inquisition_n i_o shall_v first_o brief_o represent_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n and_o show_v the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o its_o rule_n and_o more_o parricular_o discover_v the_o several_a branch_n of_o holiness_n three_o i_o shall_v propound_v several_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o engage_v blen_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v what_o i_o chief_o intend_v to_o insist_v upon_o four_o i_o shall_v remove_v all_o those_o cavil_n and_o objection_n that_o be_v urge_v against_o holiness_n and_o last_o conclude_v with_o some_o short_a reflection_n and_o inference_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n i_o intend_v not_o here_o to_o descend_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o every_o particular_a branch_n of_o holiness_n but_o to_o discourse_v of_o it_o in_o the_o general_n as_o it_o be_v the_o combination_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o consider_v i_o need_v not_o i_o think_v in_o the_o description_n of_o it_o accurate_o study_v all_o those_o logical_a rule_n philosopher_n require_v in_o a_o good_a definition_n for_o may_v part_v it_o full_o enough_o satisfy_v i_o to_o know_v that_o holiness_n be_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a compliance_n with_o those_o original_n dictate_v of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o command_v reveal_v in_o sacred_a writ_n so_o long_o as_o man_n remain_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o maker_n his_o holiness_n be_v untainted_a and_o his_o beauty_n and_o primitive_a congenite_fw-la comeliness_n continue_a but_o by_o his_o woeful_a apostasy_n he_o lose_v that_o noble_a embellishment_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o do_v indeed_o give_v a_o grace_n to_o all_o his_o other_o accomplishment_n and_o be_v now_o become_v ugly_a and_o deform_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o spirit_n be_v different_a word_n but_o of_o the_o same_o signification_n and_o be_v promiscuous_o use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n opposite_a to_o which_o be_v sin_n and_o uncleanness_n sin_n be_v that_o which_o contaminate_v the_o soul_n and_o rob_v it_o of_o that_o beauty_n which_o former_o do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o it_o although_o it_o be_v not_o one_o particular_a good_a action_n that_o denominate_v a_o man_n holy_a yet_o every_o wilful_a aberration_n from_o and_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n constitute_v man_n a_o sinner_n and_o make_v he_o liable_a to_o the_o demerit_n of_o the_o offence_n whosoever_o theresore_n intend_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n must_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n abstain_v from_o every_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v all_o good_a action_n in_o a_o word_n holiness_n in_o its_o general_a notion_n be_v the_o comprehensive_a sum_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o may_v be_v very_o apt_o describe_v to_o be_v a_o cease_n from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a which_o in_o this_o lapse_v estate_n consist_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o action_n and_o shall_v be_v perfect_v when_o mortality_n be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n when_o those_o imperfection_n and_o spot_n that_o attend_v our_o natural_a state_n shall_v be_v quite_o remove_v and_o do_v away_o so_o long_o as_o our_o soul_n actuate_v their_o impure_a body_n sin_n and_o infirmity_n will_v cleave_v to_o the_o best_a a_o absolute_a innocence_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v reserve_v for_o that_o state_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a but_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n will_v suffer_v we_o ought_v sincere_o to_o study_v to_o walk_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v correspond_v and_o keep_v a_o conformity_n with_o the_o divine_a precept_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v just_o now_o show_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n almighty_a god_n who_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n do_v not_o esteem_v man_n to_o be_v either_o vicious_a or_o holy_a from_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o particular_a act_n there_o be_v not_o a_o just_a man_n who_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a motto_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n that_o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v there_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n but_o the_o imperfect_a obedience_n of_o good_a man_n who_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n sincere_o study_v a_o universal_a conformity_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v esteem_v by_o he_o who_o judge_v righteous_o to_o be_v sufficient_a in_o order_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o merit_n and_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o wise_a god_n who_o consider_v the_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n that_o attend_v our_o present_a state_n expect_v not_o more_o from_o we_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v he_o be_v not_o so_o rigorous_a a_o lord_n to_o require_v brick_n where_o there_o be_v no_o straw_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o only_o require_v a_o holiness_n which_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o creature_n to_o attain_v at_o least_o it_o exact_v and_o expect_v no_o more_o but_o that_o we_o endeavour_v sincere_o and_o unfeigned_o to_o obey_v all_o those_o precept_n he_o have_v enjoin_v that_o we_o habituate_v ourselves_o to_o perform_v good_a action_n that_o the_o general_a propension_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o will_n and_o appetite_n be_v towards_o the_o do_n of_o what_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o and_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o holiness_n consist_v not_o in_o speculation_n but_o in_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o duty_n but_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o it_o that_o entitle_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o that_o too_o not_o superficial_o or_o in_o a_o good_a mode_n and_o rare_o perform_v but_o sincere_o and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o man_n to_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o perform_v it_o be_v to_o enhance_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o double_a stripe_n and_o to_o perform_v some_o good_a action_n and_o abstain_v from_o the_o grosser_n pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v vicious_a in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v such_o a_o holiness_n that_o will_v never_o profit_v any_o man_n the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n to_o which_o we_o must_v hearty_o study_v a_o actual_a conformity_n do_v not_o dispense_v no_o not_o with_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n nor_o omission_n of_o the_o small_a duty_n but_o because_o general_a description_n of_o thing_n be_v frequent_o overlook_v i_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o unnecessary_a to_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a survey_n and_o consider_v holiness_n in_o its_o several_a branch_n as_o they_o be_v plain_o describe_v by_o the_o christian_a rule_n of_o holiness_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n although_o the_o whole_a canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v useful_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n yet_o because_o many_o thing_n if_o not_o