of_o meekness_n mercy_n and_o universal_a love_n thus_o imperfect_a striver_n may_v employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o external_a office_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v instance_a only_o in_o three_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o this_o i_o add_v iu_o that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o outward_a matter_n of_o duty_n but_o may_v arrive_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v account_v great_a height_n and_o be_v real_o more_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a to_o instance_n 1._o they_o may_v have_v some_o love_n to_o god_n goodness_n and_o good_a men._n the_o soul_n natural_o love_v beauty_n and_o perfection_n and_o all_o mankind_n apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v of_o all_o being_n the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o intellectual_a love_n for_o he_o the_o reason_n that_o that_o love_n take_v no_o hold_n of_o the_o passion_n in_o wicked_a man_n be_v partly_o because_o they_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o by_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o chief_o because_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o their_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o complacency_n or_o delight_n in_o he_o who_o they_o think_v have_v nothing_o but_o thought_n of_o enmity_n and_o displeasure_n against_o they_o but_o if_o once_o they_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o many_o time_n by_o such_o false_a mark_n as_o i_o have_v recite_v they_o be_v that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n and_o peculiar_a friend_n that_o they_o be_v his_o choose_a and_o his_o darling_n who_o he_o love_v from_o eternity_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o will_v give_v himself_o in_o a_o way_n of_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n then_o the_o love_n that_o before_o be_v only_o a_o esteem_n in_o the_o understanding_n do_v kindle_v in_o the_o affection_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o conceit_n of_o god_n love_v they_o so_o dear_o and_o the_o passion_n thus_o heat_v run_v out_o even_o into_o seraphic_a and_o rapturous_a devotion_n while_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o mere_a animal_n love_n excite_v chief_o by_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o not_o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o it_o common_o go_v no_o further_o than_o to_o earnest_a expression_n of_o extraordinary_a love_n to_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o discourse_n while_o it_o appear_v not_o in_o any_o singular_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n or_o generous_a and_o universal_a love_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o the_o true_a divine_a love_n be_v express_v for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 3._o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o thus_o if_o we_o love_v one_o another_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o his_o love_n be_v perfect_v in_o we_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 12._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a 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 john_n 4._o 20._o charity_n then_o and_o universal_a obedience_n be_v the_o true_a argument_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o these_o suppose_v a_o victory_n over_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o self-will_n but_o the_o other_o love_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conceit_n of_o our_o special_a dearness_n to_o god_n upon_o insufficient_a ground_n that_o go_v no_o further_a than_o to_o some_o suavity_n and_o pleasant_a fancy_n within_o ourselves_o and_o some_o passionate_a compliment_n of_o the_o image_n we_o have_v set_v up_o in_o our_o imagination_n this_o love_n will_v consist_v with_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o that_o be_v not_o like_o ourselves_o yea_o and_o it_o will_v produce_v it_o those_o poisonous_a fruit_n and_o vile_a affection_n may_v be_v encourage_v and_o cherish_v under_o it_o so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o love_n to_o god_n in_o evil_a man_n but_o while_o self-love_n be_v the_o only_a motive_n and_o the_o more_o prevalent_a passion_n it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o their_o advantage_n and_o as_o the_o imperfect_a striver_n may_v have_v some_o love_n to_o god_n so_o he_o may_v to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n every_o man_n love_v these_o in_o idea_n the_o vile_a sinner_n take_v part_n in_o his_o affection_n with_o the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a when_o he_o see_v they_o describe_v in_o history_n or_o romance_n and_o have_v a_o detestation_n for_o those_o who_o be_v character_v as_o impious_a and_o immoral_a virtue_n be_v a_o great_a beauty_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v with_o it_o while_o it_o be_v consider_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o our_o corrupt_a interest_n and_o sensual_a affection_n be_v not_o concern_v it_o be_v these_o that_o recommend_v sin_n to_o our_o love_n and_o choice_n while_o the_o mind_n stand_v on_o the_o side_n of_o virtue_n with_o that_o we_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o with_o the_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o 25._o so_o that_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v not_o degenerate_v into_o mere_a brute_n have_v this_o mental_a and_o intellectual_a love_n to_o goodness_n that_o be_v they_o approve_v and_o like_o it_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_v practice_v it_o also_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o prevalent_a bias_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v likewise_o that_o the_o same_o may_v approve_v and_o respect_v good_a man_n they_o may_v reverence_v and_o love_v they_o for_o their_o charity_n humility_n justice_n and_o temperance_n though_o themselves_o be_v person_n of_o the_o contrary_a character_n yea_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a and_o ardent_a affection_n for_o those_o that_o be_v eminent_o pious_a and_o devout_a though_o they_o be_v very_o irreligious_a themselves_o the_o conscience_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n may_v produce_v this_o in_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o vile_a inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o good_a mark_n of_o godliness_n our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o stead_v we_o except_o it_o be_v prevalent_a and_o as_o the_o love_n describe_v may_v be_v natural_a and_o a_o mere_a animal_n man_n may_v arrive_v unto_o it_o so_o 2._o he_o may_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a zeal_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o love_n hot_a temper_n be_v eager_a where_o they_o take_v either_o kindness_n or_o displeasure_n the_o natural_a man_n that_o have_v a_o animal_n love_v to_o religion_n may_v be_v violent_a in_o speak_v and_o act_v for_o thing_n appertain_v to_o it_o if_o his_o temper_n be_v devotional_a and_o passionate_a he_o become_v a_o mighty_a zealot_n and_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o the_o same_o of_o his_o godliness_n his_o natural_a fire_n move_v this_o way_n and_o make_v a_o mighty_a blaze_n ahab_n be_v very_o zealous_a and_o it_o be_v like_a it_o be_v not_o only_o his_o own_o interest_n that_o make_v he_o so_o 2_o king_n 10._o 16._o the_o pharisee_n be_v zealous_a people_n and_o certain_o their_o zeal_n be_v not_o always_o personate_v and_o put_v on_o but_o real_a though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o many_o thing_n deceive_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o tradition_n and_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o be_v so_o st._n paul_n while_o a_o persecutor_n be_v zealous_a against_o the_o disciple_n and_o he_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o that_o name_n and_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o those_o zealous_a murderer_n that_o shall_v kill_v his_o saint_n shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o it_o john_n 16._o 2._o so_o that_o all_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o feign_v and_o act_v of_o a_o part_n nor_o have_v it_o always_o evil_a object_n the_o pharisee_n be_v zealous_a against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n zeal_n and_o that_o in_o earnest_n and_o for_o religion_n may_v be_v in_o bad_a man_n but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v common_o about_o opinion_n or_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o appertain_v to_o first_o table_n duty_n while_o usual_o the_o same_o man_n be_v very_o cold_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o and_o when_o zeal_n be_v partial_a and_o spend_v about_o the_o little_a thing_n that_o tend_v not_o to_o the_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n or_o the_o perfect_a of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a animal_n fervour_n and_o no_o divine_a fire_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n the_o seeker_n that_o shall_v not_o enter_v may_v grow_v up_o to_o another_o height_n that_o look_v glorious_o and_o seem_v to_o speak_v mighty_a thing_n as_o 3._o he_o may_v have_v great_a comfort_n in_o
his_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o conform_v they_o unto_o it_o and_o though_o man_n understanding_n be_v convince_v already_o that_o charity_n be_v their_o duty_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o too_o much_o need_n to_o represent_v some_o of_o the_o vast_a heap_n of_o injunction_n that_o make_v it_o so_o to_o incline_v their_o wi_n i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o lay_v together_o a_o few_o of_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o distinct_a sense_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o from_o they_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o enforce_v it_o in_o order_n to_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o short_a the_o injunction_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o apostle_n our_o saviour_n urge_v it_o as_o his_o new_a commandment_n john_n 13._o 34._o and_o inculcate_n it_o again_o under_o the_o oblige_a form_n of_o his_o command_n john_n 15._o 12._o he_o make_v it_o a_o distinguish_a note_n of_o his_o disciple_n john_n 13._o 35._o and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o love_v their_o enemy_n mat._n 5._o 24._o he_o mention_n it_o as_o the_o great_a qualification_n of_o those_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n that_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o his_o kingdom_n mat._n 25._o 34_o 35._o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n pronounce_v upon_o those_o miserable_a one_o on_o the_o left_a at_o the_o solemn_a judgement_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o st._n paul_n call_v love_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o 10._o and_o set_v it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n among_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o 22._o yea_o reckon_v it_o five_o time_n over_o under_o other_o name_n in_o the_o catalogue_n viz._n those_o of_o peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n meekness_n ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o he_o advance_v it_o above_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n 1_o cor._n 13._o above_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n ver_fw-la 1._o and_o above_o prophecy_n and_o mystery_n and_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n ver_fw-la 2._o and_o the_o belove_a disciple_n st._n john_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o dear_a lord_n and_o seem_v to_o partake_v most_o of_o his_o spirit_n be_v transport_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o grace_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v love_n 1_o john_n 4._o 7._o and_o repeat_v it_o again_o ver_fw-la 16._o he_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o our_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v he_o ver_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o a_o evidence_n of_o not_o