a_o angel_n of_o light_n yet_o certain_o docendi_fw-la cause_v doctrinal_o we_o may_v distinguish_v betwixt_o negligent_a loose_a professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n at_o large_a and_o starch_a design_v counterfeit_v i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o former_a sort_n the_o apostle_n chief_o decipher_v and_o condemn_v but_o i_o must_v not_o exclude_v the_o late_a what_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n mean_v we_o may_v collect_v easy_o by_o the_o opposition_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o form_n the_o form_n be_v the_o imperfect_a image_n and_o show_n the_o power_n be_v that_o energy_n force_n virtue_n and_o efficacy_n which_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n understand_v and_o believe_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v upon_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n in_o those_o man_n in_o who_o a_o serious_a devout_a and_o self-denying_a temper_n a_o just_a and_o holy_a life_n be_v find_v in_o those_o i_o say_v and_o in_o those_o alone_a the_o power_n of_o godliness_n take_v place_n and_o appear_v now_o as_o to_o the_o phrase_n of_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n it_o be_v only_o a_o hebraism_n a_o verbis_fw-la ad_fw-la facta_fw-la ducta_fw-la translatione_fw-la apply_v that_o way_n of_o speech_n to_o thing_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o word_n or_o verbal_a assertion_n when_o we_o agree_v not_o to_o or_o when_o we_o oppose_v and_o gainsay_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v avow_v to_o we_o we_o be_v say_v to_o deny_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o we_o yield_v not_o to_o or_o oppose_v that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n language_n say_v to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o these_o term_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v to_o obstruct_v and_o suppress_v that_o influence_n which_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o law_n believe_v and_o receive_v will_v natural_o have_v upon_o we_o the_o sum_n then_o of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n prediction_n be_v that_o in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o christianity_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o multitude_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o shall_v retain_v only_o some_o knowledge_n usage_n and_o outward_a show_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a spirit_n and_o temper_n this_o they_o shall_v oppress_v and_o destroy_v by_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a life_n §_o 4._o now_o i_o charge_v this_o character_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o present_a age_n it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o sad_a truth_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v matter_n of_o deep_a and_o daily_a lamentation_n that_o after_o so_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o noon_n day_n light_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o so_o many_o amaze_a blessing_n and_o awaken_n judgement_n after_o our_o have_v be_v toff_v and_o as_o it_o be_v empty_v from_o vessel_n to_o vessel_n jer._n 24._o 11._o after_o so_o many_o pretend_a endeavour_n and_o perhaps_o real_a struggle_n towards_o the_o pure_a reformation_n all_o that_o there_o be_v of_o religion_n visible_a in_o the_o christian_a commonalty_n be_v only_o some_o superficial_a knowledge_n of_o and_o a_o bold_a claim_n to_o christianity_n some_o outside_n formality_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o customary_a devotion_n but_o as_o to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o real_a fear_n of_o god_n as_o to_o a_o cordial_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n influence_v and_o change_v man_n heart_n and_o life_n how_o rare_o be_v it_o to_o be_v find_v how_o difficult_a to_o be_v effect_v good_a god_n in_o what_o a_o strange_a latitude_n must_v the_o name_n christian_n be_v take_v that_o we_o who_o at_o present_a live_v may_v in_o any_o proportion_n be_v true_o denominate_v christian_n §_o 5._o nor_o be_v this_o charge_n at_o all_o extravagant_a or_o unreasonable_a it_o will_v be_v sad_o make_v good_a by_o particular_n i_o say_v then_o 1._o the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v fair_o to_o raise_v and_o maintain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o 2._o the_o gain_v and_o keep_v a_o true_a christian_a spirit_n or_o temper_n and_o live_v conform_v to_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o rule_n be_v the_o care_n and_o exercise_v of_o very_a few_o that_o be_v to_o put_v both_o proposition_n into_o one_o the_o generality_n among_o we_o in_o the_o apostle_n language_n have_v a_o form_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a by_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o man_n practice_n §_o 6._o as_o to_o the_o former_a branch_n the_o pretence_n claim_n and_o practice_n which_o among_o man_n pass_v into_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o condition_n education_n humour_n and_o genius_n i_o will_v enumerate_v here_o such_o as_o be_v most_o frequent_a among_o we_o and_o i_o must_v first_o mention_n what_o have_v be_v already_o suggest_v out_o of_o rom._n two_o 20._o some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o upon_o which_o many_o set_v up_o for_o religious_a and_o perhaps_o be_v repute_v so_o both_o by_o themselves_o and_o other_o i_o send_v no_o man_n to_o censure_v other_o but_o let_v each_o man_n turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a and_o see_v if_o that_o most_o of_o the_o religion_n he_o have_v lie_v not_o in_o a_o collection_n of_o notion_n and_o speculation_n treasure_v up_o in_o his_o brain_n some_o people_n will_v be_v content_a to_o call_v this_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v too_o frequent_o only_o a_o ferrumination_n or_o paltry_a stock_n of_o opinion_n and_o though_o a_o man_n may_v have_v very_o much_o of_o religious_a knowledge_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o wicked_a man_n but_o ignorant_n yet_o it_o be_v scarce_o conceivable_a that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v or_o breed_v up_o and_o converse_v among_o christian_n but_o he_o shall_v thereby_o become_v furnish_v with_o knowledge_n which_o will_v suffice_v to_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o seem_v a_o exact_a parallel_n of_o the_o formal_a christian_n of_o this_o age_n i_o will_v therefore_o general_o illustrate_v each_o particular_a with_o that_o pattern_n i_o mean_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n they_o be_v sensible_a there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n good_a and_o bad_a religious_a and_o irreligious_a now_o what_o style_n have_v they_o for_o they_o john_n seven_o 49._o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v know_v or_o not_o know_v the_o law_n with_o they_o constitute_v a_o man_n religious_a or_o irreligious_a i_o will_v not_o here_o be_v mistake_v i_o be_o not_o decry_v knowledge_n but_o if_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a knowledge_n or_o a_o empty_a pretence_n thereto_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v value_v himself_o sole_o thereupon_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v necessary_o be_v a_o fallacious_a ground_n of_o confidence_n and_o a_o mere_a form_n of_o godliness_n 2._o other_o there_o be_v who_o to_o their_o real_a or_o pretend_a knowledge_n add_v a_o popular_a and_o specious_a profession_n of_o believe_v the_o religious_a doctrine_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n indeed_o all_o among_o we_o whether_o know_v or_o ignorant_a daily_o make_v or_o maintain_v and_o thus_o far_o none_o within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n general_o can_v be_v well_o imagine_v not_o to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o some_o be_v content_a to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o herd_n and_o be_v as_o much_o unconcern_v in_o their_o very_a profession_n as_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n if_o in_o common_a custom_n they_o be_v present_a at_o our_o congregation_n and_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n by_o that_o posture_n perhaps_o without_o knowledge_n signify_v their_o assent_n it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o much_o profession_n as_o can_v be_v perceive_v they_o make_v but_o other_o there_o be_v into_o who_o company_n you_o can_v come_v though_o upon_o common_a business_n or_o civility_n but_o they_o will_v present_o by_o head_n and_o shoulder_n fetch_v religion_n into_o discourse_n and_o tell_v you_o their_o concernment_n at_o the_o atheism_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o time_n nay_o haply_o their_o very_a look_n habit_n gesture_n and_o carriage_n of_o their_o body_n be_v so_o manage_v that_o a_o man_n who_o converse_v not_o with_o they_o but_o only_o see_v they_o pass_v by_o may_v easy_o espy_v therein_o the_o symptom_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o here_o to_o condemn_v gravity_n serious_a or_o holy_a discourse_n much_o less_o to_o censure_v the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o
damnation_n matth._n xxiii_o 14._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n sect._n 1_o the_o method_n of_o what_o follow_v and_o its_o reason_n sect._n 2._o by_o what_o gradation_n or_o step_n godliness_n come_v to_o have_v power_n upon_o man_n sect._n 3_o when_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v its_o due_a power_n sect._n 4._o a_o account_n of_o that_o habitual_a temper_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n hereof_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n sect._n 5._o a_o provision_n against_o some_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n hence_o arise_v sect._n 6._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a on_o this_o general_a head_n §_o 1._o the_o material_n be_v now_o bring_v together_o and_o lay_v down_o whence_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o little_a reflection_n upon_o common_a practice_n the_o first_o point_n of_o the_o charge_n above_o bring_v may_v be_v make_v good_a namely_o that_o the_o great_a business_n of_o most_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v fair_o to_o raise_v and_o maintain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o there_o be_v another_o part_n remain_v in_o order_n to_o the_o verify_n of_o the_o whole_a character_n we_o will_v first_o clear_v that_o and_o then_o join_v and_o sume_v up_o the_o evidence_n of_o both_o we_o may_v more_o satisfactory_o conclude_v on_o the_o whole_a now_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o character_n be_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o great_a question_n will_v be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o it_o practice_n that_o be_v do_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o understanding_n any_o negative_a notion_n before_o we_o have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o its_o positive_a contrary_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o exacter_n estimate_n how_o many_o way_n man_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n we_o will_v first_o inquire_v how_o and_o by_o what_o slep_n godliness_n come_v to_o have_v any_o power_n upon_o the_o soul_n or_o life_n of_o man_n and_o next_o when_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v its_o due_a power_n §_o 2._o we_o say_v then_o godliness_n obtain_v power_n over_o man_n by_o these_o degree_n 1._o when_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v due_o understand_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n i_o mean_v the_o plain_a &_o undoubted_a point_n of_o christian_a belief_n and_o practice_n and_o by_o a_o due_a understanding_n of_o they_o i_o mean_v a_o be_v able_a prore_n natâ_fw-la as_o occasion_n serve_v to_o frame_v in_o our_o mind_n conception_n and_o notion_n as_o well_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o rule_n of_o practice_n so_o far_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n both_o to_o direct_v and_o quicken_v over-rule_v or_o govern_v our_o practice_n to_o enumerate_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n be_v beside_o the_o present_a design_n it_o be_v sufficient_a we_o assign_v the_o chief_a and_o show_v where_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o main_a one_o be_v these_o that_o god_n be_v or_o have_v a_o most_o true_a and_o real_a be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o