Selected quad for the lemma: lord_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
lord_n work_n world_n worldly_a 321 3 7.7284 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26810 Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God / by William Bates ... Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1699 (1699) Wing B1128; ESTC R4307 200,199 485

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

the_o vital_a member_n from_o hence_o we_o be_v inform_v how_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o hope_n whether_o they_o be_v save_v and_o will_v attend_v we_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n if_o they_o purify_v we_o they_o will_v certain_o be_v accomplish_v in_o heavenly_a blessedness_n if_o we_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n in_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o in_o glory_n but_o carnal_a and_o loose_a hope_n will_v issue_v in_o disappointment_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o visible_a christian_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v a_o builder_n and_o raise_v a_o fabric_n of_o hope_n that_o may_v appear_v fair_a to_o the_o eye_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o trial_n a_o come_n that_o will_v discover_v how_o firm_a it_o be_v it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o rock_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v or_o the_o quick_a sand_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o those_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v they_o build_v upon_o a_o foundation_n more_o stable_a than_o the_o centre_n the_o perfect_a veracity_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v in_o his_o promise_n but_o those_o who_o hear_v without_o do_v build_v upon_o the_o sink_a sand._n carnal_a man_n will_v pretend_v they_o hope_v for_o salvation_n only_o for_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v eternal_a foundation_n but_o to_o secure_v a_o building_n the_o superstructure_n must_v be_v strong_o fasten_v to_o the_o foundation_n or_o it_o can_v resist_v a_o storm_n if_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o a_o purify_n faith_n our_o hope_n will_v deceive_v we_o when_o sin_n have_v dominion_n which_o be_v certain_o discover_v by_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o man_n life_n when_o there_o be_v a_o remanent_fw-la affection_n to_o it_o in_o man_n heart_n which_o be_v know_v by_o their_o reflection_n upon_o past_a sin_n with_o pleasure_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o future_a sin_n with_o desire_n their_o hope_n be_v like_o a_o spider_n web_n that_o can_v bear_v no_o stress_n hope_n be_v subordinate_a to_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v regulate_v by_o the_o promise_n some_o believe_v without_o hope_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o but_o be_v careless_a and_o desperate_a in_o their_o wickedness_n other_o hope_v to_o be_v well_o hereafter_o without_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n indeed_o there_o be_v none_o can_v bear_v up_o under_o despair_a thought_n when_o they_o be_v rage_v in_o the_o breast_n he_o that_o be_v absolute_o and_o with_o consideration_n hopeless_a fall_v upon_o his_o own_o sword_n the_o tempter_n deal_v with_o sinner_n according_a to_o their_o condition_n if_o they_o be_v swim_v in_o prosperity_n he_o stupefy_v conscience_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o be_v secure_a if_o they_o be_v sink_v in_o deep_a distress_n he_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o aggravation_n that_o he_o plunge_v they_o into_o despair_n and_o both_o temptation_n be_v fatal_a but_o the_o most_o perish_v by_o fallacious_a hope_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o unwilling_a to_o suspect_v the_o goodness_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o condition_n than_o to_o mistake_v and_o be_v deceive_v for_o ever_o but_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o allure_v by_o worldly_a object_n that_o though_o in_o their_o life_n there_o be_v the_o visible_a mark_n exclusive_a of_o salvation_n they_o be_v unconcern_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o carnal_a vain_a hope_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o all_o evil_n commit_v and_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o evil_n suffer_v hope_v that_o shall_v encourage_v holiness_n embolden_v wickedness_n and_o that_o shall_v lead_v man_n to_o heaven_n precipitate_v they_o into_o hell_n how_o great_a will_v their_o fall_n be_v from_o a_o conceit_a heaven_n into_o a_o real_a hell_n hope_n of_o all_o the_o passion_n be_v the_o most_o calm_a and_o quiet_a but_o when_o utter_o disappoint_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n it_o be_v most_o turbulent_a for_o the_o consequent_a passion_n despair_n impatience_n sorrow_n rage_n be_v the_o cruel_a tormentor_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n now_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n when_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o soul_n he_o may_v feed_v and_o cherish_v it_o while_o he_o live_v but_o in_o the_o fatal_a moment_n when_o he_o die_v his_o blaze_a presumption_n will_v expire_v not_o to_o be_v revive_v for_o ever_o but_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n the_o sanctify_a spirit_n inspire_v