thou_o destroy_v thy_o spiritual_a disease_n the_o more_o thou_o ruinate_v the_o devil_n faction_n within_o thou_o and_o weaken_v the_o opposition_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n he_o that_o love_v his_o sin_n hate_v his_o own_o soul_n pro._n 8._o 36._o gal._n 6._o 8._o he_o that_o sow_v sin_n shall_v reap_v hell_n he_o that_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n provide_v fuel_n for_o bell_n fire_n he_o that_o nourish_v the_o old_a adam_n within_o he_o cherish_v that_o which_o taint_v and_o pollute_v all_o his_o holy_a duty_n which_o indispose_v he_o to_o all_o good_a and_o dispose_v he_o to_o all_o evil_a he_o cherish_v his_o soul_n great_a enemy_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 11._o he_o delight_v in_o that_o which_o be_v paul_n great_a misery_n and_o which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n rom._n 7._o 24._o therefore_o i_o may_v true_o say_v he_o that_o be_v the_o great_a self-denier_n be_v the_o great_a self-seeker_n he_o that_o seek_v to_o do_v most_o service_n to_o god_n in_o his_o generation_n that_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n by_o seek_v god_n glory_n be_v a_o divine_a self_n seeker_n 4._o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o perfection_n of_o every_o thing_n consist_v in_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v make_v as_o the_o perfection_n of_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v eat_v he_o that_o hoard_v it_o up_o and_o will_v not_o eat_v it_o destroy_v it_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n make_v man_n be_v to_o serve_v he_o to_o glorify_v he_o here_o and_o enjoy_v he_o hereafter_o therefore_o the_o more_o service_n we_o do_v to_o god_n the_o more_o we_o seek_v his_o glory_n the_o more_o we_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o therein_o we_o be_v the_o more_o happy_a he_o that_o love_v himself_o for_o himself_o and_o for_o his_o own_o end_n destroy_v himself_o because_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n make_v we_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o and_o not_o ourselves_o when_o all_o the_o stream_n of_o self-love_n flow_v into_o the_o great_a ocean_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n this_o be_v divine_a self-love_n oh_o that_o man_n will_v thus_o labour_v to_o love_v themselves_o and_o seek_v themselves_o to_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o servant_n and_o instrument_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n to_o say_v lord_n how_o may_v i_o advance_v myself_o by_o advance_v thy_o name_n how_o may_v i_o glorify_v myself_o by_o glorify_v of_o thou_o how_o may_v i_o seek_v myself_o by_o seek_v thy_o praise_n and_o perfect_v myself_o by_o dispose_v of_o myself_o of_o my_o understanding_n memory_n will_n heart_n affection_n and_o action_n in_o order_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o glory_n the_o more_o a_o man_n serve_v god_n out_o of_o pure_a love_n without_o reflection_n 5._o to_o self_n the_o more_o he_o seek_v himself_o for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n the_o less_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o end_n in_o any_o holy_a duty_n the_o more_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o because_o the_o less_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o the_o more_o we_o seek_v god_n and_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o more_o we_o seek_v god_n and_o his_o glory_n the_o more_o reward_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o less_o we_o look_v after_o reward_n for_o that_o we_o do_v the_o more_o reward_n we_o shall_v have_v and_o therefore_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v good_a work_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v merit_v heaven_n suppose_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a lose_v all_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o good_a work_n he_o that_o serve_v god_n to_o merit_v by_o his_o service_n can_v merit_v by_o his_o service_n the_o more_o he_o eye_v merit_v the_o less_o he_o merit_v he_o that_o serve_v god_n for_o his_o own_o end_n do_v not_o serve_v god_n but_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n for_o god_n sake_n shall_v be_v reward_v by_o god_n the_o less_o we_o eye_v ourselves_o in_o any_o duty_n the_o more_o reward_n we_o shall_v have_v and_o therefore_o the_o more_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o that_o man_n who_o seek_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n above_o his_o 6._o own_o glory_n and_o honour_n be_v a_o divine_a self_n seeker_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v more_o in_o god_n than_o in_o himself_o as_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o body_n take_v it_o from_o the_o body_n it_o die_v so_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o god_n who_o be_v our_o chief_a good_a who_o be_v a_o universal_a good_a therefore_o he_o that_o seek_v union_n with_o god_n most_o