most_o excellent_a law_n and_o make_v a_o most_o gracious_a covenant_n with_o we_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o this_o covenant_n whosoever_o repent_v and_o believe_v shall_v assure_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n grace_n and_o glory_n that_o whosoever_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o they_o be_v to_o purge_v themselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n to_o live_v godly_o righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o world_n that_o after_o death_n all_o man_n shall_v rise_v again_o and_o appear_v before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n where_o every_o work_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n and_o it_o shall_v appear_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v righteous_a these_o and_o such_o like_a matter_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o decalogue_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o usual_o call_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o however_o powerful_a and_o operative_a these_o doctrine_n may_v seem_v or_o perhaps_o be_v feel_v to_o be_v upon_o any_o of_o we_o it_o be_v very_o sure_a they_o can_v have_v no_o power_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o understand_v they_o not_o it_o be_v by_o the_o understanding_n alone_o that_o they_o can_v be_v let_v in_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o some_o man_n who_o think_v ignorance_n a_o very_a tolerable_a evil_n if_o not_o public_o beneficial_a to_o peace_n and_o to_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o devotion_n be_v to_o remember_v that_o with_o they_o holiness_n whether_o of_o heart_n or_o life_n or_o indeed_o any_o other_o part_n of_o true_a and_o real_a religion_n come_v not_o into_o consideration_n they_o may_v and_o do_v perhaps_o provide_v to_o make_v this_o world_n quiet_a that_o be_v stupid_a senseless_a carnal_a and_o formal_a but_o they_o consult_v not_o at_o all_o the_o make_v it_o true_o christian_n if_o christ_n have_v come_v to_o plant_v a_o religion_n of_o which_o ignorance_n can_v either_o have_v be_v a_o mother_n or_o a_o kindly_a nurse_n he_o have_v be_v much_o beside_o himself_o when_o he_o inculcate_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v as_o much_o abuse_v we_o who_o style_v he_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n when_o man_n can_v show_v we_o how_o we_o can_v hearty_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o be_v durable_o or_o rational_o affect_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v then_o will_v we_o admit_v religious_a knowledge_n to_o be_v a_o useless_a or_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o that_o godliness_n may_v have_v its_o full_a power_n on_o those_o who_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v but_o till_o then_o we_o must_v remain_v of_o solomon_n mind_n prov._n nineteeen_o 2._o that_o the_o soul_n be_v without_o knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o good_a or_o as_o i_o think_v the_o hebrew_n rather_o run_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o there_o be_v not_o knowledge_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o it_o remain_v a_o good_a honest_a understanding_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a manner_n be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 2._o a_o second_o step_n and_o of_o no_o less_o necessity_n than_o the_o former_a be_v that_o we_o real_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v suppose_v so_o as_o before_o say_v to_o understand_v for_o it_o be_v very_o sure_a man_n may_v understand_v not_o only_o many_o notion_n but_o divers_a long_a series_n or_o train_n and_o composition_n of_o they_o in_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v any_o reality_n and_o it_o be_v as_o sure_o that_o tho'_o such_o feign_a story_n or_o intrigue_n may_v sometime_o confuse_o move_v our_o joy_n sorrow_n pity_n or_o sympathy_n yet_o these_o be_v only_o vain_a and_o in_o a_o sort_n irrational_a transient_a passion_n not_o change_v our_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n much_o less_o prevail_v durable_o to_o influence_n our_o manner_n and_o course_n of_o live_v the_o conduct_n of_o our_o life_n follow_v our_o settle_a persuasion_n and_o real_a sense_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o sufficient_a for_o the_o assert_v godliness_n into_o its_o due_a power_n over_o we_o that_o we_o conceive_v aright_o or_o have_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o several_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v further_a needful_a that_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v and_o our_o heart_n deep_o possess_v these_o doctrine_n be_v true_a these_o precept_n both_o equitable_a and_o actual_o obligatory_a for_o that_o god_n have_v publish_v from_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v set_v his_o seal_n hereto_o that_o no_o one_o shall_v be_v bless_v who_o do_v not_o according_a to_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v believe_v the_o one_o and_o honest_o practise_v the_o other_o and_o thus_o much_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v except_o we_o see_v or_o feel_v in_o our_o conscience_n convictive_a evidence_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o the_o take_n in_o religious_a knowledge_n if_o we_o intend_v godliness_n shall_v have_v its_o power_n upon_o we_o that_o be_v if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n we_o must_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o comprehend_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o several_a evidence_n which_o may_v persuade_v we_o of_o their_o reality_n truth_n and_o obligatoriness_n and_o that_o they_o be_v matter_n no_o whit_n feign_v but_o certain_a and_o of_o the_o most_o serious_a importance_n to_o we_o of_o any_o
2._o the_o particular_n of_o the_o first_o sect._n 3_o the_o dreadful_a nature_n of_o the_o second_o sect._n 4._o it_o be_v height_n or_o compliment_n sect._n 5._o the_o sum_n of_o all_o on_o this_o head_n §_o 1._o have_v now_o see_v by_o what_o mean_n and_o in_o what_o method_n godliness_n come_v to_o have_v power_n over_o man_n as_o also_o when_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v its_o due_a power_n namely_o wheresoever_o it_o direct_v and_o sway_v our_o practice_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n alter_v and_o new_a mould_n our_o heart_n and_o have_v before_o in_o general_a so_o open_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o that_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o course_n of_o act_v oppressive_a of_o and_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o most_o contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a life_n but_o now_o delineate_v we_o may_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v easy_o collect_v its_o kind_n and_o particular_n which_o will_v be_v deduce_v by_o a_o little_a reflection_n first_o if_o there_o be_v any_o practice_n by_o which_o man_n may_v obstruct_v or_o stop_v those_o way_n and_o passage_n whereby_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n come_v at_o man_n heart_n and_o get_v power_n over_o their_o soul_n those_o certain_o make_v up_o one_o kind_n or_o method_n of_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n second_o be_v that_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n godliness_n do_v not_o usual_o get_v its_o due_a power_n over_o man_n in_o a_o instant_n or_o by_o one_o single_a effort_n but_o by_o degree_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o other_o practice_n that_o may_v suppress_v the_o beginning_n energy_n or_o operation_n which_o such_o principle_n have_v a_o little_a by_o surprise_n or_o beside_o man_n intention_n and_o will_n get_v entrance_n unto_o natural_a conscience_n have_v attain_v upon_o man_n spirit_n and_o so_o choke_v and_o extinguish_v all_o holy_a warmth_n or_o life_n those_o also_o will_v constitute_v another_o accurse_a method_n of_o effect_v the_o same_o of_o both_o no_o doubt_n there_o may_v be_v assign_v instance_n but_o because_o it_o can_v i_o presume_v be_v well_o conceive_v how_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v injure_v but_o either_o by_o hinder_v its_o entrance_n and_o prevalence_n on_o the_o heart_n or_o by_o suppress_v and_o overbear_v it_o where_o it_o have_v get_v some_o room_n or_o interest_n already_o therefore_o i_o think_v all_o instance_n of_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n assignable_a may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n more_o close_o then_o i_o say_v man_n be_v guilty_a of_o what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o deny_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n when_o though_o they_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o take_v course_n to_o stop_v all_o way_n by_o which_o true_a religion_n may_v come_v inward_o to_o affect_v their_o heart_n or_o in_o case_n it_o have_v already_o make_v some_o entrance_n and_o impression_n yea_o and_o have_v some_o considerable_a alterative_a effect_n upon_o they_o yet_o they_o overbear_v and_o stifle_v all_o dictate_v and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v all_o concernment_n from_o it_o so_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n their_o life_n be_v the_o same_o as_o man_n that_o have_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o and_o too_o often_o only_o one_o or_o two_o remove_n from_o barbarity_n civil_a they_o may_v be_v but_o as_o little_a as_o well_o can_v be_v conceive_v consider_v they_o civilise_v of_o natural_a virtue_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o such_o god_n know_v be_v too_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n §_o 2._o but_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o former_a general_a way_n of_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o gradation_n by_o which_o it_o be_v say_v godliness_n obtain_v power_n over_o man_n we_o may_v soon_o see_v by_o what_o practise_v that_o power_n be_v obstruct_v it_o obtain_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o understanding_n its_o principle_n by_o our_o see_v and_o yield_v to_o its_o evidence_n that_o be_v believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o by_o our_o attend_v thereto_o in_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o life_n therefore_o it_o be_v by_o we_o obstruct_v by_o all_o voluntary_a ignorance_n voluntary_a unbelief_n and_o voluntary_a incogitancy_n or_o non-attention_n to_o what_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v voluntary_a i_o have_v say_v for_o what_o be_v so_o be_v only_o a_o humane_a act_n proper_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v more_o our_o misery_n though_o but_o just_o than_o our_o crime_n but_o of_o each_o of_o these_o as_o voluntary_a i_o shall_v observe_v two_o degree_n which_o though_o they_o be_v both_o if_o persist_v in_o certain_o destructive_a yet_o not_o of_o equal_a guilt_n and_o be_v to_o speak_v 1._o as_o to_o voluntary_a ignorance_n i_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o suppose_v man_n not_o to_o be_v idiot_n or_o natural_n there_o can_v be_v little_a or_o no_o gross_a ignorance_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o which_o be_v not_o voluntary_a i_o will_v ready_o confess_v and_o i_o hearty_o mourn_v for_o it_o before_o god_n it_o be_v scarce_o conceivable_a it_o be_v at_o least_o incredible_a to_o such_o who_o have_v not_o personal_o inquire_v into_o the_o common_a sort_n how_o profound_o ignorant_a a_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o yet_o frequent_v our_o public_a assembly_n be_v especial_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v pure_o point_v of_o faith_n and_o i_o must_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o call_v even_o this_o ignorance_n destructive_a for_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o generality_n tolerable_o to_o understand_v the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n and_o consequent_o to_o know_v what_o be_v more_o gross_o sinful_a yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n of_o his_o omniscience_n power_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o very_o much_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o transcendency_n or_o exceed_v greatness_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o dreadfulness_n of_o the_o punishment_n in_o that_o other_o world_n etc._n etc._n which_o i_o say_v be_v all_o pure_o point_v of_o faith_n want_v all_o the_o great_a motive_n and_o