know_v god_n ver_fw-la 8._o he_o count_v it_o the_o mark_n of_o discipleship_n aâ—d_v the_o contrary_a a_o sign_n of_o one_o that_o abide_v in_o death_n 1_o john_n 3._o 14._o he_o call_v he_o a_o murderer_n that_o hate_v another_o ver_fw-la 15._o and_o a_o liar_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o love_n god_n and_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n 1_o john_n 4._o 20._o in_o fine_a he_o out-speaks_a the_o great_a height_n of_o praise_n when_o he_o say_v god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o love_v dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o 1_o john_n 4._o 16._o i_o may_v represent_v further_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n rom._n 12._o 9_o to_o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o towards_o another_o ver_fw-la 10._o to_o put_v on_o the_o breastplate_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 8._o to_o be_v pitiful_a and_o courteous_a 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10._o 24._o to_o serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5._o 13._o to_o love_n as_o brethren_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o we_o be_v mind_v of_o christ_n new_a commandment_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o and_o of_o the_o message_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o ver_fw-la 11._o and_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n love_v we_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1._o thus_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v and_o teach_v and_o they_o pray_v that_o our_o love_n may_v abound_v phil._n 1._o 9_o and_o 1_o thess_n 3._o 12._o and_o give_v solemn_a thanks_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v find_v it_o 2_o thess_n 1._o 3._o and_o now_o consider_v the_o expresness_n of_o all_o these_o place_n i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o evade_v than_o this_o and_o those_o who_o can_v fancy_n themselves_o christian_n and_o yet_o continue_v in_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n and_o practice_n may_v conceit_v themselves_o religious_a though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a commission_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o if_o such_o can_v quiet_v their_o conscience_n and_o shuffle_v from_o all_o these_o plain_a recommendation_n and_o injunction_n they_o have_v find_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o may_v when_o they_o please_v become_v christian_n without_o christianity_n for_o the_o evidence_n i_o have_v suggest_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o half_a sentence_n and_o doubtful_a phrase_n in_o fancy_a analogy_n and_o far-fetched_a interpretation_n but_o in_o plain_a command_n and_o frequent_a inculcation_n in_o earnest_a entreaty_n and_o press_v importunity_n in_o repeat_v advice_n and_o passionate_a commendation_n and_o those_o who_o all_o these_o will_v not_o move_v be_v incapable_a of_o be_v persuade_v against_o their_o humour_n or_o their_o interest_n to_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o though_o i_o see_v never_o so_o much_o eagerness_n for_o a_o opinion_n or_o heat_v for_o a_o indifferent_a circumstance_n without_o the_o conscience_n of_o christian_a love_n i_o shall_v never_o call_v that_o forwardness_n for_o those_o little_a thing_n zeal_n or_o religion_n yea_o though_o those_o warm_a man_n shall_v sacrifice_v their_o life_n to_o their_o belove_a trifle_n i_o shall_v not_o think_v they_o martyr_n but_o fear_v rather_o that_o they_o go_v from_o one_o fire_n to_o another_o and_o a_o worse_o and_o in_o this_o i_o have_v the_o great_a apostle_n to_o warrant_v i_o who_o say_v 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._o 3._o thus_o of_o the_o first_o head_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o come_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o extent_n our_o love_n ought_v 1._o to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o more_o general_a it_o be_v the_o more_o christian_n and_o the_o more_o like_a unto_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o good_a and_o upon_o the_o evil._n and_o though_o our_o arm_n be_v very_o short_a and_o the_o ordinary_a influence_n of_o our_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_n can_v reach_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o yet_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o all_o man_n and_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o in_o these_o we_o may_v be_v charitable_a without_o bound_n but_o these_o be_v not_o all_o love_n oblige_v we_o to_o relieve_v the_o needy_a and_o help_v the_o distress_a to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o succour_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n to_o strengthen_v the_o weak_a and_o to_o confirm_v the_o stagger_v and_o doubt_v to_o encourage_v the_o virtuous_a and_o to_o reprove_v the_o faulty_a and_o in_o short_a to_o be_v ready_a in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o kindness_n that_o may_v promote_v the_o good_a of_o any_o man_n spiritual_n or_o temporal_a according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o capacity_n the_o good_a man_n be_v merciful_a to_o his_o beast_n and_o the_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v charitable_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n be_v our_o brother_n and_o every_o one_o that_o need_v we_o be_v our_o neighbour_n and_o so_o our_o love_n ought_v to_o extend_v to_o all_o man_n universal_o without_o limitation_n though_o with_o this_o distinction_n ii_o that_o the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o our_o love_n ought_v to_o be_v those_o that_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o a_o common_a faith_n gal._n 6._o 10._o that_o be_v all_o christian_n as_o christian_n and_o because_o such_o whatever_o make_v our_o brother_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n that_o give_v he_o a_o title_n to_o our_o near_a affection_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o large_a as_o that_o our_o love_n must_v not_o be_v confine_v by_o name_n and_o petty_a agreement_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o party_n to_o the_o corner_n of_o a_o sect_n but_o aught_o to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o christianity_n itself_o in_o the_o large_a notion_n of_o it_o to_o love_v those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o way_n humour_n and_o opinion_n be_v not_o charity_n but_o self-love_n it_o be_v not_o for_o christ_n sake_n but_o our_o own_o to_o love_n like_o christian_n be_v to_o love_v his_o image_n
from_o who_o we_o be_v so_o call_v and_o that_o consist_v not_o in_o demure_a look_n and_o affect_a phrase_n in_o melt_a tone_n and_o mimic_n gesture_n in_o heat_n and_o vehemence_n in_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n in_o system_n of_o opinion_n and_o scrupulosity_n about_o nothing_o but_o in_o faith_n and_o patience_n innocence_n and_o integrity_n in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o the_o world_n in_o a_o modest_a sweetness_n and_o humble_a deportment_n in_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o readiness_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o those_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o wherever_o these_o be_v there_o be_v the_o image_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o love_n though_o the_o person_n thus_o affect_v be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n and_o err_v in_o many_o though_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o opinion_n we_o count_v orthodox_n and_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o particular_a way_n or_o circumstance_n which_o we_o esteem_v best_a and_o thus_o brief_o of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o love_n all_z man_n but_o especial_o all_o christian_n i_o descend_v to_o the_o three_o general_n viz._n iii_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a love_n which_o i_o represent_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n i._n it_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o the_o grace_n render_v we_o most_o like_o our_o maker_n for_o god_n be_v love_n and_o the_o lover_n of_o man_n and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o the_o most_o suitable_a apprehension_n we_o can_v form_v of_o his_o be_v be_v to_o look_v on_o he_o as_o a_o omnipotent_a omniscient_a immutable_a goodness_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o glorious_a excellency_n that_o make_v man_n like_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n our_o unhappy_a first_o parent_n lose_v paradise_n by_o aspire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o knowledge_n and_o if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o love_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o gain_v a_o better_a paradise_n than_o they_o lose_v ii_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o angel_n glorify_a soul_n and_o the_o best_a of_o men._n there_o be_v nothing_o by_o which_o the_o angelical_a nature_n be_v so_o much_o distinguish_v from_o the_o diabolical_a as_o love_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o devil_n have_v spiritual_a and_o immortal_a nature_n and_o great_a degree_n of_o power_n and_o knowledge_n and_o those_o perhaps_o not_o much_o inferior_a to_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o better_a spirit_n so_o that_o the_o great_a difference_n be_v not_o in_o the_o excess_n of_o natural_a perfection_n which_o the_o angel_n of_o light_n have_v above_o those_o of_o darkness_n but_o in_o this_o that_o the_o former_a abound_v in_o love_n sweetness_n and_o benignity_n and_o the_o latter_a in_o malice_n cruelty_n and_o revenge_n these_o be_v the_o very_a image_n of_o satan_n and_o spirit_n of_o hell_n whereas_o all_o the_o celestial_a inhabitant_n live_v in_o the_o joyful_a exercise_n of_o uninterrupted_a love_n and_o endearment_n nor_o be_v that_o love_n confine_v to_o the_o bless_a and_o glorify_a company_n but_o it_o shed_v itself_o abroad_o upon_o the_o nether_a world_n and_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o our_o good_a heb._n 1._o 14._o they_o so_o far_o love_v we_o that_o they_o can_v stoop_v from_o heaven_n to_o serve_v we_o there_o be_v joy_n there_o at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v love_n to_o convert_v saint_n and_o care_n and_o pity_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o men._n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a make_v perfect_a be_v free_v from_o their_o froward_a humour_n and_o pettish_a nature_n their_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o fondness_n of_o opinion_n which_o straighten_a their_o affection_n while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o now_o they_o be_v enlarge_v by_o the_o vast_a improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o virtue_n by_o a_o full_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o company_n and_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o happy_a place_n so_o that_o in_o heaven_n all_o be_v true_o catholic_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o he_o be_v so_o upon_o earth_n the_o good_a man_n make_v not_o himself_o his_o centre_n nor_o be_v his_o thought_n whole_o engross_v about_o his_o own_o concernment_n but_o he_o be_v careful_o solicitous_a for_o the_o general_a benefit_n and_o never_o so_o much_o please_v as_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n of_o divine_a goodness_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o his_o christian_a brethren_n it_o be_v a_o high_a strain_n of_o love_n in_o moses_n express_v towards_o the_o transgress_a israelite_n when_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o god_n book_n rather_o than_o that_o their_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o exod._n 32._o 32._o and_o st._n paul_n be_v no_o less_o zealous_o affectionate_a towards_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o say_v he_o can_v wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n viz._n separate_v from_o christian_a communion_n as_o a_o most_o vile_a and_o abject_a person_n for_o their_o sake_n rom._n 9_o 3._o these_o be_v spirit_n who_o religion_n and_o divine_a