and_o preserve_v life_n in_o it_o till_o it_o be_v consummate_a in_o that_o blessedness_n that_o exceed_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o exclude_v all_o our_o fear_n for_o ever_o 2._o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o command_a motive_n to_o purify_v ourselves_o hope_n be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n in_o this_o world_n it_o enter_v into_o all_o our_o design_n and_o mix_v with_o all_o our_o endeavour_n the_o husbandman_n plough_v in_o all_o the_o frost_n and_o snow_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o fruitful_a harvest_n the_o mariner_n sail_v through_o dangerous_a sea_n often_o enrage_v with_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o among_o rock_n and_o sand_n for_o a_o hopeful_a venture_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n make_v we_o active_a and_o ardent_a in_o seek_v for_o it_o consider_v we_o have_v infinite_o great_a security_n of_o obtain_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o object_n be_v above_o all_o comparison_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n here_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o diligent_a be_v uncertain_a to_o obtain_v their_o end_n the_o trifle_n which_o they_o earnest_o expect_v and_o be_v certain_a after_o a_o while_n to_o lose_v they_o but_o if_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v certain_o obtain_v it_o and_o it_o be_v unforfeitable_a for_o ever_o i_o will_v conclude_v with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o argument_n declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v godly_a righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n this_o will_v keep_v we_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o grace_n of_o excellent_a efficacy_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o we_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n direction_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v annex_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n to_o work_v upon_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o be_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n that_o be_v principal_o exercise_v in_o his_o moral_a government_n that_o hope_n may_v be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o fear_v a_o strong_a bridle_n to_o restrain_v from_o sin_n the_o reward_n must_v exceed_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n that_o can_v accrue_v by_o transgress_v the_o law_n and_o the_o penalty_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o may_v be_v inflict_v for_o obedience_n to_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o divine_a hope_n and_o godly_a fear_n have_v such_o a_o command_a conquer_a power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o be_v so_o operative_a in_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o neglect_v their_o duty_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n nor_o commit_v a_o sin_n to_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n the_o grace_n of_o fear_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o in_o another_o place_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o short_a in_o the_o account_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o cleanse_v virtue_n here_o fear_n introduce_v serious_a religion_n preserve_v and_o improve_v it_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o divine_a love_n may_v have_v admission_n into_o it_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o gild_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o judgement_n that_o follow_v when_o paul_n discourse_v of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v the_o prisoner_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o conscience_n make_v the_o judge_n tremble_v this_o fear_n have_v more_o torment_n than_o reverence_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o
face_n of_o god_n himself_o i_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a even_o unto_o death_n we_o read_v of_o moses_n that_o he_o be_v the_o meek_a man_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o this_o there_o be_v record_v a_o very_a eminent_a effect_n and_o evidence_n when_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n have_v contumelious_o and_o seditious_o speak_v against_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v usurp_v undue_a authority_n have_v the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d only_o speak_v by_o moses_n have_v he_o not_o also_o speak_v by_o we_o he_o may_v by_o a_o sharp_a reply_n have_v confound_v they_o but_o he_o be_v silent_a several_a circumstance_n concur_v to_o heighten_v the_o value_n of_o his_o victory_n over_o himself_o there_o be_v a_o double_a offence_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o relation_n this_o accusation_n be_v public_a before_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o contention_n when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a disposition_n to_o be_v fire_v by_o anger_n when_o the_o silent_a and_o patient_a bear_v the_o indignity_n may_v be_v interpret_v as_o a_o conviction_n of_o his_o gild_n yet_o he_o calm_o endure_v their_o false_a charge_n how_o great_a be_v the_o disparity_n between_o moses_n and_o jonah_n 3._o in_o compare_v some_o raise_a act_n of_o 29._o grace_n with_o low_a