two_o sermon_n concern_v nature_n and_o grace_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n april_n 1699._o by_o e._n young_a fellow_n of_o winchester-college_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o w._n bowyer_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o to_o the_o honourable_a auditory_a in_o whitehall_n at_o who_o request_n these_o sermon_n be_v publish_v the_o author_n dedicate_v they_o with_o all_o respect_n and_o his_o humble_a wish_n for_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n sermon_n i._n st._n matth_n xxvi_o 35._o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o the_o word_n bespeak_v we_o to_o contemplate_v a_o just_a and_o dutiful_a resolution_n make_v by_o a_o man_n that_o have_v both_o as_o much_o conscience_n to_o engage_v he_o in_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o as_o much_o courage_n to_o execute_v what_o he_o have_v engage_v in_o as_o any_o other_o of_o mankind_n must_v ever_o pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o resolution_n be_v not_o keep_v it_o fail_v very_o disgraceful_o and_o my_o chief_a purpose_n at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n how_o it_o come_v so_o to_o fail_v in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o will_v lie_v in_o my_o way_n to_o premise_v somewhat_o more_o of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n peter_n we_o know_v be_v a_o man_n of_o precedency_n and_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o he_o be_v likewise_o one_o of_o such_o virtue_n and_o qualification_n as_o seem_v to_o have_v recommend_v he_o to_o that_o precedency_n more_o than_o do_v the_o advantage_n of_o his_o year_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o real_a and_o tender_a goodness_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o that_o passage_n at_o his_o first_o admission_n to_o our_o saviour_n acquaintance_n st._n luke_n 5._o when_o be_v awaken_v by_o the_o miraculous_a draught_n of_o fish_n and_o know_v that_o the_o author_n must_v necessary_o be_v from_o god_n he_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o break_v out_o into_o this_o humble_a and_o pious_a reflection_n depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o finful_a man_n o_o lord_n the_o censure_n indeed_o express_v he_o a_o sinful_a man_n but_o so_o to_o censure_v himself_o imply_v more_o effectual_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o though_o the_o word_n depart_v from_o i_o carry_v in_o they_o the_o face_n of_o fear_n yet_o he_o who_o hear_v they_o and_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o speaker_n find_v that_o they_o carry_v in_o they_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o desire_n for_o peter_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o his_o new_a guest_n but_o only_o long_v to_o be_v make_v more_o worthy_a of_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a love_n to_o his_o master_n and_o of_o no_o less_o zeal_n for_o his_o religion_n of_o which_o from_o among_o many_o i_o shall_v take_v one_o instance_n out_o of_o st._n john_n 6._o where_o upon_o the_o desertion_n of_o several_a other_o disciple_n our_o saviour_n put_v the_o question_n to_o the_o twelve_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o then_o say_v the_o text_n peter_n answer_v he_o lord_z whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n a_o answer_n so_o wise_a and_o faithful_a so_o evidence_v his_o confirm_a choice_n of_o the_o better_a part_n that_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v reward_v he_o for_o it_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o matter_n whereof_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n for_o thus_o run_v the_o text_n lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o etenral_a life_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v and_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n now_o if_o we_o look_v into_o st._n matth._n 16.17_o we_o see_v there_o what_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v concern_v this_o very_a confession_n viz._n bless_a be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n peter_n be_v able_a to_o deduce_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n because_o reason_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v from_o the_o internal_a character_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o accommodate_v proper_o to_o advance_v humane_a nature_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o for_o all_o this_o reason_n can_v not_o infallible_o determine_v that_o the_o messenger_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v therefore_o the_o messiah_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n that_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n to_o know_v this_o need_v a_o new_a illumination_n and_o this_o illumination_n i_o say_v it_o seem_v god_n vouchsafe_v he_o at_o that_o instant_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o choice_n which_o he_o have_v then_o declare_v in_o a_o word_n peter_n be_v a_o man_n of_o sincerity_n firmness_n and_o constancy_n and_o for_o this_o we_o need_v no_o far_a testimony_n than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o confer_v upon_o he_o the_o symbolical_a name_n of_o cephas_n i._n e._n a_o rock_n thus_o much_o of_o his_o