approve_v yet_o dispense_v with_o under_o the_o old_a dispensation_n be_v now_o quite_o antiquate_v and_o abrogate_a i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o present_a confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o gospel_n oeconomy_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n discover_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n and_o undefiled_a religion_n before_o god_n consist_v i_o be_o a_o little_a confident_a it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o consequent_o a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o numerous_a late_a discourse_n which_o have_v excellent_o well_o perform_v this_o task_n against_o the_o prodigious_o profane_a atheist_n this_o impure_a age_n have_v to_o its_o last_a reproach_n hatch_v make_v i_o without_o the_o least_o fear_n of_o censure_n supersede_n this_o undertake_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o rational_a man_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a and_o certain_a standard_n whereby_o we_o may_v true_o judge_v of_o any_o man_n holiness_n and_o never_o doubt_v to_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n can_v lay_v no_o claim_n plead_v no_o interest_n to_o the_o title_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o a_o combination_n of_o those_o virtue_n the_o gospel-precept_n enjoin_v
as_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o a_o inheritance_n may_v be_v get_v hasty_o at_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o end_n thereof_o shall_v not_o be_v bless_v prov._n 20.21_o three_o the_o christian_a rule_n be_v a_o most_o compendious_a and_o complete_a directory_n to_o man_n in_o every_o station_n and_o place_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n husband_n and_o wife_n may_v from_o hence_o learn_v their_o duty_n as_o it_o give_v no_o encouragement_n to_o tyrant_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o allow_v rebellion_n in_o subject_n but_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o sin_n heinous_a and_o unnatural_a but_o i_o can_v stand_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o every_o particular_a duty_n only_o i_o shall_v infer_v that_o from_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a rule_n be_v form_v that_o holiness_n i_o will_v fain_o persuade_v man_n to_o follow_v to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o chapter_n it_o will_v not_o i_o think_v be_v amiss_o to_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a rule_n of_o holiness_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a that_o be_v ever_o extant_a that_o it_o far_o excel_v the_o scheme_n of_o morality_n draw_v by_o the_o best_a and_o most_o celebrate_a master_n of_o pagan_a philosophy_n and_o be_v more_o comprehensive_a and_o effectual_a to_o form_v man_n to_o true_a holiness_n than_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n i_o confess_v the_o heathen_a religion_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o deserve_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o christian_a no_o more_o i_o may_v say_v much_o less_o than_o the_o light_n of_o the_o dim_a candle_n shall_v be_v compare_v with_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o brightness_n when_o all_o mist_n and_o cloud_n be_v dispel_v it_o be_v indeed_o too_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o name_v the_o alcoran_n with_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o one_o be_v corrupt_a and_o imperfect_a the_o other_o pure_a and_o perfect_a in_o its_o tendency_n design_v to_o make_v man_n true_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a if_o we_o view_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o best_a and_o most_o refine_a moralist_n prescribe_v we_o shall_v find_v much_o brass_n among_o their_o gold_n many_o thing_n exceed_o faulty_a which_o instead_o of_o forbid_v encourage_v many_o foul_a vice_n thus_o concern_v piety_n towards_o god_n what_o unbecoming_a thought_n do_v they_o entertain_v of_o he_o they_o change_v as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n observe_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_o corruptible_a man_n rom._n 1.23_o and_o in_o those_o moral_a duty_n that_o concern_v themselves_o and_o other_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v how_o miserable_o they_o fail_v the_o famous_a peripatetic_a plead_v for_o the_o revenge_a of_o injury_n the_o divine_a plato_n allow_v the_o community_n of_o wife_n the_o strict_a stoic_n patronise_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o self-murder_n and_o thus_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n and_o yet_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o christian_n how_o conspicuous_a be_v the_o moral_a gallantry_n of_o the_o roman_n how_o famous_a and_o glorious_a be_v they_o esteem_v for_o their_o justice_n and_o constancy_n in_o friendship_n by_o all_o succeed_a age_n their_o virtue_n do_v conquer_v respect_n and_o esteem_v from_o their_o enemy_n and_o make_v they_o belove_v by_o those_o who_o fear_v their_o power_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o st._n augustin_n commendation_n of_o the_o old_a roman_n because_o god_n say_v he_o will_v not_o bestow_v heaven_n upon_o the_o roman_n they_o be_v pagan_n he_o bestow_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o yet_o the_o best_a rule_v those_o illustrious_a hero_n and_o lawgiver_n teach_v be_v not_o comparable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n upon_o these_o three_o account_n first_o the_o pagan_a law_n be_v deficient_a in_o many_o thing_n and_o many_o particular_a law_n mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o vice_n their_o lawgiver_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o introduction_n of_o sin_n never_o make_v any_o precept_n against_o the_o first_o motion_n to_o forbid_a object_n second_o those_o good_a law_n they_o teach_v be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v as_o the_o gospel_n command_v only_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o forbid_v only_a vice_n so_o it_o more_o conspicuous_o manifest_v what_o be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v evil_a that_o we_o may_v evite_v it_o the_o good_a law_n that_o epaminondas_n in_o thebes_n lycurgus_n in_o lacedaemon_n and_o aristides_n in_o athens_n teach_v be_v in_o the_o gospel-oeconomy_n more_o excellent_o confirm_v and_o we_o be_v now_o undoubted_o secure_v that_o we_o do_v well_o in_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v and_o in_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v prohibit_v which_o numa_n pompilius_n marcus_n antonius_n and_o all_o the_o lawgiver_n either_o of_o greece_n or_o rome_n can_v never_o be_v full_o ascertain_v of_o three_o we_o have_v better_a encouragement_n and_o inducement_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel-precept_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n prescribe_v the_o best_a motive_n to_o virtue_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v that_o virtue_n be_v a_o reward_n to_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o be_v celebrate_v by_o after-age_n and_o suchlike_a which_o be_v but_o insignificant_a encouragement_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o eternal_a and_o unspeakable_o glorious_a reward_n which_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o and_o those_o severe_a threaten_n by_o which_o it_o secure_v its_o law_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o as_o for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n which_o next_o to_o the_o christian_a be_v the_o most_o exact_a and_o incomparable_a there_o be_v