in_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o be_v a_o perfection_n attribute_v to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o diamond_n many_o small_a one_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a value_n with_o one_o great_a one_o though_o of_o equal_a weight_n with_o it_o so_o one_o act_n of_o piety_n of_o faith_n of_o charity_n of_o self-denial_n may_v for_o its_o rareness_n exemplariness_n and_o efficacy_n have_v such_o a_o divine_a degree_n of_o worth_n in_o it_o that_o it_o far_o excel_v many_o less_o illustrious_a effect_n of_o those_o grace_n as_o a_o single_a act_n of_o wickedness_n may_v be_v so_o extreme_o evil_a so_o enormous_o vicious_a as_o to_o exceed_v many_o crime_n in_o its_o pollution_n and_o guilt_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n ahaz_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n do_v yet_o trespass_n more_o against_o the_o lord_n judgement_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o god_n design_n be_v fit_a mean_n to_o soften_v the_o obdurate_a as_o iron_n be_v make_v malleable_a by_o the_o fire_n but_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n to_o be_v more_o stubborn_a by_o the_o infliction_n of_o wrath_n that_o shall_v correct_v man_n into_o their_o duty_n be_v a_o wickedness_n so_o unnatural_a and_o prodigious_a that_o it_o have_v leave_v a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n on_o he_o for_o ever_o this_o be_v that_o king_n ahaz_n that_o desperate_a rebel_n against_o god_n the_o idolatry_n of_o manasses_n be_v aggravate_v with_o such_o open_a contempt_n of_o god_n that_o make_v it_o infinite_o more_o provoke_a than_o the_o secret_a idolatry_n of_o other_o it_o be_v relate_v he_o set_v a_o carve_a image_n that_o he_o have_v make_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n of_o which_o god_n have_v say_v to_o david_n and_o to_o solomon_n his_o son_n in_o this_o house_n will_v i_o put_v my_o name_n for_o ever_o he_o depose_v god_n and_o with_o the_o bold_a defiance_n set_v a_o idol_n in_o his_o throne_n before_o his_o face_n i_o will_v produce_v some_o instance_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o its_o radiancy_n and_o power_n both_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v abraham_n receive_v a_o command_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n who_o thou_o love_v and_o go_v to_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burnt-offering_a how_o many_o circumstance_n with_o respect_n to_o nature_n and_o grace_n increass_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o obedience_n the_o command_n be_v so_o hard_o god_n will_v not_o permit_v the_o fulfil_n it_o isaac_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o most_o ardent_a desire_n in_o who_o he_o live_v more_o dear_o than_o in_o himself_o when_o his_o own_o life_n be_v almost_o expire_v and_o be_v miraculous_o renew_v in_o his_o son_n the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o who_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v how_o grievous_a to_o humane_a affection_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o spectator_n but_o actor_n the_o priest_n to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n yet_o he_o rise_v early_o and_o go_v to_o the_o place_n of_o which_o god_n have_v tell_v he_o he_o apply_v himself_o without_o relent_v or_o delay_n that_o will_v have_v argue_v unwillingness_n in_o such_o a_o severe_a trial_n he_o build_v a_o altar_n bind_v isaac_n and_o lay_v he_o on_o the_o altar_n and_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n to_o slay_v he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v countermand_v by_o a_o call_v from_o heaven_n in_o this_o work_n be_v his_o faith_n make_v perfect_a and_o appear_v in_o its_o exaltation_n this_o be_v a_o act_n so_o please_v to_o god_n that_o he_o declare_v his_o approve_v and_o accept_v it_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n to_o leave_v his_o country_n and_o go_v into_o a_o strange_a land_n be_v the_o excellent_a effect_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n but_o less_o illustrious_a than_o the_o offer_n of_o his_o son_n the_o self-denial_n of_o moses_n be_v as_o perfect_v and_o admirable_a in_o its_o kind_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharoahs_n daughter_n when_o he_o understand_v the_o value_n of_o a_o crown_n with_o the_o honour_n and_o riches_n annex_v to_o i●_n in_o the_o age_n of_o youth_n and_o strength_n wh●n_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n be_v vehement_o incline_v to_o pleasure_n and_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n of_o the_o free_a fruition_n then_o he_o choose_v to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n it_o be_v prudent_a advice_n not_o to_o choose_v when_o the_o passion_n be_v in_o a_o ferment_n and_o disorder_n it_o be_v like_a eat_v meat_n in_o a_o fever_n that_o increase_v the_o feverish_a heat_n and_o destroy_v the_o vital_a a_o terrible_a temptation_n hinder_v deliberation_n and_o a_o free_a judgement_n of_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o choose_v a_o pleasant_a temptation_n corrupt_v the_o mind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a good_n yet_o moses_n in_o that_o time_n of_o his_o life_n when_o the_o sensual_a passion_n be_v most_o inflame_v and_o urgent_a have_v his_o mind_n so_o clear_a and_o calm_a that_o he_o