incentives_n which_o shall_v make_v the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v in_o point_n of_o practice_n effectual_a to_o live_v well_o that_o be_v which_o shall_v give_v godliness_n any_o considerable_a power_n over_o they_o and_o of_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o these_o i_o say_v the_o vulgar_a and_o i_o can_v wish_v only_o those_o who_o some_o account_n the_o vulgar_a be_v ignorant_a too_o common_o even_o to_o stupidity_n i_o do_v not_o say_v always_o god_n forbid_v for_o saepe_fw-la etiam_fw-la sub_fw-la sordido_fw-la pallio_fw-la sapientia_fw-la many_o a_o poor_a man_n in_o rag_n have_v some_o plain_a notion_n and_o a_o plain_a honest_a heart_n but_o the_o complaint_n common_o and_o in_o a_o very_a great_a amplitude_n be_v just_a than_o any_o but_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n will_v wish_v it_o be_v and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o so_o many_o of_o those_o who_o attend_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n what_o may_v we_o say_v of_o those_o who_o total_o neglect_v they_o but_o be_v this_o ignorance_n in_o which_o sort_n soever_o admit_v my_o former_a supposition_n that_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v find_v have_v their_o intellectual_n i_o say_v among_o we_o it_o must_v be_v voluntary_a in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o first_o admit_v it_o proceed_v only_o from_o their_o neglegence_n idleness_n not_o care_v for_o these_o thing_n they_o perhaps_o mind_v their_o ease_n enjoy_v themselves_o and_o as_o they_o speak_v live_v if_o their_o outward_a man_n fare_v but_o well_o enough_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o trust_n god_n with_o their_o soul_n and_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o with_o that_o concern_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v resolve_v so_o or_o no_o it_o be_v sure_a they_o do_v so_o suppose_v i_o say_v these_o man_n ignorant_a this_o their_o ignorance_n be_v voluntary_a for_o the_o negligence_n or_o sloth_n whence_o it_o proceed_v be_v of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o therefore_o must_v its_o several_a consequent_n and_o fruit_n be_v such_o also_o of_o which_o ignorance_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o immediate_a instance_n assignable_a but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o affect_v and_o resolute_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o which_o i_o can_v call_v no_o better_o than_o downright_a atheism_n or_o irreligion_n that_o i_o mean_v which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o who_o consider_v that_o christianity_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o a_o sensual_a voluptuous_a lewd_a life_n and_o that_o conscience_n be_v a_o uneasy_a portage_n to_o a_o
another_o state_n tell_v they_o further_o that_o beside_o their_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o inward_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o in_o all_o office_n god_n more_o regard_v this_o than_o the_o outward_a performance_n it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o one_o in_o more_o than_o i_o will_v name_n know_v what_o you_o mean_v they_o who_o be_v to_o instruct_v common_a people_n personal_o in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sad_a truth_n god_n forbid_v but_o that_o i_o shall_v think_v even_o among_o ordinary_a plain_a people_n there_o be_v diverse_a who_o can_v give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o themselves_o and_o many_o more_o who_o understand_v and_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o express_v but_o that_o will_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o any_o prudent_a person_n who_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o their_o spiritual_a concern_v notwithstanding_o i_o still_o insist_v upon_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o experience_n judgement_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o will_v confess_v thing_n general_o stand_v as_o i_o have_v state_v they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a complaint_n in_o which_o we_o all_o join_v and_o under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o which_o we_o mourn_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v grow_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n this_o then_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o truth_n as_o upon_o common_a experience_n consider_v particular_o the_o practice_n and_o state_n of_o the_o age_n it_o must_v be_v that_o even_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o religion_n or_o to_o make_v religion_n a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o business_n in_o life_n be_v only_o employ_v in_o some_o outward_a office_n and_o part_n of_o it_o or_o haply_o some_o empty_a pretence_n to_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n very_o ignorant_a what_o the_o due_a effect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v and_o unaffected_a or_o unexperienced_a in_o and_o for_o the_o main_a unsensible_a of_o the_o method_n by_o which_o godliness_n obtain_v power_n over_o man_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n at_o present_a be_v fair_o to_o raise_v and_o maintain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n §_o 3._o and_o from_o the_o same_o evidence_n the_o second_o part_n be_v be_v most_o easy_o conclusible_a for_o if_o common_a and_o sad_a experience_n speak_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v religion_n to_o be_v of_o such_o temper_n as_o say_v and_o that_o there_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n few_o comparative_o who_o have_v a_o real_a sense_n of_o godliness_n certain_o few_o there_o needs_o must_v be_v who_o be_v careful_a to_o live_v conform_v to_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o rule_n for_o without_o such_o sense_n and_o it_o deep_o too_o imprint_v on_o and_o daily_o keep_v alive_a in_o the_o heart_n this_o never_o will_v be_v do_v and_o again_o if_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o professor_n on_o all_o hand_n as_o above_z very_o few_o comparative_o understand_v what_o a_o christian_a frame_n and_o spirit_n mean_v and_z we_o will_v add_v as_o little_a value_n it_o if_o further_a they_o understand_v not_o the_o way_n of_o get_v or_o keep_v the_o same_o all_o which_o be_v partly_o evident_a before_o partly_o consequent_a upon_o one_o another_o than_o must_v the_o get_n and_o keep_v such_o spirit_n be_v the_o care_n and_o exercise_n of_o very_a few_o comparative_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v man_n shall_v make_v that_o matter_n of_o their_o care_n and_o exercise_n which_o they_o neither_o understand_v nor_o value_n nay_o which_o reduce_v the_o paucity_n yet_o to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o this_o temper_n be_v want_v in_o their_o diligence_n both_o to_o get_v and_o keep_v it_o that_o be_v they_o maintain_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o conscientious_a endeavour_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o christian_a law_n wherefore_o the_o gain_n and_o keep_v a_o true_a christian_a spirit_n and_o live_v conform_v to_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o rule_n be_v the_o care_n and_o exercise_n of_o very_a few_o which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n and_o so_o what_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v of_o the_o last_o day_n appear_v to_o be_v sad_o verify_v in_o these_o the_o generality_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o §_o 4._o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v plead_v in_o mitigation_n of_o this_o guilt_n that_o much_o of_o it_o be_v due_a to_o ignorance_n for_o so_o it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o have_v be_v argue_v in_o the_o proof_n now_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o plead_v man_n ignorance_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o such_o dreadful_a gild_n when_o ignorance_n ordinary_o import_v rather_o infirmity_n i_o answer_v hereto_o though_o i_o make_v use_n of_o the_o multitude_n ignorance_n in_o spiritual_n as_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o most_o obvious_a convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o age_n general_o very_o guilty_a of_o formality_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o formality_n of_o the_o age_n much_o less_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o accompany_v and_o flow_v from_o it_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n there_o have_v be_v enough_o say_v above_o of_o oppress_a conscience_n overpower_v its_o dictate_v and_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n to_o take_v off_o such_o trifle_a excuse_n and_o extenuatory_n plea_n as_o these_o beside_o though_o it_o be_v admit_v most_o of_o our_o formality_n do_v come_v from_o the_o people_n ignorance_n yet_o the_o question_n will_v be_v who_o fault_n be_v that_o ignorance_n these_o very_a person_n we_o charge_v have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n how_o come_v they_o by_o that_o knowledge_n but_o from_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o that_o gospel_n most_o plain_o present_v unto_o we_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n and_o law_n and_o that_o with_o evidence_n sufficient_a to_o persuade_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o and_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o do_v it_o not_o require_v we_o to_o try_v our_o self_n and_o action_n thereby_o in_o a_o word_n have_v not_o this_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bring_v salvation_n appear_v or_o be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o all_o of_o we_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n can_v there_o be_v find_v on_o earth_n such_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o empty_a form_n of_o godliness_n or_o such_o a_o instrument_n to_o convey_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n into_o man_n heart_n as_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a therefore_o and_o be_v ignorant_a formal_a and_o senseless_a in_o to_o the_o bargain_n the_o great_a be_v our_o sin_n our_o ignorance_n be_v and_o needs_o must_v be_v voluntary_a and_o choose_v so_o must_v our_o unbelief_n our_o heedlessness_n our_o unconcernedness_n our_o formality_n and_o our_o very_a deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o whether_o we_o have_v run_v into_o this_o guilt_n through_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n or_o perverseness_n and_o obstinate_a design_n it_o be_v but_o reflect_v on_o what_o have_v be_v abovesaid_a and_o inquire_v into_o our_o own_o conscience_n answerable_o and_o we_o may_v fit_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o stature_n in_o sin_n §_o 5._o indeed_o so_o far_o have_v i_o be_v from_o strain_v truth_n in_o set_v forth_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o present_a age_n in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a be_v great_a than_o have_v yet_o be_v represent_v i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o conclude_v the_o charge_n just_a consider_v only_o that_o portion_n of_o man_n who_o among_o we_o seem_v to_o make_v religion_n somewhat_o of_o their_o business_n and_o concernment_n but_o how_o great_a a_o part_n may_v we_o find_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n who_o indeed_o call_v themselves_o christian_n at_o least_o be_v content_a people_n shall_v reckon_v they_o in_o to_o the_o common_a number_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n who_o true_o any_o man_n verse_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o account_v by_o their_o manner_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o civil_a turk_n or_o heathen_n in_o truth_n as_o the_o world_n go_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v within_o our_o bowel_n three_o rate_n of_o christian_n we_o have_v first_o christian_n only_o in_o name_n we_o have_v second_o christian_n in_o name_n and_o form_n and_o undoubted_o there_o be_v among_o we_o if_o on_o earth_n christian_n
notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o manner_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o these_o mention_v must_v be_v their_o first_o endeavour_n who_o will_v set_v up_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o soul_n second_o proportionable_o to_o what_o have_v be_v above_o lay_v down_o their_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o root_v in_o themselves_o a_o deep_a and_o cordial_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n especial_o in_o such_o main_a point_n first_o as_o those_o before_o under_o this_o head_n instance_a in_o and_o so_o of_o the_o most_o indispensable_a obligation_n of_o its_o precept_n this_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a so_o most_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o therefore_o require_v our_o great_a labour_n thought_n and_o assiduity_n and_o for_o the_o effect_n hereof_o as_o in_o the_o other_o follow_v point_n so_o in_o this_o there_o will_v be_v some_o direction_n peculiar_a other_o common_a to_o this_o with_o the_o rest_n ensue_v the_o common_a one_o will_v come_v most_o fit_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o directory_n part_n as_o to_o what_o be_v more_o peculiar_a than_o here_o 1._o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o treasure_n up_o in_o our_o memory_n or_o if_o we_o be_v able_a for_o help_v of_o our_o memory_n in_o write_v the_o weighty_a and_o most_o press_a argument_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o course_n of_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o which_o we_o can_v find_v out_o by_o read_v or_o other_o enquiry_n touch_v the_o existence_n or_o real_a be_v of_o god_n of_o the_o unseen_a world_n and_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v of_o which_o point_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v once_o true_o persuade_v all_o other_o grand_a necessary_n will_n easy_o follow_v to_o come_v as_o close_o home_n as_o may_v be_v let_v i_o consider_v with_o myself_o have_v i_o at_o any_o time_n hear_v any_o thing_n urge_v to_o prove_v god_n be_v a_o most_o real_a be_v religion_n a_o most_o serious_a matter_n the_o world_n to_o come_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n any_o thing_n possible_a can_v be_v of_o etc._n etc._n have_v i_o i_o say_v at_o any_o time_n hear_v any_o thing_n urge_v to_o prove_v these_o or_o the_o like_a point_n which_o have_v make_v any_o impression_n on_o my_o mind_n if_o i_o have_v let_v i_o recollect_v that_o and_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o in_o the_o end_n treasure_n it_o up_o in_o my_o memory_n as_o a_o most_o precious_a jewel_n if_o i_o have_v not_o let_v i_o inquire_v by_o all_o mean_v i_o can_v and_o not_o rest_v till_o i_o have_v find_v some_o such_o evidence_n as_o may_v fix_v the_o belief_n of_o these_o principle_n in_o my_o soul_n i_o shall_v upon_o enquiry_n find_v some_o proof_n hereof_o there_o be_v within_o i_o which_o i_o ever_o carry_v about_o with_o i_o and_o can_v be_v rid_v of_o other_o without_o i_o within_o the_o dictate_v and_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o mind_n and_o conscience_n whensoever_o i_o be_o serious_a and_o intent_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n importunate_o inculcate_n to_o i_o they_o be_v truth_n i_o find_v i_o can_v but_o fear_v a_o god_n or_o unseen_a power_n and_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o a_o future_a estate_n i_o can_v judge_v that_o i_o come_v into_o this_o world_n to_o be_v afer_fw-la death_n equal_v to_o a_o hog_n or_o to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v whether_o i_o will_v or_o no_o my_o mind_n do_v upbraid_v i_o with_o some_o action_n of_o i_o and_o call_v they_o vile_a to_o my_o face_n other_o it_o commend_v and_o be_v please_v with_o reflection_n upon_o a_o difference_n it_o do_v put_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a these_o and_o other_o attestation_n to_o religion_n i_o may_v meet_v with_o from_o my_o own_o breast_n from_o without_o this_o glorious_a fabric_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o must_v as_o sure_o have_v a_o maker_n as_o the_o house_n i_o dwell_v in_o have_v a_o builder_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n which_o i_o can_v force_v myself_o to_o believe_v go_v all_o by_o chance_n for_o i_o see_v much_o mean_a thing_n none_o of_o which_o go_v so_o with_o diverse_a other_o point_n but_o moderate_o attend_v to_o and_o consider_v will_v lead_v i_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n i_o must_v not_o here_o digress_v upon_o this_o copious_a subject_n only_o one_o thing_n i_o may_v not_o omit_v a_o particular_a recollection_n and_o observation_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o ourselves_o in_o person_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n how_o we_o have_v be_v endanger_v and_o how_o rescue_v and_o preserve_v how_o all_o along_o sustain_v how_o sometime_o our_o sin_n have_v find_v we_o out_o at_o other_o time_n how_o our_o prayer_n have_v be_v answer_v and_o our_o obedience_n be_v own_v and_o reward_v the_o particular_a reflection_n i_o say_v on_o these_o and_o other_o like_a point_n be_v a_o cogent_n and_o very_a move_a proof_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la at_o least_o to_o imprint_v in_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o do_v govern_v and_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n whoso_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v observe_v these_o thing_n even_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n cxi_o 43._o i_o may_v confident_o avow_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o be_v much_o in_o the_o observation_n and_o mindful_a recollection_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o he_o so_o it_o can_v hardly_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o any_o man_n can_v study_v his_o own_o outward_a condition_n course_n or_o fortune_n as_o we_o speak_v from_o his_o cradle_n to_o his_o mature_a age_n but_o he_o shall_v find_v thereby_o strong_o raise_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v power_n goodness_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n i_o may_v not_o therefore_o forbear_v to_o touch_v upon_o this_o point_n 2._o such_o proof_n be_v thus_o treasure_v up_o let_v they_o be_v frequent_o meditate_a upon_o at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o may_v be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o especial_o such_o of_o they_o which_o have_v at_o any_o time_n more_o considerable_o affect_v we_o on_o such_o let_v our_o thought_n more_o durable_o dwell_v let_v we_o improve_v the_o impression_n and_o do_v what_o we_o can_v by_o frequent_a and_o intent_n think_v to_o settle_v it_o indelible_a or_o ordinary_o recurrent_a ever_o run_v in_o our_o mind_n 3._o for_o the_o better_a establish_n in_o our_o soul_n a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n it_o will_v be_v very_o ncessary_a that_o we_o forthwith_o abandon_v and_o in_o our_o practice_n eschew_v whatsoever_o we_o know_v or_o so_o much_o as_o reasonable_o suspect_v to_o be_v sinful_a for_o the_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o such_o thing_n make_v it_o seem_v our_o inteterest_n that_o religion_n shall_v be_v false_a and_o then_o as_o if_o in_o our_o own_o defence_n we_o shall_v be_v incline_v to_o believe_v so_o or_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o wish_v it_o be_v last_o where_o such_o persuade_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n be_v design_v no_o doubt_n at_o any_o time_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v endure_v any_o long_a than_o till_o the_o first_o opportunity_n we_o can_v find_v of_o satisfaction_n and_o if_o we_o can_v by_o thought_n read_v prayer_n or_o ordinary_a converse_n satisfy_v ourselves_o let_v we_o speedy_o repair_v to_o such_o spiritual_a guide_n as_o may_v succour_v we_o the_o neglect_n of_o hereof_o in_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o this_o within_o our_o church_n be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o much_o prejudices_fw-la the_o power_n of_o godliness_n among_o we_o other_o more_o common_a direction_n useful_a indeed_o in_o this_o point_n yet_o no_o less_o so_o in_o those_o other_o follow_v will_v be_v suggest_v in_o their_o place_n and_o thus_o far_o brief_o as_o to_o that_o most_o important_a concern_v towards_o godliness_n of_o the_o establish_n the_o belief_n of_o its_o principle_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v say_v above_o in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o both_o such_o knowledge_n and_o such_o persuasion_n as_o describe_v may_v be_v frequent_o of_o little_a power_n to_o godliness_n or_o a_o holy_a practice_n unless_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o particular_n of_o life_n be_v keep_v attentive_a to_o both_o correspondent_o then_o herewith_o all_o mean_n which_o in_o christian_a prudence_n we_o can_v find_v out_o must_v be_v use_v to_o keep_v alive_a in_o the_o mind_n a_o sense_n of_o these_o principle_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o other_o word_n to_o keep_v conscience_n in_o the_o particular_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n attent_a to_o they_o and_o i_o can_v think_v of_o nothing_o more_o proper_a hereto_o than_o the_o
be_v chief_o they_o who_o beside_o that_o they_o will_v not_o write_v like_o other_o man_n will_v be_v write_v in_o language_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o menage_n intelligible_o nor_o be_v ever_o master_n of_o the_o propriety_n of_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v wish_v the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o conformist_n plea_n for_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v deal_v as_o fair_o with_o the_o government_n law_n and_o even_o with_o the_o truth_n itself_o as_o i_o do_v with_o mr._n b_n book_n that_o piece_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v write_v chief_o for_o my_o satisfaction_n among_o other_o but_o i_o profess_v myself_o dissatisfy_v with_o it_o as_o well_o by_o the_o author_n bring_v man_n in_o as_o sufferer_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n before_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n take_v place_n as_o for_o other_o mistake_n which_o that_o good_a man_n charity_n i_o will_v not_o say_v his_o credulity_n lead_v he_o into_o i_o beg_v thy_o pardon_n good_a reader_n for_o detain_v thou_o thus_o long_o from_o what_o follow_v be_v please_v to_o peruse_v the_o annex_v abstract_n or_o scheme_n and_o thou_o will_v more_o clear_o comprehend_v and_o more_o sure_o remember_v the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o god_n direct_v we_o all_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n errata_fw-la page_z 32._o l._n 14._o r._n what_o practice_n p._n 44._o l._n 10._o r._n in_o any_o p._n 47._o l._n 2._o r._n hearken_v not_o p._n 68_o l._n 4._o r._n to_o the_o p._n 79._o l._n 4._o r._n deny_v p._n 117._o l._n 11._o r._n proof_n thereof_o p._n 119._o l._n 1._o r._n endeavour_n p._n 137._o l._n 16_o r._n psal_n cvi_fw-la a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n visible_a in_o the_o present_a age_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n sect._n 1_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v ourselves_o fall_v into_o those_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o day_n sect._n 2._o in_o those_o day_n it_o be_v foretell_v there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o multitude_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o sect._n 3_o what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o those_o term_n sect._n 4._o the_o character_n charge_v on_o the_o present_a age._n sect._n 5._o the_o charge_n propound_v to_o be_v make_v good_a in_o particular_n sect._n 6._o a_o account_n of_o many_o pretence_n and_o practice_n which_o at_o present_a pass_n into_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n sect._n 7._o other_o may_v be_v collect_v by_o regard_n to_o these_o §_o 1._o when_o event_n full_o answer_v prophecy_n there_o can_v be_v little_a doubt_n to_o what_o time_n those_o prophecy_n do_v belong_v there_o be_v therefore_o extant_a in_o holy_a scripture_n divers_a prophetical_a character_n of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o our_o experience_n and_o reflection_n on_o the_o present_a age_n too_o sad_o convince_a we_o those_o character_n dreadful_o agree_v with_o the_o present_a manner_n we_o can_v or_o may_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o some_o part_n of_o those_o last_o day_n §_o 2._o among_o other_o prophecy_n which_o we_o find_v of_o those_o day_n that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o full_a and_o most_o memorable_a which_o we_o find_v in_o 2_o tim._n ch_z iii._o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o original_a difficult_a time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o what_o regard_n the_o follow_a verse_n explain_v