three_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o be_v so_o far_o exceed_v by_o the_o gospel_n first_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n be_v not_o unfit_o call_v by_o the_o great_a apostle_n a_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n heb._n 7.16_o and_o a_o law_n which_o make_v nothing_o perfect_a v._o 19_o but_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a and_o jesus_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o surety_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n v._o 22._o so_o that_o we_o may_v argue_v as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n of_o that_o cite_a chapter_n do_v if_o therefore_o perfection_n be_v by_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n for_o under_o it_o the_o people_n receive_v the_o law_n what_o further_o need_n be_v there_o that_o another_o priest_n shall_v arise_v i_o confess_v the_o legal_a sacrifice_n do_v shadow_n forth_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v now_o understand_v the_o intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o those_o type_n much_o better_a than_o they_o can_v second_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o it_o be_v very_o burdensome_a so_o do_v it_o chief_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o observer_n thereof_o external_o righteous_a and_o do_v not_o so_o strong_o enforce_v the_o purify_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o for_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o christian_a rule_n as_o it_o do_v as_o strict_o enjoin_v it_o so_o it_o do_v much_o more_o powerful_o excite_v man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o promise_v not_o a_o temporal_a but_o aâ—_n eternal_a reward_n three_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n do_v indulge_v many_o practice_n which_o the_o christian_a rule_n just_o condemn_v such_o as_o polygamy_n and_o divorce_n and_o several_a marriage_n allow_v by_o no_o other_o law_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n seem_v to_o be_v only_o calculate_v as_o it_o do_v well_o correspond_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o genius_n of_o that_o people_n and_o can_v not_o therefore_o be_v a_o general_a law_n agree_v with_o and_o well_o attemperate_a to_o the_o inclination_n and_o humour_n of_o all_o nation_n as_o the_o christian_a rule_n be_v any_o man_n that_o shall_v compare_v the_o jewish_a religion_n with_o the_o christian_a shall_v be_v easy_o convince_v that_o this_o do_v more_o effectual_o conduce_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o we_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o former_a and_o that_o of_o all_o the_o scheme_n of_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v publish_v none_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v parallel_v with_o christianity_n nor_o can_v adopt_v to_o they_o that_o noble_a character_n the_o great_a apostle_n give_v of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1.16_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n chap._n iii_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n as_o the_o naked_a proposal_n and_o representation_n of_o a_o excellent_a and_o beautiful_a object_n be_v motive_n enough_o to_o excite_v our_o love_n and_o draw_v out_o our_o affection_n to_o it_o so_o methinks_v
pleasure_n he_o may_v otherwise_o free_o enough_o delight_n in_o o_o how_o do_v it_o molest_v and_o torment_v he_o nocte_fw-la diéque_fw-la suum_fw-la gestare_fw-la in_o pectore_fw-la testem_fw-la to_o have_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o fear_n haunt_v the_o sinner_n in_o his_o most_o retire_a enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n which_o can_v be_v silence_v by_o his_o utmost_a endeavour_n this_o this_o be_v it_o that_o torment_v he_o with_o anguish_n and_o confusion_n that_o allay_v the_o imaginary_a pleasure_n of_o the_o most_o charm_a lust_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o laughter_n make_v his_o heart_n heavy_a which_o full_o verify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o other_o blessing_n can_v never_o free_v a_o man_n from_o torment_n nor_o a_o whit_n profit_v he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o holiness_n four_o holiness_n be_v the_o most_o incomparable_a blessing_n and_o free_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n what_o david_n say_v of_o goliahs_n sword_n i_o may_v more_o safe_o say_v of_o holiness_n there_o be_v none_o like_o it_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o apt_a to_o remove_v those_o disaster_n and_o turmoil_a fear_n that_o inward_o work_v upon_o and_o damp_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o severe_a check_n and_o lash_n as_o holiness_n which_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o evil_n must_v therefore_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v the_o best_a of_o blessing_n now_o see_v contrary_n place_v near_o to_o other_o be_v the_o more_o discernible_a i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o malignity_n of_o sin_n that_o hereby_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n may_v appear_v the_o bright_a and_o have_v the_o great_a force_n to_o conquer_v our_o affection_n to_o express_v the_o evil_a and_o malignity_n of_o sin_n scripture_n represent_v it_o by_o the_o most_o ugly_a and_o abominable_a thing_n by_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o terrible_a disease_n nay_o the_o great_a apostle_n seem_v to_o want_v language_n and_o comparison_n too_o to_o express_v the_o evil_n of_o it_o when_o he_o call_v it_o exceed_o evil_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o infinite_o transcend_v all_o other_o evil_n the_o malignity_n of_o which_o no_o pen_n can_v full_o delineate_v and_o describe_v either_o in_o its_o nature_n or_o consequence_n in_o its_o nature_n the_o scripture-character_n of_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o enmity_n against_o god_n a_o transgression_n and_o voluntary_a violation_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o righteous_a law_n a_o disobedience_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o a_o wicked_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n it_o be_v the_o woeful_a stain_n and_o blemish_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o disease_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n be_v fearful_a and_o fatal_a so_o bad_a a_o cause_n can_v never_o fail_v to_o produce_v the_o worst_a effect_n for_o beside_o all_o the_o temporal_a calamity_n and_o mischief_n that_o befall_v mankind_n those_o unspeakable_a misery_n and_o extreme_a torment_n that_o accompany_v man_n to_o the_o other_o world_n be_v also_o the_o dreadful_a and_o sad_a effect_n of_o sin_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o every_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o particular_a punishment_n but_o that_o indeed_o which_o be_v most_o terrible_a which_o shall_v mighty_o amaze_v and_o startle_v the_o sinner_n be_v the_o dreadful_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n alas_o how_o dismal_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v the_o divine_a image_n and_o consequent_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o his_o fury_n and_o wrath_n who_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o legion_n of_o impure_a lust_n which_o lead_v they_o captive_a and_o hurry_v they_o headlong_o to_o perdition_n where_o they_o must_v have_v their_o everlasting_a abode_n with_o impure_a spirit_n and_o devour_a flame_n how_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o give_v a_o just_a list_n and_o catalogue_n of_o the_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o