seek_v himself_o most_o as_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o beam_n be_v more_o in_o the_o sun_n then_o in_o it_o self_n and_o of_o the_o stream_n in_o the_o fountain_n then_o in_o itself_o so_o the_o safety_n comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o every_o christian_a be_v more_o in_o god_n then_o in_o himself_o therefore_o he_o that_o seek_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n more_o than_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o honour_n be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o bless_a self-seeker_n he_o that_o love_v the_o public_a good_a more_o than_o his_o own_o private_a 7._o good_a that_o seek_v the_o prosperity_n of_o zion_n and_o jerusalem_n of_o church_n and_o state_n more_o than_o his_o own_o be_v a_o divine_a self-seeker_n oh_o that_o this_o word_n be_v mingle_v with_o faith_n a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v his_o head_n cut_v off_o will_v willing_o even_o out_o of_o self-love_n lift_v up_o his_o arm_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o to_o save_v his_o head_n because_o his_o life_n be_v more_o in_o his_o head_n than_o in_o his_o arm_n our_o safety_n be_v more_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o public_a welfare_n than_o in_o our_o private_a and_o therefore_o they_o who_o prefer_v the_o public_a before_o the_o private_a be_v the_o true_a self-seeker_n thus_o do_v old_a elie_n he_o mourn_v more_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o arkâ—_z than_o of_o his_o two_o son_n thus_o also_o do_v david_n psa_n 137._o 6._o he_o prefer_v jerusalem_n above_o his_o chief_a joy_n in_o a_o storm_n at_o sea_n he_o that_o seek_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o ship_n seek_v most_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o own_o trunk_n for_o if_o the_o ship_n be_v drown_v his_o trunk_n can_v be_v save_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o church_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v destroy_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o a_o godly_a man_n to_o live_v i_o read_v of_o titus_n vespasian_n that_o when_o the_o soldier_n have_v destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o come_v to_o he_o and_o ask_v he_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v with_o the_o priest_n that_o do_v supervive_fw-la kill_v they_o say_v he_o for_o now_o their_o work_n be_v at_o a_o end_n when_o religion_n be_v destroy_v what_o will_v it_o advantage_v a_o godly_a man_n to_o live_v therefore_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n more_o than_o their_o own_o be_v bless_v self-seeker_n that_o man_n who_o have_v rather_o lose_v wife_n child_n estate_n and_o life_n itself_o than_o sin_n against_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a self-seeker_n the_o 8._o reason_n be_v because_o his_o happiness_n be_v more_o in_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n than_o in_o keep_v his_o estate_n or_o save_v his_o life_n the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n be_v the_o great_a self_n seeker_n it_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a self-seeking_a to_o suffer_v the_o fire_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o avoid_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n to_o lose_v earthly_a promotion_n to_o attain_v everlasting_a honour_n and_o therefore_o christ_n argue_v from_o self-love_n mat._n 16._o 25._o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o so_o also_o mark_n 10._o 29_o 30._o the_o ancient_a martyr_n do_v the_o like_a heb._n 10._o 34._o heb._n 11._o 35._o he_o that_o lose_v all_o for_o christ_n shall_v find_v more_o than_o he_o have_v lose_v in_o christ_n from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concerning_o this_o bless_a self-seeking_a i_o gather_v these_o three_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o no_o man_n be_v a_o true_a self_n seeker_n who_o be_v not_o a_o true_a christ-seeker_n 2._o that_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o conscientious_a walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a man_n who_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a man_n for_o the_o more_o religious_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o he_o seek_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o happiness_n the_o more_o irreligious_a he_o be_v the_o