deliberate_o and_o with_o a_o full_a choice_n prefer_v disgrace_n poverty_n and_o persecution_n before_o the_o variety_n of_o attractive_a delight_n that_o ravish_v the_o carnal_a sense_n such_o be_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o it_o compose_v the_o unruly_a passion_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n the_o patience_n of_o job_n be_v as_o rare_a a_o instance_n who_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o cruelty_n and_o art_n of_o the_o tempter_n to_o overcome_v he_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o their_o immediate_a succession_n like_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n that_o he_o be_v sudden_o and_o unexpected_o strip_v of_o his_o estate_n deprive_v of_o his_o child_n and_o his_o body_n be_v cover_v with_o loathsome_a and_o painful_a ulcer_n that_o satan_n be_v confident_a his_o misery_n will_v so_o exasperate_v his_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v blaspheme_v god_n to_o his_o face_n yet_o he_o bless_v he_o with_o the_o most_o humble_a reverence_n and_o resign_v submission_n to_o his_o sovereign_a will._n add_v another_o consideration_n when_o his_o wife_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o comforter_n insult_v over_o he_o and_o become_v a_o tempter_n he_o repel_v she_o with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n and_o constancy_n the_o tempter_n neither_o by_o assault_n on_o his_o body_n nor_o by_o treachery_n in_o his_o wise_n can_v prevail_v in_o he_o patience_n have_v its_o perfect_a work_n it_o be_v record_v as_o the_o most_o celebrate_a instance_n in_o that_o kind_n you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o example_n of_o the_o three_o hebrew_n martyr_n who_o when_o the_o proud_a and_o cruel_a king_n command_v they_o to_o bow_v to_o the_o golden_a idol_n or_o threaten_v to_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o burn_a furnace_n with_o unshaken_a courage_n expose_v themselves_o to_o his_o fury_n to_o preserve_v their_o integrity_n in_o they_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o relative_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o several_a condition_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n as_o in_o a_o garden_n there_o be_v tree_n that_o produce_v different_a fruit_n
appetite_n and_o pretend_v they_o can_v resist_v the_o attractiveness_n and_o unbind_v the_o charm_n that_o fasten_v they_o to_o the_o object_n of_o their_o impure_a desire_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o little_a contempt_n or_o coldness_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v charm_v a_o favourable_a aspect_n upon_o a_o competitor_n will_v turn_v their_o love_n into_o disdain_n and_o break_v all_o society_n between_o they_o and_o shall_v one_o carnal_a passion_n vanquish_v another_o and_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o torment_n of_o a_o everlasting_a hell_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o restrain_v they_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o will_v cover_v they_o with_o eternal_a confusion_n in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o traveller_n complain_v of_o the_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n when_o a_o thorn_n in_o his_o foot_n make_v it_o uneasy_a carnal_a man_n complain_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a task_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n but_o their_o lust_n make_v it_o so_o 3._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o strive_v after_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v unnecessary_a by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o it_o before_o i_o discover_v the_o falseness_n of_o this_o pretence_n i_o shall_v observe_v that_o carnal_a man_n that_o they_o may_v live_v easy_o endeavour_v to_o make_v their_o principle_n correspondent_a with_o their_o practice_n they_o bend_v the_o rule_n to_o their_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o will_v not_o order_v their_o life_n by_o the_o holy_a rule_n the_o curse_a and_o crafty_a serpent_n will_v assist_v they_o in_o draw_v false_a conclusion_n from_o true_a premise_n and_o in_o oppose_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o its_o precept_n when_o the_o carnal_a affection_n corrupt_v the_o judgement_n the_o mind_n will_v give_v licence_n to_o the_o affection_n the_o case_n of_o such_o be_v dangerous_a if_o not_o desperate_a thus_o the_o loose_a opinion_n that_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o absolute_a perfection_n therefore_o strive_v after_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a make_v man_n remiss_a in_o religion_n and_o produce_v vain_a delusive_a hope_n that_o end_n in_o fearful_a disappointment_n to_o undeceive_v man_n the_o follow_a consideration_n may_v be_v effectual_a 1._o it_o be_v true_a we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o preceptive_a moral_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o grace_n and_o the_o foederal_n they_o agree_v in_o the_o former_a and_o differ_v in_o the_o latter_a the_o gospel_n enjoin_v perfect_a obedience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n but_o the_o first_o make_v it_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereas_o the_o second_o make_v provision_n for_o our_o imperfection_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o