case_n of_o herod_n he_o have_v yield_v no_o doubt_n to_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o the_o baptist_n reason_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v back_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o his_o herodias_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n who_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v under_o the_o ascendant_n of_o some_o silly_a or_o vile_a lust_n or_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o spoil_v the_o taste_n of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o diminish_v the_o price_n of_o canaan_n without_o doubt_n man_n will_v apply_v themselves_o more_o vigorous_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o not_o too_o fond_a of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o they_o will_v certain_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n more_o earnest_o and_o make_v a_o better_a provision_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o other_o world_n be_v they_o not_o too_o much_o take_v with_o this_o and_o therefore_o too_o apt_a to_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v they_o only_a who_o conquer_v be_v crown_v they_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o the_o world_n can_v reap_v nothing_o from_o these_o but_o corruption_n these_o kind_n of_o christian_n though_o peradventure_o they_o be_v not_o slave_n to_o any_o infamous_a and_o scandalous_a lust_n be_v yet_o entangle_v by_o some_o other_o not_o muchless_a injurious_a though_o not_o to_o reputation_n yet_o to_o purity_n of_o heart_n they_o be_v captive_v to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n though_o their_o chain_n seem_v better_o polish_v and_o of_o a_o fine_a metal_n they_o can_v mount_v upward_o they_o can_v conquer_v be_v retard_v and_o keep_v under_o if_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o their_o own_o softness_n and_o weakness_n and_o yet_o why_o shall_v i_o doubt_v but_o these_o be_v conquer_v by_o temptation_n the_o more_o innocent_a the_o object_n of_o any_o one_o passion_n be_v general_o the_o more_o fatal_a because_o we_o be_v the_o more_o apt_a to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o lukewarmness_n be_v thus_o point_v out_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o namely_o in_o form_v just_a and_o correct_v notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o in_o perfect_v and_o complete_n our_o reformation_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o aversion_n and_o dread_a of_o this_o state_n of_o lukewarmness_n by_o show_v 1._o the_o folly_n 2._o the_o gild_n and_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o folly_n how_o reasonable_o may_v i_o here_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o lukewarm_a in_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n to_o the_o israelite_n how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o 1_o king_n 18.21_o if_o you_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o your_o safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o god_n then_o serve_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n but_o if_o you_o think_v this_o depend_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n then_o serve_v these_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o stable_a treasure_n then_o strive_v sincere_o and_o vigorous_o to_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n respect_n and_o pomp_n and_o state_n be_v the_o proper_a portion_n and_o sovereign_a good_a of_o man_n then_o devote_v and_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o to_o these_o for_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v that_o life_n which_o will_v neither_o procure_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o another_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o listen_v only_o so_o much_o to_o conscience_n as_o to_o damp_n and_o chill_a our_o pleasure_n and_o so_o much_o to_o pleasure_n as_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o repose_n of_o conscience_n but_o indeed_o as_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n be_v rather_o a_o irony_n than_o any_o real_a doubt_n whether_o baal_n or_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n rather_o a_o scornful_a derision_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n than_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o deliberate_v whether_o idolatry_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o will_v seem_v to_o you_o to_o carry_v no_o other_o sound_n in_o they_o the_o disparity_n be_v so_o vast_a between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n between_o religion_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n or_o ambition_n between_o those_o hope_n and_o enjoyment_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o one_o and_o those_o we_o can_v fancy_v in_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v what_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v or_o to_o which_o side_n we_o be_v to_o adhere_v nay_o in_o this_o we_o be_v more_o criminal_a than_o the_o israelite_n be_v self-condemned_a the_o israelite_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whether_o the_o lord_n or_o baal_n be_v god_n they_o doubt_v under_o who_o protection_n they_o may_v thrive_v best_a but_o at_o this_o day_n whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n know_v very_o well_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o whatever_o passion_n we_o have_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o whatever_o spiritual_a idolatry_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o corrupt_v as_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o in_o reality_n any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o wealth_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n know_v that_o it_o make_v its_o self_n wing_n and_o fly_v away_o whilst_o on_o greatness_n and_o power_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o empty_a and_o toilsome_a pageantry_n and_o often_o the_o subject_a of_o misery_n and_o dismal_a tragedy_n not_o incident_a to_o a_o low_a state_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o pleasure_n we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a and_o short_a and_o intermix_v with_o fear_n and_o shame_n and_o torment_n we_o know_v that_o nothing_o here_o below_o be_v able_a to_o free_v our_o state_n and_o fortune_n from_o calamity_n our_o mind_n from_o gild_n the_o body_n from_o death_n much_o less_o the_o whole_a man_n from_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n in_o one_o word_n we_o know_v that_o what_o we_o admire_v be_v vanity_n and_o what_o we_o worship_v be_v indeed_o a_o idol_n this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o this_o topick_n for_o since_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o competition_n with_o god_n in_o our_o opinion_n though_o it_o often_o rival_n he_o in_o our_o affection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o impute_v the_o halt_n of_o a_o laodicean_n christian_n to_o any_o persuasion_n of_o omnipotence_n or_o alsufficiency_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o dote_v on_o serve_v and_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o other_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v general_o this_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n and_o our_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o provocation_n to_o god_n nor_o conserquent_o prejudice_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o blend_v and_o compound_v religion_n and_o sensuality_n and_o stand_v divide_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o halt_v in_o our_o service_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v this_o i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o 1._o religion_n have_v no_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o the_o lukewarm_a himself_o the_o gospel_n work_v no_o thorough_a change_n in_o he_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convert_v into_o a_o saint_n nor_o human_a nature_n perfect_v by_o participation_n of_o a_o divine_a one_o 2._o the_o laodicean_n can_v never_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n any_o gift_n any_o sacrifice_n worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o render_v he_o any_o service_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n but_o alas_o these_o man_n be_v almost_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n a_o few_o faint_a and_o irresolute_a wish_n formal_a and_o customary_a prayer_n niggardly_a and_o grumble_a alm_n and_o a_o attendance_n upon_o god_n word_n rather_o out_o of_o spiritual_a wantonness_n than_o devotion_n these_o be_v the_o offering_n