more_o he_o ruinate_v and_o destroy_v himself_o 3._o that_o whosoever_o will_v love_v himselâ—e_n and_o seek_v himself_o aright_o must_v labour_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n oh_o that_o i_o can_v persuade_v you_o to_o this_o bless_a self-seeking_a to_o seek_v your_o own_o gain_n and_o honour_n in_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o church_n and_o state_n but_o now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n beside_o this_o lawful_a and_o this_o heavenly_a and_o bless_a self_n seek_v there_o be_v a_o sinful_a curse_a and_o devilish_a self-seeking_a a_o self-seeking_a which_o be_v complain_v on_o in_o the_o text_n inconsistent_a and_o incompossible_a with_o a_o true_a christ-seeking_a which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o have_v happen_v to_o this_o nation_n the_o great_a church_n and_o state_n and_o soul-destroyer_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o question_n quest_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o self-seeking_a which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o christ_n seek_v answ._n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a monster_n with_o six_o head_n 1._o when_o a_o christian_n seek_v his_o own_o thing_n divide_o from_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o seek_v his_o own_o case_n safety_n and_o interest_n and_o care_v not_o at_o all_o what_o become_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o cause_n when_o he_o set_v up_o himself_o and_o make_v himself_o the_o principle_n rule_n and_o end_n of_o all_o his_o undertaking_n act_v from_o self_n as_o a_o principle_n by_o self_n as_o a_o rule_n for_o self_n as_o a_o end_n when_o a_o man_n make_v himself_o his_o god_n worship_v himself_o and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v for_o his_o carnal_a self_n serve_v himself_o in_o committee_n army_n parliament_n ministry_n and_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o religion_n and_o reformation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o head_n of_o this_o monster_n such_o a_o self-seeker_n be_v gallio_n the_o deputy_n act._n 18._o 17._o who_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o religion_n if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o wrong_n he_o will_v have_v hear_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o care_v for_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n such_o self-seeker_n be_v the_o people_n of_o mâ—roz_n and_o therefore_o the_o israelite_n be_v command_v to_o curse_v they_o judge_n 5._o 23._o 2._o when_o a_o christian_n seek_v his_o own_o thing_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n also_o but_o seek_v his_o own_o thing_n antecedent_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o first_o seek_v his_o own_o thing_n and_o afterwards_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n of_o this_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n complanes_fw-la hag._n 1._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o people_n say_v it_o be_v not_o time_n to_o build_v god_n house_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o build_v their_o own_o house_n therefore_o the_o heaven_n over_o they_o be_v as_o brass_n and_o the_o earth_n withhold_v her_o fruit_n 3._o when_o a_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o thing_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n also_o but_o seek_v his_o own_o thing_n chief_o and_o principal_o not_o only_o before_o but_o more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o both_o in_o his_o value_n and_o esteem_v and_o in_o his_o love_n and_o affection_n when_o a_o man_n prize_v his_o own_o profit_n and_o preferment_n and_o love_v his_o own_o praise_n and_o glory_n more_o than_o the_o profit_n praise_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n such_o be_v the_o gaderen_n who_o prefer_v their_o hog_n before_o christ_n such_o be_v the_o merchant_n and_o farmer_n mat._n 21._o 3._o who_o make_v light_n of_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n and_o prefer_v their_o farm_n and_o merchandize_v before_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n such_o be_v demas_n who_o forsake_v paul_n and_o embrace_v the_o present_a world_n and_o such_o be_v the_o pharisee_n john_n 12._o 43._o who_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n 4._o when_o a_o christian_n seek_v his_o own_o thing_n in_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o intend_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o seek_v himself_o even_o under_o colour_n of_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o one_o be_v jehu_n who_o pretend_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n come_v say_v he_o to_o jonadab_n and_o behold_v my_o zeal_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o do_v but_o pretend_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n his_o zeal_n be_v to_o purchase_v the_o kingdom_n to_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o be_v balaam_n who_o pretend_v that_o if_o he_o have_v a_o house_n full_a of_o gold_n and_o silver_n offer_v he_o he_o will_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o do_v but_o counterfeit_a for_o he_o love_v the_o wage_n of_o iniquity_n and_o be_v mad_a after_o the_o preferment_n that_o balac_n proffer_v he_o such_o another_o be_v demetrius_n the_o silver-smith_n who_o pretend_v a_o zeal_n to_o the_o great_a goddess_n diana_n and_o therefore_o cause_v a_o uproar_n against_o paul_n to_o defend_v the_o goddess_n but_o it_o be_v the_o gain_n he_o get_v by_o make_v shrine_n for_o