love_n have_v enlarge_v and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n advance_v in_o christianity_n the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o this_o generous_a heroic_a temper_n iii_o love_n be_v a_o eminent_a branch_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o nature_n love_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o love_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 4._o 7_o 8._o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o we_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n portray_v and_o lively_o draw_v upon_o the_o regenerate_v soul_n and_o i_o note_v before_o that_o love_n be_v the_o vital_a image_n of_o our_o maker_n it_o be_v his_o spirit_n infuse_v into_o we_o and_o grow_v in_o we_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o gift_n and_o natural_a perfection_n as_o st._n paul_n have_v do_v it_o in_o the_o mention_v 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n differ_v from_o this_o special_a grace_n as_o the_o painter_n picture_n do_v from_o his_o son_n his_o counterfeit_n may_v indeed_o in_o a_o superficial_a appearance_n to_o the_o eye_n resemble_v he_o more_o than_o his_o child_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o empty_a shadow_n destitute_a and_o incapable_a of_o his_o life_n and_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o gift_n that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a appearance_n and_o may_v to_o those_o that_o see_v thing_n at_o distance_n or_o have_v not_o their_o sense_n exercise_v seem_v more_o like_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o this_o modest_a virtue_n but_o those_o that_o come_v near_o they_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o discern_v perceive_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v without_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o motion_n and_o be_v mere_a lifeless_a picture_n and_o here_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o happy_a faculty_n to_o preach_v plausible_o and_o pray_v with_o fluency_n and_o eloquence_n to_o discourse_n devout_o and_o ready_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n if_o it_o be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o benign_a and_o charitable_a spirit_n be_v no_o participation_n of_o the_o godlike_a life_n and_o nature_n nor_o indeed_o any_o more_o divine_a than_o those_o common_a gift_n and_o natural_a part_n which_o those_o that_o think_v high_o of_o themselves_o upon_o these_o account_n despise_v for_o very_o evil_a man_n have_v be_v eminent_a in_o these_o accomplishment_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v without_o question_n endow_v with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o argument_n of_o nothing_o but_o a_o faculty_n of_o imitation_n a_o devotional_a complexion_n and_o warm_a imagination_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n charity_n and_o christian_a love_n be_v good_a evidence_n of_o a_o renew_a state_n and_o nature_n our_o saviour_n make_v it_o a_o character_n joh._n 13._o and_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v from_o it_o 1_o john_n 3._o 14._o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o mark_n and_o st._n john_n be_v not_o mistake_v i_o doubt_v that_o some_o who_o be_v very_o gracious_a by_o many_o sign_n of_o their_o own_o will_v want_v one_o of_o christ_n to_o prove_v their_o comfortable_a presumption_n iu_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n and_o tie_n of_o christian_a communion_n how_o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n which_o unless_o they_o unite_v and_o send_v their_o mutual_a supply_n one_o to_o another_o the_o whole_a be_v distemper_v and_o in_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o death_n and_o dissolution_n now_o charity_n be_v that_o vital_a cement_n whereby_o they_o
will_v suffer_v a_o contradiction_n and_o become_v imperfect_a and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o the_o future_a but_o the_o present_a by_o introduce_v such_o passion_n as_o must_v needs_o debase_v and_o allay_v the_o high_a delight_n so_o that_o by_o be_v thus_o secure_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o our_o happiness_n we_o receive_v thereby_o a_o unspeakable_a addition_n to_o it_o ii_o proceed_v we_o next_o to_o show_v you_o the_o security_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o this_o happiness_n be_v promise_v and_o assert_v and_o whether_o it_o bear_v any_o proportion_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o for_o so_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o call_v they_o though_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o merit_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o dependence_n upon_o and_o that_o kind_a such_o a_o one_o as_o it_o be_v of_o proportion_n they_o bear_v to_o each_o other_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a evidence_n god_n almighty_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o 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agreement_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o other_o way_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o motion_n or_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v beside_o and_o though_o to_o err_v thus_o in_o this_o single_a instance_n may_v not_o be_v very_o pernicious_a for_o i_o be_o not_o mighty_a solicitous_a how_o it_o be_v wrought_v so_o there_o be_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n in_o we_o of_o this_o truth_n yet_o in_o other_o case_n i_o know_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o safe_a in_o this_o for_o it_o leave_v a_o passage_n open_a and_o unguarded_a to_o downright_a atheism_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o i_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o make_v know_v and_o prove_v to_o we_o to_o be_v derive_v from_o this_o divine_a spirit_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o outward_a testimony_n thereof_o for_o though_o st._n john_n know_v this_o by_o the_o other_o way_n as_o most_o certain_o all_o other_o do_v who_o receive_v any_o revelation_n yet_o never_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o person_n himself_o assure_v that_o way_n nor_o do_v i_o make_v degree_n of_o more_o or_o less_o certainty_n in_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v reveal_v a_o thing_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o doctrine_n before_o they_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n as_o we_o be_v by_o they_o but_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v so_o but_o this_o notwithstanding_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o we_o must_v admit_v of_o such_o degree_n for_o no_o body_n i_o hope_v will_v be_v so_o blasphemous_a to_o equal_v such_o private_a dictate_v they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o breast_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o then_o i_o make_v this_o to_o be_v the_o moral_a evidence_n of_o future_a happiness_n god_n have_v say_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o this_o i_o call_v a_o moral_a certainty_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o they_o be_v sometime_o contradistinguish_v but_o only_o to_o natural_a for_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o great_a evidence_n we_o can_v have_v a_o high_a confirmation_n of_o any_o truth_n than_o the_o veracity_n of_o heaven_n to_o attest_v it_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o proposition_n that_o carry_v great_a self-evidence_n than_o this_o that_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o what_o he_o say_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v so_o of_o any_o thing_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o reveal_v so_o that_o the_o stress_n of_o this_o point_n lie_v upon_o that_o great_a and_o necessary_a praecognition_n in_o our_o religion_n namely_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o which_o postulate_v if_o we_o proceed_v there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n after_o this_o life_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v again_o hear_v that_o daughter_n of_o voice_n and_o god_n himself_o shall_v sensible_o attest_v it_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v another_o ground_n or_o evidence_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n which_o i_o call_v natural_a because_o it_o depend_v upon_o that_o intrinsic_a relation_n and_o consent_n there_o be_v between_o goodness_n and_o it_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o in_o degree_n like_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o morning_n to_o the_o lustre_n of_o the_o noon_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v happy_a but_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o what_o do_v unite_v we_o to_o god_n but_o love_n and_o what_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o religion_n and_o if_o you_o remove_v but_o all_o inward_a imperfection_n and_o all_o outward_a impediment_n there_o remain_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o so_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n do_v not_o only_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n but_o we_o thereby_o 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natural_o impossible_a to_o be_v other_o than_o happy_a while_o we_o love_v god_n and_o contrariwise_o if_o we_o hate_v he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a instant_a cause_n of_o its_o continuation_n through_o all_o the_o duration_n of_o eternity_n and_o to_o remove_v your_o astonishment_n see_v how_o in_o this_o low_a world_n many_o stupendous_a and_o admirable_a work_n be_v daily_o produce_v which_o be_v mean_a and_o unnoted_a while_o they_o lay_v hide_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o seminal_a beginning_n after_o the_o same_o wonderful_a manner_n by_o divers_a minute_n gradation_n do_v this_o divine_a creature_n grow_v up_o from_o its_o first_o formation_n in_o our_o tremble_a and_o unstable_a desire_n to_o the_o stature_n and_o perfection_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o yet_o there_o remain_v less_o doubt_n if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n how_o else_o will_v you_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o odd_a and_o confuse_a occurrence_n of_o this_o world_n where_o be_v your_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n that_o suffer_v its_o servant_n always_o to_o be_v neglect_v what_o will_v become_v of_o a_o almighty_a and_o omniscient_a justice_n if_o sinner_n be_v never_o call_v to_o a_o account_n or_o one_o or_o other_o can_v be_v iii_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o bliss_n which_o bring_v we_o to_o our_o next_o head_n be_v neither_o promise_v nor_o to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v at_o death_n these_o reward_n become_v due_a and_o payable_a dicique_fw-la beatus_fw-la ante_fw-la obitum_fw-la nemo_fw-la supremáque_fw-la funera_fw-la possit_fw-la it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a method_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o cause_v the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n to_o follow_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o uncouth_a and_o unlikely_a thus_o in_o the_o creation_n order_n spring_v from_o confusion_n and_o