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v easy_o furnish_v i_o with_o invincible_a argument_n nor_o will_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n ever_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v keep_v the_o field_n so_o long_o as_o it_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o weak_a and_o decay_a piety_n by_o the_o fondness_n of_o man_n for_o themselves_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o frailty_n and_o by_o many_o mistake_a text_n but_o that_o this_o matter_n may_v if_o possible_a be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n 1._o i_o here_o distinguish_v between_o inordinate_a and_o natural_a affection_n by_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o mean_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a by_o natural_a its_o propension_n to_o the_o body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v invest_v the_o desire_n of_o its_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n for_o this_o end_n now_o when_o religion_n enjoin_v repugnance_n to_o the_o former_a appetite_n the_o obedience_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v no_o reluctancy_n in_o it_o but_o when_o it_o enjoin_v thing_n as_o sometime_o occasional_o it_o do_v which_o thwart_a and_o cross_v the_o latter_a here_o the_o obedience_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o conflict_n for_o our_o natural_a appetite_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v never_o be_v put_v off_o till_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v this_o be_v so_o clear_a it_o need_v not_o be_v illustrate_v by_o instance_n or_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o though_o good_a man_n have_v practise_v temperance_n chastity_n charity_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o this_o kind_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n too_o yet_o have_v nature_n shrink_v and_o startle_v at_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n though_o even_o here_o too_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o some_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o above_o what_o human_a nature_n ever_o seem_v capable_a of_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o suppose_v that_o nature_n be_v so_o change_v but_o that_o the_o inclination_n to_o sinful_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o any_o other_o forbid_a object_n will_v soon_o revive_v again_o even_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n unless_o he_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o and_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o disorderly_a desire_n not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o irregular_a motion_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o soul_n when_o strip_v of_o a_o mortal_a body_n or_o clothe_v with_o a_o immortal_a one_o till_o then_o the_o conjunction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v ever_o render_v the_o poor_a soul_n obnoxious_a to_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n and_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o the_o body_n do_v so_o easy_o pass_v those_o bound_n that_o divide_v they_o from_o sinful_a one_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o contemplation_n devotion_n good_a work_n or_o engage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o just_a and_o honest_a design_n or_o amuse_v by_o some_o innocent_a recreation_n for_o in_o these_o case_n the_o body_n be_v either_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a it_o be_v innocent_o busy_v and_o divert_v from_o those_o object_n to_o which_o it_o have_v too_o too_o impetuous_a a_o tendency_n i_o have_v now_o i_o think_v sufficient_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a liberty_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o guard_v it_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o will_v serve_v for_o so_o many_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o its_o attainment_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n these_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o four_o head_n 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v great_a happiness_n 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n 3._o it_o give_v we_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n 4._o the_o great_a and_o last_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n these_o be_v all_o comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 6.2.1_o 22_o 23._o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v death_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n aim_v at_o and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.17_o 18._o unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o i_o will_v here_o insist_v on_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o chapter_n demand_v it_o but_o also_o to_o prevent_v the_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o tedious_a repetition_n of_o they_o hereafter_o under_o every_o distinct_a branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n §_o 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o therefore_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a we_o need_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o depravity_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o feebleness_n and_o impotence_n of_o the_o will._n the_o understanding_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v incapable_a of_o discern_v the_o certainty_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n which_o now_o flow_v from_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o incomparable_o great_a which_o will_v one_o day_n flow_v from_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o fruition_n of_o they_o his_o affection_n which_o if_o fix_v and_o bend_v on_o virtue_n have_v be_v incentives_n as_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o noble_a and_o worthy_a action_n be_v biased_a and_o pervert_v do_v now_o hurry_v he_o on_o to_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a one_o and_o by_o these_o the_o mind_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o chance_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o render_v sensible_a of_o its_o happiness_n and_o duty_n be_v overpower_a and_o oppress_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n if_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o thus_o consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n and_o impotence_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o sinner_n act_v as_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infatuate_v when_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v mere_o whole_o body_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o none_o but_o one_o result_v from_o and_o dissolve_v with_o its_o temperament_n and_o contexture_n one_o design_v to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o to_o contrive_v minister_v to_o and_o partake_v in_o its_o sensuality_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v little_a expectation_n of_o another_o world_n who_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n only_o in_o this_o and_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a all_o sinner_n be_v not_o equal_o stupid_a or_o obdurate_a but_o even_o in_o those_o in_o who_o some_o spark_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n remain_v unextinguished_a how_o be_v the_o weak_a desire_n of_o virtue_n baffle_v and_o overpower_a by_o the_o much_o strong_a passion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n do_v they_o not_o find_v themselves_o reduce_v to_o that_o wretched_a state_n of_o bondage_n wherein_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o be_v present_a with_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o disease_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o not_o only_o extinguish_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o obliterate_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v
no_o evil_a to_o himself_o nor_o provoke_v any_o unnecessary_a danger_n his_o virtue_n effectual_o do_v that_o which_o atheism_n attempt_v in_o vain_a dispel_v the_o terror_n of_o a_o invisible_a power_n he_o need_v not_o drown_v the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n by_o wine_n or_o noise_n or_o the_o toil_n of_o life_n it_o speak_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v kind_a and_o oblige_a it_o be_v his_o comforter_n not_o his_o persecutor_n and_o as_o to_o this_o world_n he_o reap_v that_o satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n from_o the_o moderation_n of_o his_o affection_n which_o ambition_n and_o avarice_n do_v in_o vain_a promise_n themselves_o from_o preferment_n or_o the_o increase_n of_o wealth_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o state_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n exempt_a from_o evil_a it_o must_v be_v that_o of_o the_o perfect_a man._n but_o he_o know_v the_o world_n too_o well_o to_o flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o indolence_n or_o a_o undisturbed_a tranquillity_n here_o below_o and_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v delude_v by_o vain_a hope_n as_o from_o be_v scare_v by_o vain_a fear_n or_o torture_v and_o distend_v by_o vain_a desire_n he_o know_v the_o world_n have_v its_o evil_n and_o that_o they_o can_v whole_o be_v avoid_v he_o know_v it_o and_o dare_v behold_v they_o with_o open_a eye_n survey_v their_o force_n and_o feel_v and_o try_v their_o edge_n and_o then_o when_o he_o have_v collect_v his_o own_o strength_n and_o call_v in_o the_o aid_n of_o heaven_n he_o shrink_v not_o nor_o despond_v but_o meet_v evil_a with_o that_o courage_n and_o bear_v it_o with_o that_o evenness_n of_o mind_n that_o he_o seem_v even_o in_o his_o affliction_n near_o to_o indolence_n than_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n in_o his_o prosperity_n so_o that_o i_o can_v forbear_v profess_v there_o appear_v so_o much_o beauty_n so_o much_o loveliness_n in_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_n of_o life_n that_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o be_v there_o no_o other_o i_o shall_v admire_v and_o prefer_v his_o virtue_n above_o any_o possession_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o compare_v the_o saint_n and_o sinner_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o but_o very_o brief_o the_o wise_a man_n eye_n say_v solomon_n eccles_n 2.14_o be_v in_o his_o head_n but_o the_o fool_n walk_v in_o darkness_n the_o wise_a man_n see_v that_o he_o have_v enemy_n i_o mean_v evil_n and_o therefore_o he_o inform_v himself_o well_o of_o their_o strength_n observe_v their_o motion_n and_o prepare_v for_o the_o encounter_n but_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o sinner_n life_n and_o his_o most_o admire_a quality_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o evil_a till_o it_o crush_v he_o with_o its_o weight_n but_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o fool_n enough_o to_o arrive_v at_o this_o degree_n of_o brutality_n then_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o report_n of_o the_o most_o distant_a evil_n or_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a