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and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o the_o prophet_n david_n make_v it_o not_o only_o easy_a but_o delightful_a psal._n nineteeen_o 8_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o then_o in_o the_o 10_o the_o verse_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n and_o sweet_a than_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n so_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v toil_n and_o burden_n that_o in_o reality_n they_o be_v pleasure_n and_o recreation_n but_o far_a to_o demonstrate_v this_o truth_n to_o you_o that_o god_n command_n be_v not_o burdensome_a and_o difficult_a i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v facile_a
apollo_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o love_v god_n from_o those_o corporeal_a passion_n be_v very_o unsafe_a and_o dangerous_a and_o we_o may_v almost_o as_o certain_o judge_v of_o the_o hunger_n of_o our_o soul_n after_o righteousness_n by_o the_o hunger_n of_o our_o body_n after_o bread_n as_o of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o our_o bodily_a ravishment_n and_o passion_n for_o bodily_a passion_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n some_o temper_n be_v so_o soft_a and_o impressive_a that_o the_o most_o frivolous_a fancy_n will_v affect_v they_o other_o so_o hard_a and_o sturdy_a that_o the_o great_a reason_n will_v hardly_o move_v they_o and_o consequent_o person_n of_o this_o temper_n though_o they_o shall_v love_v god_n much_o more_o than_o the_o other_o and_o have_v a_o much_o high_a esteem_n of_o and_o more_o rational_a complacency_n in_o his_o divine_a perfection_n yet_o will_v have_v much_o less_o of_o corporeal_a passion_n 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and_o vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n for_o thus_o upon_o some_o affect_a providence_n or_o passionate_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o be_v chafe_v into_o a_o amorous_a fit_a and_o touch_v with_o very_o tender_a resentment_n of_o the_o loveliness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n so_o that_o at_o present_a they_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o rapture_n of_o affection_n and_o with_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n to_o be_v wondrous_o sick_a of_o love_n but_o alas_o it_o common_o prove_v but_o a_o sudden_a qualm_n that_o after_o a_o pang_n or_o two_o go_v over_o and_o so_o they_o be_v well_o again_o immediate_o for_o upon_o their_o next_o encounter_n with_o temptation_n or_o intermixture_n with_o secular_a affair_n their_o hot_a love_n begin_v to_o languish_v and_o quick_o die_v into_o a_o cold_a indifferency_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o obligation_n that_o they_o have_v to_o the_o contrary_a their_o fickle_a heart_n 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he_o who_o can_v sudden_o or_o easy_o entertain_v a_o aversation_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n do_v never_o true_o love_n for_o love_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n be_v strong_a as_o death_n and_o many_o water_n can_v quench_v it_o cant._n viij_o 6_o 7._o wheresoever_o it_o light_v it_o cling_v and_o can_v never_o be_v tear_v away_o again_o without_o violent_a spasm_n and_o convulsion_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o passion_n we_o may_v have_v for_o god_n we_o can_v never_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v hearty_a love_n till_o it_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o our_o soul_n till_o our_o will_n be_v habitual_o please_v with_o god_n and_o do_v entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o love_n and_o loveliness_n with_o a_o constant_a complacency_n and_o delight_n and_o then_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o call_v it_o love_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o nativity_n of_o this_o heavenly_a flame_n within_o we_o 4_o
a_o plain_a token_n that_o we_o do_v not_o hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v more_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o do_v not_o love_v he_o so_o that_o in_o fine_a the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o the_o law_n of_o perfection_n require_v we_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o may_v and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v able_a in_o every_o period_n of_o our_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o religion_n and_o by_o how_o much_o we_o love_v he_o less_o than_o we_o be_v able_a by_o so_o much_o less_o shall_v be_v the_o future_a reward_n of_o our_o love_n but_o then_o for_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n that_o only_o require_v of_o we_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o do_v together_o with_o the_o other_o motive_n of_o religion_n effectual_o incline_v we_o to_o obey_v he_o sincere_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o improve_v our_o obedience_n into_o far_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o so_o long_o as_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o 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the_o same_o without_o the_o least_o addition_n or_o substraction_n and_o yet_o when_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o posture_n when_o he_o have_v no_o self-interest_n to_o serve_v upon_o we_o no_o motive_n but_o his_o own_o benignity_n to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o than_o do_v he_o begin_v to_o love_v we_o and_o to_o express_v the_o earning_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o bowel_n towards_o we_o and_o now_o how_o can_v we_o think_v of_o this_o and_o not_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o how_o can_v we_o any_o long_o avoid_v be_v captivate_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o generous_a kindness_n consider_v o_o my_o soul_n thy_o god_n gain_v nothing_o by_o all_o his_o love_n to_o thou_o but_o thou_o gain_v infinite_o by_o thy_o love_n to_o he_o by_o love_v he_o thou_o glorifie_v thyself_o and_o crown_v thy_o own_o desire_n with_o happiness_n but_o he_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n the_o better_a for_o love_v nor_o will_v he_o have_v be_v one_o jot_n the_o worse_a if_o he_o have_v never_o love_v thou_o at_o all_o and_o yet_o out_o of_o pure_a generous_a goodness_n he_o love_v thou_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o thou_o love_v thyself_o or_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o love_v he_o and_o can_v thou_o be_v such_o a_o wretched_a thing_n so_o lose_v to_o all_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o return_v he_o love_n for_o love_n 5_o thly_a he_o begin_v to_o love_v we_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a or_o too_o good_a for_o we_o consider_v how_o little_o we_o deserve_v his_o love_n how_o much_o we_o have_v deserve_v his_o hatred_n and_o how_o uncapable_a we_o be_v to_o make_v he_o any_o valuable_a requital_n it_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o ever_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o love_v we_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n but_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o begin_v to_o love_n but_o to_o be_v so_o liberal_a of_o his_o kindness_n to_o we_o 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undeserving_a guest_n but_o this_o be_v the_o small_a part_n of_o his_o kindness_n for_o he_o have_v inspire_v we_o with_o immortal_a mind_n and_o stamp_v they_o with_o the_o most_o fair_a impress_n of_o his_o own_o divinity_n viz._n a_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o forward_a capacity_n of_o the_o high_a perfection_n and_o pure_a happiness_n and_o to_o fill_v and_o gratify_v these_o our_o noble_a faculty_n and_o capacity_n he_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o heaven_n of_o immortal_a joy_n and_o furnish_v it_o with_o all_o the_o delight_n that_o this_o our_o heavenborn_a mind_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o he_o have_v send_v his_o bless_a son_n from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n thither_o to_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o obtain_v and_o ratify_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o pardon_n thereby_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n without_o which_o we_o be_v incapable_a of_o ever_o enjoy_v that_o beatifical_a state_n and_o lest_o all_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a he_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n present_a by_o his_o providence_n to_o reclaim_v by_o his_o angel_n to_o solicit_v we_o and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o cooperate_v with_o our_o endeavour_n so_o extreme_o careful_a be_v he_o not_o to_o be_v defeat_v of_o his_o kind_a intention_n to_o make_v we_o everlasting_o happy_a o_o bless_a god_n to_o what_o a_o degree_n must_v thou_o love_v we_o who_o think_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n too_o dear_a and_o good_a for_o we_o that_o do_v not_o think_v thy_o son_n too_o good_a to_o redeem_v we_o thy_o spirit_n to_o sanctify_v thy_o everlasting_a heaven_n to_o crown_n and_o reward_v we_o and_o now_o can_v our_o heart_n hold_v when_o we_o think_v of_o this_o can_v we_o be_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o a_o vigorous_a 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to_o address_v himself_o to_o we_o to_o court_v and_o woo_v we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o accept_v of_o his_o love_n and_o to_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o he_o will_v have_v we_o be_v enough_o to_o astonish_v the_o most_o insensible_a soul_n and_o even_o to_o dissolve_v a_o heart_n of_o rock_n into_o love_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o most_o pathetic_a strain_n describe_v the_o address_n of_o this_o great_a lover_n of_o soul_n borrow_v metaphor_n to_o express_v his_o love_n to_o we_o from_o all_o that_o be_v kind_a and_o love_a in_o the_o creation_n even_o from_o the_o most_o melt_a passion_n in_o mankind_n from_o the_o relent_n of_o father_n and_o yearning_n of_o mother_n bowel_n towards_o their_o dear_a offspring_n it_o paint_v he_o in_o all_o the_o charm_a posture_n of_o a_o implore_v beseech_v and_o importunate_a lover_n woo_v and_o entreat_v we_o to_o be_v happy_a even_o with_o tear_n of_o pity_n in_o his_o eye_n with_o charm_n of_o love_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o tender_v of_o mercy_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o when_o with_o all_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o his_o love_n he_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o live_v it_o represent_v he_o weep_v at_o our_o funeral_n and_o like_o a_o tender-hearted_a judge_n pronounce_v our_o sentence_n with_o the_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n by_o which_o metaphorical_a description_n he_o represent_v to_o we_o his_o infinite_a concern_v for_o our_o happiness_n how_o much_o his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o and_o how_o hardly_o he_o can_v bear_v a_o defeat_n in_o his_o kind_n and_o merciful_a intention_n towards_o we_o for_o what_o but_o a_o infinite_a love_n can_v ever_o have_v make_v the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o stoop_v so_o low_a to_o his_o rebellious_a subject_n as_o to_o beseech_v they_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o weapon_n of_o hostility_n with_o which_o they_o can_v injure_v none_o but_o themselves_o and_o to_o listen_v to_o his_o term_n of_o mercy_n and_o accept_v of_o his_o crown_n and_o everlasting_a preferment_n one_o will_v have_v think_v it_o have_v be_v enough_o for_o he_o bare_o to_o have_v tell_v we_o how_o he_o love_v we_o how_o willing_a he_o be_v to_o pardon_n and_o advance_v we_o and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v enough_o for_o ever_o to_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o dear_a affection_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v moreover_o condescend_v to_o supplicate_v our_o acceptance_n to_o beseech_v we_o not_o to_o spurn_v his_o love_n and_o frustrate_v its_o design_n of_o mercy_n to_o we_o lord_n how_o can_v we_o think_v of_o this_o without_o be_v all_o inflame_a with_o love_n to_o thou_o it_o be_v true_a he_o do_v not_o come_v in_o person_n to_o we_o because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o immediate_a approach_n of_o his_o glory_n
prevalent_a repugnancy_n and_o antipathy_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n wherefore_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a lover_n of_o god_n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n that_o be_v found_v in_o his_o bless_a nature_n which_o if_o we_o do_v and_o persist_v in_o our_o resolution_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o will_v by_o degree_n render_v they_o first_o tolerable_a then_o easy_a then_o delightful_a then_o natural_a to_o we_o and_o when_o once_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nature_n be_v thus_o transcribe_v and_o copy_v into_o we_o when_o our_o heart_n and_o his_o stand_n bend_v the_o same_o way_n and_o be_v for_o the_o main_a alike_o incline_v and_o dispose_v then_o we_o be_v prepare_v for_o divine_a love_n make_v proper_a and_o convenient_a fuel_n to_o receive_v that_o heavenly_a flame_n for_o as_o when_o god_n see_v himself_o in_o we_o his_o goodness_n purity_n and_o holiness_n stamp_v and_o impress_v upon_o our_o nature_n he_o be_v incline_v by_o his_o own_o self-love_n to_o be_v please_v with_o and_o take_v complacency_n in_o we_o so_o when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v our_o self_n in_o god_n to_o see_v all_o that_o in_o he_o for_o which_o we_o value_v ourselves_o and_o to_o see_v it_o all_o in_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n in_o he_o which_o be_v yet_o so_o imperfect_a in_o ourselves_o our_o own_o self-love_n will_v endear_v he_o to_o we_o and_o wing_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o active_a vigorous_a love_n to_o he_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v love_v god_n let_v we_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o godlike_a virtue_n till_o by_o accustom_v ourselves_o thereunto_o we_o have_v conquer_v our_o own_o repugnancy_n and_o antipathy_n to_o his_o bless_a nature_n and_o then_o our_o heart_n will_v stand_v open_a to_o his_o love_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v it_o enter_v into_o we_o and_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n like_o a_o sprightful_a and_o active_a flame_n till_o it_o have_v all_o inflame_v they_o with_o love_n and_o convert_v they_o into_o its_o own_o substance_n 5_o thly_a and_o last_o if_o we_o will_v acquire_v this_o heavenly_a virtue_n to_o all_o the_o forego_n direction_n we_o must_v add_v constant_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o grace_n we_o can_v love_v he_o but_o if_o we_o do_v all_o and_o then_o implore_v and_o supplicate_v his_o assistance_n we_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o truth_n itself_o can_v give_v we_o if_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o hearty_a mind_n to_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v both_o do_v our_o own_o part_n towards_o it_o and_o earnest_o implore_v he_o to_o do_v he_o for_o so_o when_o we_o petition_n for_o our_o daily_a bread_n we_o do_v not_o say_v our_o prayer_n and_o then_o sit_v down_o with_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o bosom_n expect_v that_o bread_n shall_v drop_v from_o heaven_n into_o our_o mouth_n but_o we_o present_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o some_o honest_a employment_n and_o therein_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o same_o course_n we_o shall_v