diana_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o set_v he_o on_o work_n he_o pretend_v diana_n but_o intend_v himself_o he_o have_v dolum_fw-la in_fw-la idolo_fw-la as_o one_o say_v 5._o when_o a_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o thing_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n when_o thing_n come_v to_o so_o narrow_a a_o bridge_n that_o either_o he_o must_v part_v with_o estate_n liberty_n and_o life_n or_o with_o christ_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o part_n with_o christ_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n rather_o than_o with_o his_o liberty_n estate_n or_o life_n this_o be_v a_o wicked_a self-seek_a such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o forsake_v christ_n rather_o than_o he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n such_o be_v spyra_n who_o himself_o tell_v the_o story_n that_o he_o place_v wife_n child_n liberty_n estate_n and_o life_n in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o balance_n and_o god_n christ_n the_o gospel_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o other_o and_o forsake_v the_o last_o to_o preserve_v the_o first_o 6._o the_o last_o head_n of_o this_o monster_n be_v when_o a_o christian_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o his_o body_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o bestow_v all_o his_o time_n all_o his_o strength_n and_o all_o his_o care_n and_o endeavour_n in_o provide_v for_o his_o perish_a carcase_n and_o neglect_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o eternal_a soul_n when_o he_o lay_v up_o all_o his_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n but_o have_v no_o treasure_n lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v anxious_o solicitous_a for_o his_o comfortable_a live_n in_o this_o world_n but_o strange_o neglectful_a to_o take_v care_n for_o his_o happy_a live_n in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o be_v a_o sinful_a curse_a and_o devilish_a self-seeking_a so_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o question_n the_o three_o question_n be_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o many_o man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o in_o word_n at_o least_o profess_v love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o shall_v seek_v their_o own_o interest_n before_o and_o more_o than_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n answ._n this_o soul-destroying_a and_o church_n destroy_v self-seeking_a proceed_v from_o six_o sinful_a and_o curse_a root_n 1._o from_o want_n of_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o interest_n love_n be_v a_o most_o powerful_a affection_n the_o masterwheel_n that_o carry_v the_o whole_a soul_n after_o it_o amor_fw-la meus_fw-la pondus_fw-la meâ—_z say_v aug._n â—o_z feror_fw-la quoâ—unque_fw-la feror_fw-la as_o the_o primum_fw-la mobile_a in_o the_o heaven_n carry_v all_o the_o other_o sphere_n about_o with_o it_o so_o love_n carry_v the_o whole_a man_n with_o it_o love_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o death_n many_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o if_o a_o man_n will_v give_v all_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o house_n for_o love_n it_o will_v be_v contemn_v cant._n 8._o 6_o 7._o if_o we_o do_v love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o gospel_n in_o good_a earnest_n we_o will_v rather_o part_v with_o liberty_n estate_n life_n and_o all_o our_o own_o thing_n than_o lose_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o bless_a martyr_n do_v but_o because_o there_o be_v few_o man_n that_o love_v jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n 2_o this_o
queen_n of_o all_o grace_n it_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o it_o be_v excellent_a for_o though_o we_o bestow_v all_o we_o have_v to_o feed_v the_o poor_a thouâ—h_o we_o give_v our_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o we_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v we_o nothing_o but_o now_o a_o self-seek_a be_v make_v up_o all_o of_o uncharitableness_n 1._o he_o have_v no_o love_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o interest_n and_o there_o be_v a_o double_a curse_n pronounce_v against_o those_o that_o love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o 2._o he_o have_v no_o love_n to_o his_o neighbour_n but_o for_o his_o own_o end_n it_o be_v amor_fw-la concupiscentiae_fw-la vel_fw-la amicitiae_fw-la it_o be_v not_o love_n but_o merchandise_n 3_o he_o have_v no_o love_n to_o church_n nor_o state_n all_o his_o love_n centre_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v whole_o compound_v of_o self-love_n and_o creature_n love_n which_o be_v a_o composition_n god_n hate_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o 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idolatry_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n it_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o a_o