reach_v his_o ear_n how_o it_o fill_v his_o imagination_n how_o it_o shake_v his_o heart_n and_o how_o it_o embitter_v his_o pleasure_n and_o to_o what_o poor_a and_o despicable_a art_n to_o what_o base_a and_o dishonourable_a shift_n do_v his_o fear_n force_v he_o when_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n we_o discover_v nothing_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n but_o a_o beautiful_a mixture_n of_o humility_n and_o faith_n devotion_n and_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n in_o god_n he_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n psal_n 112._o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o to_o those_o who_o have_v opportunity_n and_o sense_n to_o observe_v it_o render_v he_o both_o more_o belove_v and_o revere_v last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a man_n actual_o under_o the_o weight_n and_o pressure_n of_o evil_a how_o much_o unlike_a be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o one_o in_o reality_n to_o that_o of_o the_o other_o even_o while_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n be_v the_o same_o what_o cheerfulness_n what_o courage_n what_o resignation_n what_o hope_v adorn_v the_o one_o what_o instruction_n to_o all_o what_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o relation_n do_v his_o deportment_n afford_v and_o how_o do_v it_o inspire_v and_o warm_v the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o with_o a_o esteem_n for_o and_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o himself_o what_o charm_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o those_o gracious_a speech_n that_o proceed_v at_o this_o time_n out_o of_o a_o good_a man_n mouth_n i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thou_o of_o very_a faithfulness_n have_v cause_v i_o to_o be_v afflict_v god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o suchlike_a and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n in_o secret_a before_o god_n how_o often_o do_v he_o reflect_v on_o the_o gracious_a and_o wise_a end_n of_o divine_a chastisement_n and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o with_o desire_n and_o thirst_n meditate_v on_o that_o fullness_n of_o joy_n which_o expect_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n now_o on_o the_o voluptuary_n on_o the_o ambitious_a on_o the_o covetous_a or_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o sinner_n under_o disgrace_n poverty_n sickness_n or_o any_o such_o calamity_n what_o a_o mean_a and_o despicable_a figure_n do_v such_o a_o one_o make_v what_o impatience_n what_o despondency_n what_o gild_n what_o pusillanimity_n do_v every_o word_n every_o action_n betray_v or_o it_o may_v be_v his_o insolence_n be_v turn_v into_o crouch_v and_o fawn_v his_o rudeness_n and_o violence_n into_o artifice_n and_o cunning_a and_o his_o irreligion_n into_o superstition_n various_a indeed_o be_v the_o humour_n and_o very_o different_a the_o carriage_n of_o these_o unhappy_a man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o all_o be_v but_o misery_n in_o a_o different_a dress_n gild_n and_o baseness_n under_o a_o different_a appearance_n here_o i_o may_v further_o remark_n that_o that_o faith_n which_o produce_v patience_n in_o adversity_n produce_v likewise_o security_n and_o confidence_n in_o prosperity_n i_o will_v lay_v i_o down_o may_n every_o good_a may_v say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o sleep_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o thou_o lord_n shall_v make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n and_o sure_o the_o one_o be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o ease_n of_o human_a life_n as_o the_o other_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o if_o pleasure_n be_v suppose_v to_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o indolence_n the_o perfect_a man_n have_v without_o controversy_n a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o it_o than_o any_o other_o can_v pretend_v to_o but_o let_v we_o take_v pleasure_n to_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a calm_a but_o a_o gentle_a breeze_n not_o to_o consist_v in_o mere_a rest_n and_o quiet_v but_o a_o delightful_a motion_n not_o in_o the_o mere_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o in_o the_o transport_v of_o it_o or_o some_o thing_n near_o approach_v it_o perfection_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o this_o change_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o pleasure_n how_o many_o pleasure_n have_v the_o wise_a man_n which_o depend_v not_o on_o fortune_n but_o himself_o i_o mean_v his_o diligence_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o which_o the_o sinner_n be_v a_o utter_a stranger_n what_o pleasure_n what_o triumph_n be_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n when_o he_o glory_n in_o god_n and_o make_v his_o boast_n of_o he_o all_o day_n long_o when_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n when_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n transport_v by_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o strengthen_v and_o exalt_v by_o the_o mighty_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n he_o maintain_v a_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n all_o communion_n with_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o joy_n of_o love_n and_o assurance_n and_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o heaven_n in_o it_o let_v the_o most_o fortunate_a and_o the_o wise_a epicurean_a too_o ransack_v all_o the_o storehouse_n and_o treasure_n of_o nature_n let_v he_o muster_v together_o all_o his_o legion_n of_o pleasure_n and_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v consolidate_n and_o incorporate_v they_o all_o and_o after_o all_o be_v put_v into_o the_o scale_n against_o this_o alone_a they_o will_v prove_v light_a than_o vanity_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o care_n the_o delight_n the_o love_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o fountain_n of_o
but_o such_o a_o digestion_n of_o they_o by_o serious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n as_o may_v in_o a_o manner_n incorporate_v they_o with_o we_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v when_o to_o signify_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n it_o use_v these_o word_n for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o intimate_v that_o no_o law_n no_o principle_n can_v ever_o influence_n we_o till_o they_o be_v deep_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o wind_v up_o all_o there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v we_o only_o as_o pisga_n top_n do_v moses_n to_o show_v we_o canaan_n but_o not_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o it_o there_o be_v again_z a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v we_o only_o as_o the_o talon_n do_v the_o wicked_a servant_n not_o to_o procure_v reward_n but_o punishment_n and_o final_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o like_o the_o talent_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o good_a steward_n enrich_v we_o first_o and_o recommend_v we_o afterward_o to_o high_a trust_n and_o dignity_n which_o improve_v and_o perfect_v our_o nature_n first_o and_o then_o put_v we_o into_o possession_n of_o such_o blessing_n as_o only_a nature_n thus_o improve_v and_o perfect_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o knowledge_n must_v not_o be_v a_o slight_a superficial_a and_o undigested_a one_o it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o obscure_a a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a one_o this_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n which_o will_v bring_v forth_o those_o excellent_a fruit_n which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v from_o true_a illumination_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o have_v all_o the_o quite_o contrary_a character_n even_o such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o describe_v at_o large_a that_o this_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o will_v give_v himself_o leave_v to_o make_v any_o reflection_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n for_o how_o do_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n prevail_v amid_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o have_v the_o devil_n erect_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n reign_v where_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v preach_v whence_o be_v this_o be_v man_n ignorant_a of_o those_o truth_n which_o make_v up_o the_o systeme_n of_o true_a wisdom_n this_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v scarce_o of_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n much_o less_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o this_o be_v because_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o its_o clearness_n certainty_n and_o digestion_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n have_v dispatch_v the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o show_v both_o what_o truth_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o i_o be_o next_o to_o treat_v 1._o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o s._n 1._o as_o to_o the_o fruit_n of_o illumination_n i_o have_v the_o less_o need_n to_o insist_v upon_o they_o because_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v on_o this_o head_n have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n anticipate_v all_o the_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n and_o illuminate_a knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o sufficient_o declare_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o true_a illumination_n i_o will_v therefore_o be_v very_o short_a on_o this_o head_n and_o only_o just_a mention_n two_o advantage_n of_o illumination_n as_o the_o use_n of_o light_n be_v especial_o twofold_a to_o delight_n and_o guide_v