character_n be_v premise_v i_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v of_o this_o his_o resolution_n in_o the_o text_n that_o it_o be_v as_o honest_a a_o one_o that_o be_v both_o as_o just_a in_o the_o matter_n and_o as_o sincere_a in_o the_o intention_n as_o ever_o be_v make_v by_o any_o of_o mankind_n or_o ever_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o this_o resolution_n miscarry_v and_o end_v only_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o resolver_n for_o after_o that_o peter_n have_v declare_v so_o stout_o though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o yet_o he_o faint_o and_o cowardlike_a deny_v his_o lord_n without_o any_o such_o trial_n as_o the_o imminent_a fear_n of_o die_v imagine_v we_o now_o what_o may_v have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o miscarriage_n and_o the_o defeat_n of_o so_o good_a a_o resolution_n in_o so_o good_a a_o man._n his_o character_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o imagine_v he_o make_v it_o in_o a_o brave_a dissimulation_n no_o himself_o prove_v himself_o sufficient_o in_o earnest_n by_o his_o subsequent_a behaviour_n in_o the_o garden_n where_o he_o draw_v his_o sword_n against_o a_o whole_a band_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v less_o concern_v for_o his_o own_o life_n than_o he_o have_v for_o his_o master_n safety_n will_v we_o know_v then_o how_o this_o resolution_n come_v to_o be_v abortive_a the_o reason_n be_v pure_o this_o peter_n ground_v it_o upon_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o himself_o he_o never_o doubt_v of_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o do_v so_o honest_o resolve_v and_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o original_n of_o all_o his_o failure_n he_o resolve_v honest_o i_o say_v but_o none_o may_v presume_v to_o say_v he_o resolve_v wise_o for_o his_o lord_n have_v just_o admonish_v he_o of_o his_o peril_n of_o lapse_v v._n 31._o all_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n to_o which_o peter_n answer_v confident_o though_o all_o shall_v be_v offend_v yet_o will_v not_o i_o be_v offend_v to_o check_v this_o trust_n in_o himself_o our_o saviour_n rejoin_v that_o he_o in_o particular_a shall_v lapse_v in_o a_o manner_n more_o scandalous_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o before_o the_o cock_n crow_v thou_o shall_v deny_v i_o thrice_o but_o peter_n look_v upon_o this_o monition_n no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o imply_v a_o reproach_n to_o his_o faith_n and_o his_o love_n and_o his_o courage_n he_o summons_v they_o up_o all_o to_o form_v this_o final_a resolve_v though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o but_o where_o be_v his_o wisdom_n where_o be_v his_o reflection_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v remember_v that_o he_o who_o precaution_v he_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o need_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v testify_v of_o man_n because_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man._n and_o therefore_o in_o wisdom_n peter_n ought_v rather_o to_o have_v disinherit_v his_o own_o heart_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o suggest_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v deceive_v it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v remember_v that_o his_o lord_n have_v say_v before_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o peter_n in_o wisdom_n shall_v not_o have_v presume_v ability_n in_o himself_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o
god_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o natural_a affection_n he_o necessary_o sink_v into_o the_o level_n of_o common_a impotence_n without_o any_o other_o influx_n this_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o lapse_v nature_n i_o have_v draw_v chief_o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v the_o notice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o be_v always_o of_o importance_n to_o be_v know_v so_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v but_o that_o it_o be_v know_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o beginning_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n nature_n insufficiency_n of_o good_a etc._n isa_n 26.12_o isa_n 55.1_o etc._n etc._n as_o likewise_o the_o free_a overture_n of_o grace_n to_o help_v it_o out_o be_v plain_o testify_v and_o yet_o more_o plain_o in_o the_o psalmist_n where_o all_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n conduce_v to_o sanctification_n as_o cleanse_v guide_v help_v renew_v comfort_v strengthen_v establish_v be_v mention_v as_o express_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n assistance_n of_o sanctification_n be_v deliver_v with_o formal_a evidence_n for_o after_o that_o god_n have_v institude_v circumcision_n as_o a_o symbol_n of_o purity_n and_o have_v tell_v the_o israelite_n withal_o that_o the_o true_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o consist_v in_o the_o moral_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n i._n e._n in_o take_v off_o their_o love_n from_o the_o world_n and_o place_v it_o in_o the_o high_a measure_n upon_o god_n lest_o they_o shall_v fail_v of_o their_o end_n through_o ignorance_n of_o their_o mean_n and_o set_v