first_o the_o transgress_a of_o one_o command_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o death_n be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o sin_n for_o entire_a obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o adam_n sin_v once_o and_o must_v die_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o same_o the_o mediator_n interpose_v between_o the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o the_o sinner_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o kill_a law_n and_o the_o accuse_a conscience_n secure_v we_o from_o revenge_a justice_n only_o final_a impenitence_n and_o unbelief_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o though_o the_o gospel_n allay_v the_o severity_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o pardon_v our_o defect_n yet_o it_o as_o strict_o require_v our_o sincere_a earnest_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n as_o the_o law_n require_v exact_a obedience_n we_o be_v command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v direct_a matter_n of_o duty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o rule_n be_v inflexible_a and_o none_o can_v by_o dispensation_n or_o privilege_n be_v exempt_v from_o serious_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o be_v entire_o like_o god_n those_o who_o be_v please_v with_o the_o pretence_n that_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v unattainable_a here_o and_o indulge_v their_o imperfection_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n they_o be_v sure_o they_o shall_v be_v bad_a always_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o labour_v to_o be_v better_o but_o the_o consideration_n that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n be_v a_o spur_n and_o incitation_n to_o the_o saint_n to_o great_a diligence_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n before_o cite_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v different_a age_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n some_o be_v as_o new_o bear_v babe_n in_o a_o state_n of_o infancy_n and_o infirmity_n other_o in_o their_o minority_n other_o be_v arrive_v to_o more_o maturity_n and_o as_o the_o cry_n of_o a_o infant_n discover_v life_n as_o well_o as_o active_a mirth_n so_o mourn_v for_o our_o imperfection_n discover_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o saint_n of_o different_a degree_n be_v receive_v into_o glory_n but_o none_o be_v who_o do_v not_o aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n for_o without_o sincerity_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o present_a favour_n of_o god_n nor_o future_a blessedness_n and_o sincerity_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n grace_n be_v a_o plant_n of_o heaven_n productive_a of_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o its_o quality_n and_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o nature_n to_o be_v tend_v to_o perfection_n a_o tree_n that_o cease_v to_o grow_v before_o it_o be_v come_v to_o its_o perfection_n and_o bring_v not_o forth_o fruit_n in_o its_o season_n wither_v and_o die_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v unfruitful_a have_v no_o life_n but_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o just_a threaten_n of_o excision_n and_o the_o fire_n he_o that_o limit_n himself_o in_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n i_o have_v insi_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o matter_n that_o by_o clearness_n and_o conviction_n man_n may_v be_v disenchant_v from_o that_o pernicious_a persuasion_n that_o without_o use_v sincere_a endeavour_n to_o be_v perfect_o holy_a they_o may_v safe_o go_v to_o heaven_n 3._o i_o shall_v add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o before_o some_o other_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o be_v intentive_a to_o this_o great_a work_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n 1._o the_o moral_a law_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o perfection_n that_o forbid_v sin_n in_o every_o kind_n and_o degree_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o command_v holiness_n in_o the_o most_o spiritual_a sublimeness_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o mind_n heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a that_o personal_a perfect_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n be_v abolish_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v if_o that_o live_v we_o must_v die_v for_o ever_o but_o the_o command_n bind_v without_o relaxation_n there_o be_v no_o permission_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n the_o look_v to_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o deadly_a quality_n of_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o fiery_a serpent_n but_o stop_v its_o deadly_a operation_n faith_n in_o christ_n do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n to_o make_v it_o lawful_a but_o hinder_v its_o deadly_a malignity_n in_o work_v our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o before_o one_o tittle_n of_o it_o shall_v fail_v that_o be_v lose_v its_o bind_a authority_n it_o be_v as_o unalterable_a as_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o purity_n it_o represent_v not_o only_o the_o mysterious_a and_o supernatural_a