man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n etc._n etc._n by_o man_n doubtless_o he_o design_v not_o so_o much_o the_o general_a mass_n of_o mankind_n consist_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o man_n in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o christian_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o world_n be_v even_o at_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n such_o and_o indeed_o ever_o have_v be_v since_o the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n once_o and_o again_o but_o as_o elsewhere_o predict_v that_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o there_o come_v a_o fall_v away_o first_o so_o here_o he_o particular_o specify_v the_o more_o practical_a part_n of_o that_o prophecy_n or_o the_o degenerous_a manner_n of_o christendom_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o late_a day_n the_o sense_n then_o of_o the_o first_o verse_n in_o that_o prophecy_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a world_n shall_v come_v to_o such_o pass_n that_o the_o vice_n of_o those_o who_o pass_v for_o christian_n shall_v render_v it_o very_o difficult_a for_o they_o who_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v ch._n two_o 24_o 25._o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n with_o good_a conscience_n or_o indeed_o for_o any_o private_a person_n either_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n v._n 26._o or_o to_o escape_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n and_o preserve_v their_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n now_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o christianity_n we_o can_v deny_v nor_o therefore_o that_o these_o our_o day_n be_v some_o of_o the_o last_o the_o three_o next_o follow_v verse_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o my_o present_a design_n that_o i_o particular_o examine_v or_o paraphrase_n upon_o the_o sum_n of_o they_o be_v that_o in_o that_o degenerate_a state_n and_o age_n by_o the_o apostle_n predict_v such_o professor_n of_o christianity_n shall_v abound_v who_o be_v overrun_v with_o such_o immorality_n which_o not_o only_o the_o evangelical_n law_n but_o even_o nature_n itself_o have_v ever_o adjudge_v the_o most_o abominable_a vice_n and_o the_o dismal_a list_n of_o these_o run_v so_o high_a and_o large_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o instance_n in_o that_o crime_n which_o may_v not_o be_v reduce_v to_o some_o of_o those_o comprehensive_a head_n there_o enumerate_v namely_o of_o selfishness_n covetousness_n blasphemy_n ingratitude_n cruelty_n treachery_n voluptuousness_n profaneness_n etc._n etc._n now_o where_o the_o multitude_n shall_v be_v so_o profligate_o bad_a what_o remain_v there_o can_v be_v of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n a_o man_n will_v wonder_v yet_o we_o see_v even_o in_o this_o state_n of_o public_a manner_n the_o apostle_n not_o only_o admit_v but_o foretell_v people_n shall_v have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o afore_o specify_v flagitiousness_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o now_o there_o be_v too_o just_a a_o suspicion_n that_o as_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o character_n be_v verify_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o present_a christian_a world_n so_o this_o late_a part_n and_o close_o of_o it_o belong_v to_o we_o also_o before_o we_o roundly_o accuse_v or_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o age_n guilty_a of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v expedient_a a_o little_a more_o distinct_o to_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o the_o charge_n §_o 3._o by_o godliness_n the_o apostle_n undoubted_o in_o the_o place_n mention_v intend_a only_a religion_n in_o general_n or_o the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n what_o he_o style_v the_o form_n hereof_o seem_v to_o import_v two_o thing_n first_o a_o idea_n scheme_n or_o draught_n of_o religious_a doctrine_n or_o principle_n and_o thus_o the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o use_v the_o very_a self_n same_o term_n viz._n rom._n two_o 20._o where_n speak_v touch_v the_o self-pleasing_a jew_n he_o bring_v he_o in_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o exclude_v this_o form_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n admit_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v in_o those_o wicked_a liver_n he_o tax_v as_o wild_o as_o they_o live_v they_o may_v have_v as_o the_o jew_n and_o perhaps_o value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o have_v a_o measure_n of_o religious_a knowledge_n second_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n seem_v further_a to_o import_v some_o exterior_a line_n or_o touch_n of_o religion_n a_o habit_n or_o course_n of_o some_o outward_a religious_a usage_n and_o so_o some_o imperfect_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o inward_a virtue_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o formation_n rather_o than_o a_o form_n a_o rude_a draught_n not_o a_o well-wrought_a picture_n of_o godliness_n which_o distinguish_v the_o person_n there_o characterise_v from_o demure_a hypocrite_n who_o possible_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a mein_fw-ge of_o godliness_n and_o act_v it_o more_o to_o the_o life_n not_o that_o such_o hypocritical_a person_n be_v before_o god_n better_a than_o the_o downright_a profane_a for_o malus_n bonum_fw-la cum_fw-la simulat_fw-la tunc_fw-la est_fw-la pessimus_fw-la satan_n be_v never_o more_o a_o devil_n than_o when_o he_o appear_v as_o
in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v such_o upon_o the_o observance_n or_o neglect_n of_o which_o by_o the_o irrefragable_a ordination_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n not_o only_o too_o much_o want_v in_o the_o world_n but_o too_o little_o study_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o no_o doubt_n not_o without_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n further_o 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n these_o principle_n thus_o understand_v and_o believe_v be_v actual_o attend_v unto_o in_o order_n to_o the_o govern_v ourselves_o thereby_o for_o we_o see_v it_o too_o sad_o true_a man_n may_v understand_v and_o believe_v what_o partly_o through_o infirmity_n and_o natural_a inadvertency_n partly_o through_o negligence_n and_o grossness_n they_o too_o little_a heed_n therefore_o that_o godliness_n may_v have_v its_o due_a power_n all_o who_o consider_v the_o case_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v it_o indispensible_o necessary_a man_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v a_o constant_a attention_n unto_o or_o habitual_a sense_n of_o the_o christianity_n they_o believe_v the_o rule_n of_o practice_n or_o christian_a law_n then_o must_v as_o near_o as_o can_v be_v ever_o be_v set_v and_o keep_v before_o we_o to_o examine_v thereby_o all_o action_n that_o pass_v we_o or_o the_o occasion_n and_o exercise_n whereof_o occur_v whether_o the_o action_n be_v good_a or_o whether_o evil_a in_o like_a manner_n also_o the_o great_a point_n of_o faith_n especial_o such_o influential_a one_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o omniscience_n justice_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n the_o certainty_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v with_o the_o like_a must_v be_v ever_o before_o we_o to_o incite_v and_o quicken_v we_o as_o well_o to_o eschew_v the_o evil_a as_o choose_v the_o good_a this_o be_v in_o david_n language_n have_v respect_n unto_o god_n statute_n continual_o psalm_n cxix_o 117._o and_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o this_o the_o holy_a source_n and_o effectual_a work_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n joint_o appear_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n i_o mean_v when_o conscience_n judge_v right_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a rule_n what_o be_v duty_n what_o be_v sin_n and_o faith_n overaws_a or_o sway_v the_o whole_a man_n to_o act_v according_o both_o which_o may_v happy_o succeed_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o we_o understand_v believe_v and_o in_o our_o particular_a practice_n attend_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n but_o never_o can_v otherwise_o and_o this_o i_o may_v call_v the_o true_a account_n of_o sanctification_n or_o god_n work_v holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o i_o may_v justify_v my_o say_n so_o from_o the_o apostle_n word_n act_n xxvi_o 18._o sanctify_v through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n especial_o if_o i_o add_v hereto_o 4._o that_o for_o the_o assert_v godliness_n into_o its_o full_a power_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o not_o only_o in_o some_o particular_a instance_n conform_v our_o action_n to_o the_o christian_a law_n but_o by_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o conscientious_a observance_n study_v to_o habituate_v ourselves_o to_o such_o confirmity_n we_o must_v stirnp_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o and_o rouse_v all_o our_o strength_n if_o in_o any_o instance_n duty_n or_o obey_v good_a conscience_n seem_v at_o first_o difficult_a it_o be_v practice_n that_o make_v man_n holy_a i_o deny_v not_o divine_a assistance_n or_o grace_n but_o rather_o ground_n all_o holy_a practice_n thereon_o this_o only_a i_o mean_v godliness_n get_v not_o its_o due_a power_n over_o we_o but_o by_o something_o of_o custom_n and_o exercise_n we_o say_v common_o one_o act_n do_v not_o denominate_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o neither_o do_v it_o much_o change_v a_o man_n he_o be_v wicked_a with_o a_o witness_n and_o so_o bad_a as_o scarce_o ever_o man_n or_o devil_n be_v find_v who_o have_v not_o in_o some_o single_a act_n or_o other_o comply_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o good_a conscience_n but_o there_o must_v be_v frequent_a act_n of_o that_o sort_n to_o beget_v either_o a_o custom_n or_o facility_n of_o such_o compliance_n so_o that_o i_o say_v if_o we_o intend_v godliness_n shall_v have_v its_o power_n on_o we_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o such_o honest_a conscientious_a practice_n as_o describe_v we_o must_v not_o idle_o expect_v i_o know_v not_o what_o inspiration_n or_o infusion_n of_o virtuous_a habit_n into_o our_o soul_n but_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o introduce_v they_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n command_v exercise_v thyself_o unto_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n four_o 7._o and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o method_n will_v be_v successful_a exercise_v thyself_o to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v practise_v daily_o in_o it_o and_o it_o will_v obtain_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o due_a power_n over_o thou_o the_o sum_n then_o of_o what_o we_o have_v say_v on_o this_o point_n be_v to_o the_o end_n godliness_n may_v have_v its_o power_n over_o any_o person_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o christian_a life_n be_v due_o by_o they_o understand_v be_v firm_o believe_v be_v further_o particular_o in_o practice_n attend_v to_o and_o that_o last_o they_o endeavour_v to_o inure_v themselves_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o and_o habitual_a observance_n of_o they_o for_o in_o this_o method_n and_o by_o these_o step_n it_o be_v rational_o intelligible_a and_o accountable_a how_o godliness_n may_v obtain_v power_n over_o man_n and_o in_o any_o other_o method_n to_o expect_v it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a not_o to_o say_v enthusiastical_a though_o god_n know_v too_o frequent_a a_o extravagance_n §_o 3._o now_o by_o what_o we_o have_v thus_o discourse_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v when_o godliness_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v its_o due_a power_n namely_o when_o in_o aman_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n and_o good_a conscience_n prevail_v general_o to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o man_n life_n and_o heart_n or_o in_o plain_a term_n if_o plain_a can_v be_v when_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o such_o method_n as_o above_o set_v down_o the_o man_n be_v bring_v over_o from_o a_o worldly_a vain_a or_o loose_a life_n to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n of_o heart_n not_o to_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n