require_v strong_a faith_n and_o many_o prayer_n and_o much_o time_n and_o great_a watchfulness_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n employ_v these_o hearty_o and_o though_o thou_o now_o and_o then_o may_v receive_v a_o foil_n yet_o give_v not_o off_o so_o but_o rise_v again_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n implore_v new_a aid_n and_o fortify_v thyself_o with_o more_o consideration_n and_o deep_a resolve_n and_o then_o renew_v the_o combat_n upon_o the_o encouragement_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o intercession_n and_o the_o promise_n that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o rom._n 6._o 14._o remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n and_o the_o big_a difficulty_n if_o this_o be_v not_o overcome_v all_o our_o other_o labour_n have_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o will_v be_v lose_v if_o this_o root_n remain_v it_o will_v still_o bear_v poisonous_a fruit_n which_o will_v be_v matter_n for_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n of_o continual_a fall_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v reconcile_v again_o to_o our_o old_a sin_n and_o to_o undo_v all_o and_o so_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 20._o or_o at_o least_o though_o we_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o that_o yet_o though_o we_o be_v content_v our_o condition_n be_v not_o safe_a if_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o any_o purpose_n of_o duty_n or_o security_n we_o must_v proceed_v still_o after_o our_o lesser_a conquest_n till_o the_o sin_n of_o complexion_n be_v lay_v dead_a at_o our_o foot_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o till_o we_o come_v to_o this_o we_o be_v but_o struggle_v in_o the_o birth_n such_o a_o perfection_n as_o be_v mortify_n of_o vicious_a temper_n be_v i_o hope_v attainable_a and_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n that_o which_o religion_n aim_v at_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a height_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o sit_v down_o this_o side_n at_o least_o we_o must_v be_v always_o press_v on_o to_o this_o mark_n if_o providence_n cut_v off_o our_o day_n before_o we_o have_v arrive_v to_o it_o we_o may_v expect_v acceptance_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o have_v procure_v favour_n for_o those_o sincere_a believer_n and_o endeavourer_n who_o day_n be_v do_v before_o their_o work_n be_v complete_v this_o i_o mean_v of_o subdue_a the_o darling_n sin_n of_o their_o particular_a nature_n but_o then_o if_o we_o rest_v and_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o little_a victory_n and_o attainment_n and_o let_v these_o our_o great_a enemy_n quiet_o alone_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n our_o endeavour_n be_v not_o sincere_a but_o much_o short_a of_o that_o strive_n which_o will_v procure_v a_o entrance_n into_o the_o strait_a gate_n the_o next_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v the_o last_o i_o shall_v mention_v which_o be_v employ_v in_o strive_v be_v 4._o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o through_o divine_a grace_n with_o the_o habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o goodness_n to_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o height_n indeed_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v be_v reach_v the_o new_a nature_n and_o new_a creature_n gal._n 6._o 15._o be_v not_o mere_a name_n we_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o man_n be_v of_o a_o natural_a generosity_n veracity_n and_o sweetness_n and_o they_o can_v act_v contrary_a to_o these_o native_a virtue_n without_o a_o mighty_a violence_n why_o now_o shall_v not_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v as_o powerful_a as_o the_o old_a and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v by_o a_o active_a faith_n and_o endeavour_n fix_v habit_n and_o inclination_n on_o the_o soul_n as_o prevalent_a as_o those_o no_o doubt_n it_o may_v and_o do_v upon_o the_o divine_a soul_n for_o who_o to_o do_v a_o wicked_a or_o unworthy_a action_n it_o will_v be_v as_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a as_o for_o the_o meek_a and_o compassionate_a temper_n to_o butcher_v the_o innocent_a or_o for_o he_o that_o be_v natural_o just_a to_o oppress_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n i_o say_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v aim_v at_o heb._n 6._o 1._o and_o we_o shall_v not_o slacken_v or_o intermit_v our_o endeavour_n till_o it_o be_v attain_v in_o order_n to_o it_o we_o be_v to_o use_v frequent_a meditation_n on_o the_o excellency_n and_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o diligent_a attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o pious_a company_n and_o converse_v for_o this_o great_a design_n these_o help_n be_v requisite_a and_o if_o we_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o they_o as_o we_o ought_v they_o will_v fire_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o at_o last_o all_o christian_a virtue_n will_v become_v as_o natural_a to_o we_o as_o sin_n be_v before_o and_o to_o one_o that_o be_v so_o prepare_v the_o gate_n of_o happiness_n will_v be_v open_a and_o of_o easy_a entrance_n the_o difficulty_n be_v overcome_v and_o from_o henceforth_o the_o way_n be_v pleasant_a and_o plain_a before_o he_o prov._n 3._o 17._o thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o formidable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v and_o how_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a course_n i_o have_v direct_v that_o will_v not_o puzzle_v man_n understanding_n with_o needless_a nicety_n nor_o distract_v their_o memory_n with_o multitude_n let_v we_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n and_o do_v it_o constant_o with_o vigour_n and_o alacrity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n we_o shall_v overcome_v and_o at_o last_o enter_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o this_o general_a head_n but_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o note_v three_o thing_n more_o 1._o those_o instrument_n of_o our_o happiness_n which_o we_o must_v use_v in_o strive_v viz._n faith_n prayer_n and_o active_a endeavour_n must_v all_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v not_o any_o one_o single_o will_v do_v the_o great_a work_n nor_o can_v the_o other_o if_o any_o one_o be_v want_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o do_v not_o pray_v or_o pray_v and_o do_v not_o endeavour_v or_o endeavour_v without_o those_o the_o difficulty_n will_v remain_v and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o enter_v 2._o we_o must_v be_v diligent_a in_o our_o course_n if_o we_o do_v not_o exercise_v faith_n vigorous_o and_o pray_v hearty_o and_o endeavour_v with_o our_o whole_a might_n the_o mean_n will_v not_o succeed_v and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a not_o at_o all_o as_o not_o to_o purpose_v the_o difficulty_n will_v not_o be_v overcome_v by_o cold_a faith_n or_o sleepy_a prayer_n or_o remiss_a endeavour_n a_o very_a intense_a degree_n of_o these_o be_v necessary_a 3._o our_o strive_v must_v be_v constant_a we_o must_v not_o begin_v and_o look_v back_o heb._n 10._o 38._o or_o run_v a_o while_n and_o stop_v in_o mid_a course_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 24._o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o some_o attainment_n and_o think_v we_o have_v arrive_v phil._n 3._o 14._o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o dangerous_o mistake_v the_o crown_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o warfare_n and_o the_o prize_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n if_o we_o will_v succeed_v we_o must_v hold_v on_o the_o life_n of_o one_o that_o strive_v as_o he_o ought_v must_v be_v a_o continual_a motion_n forward_o always_o proceed_v always_o grow_v if_o we_o strive_v thus_o we_o can_v fail_v if_o any_o of_o these_o qualification_n be_v want_v we_o can_v but_o miscarry_v and_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o many_o that_o seek_v to_o enter_v shall_v not_o be_v able_a and_o the_o presume_a son_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v shut_v out_o mat._n 8._o 12._o they_o seek_v and_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o be_v admit_v they_o do_v some_o thing_n and_o strive_v but_o their_o strive_n be_v partial_a or_o careless_a or_o short_a by_o reason_n of_o which_o defect_n they_o do_v not_o overcome_v and_o shall_v not_o enter_v this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a rock_n and_o perhaps_o there_o be_v as_o many_o undo_v by_o cold_a and_o half_o strive_v as_o by_o not_o strive_v at_o all_o he_o that_o have_v do_v some_o thing_n presume_v he_o be_v secure_a he_o go_v the_o round_a of_o ordinary_a duty_n but_o advance_v nothing_o in_o his_o way_n he_o overcome_v none_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n none_o of_o the_o habit_n or_o deprave_a inclination_n he_o be_v content_v with_o other_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o more_o glorious_a show_n though_o they_o signify_v less_o
love_n to_o have_v other_o to_o handle_v it_o severe_o all_o this_o bad_a man_n may_v do_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o natural_a fear_n and_o self-love_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o now_o such_o conviction_n will_v natural_o beget_v some_o endeavour_n a_o convince_a understanding_n will_v have_v some_o influence_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o mind_n in_o the_o unregenerate_a may_v lust_n against_o the_o flesh_n as_o that_o do_v against_o it_o so_o that_o 2._o such_o a_o mere_a animal_n man_n may_v promise_v and_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_v in_o some_o considerable_a measure_n but_o then_o he_o go_v not_o on_o with_o full_a resolution_n but_o waver_v and_o stop_v and_o turn_v about_o again_o and_o let_v the_o law_n of_o the_o member_n that_o of_o death_n and_o sin_n to_o prevail_v over_o he_o his_o endeavour_n be_v remiss_a and_o consequent_o ineffectual_a it_o make_v no_o conquest_n and_o will_v not_o signify_v he_o sin_v on_o though_o with_o some_o regret_n and_o his_o very_a unwillingness_n to_o sin_n while_o he_o commit_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v that_o it_o aggravate_v his_o fault_n it_o argue_v that_o he_o sin_n against_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n and_o that_o sin_n be_v strong_a and_o reign_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7._o make_v such_o a_o description_n seem_o of_o himself_o as_o one_o may_v think_v conclude_v he_o under_o this_o state_n he_o say_v vers_fw-la 8._o that_o sin_n wrought_v in_o he_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n vers_fw-la 9_o that_o sin_n revive_v and_o he_o die_v vers_fw-la 14._o that_o he_o be_v carnal_a and_o again_o sell_v under_o sin_n vers_fw-la 20._o that_o sin_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o wrought_v that_o which_o he_o will_v not_o vers_n 23._o that_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n lead_v he_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o vers_fw-la 25._o that_o he_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v so_o and_o st._n paul_n a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v in_o this_o state_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o seek_v and_o feeble_a endeavour_n that_o overcome_v no_o difficulty_n may_v yet_o procure_v a_o entrance_n and_o he_o that_o be_v come_v hitherto_o viz._n to_o endeavour_n be_v safe_a enough_o though_o he_o do_v not_o conquer_v this_o objection_n press_v not_o only_o against_o this_o head_n but_o against_o my_o whole_a discourse_n and_o the_o text_n itself_o therefore_o to_o answer_v it_o i_o say_v that_o the_o st._n paul_n here_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o himself_o he_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o a_o convince_a but_o unregenerate_a man_n though_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n a_o figure_n that_o be_v ordinary_a with_o this_o apostle_n and_o frequent_a enough_o in_o common_a speech_n thus_o we_o say_v i_o be_o thus_o and_o thus_o and_o do_v so_o and_o so_o when_o we_o be_v describe_v a_o state_n or_o action_n in_o which_o perhaps_o we_o in_o person_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o this_o sense_n the_o best_a expositor_n understand_v these_o expression_n and_o those_o excellent_a divine_n of_o our_o own_o bishop_n tailor_n and_o dr._n hammond_n and_o other_o have_v note_v to_o we_o that_o this_o description_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n give_v elsewhere_o by_o this_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n rom._n 6._o 11._o free_a from_o sin_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n rom._n 6._o 18._o that_o he_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v he_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n rom._n 8._o 2._o that_o he_o overcome_v the_o world_n joh._n 5._o 4._o he_o sin_v