doctrine_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o moral_a duty_n the_o matter_n of_o practice_n be_v full_o reveal_v only_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o humane_a understanding_n be_v darkness_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o dim_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n our_o saviour_n have_v clear_v the_o law_n from_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o by_o favourable_a explication_n and_o corrective_n of_o its_o strictness_n instead_o of_o curb_v their_o lust_n do_v cherish_v and_o foment_n they_o but_o the_o oracle_n speak_v without_o ambiguity_n the_o interpretation_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v clear_a and_o decisive_a that_o the_o purify_n the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o cleanse_v the_o hand_n be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n holiness_n must_v be_v so_o pure_a that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o pollute_a act_n but_o quench_v all_o pollute_a thought_n and_o desire_n we_o must_v not_o only_o
saint_n that_o eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o and_o these_o we_o shall_v especial_o regard_v enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n his_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a regard_n of_o god_n therefore_o he_o be_v translate_v into_o his_o glorious_a presence_n abraham_n faith_n be_v illustrious_a in_o that_o without_o reluctancy_n he_o address_v himself_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o belove_a son_n a_o command_n so_o heavy_a that_o god_n will_v not_o permit_v his_o perform_n it_o moses_n self-denial_n be_v true_o admirable_a in_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o a_o solitary_a naked_a desert_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o egyptian_a court_n wherein_o be_v the_o height_n of_o pomp_n and_o the_o centre_n of_o pleasure_n job_n patience_n be_v unparalleled_a when_o encompass_v with_o the_o sharp_a affliction_n daniel_n prefer_v a_o den_n of_o lion_n to_o darius_n palace_n rather_o than_o neglect_v one_o day_n his_o desire_a duty_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n who_o will_v it_o not_o inflame_v to_o read_v the_o narrative_a of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o excellent_a saint_n record_v in_o the_o 11_o to_o the_o hebrew_n they_o be_v persecute_v and_o patient_a afflict_a and_o resign_v they_o be_v victorious_a over_o the_o blandishment_n of_o the_o allure_a world_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o enrage_a world_n from_o those_o instance_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o run_v our_o race_n with_o patience_n look_v to_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v in_o our_o view_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o will_v make_v obedience_n more_o easy_a and_o best_a lead_v we_o to_o practice_n these_o excellent_a example_n shall_v make_v we_o blush_v with_o shame_n and_o bleed_v with_o grief_n that_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o more_o copious_a communication_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o gospel_n than_o under_o the_o law_n and_o a_o more_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n we_o be_v so_o many_o degree_n below_o they_o nothing_o intuemur_fw-la will_v convince_v we_o more_o of_o our_o negligence_n than_o comparative_a and_o exemplary_a instruction_n there_o be_v a_o envious_a emulation_n among_o those_o that_o be_v in_o public_a 73._o place_n it_o be_v not_o so_o please_v to_o see_v many_o below_o they_o as_o it_o be_v uneasy_a and_o grievous_a to_o see_v any_o above_o they_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o plant_n that_o in_o its_o native_a soil_n be_v poisonous_a but_o transplant_v into_o another_o climate_n and_o under_o another_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o healthful_a it_o be_v a_o noble_a emulation_n worthy_a the_o breast_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o strive_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o holiness_n 5._o our_o present_a joy_n and_o future_a glory_n be_v improve_v according_a as_o we_o rise_v to_o perfection_n here_o the_o life_n of_o a_o saint_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o bee_n who_o all_o the_o day_n either_o fly_v from_o their_o hive_n to_o the_o flower_n or_o from_o the_o flower_n to_o their_o hive_n and_o all_o their_o art_n and_o exercise_n be_v where_o there_o be_v fragrancy_n or_o sweetness_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o soul_n ascend_v to_o god_n by_o holy_a thought_n and_o ardent_a desire_n and_o god_n descend_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v true_a the_o carnal_a man_n can_v see_v nor_o taste_v the_o divine_a delight_n that_o a_o saint_n have_v real_a experience_n of_o for_o a_o low_a nature_n be_v incapable_a of_o the_o perception_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o high_a a_o plant_n can_v apprehend_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n nor_o a_o beast_n the_o pleasure_n of_o reason_n and_o reason_n must_v be_v prepare_v and_o elevate_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n which_o make_v all_o the_o charm_a content_n of_o this_o world_n insipid_a and_o nauseous_a for_o according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o