n under_o three_o head_n 1._o doctrinal_a faith_n 2._o justify_v faith_n 3._o faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o roll_a providence_n of_o god_n doctrinal_a faith_n i_o will_v consider_v 1._o in_o its_o nature_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o motive_n 4._o the_o efficacy_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n agree_v in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o thus_o trust_n be_v call_v faith_n because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o promise_n and_o one_o be_v say_v to_o keep_v his_o faith_n inviolate_a when_o he_o perform_v the_o promise_n that_o another_o rely_v on_o faith_n in_o the_o propriety_n of_o expression_n be_v a_o assent_n for_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n according_o divine_v faith_n be_v a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o imagination_n and_o from_o comprehensive_a reason_n fancy_n draw_v a_o copy_n of_o those_o object_n that_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o external_a sense_n or_o compound_v many_o copy_n together_o but_o create_v no_o image_n of_o thing_n not_o perceptible_a by_o the_o sense_n we_o can_v imagine_v mountain_n of_o gold_n because_o we_o have_v see_v gold_n and_o mountain_n we_o conceive_v monstrous_a mixture_n in_o dream_n but_o no_o actor_n can_v appear_v on_o the_o theatre_n of_o fancy_n but_o in_o borrow_a habit_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v and_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o imagination_n to_o conceive_v and_o of_o the_o external_a sense_n to_o represent_v yet_o infidel_n blaspheme_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o fiction_n of_o fancy_n 2._o faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n and_o from_o reason_n reason_n imply_v a_o progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n to_o another_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o but_o faith_n assert_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o superior_a authority_n that_o reveal_v they_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n buâ—_n in_o different_a respect_n reason_n may_v discover_v they_o by_o ascend_v from_o effect_n to_o their_o cause_n or_o descend_v from_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n faith_n receive_v they_o as_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n by_o faith_n we_o know_v 11._o the_o world_n be_v make_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a reason_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o special_a be_v those_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n and_o thing_n that_o reason_n can_v discover_v by_o its_o own_o light_n nor_o perfect_o understand_v when_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n past_a and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o present_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o fire_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o eternal_a counsel_n respect_v man_n redemption_n never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v but_o be_v as_o far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v be_v comprehend_v god_n may_v be_v consider_v absolute_o in_o himself_o or_o as_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v and_o divine_a attribute_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v know_v a_o person_n and_o his_o excellent_a virtue_n intellectual_a and_o moral_a but_o we_o can_v believe_v in_o he_o without_o some_o discovery_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o we_o 3._o the_o motive_n of_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v divine_a faith_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a foundation_n faith_n may_v be_v absolute_o true_a and_o relative_o false_a many_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n because_o it_o be_v the_o reign_a religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o example_n from_o hence_o their_o faith_n be_v like_o the_o house_n build_v on_o the_o sand_n and_o when_o a_o storm_n arise_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v the_o firm_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o essential_a supreme_a perfection_n of_o god_n unerring_a knowledge_n immutable_a truth_n infinite_a goodness_n almighty_a power_n it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o deceive_v his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o will_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n for_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o experimental_a sense_n be_v a_o clear_a perception_n than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o they_o by_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v to_o see_v the_o original_n the_o other_o be_v to_o see_v the_o copy_n that_o usual_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o now_o see_v in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o divine_a testimony_n in_o itself_o have_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n above_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v by_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o often_o deceive_v we_o through_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o discursive_a ratiocination_n the_o objective_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a we_o know_v with_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o god_n can_v no_o more_o lie_v than_o he_o can_v die_v it_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o to_o lie_v or_o die_v be_v not_o possibility_n but_o passibility_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o power_n but_o proceed_v from_o weakness_n we_o know_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o signature_n of_o his_o perfection_n wisdom_n holiness_n goodness_n justice_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o that_o prove_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o write_v from_o hence_o faith_n be_v often_o express_v by_o knowledge_n nicodemus_n give_v this_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o know_v thou_o 2._o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernable_a be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n make_v without_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n we_o know_v that_o he_o 5._o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o sin_n