take_v if_o we_o desire_v to_o love_n god_n with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n as_o we_o desire_v food_n we_o shall_v pray_v and_o endeavour_v and_o endeavour_v and_o pray_v we_o shall_v be_v diligent_a in_o do_v what_o be_v in_o our_o power_n and_o be_v importunate_a with_o god_n to_o do_v what_o be_v only_o in_o he_o and_o certain_o do_v we_o but_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o this_o heavenly_a virtue_n this_o soul_n and_o queen_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n we_o shall_v count_v no_o prayer_n no_o tear_n no_o endeavour_n too_o much_o to_o purchase_v and_o obtain_v it_o do_v we_o but_o consider_v how_o useful_a and_o delightful_a it_o be_v how_o at_o once_o it_o entice_v and_o inlivens_fw-la man_n what_o a_o powerful_a bias_n it_o clap_v upon_o their_o heart_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o with_o what_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n it_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o turn_v their_o toil_n into_o recreation_n how_o it_o clear_v and_o smooth_v their_o countenance_n revive_v and_o elevate_v their_o heart_n do_v man_n i_o say_v but_o consider_v this_o they_o will_v give_v neither_o themselves_o nor_o heaven_n rest_v till_o they_o feel_v their_o cold_a and_o slugish_a soul_n inspire_v and_o animate_v with_o it_o wherefore_o to_o all_o our_o endeavour_n after_o it_o let_v we_o join_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v kindle_v our_o stupid_a heart_n and_o touch_v our_o cold_a affection_n with_o a_o outstretch_a ray_n from_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v conquer_v our_o repugnance_n to_o he_o and_o represent_v his_o love_n and_o beauty_n to_o our_o soul_n in_o such_o affect_v and_o attractive_a form_n as_o may_v not_o fail_v to_o captivate_v our_o heart_n and_o subdue_v our_o obstinate_a will_n that_o have_v so_o long_o hold_v out_o against_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o battery_n of_o his_o endear_n goodness_n and_o if_o we_o thus_o pray_v and_o thus_o endeavour_v and_o persevere_v in_o both_o we_o shall_v at_o length_n most_o certain_o feel_v this_o heavenly_a grace_n spring_v up_o within_o we_o and_o grow_v on_o to_o maturity_n by_o insensible_a degree_n till_o at_o last_o it_o have_v get_v a_o entire_a possession_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o subdue_v all_o our_o power_n and_o affection_n to_o its_o sweet_a and_o bless_a empire_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v feel_v ourselves_o act_v in_o religion_n by_o a_o new_a soul_n and_o carry_v on_o through_o all_o its_o weary_a stage_n with_o a_o unspeakable_a life_n and_o vigour_n then_o all_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v naturalize_v to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v do_v god_n will_n upon_o earth_n with_o almost_o the_o same_o cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o our_o bless_a brethren_n in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v to_o who_o be_v honour_n etc._n etc._n psalm_n xi_o 7_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n by_o righteousness_n here_o some_o expositor_n understand_v the_o righteousness_n of_o punishment_n because_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o wicked_a he_o shall_v rain_v snare_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o follow_v why_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n but_o consider_v the_o whole_a i_o rather_o believe_v that_o by_o righteousness_n here_o be_v mean_v righteousness_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o it_o seem_v more_o probable_a that_o the_o text_n be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o two_o former_a verse_n than_o of_o that_o immediate_o forego_v but_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v assert_v be_v this_o the_o lord_n try_v the_o righteous_a but_o the_o wicked_a and_o he_o that_o love_v violence_n his_o soul_n hate_v upon_o the_o wicked_a he_o shall_v rain_v snare_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a for_o though_o sometime_o he_o afflict_v the_o righteous_a yet_o it_o be_v only_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v they_o and_o to_o render_v their_o virtue_n more_o exemplary_a and_o illustrious_a but_o as_o for_o the_o wicked_a when_o he_o rain_v down_o punishment_n on_o they_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o just_a hatred_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v thus_o different_o affect_v towards_o these_o different_a person_n be_v because_o of_o the_o different_a affection_n he_o bear_v towards_o their_o contrary_a qualification_n he_o love_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o make_v he_o chasten_v they_o in_o love_n and_o for_o kind_n and_o merciful_a end_n and_o purpose_n but_o he_o hate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o make_v he_o proceed_v against_o they_o with_o so_o much_o wrath_n and_o severity_n so_o that_o by_o righteousness_n here_o he_o mean_v that_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v inherent_a in_o righteous_a person_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v he_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o benevolent_a aspect_n which_o latter_a word_n be_v only_o a_o full_a exemplification_n of_o the_o former_a plain_o show_v that_o by_o the_o righteousness_n mention_v in_o they_o be_v mean_v the_o righteousness_n of_o righteous_a person_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v the_o righteousness_n of_o punishment_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o manner_n by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o single_a virtue_n
they_o must_v be_v very_o narrow_a and_o stingy_a in_o their_o religion_n for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o quiet_v their_o fear_n and_o calm_a their_o conscience_n and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o like_o what_o they_o do_v but_o be_v mere_o force_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o terror_n and_o anguish_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n therefore_o if_o they_o can_v they_o will_v find_v some_o way_n to_o pacify_v their_o conscience_n without_o do_v it_o or_o at_o least_o with_o do_v as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v or_o with_o do_v that_o only_a which_o they_o like_v best_a and_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o vitiate_a temper_n thus_o person_n of_o sour_a and_o morose_a nature_n when_o they_o be_v act_v mere_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o their_o conscience_n common_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o little_a affect_a singularity_n and_o severity_n in_o religion_n they_o will_v put_v on_o some_o distinguish_a garb_n and_o tip_v their_o tongue_n with_o some_o peculiar_a phrase_n and_o screw_v their_o face_n into_o a_o most_o devout_a and_o mortify_a figure_n they_o will_v condemn_v themselves_o to_o a_o state_n of_o silence_n and_o retire_v from_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o most_o innocent_a festivity_n of_o conversation_n they_o will_v frown_v all_o good_a humour_n out_o of_o their_o house_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v so_o much_o as_o a_o smile_n in_o their_o family_n especial_o on_o the_o lord's-day_n and_o take_v a_o world_n of_o care_n and_o pain_n to_o moap_v their_o child_n into_o unsociable_a statue_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o pensive_a look_n and_o solemn_a face_n and_o ejaculate_v eye_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o sour_a and_o surly_a nature_n and_o therefore_o with_o this_o they_o will_v seek_v to_o bribe_v their_o conscience_n to_o connive_v at_o all_o their_o black_a and_o devilish_a inclination_n thus_o also_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o slanderer_n and_o backbiter_n contentious_a and_o censorious_a person_n when_o they_o be_v under_o a_o agony_n of_o conscience_n to_o listen_v themselves_o into_o some_o sect_n or_o party_n where_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n they_o may_v consecrate_v their_o most_o unhallowed_a passion_n and_o rail_v and_o backbite_v with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n where_o they_o may_v spit_v all_o their_o venom_n in_o spiritual_a gossip_n and_o free_o employ_v the_o talon_n of_o their_o ill-nature_n in_o damn_v and_o censure_v those_o they_o dissent_v from_o for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o conversion_n as_o best_o agree_v with_o their_o cankerous_a inclination_n so_o that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o cheat_v their_o conscience_n with_o it_o that_o and_o their_o belove_a lust_n will_v be_v very_o well_o reconcile_v thus_o also_o the_o covetous_a and_o gripe_a oppressor_n when_o he_o can_v otherwise_o still_o the_o cry_v of_o his_o conscience_n will_v betake_v himself_o to_o some_o of_o the_o cheap_a exercise_n of_o religion_n he_o will_v fast_o and_o pray_v hear_v sermon_n and_o receive_v sacrament_n because_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o can_v do_v without_o entrench_v upon_o his_o vice_n he_o can_v say_v his_o prayer_n for_o nothing_o and_o save_v money_n by_o keep_v a_o fast_a and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o sacrament_n gratis_o all_o this_o be_v so_o cheap_a a_o religion_n that_o it_o cost_v he_o nothing_o to_o maintain_v it_o and_o so_o his_o covetous_a mind_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o grudge_v at_o it_o so_o that_o if_o his_o conscience_n will_v be_v but_o satisfy_v with_o this_o his_o lust_n and_o that_o may_v shake_v hand_n and_o be_v friend_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o thus_o when_o the_o intemperate_a and_o lascivious_a person_n be_v dog_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o guilty_a mind_n it_o be_v usual_a for_o he_o to_o sigh_v and_o mourn_v and_o make_v woeful_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v so_o to_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o this_o be_v true_a repentance_n which_o if_o he_o can_v do_v he_o may_v sin_v on_o secure_o provide_v he_o do_v but_o perpetual_o keep_v himself_o in_o this_o circle_n of_o repent_v and_o sin_v and_o sin_v and_o repent_v but_o if_o he_o can_v so_o cheat_v himself_o he_o will_v next_o fly_v to_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o a_o partial_a reformation_n and_o disband_v the_o vice_n he_o can_v best_o spare_v that_o so_o he_o may_v keep_v his_o more_o belove_a one_o in_o pay_n hope_v that_o by_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o some_o few_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o may_v make_v a_o atonement_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n thus_o when_o man_n be_v only_o act_v by_o their_o fear_n they_o will_v find_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o contract_v their_o religion_n into_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o entrench_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o lusts._n for_o he_o that_o do_v a_o thing_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v averse_a to_o the_o do_v it_o and_o that_o aversation_n will_v so_o stint_v and_o limit_v he_o that_o he_o will_v contrive_v all_o way_n to_o do_v as_o little_a as_o he_o can_v and_o still_o the_o less_o he_o be_v force_v to_o do_v the_o better_a he_o will_v be_v please_v but_o love_n be_v that_o great_a soul_n that_o act_n and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o religion_n and_o equal_o diffuse_v its_o influence_n through_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o for_o the_o will_n of_o the_o belove_a be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lover_n and_o every_o thing_n please_v he_o that_o be_v please_v to_o he_o who_o he_o love_v so_o that_o if_o we_o love_v god_n we_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o command_v because_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o that_o reason_n extend_v equal_o to_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o instance_n of_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n we_o must_v necessary_o obey_v he_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o love_v god_n there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n between_o his_o will_n and_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v best_o please_v with_o what_o please_v he_o and_o be_v so_o our_o obedience_n will_v be_v no_o long_o limit_v by_o any_o particular_a like_v or_o dislike_v of_o our_o own_o which_o will_v then_o all_o vail_n and_o prostrate_v themselves_o to_o god_n sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o that_o to_o set_v limit_n and_o bound_n to_o our_o obedience_n so_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o contrive_v how_o to_o escape_v do_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o court_v all_o opportunity_n of_o please_v he_o and_o be_v so_o passionate_o desirous_a of_o do_v what_o we_o think_v be_v grateful_a to_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v what_o he_o require_v by_o explicit_a command_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o most_o secret_a notice_n and_o intimation_n of_o his_o pleasure_n and_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o we_o think_v will_v please_v he_o when_o it_o be_v perform_v whether_o it_o be_v command_v or_o no._n 2._o love_n render_v our_o obedience_n sprightly_a and_o vigorous_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o passion_n in_o humane_a nature_n so_o active_a and_o vigorous_a as_o that_o of_o love_n for_o in_o this_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n be_v seat_v as_o in_o their_o common_a root_n and_o principle_n and_o like_v so_o many_o stream_n though_o they_o run_v several_a way_n and_o in_o different_a channel_n yet_o do_v they_o all_o issue_n out_o of_o one_o common_a spring_n and_o that_o be_v love_n for_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o all_o our_o passion_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v we_o hate_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o we_o and_o desire_n and_o hope_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a and_o 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exultation_n of_o mind_n thus_o love_n you_o see_v as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o object_n immediate_o kindle_v its_o desire_n excite_v its_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o carry_v the_o fire_n into_o all_o the_o passion_n which_o hold_v of_o its_o empire_n so_o that_o have_v the_o unite_a force_n of_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n at_o its_o beck_n and_o command_n its_o self_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o potent_a and_o vigorous_a and_o consequent_o when_o it_o be_v terminate_v upon_o god_n and_o become_v the_o reign_a principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o passion_n in_o our_o nature_n can_v have_v that_o influence_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o active_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o do_n of_o his_o will_n as_o this_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v because_o when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o love_n that_o have_v in_o it_o the_o force_n of_o all_o our_o other_o passion_n must_v necessary_o move_v and_o act_v we_o with_o all_o their_o unite_a influence_n and_o when_o the_o separate_a force_n of_o all_o our_o passion_n like_v so_o many_o single_a thread_n be_v twist_v into_o one_o cord_n with_o what_o a_o potent_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v omnipotent_a vigour_n must_v they_o draw_v and_o attract_v we_o when_o our_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v all_o at_o once_o awaken_v in_o we_o the_o desire_n