worship_n of_o self_n it_o be_v make_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n the_o root_n rule_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o our_o undertaking_n which_o be_v to_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n it_o be_v idolatry_n against_o the_o first_o commandment_n which_o be_v great_a than_o idolatry_n against_o the_o second_o by_o how_o much_o the_o heart_n be_v better_a than_o the_o knee_n 8._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o six_o curse_a root_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v and_o the_o root_n of_o many_o curse_a fruit_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d omnium_fw-la uâ—tiorum_fw-la a_o sin_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sin_n the_o plâ—e_n soâ—e_n oâ—_z church_n and_o state_n the_o great_a church-devour_a and_o state_n destroy_v sin_n to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o happy_o begin_v be_v now_o obstruct_v and_o almost_o quite_o break_v in_o 〈◊〉_d be_v it_o not_o because_o all_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o and_o no_o man_n the_o thing_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n lie_v waste_v and_o every_o man_n labour_v to_o build_v his_o own_o house_n why_o be_v it_o that_o man_n complain_v of_o tax_n and_o want_n of_o trade_v but_o no_o man_n complain_v that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v the_o pure_a ordinance_n despise_v and_o the_o godly_a ministry_n undervalue_v be_v it_o not_o because_o all_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v trample_v under_o foot_n and_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o man_n say_v why_o do_v you_o so_o but_o let_v a_o man_n but_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o law_n 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thing_n of_o the_o church_n drive_v on_o so_o slow_o like_o the_o egyptian_a chariot_n when_o the_o wheel_n be_v take_v off_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n in_o place_n of_o judicature_n so_o much_o cozenage_n and_o false_a deal_n in_o our_o commerce_n one_o with_o another_o in_o a_o word_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v it_o not_o because_o all_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o the_o thinâ—s_fw-la of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o mischievousness_n of_o this_o sinful_a self-seeking_a so_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o application_n be_v this_o be_v so_o that_o among_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n that_o applicat_fw-la profess_v love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o cause_n there_o be_v many_o yea_o very_o many_o that_o â—ek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o then_o 〈◊〉_d beseech_v you_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o sinfulness_n and_o miserableness_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n complaâ—_z of_o his_o time_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o best_a time_n the_o golden_a age_n the_o primitive_a apostolical_a virgin-church_n when_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n with_o one_o accord_n much_o more_o may_v we_o of_o our_o time_n which_o be_v the_o last_o and_o worst_a the_o iron_n age_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v woeful_o divide_v and_o wonderful_o apostatise_v how_o just_o i_o say_v may_v we_o take_v up_o this_o sad_a complaint_n against_o our_o tâ—es_n all_o man_n seek_v thâ—i_fw-mi own_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v all_o man_n collective_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o england_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n some_o magistrate_n some_o gentleman_n some_o minister_n and_o citizen_n yet_o remain_v who_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n more_o than_o their_o own_o yea_o with_o the_o neglect_n and_o loss_n of_o their_o own_o who_o seek_v the_o prosperity_n and_o welfare_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o their_o own_o some_o ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o daniel_n that_o lie_v to_o heart_n the_o desolation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o with_o old_a elie_n be_v more_o trouble_v about_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n than_o their_o own_o private_a relation_n but_o these_o be_v a_o very_a few_o in_o comparison_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o most_o of_o all_o sort_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sinful_a self-seeking_a most_o magistrate_n most_o gentleman_n minister_n and_o citizen_n now_o then_o let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o among_o the_o number_n of_o this_o multitude_n to_o quicken_v you_o to_o this_o consider_v 1._o that_o this_o sin_n be_v both_o a_o new_a and_o a_o old_a testament_n sin_n it_o reign_v not_o only_o in_o paul_n time_n but_o in_o debora_n and_o barak_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o for_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o be_v great_a search_n of_o heart_n because_o he_o abide_v among_o the_o sheepfold_n and_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n judge_n 5._o 15_o 16._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a sin_n few_o be_v free_a from_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o cry_a abomination_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v 4._o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o hide_a iniquity_n a_o inward_a invisible_a and_o spiritual_a sin_n that_o consume_v england_n as_o a_o moth_n not_o as_o a_o lion_n it_o be_v threaten_v hos._n 5._o 12._o 14._o that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o ephraim_n as_o a_o