we_o so_o do_v we_o reap_v two_o benefit_n from_o illumination_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o immediate_a one_o be_v that_o it_o set_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a life_n right_a that_o it_o fix_v our_o affection_n on_o their_o proper_a and_o natural_a object_n and_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o true_a end_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o understanding_n constant_o and_o necessary_o influence_n and_o determine_v the_o will._n expeperience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o fatal_a liberty_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v too_o often_o independent_a of_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n that_o we_o pursue_v false_a pleasure_n and_o a_o false_a interest_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a and_o in_o plain_a opposition_n to_o our_o judgement_n too_o at_o least_o to_o a_o sedate_n and_o calm_a one_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o we_o consist_v of_o two_o different_a and_o repugnant_a principle_n a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n and_o be_v solicit_v by_o two_o different_a world_n a_o temporal_a and_o a_o eternal_a one_o but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o illumination_n in_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v continual_o exciting_a in_o we_o wise_a desire_n and_o excellent_a purpose_n it_o be_v always_o allure_a and_o invite_v we_o towards_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o restrain_v and_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o death_n it_o alarm_n disquiet_n disturb_v and_o persecute_v we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o err_v and_o wander_v from_o the_o path_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n the_o great_a work_n of_o illumination_n be_v to_o be_v always_o represent_v the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o beatitude_n and_o glory_n of_o virtue_n and_o remonstrate_v the_o evil_n and_o dishonour_v the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o vice_n so_o that_o a_o man_n will_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n who_o have_v this_o light_n within_o he_o till_o it_o be_v either_o extinguish_v or_o obey_v 2._o this_o light_n within_o we_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v and_o comply_v with_o not_o mud-died_n and_o disturb_v if_o it_o be_v not_o quench_v and_o extinguish_v by_o wilful_a sin_n or_o unpardonable_a oscitancy_n and_o remissness_n if_o in_o a_o word_n its_o influence_n be_v not_o interrupt_v disperse_v all_o our_o fear_n as_o well_o as_o error_n create_v a_o unspeakable_a tranquillity_n in_o the_o soul_n spread_v over_o we_o a_o calm_a and_o glorious_a sky_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o we_o and_o about_o we_o look_v gay_a and_o verdant_a and_o beautiful_a the_o dissipation_n of_o pagan_a darkness_n and_o all_o participation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o deliverance_n from_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o wrath_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o jesus_n the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n good_a god_n what_o surprise_v what_o ravish_v theme_n be_v these_o for_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o enlighten_v soul_n to_o dwell_v upon_o bless_a and_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o enjoy_v this_o pleasure_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o we_o may_v i_o be_o now_o to_o discourse_n s._n 2._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n now_o whatever_o advice_n can_v relate_v to_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o two_o head_n 1._o what_o qualification_n do_v render_v man_n capable_a of_o illumination_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v that_o one_o due_o qualify_v be_v to_o do_v in_o pursuit_n of_o it_o §_o 1._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o illumination_n one_o man_n be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o several_a way_n by_o his_o estate_n or_o fortune_n by_o natural_a or_o acquire_v endowment_n and_o by_o moral_a disposition_n and_o each_o of_o these_o may_v have_v some_o though_o a_o very_a different_a influence_n upon_o human_a perfection_n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o only_o the_o essence_n and_o integrity_n of_o perfection_n then_o be_v there_o two_o or_o three_o moral_a qualification_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o this_o but_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o largeness_n of_o its_o stature_n the_o symmetry_n of_o its_o feature_n the_o lustre_n of_o its_o complexion_n and_o the_o elegance_n of_o its_o dress_n then_o may_v we_o allow_v something_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o fortune_n to_o nature_n and_o a_o liberal_a education_n this_o be_v a_o observation_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v for_o though_o every_o man_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o perfection_n that_o be_v habitual_a holiness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n yet_o be_v not_o every_o man_n capable_a of_o be_v equal_o perfect_a because_o of_o that_o accidental_a variety_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v and_o
which_o flow_v from_o different_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o depend_v not_o on_o ourselves_o this_o be_v premise_v in_o order_n to_o prevent_v my_o be_v mistake_v i_o proceed_v and_o determine_v 1._o that_o illumination_n depend_v not_o upon_o a_o man_n outward_a fortune_n there_o be_v indeed_o several_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o without_o much_o leisure_n and_o much_o expense_n and_o in_o order_n to_o support_v the_o one_o and_o enjoy_v the_o other_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v master_n of_o a_o good_a fortune_n hence_o be_v that_o observation_n of_o the_o author_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 38.24_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n come_v by_o opportunity_n of_o leisure_n and_o he_o that_o have_v little_a business_n shall_v become_v wise_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o exclude_v the_o husbandman_n the_o statuary_n the_o engraver_n the_o smith_n the_o potter_n and_o all_o consequent_o who_o time_n and_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o in_o make_v the_o necessary_a provision_n for_o life_n these_o i_o say_v he_o exclude_v from_o all_o pretension_n to_o wisdom_n how_o can_v he_o get_v wisdom_n that_o hold_v the_o plough_n and_o that_o glori_v in_o the_o goad_n who_o talk_n be_v of_o bullock_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n that_o i_o be_o inquire_v after_o and_o which_o constitute_v illumination_n that_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o law_n of_o our_o earthly_a but_o heavenly_a country_n not_o in_o art_n and_o science_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o body_n and_o minister_n to_o a_o temporal_a life_n but_o in_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o minister_v to_o a_o eternal_a one_o no_o not_o in_o notional_a improvement_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o in_o spiritual_a and_o vital_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o husbandman_n and_o the_o artist_n the_o mechanic_n and_o the_o trader_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o this_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n as_o the_o man_n of_o office_n money_n or_o quality_n there_o need_v no_o wealth_n to_o render_v one_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n there_o be_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o book_n of_o revelation_n both_o the_o book_n of_o god_n both_o write_v throughout_o with_o glorious_a illuminate_a truth_n these_o lie_v wide_o open_a to_o every_o honest_a christian_a the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v full_o reveal_v and_o unanswerable_o prove_v and_o though_o every_o honest_a man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v all_o the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v yet_o may_v he_o discover_v enough_o and_o what_o be_v more_o he_o may_v have_v a_o inward_a vital_a sensible_a proof_n of_o they_o he_o may_v feel_v the_o power_n the_o charm_n of_o holiness_n experiment_n its_o congruity_n and_o loveliness_n to_o the_o human_a soul_n and_o observe_v a_o thousand_o demonstration_n of_o its_o serviceableness_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n he_o may_v have_v a_o a_o full_a convictive_a sense_n of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o excellent_a tendency_n of_o it_o may_v be_v so_o palpable_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o he_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o voice_n within_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n which_o will_v ever_o abide_v with_o he_o and_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n all_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o joh._n 7.17_o 2._o extraordinary_a natural_a part_n such_o as_o sagacity_n or_o acuteness_n of_o judgement_n strength_n of_o memory_n the_o liveliness_n of_o imagination_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o illumination_n the_o gospel_n as_o i_o remember_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o these_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o require_v rather_o purity_n of_o heart_n than_o quickness_n of_o apprehension_n to_o render_v we_o enamour_v of_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o all_o gospel_n motive_n and_o of_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n too_o of_o divine_a truth_n to_o convince_v and_o affect_v we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n but_o probity_n and_o sincerity_n however_o i_o have_v two_o or_o three_o reflection_n to_o make_v here_o which_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a for_o