about_o this_o great_a work_n in_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n he_o thus_o instruct_v they_o deut._n 30.6_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n now_o what_o plain_a word_n can_v be_v use_v to_o express_v that_o although_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n yet_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o work_v out_o this_o issue_n but_o that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v they_o to_o do_v it_o the_o strive_v of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n with_o man_n for_o their_o conversion_n 6.3_o gen._n 6.3_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o a_o know_v and_o receive_v truth_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v of_o several_a of_o the_o patriarch_n that_o they_o walk_v with_o god_n 6.9_o gen._n 5.22_o gen._n 6.9_o the_o expression_n with_o god_n must_v reasonable_o be_v interpret_v to_o signify_v with_o god_n assistance_n as_o well_o as_o according_a to_o his_o will._n far_o than_o this_o have_v i_o leisure_n to_o gratify_v the_o curious_a i_o have_v large_a room_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o very_a doctrine_n be_v familiar_o espouse_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a who_o as_o they_o find_v by_o conscious_a experience_n that_o it_o be_v as_o little_a in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o make_v himself_o virtuous_a as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o fortunate_a and_o as_o they_o likewise_o think_v it_o suitable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o man_n great_a good_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o lesser_a so_o they_o espouse_v this_o belief_n of_o god_n assist_a man_n to_o probity_n of_o manner_n as_o a_o truth_n deducible_a from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n according_o plato_n deliver_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n receive_v from_o socrates_n and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a in_o his_o morality_n that_o virtue_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a distribution_n and_o that_o education_n precept_n example_n and_o practical_a diligence_n be_v only_o partial_a advances_n towards_o it_o but_o that_o the_o state_n be_v god_n and_o finish_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o express_a and_o withal_o more_o venerable_a than_o that_o of_o seneca_n when_o he_o say_v nulla_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la mens_fw-la bona_fw-la no_o soul_n can_v be_v good_a without_o the_o divine_a assistance_n but_o i_o have_v assert_v my_o point_n from_o a_o better_a authority_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o engage_v no_o far_o in_o this_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o be_v supperfluous_a in_o a_o christian_a auditory_a have_v then_o offer_v this_o as_o the_o true_a prospect_n of_o the_o state_n of_o lapse_v nature_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o purpose_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o this_o state_n from_o such_o cavil_n as_o the_o rash_a and_o such_o complaint_n as_o the_o weak_a be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v against_o it_o and_o this_o i_o intend_v for_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n sermon_n ii_o st._n matth_n xxvi_o 35._o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o in_o a_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text_n i_o offer_v the_o scriptural_a view_n and_o account_n of_o lapse_v nature_n from_o whence_o it_o full_o appear_v that_o no_o man_n be_v sufficient_a either_o to_o be_v or_o to_o continue_v good_a in_o his_o own_o strength_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n direct_o serve_v the_o two_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n viz._n to_o exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o beat_v down_o all_o pretence_n of_o humane_a pride_n but_o as_o all_o truth_n be_v abusable_a so_o we_o may_v be_v aware_a that_o many_o espouse_v this_o very_a truth_n the_o more_o free_o only_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o free_o form_v it_o into_o a_o apology_n for_o careless_a live_n for_o example_n thus_o they_o argue_v our_o nature_n be_v indispose_v perverse_a and_o insussicient_a to_o good_a therefore_o how_o miserable_a be_v our_o condition_n thus_o to_o be_v maim_v before_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o make_v guilty_a before_o we_o know_v how_o to_o act_v and_o obnoxious_a for_o do_v that_o which_o we_o can_v help_v how_o unaccountable_o fatal_a be_v the_o indiscretion_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o this_o disorder_n and_o how_o unfortunate_a their_o posterity_n to_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v why_o do_v not_o god_n with_o more_o appearance_n of_o compassion_n redintegrate_a our_o nature_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a uprightness_n how_o much_o better_o have_v his_o service_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o this_o method_n and_o man_n more_o happy_o prevent_v from_o his_o displeasure_n which_o displeasure_n of_o his_o we_o can_v now_o avoid_v unless_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n who_o act_n be_v not_o supposable_a to_o be_v at_o our_o