and_o this_o purpose_n be_v firm_o keep_v to_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n endeavour_v withal_o to_o maintain_v perpetual_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n whence_o may_v flow_v a_o life_n so_o regular_a such_o person_n as_o these_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o such_o as_o these_o i_o say_v and_o in_o no_o other_o let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v be_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o be_v find_v all_o this_o will_v be_v most_o plain_a and_o together_o fortify_v by_o the_o evidence_n if_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n or_o two_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o prevalence_n of_o godliness_n or_o good_a conscience_n so_o as_o to_o allow_v a_o man_n self_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o no_o sin_n a_o fit_a instance_n can_v well_o be_v find_v than_o that_o of_o joseph_n genes_n thirty-nine_o the_o temptation_n be_v well_o enough_o know_v and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n such_o as_o give_v it_o a_o strange_a recommendation_n his_o age_n he_o young_a his_o condition_n a_o servant_n and_o she_o his_o mistress_n the_o advantage_n likely_a to_o befall_v he_o hereby_o nothing_o already_o be_v keep_v from_o he_o in_o the_o house_n but_o she_o ver_fw-la 9_o this_o will_v have_v make_v he_o absolute_a her_o importunity_n she_o speak_v to_o he_o day_n by_o day_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o as_o to_o opportunity_n none_o of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o house_n be_v within_o ver_fw-la 11._o now_o see_v how_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n work_v and_o so_o proportionable_o it_o will_v on_o such_o occasion_n wherever_o it_o be_v in_o general_n 1._o he_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n and_o know_v adultery_n to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n ver_fw-la 9_o 2._o he_o not_o only_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o as_o to_o god_n believe_v privacy_n can_v not_o conceal_v it_o from_o god_n both_o these_o he_o express_o profess_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n 3._o he_o particular_o amid_o all_o these_o conspiracy_n of_o tempter_n and_o temptation_n attend_v not_o only_o as_o
we_o have_v see_v to_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o some_o personal_a obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o he_o behold_v my_o master_n have_v commit_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o my_o hand_n he_o wot_v not_o what_o be_v in_o the_o house_n with_o i_o there_o be_v none_o great_a in_o this_o house_n than_o i_o nothing_o be_v withhold_v from_o i_o but_o thou_o because_o thou_o be_v his_o wife_n ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o and_o now_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n he_o hearken_v to_o she_o as_o she_o speak_v to_o he_o day_n by_o day_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v with_o she_o ver_fw-la 10._o 4._o in_o other_o term_n he_o conform_v to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o keep_v close_o thereto_o not_o in_o a_o single_a instance_n or_o two_o but_o with_o constancy_n nay_o when_o she_o offer_v a_o kind_n of_o violence_n to_o he_o and_o catch_v he_o by_o his_o garment_n he_o flee_v and_o get_v he_o out_o leave_v his_o garment_n in_o her_o hand_n ver_fw-la 12._o a_o glorious_a precedent_n this_o and_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n shine_v with_o a_o true_o heavenly_a lustre_n again_o as_o to_o the_o prevalence_n of_o godliness_n in_o not_o allow_v a_o man_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n we_o will_v take_v the_o cafe_z of_o daniel_n dan._n vi_fw-la a_o royal_a statute_n and_o a_o firm_a decree_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n which_o alter_v not_o be_v establish_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v ask_v a_o petition_n of_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v of_o the_o king_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n v_o 7._o what_o live_v thirty_o day_n without_o pray_v why_o this_o a_o man_n ever_o touch_v with_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n can_v no_o more_o endure_v than_o he_o can_v no_o more_o endure_v than_o he_o can_v live_v thirty_o day_n without_o breathe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o knowledge_n belief_n or_o attention_n of_o or_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n this_o neglect_n will_v not_o down_o nor_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pleasant_a flesh_n and_o blood_n may_v make_v against_o the_o lion_n den_n do_v it_o here_o it_o be_v obvious_a and_o undoubted_o not_o unsugge_v by_o humane_a nature_n in_o daniel_n may_v not_o secret_a or_o less_o solemn_a some_o will_v have_v think_v even_o mental_a prayer_n excuse_v in_o this_o case_n no_o not_o in_o the_o present_a juncture_n for_o now_o not_o pray_v as_o he_o use_v to_o do_v and_o according_a to_o the_o then_o stand_v rule_n towards_o the_o sanctuary_n in_o jerusalem_n 1_o king_n viij_o 33_o 35_o 38._o etc._n etc._n and_o with_o his_o window_n open_a that_o he_o may_v look_v thitherwards_o will_v have_v be_v disow_v his_o religion_n and_o as_o the_o import_n of_o the_o decree_n run_v a_o month_n renounce_v his_o god_n and_o this_o the_o good_a man_n conscience_n no_o doubt_n pronounce_v the_o attend_v to_o those_o dictate_v and_o comply_v therewith_o not_o once_o or_o again_o but_o in_o constant_a course_n even_o when_o he_o know_v that_o the_o writing_n be_v sign_v go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n be_v open_a in_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n vi_fw-la 10._o behold_v here_o how_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n prevail_v for_o pay_v a_o know_a duty_n towards_o god_n against_o all_o contrary_a force_n and_o plea_n i_o be_o not_o unaware_o the_o sloth_n and_o lukewarmness_n of_o the_o age_n have_v here_o a_o obvious_a pretence_n in_o defence_n of_o go_v much_o low_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o satisfy_v the_o claim_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n these_o precedent_n it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v extraordinary_a and_o these_o person_n have_v virtue_n to_o a_o heroical_a degree_n as_o the_o term_n be_v there_o may_v be_v true_o godly_a man_n of_o a_o inferior_a order_n as_o star_n of_o the_o six_o be_v no_o less_o star_n than_o those_o of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n but_o the_o reply_n be_v as_o obvious_a the_o degree_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n here_o appear_v bear_v only_o due_a proportion_n to_o the_o occasion_n and_o be_v but_o such_o as_o in_o those_o juncture_n of_o temptation_n to_o prevail_v we_o it_o may_v be_v meet_v not_o in_o our_o experience_n with_o frequent_a instance_n of_o so_o illustrious_a exertion_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o neither_o haply_o with_o frequent_a instance_n of_o so_o violent_a temptation_n god_n in_o his_o merciful_a providence_n consider_v we_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o do_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a with_o the_o temptation_n he_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o provide_v with_o the_o temptation_n a_o escape_n 1_o cor._n x._o 13._o but_o however_o such_o instance_n may_v not_o have_v fall_v much_o into_o our_o experience_n yet_o such_o undoubted_o there_o be_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v godliness_n in_o we_o be_v powerful_a enough_o in_o case_n of_o our_o that_o be_v more_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o prevail_v against_o know_a sin_n and_o for_o know_a duty_n true_o unless_o it_o be_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o godliness_n have_v attain_v its_o power_n in_o we_o according_a to_o our_o estate_n such_o integrity_n and_o such_o constancy_n too_o general_o there_o must_v be_v otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o sincerity_n then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashame_v that_o be_v then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v find_v a_o hypocrite_n go_v about_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n god_n and_o myself_o when_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n psal_n cxix_o 6._o let_v this_o then_o stand_v as_o a_o unshaken_a and_o unmoveable_a truth_n that_o wherever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n be_v understand_v believe_v attend_v to_o and_o by_o honest_a endeavour_n comply_v with_o there_o godliness_n will_v by_o god_n grace_n obtain_v such_o power_n and_o mastery_n as_o to_o prevail_v habitual_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n §_o 4._o which_o bless_a victory_n will_v soon_o introduce_v a_o new_a face_n of_o thing_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v throughout_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o person_n for_o a_o little_a of_o this_o course_n of_o life_n or_o practice_n will_v soon_o naturalize_v holiness_n and_o render_v the_o do_v god_n will_v the_o delight_n and_o joy_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o only_o to_o those_o who_o never_o try_v they_o or_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n all_o that_o difficulty_n which_o affright_v we_o at_o first_o ceases_z when_o by_o do_v well_o and_o break_v off_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n or_o formality_n we_o have_v once_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o beside_o that_o 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the_o sum_n of_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v transport_v unspeakable_a and_o deserve_v real_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o glorify_a joy_n now_o i_o say_v these_o divine_a and_o before_o to_o such_o a_o man_n untasted_a pleasure_n be_v put_v into_o the_o balance_n against_o any_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o austerity_n in_o religious_a practice_n will_v infinite_o preponderate_v &_o render_v they_o all_o as_o the_o light_a trifle_n and_o inconsiderable_a in_o a_o word_n they_o will_v make_v the_o whole_a of_o a_o man_n duty_n high_o eligible_a and_o therefore_o easy_a so_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o out_o of_o choice_n with_o cheerfulness_n nay_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o greediness_n of_o soul_n i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n say_v the_o psalmist_n
man_n design_v such_o life_n resolve_v never_o to_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o the_o understanding_n or_o comprehend_v such_o doctrine_n which_o so_o much_o disturb_v they_o and_z as_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o embroil_n the_o world_n these_o man_n study_v ignorance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o stupid_a quiet_n and_o design_o abandon_v and_o defy_v all_o mean_n of_o religious_a knowledge_n a_o desperate_a sort_n of_o blind_a man_n indeed_o now_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o both_o and_o all_o these_o our_o church_n ignorant_o and_o our_o outlying-ignorants_a and_o that_o whether_o through_o supine_n negligence_n and_o sloth_n or_o through_o resolute_a design_n and_o obstinacy_n all_o of_o they_o i_o say_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v have_v or_o retain_v of_o the_o form_n for_o they_o stop_v the_o very_a first_o passage_n by_o which_o godliness_n can_v come_v at_o their_o heart_n or_o ever_o have_v any_o power_n over_o they_o namely_o they_o 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acquaint_v with_o the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v believe_v do_v yet_o withstand_v and_o cavil_v at_o those_o evidence_n endeavour_v to_o find_v or_o make_v flaw_n in_o they_o whereas_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v none_o and_o then_o dispute_v touch_v their_o insufficiency_n expose_v they_o and_o demand_v evidence_n either_o impossible_a that_o be_v such_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n admit_v not_o or_o unreasonable_a if_o i_o say_v any_o man_n in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o thus_o act_v believe_v not_o it_o be_v plain_a such_o man_n unbelief_n be_v matter_n of_o industry_n endeavour_v and_o design_n and_o so_o not_o only_o of_o deliberate_a but_o obstinate_a choice_n now_o such_o perverse_a spirit_n may_v be_v find_v now_o adays_o too_o rife_o as_o well_o as_o those_o more_o lazy_a unbeliever_n before_o