though_o acuteness_n and_o retention_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v quickness_n in_o discern_v and_o firmness_n in_o preserve_a truth_n be_v common_o account_v natural_a part_n and_o general_o be_v so_o yet_o i_o think_v where_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v most_o defective_a they_o may_v be_v much_o help_v and_o wonderful_o improve_v to_o which_o end_n i_o remark_n first_o that_o those_o defect_n of_o understanding_n or_o memory_n which_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o accuse_v themselves_o of_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v with_o more_o justice_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o concern_v and_o affection_n for_o such_o thing_n than_o to_o any_o incapacity_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o easy_o understand_v and_o easy_o remember_v what_o we_o desire_v and_o love_n and_o wherever_o we_o follow_v the_o impulse_n or_o conduct_v of_o strong_a inclination_n we_o seldom_o fail_v of_o excel_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v care_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o our_o judgement_n and_o memory_n will_v no_o more_o fail_v we_o here_o then_o in_o those_o worldly_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o be_v most_o intent_n upon_o second_o as_o to_o memory_n it_o depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o perspicuity_n regularity_n and_o order_n of_o our_o notion_n many_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o memory_n when_o the_o defect_n be_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o other_o while_o they_o grasp_v at_o all_o retain_v nothing_o in_o order_n then_o to_o relieve_v this_o infirmity_n of_o memory_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o confine_v our_o search_n and_o meditation_n to_o a_o few_o object_n and_o to_o have_v these_o clear_o and_o methodical_o handle_v a_o catechetical_a way_n of_o expound_v and_o assert_v the_o rudiment_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v of_o great_a service_n to_o person_n of_o all_o capacity_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o of_o mean_a for_o thus_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o useful_a thing_n and_o of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o obligation_n either_o to_o belief_n or_o practice_n be_v bottom_v but_o also_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o general_a principle_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o they_o may_v steer_v their_o judgement_n in_o all_o case_n and_o with_o certain_a head_n of_o faith_n and_o moral_n to_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o reduce_v most_o of_o what_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v three_o it_o be_v with_o the_o understanding_n as_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n one_o see_v further_o off_o and_o in_o a_o faint_a light_n but_o another_o see_v as_o well_o with_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o use_n of_o life_n who_o yet_o require_v that_o the_o object_n shall_v be_v near_o and_o the_o light_n better_o man_n of_o slow_a capacity_n must_v not_o be_v dare_v or_o precipitate_v in_o pass_v their_o sentence_n and_o form_v their_o notion_n they_o must_v examine_v whether_o the_o matter_n they_o inquire_v after_o be_v not_o too_o remote_a and_o obscure_a whether_o the_o object_n may_v be_v bring_v near_o and_o place_v in_o a_o better_a light_n or_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o telescope_n or_o microscope_n fit_a for_o they_o if_o not_o they_o must_v quit_v the_o search_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o improper_a and_o unnecessary_a for_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o will_v at_o least_o avoid_v be_v deceive_v or_o perplex_v which_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o be_v enrich_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o universal_a knowledge_n be_v a_o great_a thing_n but_o i_o doubt_v too_o great_a for_o man._n next_o to_o this_o be_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o error_n and_o perplexity_n in_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v no_o great_a excess_n of_o modesty_n or_o humility_n for_o man_n to_o be_v content_a with_o this_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n of_o acquire_v learning_n in_o order_n to_o true_a illumination_n our_o saviour_n
clear_a do_v the_o understanding_n grow_v and_o the_o more_o absolute_a its_o authority_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v comply_v with_o and_o obey_v while_o it_o render_v we_o more_o like_a god_n render_v we_o more_o dear_a to_o he_o too_o and_o one_o favour_n if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n qualify_v we_o for_o another_o whoever_o shall_v observe_v the_o scripture_n will_v find_v that_o holiness_n and_o illumination_n advance_v with_o equal_a step_n and_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o maturity_n that_o as_o we_o pass_v on_o from_o the_o infancy_n to_o the_o manhood_n of_o virtue_n so_o do_v we_o from_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o wisdom_n to_o the_o height_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lust_n obscure_v and_o eclipse_n the_o light_n within_o sin_n deprave_v and_o corrupt_v our_o principle_n and_o while_o we_o renounce_v our_o virtue_n we_o quench_v or_o chase_v away_o the_o spirit_n into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n wisdom_n shall_v not_o enter_v nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o wisd_v 1.4_o 5._o 4._o we_o must_v frequent_o and_o constant_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o illumination_n of_o his_o grace_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v from_o above_o and_o if_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a thing_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n from_o what_o fountain_n but_o from_o he_o can_v we_o expect_v illumination_n the_o rapture_n of_o poet_n the_o wisdom_n of_o lawgiver_n the_o noble_a piece_n of_o philosophy_n and_o indeed_o all_o heroic_a and_o extraordinary_a performance_n be_v by_o the_o pagan_n themselves_o general_o attribute_v to_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n ascribe_v a_o transcendent_a skill_n even_o in_o art_n and_o trade_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o illumination_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o new_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v essential_a part_n of_o sanctity_n and_o therefore_o must_v proceed_v from_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n we_o must_v therefore_o constant_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o illumination_n we_o must_v earnest_o pray_v in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n will_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n eph._n 1.17_o this_o dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o expectation_n of_o his_o blessing_n on_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n put_v the_o mind_n into_o the_o best_a disposition_n and_o frame_n to_o attain_v it_o because_o it_o natural_o free_v and_o disengage_v it_o from_o those_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la and_o distraction_n which_o otherwise_o entangle_v and_o disturb_v it_o and_o render_v it_o uncapable_a of_o raise_v sedate_n and_o coherent_a thought_n but_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v repeat_v and_o express_v promise_v make_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v never_o fail_v of_o success_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v add_v if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n or_o as_o it_o be_v luk._n 11._o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o mat._n 7.7_o 11._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1.5_o nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o every_o good_a man_n have_v these_o promise_n verify_v to_o he_o there_o be_v sudden_a suggestion_n unexpected_a manifestation_n extraordinary_a elevation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v account_v for_o but_o by_o a_o divine_a principle_n nor_o do_v this_o doctrine_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n or_o irradiation_n in_o the_o least_o diminish_v the_o power_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v supersede_n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v now_o reveal_v any_o new_a truth_n of_o general_a use_n or_o importance_n since_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n will_v on_o this_o supposal_n be_v but_o a_o defective_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o first_o the_o spirit_n may_v assist_v we_o in_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n second_o the_o spirit_n may_v help_v we_o to_o form_v clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o general_a knowledge_n of_o and_o to_o fix_v and_o imprint_v they_o in_o more_o last_a as_o well_o as_o more_o legible_a character_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o it_o may_v recall_v to_o our_o remembrance_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v obliterated_a and_o forget_v or_o final_o it_o may_v produce_v in_o we_o a_o more_o earnest_a and_o steady_a application_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n three_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o spirit_n may_v not_o vouchsafe_v we_o particular_a impulse_n direction_n and_o intimation_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n and_o sudden_a emergency_n where_o holy_a writ_n afford_v we_o no_o light_n and_o human_a prudence_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o this_o detract_v or_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o than_o i_o conceive_v be_v what_o the_o spirit_n do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o illumination_n but_o how_o it_o do_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o i_o doubt_v possible_a to_o be_v