discretion_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o arguing_n be_v profane_a and_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o support_n and_o countenance_n of_o vice_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o obviate_v these_o mischief_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o my_o contemplation_n to_o its_o proper_a usefulness_n i_o be_o oblige_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o leave_v mankind_n under_o this_o present_a state_n of_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n from_o which_o enquiry_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o what_o god_n chief_o intend_v thereby_o be_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o strict_o to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a dependence_n upon_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o such_o a_o dependence_n put_v in_o practice_n will_v effectual_o cut_v off_o all_o possible_a pretence_n of_o humane_a complaint_n my_o first_o business_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o leave_v mankind_n under_o this_o present_a state_n of_o weakness_n insufficiency_n and_o disorder_n we_o must_v allow_v that_o god_n can_v have_v immediate_o reform_v that_o disorder_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o our_o nature_n by_o the_o first_o disobedience_n he_o can_v have_v check_v it_o in_o its_o first_o author_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v propagate_v to_o their_o posterity_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v much_o too_o bold_a for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o this_o will_v have_v be_v the_o better_a method_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o thing_n proceed_v from_o god_n that_o which_o be_v be_v always_o best_a though_o we_o sometime_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o reason_n that_o make_v it_o so_o but_o as_o to_o the_o present_a instance_n we_o may_v with_o reverence_n penetrate_v into_o its_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o must_v be_v allow_v of_o ex._n gr_n 1._o who_o can_v think_v but_o that_o when_o sin_n have_v get_v foot_v in_o despite_n of_o
have_v implore_v ability_n from_o he_o whence_o all_o humane_a sufficiency_n be_v derive_v lord_n leave_v not_o i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o leave_v thou_o lord_n strengthen_v i_o by_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v not_o deny_v thou_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v not_o deny_v thou_o in_o this_o method_n he_o have_v be_v secure_a and_o prevent_v his_o shameful_a fall_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o build_v a_o resolution_n upon_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o rebuke_v he_o do_v no_o other_o than_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o strength_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o as_o to_o leave_v he_o under_o the_o necessity_n of_o not_o perform_v it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o main_a lesson_n that_o this_o instance_n teach_v we_o viz._n that_o man_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o be_v pure_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a these_o two_o point_n be_v evident_a in_o peter_n case_n 1._o that_o he_o do_v not_o right_o know_v himself_o when_o he_o make_v his_o resolution_n and_o 2._o that_o the_o defeat_n of_o his_o resolution_n teach_v he_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o particular_a grace_n and_o endowment_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o he_o shall_v do_v without_o god_n actual_a assistance_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o present_a instruction_n i_o shall_v draw_v these_o two_o observation_n from_o the_o case_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o 2._o that_o to_o know_v ourselves_o true_o be_v to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v and_o that_o in_o our_o best_a estate_n weak_a and_o insufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a 1._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o know_v ourselves_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o i_o intend_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o mechanic_n frame_n to_o know_v by_o what_o ligament_n our_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o our_o body_n or_o by_o what_o mediate_a correspondency_n they_o act_v mutual_o upon_o one_o another_o to_o know_v in_o what_o manner_n sensation_n or_o in_o what_o remembrance_n be_v perform_v what_o spring_v set_v our_o involuntary_a motion_n a-work_o or_o what_o influence_n our_o will_n communicate_v to_o those_o that_o be_v voluntary_a to_o know_v this_o be_v not_o simple_o hard_a but_o impossible_a and_o it_o ought_v to_o mortify_v the_o pride_n of_o any_o man_n understanding_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o small_a of_o the_o part_n we_o be_v compose_v of_o and_o the_o least_o of_o those_o act_n we_o be_v always_o conversant_a with_o which_o we_o see_v minutely_o and_o live_v by_o their_o be_v do_v do_v yet_o escape_v and_o surmount_v our_o comprehension_n but_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o ourselves_o be_v impossible_a one_o thing_n we_o may_v infer_v from_o the_o benignity_n of_o providence_n that_o likewise_o