sin_n or_o full_o describe_v the_o evil_a and_o malignity_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o this_o imperfect_a glance_n may_v in_o part_n satisfy_v and_o inform_v we_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n which_o exclude_v all_o those_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o life_n attend_v sin_n be_v the_o best_a of_o blessing_n and_o free_v we_o from_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n five_o holiness_n be_v the_o best_a evidence_n of_o our_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o adoption_n to_o god_n family_n how_o sedulous_a and_o inquisitive_a be_v many_o good_a christian_n to_o understand_v their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n that_o they_o may_v know_v into_o which_o of_o the_o two_o region_n of_o the_o other_o world_n they_o shall_v be_v state_v after_o death_n this_o be_v certain_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n and_o deserve_v every_o man_n most_o serious_a consideration_n a_o mistake_n here_o be_v so_o exceed_o dangerous_a like_o a_o wound_n in_o the_o vital_a part_n it_o prove_v mortal_a and_o incurable_a if_o continue_v in_o now_o the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o our_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o that_o which_o comprehend_v all_o other_o be_v that_o which_o the_o belove_a apostle_n set_v down_o 1_o joh._n 3.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n chap._n 2.29_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v if_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o righteousness_n they_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o can_v claim_v no_o interest_n in_o god_n as_o their_o father_n see_v it_o be_v purity_n of_o spirit_n that_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 18._o be_v you_o separate_v and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n abound_v with_o so_o many_o such_o instance_n that_o i_o shall_v supersede_n a_o tedious_a citation_n of_o text_n this_o then_o be_v so_o infallible_a and_o certain_a a_o character_n methinks_v every_o rational_a man_n may_v quick_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n a_o bad_a man_n may_v certain_o enough_o know_v whether_o he_o break_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o go_v in_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o good_a man_n may_v sufficient_o know_v whether_o he_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v sincere_a in_o his_o action_n these_o be_v thing_n so_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o all_o doubt_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v ridiculous_a now_o it_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o draw_v these_o plain_a inference_n i_o break_v the_o divine_a law_n therefore_o i_o be_o not_o of_o god_n or_o i_o obey_v they_o therefore_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o every_o consider_a man_n who_o impartial_o consider_v and_o exact_o examine_v his_o life_n and_o action_n may_v be_v full_o enough_o ascertain_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n or_o not_o alas_o how_o useless_a and_o dangerous_a be_v it_o to_o ascend_v unto_o heaven_n to_o search_v the_o secret_a and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o to_o pry_v into_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o our_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n or_o not_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n need_v not_o fear_v any_o latent_fw-la decree_n concern_v his_o reprobation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n imaginable_a for_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n to_o dream_v that_o god_n have_v from_o eternity_n elect_v they_o to_o life_n the_o pure_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v so_o perfect_o opposite_a to_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v quite_o impossible_a there_o can_v be_v any_o agreement_n betwixt_o he_o and_o sinner_n no_o more_o than_o there_o can_v be_v betwixt_o light_n and_o darkness_n the_o psalmist_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v the_o righteous_a these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o he_o esteem_v his_o child_n to_o
who_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n belong_v in_o the_o last_o pace_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v prove_v so_o effectual_a to_o comfort_v man_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n as_o the_o sweet_a thought_n of_o their_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n how_o unspeakable_o comfortable_a be_v it_o for_o man_n when_o they_o be_v just_o step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o good_a life_n they_o have_v lead_v and_o that_o they_o carry_v in_o their_o bosom_n conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n this_o be_v indeed_o that_o noble_a and_o sovereign_a cordial_n that_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o good_a man_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o valley_n and_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o make_v their_o comfort_n abound_v and_o overflow_v death_n be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n as_o some_o man_n think_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o unfit_o call_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n now_o nothing_o can_v free_v man_n from_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o but_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o can_v be_v have_v without_o holiness_n which_o make_v all_o calm_a and_o serene_a within_o it_o will_v afford_v man_n little_a pleasure_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o earthly_a pleasure_n they_o have_v enjoy_v these_o thing_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o well_o do_v make_v man_n salute_v death_n without_o dread_n and_o astonishment_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n with_o joy_n because_o the_o day_n of_o their_o redemption_n approach_v but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a and_o wicked_a it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o their_o sin_n stare_v they_o in_o their_o face_n and_o so_o terrify_v and_o affright_v they_o that_o no_o wonder_n though_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o their_o agony_n they_o prefer_v strangle_v and_o death_n to_o life_n if_o holy_a job_n do_v so_o heavy_o complain_v of_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n how_o much_o more_o terrify_v shall_v the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o severe_a and_o terrible_a judgement_n be_v to_o the_o unsanctified_a and_o pollute_a to_o think_v how_o short_o he_o must_v be_v everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o good_a thing_n he_o enjoy_v here_o and_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n to_o have_v his_o portion_n with_o the_o damn_a in_o devour_a flame_n to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a resident_a in_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v continual_o torment_v with_o that_o gnaw_a worm_n that_o never_o die_v these_o be_v the_o amaze_a thought_n that_o will_v seize_v upon_o the_o sinner_n his_o conscience_n then_o will_v not_o sleep_v nothing_o will_v be_v able_a to_o allay_v those_o storm_n and_o tempest_n that_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n due_a to_o sin_n at_o death_n man_n be_v general_o wise_a than_o at_o other_o time_n then_o they_o begin_v to_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v be_v do_v and_o call_v themselves_o fool_n a_o thousand_o time_n for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o wickedness_n