mention_v and_o both_o sort_n undoubted_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o both_o obstruct_v the_o persuasion_n of_o its_o reality_n in_o their_o heart_n without_o which_o persuasion_n it_o be_v plain_a religion_n must_v be_v but_o a_o insignificant_a pretence_n of_o no_o prevalence_n or_o force_n last_o man_n may_v hinder_v and_o so_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n by_o a_o voluntary_a heedlessness_n it_o will_v look_v somewhat_o hard_o perhaps_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o to_o call_v all_o the_o inadvertency_n and_o incogitancy_n which_o in_o common_a conversation_n betray_v man_n into_o sin_n voluntary_a one_o inasmuch_o as_o many_o seem_v mere_o casual_a other_o after_o a_o sort_n necessary_a and_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n man_n ordinary_o give_v themselves_o so_o great_a a_o loose_a and_o even_o the_o best_a so_o much_o remit_v that_o holy_a solicitude_n and_o watch_n which_o they_o ought_v constant_o to_o maintain_v over_o themselves_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a most_o time_n to_o say_v touch_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a inadvertent_n fit_a it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o voluntary_a i_o will_v be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o man_n awake_a and_o in_o their_o sense_n health_n and_o the_o like_a that_o be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n neither_o choose_v in_o its_o self_n nor_o cause_n in_o plain_a term_n we_o so_o far_o abandon_v our_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o world_n and_o vanity_n or_o we_o indulge_v our_o pleasure_n and_o appetite_n so_o much_o that_o these_o draw_v and_o strange_o detain_v or_o enslave_v our_o thought_n and_o while_o we_o so_o intent_o and_o constant_o pursue_v such_o object_n if_o unaware_o and_o inadvertent_o we_o be_v surprise_v with_o sinful_a concernment_n passion_n and_o engagement_n about_o they_o who_o can_v avow_v that_o inadvertency_n no_o whit_n voluntary_a when_o the_o indulgence_n which_o draw_v it_o on_o be_v plain_o so_o but_o this_o may_v seem_v less_o culpable_a in_o these_o our_o day_n and_o perhaps_o to_o some_o very_a venial_a and_o excusable_a for_o alas_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o in_o this_o particular_a be_v not_o guilty_a more_o or_o less_o of_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o therefore_o we_o complain_v before_o of_o a_o design_a ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n so_o must_v we_o here_o of_o such_o a_o thoughtless_a unconcerned_a temper_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o some_o man_n study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v ever_o airy_a and_o free_a from_o any_o intent_n think_v void_a of_o all_o sollicitude_n and_o what_o they_o call_v easy_a to_o a_o man_n self_n but_o especial_o to_o be_v above_o all_o religious_a apprehension_n and_o concernment_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o put_v little_a or_o no_o difference_n between_o what_o we_o call_v moral_a good_a or_o evil_n some_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a pitch_n of_o happiness_n whereas_o therefore_o thoughtfulness_n do_v breed_v concernment_n and_o bring_v man_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o action_n they_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n they_o well_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o entrance_n of_o thought_n into_o they_o they_o take_v care_v not_o to_o be_v alone_o nor_o in_o serious_a thoughtful_a company_n they_o divert_v themselves_o to_o other_o business_n or_o rather_o possible_o to_o jollity_n or_o madness_n they_o say_v to_o conscience_n when_o about_o to_o dictate_v to_o they_o duty_n or_o forbid_v they_o sin_n as_o felix_n to_o st._n paul_n act._n xxiv_o 25._o go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o heinous_a sort_n of_o obstruct_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n such_o resolute_a heedlessness_n as_o this_o may_v seem_v rather_o a_o suppress_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n already_o partly_o in_o possession_n than_o a_o obstruct_v the_o passage_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o enter_v but_o let_v it_o be_v style_v how_o or_o rank_v under_o what_o ever_o head_n it_o shall_v it_o be_v sure_o a_o practice_n very_o common_a and_o a_o dangerous_a well_o nigh_o desperate_a method_n of_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n §_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o kind_n more_o dreadful_a and_o which_o exceed_v all_o the_o former_a as_o well_o in_o gild_n as_o in_o audacious_a or_o dare_a violence_n namely_o when_o man_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n all_o notice_n and_o belief_n of_o religion_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v be_v able_a though_o they_o do_v endeavour_v as_o those_o before_o to_o suppress_v exterminate_v or_o banish_v the_o frequent_a recur_v dictate_v of_o awaken_v conscience_n this_o possible_a so_o haunt_v they_o that_o they_o hear_v its_o voice_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o shall_v yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o for_o the_o love_n of_o some_o longcourt_v pleasure_n or_o profit_n control_v all_o these_o dictate_v and_o in_o a_o resolve_a course_n of_o sin_n overbear_v all_o opposition_n from_o they_o they_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n convince_v haply_o both_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o as_o to_o have_v nothing_o of_o sound_a reason_n to_o object_n against_o it_o they_o want_v not_o argument_n or_o motive_n to_o recommend_v their_o duty_n or_o dissuade_v their_o belove_a sin_n but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o no_o argument_n will_v move_v they_o for_o they_o have_v long_o hear_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o to_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o vnrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o vnrighteousness_n rom._n 1._o 18._o which_o mean_n have_v be_v effectual_a to_o assert_v godliness_n into_o its_o due_a power_n in_o other_o and_o even_o these_o man_n themselves_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o can_v very_o oft_o but_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o doctrine_n yea_o they_o run_v in_o their_o mind_n more_o than_o they_o desire_v they_o shall_v yet_o
or_o in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o first_o warning_n reprove_v and_z as_o need_n require_v threaten_v they_o but_o where_o this_o be_v in_o vain_a call_v in_o the_o magistrate_n help_v to_o punish_v such_o offender_n if_o this_o course_n do_v not_o suit_v all_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o thinness_n of_o magistrate_n in_o lesser_a parish_n the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o give_v warning_n to_o the_o negligent_a that_o if_o they_o reform_v not_o they_o must_v present_v they_o to_o the_o ordinary_a which_o will_v sudden_o redress_v what_o some_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n in_o our_o church_n and_o in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o reform_v actual_o present_v they_o will_v undoubted_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o remedy_v the_o public_a evil_n we_o tax_v for_o by_o these_o mean_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o public_a mean_n of_o grace_n knowledge_n will_v be_v increase_v and_o thereby_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v insinuate_v itself_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o multitude_n who_o live_v now_o as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o to_o what_o these_o order_n of_o man_n may_v do_v joint_o several_o also_o no_o little_a advance_v in_o this_o design_n may_v each_o of_o these_o in_o their_o place_n make_v i_o will_v suppose_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v the_o minister_n what_o they_o may_v do_v as_o well_o by_o a_o discreet_a and_o conscientious_a diligence_n in_o their_o duty_n general_o as_o especial_o 1._o by_o conscientious_a catechise_n the_o young_a open_o in_o the_o church_n as_o require_v by_o law_n and_o so_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o age_a under_o the_o name_n of_o catechise_v i_o comprehend_v the_o practical_a explain_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o catechism_n 2._o by_o private_a visit_n and_o admonition_n 3._o in_o take_v care_n all_o of_o their_o own_o family_n be_v respective_o example_n to_o other_o and_o as_o to_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n 1._o the_o set_n up_o and_o maintain_v the_o daily_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o family_n as_o it_o will_v otherwise_o derive_v a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o family_n so_o it_o will_v certain_o by_o degree_n imprint_v a_o reverence_n and_o sense_n of_o religion_n on_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o the_o young_a as_o they_o grow_v up_o 2._o the_o take_n care_v not_o only_o that_o all_o who_o be_v young_a but_o all_o who_o be_v ignorant_a learn_v their_o catechism_n the_o keep_v they_o some_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o great_a festival_n out_o of_o church_n time_n in_o read_v the_o bible_n or_o other_o good_a book_n or_o else_o in_o attend_v to_o such_o as_o can_v read_v and_z if_o possible_a the_o take_a account_n of_o their_o behaviour_n attention_n or_o proficiency_n at_o church_n will_v be_v more_o beneficial_a in_o this_o behalf_n than_o easy_o imaginable_a a_o very_a deplorable_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o a_o family_n shall_v have_v nothing_o of_o religious_a office_n among_o they_o but_o only_o what_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o parish_n one_o hour_n or_o two_o in_o a_o week_n at_o church_n yet_o god_n know_v how_o many_o thousand_o family_n there_o be_v among_o we_o that_o have_v not_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n thrive_v no_o better_a i_o have_v thus_o brief_o and_o familiar_o set_v down_o what_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o say_v here_o as_o to_o those_o obvious_a method_n by_o which_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v promote_v public_o or_o among_o the_o multitude_n §_o 5._o but_o public_a or_o ecclesiastico-political_a method_n be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o these_o paper_n which_o as_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o content_n be_v calculate_v for_o man_n private_a self_n to_o be_v a_o help_n whereby_o each_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o real_a religion_n in_o himself_o and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o how_o he_o may_v arrive_v thereat_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o likely_a and_o incomparable_o the_o best_a way_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o each_o shall_v amend_v one_o namely_o himself_o for_o when_o many_o particular_a person_n have_v do_v that_o all_o virtue_n be_v diffusive_a and_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o great_a most_o so_o their_o own_o heart_n will_v natural_o prompt_v they_o by_o all_o sober_a mean_n to_o instill_v into_o all_o within_o their_o sphere_n that_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o life_n they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o there_o will_v be_v less_o pragmaticalness_n pride_n ostentation_n calumny_n and_o ill_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n more_o of_o real_a seriousness_n peaceableness_n humility_n charity_n and_o conscientious_a exercise_v ourselves_o to_o good_a work_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o true_a power_n of_o godliness_n will_v more_o prevail_v and_o the_o good_a god_n make_v this_o plain_a hearty_a discourse_n in_o some_o measure_n effectual_a to_o to_o the_o bless_a end_n it_o pretend_v and_o be_v cordial_o by_o its_o author_n design_v for_o amen_o some_o advice_n to_o such_o as_o own_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n subjoin_v to_o the_o forego_n discourse_n about_o §_o 1._o spiritual_a wickedness_n §_o 2._o ostentation_n §_o 3._o yet_o keep_v a_o decorum_n §_o 4._o murmur_a §_o 5._o fear_n and_o jealoufies_n §_o 6._o busybody_n §_o 7._o give_v offence_n §_o 8._o uncharitable_a opinionativeness_n §_o 9_o charitable_a catholic_a comprehension_n have_v look_v over_o the_o forego_n paper_n though_o i_o find_v many_o defect_n therein_o which_o my_o design_n of_o brevity_n permit_v not_o to_o supply_v yet_o