wise_a it_o be_v not_o needful_a it_o will_v not_o conduce_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o philosophy_n of_o our_o being_n nor_o do_v we_o suffer_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o the_o soul_n act_v as_o orderly_o in_o those_o that_o never_o inquire_v as_o in_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o determine_v the_o chief_a place_n of_o its_o residence_n and_o our_o pulse_n beat_v as_o well_o when_o we_o think_v not_o of_o it_o at_o all_o as_o when_o we_o think_v of_o it_o never_o so_o wise_o but_o the_o knowledge_n here_o intend_v be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o moral_a self_n of_o our_o state_n in_o respect_n of_o virtue_n whether_o we_o real_o choose_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o what_o firmness_n there_o be_v in_o our_o choice_n whether_o we_o make_v proficiency_n in_o religion_n and_o whether_o there_o be_v sincerity_n in_o our_o pretence_n what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o will_n inclination_n and_o desire_n all_o which_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n mean_v by_o the_o word_n heart_n when_o he_o thus_o pronounce_v concern_v it_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o who_o can_v know_v it_o not_o a_o second_o not_o any_o one_o without_o we_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o ourselves_o can_v hardly_o know_v that_o heart_n which_o we_o carry_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n its_o propension_n be_v retire_v and_o dark_a and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o guess_v whether_o the_o bent_n of_o our_o affection_n will_v carry_v we_o at_o any_o time_n when_o their_o respective_a occasion_n offer_v now_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o respect_n can_v never_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a importance_n if_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v neither_o disapprove_v ourselves_o nor_o mend_v ourselves_o nor_o will_v natural_a pride_n fail_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o occasion_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o best_a interpretation_n of_o that_o which_o we_o least_o discern_v and_o so_o the_o more_o ignorant_a we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v opiniative_a and_o conceit_a what_o false_a measure_n man_n may_v take_v of_o themselves_o we_o be_v advertise_v in_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n rev._n 3_o where_o our_o lord_n speak_v of_o the_o laodicean_n in_o these_o word_n ver_fw-la 17._o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o judgement_n of_o themselves_o wonderful_o erroneous_a will_v one_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v between_o riches_n and_o poverty_n sight_n and_o blindness_n be_v clothe_v and_o be_v naked_a we_o may_v just_o think_v it_o impossible_a in_o the_o literal_a sense_n but_o how_o be_v it_o then_o in_o the_o moral_a be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o vicious_a man_n to_o think_v himself_o godly_a be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o churl_n to_o account_v himself_o liberal_a for_o the_o sensual_a to_o account_v himself_o heavenly-minded_n for_o the_o negligent_a to_o account_v himself_o devout_a be_v not_o this_o equal_o hard_a and_o yet_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n suggest_v chap._n 32.4_o that_o when_o the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o see_v be_v dim_a the_o churl_n may_v account_v himself_o liberal_a and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v when_o ounce_n indulge_v affection_n have_v impose_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o darken_v the_o soul_n and_o man_n be_v thereupon_o content_a to_o take_v up_o with_o false_a notion_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o themselves_o by_o false_a rule_n they_o may_v come_v to_o esteem_v themselves_o good_a though_o they_o be_v absolute_o evil_a they_o may_v think_v well_o of_o themselves_o for_o some_o casual_a act_n of_o virtue_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o live_v under_o the_o habit_n of_o contrary_a vice_n they_o may_v account_v themselves_o religious_a even_o while_o they_o be_v carnal_a worldly_a and_o immoral_a and_o yet_o to_o be_v religious_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v immoral_a imply_v as_o great_a a_o contradiction_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v between_o riches_n and_o poverty_n sight_n and_o blindness_n but_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o deceit_n so_o gross_a that_o it_o can_v pass_v upon_o a_o honest_a and_o considerate_a mind_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v produce_v some_o other_o that_o be_v more_o refine_v and_o subtle_a and_o such_o as_o may_v escape_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o more_o scrupulous_a enquiry_n into_o ourselves_o for_o example_n 1._o even_o when_o we_o do_v well_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o discern_v from_o what_o principle_n we_o act_n whether_o from_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n wh_o i_o certain_o sanctify_v or_o from_o external_a consideration_n which_o sanctify_v not_o at_o all_o but_o yet_o may_v occasional_o produce_v action_n of_o the_o same_o appear_a