and_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v he_o the_o fear_n and_o displeasure_n of_o lose_v he_o the_o resolution_n and_o courage_n to_o charge_n through_o every_o difficulty_n that_o oppose_v our_o fruition_n of_o he_o and_o our_o obedience_n shall_v be_v all_o at_o once_o inform_v and_o animate_v with_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o all_o those_o mighty_a passion_n how_o active_a and_o vigorous_a must_v it_o need_v be_v for_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o love_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o death_n cant._n viij_o 6_o that_o it_o be_v a_o equal_a match_n for_o the_o all-conquering_a king_n of_o terror_n to_o 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act_v out_o of_o love_n and_o consequent_o his_o passion_n thwart_v and_o cross_v one_o another_o do_v retard_v and_o hinder_v each_o other_o motion_n so_o that_o though_o the_o motion_n of_o fear_n do_v final_o prevail_v yet_o it_o be_v so_o break_a and_o weaken_v by_o the_o counter-motion_n of_o inclination_n that_o it_o can_v act_v we_o with_o that_o spriteliness_n and_o vigour_n as_o otherwise_o it_o will_v do_v for_o whilst_o our_o fear_n give_v wing_n to_o we_o our_o inclination_n hang_v a_o clog_n at_o our_o heel_n which_o weary_v those_o wing_n and_o slacken_v and_o retard_v their_o flight_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o be_v act_v by_o love_n there_o be_v no_o countermotion_n within_o to_o let_v and_o hinder_v we_o but_o all_o our_o passion_n unite_v and_o conspire_v and_o like_o the_o inferior_a orb_n of_o heaven_n move_v harmonious_o with_o love_n the_o first_o great-mover_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o to_o check_v or_o allay_v it_o and_o so_o 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love_n they_o will_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o through_o submission_n to_o his_o heavenly_a will._n for_o it_o be_v by_o love_n alone_o that_o god_n reign_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o do_v both_o acquire_v and_o preserve_v the_o empire_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o may_v be_v awe_v into_o a_o force_a and_o fawn_a submission_n mere_o by_o the_o dread_a and_o terror_n of_o his_o power_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o serve_v he_o as_o the_o indian_n do_v the_o devil_n for_o fear_v he_o shall_v do_v we_o a_o mischief_n and_o tear_v we_o in_o piece_n but_o this_o be_v mere_o the_o religion_n of_o slave_n who_o be_v force_v to_o undergo_v one_o evil_a for_o fear_n of_o another_o and_o to_o do_v what_o they_o hate_v for_o fear_v of_o suffer_v what_o they_o can_v endure_v and_o as_o slave_n do_v
love_v what_o he_o love_v and_o hate_v what_o he_o hate_v these_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a indication_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o than_o the_o most_o ravish_a effect_n of_o sensitive_a passion_n for_o though_o our_o heart_n be_v melt_v into_o a_o transport_n and_o fondness_n to_o he_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o practice_n be_v incomplyant_a to_o his_o will_n and_o law_n he_o will_v look_v upon_o we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o hypocrite_n and_o enemy_n and_o esteem_v all_o our_o sensitive_a fondness_n towards_o he_o but_o as_o the_o base_a flattery_n of_o judas_n who_o kiss_v he_o and_o then_o betray_v he_o 3_o lie_n hence_o i_o infer_v what_o the_o great_a reason_n be_v why_o god_n do_v so_o strict_o enjoin_v we_o to_o love_v he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o command_n whatsoever_o so_o often_o repeat_v in_o scripture_n as_o this_o of_o love_a god_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n 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shall_v be_v unite_v in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o being_n and_o well-being_n and_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o reasonable_a faculty_n can_v but_o desire_v that_o we_o shall_v act_v reasonable_o and_o love_v that_o best_a which_o best_o deserve_v to_o be_v belove_v but_o be_v there_o not_o some_o particular_a end_n for_o which_o god_n do_v so_o earnest_o crave_v and_o exact_v our_o love_n yes_o doubtless_o there_o be_v and_o such_o as_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a of_o he_o that_o have_v propose_v it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o a_o be_v infinite_o wise_a shall_v ever_o act_v without_o end_n or_o aim_n but_o god_n be_v infinite_o happy_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o propose_v any_o end_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n because_o that_o will_v imply_v that_o he_o want_v or_o desire_v some_o good_a that_o he_o have_v not_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a but_o then_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a as_o well_o as_o happy_a we_o 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but_o many_o a_o message_n of_o love_n he_o have_v send_v we_o transcribe_v from_o his_o very_a heart_n he_o send_v his_o son_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o clothe_v he_o in_o our_o nature_n that_o therein_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o converse_v free_o with_o he_o and_o all_o his_o errand_n be_v to_o deliver_v a_o message_n of_o love_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o court_v and_o importune_v they_o to_o listen_v to_o and_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o when_o he_o return_v again_o to_o his_o father_n he_o institute_v a_o order_n of_o man_n to_o supply_v his_o room_n and_o in_o his_o stead_n to_o woo_v the_o world_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o so_o that_o you_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o not_o only_a man_n but_o god_n himself_o lie_v prostrate_a before_o your_o footstool_n beseech_v you_o to_o 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argument_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v do_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v attain_v to_o a_o hearty_a love_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v often_o entertain_v our_o thought_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a obligation_n he_o have_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o love_v he_o how_o deep_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o all_o the_o tie_v of_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n to_o repay_v he_o in_o his_o own_o coin_n and_o to_o return_v he_o love_n for_o love_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o obligation_n now_o and_o then_o to_o reflect_v a_o few_o slight_a and_o transient_a thought_n on_o they_o but_o with_o holy_a david_n we_o must_v muse_v on_o till_o the_o fire_n kindle_v we_o must_v fix_v and_o stay_v our_o thought_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n endear_n love_n to_o we_o urge_v and_o press_v they_o again_o and_o again_o till_o we_o have_v wrought_v and_o 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that_o can_v either_o promote_v or_o complete_a thy_o happiness_n but_o be_v so_o importunate_o concern_v for_o thou_o as_o to_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v thou_o not_o to_o reject_v his_o favour_n and_o can_v thou_o be_v cold_a and_o insensible_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o prevail_a endearment_n suppose_v that_o thy_o fellow-creature_n have_v do_v for_o thou_o but_o a_o thousand_o part_n of_o what_o thy_o god_n have_v do_v and_o thou_o have_v repay_v his_o kindness_n with_o nothing_o but_o affront_v and_o indignity_n will_v thou_o not_o call_v thyself_o a_o thousand_o ungrateful_a wretch_n and_o acknowledge_v thyself_o infinite_o unworthy_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o be_v it_o less_o criminal_a to_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o god_n than_o to_o thy_o fellow-creature_n suppose_v thou_o have_v a_o friend_n that_o begin_v to_o love_v thou_o as_o soon_o as_o thou_o be_v bear_v and_o have_v persist_v to_o love_v thou_o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v offer_v he_o a_o thousand_o 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johannes_n scott_n s._n t._n p._n practical_a discourse_n concern_v obedience_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n vol._n ii_o by_o john_n scott_n d._n d._n late_a rector_n of_o st._n giles_n in_o the_o field_n london_n print_v for_o w._n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n mdcxcviii_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a daniel_n earl_n of_o nottingham_n my_o lord_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o you_o be_v the_o know_a favourer_n of_o man_n of_o eminent_a worth_n and_o learning_n i_o only_o take_v this_o opportunity_n of_o acquaint_v the_o world_n that_o you_o be_v so_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o follow_a discourse_n that_o so_o you_o may_v receive_v in_o large_a measure_n those_o tribute_n which_o be_v due_a to_o public_a benefactor_n the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o mankind_n for_o they_o who_o have_v or_o shall_v be_v better_v by_o this_o great_a author_n work_n 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with_o such_o a_o judgement_n as_o he_o but_o he_o be_v go_v to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n where_o if_o he_o know_v what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o it_o will_v be_v a_o please_a prospect_n to_o my_o dear_a depart_a friend_n to_o see_v your_o lordship_n and_o your_o noble_a family_n the_o possessor_n and_o design_v heir_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o both_o world_n i_o be_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o most_o devote_a servant_n humphrey_z zouch_n 1_o john_n v._n 3_o for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o the_o first_o verse_n the_o apostle_n assert_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n that_o be_v so_o believe_v as_o to_o act_v suitable_a to_o his_o belief_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n he_o be_v become_v a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o nature_n and_o stamp_v with_o his_o likeness_n and_o every_o one_o that_o love_v he_o that_o beget_v i._n e._n god_n his_o heavenly_a father_n love_v he_o also_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o have_v a_o true_a hearty_a kindness_n for_o all_o that_o be_v god_n child_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n by_o this_o say_v he_o we_o know_v that_o we_o love_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n that_o be_v if_o we_o so_o love_v he_o as_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o love_v he_o we_o do_v not_o love_v he_o at_o all_o and_o consequent_o we_o do_v not_o love_v his_o child_n nor_o be_v we_o his_o child_n ourselves_o of_o which_o he_o give_v a_o full_a proof_n in_o the_o text_n for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o which_o word_n you_o have_v first_o a_o account_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v this_o be_v the_o 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lawgiver_n there_o be_v no_o action_n by_o which_o we_o can_v so_o natural_o express_v our_o affection_n to_o he_o as_o by_o those_o of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o to_o love_n god_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o to_o hate_n god_n and_o disobey_v they_o be_v general_o use_v promiscuous_o for_o one_o another_o and_o that_o for_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o here_o our_o love_n and_o hatred_n of_o god_n be_v not_o consider_v as_o conversant_a about_o god_n as_o god_n in_o which_o sense_n perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v say_v to_o hate_v he_o but_o as_o conversant_a about_o he_o as_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n whereby_o he_o command_v they_o what_o to_o do_v and_o forbid_v they_o what_o to_o avoid_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n to_o love_n god_n be_v to_o love_v he_o as_o govern_v and_o command_v and_o as_o such_o we_o can_v 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commandment_n what_o a_o immodesty_n be_v it_o in_o we_o to_o pretend_v to_o love_v he_o while_o we_o choose_v to_o disobey_v he_o 4._o and_o last_o if_o we_o love_v god_n sincere_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a cheerful_o to_o undergo_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o sake_n be_v it_o never_o so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a for_o love_n be_v a_o bold_a and_o vigorous_a passion_n it_o make_v weak_a thing_n strong_a and_o turn_v coward_n into_o hero_n and_o warm_v and_o animate_v the_o heart_n with_o such_o a_o generous_a fire_n as_o disdain_v all_o opposition_n and_o courageous_o outbrave_a the_o great_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n for_o he_o that_o love_v hearty_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o belove_a and_o then_o measure_v his_o strength_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o desire_n he_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_n so_o strong_o do_v this_o passion_n transport_v nature_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o its_o ability_n inspire_v it_o with_o such_o force_n and_o vigour_n as_o that_o scarce_o any_o thing_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v it_o if_o therefore_o we_o love_v god_n sincere_o and_o hearty_o our_o love_n must_v necessary_o resolve_v into_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n be_v it_o never_o so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a for_o our_o love_n will_v so_o enliven_v and_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n of_o serve_v he_o and_o carry_v we_o with_o such_o spirit_n and_o alacrity_n through_o all_o the_o weary_a stage_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o it_o will_v be_v our_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n of_o obedience_n be_v it_o never_o so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a but_o our_o love_n will_v smother_v and_o render_v it_o not_o only_o easy_a but_o delightful_a for_o what_o i_o do_v for_o he_o who_o i_o love_v i_o do_v for_o myself_o his_o pleasure_n be_v i_o and_o our_o will_n and_o end_n and_o interest_n be_v involve_v in_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o my_o love_n be_v in_o any_o measure_n intense_a and_o cordial_a i_o shall_v do_v his_o pleasure_n and_o perform_v his_o will_n with_o the_o same_o complacency_n and_o delight_n as_o if_o i_o be_v do_v my_o own_o and_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n i_o meet_v with_o in_o serve_v he_o i_o shall_v encounter_v they_o with_o joy_n that_o i_o be_o furnish_v with_o opportunity_n of_o express_v the_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n of_o my_o love_n to_o he_o so_o that_o to_o pretend_v to_o love_n god_n and_o yet_o to_o boggle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n of_o obey_v he_o be_v the_o most_o shameful_a hypocrisy_n in_o nature_n for_o if_o we_o do_v as_o high_o love_v he_o as_o we_o pretend_v our_o will_n will_v be_v so_o swallow_v up_o in_o he_o that_o it_o will_v be_v our_o joy_n and_o recreation_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o the_o very_a thought_n that_o we_o be_v do_v what_o be_v please_v and_o grateful_a to_o he_o will_v level_v all_o the_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n in_o our_o way_n and_o render_v they_o not_o only_o accessible_a but_o easy_a he_o therefore_o that_o stumble_v at_o every_o straw_n and_o startle_v at_o every_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n must_v be_v a_o notorious_a hypocrite_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o where_o true_a love_n be_v difficulty_n be_v so_o far_o from_o daunt_v it_o