the_o smoke_n of_o worldly_a care_n that_o former_o blind_v their_o eye_n be_v now_o dispel_v they_o see_v their_o folly_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o mend_v it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v no_o more_o yet_o balaam-like_a they_o will_v cry_v o_o that_o i_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a chap._n iu._n frivolous_a cavil_n and_o objection_n remove_v the_o former_a chapter_n have_v discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o force_v of_o argument_n that_o excite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o one_o who_o weigh_v all_o this_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o equity_n can_v as_o any_o man_n will_v think_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o strange_a prodigy_n that_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n shall_v miss_v of_o its_o effect_n and_o find_v the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o master_n of_o reason_n so_o monstrous_o foolish_a in_o reject_v it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o frivolous_a and_o very_a fallacious_a cavil_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v resolute_a impiety_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o bench_n and_o make_v judge_n and_o no_o wonder_n though_o it_o pass_v a_o unjust_a sentence_n and_o condemn_v holiness_n because_o of_o its_o opposition_n to_o vice_n the_o common_a imputation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o wicked_a man_n load_v holiness_n with_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o the_o four_o follow_a head_n first_o holiness_n lay_v upon_o man_n heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v which_o make_v humane_a life_n joyless_a and_o uneasy_a they_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a first_o with_o peace_n and_o second_o with_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n second_o experience_n inform_v we_o that_o wicked_a man_n enjoy_v pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o way_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o jovial_a and_o merry_a as_o they_o and_o that_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o holiness_n be_v sullen_a and_o melancholy_a and_o be_v expose_v to_o heavy_a suffering_n and_o trial_n three_o it_o be_v singularity_n and_o ambition_n that_o prevail_v more_o with_o man_n than_o any_o other_o motive_n to_o be_v holy_a four_o it_o be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n ignorance_n and_o impudence_n for_o man_n to_o quit_v with_o present_a pleasure_n for_o mere_a uncertainty_n the_o first_o be_v the_o most_o material_a objection_n i_o shall_v therefore_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o examine_v it_o and_o in_o do_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v desire_v these_o four_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o uneasy_a second_o that_o vice_n be_v much_o more_o troublesome_a and_o difficult_a than_o virtue_n three_o that_o holiness_n conduce_v both_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o to_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o private_a person_n and_o four_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n than_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o uneasy_a but_o extreme_o reasonable_a and_o wise_a be_v a_o truth_n i_o have_v already_o make_v plain_a when_o i_o discourse_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o exceed_o suitable_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v be_v rational_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v be_v grievous_a to_o they_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n give_v we_o a_o brief_a and_o compendious_a but_o very_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a account_v of_o what_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o our_o christianity_n enjoin_v viz._n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n all_o which_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o even_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n prompt_v man_n to_o the_o do_v of_o they_o and_o full_o discover_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o vice_n it_o be_v not_o then_o reason_n but_o the_o impetuous_a lust_n of_o man_n that_o determine_v a_o holy_a law_n to_o be_v grievous_a and_o uneasy_a and_o indeed_o no_o wonder_n though_o this_o unjust_a judge_n make_v holiness_n appear_v formidable_a and_o represent_v it_o as_o grievous_a to_o mankind_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o partial_a judge_n to_o condemâ—_n it_o as_o criminal_a and_o to_o decry_v it_o as_o a_o yoke_n intolerable_a and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o most_o innocent_a shall_v pass_v uncondemned_a when_o a_o enemy_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o judgement_n seat_n to_o pass_v sentence_n our_o bless_a saviour_n must_v be_v pronounce_v guilty_a by_o pilate_n although_o even_o this_o unjust_a judge_n open_o profess_v he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o and_o see_v our_o great_a lawgiver_n meet_v with_o so_o severe_a a_o sentence_n who_o can_v expect_v any_o more_o upright_a verdict_n shall_v pass_v upon_o his_o law_n but_o that_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v not_o indeed_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v may_v easy_o appear_v from_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n our_o great_a lord_n have_v himself_o teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o one_o of_o his_o inspire_a disciple_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o his_o command_n be_v not_o grievous_a two_o text_n sufficient_a methinks_v to_o remove_v all_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v cast_v upon_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v full_a of_o fatigue_n and_o trouble_n but_o beside_o scripture_n reason_n and_o experience_n too_o come_v in_o to_o witness_v this_o truth_n first_o reason_n
bear_v witness_n that_o the_o divine_a command_n be_v extreme_o reasonable_a and_o natural_a and_o be_v it_o not_o against_o the_o common_a vote_n of_o mankind_n to_o say_v what_o be_v natural_a be_v uneasy_a and_o difficult_a man_n who_o impose_v hard_a and_o grievous_a task_n upon_o other_o be_v by_o all_o man_n condemn_v as_o unreasonable_a which_o certain_o imply_v that_o whatever_o be_v reasonable_a be_v not_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a it_o be_v true_a sinner_n who_o by_o their_o many-repeated_n act_n of_o disobedience_n have_v contract_v a_o habit_n of_o sin_n do_v indeed_o commit_v it_o with_o less_o trouble_n than_o those_o who_o first_o engage_v to_o this_o tyranny_n as_o slave_n who_o by_o custom_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o easy_a which_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o such_o a_o slavery_n be_v very_o difficult_a and_o grievous_a and_o yet_o whatever_o ease_n the_o most_o dare_a sinner_n may_v pretend_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n i_o dare_v appeal_v to_o his_o own_o breast_n whether_o he_o may_v not_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o more_o ease_n and_o less_o fatigue_n have_v keep_v the_o divine_a law_n than_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o break_v of_o they_o i_o confess_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o natural_a in_o a_o strict_a and_o confine_v sense_n but_o only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o correspond_v with_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n hence_o some_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unnatural_a not_o because_o all_o sin_n may_v not_o