proceed_v from_o that_o curse_a self-love_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n of_o this_o you_o shall_v read_v 2_o tim_n 3._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o self-love_n be_v place_v in_o the_o forefront_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o râ—ot_n of_o all_o the_o other_o sin_n there_o name_v self-love_n be_v like_o a_o great_a tree_n and_o eighteen_o sin_n as_o eighteen_o branch_n sprout_v out_o from_o this_o root_n because_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o therefore_o they_o be_v covetous_a proud_a unthankful_a unholy_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o sinful_a self-love_n proceed_v this_o sinful_a self-seeking_a as_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n of_o christ-seeking_a so_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o root_n of_o sinful_a self_n seek_v 3._o from_o that_o immoderate_a and_o inordinate_a worldly_a love_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n for_o as_o a_o martyr_n well_o say_v at_o the_o stake_n if_o we_o shall_v unrip_v and_o anatomize_v a_o wicked_a man_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o in_o he_o but_o self-love_n and_o worldly_a love_n by_o nature_n we_o love_v the_o creature_n mâ—e_n than_o the_o creator_n pleasure_n more_o than_o god_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n we_o love_v our_o own_o gain_n and_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o ease_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o seek_v our_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n 4._o from_o that_o hypocrisy_n insincerity_n and_o rottenness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n pretend_v jesus_n christ_n but_o intend_v their_o own_o private_a interest_n because_o of_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o falseness_n of_o their_o heart_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v hypocrite_n under_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n that_o they_o may_v devour_v widow_n house_n mat._n 23._o 14._o thus_o herod_n pretend_v to_o worship_n christ_n when_o his_o intendment_n be_v to_o worry_v he_o mat_n 2._o 8._o thus_o jesebel_v proclaim_v a_o fast_n and_o pretend_v religion_n but_o intend_v only_o to_o put_v naboth_n to_o death_n and_o to_o get_v his_o vineyard_n thus_o absolem_n cover_v over_o his_o rebellion_n with_o the_o fair_a cloak_n of_o religion_n 2_o sam._n 15._o 7._o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n 1._o to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n 2._o to_o cover_v over_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n under_o the_o show_n of_o religion_n ungodliness_n be_v so_o odious_a that_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v in_o its_o own_o colour_n all_o man_n will_v abhor_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o devil_n never_o show_v himself_o but_o under_o some_o handsome_a form_n sometime_o under_o samuel_n mantle_n sometime_o transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n so_o do_v sin_n and_o iniquity_n always_o appear_v under_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n the_o apostle_n tell_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 5._o that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n there_o shall_v be_v man_n who_o shall_v be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o treacherous_a heady_a high-minded_a without_o natural_a affection_n etc._n etc._n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o last_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o relate_v to_o all_o the_o former_a sin_n they_o shall_v be_v covenant-breaker_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n covetous_a false_a accuser_n blasphemous_a self-lover_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o shall_v through_o the_o hypocisie_v that_o be_v in_o they_o cover_v all_o their_o sin_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n 5._o this_o sinful_a self-seeking_a arise_v from_o that_o spiritual_a ignorance_n and_o blindness_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o wicked_a man_n right_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o seek_v himself_o for_o he_o think_v that_o if_o he_o seek_v to_o satisfy_v