that_o that_o animate_v and_o encourage_v it_o and_o instead_o of_o blunt_v its_o activity_n whet_v and_o render_v it_o more_o keen_a and_o vigorous_a because_o the_o great_a the_o difficulty_n be_v the_o great_a be_v its_o opportunity_n of_o manifest_v its_o own_o sincerity_n and_o thereby_o of_o recommend_v itself_o to_o it_o be_v belove_v the_o joy_n of_o which_o not_o only_o balance_n but_o endear_v all_o its_o pain_n and_o trouble_v hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n and_o that_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o john_n four_o 18_o it_o inspire_v we_o with_o such_o bravery_n and_o courage_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o who_o we_o love_v that_o can_v daunt_v or_o terrify_v we_o wherefore_o since_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a property_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o ready_a to_o undergo_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o sake_n this_o also_o must_v necessary_o resolve_v into_o the_o keep_n his_o commandment_n for_o if_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o god_n we_o shall_v sure_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v he_o and_o though_o our_o obedience_n in_o some_o instance_n may_v be_v difficult_a yet_o our_o love_n if_o it_o be_v real_a will_v conquer_v its_o way_n through_o they_o all_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o all_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n do_v final_o resolve_v into_o obedience_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o wheresoever_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v it_o will_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o principle_n of_o obedience_n ii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o head_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v itself_o the_o most_o perfect_a principle_n of_o obedience_n not_o that_o i_o think_v all_o other_o principle_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n bad_a for_o god_n himself_o have_v propose_v other_o principle_n of_o action_n to_o we_o beside_o this_o of_o love_n he_o have_v denounce_v his_o fearful_a threaten_n against_o we_o to_o alarm_n our_o fear_n that_o by_o that_o we_o may_v be_v move_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o propound_v his_o glorious_a promise_n to_o we_o to_o excite_v our_o hope_n that_o that_o may_v be_v a_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n in_o we_o and_o certain_o that_o can_v be_v no_o bad_a principle_n which_o be_v excite_v in_o we_o by_o divine_a motive_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v quite_o separate_v from_o love_n to_o he_o for_o that_o which_o make_v it_o acceptable_a be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n but_o now_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n that_o can_v be_v no_o principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n that_o be_v whole_o separate_v from_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o religion_n of_o most_o man_n begin_v upon_o a_o principle_n either_o of_o hope_n or_o fear_v and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o they_o be_v very_o good_a beginner_n but_o yet_o till_o by_o these_o we_o be_v induce_v to_o love_n god_n as_o well_o as_o to_o practice_v all_o other_o duty_n we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o so_o that_o though_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n be_v good_a ingredient_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n yet_o till_o they_o have_v some_o intermixture_n of_o love_n with_o they_o they_o can_v make_v no_o claim_n to_o the_o divine_a acceptation_n there_o may_v be_v indeed_o and_o at_o first_o there_o general_o be_v much_o less_o of_o love_n in_o this_o principle_n of_o obedience_n than_o of_o hope_n and_o fear_v whilst_o yet_o the_o whole_a composition_n be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o cordial_a love_n intermix_v with_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_v will_v leaven_n and_o consecrate_v they_o into_o a_o acceptable_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o still_o the_o less_o love_n there_o be_v in_o it_o the_o more_o weak_a and_o languid_a and_o imperfect_a it_o be_v and_o in_o all_o its_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n its_o maturity_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o till_o our_o love_n be_v arrive_v unto_o that_o degree_n of_o ardency_n as_o to_o become_v the_o predominant_a motive_n and_o master-ingredient_n in_o it_o our_o state_n in_o goodness_n be_v very_o slow_a and_o imperfect_a so_o that_o in_o short_a the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v more_o and_o more_o perfect_a the_o more_o of_o love_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o the_o less_o of_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o when_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v all_o swallow_v up_o in_o love_n and_o that_o be_v the_o sole_a spring_n of_o action_n within_o we_o than_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o act_n and_o animate_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a but_o to_o convince_v you_o how_o much_o our_o obedience_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o these_o follow_a instance_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o render_v our_o obedience_n universal_a and_o unconfined_a 2._o sprightly_a and_o cheerful_a 3._o natural_a and_o easy_a 4._o constant_n and_o steady_a 1._o love_n render_v our_o obedience_n universal_a and_o unconfined_a when_o man_n be_v act_v only_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o fear_n
and_o such_o like_a instinct_n and_o propension_n there_o be_v find_v in_o human_a nature_n which_o be_v well_o manage_v and_o improve_v by_o our_o reason_n prove_v excellent_a instrument_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o do_v very_o much_o facilitate_v and_o further_o our_o practice_n of_o they_o for_o this_o our_o natural_a self-love_n be_v guide_v by_o our_o reason_n do_v strong_o incline_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a agent_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v we_o the_o great_a good_a if_o we_o please_v he_o and_o the_o great_a hurt_v if_o we_o affront_v and_o provoke_v he_o so_o that_o as_o we_o love_v our_o self_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o use_v all_o reasonable_a way_n to_o endear_v and_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o he_o thus_o our_o natural_a desire_n of_o good_a if_o conduct_v by_o our_o reason_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o do_v the_o best_a action_n since_o from_o these_o the_o great_a good_a will_n necessary_o redound_v to_o we_o and_o our_o love_n of_o truth_n by_o good_a management_n may_v be_v easy_o improve_v into_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n and_o a_o universal_a abhorrence_n of_o vice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o notorious_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o be_v in_o it_o thus_o also_o by_o the_o bias_n of_o our_o natural_a commiseration_n we_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o charity_n and_o beneficence_n and_o universal_a love_n and_o by_o its_o own_o innate_a gratitude_n our_o nature_n be_v propense_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o be_v our_o sovereign_a benefactor_n to_o honour_n and_o obey_v our_o parent_n and_o do_v all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a friendship_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o thus_o by_o our_o natural_a affectation_n of_o praise_n we_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o do_v praiseworthy_a thing_n and_o consequent_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o all_o those_o amiable_a virtue_n which_o by_o common_a consent_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o grace_n and_o ornament_n of_o human_a nature_n thus_o by_o all_o those_o instinct_n that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n chief_o have_v he_o implant_v they_o in_o we_o because_o they_o be_v excellent_a instrument_n of_o religion_n have_v in_o they_o such_o a_o natural_a aptitude_n and_o proneness_n to_o facilitate_v our_o duty_n by_o incline_v we_o to_o it_o and_o to_o far_o we_o in_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o instinct_n but_o may_v be_v improve_v into_o vice_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n so_o good_a but_o what_o may_v be_v pervert_v to_o very_o bad_a purpose_n and_o if_o man_n will_v abuse_v themselves_o and_o wilful_o deboach_v the_o instinct_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o their_o folly_n and_o they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n of_o it_o but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o propension_n in_o human_a nature_n but_o what_o be_v much_o more_o improvable_a into_o virtue_n than_o into_o vice_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o use_v themselves_o well_o and_o as_o it_o become_v reasonable_a creature_n to_o do_v they_o will_v doubtless_o find_v themselves_o very_o much_o farther_v in_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o natural_a instinct_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v within_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a advantage_n on_o virtue_n side_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o aid_v and_o assist_v with_o all_o the_o instinct_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o like_o obedient_a handmaid_n be_v most_o ready_o incline_v to_o execute_v its_o command_n and_o minister_v to_o its_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o religion_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v burdensome_a and_o grievous_a to_o we_o when_o the_o propension_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v so_o fair_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o it_o be_v help_v forward_o and_o promote_v by_o all_o their_o unite_a force_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v difficult_a indeed_o for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v against_o the_o grain_n but_o to_o act_v according_a to_o nature_n to_o follow_v our_o own_o propension_n and_o to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o by_o natural_a instinct_n be_v doubtless_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n 4_o lie_n another_o thing_n that_o make_v those_o virtue_n which_o god_n command_v to_o be_v easy_a be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v all_o so_o inseparable_o connect_v to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o mutual_o promote_v and_o help_v forward_o each_o other_o for_o all_o the_o virtue_n be_v so_o mutual_o concatenate_v that_o the_o stir_v of_o any_o one_o link_n move_v the_o whole_a chain_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n natural_o inflame_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o love_n of_o he_o and_o then_o the_o love_n of_o he_o insensible_o transform_v she_o into_o the_o image_n of_o his_o belove_a goodness_n for_o he_o that_o love_v god_n must_v needs_o be_v enamour_a with_o that_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o his_o love_n and_o while_o he_o be_v ravish_v with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o good_a will_n the_o undeservedness_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o clemency_n of_o his_o pardon_n a_o heavenly_a spirit_n steal_v into_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o love_v and_o become_v like_o god_n so_o both_o at_o once_o that_o like_o a_o wedg_n of_o steel_n he_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o fire_n that_o heat_v he_o and_o be_v all_o inflame_a and_o enlighten_v at_o the_o same_o moment_n and_o as_o he_o burn_v with_o love_n so_o he_o resemble_v the_o goodness_n that_o set_v he_o on_o fire_n and_o become_v pure_a as_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a as_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a as_o that_o heavenly_a original_a be_v which_o he_o copy_n and_o transcribe_n thus_o wheresoever_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v it_o have_v all_o the_o godlike_a virtue_n attend_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o link_n in_o the_o heavenly_a chain_n whensoever_o it_o move_v it_o communicate_v motion_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o that_o hearty_o love_v god_n will_v love_v those_o who_o god_n love_v and_o so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v draw_v brotherly-charity_n after_o it_o and_o he_o who_o love_v those_o who_o god_n love_v will_v be_v just_a and_o righteous_a in_o his_o deal_n and_o deportment_n towards_o they_o and_o so_o brotherly-charity_n will_v draw_v righteousness_n after_o it_o and_o he_o that_o demean_v himself_o just_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o will_v neither_o undervalue_v they_o nor_o overvalue_v himself_o and_o so_o righteousness_n will_v draw_v humility_n after_o it_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o overvalue_v himself_o be_v fair_o dispose_v to_o be_v sober_a in_o all_o his_o passion_n and_o so_o humility_n draw_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o meekness_n after_o it_o thus_o one_o virtue_n smoothen_v the_o way_n to_o another_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o near_a neighbourhood_n between_o these_o heavenly_a sister_n that_o when_o we_o be_v arrive_v at_o one_o we_o pass_v insensible_o to_o the_o next_o and_o so_o on_o by_o degree_n till_o we_o be_v go_v round_o with_o they_o all_o for_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o immediate_a dependence_n of_o every_o virtue_n upon_o every_o one_o virtue_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v all_o virtue_n in_o every_o moment_n that_o he_o have_v one_o for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v charitable_a and_o yet_o not_o present_o humble_a as_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o yet_o not_o immediate_o temperate_a yet_o there_o be_v so_o near_o a_o dependence_n between_o they_o that_o one_o always_o dispose_v the_o mind_n for_o another_o this_o virtue_n always_o make_v way_n for_o its_o next_o neighbour_n and_o that_o for_o its_o next_o and_o so_o on_o all_o around_o the_o whole_a circle_n of_o virtue_n thus_o humility_n natural_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o meekness_n meekness_n to_o charity_n charity_n to_o justice_n justice_z to_z devotion_n which_o be_v give_v god_n his_o due_a and_o devotion_n to_o heavenly-mindedness_a and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o all_o along_o there_o be_v a_o gentle_a and_o easy_a transition_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o now_o this_o must_v needs_o mighty_o facilitate_v the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v so_o near_o confederate_v to_o each_o other_o and_o so_o do_v natural_o contribute_v to_o each_o other_o assistance_n for_o whereas_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o there_o will_v still_o be_v the_o same_o difficulty_n in_o practise_v the_o second_o virtue_n as_o there_o be_v in_o practise_v the_o first_o and_o in_o practise_v the_o three_o as_o there_o be_v in_o practise_v