determine_v nor_o ought_v our_o ignorance_n of_o this_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a illumination_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o understand_v and_o remember_v and_o exercise_v a_o freedom_n or_o liberty_n of_o will_n in_o our_o choice_n resolution_n and_o action_n but_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o do_v this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n that_o do_v hitherto_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v whole_o surpass_v and_o transcend_v our_o philosophy_n i_o will_v here_o close_v this_o chapter_n with_o a_o prayer_n of_o fulgentius_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 4._o after_o he_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o the_o fetch_v up_o himself_o a_o master_n doctor_n or_o dictator_n to_o his_o brethren_n he_o break_v out_o into_o these_o devout_a and_o pious_a word_n i_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v that_o our_o true_a master_n and_o doctor_n christ_n jesus_n either_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o by_o the_o conversation_n of_o my_o brethren_n or_o joint-disciple_n or_o else_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o delightful_a instruction_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n in_o which_o without_o the_o element_n of_o letter_n or_o the_o sound_n of_o speech_n truth_n speak_v with_o so_o much_o the_o sweet_a as_o the_o still_a and_o soft_a voice_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o teach_v i_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v so_o propose_v and_o so_o assert_v that_o in_o all_o my_o exposition_n and_o assertion_n i_o may_v be_v ever_o find_v conformable_a and_o obedient_a and_o firm_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v for_o it_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o enlighten_v confirm_v and_o aid_n i_o that_o i_o may_v always_o obey_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n by_o truth_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o those_o many_o more_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o from_o who_o i_o have_v receive_v the_o few_o i_o know_v of_o truth_n i_o beg_v through_o prevent_v and_o assist_v grace_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o what_o ever_o i_o yet_o know_v not_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v steadfast_a in_o those_o truth_n which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o rectify_v in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n i_o be_o mistake_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o those_o truth_n wherein_o i_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o those_o opinion_n that_o be_v erroneous_a or_o hurtful_a i_o beg_v last_o that_o truth_n may_v ever_o find_v both_o in_o my_o thought_n and_o speech_n all_o that_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o its_o gift_n and_o that_o it_o will_v always_o cause_v i_o to_o utter_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o itself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o
through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v nor_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o multiply_v no_o more_o instance_n of_o restraint_n of_o this_o or_o the_o like_a nature_n thus_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v affect_v towards_o praise_n and_o reputation_n interest_n and_o power_n beauty_n strength_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v neither_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o they_o nor_o enjoy_v they_o with_o too_o much_o gust_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o this_o be_v that_o disposition_n which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o suit_n best_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a sort_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v either_o temptation_n or_o blessing_n instrument_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n 3_o the_o scripture_n regulate_v and_o bound_v our_o natural_a and_o necessary_a appetite_n not_o so_o much_o by_o nice_o define_v the_o exact_a degree_n and_o measure_n within_o which_o nature_n must_v be_v strict_o contain_v as_o by_o exalt_a example_n of_o and_o exhortation_n to_o a_o spiritual_a pure_a and_o heavenly_a disposition_n thus_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o stream_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o to_o call_v off_o his_o disciple_n from_o it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n mark_v 3.34_o 35._o and_o he_o look_v round_o about_o on_o they_o which_o sit_v about_o he_o and_o say_v behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o same_o be_v my_o brother_n and_o my_o sister_n and_o mother_n to_o which_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o may_v join_v those_o of_o st._n paul_n henceforth_o know_v we_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o now_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o 2_o cor._n 5.16_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v defer_v his_o follow_v he_o till_o he_o have_v bury_v his_o father_n matt._n 8._o â—1_n and_o to_o he_o who_o beg_v leave_v to_o go_v and_o bid_v farewell_n first_o to_o his_o relation_n and_o domestic_n luke_n 9.61_o do_v plain_o countenance_v the_o doctrine_n i_o here_o advance_v and_o so_o do_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o so_o often_o cite_v by_o i_o not_o that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o account_v our_o natural_a affection_n vicious_a and_o impure_a for_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n to_o be_v without_o they_o rom._n 1.31_o not_o that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o diminish_v or_o abate_v much_o less_o to_o cancel_v the_o duty_n flow_v from_o they_o no_o they_o only_o prune_v the_o luxuriancy_n of_o untaught_a nature_n and_o correct_v the_o fondness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o animal_n inclination_n our_o natural_a affection_n may_v entangle_v and_o enslave_v we_o as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a and_o irregular_a one_o if_o we_o lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o they_o religion_n indeed_o make_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n but_o without_o it_o they_o easy_o betray_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o folly_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o doubt_v not_o lest_z under_o pretence_n of_o satisfy_v our_o most_o natural_a and_o importunate_a appetite_n we_o shall_v be_v ensnare_v into_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o entangle_v in_o the_o care_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v we_o to_o take_v think_v for_o to_o morrow_n even_o for_o the_o necessary_n of_o to_o morrow_n what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v drink_v and_o where-withal_a we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v matt._n 6._o these_o be_v the_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o scripture_n which_o if_o any_o man_n observe_v he_o will_v soon_o discern_v himself_o as_o far_o purify_v and_o free_v from_o original_a corruption_n as_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v §_o 2_o he_o must_v fortify_v and_o invigorate_v the_o mind_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v two_o way_n first_o by_o possess_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o by_o withdraw_v it_o often_o from_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o former_a branch_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a since_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o have_v before_o be_v describe_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n not_o only_o of_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v we_o but_o also_o of_o grace_n to_o strengthen_v we_o of_o the_o former_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o exert_v all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n we_o have_v of_o the_o latter_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o our_o natural_a force_n never_o can_v effect_v it_o can_v be_v here_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o grieve_v and_o quench_v it_o this_o will_v demand_v a_o peculiar_a treatise_n i_o will_v here_o only_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o repair_v in_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o fall_n to_o rectify_v nature_n to_o improve_v our_o faculty_n and_o to_o imprint_v in_o we_o the_o divine_a image_n that_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o careful_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n obtain_v and_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o negligence_n and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n grieve_v and_o extinguish_v it_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o here_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o illumination_n and_o will_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o imbibe_v do_v effectual_o raise_v we_o above_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o set_v we_o free_a from_o the_o power_n and_o prevalence_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n be_v we_o but_o once_o persuade_v that_o we_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n that_o all_o carnal_a gratification_n do_v war_n against_o the_o soul_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v proper_o ourselves_o and_o that_o our_o first_o care_n be_v to_o be_v for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v himself_o our_o sovereign_n good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o inferior_a good_a that_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o he_o that_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a mediator_n who_o once_o die_v for_o we_o and_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o a_o kingdom_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o all_o