his_o corrupt_a self_n he_o seek_v himself_o if_o he_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o his_o body_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o seek_v himself_o he_o think_v that_o if_o he_o seek_v his_o own_o ease_n gain_n safety_n and_o preferment_n without_o look_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o seek_v himself_o thus_o do_v the_o rich_a fool_n luke_n 12._o who_o build_v his_o barn_n big_a and_o say_v soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n etc._n etc._n he_o suppose_v that_o he_o seek_v his_o own_o happiness_n in_o so_o do_v and_o so_o do_v the_o rich_a glutton_n when_o he_o clothe_v himself_o in_o purple_a and_o fare_v delicious_o ever_o day_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o do_v a_o wicked_a man_n convince_o understand_v that_o this_o self-seeking_a be_v self-hating_a and_o self-destroy_v that_o the_o rich_a glutton_n by_o pamper_v his_o body_n damn_v his_o soul_n that_o the_o rich_a fool_n by_o lay_v up_o good_n for_o a_o few_o year_n lose_v his_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n that_o he_o that_o deny_v himself_o most_o seek_v himself_o most_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n best_o seek_v himself_o most_o he_o that_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n before_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o church_n and_o state_n more_o than_o his_o own_o good_a seek_v himself_o most_o that_o he_o that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o christ_n shall_v find_v a_o better_a life_n in_o christ_n do_v he_o i_o say_v convince_o believe_v this_o he_o will_v not_o sinful_o seek_v himself_o therefore_o this_o sinful_a self-seeking_a proceed_v from_o that_o spiritual_a ignorance_n and_o blindness_n that_o be_v in_o all_o by_o nature_n 6._o last_o it_o spring_v from_o that_o spiritual_a self-deceit_n and_o souldelusion_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n every_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v narcissus_n like_o in_o love_n with_o himself_o blind_a in_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o he_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o do_v not_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o seek_v his_o own_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o competition_n with_o or_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n even_o as_o the_o philosopher_n who_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v but_o that_o snow_n be_v black_a or_o the_o mad_a athenâ—an_a that_o all_o the_o ship_n that_o come_v to_o athens_n be_v he_o so_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o christian_n who_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v apparent_a to_o other_o that_o they_o do_v not_o and_o by_o this_o self-deceit_n cozen_v themselves_o into_o hell_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o curse_a root_n from_o whence_o this_o sinful_a self-seeking_a proceed_v the_o four_o and_o last_o question_n be_v wherein_o the_o grievousness_n 4._o and_o mischievousness_n of_o this_o sinful_a self-seeking_a consist_v answ._n it_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o magnitudô_o though_o it_o be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a sin_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o infamous_a and_o scandalous_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o some_o other_o sin_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o odious_a and_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v minoris_fw-la infamiae_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v majoris_fw-la culpae_fw-la for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o corin._n 10._o 24._o let_v no_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o but_o every_o man_n another_o wealth_n the_o sinful_a self-seeker_n live_v antipode_n to_o this_o text_n he_o seek_v his_o own_o and_o not_o another_o wealth_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n nature_n itself_o teach_v we_o that_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v for_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o which_o he_o live_v the_o very_a heathen_n abominate_a a_o self-seek_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o pattern_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v we_o for_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o he_o please_v not_o himself_o rom._n 15._o 2._o he_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o deny_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o now_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a maxim_n that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n life_n shall_v never_o have_v any_o benefit_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n christ_n be_v meritum_fw-la only_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v exemplum_fw-la 4._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o charity_n charity_n be_v a_o most_o noble_a grace_n the_o very_a