goodness_n when_o our_o saviour_n entertain_v those_o that_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o with_o the_o multiply_v loaf_n and_o feed_v their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n st._n john_n 6._o what_o a_o hearty_a confession_n do_v they_o break_v forth_o into_o ver_fw-la 14._o this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n how_o sedulous_o do_v they_o follow_v he_o what_o pain_n do_v they_o take_v to_o be_v with_o he_o how_o do_v they_o repine_v at_o the_o miss_v his_o conversation_n but_o a_o part_n of_o a_o day_n can_v any_o one_o believe_v but_o that_o these_o be_v disciple_n mature_a and_o steady_a and_o prepare_v to_o confess_v their_o master_n at_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n i_o question_v not_o but_o they_o believe_v as_o much_o of_o themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o
god_n command_n it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v leave_v some_o testimony_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o it_o now_o let_v i_o say_v at_o present_a what_o i_o will_v prove_v afterward_o viz._n that_o all_o the_o weakness_n and_o disorder_n that_o remain_v upon_o our_o nature_n if_o its_o mischief_n be_v not_o far_o extend_v by_o voluntary_a and_o choose_a malice_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o testimony_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o sin_n there_o be_v some_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o waste_v and_o cragginess_n and_o other_o seem_a deformity_n which_o appear_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earthly_a globe_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o violent_a concussion_n that_o happen_v at_o noah_n flood_n now_o shall_v such_o be_v ask_v a_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v not_o restore_v his_o work_n to_o its_o original_a beauty_n they_o will_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v stand_v so_o monumental_o to_o deter_v future_a age_n from_o the_o like_a provocation_n and_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o that_o disorder_n which_o sin_n in_o its_o first_o beginning_n bring_v upon_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v leave_v there_o as_o a_o monument_n of_o caution_n against_o that_o sin_n which_o occasion_v it_o and_o which_o if_o far_o comply_v with_o will_v bring_v on_o disorder_n much_o more_o deplorable_a than_o any_o we_o now_o feel_v indeed_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a disparity_n between_o these_o two_o issue_n disorder_n leave_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o disorder_n leave_v upon_o the_o frame_n of_o man_n for_o the_o earth_n feel_v no_o misery_n from_o the_o deformity_n of_o its_o surface_n and_o when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o most_o craggy_a squalid_a or_o barren_a part_n of_o it_o and_o reflect_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v a_o monument_n of_o god_n displeasure_n he_o may_v receive_v a_o wholesome_a instruction_n against_o sin_n but_o no_o temptation_n to_o sin_n from_o such_o a_o prospect_n whereas_o the_o disorder_n leave_v upon_o we_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o suffer_v it_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o our_o continual_a temptation_n and_o so_o run_v we_o upon_o that_o displeasure_n whereof_o it_o give_v we_o warn_v and_o therefore_o we_o just_o complain_v of_o its_o continuance_n this_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n and_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v of_o weight_n have_v god_n leave_v man_n helpless_a under_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o disorder_n and_o if_o as_o we_o have_v propension_n to_o sin_n so_o we_o lay_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o follow_v those_o propension_n but_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n god_n have_v convenant_v for_o grace_n to_o be_v our_o remedy_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v give_v unto_o we_o whatsoever_o we_o want_v in_o ourselves_o the_o objection_n as_o popular_a as_o it_o be_v appear_v to_o be_v fallacious_a and_o more_o than_o that_o a_o calumny_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o complain_v of_o natural_a blindness_n if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v our_o eye_n and_o our_o sight_n of_o natural_a impotence_n if_o he_o will_v be_v our_o defence_n and_o support_v of_o captivity_n to_o lust_n and_o passion_n if_o he_o be_v our_o redeemer_n and_o will_v set_v we_o free_a now_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v all_o this_o unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o complain_v the_o reproach_n of_o our_o complaint_n must_v return_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o according_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o complain_v most_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n who_o will_v rather_o enjoy_v its_o corruption_n than_o use_v the_o appoint_a mean_n to_o have_v it_o reform_v 2._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tender_a care_n of_o humane_a welfare_n be_v more_o abundant_o manifest_v in_o this_o our_o present_a state_n of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n god_n make_v the_o first_o man_n upright_o