meek_a faithful_a and_o holy_a soul_n be_v we_o i_o say_v but_o once_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o these_o truth_n with_o what_o vigour_n will_v they_o impregnate_n our_o mind_n how_o clear_a will_v be_v the_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n how_o uncontrollable_a the_o authority_n of_o reason_n how_o strong_a the_o instinct_n and_o propension_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o righteousness_n and_o virtue_n these_o will_v alienate_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o turn_v the_o bend_v of_o it_o another_o way_n these_o will_v inspire_v it_o with_o other_o desire_n and_o hope_n and_o make_v it_o form_n different_a project_n from_o what_o it_o have_v before_o old_a thing_n be_v do_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o particular_a rule_n be_v that_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o retire_v frequent_o from_o the_o commerce_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o body_n whether_o the_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v open_a to_o the_o mind_n new_a scene_n of_o sensuality_n which_o it_o think_v not_o of_o and_o so_o call_v it_o down_o from_o the_o serenity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o contemplative_a life_n to_o participate_v the_o turbulent_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n immerse_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v deep_a into_o the_o body_n i_o pretend_v not_o to_o judge_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o too_o too_o intimate_a conjunction_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o body_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o it_o do_v very_o much_o debase_v it_o it_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o world_n we_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n we_o talk_v of_o the_o world_n we_o think_v of_o the_o
slight_a and_o insignificant_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v attend_v by_o no_o mischievous_a connsequence_n nor_o to_o offer_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n nor_o injustice_n to_o man._n but_o i_o doubt_v this_o notion_n of_o venial_a sin_n have_v no_o solidity_n in_o it_o for_o either_o man_n perform_v such_o action_n deliberate_o or_o indeliberate_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a now_o if_o we_o perform_v any_o action_n deliberate_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a we_o never_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o little_a sin_n much_o less_o a_o venial_a one_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a the_o first_o notion_n that_o every_o man_n have_v of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o and_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o then_o to_o do_v that_o deliberate_o which_o we_o know_v will_v provoke_v god_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o fearless_a and_o irreligious_a heart_n a_o heart_n destitute_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o heaven_n but_o if_o a_o man_n transgress_v in_o a_o trifle_a instance_n indeliberate_o this_o alter_v the_o case_n for_o the_o matter_n not_o be_v of_o importance_n enough_o to_o excite_v the_o intention_n and_o application_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v consequent_o no_o malignity_n of_o the_o will_n in_o a_o action_n where_o there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n of_o the_o judgement_n i_o can_v but_o think_v this_o may_v very_o well_o pass_v for_o a_o human_a infirmity_n for_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o can_v be_v here_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o man_n be_v incogitancy_n or_o inadvertency_n and_o that_o too_o as_o excusable_a a_o one_o as_o can_v be_v last_o where_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o action_n be_v very_o trifle_v and_o inconsiderable_a and_o draw_v after_o it_o no_o ill_a consequence_n either_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o man_n judge_v it_o no_o sin_n i_o can_v think_v it_o iâ—_n any_o to_o he_o though_o by_o a_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a construction_n it_o may_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o some_o divine_a prohibition_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o schoolman_n be_v good_a enough_o here_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o law_n but_o not_o against_o it_o or_o it_o be_v against_o the_o letter_n but_o not_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o with_o eternal_a misery_n or_o that_o it_o can_v become_v a_o man_n of_o sense_n serious_o to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n for_o they_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o shall_v provoke_v god_n if_o pass_v through_o a_o field_n of_o my_o neighbour_n corn_n or_o pease_n i_o shall_v pull_v off_o a_o ear_n or_o cod_n or_o pass_v through_o his_o orchard_n shall_v eat_v a_o apple_n the_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o law_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o entertain_v such_o trifle_a weak_a and_o superstitious_a fancy_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o very_o much_o perplex_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o good_a people_n that_o be_v a_o idle_a word_n and_o jest_a concern_v both_o which_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o such_o be_v miserable_o mistake_v and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o unless_o unreasonable_a and_o superstitious_a scruple_n make_v they_o so_o this_o i_o say_v on_o supposition_n that_o by_o idle_a word_n they_o mean_v only_o such_o talk_n as_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o by_o jest_a only_o that_o which_o be_v innocent_a and_o divertive_a by_o a_o idle_a word_n matt._n 12._o our_o saviour_n plain_o mean_v a_o blasphemous_a word_n if_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o every_o idle_a word_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o context_n for_o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o blasphemy_n which_o the_o jew_n belch_v out_o against_o his_o miracle_n or_o if_o our_o lord_n here_o on_o this_o occasion_n advance_v a_o general_a doctrine_n then_o by_o a_o idle_a word_n we_o must_v understand_v a_o wicked_a one_o proceed_v from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o naughty_a heart_n and_o tend_v as_o direct_o to_o promote_v impiety_n as_o gracious_a and_o wholesome_a discourse_n do_v to_o promote_v edification_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o ver_fw-la 25._o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n and_o a_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n bring_v forth_o evil_a thing_n and_o ver_fw-la 37._o for_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o jest_a eph._n 5.4_o the_o apostle_n understand_v the_o modish_a raillery_n of_o the_o greek_n which_o be_v general_o make_v up_o of_o profaneness_n and_o wantonness_n or_o brisk_a and_o sharp_a irony_n this_o be_v plain_a both_o from_o the_o company_n we_o find_v it_o in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d filthiness_n and_o foolish_a speak_v and_o from_o the_o character_n give_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o other_o two_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v give_v the_o most_o infamous_a and_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n rom._n 1.28_o thing_n not_o convenient_a be_v a_o diminutive_a expression_n imply_v such_o thing_n as_o contain_v much_o turpitude_n and_o wickedness_n in_o they_o beza_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o note_n read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o place_n foolish_a speak_v or_o not_z and_z jest_a which_o as_o he_o observe_v make_v jest_a the_o same_o thing_n with_o foolish_a speak_v or_o buffonery_n and_o justify_v that_o jest_a which_o consist_v in_o a_o pleasant_a and_o divertive_a facetiousness_n from_o 1_o king_n 18.27_o 2_o king_n 3.23_o isa_n 14.11_o 2._o some_o think_v that_o the_o mere_a reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n of_o conscience_n against_o sin_n be_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o this_o have_v receive_v no_o small_a countenance_n from_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o rom._n 7._o as_o make_v holiness_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o vicissitude_n of_o desire_n and_o action_n repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o but_o at_o this_o rate_n no_o man_n sin_n will_v be_v damn_v but_o he_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o when_o one_o heart_n do_v condemn_v one_o god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o acquit_v one_o which_o agree_v very_o ill_a with_o st._n john_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 3.21_o no_o man_n unless_o arrive_v at_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a without_o reluctancy_n for_o his_o conscience_n will_v forbid_v he_o as_o long_o as_o it_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o tenderness_n in_o it_o and_o restrain_v he_o as_o far_o as_o it_o have_v power_n and_o as_o to_o rom._n 7._o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o consider_v and_o i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n as_o rom._n 8._o do_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v free_a st._n austin_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o understand_v that_o chapter_n at_o first_o as_o the_o pelagean_n do_v for_o a_o person_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o find_v himself_o constrain_v afterward_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o st._n paul_n himself_o i_o will_v not_o examine_v the_o solidity_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o i_o that_o his_o change_n of_o opinion_n do_v religion_n no_o harm_n for_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v a_o state_n of_o holiness_n to_o consist_v with_o act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o conscience_n that_o he_o will_v not_o excuse_v so_o much_o as_o rebellious_a motion_n and_o appetite_n if_o consent_v to_o all_o that_o he_o contend_v for_o in_o a_o good_a man_n from_o this_o chapter_n be_v that_o lapse_v nature_n will_v sometime_o exert_v itself_o even_o in_o the_o best_a man_n in_o disorderly_a and_o distemper_a appetite_n 3._o other_o last_o will_v have_v those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o fall_v either_o overpower_a by_o the_o strength_n or_o weary_v out_o by_o the_o assiduity_n or_o length_n of_o a_o temptation_n pass_v for_o infirmity_n but_o this_o opinion_n have_v as_o little_a ground_n as_o the_o two_o former_a i_o can_v find_v no_o scripture_n that_o countenance_n this_o notion_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o of_o great_a reputation_n who_o have_v promote_v it_o but_o i_o think_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n make_v against_o it_o 1_o cor._n