weak_a and_o that_o pleasure_n and_o ease_n that_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o we_o shall_v feel_v accrue_v to_o we_o out_o of_o the_o discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n will_v by_o degree_n so_o endear_v and_o connaturalize_v it_o to_o we_o that_o at_o last_o it_o will_v be_v much_o hard_a for_o we_o to_o sin_n than_o to_o obey_v wherefore_o let_v we_o stand_v no_o long_o like_o naked_a boy_n shiver_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o religion_n wish_v that_o we_o be_v in_o but_o afraid_a to_o venture_v but_o let_v we_o consider_v serious_o resolve_v sincere_o and_o then_o leap_v in_o bold_o and_o though_o at_o first_o we_o may_v find_v it_o difficult_a to_o swim_v against_o the_o stream_n and_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o our_o own_o bad_a inclination_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v but_o hold_v out_o courageous_o a_o while_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o current_n slacken_v by_o degree_n till_o the_o tide_n of_o nature_n turn_v and_o run_v the_o contrary_a way_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v carry_v on_o with_o ease_n and_o delight_n and_o swim_v cheerful_o and_o pleasant_o down_o with_o the_o stream_n for_o when_o once_o we_o have_v conquer_v the_o bad_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n religion_n will_v be_v a_o mighty_a ease_n and_o refreshment_n to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v feel_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o than_o ever_o we_o do_v in_o all_o our_o sinful_a enjoyment_n so_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o text_n and_o be_v able_a to_o pronounce_v from_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o god_n commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a psalm_n cxix_o 68_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o thou_o do_v good_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o love_a of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o show_v you_o at_o large_a that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o that_o of_o all_o other_o it_o be_v 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nature_n about_o which_o these_o faculty_n can_v be_v perfect_o exercise_v but_o only_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o consequent_o our_o happiness_n as_o man_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o know_v and_o love_v and_o resemble_v he_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n of_o this_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o understanding_n by_o the_o good_a improvement_n of_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o for_o he_o have_v place_v we_o so_o advantageous_o in_o be_v that_o as_o from_o a_o convenient_a station_n in_o a_o noble_a theatre_n we_o be_v able_a to_o contemplate_v the_o admirable_a scheme_n of_o those_o magnificent_a work_n which_o god_n have_v set_v round_o about_o we_o and_o from_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o whole_a structure_n the_o variety_n of_o its_o part_n and_o the_o beautiful_a order_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o admirable_a connection_n 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his_o bone_n and_o no_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n but_o rather_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o and_o if_o man_n do_v not_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n do_v for_o as_o for_o man_n we_o see_v the_o more_o perfect_a he_o be_v and_o the_o more_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n he_o act_v the_o more_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o do_v good_a and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o but_o to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o his_o beneficence_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o such_o a_o diffusive_a and_o all-spreading_a principle_n of_o love_n as_o render_v he_o a_o universal_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n and_o make_v he_o sympathize_v in_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o all_o being_n and_o this_o brave_a temper_n of_o mind_n be_v doubtless_o one_o of_o the_o high_a perfection_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o since_o therefore_o original_o we_o come_v no_o otherwise_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n perfection_n than_o as_o we_o find_v they_o copy_v out_o and_o transcribe_v into_o our_o own_o nature_n how_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v incline_v to_o universal_a love_n and_o beneficence_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o can_v there_o be_v any_o perfection_n in_o we_o that_o be_v not_o in_o god_n in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o possibility_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a be_v a_o perfection_n in_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o god_n in_o all_o the_o possible_a degree_n that_o a_o infinite_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o since_o he_o have_v so_o frame_v all_o reasonable_a nature_n that_o universal_a love_n and_o proneness_n to_o do_v good_a be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n we_o
as_o to_o obey_v it_o so_o that_o wheresoever_o faith_n be_v mention_v single_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n it_o be_v apparent_a it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o comprehend_v that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o so_o 1_o joh._n v_o 1_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o be_v whosevever_o so_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n as_o to_o practice_v upon_o it_o and_o govern_v his_o life_n and_o action_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o be_v true_o a_o child_n of_o god_n for_o he_o who_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o continue_v obstinate_o disobedient_a to_o his_o law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_o and_o real_o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o he_o thereby_o become_v ten_o time_n more_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o gal._n v._n 6_o for_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o if_o so_o then_o faith_n itself_o be_v nothing_o abstract_v from_o this_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o i._n e._n work_v by_o love_n for_o in_o gal._n vi_fw-la 15_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o new_a creature_n by_o which_o new_a creature_n he_o mean_v a_o obedient_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n seven_o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o by_o these_o different_a variation_n of_o expression_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o by_o faith_n as_o significant_a in_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n he_o always_o mean_v a_o work_a faith_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n or_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o be_v include_v in_o this_o condition_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o you_o see_v be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o bare_a and_o naked_a belief_n of_o he_o but_o must_v be_v extend_v further_o even_o to_o that_o whole_a course_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n so_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v whosoever_o so_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o sincere_o and_o universal_o to_o obey_v he_o 2._o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o how_o good_a god_n have_v be_v to_o we_o in_o make_v the_o condition_n which_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o gentle_a and_o merciful_a and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v put_v nothing_o into_o this_o condition_n 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be_v natural_o so_o for_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o thing_n consist_v in_o the_o fitness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o moral_a good_a or_o duty_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v eternal_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a for_o they_o consider_v the_o frame_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o different_a relation_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v in_o the_o world_n but_o now_o for_o man_n to_o do_v what_o be_v eternal_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a be_v natural_o good_a for_o and_o beneficial_a to_o themselves_o because_o by_o so_o do_v they_o perfect_a and_o advance_v their_o nature_n and_o accomplish_v their_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n for_o our_o reason_n be_v that_o proper_a character_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o distinguish_v we_o from_o all_o sublunary_a being_n and_o set_v we_o in_o a_o form_n of_o be_v above_o they_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n must_v necessary_o consist_v in_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a in_o have_v our_o understand_n inform_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n regulate_v by_o they_o and_o when_o once_o we_o be_v release_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sense_n and_o passion_n and_o all_o our_o power_n be_v so_o perfect_o subdue_v to_o this_o superior_a principle_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o it_o command_v and_o nothing_o that_o it_o forbid_v and_o we_o choose_v and_o refuse_v and_o love_n and_o hate_v and_o hope_v and_o fear_v and_o delight_n according_a as_o right_a reason_n direct_v and_o dictate_v then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o full_a stature_n of_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n now_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o rom._n twelve_o 1_o the_o end_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o must_v be_v to_o habituate_v we_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o right_a reason_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o advance_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o reasonable_a being_n and_o be_v once_o arrive_v at_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v unspeakable_a satisfaction_n from_o within_o ourselves_o and_o feel_v a_o heaven_n of_o joy_n spring_v up_o within_o our_o own_o bosom_n for_o when_o once_o our_o disjoint_a power_n be_v set_v in_o order_n and_o all_o our_o faculty_n reduce_v to_o their_o natural_a subordination_n our_o nature_n will_v be_v in_o perfect_a rest_n and_o ease_n be_v free_v from_o that_o unnatural_a violence_n and_o oppression_n under_o which_o it_o now_o groan_n and_o cure_v of_o all_o those_o spasm_n and_o convulsion_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o its_o lapse_n and_o degeneracy_n and_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v regulate_v by_o the_o eternal_a reason_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o what_o delightful_a relish_v and_o sweet_a gust_n of_o pleasure_n shall_v we_o taste_v and_o review_v our_o own_o action_n they_o be_v always_o such_o as_o our_o best_a and_o pure_a reason_n do_v approve_v of_o with_o a_o full_a and_o ungainsay_v judgement_n so_o that_o god_n command_n you_o see_v be_v all_o of_o they_o most_o reasonable_a must_v necessary_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n beside_o that_o they_o general_o promote_v even_o our_o sensitive_a happiness_n our_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o reputation_n in_o this_o world_n now_o what_o a_o most_o endear_n instance_n be_v this_o of_o god_n goodness_n towards_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v our_o benefit_n the_o measure_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a that_o he_o shall_v so_o far_o concern_v himself_o in_o our_o happiness_n as_o to_o impose_v it_o upon_o we_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o severe_a displeasure_n and_o to_o enforce_v his_o law_n with_o such_o invite_v and_o such_o dreadful_a sanction_n only_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o run_v away_o from_o our_o own_o mercy_n so_o that_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o but_o only_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v kind_a to_o ourselves_o and_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v happy_a good_a god_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o infinite_o zealous_a of_o our_o welfare_n as_o to_o make_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o the_o only_a matter_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o to_o promise_v such_o vast_a reward_n and_o denounce_v such_o dreadful_a punishment_n against_o we_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o affright_v and_o allure_v we_o out_o of_o misery_n into_o happiness_n that_o thou_o shall_v hate_v our_o sin_n so_o implacable_o only_o because_o they_o be_v our_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n and_o be_v so_o infinite_o please_v with_o our_o obedience_n only_o because_o it_o lead_v to_o our_o
so_o as_o to_o receive_v you_o into_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o when_o by_o send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o he_o have_v give_v we_o so_o plain_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o affection_n towards_o we_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o suspect_v his_o kindness_n for_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o give_v his_o son_n for_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o impenitence_n shall_v be_v so_o implacable_a as_o to_o deny_v his_o love_n to_o we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n be_v it_o not_o a_o much_o high_a act_n of_o love_n to_o give_v his_o son_n for_o sinner_n than_o to_o receive_v poor_a prostrate_a penitent_n into_o favour_n he_o then_o who_o be_v so_o free_a to_o do_v the_o former_a we_o may_v well_o imagine_v will_v be_v much_o more_o free_a to_o do_v the_o latter_a or_o last_o dare_v we_o plead_v for_o ourselves_o that_o consider_v the_o anxiousness_n and_o jealousy_n of_o guilty_a mind_n god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o such_o security_n of_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o dispel_v all_o those_o fear_n and_o doubt_n by_o which_o we_o be_v discourage_v from_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n but_o how_o weak_a and_o groundless_a this_o plea_n be_v will_v soon_o appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v what_o a_o effectual_a course_n god_n take_v to_o obviate_v all_o our_o doubt_n and_o fear_n by_o pardon_v we_o in_o our_o own_o method_n namely_o upon_o the_o motive_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n of_o a_o mediator_n especial_o of_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o mediator_n as_o his_o own_o son_n for_o let_v he_o be_v never_o so_o severe_a and_o stern_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v inexorable_a to_o the_o vocal_a blood_n and_o importunate_a intercession_n of_o that_o dear_a person_n who_o he_o love_v above_o all_o the_o world_n and_o now_o when_o god_n have_v so_o contrive_v the_o method_n of_o his_o pardon_v we_o as_o to_o take_v from_o we_o all_o occasion_n either_o of_o presume_v upon_o his_o mercy_n whilst_o we_o continue_v impenitent_a when_o he_o have_v take_v such_o a_o effectual_a course_n to_o raise_v both_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o our_o action_n to_o their_o high_a pitch_n and_o capacity_n and_o give_v we_o the_o great_a certainty_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v we_o for_o ever_o if_o we_o sin_n on_o and_o pardon_v and_o receive_v we_o into_o favour_n if_o now_o at_o last_o we_o will_v repent_v and_o return_v what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o if_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o this_o we_o will_v run_v from_o mercy_n whilst_o its_o arm_n be_v open_a to_o embrace_v we_o and_o leap_v into_o hell_n with_o our_o eye_n open_a and_o we_o see_v it_o gape_v ready_a to_o devour_v we_o john_n iii_o 16_o but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o promise_v to_o we_o such_o a_o vast_a reward_n upon_o our_o perform_v such_o a_o easy_a condition_n as_o our_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o reward_n there_o be_v first_o the_o privative_a part_n of_o it_o or_o the_o