adopt_v to_o themselves_o that_o title_n but_o because_o upon_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o special_a account_n all_o man_n be_v sensible_a that_o they_o be_v brutish_a and_o unbecoming_a any_o who_o carry_v in_o their_o bosom_n a_o rational_a soul_n there_o be_v not_o any_o vice_n but_o it_o infest_v and_o prejudge_n nature_n anger_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o madness_n that_o violent_o transport_v man_n and_o quite_o mar_v their_o inward_a ease_n and_o repose_v revenge_n a_o more_o last_a and_o deliberate_a fury_n prey_v upon_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o reside_v and_o so_o distract_v and_o hurry_v it_o with_o inquietude_n and_o restlessness_n that_o nothing_o imaginable_a can_v be_v suppose_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o nature_n how_o sweet_a soever_o and_o luscious_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o deprave_a nature_n intemperance_n and_o uncleanness_n be_v sin_n which_o debase_v humane_a nature_n below_o that_o of_o beast_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o intolerable_a pain_n and_o disease_n which_o make_v humane_a life_n but_o a_o uneasy_a burden_n but_o beside_o all_o these_o trouble_n we_o may_v add_v that_o horror_n of_o conscience_n that_o haunt_v the_o sinner_n with_o fear_n and_o astonishment_n all_o which_o contribute_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v again_o reason_n tell_v a_o man_n that_o it_o can_v be_v grievous_a to_o he_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o his_o interest_n and_o advantage_n man_n in_o their_o secular_a concern_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o any_o undertake_n wherein_o their_o interest_n be_v concern_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v man_n great_a interest_n to_o keep_v the_o divine_a precept_n as_o i_o have_v already_o at_o some_o length_n discover_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o as_o excellent_a a_o author_n reason_n say_v he_o must_v first_o cease_v to_o be_v reason_n and_o commence_v frenzy_n before_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o can_v set_v itself_o in_o defiance_n of_o those_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v accommodate_v to_o its_o great_a interest_n cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n chap._n 5._o but_o beside_o reason_n experience_n bear_v also_o witness_v to_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v premise_v two_o caution_n first_o when_o i_o say_v that_o experience_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o grievous_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o a_o sinner_n when_o he_o first_o forsake_v his_o sin_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n shall_v encounter_v with_o no_o difficulty_n no_o sure_a this_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v for_o his_o former_a habit_n in_o sin_n will_v at_o the_o first_o give_v he_o work_v enough_o he_o have_v a_o old_a custom_n to_o oppose_v and_o struggle_v with_o which_o will_v cost_v he_o no_o small_a pain_n to_o overcome_v second_o far_o less_o must_v we_o fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o easy_a as_o supersede_n and_o give_v a_o discharge_n to_o humane_a industry_n vigilancy_n and_o care_n they_o be_v but_o stranger_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n command_n who_o never_o be_v at_o any_o pain_n nay_o who_o be_v not_o very_o industrious_a and_o careful_a to_o observe_v they_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a he_o do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v like_o solomon_n sluggard_n sure_a heaven_n be_v neverdesign_v for_o loiterre_n in_o god_n vineyard_n but_o his_o intent_n there_o be_v to_o remove_v a_o common_a prejudice_n man_n be_v like_a to_o entertain_v against_o christianity_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a yoke_n and_o insupportable_a task_n now_o this_o christ_n forewarn_v his_o disciple_n be_v not_o true_a these_o two_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o now_o appeal_v to_o experience_n which_o often_o correct_v error_n in_o speculation_n whether_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n be_v most_o grievous_a and_o to_o condescend_v as_o far_o as_o possible_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o call_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o good_a man_n who_o all_o unanimous_o assent_v that_o there_o be_v more_o ease_n and_o less_o fatigue_n in_o obey_v than_o in_o break_v the_o divine_a law_n but_o i_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o sinner_n own_o testimony_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o most_o sober_a state_n i_o mean_v when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o extremity_n of_o some_o pain_n inflict_v by_o his_o sin_n or_o when_o he_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n at_o other_o time_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o some_o lust_n no_o wonder_n though_o he_o pass_v as_o unjust_a a_o sentence_n as_o sick_a man_n do_v of_o taste_n who_o have_v their_o palate_n infect_v with_o some_o venomous_a and_o filthy_a humour_n judge_v every_o thing_n be_v it_o real_o never_o so_o pleasant_a to_o be_v bitter_a and_o harsh_a go_v then_o to_o sinner_n when_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o prodigal_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v before_o mad_a or_o distract_a and_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o sinde_v more_o trouble_n in_o their_o do_v or_o omit_v of_o sin_n ask_v the_o drunkard_n who_o by_o his_o intemperance_n lie_v smart_v under_o the_o torment_a pain_n of_o the_o gout_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v wise_a and_o suffer_v less_o trouble_n if_o he_o have_v be_v temperate_a and_o abstain_v from_o excess_n nay_o beside_o the_o disease_n that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o vice_n bring_v upon_o man_n there_o be_v some_o sin_n that_o make_v man_n sensible_o in_o the_o time_n find_v pain_n and_o trouble_v go_v to_o the_o lascivious_a and_o wanton_a person_n who_o be_v torment_v with_o the_o pox_n and_o ask_v whether_o his_o sin_n be_v grievous_a to_o he_o or_o not_o there_o be_v few_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o grievous_a concomitant_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v i_o confess_v no_o man_n experience_n be_v so_o likely_a to_o demonstrate_v this_o truth_n nor_o be_v more_o pertinent_o appeal_v to_o as_o they_o who_o have_v once_o experiment_v the_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n of_o both_o state_n ask_v therefore_o those_o who_o be_v once_o drunkard_n and_o adulterer_n but_o be_v now_o sanctify_v and_o settle_v in_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o shall_v very_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v only_a satan_n yoke_n that_o be_v uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a but_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o exact_a observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n as_o sure_o any_o man_n who_o consult_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o deprave_a inclination_n thereof_o against_o which_o they_o be_v level_v will_v never_o deny_v yet_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v judge_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o cancel_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n all_o law_n whatsoever_o shall_v be_v quite_o dash_v out_o and_o banish_v the_o world_n for_o who_o shall_v be_v guilty_a if_o he_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o use_v this_o for_o a_o relevant_a excuse_n this_o be_v then_o so_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v shall_v yet_o never_o a_o whit_n excuse_v the_o sinner_n who_o to_o his_o experience_n find_v