of_o man_n who_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o character_n and_o condemnation_n not_o because_o they_o perform_v no_o duty_n but_o because_o their_o performance_n of_o they_o be_v depretiate_v by_o coldness_n and_o formality_n man_n who_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o inward_a spiritual_a life_n man_n who_o do_v general_o observe_v the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o with_o so_o little_a gust_n with_o such_o indifference_n and_o lukewarmness_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o useful_a to_o themselves_o this_o state_n of_o deadness_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o more_o general_o as_o it_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n or_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o or_o that_o instance_n of_o religion_n 1._o when_o it_o be_v so_o general_a that_o the_o bend_v and_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v for_o want_v of_o relish_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n pervert_v and_o deprave_v when_o we_o have_v no_o design_n drive_v on_o no_o end_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o great_a and_o manifest_a obligation_n of_o god_n when_o we_o have_v no_o joy_n or_o pleasure_n no_o thirst_v or_o appetite_n that_o do_v true_o become_v a_o christian_a when_o we_o make_v no_o progress_n no_o advance_n towards_o our_o great_a end_n when_o our_o discourse_n and_o employment_n have_v no_o tincture_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o no_o tendency_n to_o edification_n i_o think_v we_o may_v then_o bold_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o carnality_n and_o death_n and_o that_o this_o want_n of_o relish_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n proceed_v from_o a_o real_a want_n of_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o true_a illumination_n for_o be_v the_o mind_n once_o true_o enlighten_v be_v it_o once_o clear_o convince_v firm_o and_o habitual_o persuade_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v notion_n different_a from_o those_o of_o worldly_a carnal_a man_n so_o will_v there_o consequent_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o design_n of_o our_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n and_o as_o necessary_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o of_o our_o conversation_n whoever_o therefore_o find_v this_o general_a stupidity_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n let_v he_o not_o flatter_v himself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v a_o corrupt_a carnal_a and_o blind_a heart_n his_o performance_n proceed_v not_o from_o true_a principle_n and_o have_v not_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v as_o different_a from_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_a as_o the_o civility_n and_o compliment_n of_o a_o well-bred_a acquaintance_n from_o the_o substantial_a office_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o affectionate_a friend_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o will_v take_v the_o least_o pain_n to_o examine_v himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v it_o for_o whoever_o will_v act_v honest_o and_o impartial_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n on_o himself_o upon_o the_o bare_a performance_n of_o some_o relative_a or_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o inquire_v first_o what_o virtue_n he_o practice_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o expense_n hazard_n or_o travel_v what_o work_v of_o piety_n or_o charity_n he_o perform_v and_o what_o proportion_n they_o bear_v to_o his_o ability_n next_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o design_n and_o end_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o all_o his_o religious_a performance_n whether_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o welfare_n of_o man_n and_o his_o own_o improvement_n and_o growth_n in_o goodness_n or_o whether_o he_o do_v this_o mere_o to_o acquit_v himself_o of_o a_o task_n and_o discharge_v himself_o of_o what_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o a_o duty_n though_o he_o find_v no_o pleasure_n no_o advantage_n in_o it_o three_o he_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o duty_n what_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n he_o have_v for_o righteousness_n what_o warmth_n ardour_n elevation_n or_o earnestness_n of_o mind_n accompany_v his_o performance_n what_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n his_o reflection_n on_o they_o or_o whether_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o burden_n to_o he_o or_o something_o to_o which_o custom_n only_o reconcile_v he_o last_o he_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o operation_n what_o influence_n his_o religious_a performance_n have_v upon_o he_o prayer_n hear_v read_v and_o suchlike_a duty_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n increase_v our_o love_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o confirm_v our_o hope_n and_o therefore_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o discharge_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o that_o sincerity_n they_o ought_v he_o therefore_o that_o will_v examine_v himself_o aright_o must_v not_o ask_v himself_o how_o often_o he_o read_v how_o often_o he_o hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o rest_v there_o but_o must_v ask_v himself_o what_o effect_v these_o performance_n have_v have_v upon_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o will_v soon_o discern_v if_o he_o demand_v of_o himself_o what_o the_o bent_n and_o scope_n of_o his_o life_n be_v how_o much_o he_o advance_v and_o improve_v in_o the_o conquest_n of_o any_o vice_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o any_o virtue_n what_o he_o love_v or_o what_o he_o hate_v what_o esteem_v he_o have_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o men._n and_o in_o a_o word_n how_o he_o follow_v after_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o how_o he_o increase_v in_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n 2._o lukewarmness_n or_o coldness_n may_v be_v consider_v more_o particular_o as_o it_o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n in_o hear_v read_v prayer_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o deadness_n in_o these_o duty_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o be_v a_o plain_a symptom_n of_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o common_a that_o they_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o make_v little_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v little_o concern_v for_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o complain_n of_o lifelessness_n in_o duty_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o this_o complaint_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a evil_n to_o such_o for_o it_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n damp_n the_o cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o their_o service_n and_o clog_n and_o encumber_n their_o religion_n with_o needless_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n some_o have_v go_v about_o to_o set_v this_o matter_n right_o very_o unskilful_o and_o whilst_o they_o have_v as_o they_o think_v shun_v enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o irregular_a heat_n have_v real_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n and_o talk_v of_o prayer_n and_o such_o other_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o can_v but_o reflect_v disadvantagious_o on_o themselves_o among_o such_o as_o be_v moderate_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n but_o what_o surprise_v i_o most_o be_v that_o some_o of_o very_a deserve_a repute_n have_v teach_v that_o the_o seek_v spiritual_a pleasure_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o perfection_n that_o heat_n and_o ardour_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n do_v often_o happen_v to_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o very_o seldom_o to_o the_o perfect_a but_o my_o business_n not_o be_v to_o combat_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n but_o to_o advance_v truth_n in_o the_o most_o charitable_a and_o in_o the_o most_o effectual_a manner_n that_o i_o can_v therefore_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n which_o have_v bias_v any_o on_o this_o subject_a i_o will_v lay_v down_o two_o or_o three_o proposition_n which_o will_v i_o hope_v clear_v this_o matter_n and_o promote_v the_o design_n i_o be_o now_o carry_v on_o 1._o then_o lifelessness_n or_o lukewarmness_n in_o these_o duty_n must_v never_o be_v constant_a there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o habitual_a and_o accidental_a coldness_n in_o duty_n the_o former_a be_v the_o symptom_n of_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a mind_n but_o not_o the_o latter_a many_o be_v the_o accident_n which_o