not_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 6._o he_o have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n gal._n 5._o 24._o which_o character_n of_o a_o true_o regenerate_v person_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o above-cited_n out_o of_o rom._n 7._o it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v as_o contrary_v as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o speak_v and_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o describe_v the_o two_o contrary_a state_n for_o can_v the_o regenerate_a be_v full_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v crucify_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n one_o in_o who_o sin_n revive_v while_o he_o die_v and_o yet_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n carnal_a and_o yet_o not_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n sell_v under_o sin_n and_o yet_o free_a from_o sin_n have_v sin_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o a_o captive_a to_o sin_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n consist_v to_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o to_o twist_v such_o contradiction_n into_o orthodox_n paradox_n be_v pretty_a thing_n to_o please_v fool_n and_o child_n but_o wise_a man_n care_v not_o for_o riddle_n that_o be_v not_o sense_n for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v it_o clear_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o mistake_a chapter_n relate_v the_o feeble_a impotent_a condition_n of_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v and_o strive_v a_o little_a but_o not_o to_o purpose_n and_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o comprise_v under_o that_o description_n though_o we_o may_v be_v never_o so_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o may_v endeavour_v some_o small_a matter_n but_o without_o success_n we_o be_v yet_o under_o that_o evil_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o that_o danger_n for_o he_o that_o strive_v in_o earnest_n conquer_v at_o last_o and_o advance_v still_o though_o all_o the_o work_n be_v not_o do_v at_o once_o so_o that_o if_o we_o endeavour_v and_o gain_v nothing_o our_o endeavour_n be_v peccant_a and_o want_v faith_n or_o prayer_n for_o divine_a aid_n or_o constancy_n or_o vigour_n and_o so_o though_o we_o may_v seek_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v but_o 3._o a_o imperfect_a striver_n may_v overcome_v sin_n in_o some_o instance_n and_o yet_o in_o that_o do_v no_o great_a matter_n neither_o if_o he_o lie_v down_o and_o go_v no_o further_a there_o be_v some_o sin_n we_o outgrow_a by_o age_n or_o be_v indispose_v to_o they_o by_o bodily_a infirmity_n or_o divert_v by_o occasion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v by_o other_o sin_n and_o some_o be_v contrary_a to_o worldly_a interest_n to_o our_o credit_n or_o health_n or_o profit_n and_o when_o we_o have_v in_o any_o great_a degree_n be_v hurt_v by_o they_o in_o these_o we_o fall_v out_o with_o those_o sin_n and_o cease_v from_o they_o and_o so_o by_o resolution_n and_o disuse_n we_o master_v they_o at_o last_o full_o which_o if_o we_o go_v on_o and_o attempt_v upon_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v something_o but_o when_o we_o stop_v short_a in_o these_o petty_a victory_n our_o general_a state_n be_v not_o alter_v he_o that_o conquer_v some_o evil_a appetite_n be_v yet_o a_o slave_n to_o other_o and_o though_o he_o have_v prevail_v over_o some_o difficulty_n yet_o the_o main_a one_o be_v yet_o behind_o thus_o the_o imperfect_a striver_n master_n it_o may_v be_v his_o beastly_a appetite_n to_o intemperate_a drink_n but_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o love_n and_o riches_n and_o vain_a pleasure_n he_o cease_v from_o open_a debauchery_n but_o entertain_v spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o his_o heart_n he_o will_v not_o swear_v but_o will_v backbite_v and_o rail_v he_o will_v not_o be_v drink_v but_o will_v damn_v a_o man_n for_o not_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n he_o will_v not_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n but_o will_v defraud_v his_o neighbour_n now_o these_o half_a conquest_n when_o we_o rest_v in_o they_o be_v as_o good_a as_o none_o at_o all_o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v regard_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n say_v the_o kingly_a prophet_n psal_n 119._o 6._o it_o be_v shameful_a to_o give_v off_o when_o our_o work_n be_v but_o half_o do_v what_o we_o do_v cast_v the_o great_a reproach_n upon_o we_o for_o what_o we_o omit_v to_o cease_v to_o be_v profane_a be_v something_o as_o a_o passage_n but_o nothing_o for_o a_o end_n we_o be_v not_o saint_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v civil_a it_o be_v not_o only_o gross_a sin_n that_o be_v to_o be_v overcome_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n not_o only_o of_o the_o great_a and_o capital_a but_o of_o the_o small_a if_o they_o be_v indulge_v the_o pharisee_n applaud_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o the_o extortioner_n adulterer_n and_o unjust_a nor_o like_o the_o publican_n that_o come_v to_o
pray_v with_o he_o luk._n 18._o 11._o and_o yet_o he_o go_v away_o never_o the_o more_o justify_v the_o unwise_a virgin_n be_v no_o profligate_v liver_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o he_o that_o will_v enter_v must_v strive_v against_o every_o corrupt_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n a_o less_o leak_n will_v sink_v a_o ship_n as_o well_o as_o a_o great_a if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v of_o it_o a_o consumption_n will_v kill_v as_o well_o as_o the_o plague_n yea_o sometime_o the_o less_o disease_n may_v in_o the_o event_n prove_v more_o deadly_a than_o the_o great_a for_o small_a distemper_n may_v be_v neglect_v till_o they_o become_v incurable_a whenas_o the_o great_a one_o awaken_v we_o to_o speedy_a care_n for_o a_o remedy_n a_o small_a hurt_n in_o the_o finger_n slight_v may_v prove_v a_o gangreen_n when_o a_o great_a wound_n in_o the_o head_n by_o seasonable_a application_n be_v cure_v it_o be_v unsafe_a then_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o foul_a and_o great_a those_o we_o account_v little_a one_o may_v prove_v as_o fatal_a yea_o they_o be_v sometime_o more_o dangerous_a for_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o none_o at_o all_o or_o venial_a infirmity_n that_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a favour_n we_o excuse_v and_o make_v apology_n for_o they_o and_o fancy_n that_o hear_v and_o prayer_n and_o confession_n be_v atonement_n enough_o for_o these_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o less_o notorious_a vice_n have_v ruin_v as_o many_o as_o the_o great_a abomination_n hell_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o drunkard_n and_o swearer_n and_o sabbath-breaker_n no_o the_o demure_a pharisee_fw-mi the_o plausible_a hypocrite_n and_o formal_a professor_n have_v their_o place_n also_o in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n the_o great_a impiety_n do_v often_o startle_v and_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o beget_v strong_a conviction_n and_o so_o sometime_o excite_v resolution_n and_o vigorous_a strive_n while_o man_n hug_v themselves_o in_o their_o lesser_a sin_n and_o carry_v they_o unrepented_a of_o to_o their_o grave_n the_o sum_n be_v we_o may_v overcome_v some_o sin_n and_o turn_v from_o the_o grosser_n sort_n of_o wickedness_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o subdue_v the_o rest_n we_o be_v still_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o unregeneracy_n and_o death_n and_o though_o we_o thus_o seek_v we_o shall_v not_o enter_v 4._o a_o man_n may_v perform_v many_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o with_o relish_n and_o delight_n and_o yet_o miscarry_v as_o 1._o he_o may_v be_v earnest_a and_o swift_a to_o hear_v and_o follow_v sermon_n constant_o from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o be_v exceed_o please_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o evil_a man_n and_o in_o a_o bad_a state_n herod_n hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o mark_v 6._o 20._o and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n receive_v it_o joyful_o mat._n 13._o 20._o zeal_n for_o hear_v do_v not_o always_o arise_v from_o a_o conscientious_a desire_n to_o learn_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n but_o sometime_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o itch_n after_o novelty_n and_o notion_n or_o a_o ambition_n to_o be_v fame_v for_o godliness_n or_o the_o importunity_n of_o natural_a conscience_n that_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v except_o we_o do_v something_o or_o a_o desire_n to_o get_v matter_n to_o feed_v our_o opinion_n or_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o pious_a discourse_n i_o say_v earnestness_n to_o hear_v ariseth_z very_o often_o from_o some_o of_o these_o and_o when_o it_o do_v so_o we_o gain_v but_o little_a by_o it_o yea_o we_o be_v dangerous_o tempt_v to_o take_v this_o for_o a_o infallible_a token_n of_o our_o saintship_n and_o so_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o ear_n and_o to_o disturb_v every_o body_n with_o the_o abundance_n of_o our_o dispute_n and_o talk_n while_o we_o neglect_v our_o own_o spirit_n and_o let_v our_o unmortified_a affection_n and_o inclination_n rest_v in_o quiet_a under_o the_o shadow_n of_o these_o specious_a service_n so_o that_o when_o a_o great_a affection_n to_o hear_v seize_v upon_o a_o evil_a man_n it_o be_v odds_o but_o it_o do_v he_o hurt_v it_o puff_v he_o up_o in_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o godliness_n and_o make_v he_o pragmatical_a troublesome_a and_o censorious_a he_o turn_v his_o food_n into_o poison_n among_o bad_a man_n those_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a that_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o be_v godly_a and_o such_o be_v those_o that_o have_v itch_a ear_n under_o the_o power_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n thus_o a_o earnest_n diligent_a hearer_n may_v be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o seek_v and_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o so_o may_v 2._o he_o that_o fast_n much_o and_o severe_o the_o jew_n be_v exceed_o give_v to_o fast_v and_o they_o be_v very_o severe_a in_o it_o they_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n pleasant_a to_o they_o and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o sour_a look_n and_o mourn_v bitter_o and_o hang_v down_o the_o head_n and_o sit_v in_o ash_n so_o that_o one_o may_v have_v take_v these_o for_o very_o holy_a penitent_a mortify_a people_n that_o have_v a_o great_a antipathy_n against_o their_o sin_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o themselves_o for_o they_o and_o yet_o god_n complain_v of_o these_o strict_a severe_a faster_n zach._n 7._o 5._o that_o they_o do_v not_o fast_o unto_o he_o but_o fast_v for_o strife_n and_o debate_n isa_n 58._o 4._o their_o fast_n be_v not_o such_o as_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o wickedness_n to_o undo_v the_o heavy_a burden_n and_o to_o let_v the_o oppress_a free_a vers_n 6._o but_o they_o continue_v notwithstanding_o their_o fast_n and_o god_n admonition_n by_o his_o prophet_n to_o oppress_v the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a and_o poor_a zach._n 7._o 10._o thus_o mere_a natural_a and_o evil_a man_n sometime_o put_v on_o the_o garb_n of_o mortification_n and_o exercise_v rigour_n upon_o their_o body_n and_o external_a person_n in_o exchange_n for_o the_o indulgence_n they_o allow_v their_o belove_a appetite_n and_o while_o the_o strict_a discipline_n reach_v no_o further_o though_o we_o keep_v day_n and_o fast_o often_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o put_v we_o beyond_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi who_o fast_v twice_o in_o the_o week_n as_o himself_o boast_v luke_n 18._o 12._o and_o 3._o a_o imperfect_a striver_n may_v be_v very_o much_o give_v to_o pious_a and_o religious_a discourse_n he_o may_v love_v to_o be_v talk_v of_o divine_a thing_n