to_o god_n that_o abound_v may_v very_o rational_o make_v good_a man_n with_o the_o psalmist_n say_v rivers_z of_o tear_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n observe_v not_o thy_o law_n and_o thus_o this_o imputation_n cast_v upon_o holiness_n be_v easy_o wipe_v off_o grief_n and_o sadness_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o good_a life_n but_o of_o a_o imperfect_a obedience_n and_o while_o our_o sin_n call_v for_o mourning_n and_o fast_v it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o madness_n for_o man_n to_o be_v jovial_a and_o merry_a and_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o those_o deceitful_a melody_n which_o will_v end_v in_o weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o yet_o the_o sorrow_n of_o true_o good_a man_n be_v not_o so_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v rather_o the_o artifice_n of_o the_o formal_a penitent_n and_o hypocritical_a professor_n than_o the_o character_n of_o the_o righteous_a to_o disfigure_v their_o face_n and_o appear_v sad_a and_o demure_a a_o good_a man_n choose_v rather_o with_o david_n to_o mourn_v in_o secret_a and_o when_o he_o appear_v in_o public_a to_o wash_v his_o face_n than_o with_o those_o hypocrite_n of_o who_o isaiah_n speak_v who_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n who_o have_v choose_v affliction_n rather_o than_o innocence_n the_o next_o imputation_n cast_v upon_o holiness_n be_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o singularity_n and_o a_o vain_a ambition_n to_o walk_v alone_o ans_fw-fr i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n of_o impiety_n shall_v make_v good_a man_n say_v as_o once_o elijah_n do_v in_o another_o case_n i_o be_o only_o leave_v the_o few_o number_n of_o good_a man_n compare_v with_o the_o vast_a multitude_n and_o army_n of_o transgressor_n make_v they_o to_o be_v esteem_v singular_a and_o precise_a and_o bring_v upon_o they_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o ungodly_a sinner_n because_o they_o will_v not_o run_v with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n as_o they_o do_v but_o true_o this_o charge_n be_v not_o more_o rational_a than_o if_o a_o company_n of_o mad_a man_n shall_v call_v one_o a_o singular_a fool_n because_o he_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o all_o their_o extravagant_a act_n which_o do_v real_o rather_o require_v pity_n and_o compassion_n than_o imitation_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o singularity_n in_o some_o case_n be_v a_o very_a intolerable_a temper_n and_o unbecoming_a any_o man_n who_o pretend_v wisdom_n but_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v universal_o condemn_v and_o in_o no_o case_n admit_v as_o reasonable_a i_o do_v see_v but_o the_o charge_n will_v rebound_v upon_o the_o sinner_n who_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n think_v the_o worse_a of_o himself_o if_o he_o exceed_v not_o other_o in_o wickedness_n but_o since_o holiness_n be_v so_o conformable_a to_o humane_a reason_n so_o advantageous_a and_o beneficial_a to_o every_o man_n what_o madness_n be_v it_o to_o condemn_v it_o as_o singular_a sure_o he_o who_o intend_v to_o walk_v as_o a_o man_n who_o be_v of_o a_o good_a understanding_n as_o good_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v who_o intend_v to_o mind_v his_o interest_n and_o happiness_n will_v never_o be_v fright_v from_o holiness_n because_o may_v be_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vogue_n nor_o become_v the_o mode_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n except_v a_o few_o shall_v rebel_v against_o their_o prince_n will_v it_o be_v any_o blot_n upon_o these_o sew_v loyal_a subject_n that_o they_o affect_v singularity_n but_o this_o cavil_n be_v so_o insignificant_a and_o silly_a that_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v sure_o since_o holiness_n be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o noble_a embellishment_n of_o humane_a nature_n since_o it_o be_v so_o venerable_a and_o lovely_a and_o of_o all_o perfection_n the_o most_o excellent_a he_o must_v be_v degenerate_a to_o the_o brutal_a nature_n who_o condemn_v singularity_n in_o holiness_n for_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o condemn_v a_o man_n because_o he_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n as_o the_o righteous_a be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o scripture_n the_o last_o heavy_a charge_n be_v that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o madness_n for_o man_n to_o quit_v with_o their_o present_a pleasure_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o grievous_a trouble_n for_o a_o future_a reward_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o which_o no_o body_n ever_o see_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o holiness_n expose_v man_n to_o relinquish_v temporal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o qualify_v to_o experiment_n the_o sweetness_n of_o these_o none_o who_o live_v in_o so_o happy_a and_o flourish_a condition_n who_o be_v more_o healthful_a and_o enjoy_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n than_o good_a man_n the_o only_a inconveniency_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o be_v affliction_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n which_o when_o christianity_n do_v commence_v be_v no_o rare_a thing_n but_o now_o be_v not_o so_o ordinary_a but_o suppose_v good_a man_n be_v expose_v to_o great_a affliction_n than_o other_o man_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o submit_v to_o they_o since_o they_o be_v but_o light_a affliction_n and_o momentary_a too_o which_o work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n these_o small_a evil_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v endure_v than_o last_a pain_n and_o torment_n sure_o of_o two_o evil_n the_o least_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v second_o although_o the_o reward_n of_o holiness_n be_v future_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o uncertain_a we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a in_o another_o world_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o sure_o he_o be_v a_o unwise_a man_n that_o ask_v any_o other_o demonstration_n or_o proof_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n lay_v up_o for_o good_a man_n which_o though_o unseen_a be_v yet_o as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o sense_n we_o have_v the_o great_a rational_a evidence_n and_o the_o best_a moral_a argument_n to_o confirm_v it_o for_o first_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n second_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o certain_a than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n first_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n than_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a scruple_n about_o the_o future_a reward_n for_o since_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a perfection_n essential_a to_o a_o deity_n then_o certain_o he_o will_v as_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n reward_n virtue_n and_o punish_v vice_n but_o this_o do_v not_o always_o fall_v out_o so_o here_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v reserve_v the_o wicked_a till_o that_o great_a day_n of_o wrath_n and_o prepare_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a second_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o he_o who_o run_v may_v