misery_n it_o rescue_v we_o from_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v second_o the_o positive_a or_o the_o happiness_n it_o instate_v we_o in_o but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n in_o the_o management_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v you_o why_o this_o reward_n be_v term_v everlasting_a life_n 2._o how_o unspeakable_o good_a god_n have_v be_v to_o we_o in_o propose_v to_o we_o such_o a_o vast_a reward_n 1._o why_o this_o reward_n be_v style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o everlasting_a life_n for_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a with_o scripture_n to_o express_v all_o the_o blessing_n it_o promise_v to_o man_n by_o the_o name_n of_o life_n for_o thus_o by_o life_n the_o old_a testament_n very_o frequent_o express_v those_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o be_v therein_o promise_v and_o propose_v so_o deut._n thirty_o 15_o see_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o this_o day_n life_n and_o good_a and_o death_n and_o evil_a in_o which_o he_o plain_o refer_v to_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o curse_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o and_o denounce_v against_o they_o chap._n xxviii_o for_o so_o v._n 19_o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o explain_v himself_o i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v this_o day_n against_o you_o that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v so_o levit._n xviii_o 5_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o statute_n and_o my_o judgement_n which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v he_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v enjoy_v all_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o i_o have_v therein_o promise_v for_o so_o ezek._n xx_o 21_o their_o live_n in_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o his_o pour_v out_o temporal_a judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o hence_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v call_v the_o statute_n of_o life_n in_o which_o whosoever_o walk_v shall_v sure_o live_v and_o not_o die_v ezek._n xxxiii_o 15_o and_o as_o these_o temporal_a blessing_n promise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v common_o express_v by_o life_n so_o those_o eternal_a blessing_n promise_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o frequent_o express_v by_o life_n also_o so_o mat._n xviii_o 8_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n halt_v or_o maim_a rather_o than_o have_v two_o hand_n or_o two_o foot_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n so_o also_o mat._n nineteeen_o 17_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o joh._n iii._o 36_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o and_o because_o the_o blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v be_v not_o temporal_a but_o eternal_a therefore_o that_o life_n by_o which_o they_o be_v express_v be_v style_v eternal_a everlasting_a and_o immortal_a for_o so_o 2_o tim._n i_o 10_o we_o find_v life_n and_o immortality_n join_v together_o and_o rom._n vi_fw-la 22_o you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n and_o vers._n 23._o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n now_o that_o it_o be_v not_o call_v eternal_a life_n mere_o as_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o endless_a be_v and_o existence_n be_v evident_a because_o be_v and_o existence_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n abstract_v from_o all_o sense_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n but_o eternal_a life_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v infinite_o desirable_a in_o self_n as_o be_v the_o crown_n and_o reward_n of_o all_o our_o obedience_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v call_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n jam._n i._n 12_o and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o everlasting_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v by_o life_n be_v first_o because_o of_o the_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o life_n second_o because_o life_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n three_o because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o activity_n 1._o the_o everlasting_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v life_n because_o life_n be_v the_o most_o inestimable_o precious_a of_o all_o the_o blessing_n we_o enjoy_v for_o without_o life_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v a_o real_a blessing_n to_o we_o nothing_o that_o we_o can_v taste_v relish_n or_o enjoy_v and_o this_o the_o devil_n know_v well_o enough_o when_o he_o pronounce_v so_o confident_o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o his_o life_n job_n two_o 4_o now_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o scripture_n to_o describe_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o future_a state_n by_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a value_n among_o man_n by_o riches_n and_o treasure_n by_o a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n by_o a_o paradise_n or_o a_o garden_n of_o pleasure_n but_o as_o if_o all_o these_o be_v too_o faint_a and_o dim_a to_o represent_v the_o true_a value_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n it_o be_v style_v life_n also_o which_o be_v much_o more_o valuable_a than_o either_o yea_o than_o all_o those_o thing_n together_o and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o more_o exceed_o and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n four_o 17_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v life_n
because_o life_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n for_o without_o life_n we_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o lump_n of_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a flesh_n incapable_a of_o perceive_v either_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n so_o that_o all_o sensation_n be_v found_v in_o life_n and_o all_o pleasure_n a_o sweet_a and_o grateful_a sensation_n by_o a_o very_a easy_a figure_n the_o natural_a effect_n and_o operation_n of_o life_n be_v express_v by_o life_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o live_v consist_v in_o live_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v very_o much_o dispute_v among_o philosopher_n whether_o this_o temporary_a state_n of_o we_o in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o intermixture_n of_o pain_n with_o pleasure_n and_o misery_n with_o happiness_n do_v not_o better_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o death_n than_o life_n and_o those_o of_o they_o who_o think_v it_o more_o liable_a to_o misery_n than_o happiness_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o strict_o maintain_v this_o paradox_n that_o at_o our_o birth_n we_o die_v into_o a_o worse_a state_n than_o nonexistence_n and_o at_o our_o death_n be_v bear_v into_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a state_n of_o life_n but_o they_o who_o count_v our_o present_a life_n to_o be_v intermix_v with_o more_o pleasure_n than_o misery_n esteem_v our_o present_a existence_n a_o privilege_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o both_o place_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o live_v in_o those_o pleasant_a perception_n that_o be_v found_v in_o it_o and_o thus_o also_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n philosophy_n to_o live_v as_o it_o import_v advantage_n to_o we_o be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n so_o psal._n xxii_o 26_o the_o meek_a shall_v eat_v and_o be_v satisfy_v they_o shall_v praise_v the_o lord_n that_o seek_v he_o your_o heart_n shall_v live_v for_o ever_o 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unmingled_a delight_n issue_v forth_o in_o river_n of_o pleasure_n from_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o ever_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o blissful_a state_n of_o those_o happy_a soul_n above_o who_o live_v in_o the_o continue_a sense_n of_o all_o those_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o comfort_n that_o a_o everlasting_a heaven_n import_v 3_o dly_z and_o last_o it_o be_v call_v life_n because_o life_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o activity_n it_o be_v this_o that_o inlivens_fw-la all_o our_o instrument_n of_o action_n and_o communicate_v motion_n to_o all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o hence_o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o state_n of_o life_n because_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o the_o high_a activity_n wherein_o all_o our_o faculty_n act_v with_o unspeakable_a vigour_n be_v free_v from_o all_o that_o weight_n of_o sin_n and_o matter_n that_o here_o do_v continual_o clog_v and_o encumber_v they_o and_o entertain_v with_o such_o agreeable_a object_n as_o do_v perpetual_o employ_v and_o exercise_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n and_o activity_n where_o infinite_a truth_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v always_o in_o our_o view_n and_o prospect_n will_v continual_o draw_v forth_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o our_o understand_n will_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o most_o rapturous_a contemplation_n fruition_n and_o embracement_n of_o that_o all-glorious_a object_n in_o which_o we_o behold_v they_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_a act_n suitable_o to_o the_o genius_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n but_o in_o every_o act_n shall_v exert_v our_o utmost_a activity_n and_o know_v and_o love_n and_o rejoice_v and_o delight_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o we_o be_v able_a wherefore_o since_o in_o that_o bless_a state_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o wing_n since_o all_o our_o rational_a faculty_n shall_v be_v most_o incessant_o and_o vigorous_o employ_v about_o the_o most_o agreeable_a and_o consentaneous_a object_n we_o be_v convert_v as_o it_o be_v into_o pure_a act_n of_o knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n our_o state_n and_o condition_n may_v be_v very_o well_o express_v by_o life_n which_o be_v a_o most_o vigorous_a principle_n of_o activity_n so_o that_o as_o life_n be_v the_o most_o inestimable_a jewel_n we_o have_v as_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o activity_n it_o do_v most_o proper_o express_v the_o infinite_a value_n pleasure_n and_o activity_n of_o that_o blissful_a state_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v to_o reward_v our_o obedience_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o for_o what_o reason_n the_o eternal_a reward_n of_o the_o bless_a be_v so_o frequent_o express_v by_o everlasting_a life_n 2._o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v you_o in_o 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short_a of_o the_o thing_n itself_o yet_o be_v doubtless_o the_o best_a and_o utmost_a that_o our_o narrow_a capacity_n can_v bear_v in_o short_a therefore_o concern_v this_o bless_a state_n god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o it_o include_v these_o six_o thing_n 1._o a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o evil_a and_o misery_n 2._o a_o most_o intimate_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o 3_o a_o most_o endear_n fruition_n of_o our_o glorify_a saviour_n 4._o a_o most_o delightful_a conversation_n with_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n 5._o the_o infinite_a glory_n and_o delightfulness_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o all_o these_o felicity_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v 6._o the_o endless_a duration_n of_o this_o most_o bless_a and_o happy_a state_n 1._o everlasting_a life_n include_v a_o most_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o evil_a and_o misery_n for_o so_o we_o find_v the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n describe_v that_o they_o hunger_n no_o more_o neither_o thirst_v any_o more_o that_o the_o sun_n light_v not_o on_o they_o nor_o any_o heat_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o liable_a to_o the_o scorch_a heat_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o god_n have_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n rev._n seven_o 16.17_o and_o hence_o also_o heaven_n be_v call_v a_o state_n of_o rest_n heb._n four_o 9_o 11._o there_o remain_v therefore_o a_o rest_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n let_v we_o labour_v therefore_o to_o enter_v into_o that_o rest_n which_o denote_v this_o state_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a sabbath_n and_o jubilee_n of_o redemption_n from_o all_o evil_a and_o misery_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n depart_v out_o of_o this_o corporeal_a state_n in_o which_o they_o now_o live_v they_o be_v immediate_o release_v from_o all_o those_o bodily_a passion_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v and_o pain_n and_o disease_n whereunto_o they_o
father_n to_o jesus_n my_o redeemer_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n my_o constant_a comforter_n and_o assistant_n and_o what_o though_o the_o state_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n unknown_a to_o i_o yet_o what_o i_o know_v be_v infinite_o desirable_a from_o whence_o i_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o what_o i_o know_v not_o be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o i_o have_v but_o the_o temper_n of_o heaven_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v easy_o comply_v with_o the_o heavenly_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o it_o so_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a i_o cannont_v imagine_v why_o any_o good_a man_n that_o serious_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o have_v a_o just_a wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o at_o the_o expiration_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n shall_v be_v so_o loath_a to_o leave_v this_o wretched_a world_n and_o expire_v into_o that_o bless_a eternity_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o affair_n in_o this_o life_n be_v many_o time_n such_o as_o may_v just_o excuse_v even_o a_o good_a man_n willingness_n to_o die_v some_o great_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a may_v present_v themselves_o and_o invite_v he_o to_o stay_v a_o little_a long_o or_o his_o have_v begin_v his_o repentance_n late_o or_o not_o have_v make_v a_o competent_a provision_n for_o his_o family_n may_v for_o a_o time_n justify_v his_o unwillingness_n to_o depart_v and_o render_v it_o both_o excusable_a and_o reasonable_a but_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o these_o except_a case_n methinks_v i_o can_v hardly_o reconcile_v our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n with_o our_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o when_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o death_n be_v only_o a_o narrow_a stream_n run_v between_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o i_o see_v my_o god_n and_o my_o saviour_n with_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o their_o hand_n beckon_v to_o i_o from_o the_o far_a shoar_n and_o call_v to_o i_o to_o come_v over_o and_o receive_v those_o happy_a recompense_n of_o my_o industry_n and_o labour_n that_o i_o like_v a_o naked_a timorous_a boy_n shall_v stand_v shiver_v on_o this_o bank_n of_o time_n as_o if_o i_o be_v afraid_a to_o dip_v my_o foot_n in_o that_o cold_a stream_n of_o fate_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o be_o in_o i_o be_o past_a and_o in_o the_o twinkle_v of_o a_o eye_n will_v land_v i_o on_o eternal_a