especial_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n which_o he_o may_v frequent_o speak_v of_o with_o much_o earnestness_n and_o affection_n and_o have_v that_o dear_a name_n always_o at_o his_o tongue_n end_v to_o begin_v and_o close_v all_o his_o say_n and_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o void_a place_n when_o he_o want_v what_o to_o say_v next_o and_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v a_o bad_a man_n who_o never_o feel_v those_o divine_a thing_n he_o talk_v of_o and_o never_o love_v christ_n hearty_o as_o he_o ought_v it_o be_v observe_v before_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o devoutness_n and_o religion_n in_o their_o particular_a complexion_n and_o if_o such_o be_v talkative_a as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v they_o will_v easy_o run_v into_o such_o discourse_n as_o agree_v with_o their_o temper_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o also_o for_o this_o because_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o gain_v we_o reverence_n and_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v and_o such_o as_o be_v by_o nature_n dispose_v for_o this_o faculty_n may_v easy_o get_v it_o by_o imitation_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o devout_a form_n they_o hear_v and_o read_v so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o divine_a in_o all_o this_o nothing_o but_o what_o may_v consist_v with_o unmortified_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o though_o such_o talk_v earnest_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o express_v a_o mighty_a love_n to_o his_o name_n yet_o this_o may_v be_v without_o any_o real_a conformity_n unto_o he_o in_o his_o life_n and_o law_n the_o jew_n speak_v much_o of_o moses_n in_o he_o they_o believe_v and_o in_o he_o they_o trust_v john_n 5._o 45._o his_o name_n be_v a_o sweet_a sound_n to_o their_o ear_n and_o it_o be_v very_o pleasant_a upon_o their_o tongue_n and_o yet_o they_o hate_v the_o spirit_n of_o moses_n and_o have_v no_o love_n to_o those_o law_n of_o he_o which_o condemn_v their_o wicked_a action_n and_o we_o may_v see_v how_o many_o of_o those_o love_n christ_n that_o speak_v often_o and_o affectionate_o of_o he_o by_o observe_v how_o they_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n 14._o 15._o especial_o those_o
the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n and_o very_o common_o do_v so_o this_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o by_o this_o ignorance_n be_v betray_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o separation_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o own_o great_a hurt_n and_o inconvenience_n whereas_o can_v they_o be_v make_v to_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o complexion_n and_o natural_a passion_n may_v bring_v forth_o all_o these_o fruit_n they_o may_v be_v secure_v by_o this_o mean_n against_o the_o tempt_a imposture_n and_o learn_v that_o meekness_n and_o patience_n affability_n and_o charity_n justice_n and_o a_o peaceable_a humble_a temper_n be_v better_a argument_n of_o saintship_n than_o all_o these_o thus_o a_o great_a mischief_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o there_o be_v another_o that_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o the_o same_o observation_n the_o inconvenience_n be_v this_o while_o the_o enemy_n of_o faction_n object_n hypocrisy_n to_o they_o affirm_v that_o all_o they_o do_v and_o say_v be_v mere_a personate_n and_o pretence_n they_o confirm_v and_o settle_v those_o people_n in_o their_o way_n for_o many_o of_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n and_o consequent_o that_o their_o opposer_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v they_o by_o which_o they_o be_v better_o establish_v in_o their_o own_o good_a opinion_n and_o harden_v against_o conviction_n whereas_o do_v they_o consider_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v suggest_v about_o the_o animal_n religion_n and_o grant_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v serious_a believe_v themselves_o infinite_o and_o feel_v all_o those_o warmth_n which_o they_o pretend_v and_o yet_o be_v evil_a man_n and_o far_o enough_o from_o be_v godly_a do_v they_o show_v they_o that_o all_o their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o more_o and_o great_a than_o they_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o principle_n that_o have_v nothing_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o will_v thereby_o strike_v they_o in_o the_o right_a vein_n and_o bring_v they_o down_o from_o the_o high_a perch_n whereon_o by_o their_o false_a mark_n they_o have_v place_v themselves_o and_o thereby_o disabuse_v they_o and_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o other_o vi_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v know_v our_o state_n whether_o it_o be_v that_o of_o grace_n and_o life_n or_o the_o other_o sad_a one_o of_o unregeneracy_n and_o death_n the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o motion_n towards_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n and_o a_o victory_n over_o ourselves_o and_o all_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o affection_n the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n and_o death_n be_v the_o continuance_n under_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sense_n passion_n and_o evil_a habit_n now_o when_o it_o be_v question_v by_o ourselves_o in_o which_o of_o these_o state_n we_o be_v it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o we_o be_v arrive_v at_o something_o of_o religion_n for_o the_o gross_o wicked_a can_v but_o know_v what_o their_o condition_n be_v and_o the_o way_n i_o will_v propose_v to_o those_o other_o who_o be_v yet_o uncertain_a be_v this_o viz._n to_o take_v notice_n whether_o they_o real_o design_n and_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o goodness_n every_o motion_n indeed_o can_v be_v feel_v or_o perceive_v but_o if_o we_o go_v on_o though_o never_o so_o insensible_o time_n will_v show_v that_o we_o be_v grow_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v our_o particular_a defect_n and_o studious_o apply_v proper_a instrument_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o we_o find_v success_n in_o those_o endeavour_n and_o that_o we_o be_v better_o this_o year_n than_o we_o be_v the_o former_a that_o our_o passion_n be_v better_o govern_v and_o our_o inordinate_a affection_n more_o restrain_v and_o our_o evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n less_o powerful_a with_o we_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n that_o we_o live_v and_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o shall_v at_o last_o arrive_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n eph._n 4._o 13._o and_o shall_v attain_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 1._o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o come_v to_o some_o hopeful_a pitch_n and_o stand_v still_o there_o if_o sin_n and_o temptation_n be_v as_o powerful_a with_o we_o now_o as_o they_o be_v a_o year_n ago_o and_o our_o inclination_n and_o passion_n just_a at_o the_o same_o pass_n we_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a state_n and_o dead_a while_o the_o plant_n grow_v it_o live_v and_o may_v become_v a_o great_a tree_n though_o at_o present_v it_o be_v but_o small_a whereas_o that_o who_o stature_n be_v big_a and_o more_o promise_v if_o it_o proceed_v not_o decay_n and_o come_v to_o nothing_o though_o we_o be_v imperfect_a if_o we_o be_v strive_v and_o go_v towards_o perfection_n god_n overlook_v our_o infirmity_n and_o pardon_v they_o for_o christ_n sake_n this_o be_v our_o sincerity_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o think_v ourselves_o well_o and_o do_v not_o always_o attempt_v forward_o our_o state_n be_v bad_a and_o our_o sin_n will_v be_v impute_v be_v our_o pretence_n what_o they_o will_v our_o faith_n be_v not_o sincere_a and_o will_v not_o stead_v we_o when_o we_o get_v to_o a_o certain_a pitch_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v that_o our_o state_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v mere_o animal_n and_o but_o a_o mode_n of_o complexion_n self-love_n and_o natural_a fear_n when_o we_o overcome_v some_o sin_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o spare_v and_o cherish_v other_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o our_o attempt_n upon_o any_o and_o that_o what_o we_o have_v do_v be_v not_o perform_v upon_o good_a and_o divine_a motive_n sincerity_n be_v discover_v by_o growth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a mark_n that_o i_o know_v of_o trial_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o presume_v though_o as_o we_o think_v we_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n if_o we_o go_v not_o on_o nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v we_o any_o to_o despair_n though_o our_o present_a attainment_n be_v but_o small_a if_o we_o be_v proceed_v the_o bud_n and_o tender_a blossom_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o the_o fair_a leaf_n of_o the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n be_v nothing_o in_o his_o esteem_n this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n we_o have_v from_o the_o gospel_n that_o imperfection_n will_v be_v accept_v where_o there_o be_v sincerity_n whereas_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o exact_a and_o regorous_a justice_n no_o man_n can_v be_v make_v happy_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o who_o victory_n be_v absolute_a vii_o it_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o our_o discourse_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n consist_v viz._n in_o a_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n and_o a_o entire_a victory_n over_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n and_o external_a action_n of_o feign_a piety_n but_o all_o the_o fine_a thing_n of_o the_o animal_n religion_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n and_o they_o be_v the_o worst_a sort_n by_o the_o grosser_n form_n man_n hardly_o deceive_v other_o by_o these_o they_o effectual_o gull_v themselves_o so_o that_o many_o that_o vehement_o oppose_v form_n be_v the_o great_a formalist_n form_n of_o worship_n may_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whenas_o zeal_n against_o form_n may_v be_v a_o form_n itself_o whatever_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n and_o do_v not_o make_v we_o better_o that_o be_v a_o form_n at_o least_o to_o we_o there_o be_v spiritual_a form_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n and_o these_o be_v most_o deadly_a poison_n be_v worst_a in_o aqua_n vitæ_fw-la he_o that_o speak_v his_o prayer_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la with_o vehemence_n and_o loudness_n if_o he_o strive_v not_o against_o ill_a nature_n and_o self-will_n be_v as_o much_o a_o formalist_n as_o he_o that_o tell_v his_o prayer_n by_o his_o bead_n and_o understand_v not_o one_o word_n he_o say_v and_o those_o that_o run_v away_o from_o form_n in_o church_n meet_v more_o dangerous_a one_o in_o barn_n and_o private_a corner_n orthodox_n opinion_n devout_a phrase_n set_v look_n melt_a tone_n affect_a sigh_n and_o vehement_a rapture_n be_v often_o mere_a form_n of_o godliness_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o animal_n religion_n which_o itself_o be_v a_o form_n likewise_o o_o that_o the_o observer_n of_o so_o many_o mote_n in_o their_o brethren_n eye_n will_v learn_v to_o throw_v out_o the_o beam_n of_o their_o own_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o pretend_v itself_o to_o be_v no_o more_o be_v not_o so_o hurtful_a but_o the_o form_n that_o call_v themselves_o the_o power_n be_v deadly_a it_o be_v