read_v this_o truth_n we_o have_v then_o the_o great_a moral_a assurance_n possible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a reward_n which_o may_v sufficient_o encourage_v man_n to_o hazard_v all_o they_o enjoy_v here_o for_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o suppose_v that_o the_o future_a reward_n be_v possible_a which_o i_o think_v few_o will_v deny_v or_o can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a yet_o even_o upon_o this_o supposition_n good_a man_n who_o part_n with_o the_o transitory_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n prove_v a_o great_a deal_n wise_a than_o those_o who_o condemn_v they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o all_o the_o loss_n a_o good_a man_n suffer_v be_v that_o of_o temporal_a conveniency_n he_o have_v deny_v himself_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n so_o far_o as_o he_o judge_v they_o sinful_a he_o be_v not_o so_o intemperate_a as_o other_o man_n and_o perhaps_o be_v expose_v to_o some_o hazard_n for_o his_o religion_n at_o the_o most_o all_o that_o he_o be_v to_o hazard_n be_v but_o very_o small_a but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o future_a reward_n in_o what_o a_o dismal_a state_n be_v the_o wicked_a who_o shall_v everlasting_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o be_v irrecoverable_o plunge_v into_o a_o state_n of_o last_a and_o severe_a torment_n but_o since_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n and_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n what_o folly_n
there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n than_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o four_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v consider_v need_v not_o puzzle_v any_o man_n to_o prove_v it_o how_o delightful_a be_v all_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n how_o unexpressible_a be_v that_o comfort_n that_o the_o devout_a soul_n find_v in_o converse_v with_o god_n well_o may_v the_o psalmist_n say_v light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n psal_n 97.11_o he_o often_o experience_v that_o sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o be_v the_o result_n of_o obedience_n whileas_o solomon_n who_o can_v pass_v the_o best_a verdict_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n yet_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o allay_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n first_o the_o unruliness_n of_o immoderate_a passion_n which_o fret_v and_o vex_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o hinder_v the_o sinner_n from_o taste_v its_o pleasure_n second_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o invisible_a be_v arm_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n conscience_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o guilt_n recoil_v upon_o the_o sinner_n and_o mar_v all_o the_o pleasure_n he_o promise_v himself_o to_o enjoy_v this_o make_a belshazzer_n a_o king_n and_o environ_v with_o his_o noble_n tremble_v and_o quake_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o cup_n but_o suppose_v vice_n do_v bring_v as_o much_o pleasure_n along_o with_o they_o as_o they_o pretend_v yet_o upon_o two_o account_n they_o be_v not_o half_a so_o delicious_a as_o the_o pleasure_n that_o spring_v from_o a_o good_a life_n first_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o interrupt_v of_o a_o short_a duration_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v they_o they_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n how_o quick_o will_v a_o period_n be_v put_v to_o all_o these_o pleasure_n which_o now_o make_v so_o much_o 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be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o short_a and_o sure_o this_o consideration_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o lessen_v their_o value_n but_o that_o which_o make_v they_o so_o mean_v and_o not_o worth_a the_o enjoy_n be_v the_o painful_a eternity_n that_o succeed_v to_o they_o however_o than_o the_o wicked_a may_v appear_v jovial_a and_o merry_a yet_o their_o inward_a thought_n if_o we_o can_v discover_v they_o can_v be_v at_o quiet_a and_o ease_v whatever_o pleasure_n they_o may_v reap_v in_o the_o present_a act_n yet_o they_o can_v afterward_o look_v unto_o themselves_o without_o horror_n and_o amazement_n the_o after-sting_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o painful_a that_o he_o buy_v those_o present_a pleasure_n at_o a_o rate_n no_o reasonable_a man_n will_v purchase_v they_o but_o that_o wicked_a man_n can_v real_o enjoy_v that_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n they_o pretend_v to_o seem_v very_o plain_a from_o reason_n for_o first_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v satisfy_v with_o those_o action_n which_o be_v so_o cross_a to_o his_o very_a nature_n and_o opposite_a to_o reason_n as_o every_o sin_n be_v can_v a_o man_n find_v pleasure_n in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v sure_o the_o rebounding_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o do_v amiss_o will_v soon_o raze_v out_o any_o pleasure_n that_o sin_n afford_v and_o a_o sick_a man_n may_v more_o rational_o expect_v rest_n than_o those_o man_n pleasure_n and_o contentment_n second_o it_o can_v afford_v little_a pleasure_n to_o man_n to_o act_v quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v rather_o like_o the_o laughter_n of_o fool_n and_o mad_a man_n than_o a_o real_a pleasure_n that_o such_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o now_o every_o sinner_n quite_o ruin_v his_o interest_n and_o happiness_n while_o he_o run_v headlong_o to_o destruction_n and_o for_o a_o present_a pleasure_n which_o be_v only_o grateful_a to_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n lose_v those_o last_a river_n of_o pleasure_n which_o though_o future_a be_v yet_o certain_a and_o which_o be_v calculate_v for_o the_o soul_n three_o what_o pleasure_n can_v any_o man_n enjoy_v who_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v eternal_o torment_v as_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n so_o no_o pleasure_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o be_v at_o odds_n with_o god_n who_o favour_n be_v better_a than_o life_n but_o what_o reason_n have_v good_a man_n to_o be_v sad_a and_o disconsolate_a since_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o grief_n be_v remove_v from_o they_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o double_v that_o exhortation_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v o_o how_o satisfy_n and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o act_v reasonable_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v do_v their_o duty_n and_o have_v act_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n sure_o there_o be_v never_o any_o man_n who_o be_v trouble_v for_o live_v holy_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o shall_v it_o be_v true_a good_a man_n may_v be_v of_o a_o melancholy_a disposition_n and_o natural_o incline_v to_o sadness_n but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o reflection_n on_o holiness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o melancholy_a temper_n nay_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v their_o own_o fail_n and_o no_o wonder_n though_o these_o breed_v some_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v disconsolate_a for_o be_v good_a but_o for_o do_v evil_a and_o indeed_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o great_a abomination_n and_o profanity_n the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o dishonour_n that_o be_v do_v