we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v 3._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v little_a new_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o point_n if_o man_n with_o renew_a mind_n and_o heart_n consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argue_v but_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n that_o prove_v divine_a faith_n to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n 2._o answer_v the_o objection_n allege_v to_o justify_v the_o disbelief_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v nor_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v true_a be_v a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a not_o dependent_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n motive_n this_o by_o its_o native_a irresistible_a evidence_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o exempt_v from_o all_o critical_a inquiry_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o clear_a character_n it_o be_v the_o saying_n of_o a_o wise_a heathen_a if_o god_n will_v converse_v visible_o with_o man_n he_o will_v assume_v light_n for_o a_o body_n and_o have_v truth_n for_o his_o soul_n god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n truth_n be_v the_o supreme_a character_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o apostle_n build_v the_o assurance_n of_o christian_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o their_o strong_a consolation_n upon_o this_o infallible_a rock_n god_n that_o 6._o can_v lie_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o supernatural_a doctrine_n we_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o god_n jurisdiction_n extend_v to_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o will_n he_o rule_v our_o understanding_n by_o light_n our_o will_n by_o empire_n if_o god_n do_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v only_o truth_n in_o themselves_o evident_a our_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o obedience_n worthy_a of_o he_o and_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o their_o seem_a repugnance_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o precept_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o the_o inclination_n to_o forbid_a thing_n 3._o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n when_o god_n depute_v any_o by_o commission_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n he_o always_o afford_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o commission_n be_v uncounterfeit_v moses_n be_v send_v from_o god_n with_o a_o command_n to_o pharaoh_n to_o release_v the_o israelite_n from_o their_o cruel_a servitude_n and_o he_o have_v the_o wonder-working_a rod_n to_o authorise_v his_o commission_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o message_n by_o miracle_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shine_v with_o that_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o only_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prevent_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o pervert_v by_o their_o passion_n can_v resist_v it_o colour_a object_n be_v not_o discern_v more_o clear_o by_o their_o colour_n nor_o light_n by_o its_o lustre_n than_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n reason_n be_v a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o man_n and_o by_o it_o we_o be_v direct_v
the_o gospel_n it_o produce_v earnest_a inclination_n and_o hope_n of_o partake_v of_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o congruous_a to_o our_o present_a state_n love_n in_o its_o perfection_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o heaven_n where_o god_n exhibit_v his_o brightness_n and_o beauty_n without_o a_o veil_n to_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v above_o our_o conception_n and_o capacity_n here_o fear_v sometime_o degenerate_v and_o have_v a_o servile_a aspect_n on_o punishment_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n hope_v of_o the_o happiness_n to_o which_o we_o aspire_v be_v not_o so_o elevate_v as_o love_n nor_o so_o low_a as_o fear_n but_o very_o become_v the_o breast_n of_o a_o christian_n we_o be_v now_o in_o a_o state_n of_o expectance_n in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o the_o two_o world_n hope_n be_v the_o proper_a grace_n to_o be_v exercise_v here_o this_o give_v we_o the_o foretaste_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o paradise_n it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o those_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o happiness_n and_o those_o be_v incapable_a of_o it_o who_o be_v miserable_a without_o remedy_n as_o shadow_n vanish_v at_o midday_n and_o at_o dark-night_n so_o hope_n cease_v in_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o full_a fruition_n it_o never_o enter_v into_o hell_n for_o it_o be_v extinguish_v in_o despair_n in_o the_o glorious_a light_n above_o the_o perfection_n of_o hope_n be_v obtain_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n below_o exclude_v the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o hope_n to_o refresh_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o place_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a grace_n in_o our_o present_a state_n of_o trial_n we_o be_v surround_v here_o with_o many_o temptation_n some_o invite_v and_o allure_a some_o forcible_n and_o terrify_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o persecute_v world_n to_o make_v we_o desert_n our_o duty_n and_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n now_o hope_n be_v our_o helmet_n and_o breastplate_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o defensive_a armour_n to_o preserve_v we_o invulnerable_a in_o the_o heat_n of_o battle_n it_o be_v the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a that_o enter_v within_o the_o veil_n and_o be_v fix_v on_o the_o immortal_a shore_n though_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o storm_n it_o secure_v we_o from_o shipwreck_n it_o give_v cordial_a spirit_n and_o celestial_a vigour_n to_o a_o christian._n the_o apostle_n who_o have_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v suffer_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o pervert_v world_n in_o combination_n with_o satan_n to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n declare_v i_o reckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o comfortable_a to_o st._n peter_n he_o sleep_v secure_o when_o condemn_v to_o die_v next_o day_n the_o brightness_n of_o a_o angel_n can_v not_o wake_v he_o without_o a_o blow_n on_o the_o side_n it_o sweeten_v all_o the_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a accident_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o mix_v revive_v drop_n with_o our_o deep_a sorrow_n we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n joy_n be_v the_o affection_n of_o prosperity_n hope_v of_o all_o the_o joyful_a affection_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o most_o afflict_a evil_n and_o make_v we_o happy_a here_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n this_o change_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o martyr_n into_o pleasure_n those_o who_o be_v encourage_v by_o this_o bless_a hope_n no_o loss_n can_v make_v poor_a no_o disease_n can_v make_v sick_a no_o disgrace_n can_v make_v contemptible_a no_o misery_n can_v make_v miserable_a it_o have_v a_o sovereign_a strength_n to_o support_v we_o under_o all_o the_o evil_n malice_n can_v do_v and_o innocence_n suffer_v now_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n can_v make_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n tractable_a and_o easy_a much_o more_o will_v it_o make_v all_o its_o good_a thing_n despicable_a for_o we_o be_v far_o more_o capable_a of_o afflict_a impression_n than_o of_o joyful_a set_a the_o beam_n right_a and_o put_v into_o one_o scale_n all_o the_o treasure_n and_o honour_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o present_a world_n and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v of_o no_o more_o value_n or_o moment_n in_o comparison_n than_o feather_n in_o one_o scale_n against_o talent_n of_o gold_n in_o another_o it_o be_v true_a carnal_a man_n feel_v not_o the_o attractive_a force_n of_o the_o bless_a reward_n above_o for_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o future_a but_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v release_v from_o the_o narrow_a confinement_n of_o flesh_n and_o shall_v understand_v thing_n by_o another_o way_n than_o the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n their_o enlighten_v active_a spirit_n will_v tear_v and_o torment_v they_o for_o prefer_v vanish_v shadow_n before_o substantial_a and_o eternal_a blessedness_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o will_v cause_v extreme_a sorrow_n for_o their_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o indignation_n for_o other_o obtain_v it_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o infidel_n jew_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o your_o self_n thrust_v out_o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n in_o short_a hope_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o encourage_v our_o faint_a languish_a affection_n when_o we_o be_v assault_v with_o evil_n and_o to_o compose_v and_o order_v the_o impetuous_a passion_n when_o they_o be_v strong_o excite_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o what_o be_v pleasant_a to_o the_o fleshly_a lusts._n 2._o divine_a hope_n be_v distinguish_v from_o carnal_a presumption_n by_o its_o inseparable_a effect_n our_o purify_n hope_n be_v a_o exciting_a principle_n that_o draw_v forth_o all_o the_o active_a power_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o desire_a good_n it_o be_v the_o inward_a spring_n of_o fervent_a desire_n and_o revive_a joy_n and_o consequent_o of_o zealous_a endeavour_n we_o be_v beget_v to_o a_o lively_a hope_n it_o be_v a_o substantial_a vigorous_a grace_n i_o press_v forward_o for_o the_o high_a price_n of_o our_o call_v say_v the_o apostle_n vain_a and_o groundless_a hope_n be_v inspiration_n of_o wind_n loose_a and_o ineffective_a the_o principal_a effect_n of_o christian_a hope_n be_v specify_v he_o purify_v himself_o i_o shall_v but_o glance_v upon_o this_o have_v large_o discourse_v of_o it_o already_o he_o purify_v himself_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o who_o the_o spiritual_a life_n and_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o proceed_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o purify_n be_v comprehensive_a of_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n from_o sinful_a inclination_n and_o vicious_a act_n from_o carnality_n and_o hypocrisy_n the_o continuance_n of_o this_o purify_n must_v be_v till_o we_o be_v cleanse_v from_o every_o spot_n and_o become_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n we_o be_v contract_a defilement_n every_o day_n and_o need_v the_o constant_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o preserve_v and_o restore_v our_o purity_n our_o saviour_n tell_v peter_n he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n but_o be_v clean_o every_o whit_n and_o you_o be_v clean_a but_o not_o all_o it_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n where_o they_o travel_v in_o sandal_n and_o have_v their_o foot_n soil_v with_o the_o dust_n or_o sand_n that_o require_v wash_v upon_o their_o come_n into_o a_o house_n in_o the_o renovation_n of_o a_o sinner_n all_o the_o faculty_n be_v purify_v though_o not_o perfect_o and_o it_o be_v requisite_a he_o shall_v daily_o cleanse_v himself_o from_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n the_o regular_a hope_n of_o heaven_n have_v a_o cleanse_a efficacy_n from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n now_o whoever_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o a_o desirable_a good_a in_o future_a expectation_n will_v endeavour_v if_o possible_a to_o have_v present_a possession_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o hope_v to_o be_v entire_o like_a to_o christ_n in_o heaven_n will_v strive_v to_o be_v as_o like_v he_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a in_o this_o life_n if_o we_o do_v expect_v a_o paradise_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n we_o may_v without_o contradiction_n by_o a_o impure_a indulgence_n gratify_v our_o carnal_a appetite_n but_o the_o state_n of_o future_a blessedness_n be_v signify_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n to_o the_o bless_a may_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v conceive_v by_o those_o title_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o indistinct_o to_o the_o