he_o that_o be_v extreme_a in_o his_o principle_n must_v needs_o be_v narrow_a in_o his_o affection_n whereas_o he_o that_o stand_v on_o the_o middle_a path_n may_v extend_v the_o arm_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o those_o on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o natural_a to_o most_o to_o run_v into_o extreme_n and_o when_o man_n be_v fall_v out_o with_o a_o practice_n or_o opinion_n they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o remove_v to_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o it_o be_v fright_v by_o the_o steep_a before_o they_o they_o run_v so_o far_o back_o till_o they_o fall_v into_o a_o precipice_n behind_o they_o every_o truth_n be_v near_o a_o error_n for_o it_o lie_v between_o two_o falsehood_n and_o he_o that_o go_v far_o from_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o slip_v into_o the_o other_o and_o while_o he_o fly_v from_o a_o bear_n a_o lion_n meet_v he_o so_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n be_v to_o steer_v the_o middle_a course_n in_o which_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v charity_n and_o peace_n and_o very_o probable_o truth_n in_o their_o company_n thus_o of_o my_o direction_n for_o consideration_n i_o will_v propose_v such_o as_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o enmity_n and_o disagreement_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a opinion_n which_o will_v prove_v that_o our_o affection_n ought_v to_o meet_v though_o our_o judgement_n can_v my_o first_o be_v this_o i._o love_n be_v part_n of_o religion_n but_o opinion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o we_o lose_v charity_n be_v not_o so_o the_o first_o i_o have_v prove_v already_o and_o for_o the_o other_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o know_v many_o thing_n but_o in_o practise_v the_o few_o plain_a thing_n we_o know_v the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o faith_n lie_v in_o a_o little_a room_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v say_v he_o that_o best_o know_v what_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o what_o necessary_a unto_o it_o joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n draw_v up_o all_o into_o the_o same_o two_o principle_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o heb._n 11._o 6._o st._n peter_n be_v pronounce_v bless_v upon_o the_o single_a profession_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n mat._n 16._o 16._o and_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o same_o act._n 8._o 37._o st._n paul_n reckon_v these_o as_o the_o only_a necessary_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o if_o thou_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o st._n john_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n whosever_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o faith_n indeed_o must_v suppose_v the_o general_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o produce_v the_o real_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o its_o end_n and_o these_o suppose_a the_o apostle_n speak_v as_o if_o it_o contain_v all_o that_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n thus_o the_o fundamental_o of_o belief_n be_v few_o and_o plain_a for_o certain_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v not_o lay_v our_o eternal_a interest_n in_o difficulty_n and_o multitude_n thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o retain_v the_o difficult_a work_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o the_o understanding_n but_o in_o the_o affection_n and_o will._n so_o that_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o religion_n consist_v be_v the_o clear_o reveal_v article_n in_o which_o we_o be_v agree_v for_o the_o other_o about_o which_o we_o differ_v and_o dispute_v though_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v consequence_n of_o those_o and_o good_a help_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n yet_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o make_v they_o a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o say_v they_o be_v conclude_v all_o man_n under_o a_o state_n of_o ruin_n and_o damnation_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o receive_v they_o a_o uncharitableness_n that_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o heresy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o one_o itself_o the_o sum_n be_v religion_n lie_v in_o few_o principle_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o principal_o consist_v in_o practice_n so_o the_o prophet_n reckon_v mic._n 6._o 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o st._n james_n give_v a_o account_n of_o religion_n like_o it_o jam._n 1._o 17._o true_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n religion_n be_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o charity_n be_v a_o main_a branch_n of_o that_o but_o opinion_n be_v no_o vital_a part_n nor_o do_v they_o appertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v we_o lose_v a_o limb_n for_o a_o excrescence_n or_o a_o ornament_n a_o essential_a of_o religion_n for_o that_o which_o be_v but_o accessary_a and_o extrinsic_a charity_n for_o a_o opinion_n i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a and_o i_o hope_v you_o think_v so_o likewise_o but_o i_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n ii_o charity_n be_v certain_o our_o duty_n but_o many_o of_o the_o opinion_n about_o which_o we_o fall_v out_o be_v uncertain_o true_a viz._n as_o to_o we_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v indeed_o as_o firm_a as_o the_o centre_n but_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n be_v as_o fluctuate_a as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o ocean_n the_o root_n and_o body_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v fast_o and_o unshaken_a while_o the_o leave_n be_v make_v the_o sport_n of_o every_o wind_n and_o colour_n sometime_o vary_v with_o every_o position_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o eye_n though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o uniform_a splendour_n the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a but_o man_n often_o build_v upon_o it_o what_o be_v very_o totter_v and_o uncertain_a the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v easy_o discernible_a but_o the_o small_a and_o remote_a one_o require_v more_o sagacity_n and_o acuteness_n to_o descry_v they_o and_o the_o best_a sight_n may_v be_v deceive_v about_o such_o obscure_a and_o distant_a object_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o excessive_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o opinion_n since_o they_o can_v but_o know_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n in_o general_n and_o can_v but_o often_o have_v find_v the_o fallibility_n of_o their_o own_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o and_o make_v confidence_n a_o argument_n of_o ignorance_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 2._o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o solomon_n reckon_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o folly_n the_o fool_n rage_v and_o be_v confident_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o discover_v it_o more_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o scripture_n have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o define_v lesser_a point_n and_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v lodge_v be_v many_o time_n figurative_a and_o obscure_a and_o of_o various_a meaning_n speak_v only_o by_o the_o by_o or_o agreeable_o to_o form_n of_o speech_n or_o custom_n that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v or_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o common_a apprehension_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o interpretation_n be_v infinite_a and_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n less_o agree_v than_o commentator_n all_o opinion_n plead_v scripture_n and_o many_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o most_o to_o antiquity_n the_o learned_a and_o the_o prudent_a church_n and_o council_n confessor_n and_o father_n the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a age_n the_o virtuous_a and_o the_o devout_a the_o credulous_a and_o the_o inquisitive_a they_o have_v all_o differ_v in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o belief_n and_o every_o man_n differ_v from_o almost_o every_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o every_o man_n differ_v often_o from_o himself_o in_o many_o thing_n age_n have_v alter_v our_o judgement_n or_o we_o be_v child_n still_o our_o affection_n change_v our_o thought_n and_o our_o imagination_n shift_v the_o scene_n
and_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n their_o sin_n have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a or_o so_o inexcusable_a nor_o will_v it_o have_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o with_o such_o severity_n of_o condemnation_n but_o now_o that_o the_o light_n have_v shine_v in_o darkness_n the_o true_a light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n now_o since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v manifest_a to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o turn_v man_n from_o those_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a vanity_n to_o the_o right_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o plea_n of_o ignorance_n will_v no_o long_o excuse_v or_o extenuate_v but_o god_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v which_o be_v enforce_v with_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n of_o the_o text_n he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v these_o thing_n 1._o the_o declaration_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v 2._o the_o universality_n of_o the_o subject_n to_o be_v judge_v the_o world_n 3._o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v 4._o the_o rule_n and_o manner_n of_o judgement_n he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n i_o begin_v in_o order_n with_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n of_o this_o the_o heathen_n have_v some_o obscure_a notion_n as_o appear_v among_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o story_n of_o their_o fame_a judge_n that_o be_v to_o call_v man_n to_o account_v in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o these_o be_v but_o glimmer_a apprehension_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n have_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o a_o come_a judgement_n in_o the_o solemnity_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o this_o have_v declare_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judgement_n day_n matth._n 10._o 15._o judas_n 6._o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a act_v 10._o 42._o that_o he_o shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n 2_o thes_n 1._o 8._o that_o he_o shall_v come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n judas_n 14._o that_o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 2._o 16._o that_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v all_o raise_v by_o a_o general_n summons_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 52._o and_o all_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n rev._n 20._o 13._o the_o just_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o wicked_a to_o everlasting_a punishment_n matth._n 25._o 46._o so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o judgement_n day_n be_v no_o panic_n fear_v or_o melancholy_a dream_n it_o be_v no_o trick_n of_o politician_n or_o mormo_n of_o priest_n to_o fright_v fool_n and_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n but_o a_o truth_n as_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a as_o the_o oracle_n of_o truth_n can_v make_v it_o it_o be_v plain_o declare_v in_o the_o most_o infallible_a record_n yea_o it_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o universal_a mankind_n who_o all_o expect_v a_o call_n to_o a_o future_a judgement_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o need_n of_o further_a proof_n of_o so_o clear_a and_o so_o acknowledge_v a_o article_n but_o it_o may_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o appointment_n of_o a_o judgement_n day_n and_o the_o same_o will_v serve_v as_o argument_n to_o confirm_v and_o enforce_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o 1._o then_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o fit_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_n judgement_n that_o religion_n may_v be_v vindicate_v and_o