there_o be_v one_o of_o such_o importance_n that_o i_o judge_v i_o can_v not_o discharge_v that_o faith_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o age_n if_o i_o shall_v whole_o let_v it_o pass_v or_o be_v silent_a in_o a_o case_n in_o which_o i_o have_v here_o so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n to_o speak_v and_o in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a somebody_o shall_v speak_v the_o case_n be_v this_o there_o be_v great_a number_n among_o we_o who_o pretend_v or_o own_v themselves_o and_o undoubted_o many_o of_o they_o be_v act_v for_o the_o main_a by_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n who_o yet_o by_o divers_a imprudent_a and_o inconsistent_a practice_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o much_o disgrace_n it_o to_o who_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_a time_n as_o the_o world_n go_v that_o some_o very_a particular_a advice_n and_o admonition_n adhomines_fw-la shall_v be_v give_v which_o office_n though_o i_o be_o sensible_a myself_o to_o be_v very_o insufficient_a for_o yet_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v so_o roundly_o hitherto_o i_o will_v desire_v the_o follow_a supplement_n may_v be_v take_v as_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o well-meaning_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o paper_n §_o first_o then_o i_o earnest_o conjure_v all_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o be_v with_o all_o good_a conscience_n as_o before_o god_n careful_a that_o while_o they_o profess_v and_o live_v in_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o more_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n they_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o in_o spiritual_a wickedness_n gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n i_o call_v profaneness_n perjurys_n treason_n oppression_n dishonesty_n or_o injustice_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n and_o the_o like_a spiritual_a wickedness_n i_o reckon_v secret_a pride_n censoriousness_n peevishness_n revengefulness_n habitual_a discontent_n partiality_n dissemble_n falseness_n and_o such_o other_o too_o frequent_a evil_n divers_a of_o this_o late_a sort_n man_n otherwise_o very_o strict_a in_o their_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o overlook_v and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o do_v not_o allow_v at_o least_o tolerate_v and_o judge_v tolerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o let_v all_o serious_o consider_v the_o god_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n he_o will_v no_o more_o endure_v a_o conceit_a puff_v up_o waspish_a and_o uncharitable_a soul_n than_o he_o do_v approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o profligate_v and_o debauch_a wretch_n it_o be_v the_o preeminence_n of_o christianity_n above_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o discipline_n to_o purge_v the_o heart_n to_o induce_v a_o sweet_a easy_a and_o humble_a temper_n such_o spirit_n be_v amiable_a before_o god_n and_o man_n such_o we_o be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o as_o we_o will_v be_v bless_v or_o like_a our_o master_n and_o suppose_v we_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o we_o do_v we_o shame_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o expose_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n if_o we_o wear_v not_o such_o §_o 2._o let_v all_o
will_v not_o let_v it_o go_v my_o heart_n shall_v not_o reproach_v i_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v here_o be_v godliness_n indeed_o in_o power_n and_o this_o be_v his_o comfort_n and_o support_v god_n know_v say_v he_o and_o my_o heart_n know_v i_o be_o no_o hypocrite_n or_o only_a outside_n saint_n but_o will_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n shall_v a_o man_n fall_v into_o such_o case_n and_o have_v need_n of_o refuge_n thereto_o yield_v he_o any_o such_o support_n or_o solace_n no_o certain_o rather_o quite_o contrary_a let_v one_o who_o have_v it_o be_v suppose_v in_o such_o case_n to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o himself_z and_o state_n his_o heart_n must_v needs_o tell_v he_o i_o be_o all_o outside_n i_o have_v thus_o long_o profess_v religion_n but_o my_o business_n have_v be_v all_o along_o only_o to_o keep_v all_o fair_a before_o man_n before_o god_n and_o my_o own_o heart_n i_o have_v be_v still_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o now_o my_o wickedness_n have_v find_v i_o out_o and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n arrest_v i_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o abuse_a grace_n and_o patience_n a_o sad_a result_n god_n know_v of_o religion_n but_o suppose_v our_o way_n shall_v be_v more_o smooth_a and_o we_o through_o the_o main_a course_n of_o our_o life_n escape_v any_o such_o disastrous_a state_n yet_o 2._o the_o deathbed_n or_o die_a hour_n will_v come_v and_o both_o then_o and_o at_o god_n dreadful_a tribunal_n nothing_o can_v support_v we_o but_o the_o comfort_n arise_v from_o pure_a religion_n these_o indeed_o may_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o good_a hezekiah_n when_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o message_n of_o death_n remember_v now_o 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 and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n isai_n xxxviii_o 3._o and_o of_o bless_a st._n paul_n i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o and_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n 2_o tim._n four_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o instant_n bless_a state_n will_v support_v a_o man_n when_o his_o flesh_n and_o strength_n and_o life_n fail_v he_o but_o will_v the_o reflection_n on_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n then_o stand_v a_o man_n in_o this_o stead_n god_n know_v clean_o contrary_a the_o formal_a christian_n conscience_n will_v then_o tell_v he_o thou_o have_v be_v all_o thy_o day_n but_o at_o best_a a_o guild_a hypocrite_n and_o now_o await_v thou_o nothing_o but_o a_o portion_n appoint_v among_o hypocrite_n where_o shall_v be_v wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n matth._n xxiv_o last_o thou_o have_v perhaps_o cheat_v man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o cheat_v god_n but_o thou_o have_v certain_o and_o irremediable_o cheat_v thyself_o and_o now_o must_v go_v to_o that_o flame_a lake_n where_o eternal_o be_v to_o dwell_v whosoever_o love_v and_o make_v a_o lie_n for_o but_o one_o continue_v lie_v indeed_o have_v all_o thy_o life_n and_o religion_n be_v thus_o will_v the_o immortal_a worm_n then_o begin_v to_o gnaw_v and_o fill_v the_o breast_n with_o fire_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v quench_v now_o let_v all_o man_n due_o consider_v this_o beforehand_o and_o think_v if_o a_o religion_n who_o return_n or_o result_v upon_o our_o refuge_n thereto_o for_o comfort_n will_v be_v such_o as_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o they_o last_o let_v it_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n how_o dishonourable_a and_o vile_a a_o mere_a form_n of_o godliness_n be_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n if_o consider_v under_o the_o character_n it_o just_o admit_v we_o read_v 2_o cor._n xi_o 14._o satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n whence_o i_o may_v reasonable_o argue_v can_v satan_n himself_o if_o he_o be_v to_o appear_v and_o converse_v among_o man_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n that_o be_v appear_v as_o pure_a as_o a_o bless_a holy_a angel_n then_o certain_o can_v he_o ourdo_fw-la in_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n the_o exact_a practist_n ever_o engage_v therein_o now_o will_v a_o person_n that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n content_v himself_o with_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o good_a a_o one_o as_o which_o or_o perhaps_o much_o a_o better_a as_o far_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v more_o expert_a in_o the_o art_n of_o hypocrisy_n satan_n himself_o can_v have_v at_o pleasure_n if_o he_o be_v to_o be_v incarnate_a in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n then_o let_v each_o man_n soul_n abhor_v to_o rest_v in_o or_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o a_o mere_a form_n of_o godliness_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o most_o accomplish_a kind_n be_v no_o better_o §_o 3._o we_o will_v now_o suppose_v all_o who_o conscience_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v guilty_a herein_o real_o to_o dread_v either_o be_v find_v at_o last_o or_o at_o present_a continue_n such_o it_o therefore_o now_o only_o remain_v to_o consider_v how_o godliness_n may_v be_v assert_v into_o its_o power_n over_o our_o life_n and_o heart_n or_o what_o direction_n may_v be_v give_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o method_n or_o several_a gradation_n by_o which_o godliness_n obtain_v such_o power_n have_v be_v above_o so_o large_o and_o plain_o state_v whosoever_o will_v reflect_v thereon_o and_o proceed_v thereby_o can_v be_v much_o to_o seek_v in_o this_o behalf_n yet_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o discourse_n to_o contain_v only_o too_o general_a matter_n of_o direction_n and_o not_o suit_v or_o answer_v sufficient_o their_o spiritual_a need_n i_o shall_v with_o regard_n to_o each_o of_o those_o several_a step_n in_o which_o we_o above_o insist_v set_v down_o such_o particular_a advises_n as_o i_o hope_v may_v reach_v the_o case_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o those_o who_o be_v real_o desirous_a godliness_n may_v have_v its_o power_n over_o they_o it_o be_v say_v then_o the_o first_o step_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v a_o due_a understanding_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o law_n of_o christian_a life_n such_o understanding_n therefore_o must_v be_v endeavour_v by_o the_o meet_a mean_n god_n we_o know_v have_v for_o this_o purpose_n appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n to_o this_o therefore_o we_o must_v constant_o and_o conscientious_o attend_v and_o that_o with_o teachable_a and_o humble_a heart_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n thereof_o that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n two_o 2._o beside_o this_o some_o particular_a person_n may_v haply_o have_v other_o private_a advantage_n namely_o pious_a and_o intelligent_a friend_n good_a book_n and_o what_o else_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n all_o which_o so_o as_o not_o to_o withdraw_v from_o or_o undervalue_v the_o public_a ministration_n of_o the_o word_n the_o primary_n mean_v by_o god_n appoint_v we_o be_v according_a as_o we_o have_v they_o diligent_o to_o make_v use_n of_o till_o we_o have_v furnish_v ourselves_o with_o a_o competent_a stock_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v here_o endless_a read_n and_o voluminous_a study_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o necessary_a there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n betwixt_o study_v christianity_n and_o study_v divinity_n betwixt_o treasure_v up_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o save_v my_o own_o soul_n and_o beside_o that_o furnish_v myself_o with_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o may_v suffice_v both_o further_a to_o adorn_v my_o own_o and_o conduct_v many_o other_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o be_v only_o sincere_a and_o honest_a christian_n will_v do_v well_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o certain_a plain_a and_o undoubted_a point_n of_o christianity_n contain_v in_o our_o creed_n and_o the_o other_o common_a ground_n of_o catechetical_a doctrine_n which_o be_v neither_o exceed_a numerous_a nor_o as_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v common_o explain_v very_o difficult_a be_v both_o design_v and_o fit_v by_o god_n for_o plain_a man_n and_o at_o first_o preach_v by_o such_o we_o know_v who_o character_n it_o be_v to_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n three_o 7._o and_o we_o may_v observe_v when_o person_n of_o ordinary_a education_n and_o condition_n grasp_v at_o more_o than_o a_o usual_a and_o plain_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n they_o be_v often_o confound_v and_o a_o muse_v into_o whimsy_n than_o build_v up_o unto_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n the_o clear_n therefore_o to_o themselves_o true_a and_o plain_a