that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n wherein_o he_o can_v be_v good_a in_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n which_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n from_o we_o that_o we_o pretend_v to_o repine_v at_o but_o if_o god_n at_o this_o time_n though_o he_o do_v not_o make_v man_n upright_o yet_o vouchsafe_v to_o nurse_n guide_n and_o train_v he_o to_o such_o a_o state_n of_o uprightness_n as_o himself_o will_v be_v please_v withal_o who_o can_v say_v but_o the_o issue_n be_v the_o same_o to_o man_n but_o moreover_o the_o care_n and_o attendance_n upon_o he_o be_v infinite_o great_a if_o a_o lord_n give_v his_o servant_n a_o entire_a estate_n he_o discover_v a_o kind_n and_o liberal_a mind_n in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o shall_v make_v daily_a visit_n to_o he_o and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n provide_v he_o with_o what_o be_v fit_a none_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o in_o this_o method_n he_o discover_v a_o more_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a love_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a proof_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o the_o israelite_n when_o by_o his_o donation_n and_o conduct_v he_o bring_v they_o to_o possess_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o for_o all_o this_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o observation_n both_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o while_o he_o daily_o take_v care_n of_o their_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o indeficiency_n of_o their_o clothing_n in_o the_o naked_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n and_o this_o be_v a_o exact_a emblem_n of_o our_o present_a case_n how_o daily_o how_o minutely_o how_o incessant_a be_v the_o vigilance_n and_o provision_n of_o god_n for_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n be_v any_o thing_n laborious_a to_o omnipotence_n and_o can_v there_o be_v more_o and_o less_o of_o pain_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a i_o may_v say_v that_o god_n take_v more_o pain_n to_o save_v any_o particular_a soul_n than_o he_o do_v to_o make_v or_o do_v to_o govern_v the_o universal_a world_n he_o make_v the_o world_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o command_n and_o so_o he_o govern_v it_o for_o it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o resist_v but_o where_o he_o have_v place_v a_o elective_a power_n of_o resist_v there_o to_o watch_v over_o that_o power_n to_o attend_v every_o motion_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o check_v every_o evil_a and_o to_o cherish_v every_o good_a one_o to_o encourage_v it_o into_o act_n to_o reward_v it_o with_o complacency_n to_o propagate_v and_o establish_v it_o by_o supply_n of_o that_o good_a principle_n which_o first_o set_v it_o a-work_o to_o feed_v and_o lead_v and_o drive_v and_o discipline_n his_o flock_n to_o retrieve_v the_o wander_v to_o wait_v upon_o the_o tender_a and_o weak_a and_o to_o carry_v the_o impotent_a upon_o his_o shoulder_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o symbolize_v his_o care_n of_o man_n under_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o good_a shepherd_n this_o be_v a_o series_n of_o care_n and_o attention_n as_o well_o as_o love_n which_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o whole_a nature_n beside_o do_v not_o require_v this_o indeed_o be_v the_o most_o amaze_a contemplation_n that_o can_v enter_v into_o our_o thought_n and_o which_o make_v holy_a job_n break_v out_o into_o those_o word_n of_o wonder_n chap._n 7.14_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v magnify_v he_o and_o that_o thou_o shall_v set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o thou_o shall_v visit_v he_o every_o mornning_a and_o try_v he_o every_o moment_n this_o be_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n in_o his_o present_a state_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o only_a title_n that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o value_v himself_o upon_o even_o this_o that_o god_n value_v he_o so_o much_o but_o still_o to_o be_v more_o humble_a because_o he_o can_v so_o little_o deserve_v it_o 3._o a_o three_o reason_n why_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o leave_v we_o under_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n in_o this_o viz._n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o oblige_v we_o more_o strict_o to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a dependence_n upon_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v that_o reason_n i_o shall_v chief_o insist_v on_o and_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o dependence_n upon_o god_n there_o be_v a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n which_o we_o may_v call_v passive_a because_o it_o relate_v not_o to_o any_o act_n of_o our_o choice_n or_o will_n for_o we_o must_v depend_v upon_o he_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n we_o must_v depend_v upon_o god_n for_o our_o life_n and_o for_o every_o moment_n of_o its_o continuance_n for_o let_v we_o love_v life_n never_o so_o much_o we_o can_v continue_v it_o to_o any_o term_n or_o period_n beyond_o god_n pleasure_n and_o