bliss_n be_v such_o a_o extravagant_a inconsistency_n as_o if_o i_o do_v not_o feel_v it_o in_o i_o i_o shall_v never_o believe_v i_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o 4_o thly_a and_o last_o hence_o i_o infer_v what_o a_o vast_a deal_n of_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o religion_n since_o god_n have_v propose_v such_o a_o vast_a reward_n to_o we_o to_o encourage_v and_o animate_v our_o industry_n how_o can_v we_o account_v any_o work_n hard_a of_o which_o heaven_n be_v the_o wage_n how_o can_v we_o faint_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n when_o we_o see_v the_o 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my_o importunate_a prayer_n and_o well-spent_a tear_n for_o now_o i_o be_o full_o repay_v for_o you_o all_o and_o do_v reap_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o joy_n from_o you_o than_o ever_o i_o endure_v pain_n for_o what_o be_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o moment_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o eternity_n wherefore_o hold_v out_o my_o faith_n and_o patience_n yet_o a_o little_a long_o and_o your_o work_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o after_o a_o few_o laborious_a weekday_n you_o shall_v keep_v a_o everlasting_a sabbath_n what_o though_o my_o voyage_n lie_v through_o a_o stormy_a sea_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o the_o indies_n of_o happiness_n and_o a_o few_o league_n far_a lie_v the_o bless_a port_n where_o i_o shall_v be_v crown_v as_o soon_o as_o i_o be_o land_v go_v on_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n with_o thy_o utmost_a courage_n and_o alacrity_n for_o let_v the_o wind_n bluster_v and_o the_o wave_n swell_v never_o so_o much_o yet_o thou_o can_v not_o miscarry_v unless_o thou_o will_v thou_o be_v not_o like_o other_o passenger_n leave_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o wind_n and_o wether_n but_o thy_o fate_n be_v in_o thy_o own_o hand_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v but_o have_v thy_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n thy_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n 1_o epist._n john_n iu._n 19_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o former_a discourse_n how_o indispensable_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o prove_v to_o you_o at_o large_a that_o of_o all_o principle_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o most_o operative_a and_o effectual_a and_o then_o to_o excite_v this_o heavenly_a affection_n in_o you_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a motive_n that_o engage_v our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o now_o that_o i_o may_v more_o large_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o this_o love_n as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o engage_v you_o to_o it_o by_o this_o grand_a motive_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o this_o text_n we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o may_v as_o well_o be_v render_v subjunctive_o to_o signify_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v as_o indicative_o for_o what_o we_o already_o do_v and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o context_n to_o render_v it_o we_o shall_v or_o aught_o to_o love_v he_o than_o we_o love_v he_o for_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n the_o apostle_n earnest_o press_v christian_n to_o love_v one_o another_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n great_a love_n to_o they_o and_o then_o consider_v how_o natural_o their_o love_n to_o one_o another_o will_v follow_v upon_o their_o mutual_a love_n to_o god_n he_o conclude_v that_o the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o love_v one_o another_o be_v to_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o great_a love_n to_o they_o for_o say_v he_o vers._n 20._o if_o a_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n because_o light_v itself_o be_v not_o more_o inseparable_a to_o the_o sun_n than_o brotherly-love_n be_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o we_o shall_v evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n so_o we_o shall_v disturb_v the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o his_o argument_n for_o if_o we_o render_v it_o indicative_o we_o love_v he_o it_o will_v thence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o
love_v one_o another_o and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n and_o then_o the_o word_n will_v be_v whole_o impertinent_a to_o the_o argument_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v be_v to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o love_v one_o another_o but_o what_o need_v he_o excite_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o confess_v we_o do_v already_o if_o therefore_o we_o render_v the_o word_n subjunctive_o as_o it_o seem_v most_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v this_o will_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o love_n god_n because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o according_a to_o which_o sense_n here_o be_v first_o a_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o love_v god_n second_o a_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o in_o handle_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o love_v god_n 2._o in_o what_o degree_n and_o measure_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v he_o and_o in_o explain_v what_o this_o love_n of_o god_n be_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o first_o wherein_o the_o be_v and_o essence_n of_o it_o consist_v second_o what_o be_v its_o essential_a chararacter_n and_o property_n 1._o wherein_o the_o be_v and_o essence_n of_o our_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o this_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o a_o rational_a fix_v affect_v delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o perfection_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o more_o exact_o distinguish_v it_o from_o those_o wretched_a counterfeit_n that_o common_o usurp_v its_o name_n and_o be_v too_o to_o often_o mistake_v for_o it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v the_o several_a term_n whereof_o its_o definition_n be_v compose_v 1._o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o delight_n and_o complacency_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o rational_a one_o 3._o a_o fix_v 4._o a_o affect_v one_o 5._o it_o be_v terminate_v on_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o perfection_n 1._o the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o delight_n and_o complacency_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o love_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o passion_n for_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o first_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o lovely_a object_n be_v delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o the_o view_n or_o contemplation_n of_o it_o and_o when_o any_o amiable_a object_n present_v itself_o to_o our_o sense_n or_o to_o our_o mind_n or_o fancy_n it_o cause_v our_o thought_n to_o pause_v and_o stay_v themselves_o a_o while_n upon_o it_o till_o we_o have_v view_v it_o round_o about_o and_o draw_v its_o picture_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v the_o very_a first_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o and_o while_o we_o review_v it_o over_o and_o over_o to_o be_v sweet_o ravish_v and_o delight_v with_o the_o charm_a prospect_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o from_o this_o prime_a and_o essential_a act_n of_o love_n arise_v all_o those_o consequent_a affection_n of_o hope_n benevolence_n and_o desire_v of_o fruition_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o wish_v well_o to_o hope_v for_o or_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v any_o object_n be_v because_o we_o be_v well-pleased_a with_o it_o and_o do_v find_v a_o sweet_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n in_o that_o picture_n or_o idea_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v draw_v upon_o our_o own_o mind_n so_o that_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o love_n you_o see_v consist_v in_o a_o wellpleasedness_a arise_v from_o the_o apprehend_a goodness_n and_o congruity_n of_o the_o thing_n belove_v and_o it_o be_v mere_o by_o accident_n that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o emotion_n intermingle_v with_o this_o grateful_a affection_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o want_n of_o what_o we_o love_v if_o there_o be_v no_o distance_n between_o we_o and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o affection_n our_o love_n will_v be_v all_o but_o one_o pure_a continue_a act_n of_o complacency_n and_o delight_n for_o if_o all_o our_o needs_o be_v full_o satisfy_v we_o shall_v love_v without_o either_o desire_n or_o hope_n both_o which_o imply_v want_n and_o absence_n from_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o complacency_n be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o love_n since_o there_o may_v be_v love_n without_o hope_n or_o desire_v or_o any_o other_o passion_n mingle_v with_o it_o but_o without_o complacency_n there_o can_v be_v none_o it_o be_v true_a the_o degree_n of_o love_n complacency_n be_v much_o great_a in_o the_o fruition_n of_o its_o object_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o but_o still_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_a for_o it_o be_v the_o delight_n we_o take_v in_o a_o object_n that_o make_v we_o desire_n to_o enjoy_v it_o but_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n our_o desire_n expire_v into_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o desire_v and_o delight_n be_v only_o the_o wing_n and_o arm_n of_o love_n those_o for_o pursuit_n and_o these_o for_o embrace_n but_o it_o be_v the_o arm_n that_o give_v the_o wing_n both_o motion_n and_o rest_n the_o delight_n we_o take_v in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n that_o both_o inflame_v and_o quench_v our_o desire_n so_o that_o though_o in_o this_o indigent_a state_n hope_n and_o desire_n be_v inseparable_a to_o our_o love_n yet_o that_o be_v by_o accident_n but_o as_o for_o its_o essence_n and_o definition_n it_o whole_o consist_v of_o delight_n and_o complacency_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o love_n of_o god_n have_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o love_n in_o it_o as_o questionless_a it_o have_v it_o must_v necessary_o consist_v in_o our_o be_v well-pleased_a and_o delight_v in_o the_o beauty_n and_o goodness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o god_n love_n to_o we_o be_v express_v by_o delight_v in_o one_o another_o so_o prov._n iii._o 12_o for_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o correct_v even_o as_o a_o father_n the_o son_n in_o who_o he_o delight_v i._n e._n who_o he_o love_v so_o also_o our_o love_n to_o god_n be_v express_v by_o delight_v in_o he_o psal._n xxxvii_o 4_o delight_n thyself_o also_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n 2_o lie_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o rational_a delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o he_o by_o which_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o sensible_a emotion_n of_o bodily_a passion_n which_o many_o time_n be_v nothing_o else_o put_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o overheat_v fancy_n for_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v wrap_v even_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o sensible_a delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o god_n that_o be_v upon_o a_o amiable_a representation_n of_o god_n his_o spirit_n may_v be_v make_v to_o flow_v in_o a_o sweet_a and_o placid_a torrent_n to_o his_o heart_n and_o by_o their_o nimble_a motion_n about_o it_o to_o sooth_n and_o tickle_v it_o into_o a_o most_o sensible_a pleasure_n till_o it_o open_v and_o dilate_v its_o orifice_n and_o the_o grateful_a flood_n break_v in_o and_o drown_v it_o in_o delight_n and_o ravishment_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o mighty_a storm_n and_o commotion_n of_o passion_n there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n for_o all_o this_o not_o only_o may_v be_v but_o many_o time_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o mere_a mechanism_n and_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o warm_a and_o vigorous_a fancy_n which_o be_v flush_v with_o such_o brisk_a and_o active_a spirit_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v figure_v into_o amorous_a phantasm_n and_o idea_n can_v with_o these_o without_o any_o assistance_n from_o reason_n raise_v great_a commotion_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o heart_n especial_o where_o the_o temper_n be_v soft_a and_o the_o passion_n easy_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o the_o history_n of_o the_o devotos_fw-la of_o all_o religion_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o sufficient_a experiment_n for_o even_o among_o the_o turkish_a and_o heathen_a saint_n there_o be_v as_o notorious_a instance_n of_o these_o sweet_a income_n and_o manifestation_n as_o among_o our_o own_o and_o the_o same_o sensitive_a complacency_n which_o we_o too_o often_o mistake_v for_o the_o sealing_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o frequent_o experience_n in_o their_o communion_n with_o mahomet_n bacchus_n and_o