capacity_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o faculty_n exercise_v upon_o they_o such_o be_v the_o delight_n that_o result_v from_o their_o union_n the_o holy_a soul_n be_v a_o heaven_n enlighten_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n a_o paradise_n plant_v with_o immortal_a fruit_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o god_n walk_v in_o it_o communicate_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n be_v not_o life_n and_o light_n and_o liberty_n productive_a and_o preservative_n of_o joy_n and_o consequent_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n the_o more_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a the_o more_o pleasant_a it_o be_v so_o the_o spiritual_a the_o more_o we_o be_v like_o god_n the_o more_o we_o be_v love_v of_o he_o and_o the_o more_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o love_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o the_o more_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o chain_n of_o sin_n and_o bondage_n of_o satan_n the_o more_o joyful_a and_o glorious_a be_v our_o liberty_n indeed_o the_o saint_n be_v sometime_o in_o darkness_n but_o their_o sorrow_n be_v from_o their_o defect_n in_o holiness_n from_o their_o not_o improve_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v rise_v to_o perfection_n for_o as_o when_o sadness_n oppress_v we_o the_o vital_a spirit_n retire_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o their_o spring_n that_o nature_n do_v not_o perform_v its_o operation_n with_o delight_n so_o when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o eternal_a comforter_n be_v grieve_v by_o our_o quench_v his_o pure_a motion_n he_o withdraw_v his_o comfort_a influence_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v leave_v desolate_a the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o religion_n the_o more_o it_o fasten_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o god_n by_o the_o band_n of_o love_n the_o happy_a we_o be_v and_o that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o renew_a christian_a be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v gloomy_a and_o melancholy_a that_o it_o be_v the_o joyful_a beginning_n of_o heaven_n by_o excel_v in_o holiness_n our_o future_a glory_n will_v be_v increase_v the_o life_n and_o order_n of_o government_n consist_v in_o the_o dispense_n reward_n and_o punishment_n god_n will_v recompense_v the_o wicked_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o their_o desert_n and_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n will_v be_v in_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o holiness_n not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o merit_n in_o our_o work_n to_o procure_v the_o eternal_a reward_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o most_o free_a love_n but_o his_o love_n reward_v we_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n that_o they_o who_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v exercise_v here_o their_o glory_n will_v be_v in_o heaven_n in_o this_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v admirable_a he_o work_v all_o in_o we_o and_o reward_v his_o own_o work_n his_o service_n be_v the_o best_a for_o he_o that_o command_v work_n and_o he_o that_o obey_v reign_v if_o we_o respect_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v complete_a in_o holiness_n it_o be_v true_a god_n bestow_v his_o favour_n as_o a_o free_a lord_n and_o liberal_a benefactor_n various_o but_o he_o distribute_v reward_n in_o the_o next_o life_n as_o a_o governor_n according_a to_o the_o inviolate_a rule_n establish_v by_o his_o wisdom_n in_o his_o word_n as_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v according_a to_o the_o kind_n of_o our_o work_n so_o the_o degree_n be_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o they_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o holiness_n be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v make_v miserable_a without_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o attribute_v a_o irregular_a clemency_n to_o he_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o desert_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o order_n of_o dispense_n it_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n or_o shadow_n of_o merit_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o obedience_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o reward_n chap._n xii_o the_o effectual_a mean_n to_o rise_v to_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n unfeigned_a faith_n in_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o efficient_a and_o exemplary_a cause_n of_o inherent_a holiness_n prayer_n a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v a_o increase_n of_o holiness_n frequent_a and_o attentive_a hear_n read_v and_o meditation_n of_o the_o word_n a_o mean_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n the_o word_n must_v be_v mix_v with_o faith_n and_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o improve_v grace_n by_o it_o it_o must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n it_o must_v be_v sincere_o receive_v the_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o increase_v grace_n repentance_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v improve_v by_o it_o the_o renew_v our_o