thly_a it_o be_v a_o affect_a delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o god_n by_o which_o i_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o mere_a like_n and_o naked_a approbation_n for_o god_n be_v a_o be_v so_o infinite_o amiable_a and_o benevolent_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a almost_o for_o any_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o know_v he_o and_o not_o like_a and_o approve_v of_o he_o but_o though_o in_o all_o approbation_n there_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o complacency_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o man_n may_v approve_v of_o what_o he_o do_v not_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v many_o man_n that_o do_v approve_v of_o god_n as_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a of_o being_n and_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o love_n and_o veneration_n who_o yet_o have_v not_o one_o spark_n of_o real_a love_n towards_o he_o for_o thus_o st._n paul_n we_o find_v when_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n in_o religion_n approve_v of_o the_o law_n as_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a rom._n seven_o 12_o and_o that_o in_o this_o approbation_n of_o his_o there_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o complacency_n and_o delight_n for_o say_v he_o i_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a man_n vers._n 22._o but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o be_v very_o far_o from_o have_v any_o real_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o it_o for_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o be_v he_o have_v a_o inward_a repugnancy_n and_o aversation_n against_o this_o excellent_a law_n which_o his_o reason_n do_v approve_v of_o as_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o no_o degree_n of_o true_a love_n can_v consist_v with_o such_o a_o aversation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o most_o man_n who_o have_v right_a conception_n of_o god_n do_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o reason_n as_o much_o approve_v of_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n and_o yet_o their_o will_n be_v as_o repugnant_a and_o averse_a to_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o one_o as_o st._n paul_n then_o be_v to_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o other_o wherefore_o to_o constitute_v we_o true_a lover_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o approbation_n of_o and_o delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o he_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o do_v powerful_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o whilst_o our_o will_n be_v averse_a to_o that_o immaculate_a purity_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v so_o inseparable_a to_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v hearty_o love_v he_o and_o though_o in_o our_o mind_n we_o may_v approve_v of_o he_o as_o a_o most_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a be_v yet_o in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v still_o retain_v a_o secret_a antipathy_n against_o he_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v so_o far_o approve_v of_o god_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o altogether_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v very_o shallow_a spectator_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v this_o approbation_n of_o they_o accompany_v with_o a_o inveterate_a rancour_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o and_o till_o our_o will_n be_v so_o affect_v by_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o consent_v and_o echo_v to_o its_o approbation_n to_o take_v complacency_n in_o that_o divine_a purity_n which_o our_o reason_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o crown_n and_o ornament_n of_o god_n whilst_o we_o reverence_v he_o in_o our_o mind_n we_o hate_v and_o despise_v he_o in_o our_o affection_n so_o that_o he_o only_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o god_n who_o will_n be_v reconcile_v to_o true_a goodness_n 5_o thly_a and_o last_o this_o love_n must_v be_v terminate_v on_o the_o proper_a goodness_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o hereby_o i_o distinguish_v it_o from_o that_o love_n which_o we_o too_o common_o terminate_v upon_o a_o god_n of_o our_o own_o make_n for_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a with_o man_n to_o set_v up_o idol_n and_o false_a representation_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v they_o and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o they_o be_v extreme_o fond_a of_o these_o idol-divinity_n of_o their_o own_o make_n since_o common_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o picture_n and_o image_n of_o themselves_o thou_o think_v say_v god_n to_o those_o profligate_v person_n that_o i_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o psal._n l._n 21_o man_n have_v always_o be_v prone_a to_o cast_v all_o their_o idea_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mould_n of_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o to_o fashion_v the_o divinity_n who_o they_o worship_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o their_o own_o inclination_n thus_o man_n of_o ungovernable_a and_o imperious_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v god_n in_o their_o own_o likeness_n a_o be_v that_o govern_v himself_o and_o other_o by_o a_o mere_a blind_a omnipotent_a selfwill_a that_o will_v thing_n mere_o because_o he_o will_v they_o and_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v to_o regulate_v his_o own_o motion_n by_o any_o antecedent_n rule_v of_o justice_n wisdom_n or_o goodness_n so_o also_o man_n of_o wrathful_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o froward_a furious_a and_o implacable_a be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v please_v or_o displease_v with_o trifle_n that_o frown_n or_o smile_n as_o the_o humour_n take_v he_o that_o when_o the_o froward_a fit_a be_v upon_o he_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o revenge_n and_o fury_n and_o who_o love_n and_o hatred_n be_v fickle_a and_o mutable_a and_o never_o constant_a to_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o thus_o man_n of_o fond_a and_o indulgent_a nature_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v god_n to_o themselves_o as_o one_o that_o dote_v invincible_o on_o those_o who_o have_v once_o the_o 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much_o in_o discover_v his_o loveliness_n as_o in_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o in_o raise_v our_o gross_a and_o carnal_a affection_n to_o a_o love_n proportionate_a to_o those_o discovery_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o create_v we_o so_o much_o toil_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o perfection_n but_o when_o once_o we_o be_v arrive_v into_o the_o bless_a region_n of_o immortality_n our_o affection_n be_v perfect_o subdue_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o dreined_a and_o clarify_v from_o all_o its_o gross_a and_o carnal_a love_n will_v as_o natural_o flame_n out_o more_o and_o more_o towards_o god_n upon_o every_o new_a discovery_n of_o his_o beauty_n as_o fire_n do_v when_o more_o combustible_a fuel_n be_v lay_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o without_o any_o toil_n or_o difficulty_n the_o more_o we_o know_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v love_v and_o so_o more_o and_o more_o for_o ever_o if_o therefore_o 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which_o be_v the_o law_n by_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v for_o ever_o so_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o enquiry_n be_v this_o what_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o obedience_n to_o this_o law_n of_o sincerity_n now_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o our_o love_n of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o this_o law_n exact_v of_o we_o first_o it_o require_v the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o this_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o we_o that_o be_v it_o require_v not_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hate_v god_n or_o be_v indifferent_a between_o love_n and_o hatred_n in_o our_o affection_n to_o he_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v real_o cordial_o and_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o hence_o those_o eternal_a glory_n and_o beatitude_n in_o which_o our_o salvation_n do_v consist_v be_v say_v to_o be_v prepare_v by_o god_n for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o condition_n or_o qualification_n upon_o which_o our_o salvation_n do_v depend_v and_o consequent_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n and_o st._n james_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o ja._n 1.12_o and_o therefore_o since_o that_o law_n of_o sincerity_n contain_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o promise_n it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o our_o love_n to_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o since_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o nay_o so_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n be_v this_o excellent_a virtue_n that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o without_o this_o the_o most_o virtuous_a action_n whatsoever_o be_v insignificant_a cipher_n in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n for_o though_o say_v he_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o where_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o take_v charity_n in_o the_o large_a sense_n for_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o he_o therefore_o that_o do_v not_o real_o love_v god_n who_o be_v not_o hearty_o touch_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o perfection_n stand_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n and_o without_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n shall_v have_v no_o part_n or_o portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o than_o second_o this_o law_n of_o sincerity_n require_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o god_n as_o do_v together_o with_o the_o other_o motive_n of_o christianity_n effectual_o render_v we_o obedient_a to_o his_o will._n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o make_v our_o keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o our_o love_n of_o he_o for_o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n joh._n 14.23_o and_o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n say_v st._n john_n that_o be_v his_o commandment_n in_o he_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_v that_o be_v in_o he_o it_o be_v real_a and_o cordial_a and_o sincere_a 1_o joh._n 2.5_o when_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o god_n have_v that_o power_n over_o we_o as_o together_o with_o the_o other_o motive_n of_o christianity_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n or_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n it_o be_v then_o perfect_v to_o that_o degree_n which_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n exact_v but_o before_o we_o dismiss_v this_o argument_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o therefore_o this_o law_n of_o sincerity_n require_v that_o some_o degree_n of_o true_a love_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v intermingle_v with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o because_o this_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o be_v one_o great_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o if_o out_o of_o mere_a fear_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v obey_v he_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o this_o our_o obedience_n will_v be_v lame_a and_o partial_a and_o want_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o entireness_n which_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n exact_v for_o since_o it_o require_v we_o to_o love_n god_n under_o the_o same_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a death_n that_o it_o require_v all_o its_o other_o duty_n we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v save_v by_o it_o without_o this_o virtue_n than_o without_o justice_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n yea_o consider_v how_o necessary_a this_o be_v both_o to_o quicken_v our_o obedience_n here_o and_o qualify_v we_o for_o happiness_n hereafter_o we_o may_v much_o better_o spare_v any_o virtue_n of_o religion_n than_o this_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n this_o therefore_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o degree_n of_o true_a love_n to_o god_n intermingle_v with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n 2_o lie_n this_o law_n of_o sincerity_n exact_v of_o we_o only_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o god_n as_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o other_o motive_n of_o christianity_n be_v actual_o sufficient_a to_o enforce_v our_o obedience_n it_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o love_n god_n in_o that_o heroic_a degree_n as_o not_o to_o need_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o obey_v his_o will_n for_o if_o it_o do_v no_o man_n can_v be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n till_o he_o be_v able_a to_o obey_v god_n pure_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n without_o any_o respect_n either_o to_o those_o glorious_a advantage_n he_o promise_v or_o those_o endless_a torment_n he_o denounce_v which_o require_v such_o a_o ardent_a degree_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o i_o doubt_v few_o good_a man_n arrive_v to_o in_o this_o life_n i_o know_v it_o be_v usual_o say_v by_o those_o that_o handle_v this_o argument_n that_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o which_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n oblige_v we_o but_o either_o this_o must_v be_v a_o mistake_n or_o no_o man_n can_v be_v good_a till_o he_o be_v so_o perfect_a a_o lover_n of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o need_v any_o other_o motive_n but_o that_o of_o his_o own_o love_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o obedience_n for_o man_n need_v no_o motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o choose_v what_o they_o love_v best_a and_o therefore_o if_o man_n love_v god_n above_o all_o they_o
can_v have_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o incline_v he_o to_o love_v we_o but_o only_o the_o immense_a benevolence_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n since_o therefore_o he_o have_v love_v i_o without_o any_o desert_n of_o i_o can_v i_o forbear_v to_o love_v he_o who_o have_v deserve_v so_o well_o of_o i_o if_o he_o have_v never_o express_v any_o kindness_n towards_o i_o yet_o i_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o love_v he_o because_o of_o the_o infinite_a loveliness_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o when_o i_o add_v to_o this_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n he_o bear_v i_o when_o i_o have_v neither_o beauty_n to_o endear_v nor_o desert_n to_o oblige_v he_o what_o a_o tender_a care_n he_o take_v of_o my_o welfare_n and_o how_o big_a his_o thought_n be_v with_o design_n of_o kindness_n to_o i_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reflect_v upon_o my_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n towards_o he_o without_o the_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n especial_o consider_v 3_o lie_n that_o he_o begin_v to_o love_v we_o 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that_o good_a that_o the_o vast_a affection_n can_v either_o crave_v or_o contain_v in_o a_o word_n a_o heaven_n who_o bliss_n be_v all_o as_o large_a as_o our_o immense_a desire_n and_o all_o as_o last_v as_o our_o immortal_a being_n for_o it_o be_v a_o heaven_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o eternal_a fruition_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n who_o everflow_a stream_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o quench_v the_o thirst_n and_o make_v glad_a the_o heart_n of_o every_o be_v that_o understand_v and_o love_v how_o much_o therefore_o god_n love_v righteousness_n you_o may_v easy_o guess_v by_o these_o vast_a preparation_n he_o have_v make_v to_o entertain_v it_o for_o he_o build_v heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o lodge_v righteous_a soul_n and_o that_o they_o may_v see_v he_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o they_o he_o be_v himself_o their_o feast_n there_o as_o well_o as_o their_o entertainer_n he_o feed_v they_o with_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o 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disgrace_v the_o most_o righteous_a religion_n and_o introduce_v the_o most_o gross_a unrighteousness_n again_o three_o it_o be_v a_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n that_o true_a repentance_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v superstruct_v their_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n which_o join_v with_o absolution_n be_v of_o such_o sovereign_a virtue_n as_o to_o transubstantiate_v a_o sorrow_n proceed_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n into_o true_a and_o save_a repentance_n by_o which_o doctrine_n they_o have_v most_o direct_o supersede_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o righteousness_n for_o what_o need_n i_o put_v myself_o to_o the_o trouble_v of_o a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a life_n when_o for_o allarm_v myself_o before_o i_o go_v to_o confession_n into_o some_o frightful_a apprehension_n of_o hell_n i_o can_v be_v dub_v a_o true_a penitent_n and_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o my_o sin_n for_o now_o my_o old_a 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