clear_v the_o gospel_n be_v of_o old_a to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o and_o we_o know_v by_o sad_a experience_n how_o in_o latter_a day_n religion_n be_v expose_v and_o scorn_v it_o be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o some_o and_o laugh_v at_o by_o other_o and_o which_o do_v it_o the_o great_a mischief_n those_o that_o put_v it_o into_o contemptible_a clothing_n or_o those_o that_o pour_v direct_a contempt_n upon_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a business_n to_o conjecture_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o have_v be_v pretend_v in_o so_o many_o vile_a action_n and_o design_n nothing_o in_o which_o mankind_n have_v be_v in_o any_o comparison_n so_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n as_o in_o what_o they_o have_v abusive_o call_v by_o this_o sacred_a name_n religion_n we_o have_v see_v it_o die_v with_o humane_a blood_n and_o swell_v with_o spoil_n and_o rapine_n write_v on_o the_o forehead_n of_o tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n and_o plead_v as_o the_o cause_n the_o cause_n of_o prosperous_a villainy_n divide_v into_o atom_n of_o sect_n and_o dispute_v into_o air_n of_o opinion_n entitle_v to_o all_o the_o vanity_n of_o sick_a imagination_n and_o claim_v by_o all_o the_o folly_n of_o zealous_a ignorance_n and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n wherein_o this_o overcast_v this_o cloud_a light_n shall_v brighten_v like_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n and_o dispel_v those_o spot_n and_o that_o scumm_n which_o superstition_n ignorance_n and_o hypocrisy_n have_v fasten_v upon_o its_o glorious_a face_n be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v at_o length_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o no_o creature_n of_o melancholy_n or_o design_n ought_v it_o not_o to_o be_v at_o last_o confess_v and_o know_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o great_a reality_n and_o no_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n no_o dream_n of_o imagination_n or_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n but_o as_o simple_a as_o innocence_n and_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o virgin_n light_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o in_o the_o come_a day_n when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o other_o world_n have_v shine_v in_o upon_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o in_o sum_n it_o be_v just_a to_o expect_v that_o religion_n will_v be_v glorious_o celebrate_v and_o clear_v and_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v do_v by_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o judgement_n day_n 2._o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v ordain_v that_o providence_n may_v be_v unridle_v and_o absolve_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a psal_n 36._o 6._o and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11._o 33._o the_o affair_n of_o providence_n be_v full_a of_o mystery_n and_o meander_n as_o dark_a as_o the_o midnight_n of_o december_n and_o as_o crooked_a as_o the_o path_n of_o the_o desert_n all_o the_o line_n of_o our_o spin_v all_o our_o observation_n and_o reason_n be_v too_o short_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o and_o fro_o the_o labyrinth_n the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o secret_a method_n that_o be_v beyond_o our_o most_o improve_a knowledge_n how_o be_v we_o puzzle_v when_o we_o undertake_v to_o gloss_n on_o providence_n and_o presume_v to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o its_o most_o ordinary_a management_n the_o wicked_a lift_n up_o their_o head_n against_o heaven_n and_o prosper_v and_o the_o just_a bow_n the_o knee_n lift_v up_o their_o hand_n unto_o it_o and_o be_v undo_v folly_n succeed_v and_o be_v applaud_v and_o wisdom_n be_v disappoint_v and_o contemn_v cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n encompass_v the_o devout_a and_o a_o warm_a sun_n shine_v upon_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o eccl._n 7._o 15._o and_o when_o vice_n thrive_v and_o folly_n triumph_n providence_n be_v plead_v to_o credit_v ignorance_n and_o impiety_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o action_n vouch_v for_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n god_n be_v think_v to_o have_v own_a what_o for_o unknown_a reason_n he_o have_v permit_v and_o to_o have_v act_v that_o which_o in_o judgement_n he_o have_v suffer_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o best_a design_n be_v think_v wicked_a when_o they_o prove_v unprosperous_a and_o the_o white_a innocence_n mark_v with_o black_a character_n when_o the_o cloud_n be_v upon_o it_o thus_o shimei_n accuse_v david_n for_o a_o man_n of_o blood_n because_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o house_n 2_o sam._n 16._o 7._o and_o job_n be_v conclude_v as_o great_a a_o instance_n of_o sin_n as_o he_o be_v of_o misery_n job_n 4._o the_o barbarian_n infer_v from_o the_o viper_n that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o murderer_n act_v 28._o 3_o 4._o and_o the_o unbelieving_a world_n from_o the_o cross_n that_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v a_o malefactor_n thus_o do_v man_n shoot_v one_o another_o out_o of_o this_o crooked_a bow_n and_o judge_v the_o goodness_n and_o badness_n of_o thing_n by_o success_n not_o by_o rule_n and_o thereby_o traduce_v and_o abuse_v providence_n by_o make_v it_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o their_o interest_n and_o serve_v
the_o end_n of_o malice_n and_o self-love_n which_o thing_n be_v so_o in_o the_o present_a world_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o at_o last_o providence_n shall_v be_v disintangle_v and_o absolve_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o live_a creature_n in_o the_o wheel_n ezek._n 1._o 20._o and_o the_o eye_n that_o be_v in_o the_o sceptre_n as_o the_o egyptian_a hieroglyphic_n represent_v providence_n that_o we_o may_v at_o length_n understand_v that_o its_o way_n be_v equal_a ezek._n 18._o 25._o and_o that_o all_o the_o seem_a inequality_n prove_v the_o shortness_n of_o our_o reason_n not_o the_o unevenness_n of_o its_o management_n that_o its_o strange_a and_o least_o accountable_a issue_n be_v the_o result_v of_o counsel_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a mind_n that_o shoot_v itself_o through_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o prosperous_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o distance_n between_o virtue_n and_o success_n why_o the_o fire_n out_o of_o the_o bramble_n be_v permit_v to_o devour_v the_o cedar_n and_o the_o desert_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v so_o often_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o just_a these_o expectation_n be_v reasonable_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n necessary_a that_o mankind_n may_v be_v convince_v the_o event_n below_o be_v not_o lottery_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d full_a of_o providence_n and_o that_o providence_n act_v by_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o wickedness_n shall_v at_o last_o reap_v the_o misery_n it_o have_v sow_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o flame_n it_o have_v kindle_v and_o afflict_a virtue_n lift_v up_o its_o head_n to_o receive_v the_o crown_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o its_o patience_n and_o appear_v to_o have_v shoot_v itself_o up_o in_o another_o world_n when_o it_o be_v depress_v in_o this_o and_o so_o all_o shall_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n psal_n 58._o 11._o and_o this_o be_v another_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n 3._o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v ordain_v for_o this_o also_o that_o secret_a wickedness_n may_v be_v disclose_v and_o shame_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v as_o deep_a water_n have_v a_o smooth_a surface_n but_o be_v full_a of_o rock_n and_o quicksand_n at_o the_o bottom_n the_o world_n be_v a_o theatre_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v but_o actor_n for_o as_o they_o clothe_v themselves_o with_o gold_n and_o purple_n and_o put_v on_o great_a name_n and_o be_v fine_a thing_n upon_o the_o stage_n when_o behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o in_o their_o retirement_n they_o be_v but_o common_a man_n and_o like_o their_o ordinary_a spectator_n thus_o we_o dress_v ourselves_o for_o public_a converse_v set_v our_o look_n and_o gild_v our_o language_n and_o put_v on_o the_o livery_n of_o wisdom_n and_o saintship_n and_o appear_v what_o we_o will_v be_v think_v not_o what_o we_o be_v but_o in_o our_o privacy_n and_o more_o familiar_a conversation_n in_o the_o loose_a and_o unconstrained_a order_n of_o our_o word_n and_o our_o action_n we_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n we_o be_v foolish_a and_o frivolous_a froward_a and_o impatient_a sordid_a and_o absurd_a and_o in_o the_o secret_a chamber_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o be_v worse_o the_o fair_a face_n will_v affright_v we_o if_o the_o skin_n be_v take_v off_o it_o and_o show_v we_o nothing_o but_o ghastliness_n and_o deformity_n and_o it_o will_v amaze_v we_o to_o see_v the_o in_o side_n of_o those_o who_o outward_a appearance_n be_v fair_a and_o plausible_a we_o now_o seek_v cover_n for_o our_o shame_n and_o hide_v our_o folly_n and_o imperfection_n under_o handsome_a name_n devout_a show_n and_o fair_a pretension_n or_o excuse_v they_o by_o necessity_n temptation_n the_o devil_n or_o providence_n and_o though_o we_o see_v much_o sin_n and_o vileness_n assoon_o as_o we_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o look_v out_o of_o door_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o and_o a_o worse_a world_n of_o wickedness_n shut_v up_o from_o our_o sight_n and_o hide_v in_o its_o own_o darkness_n in_o close_a design_n and_o private_a action_n in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o recess_n of_o thought_n these_o make_v up_o a_o dark_a region_n cover_v with_o fear_n and_o shame_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n open_v only_o to_o he_o to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o midnight_n be_v as_o bright_a as_o noon_n psal_n 139._o 12._o and_o he_o will_v provide_v that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o all_o sin_n may_v be_v as_o odious_a as_o it_o be_v ugly_a and_o unobserved_a impiety_n may_v not_o still_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o secrecy_n and_o silence_n it_o have_v seek_v but_o that_o its_o whisper_n may_v be_v proclaim_v by_o a_o voice_n more_o loud_a than_o thunder_n and_o its_o conceal_a deformity_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o open_a day_n that_o those_o hide_a iniquity_n which_o hitherto_o have_v escape_v may_v be_v whip_v with_o the_o scorpion_n of_o guilt_n and_o shame_n and_o the_o divine_a purity_n and_o patience_n may_v appear_v in_o their_o glory_n and_o proper_a lustre_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n also_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n that_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v the_o more_o secure_a for_o be_v close_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v and_o shun_v in_o grot_n as_o well_o as_o in_o most_o public_a place_n and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o those_o action_n of_o virtue_n that_o no_o eye_n see_v but_o that_o which_o see_v all_o thing_n and_o those_o unknown_a tendency_n and_o anhelation_n of_o divine_a soul_n after_o the_o adorable_a object_n of_o their_o love_n may_v be_v solemn_o celebrate_v and_o reward_v again_o 4._o such_o a_o day_n be_v fit_a and_o be_v appoint_v that_o all_o right_n and_o claim_n may_v be_v determine_v the_o great_a controversy_n be_v which_o and_o where_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o zeal_n and_o the_o confidence_n the_o loud_a talk_n and_o bold_a claim_n of_o each_o of_o the_o pretender_n all_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o mistake_v every_o sect_n be_v in_o the_o right_n if_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o fondness_n of_o its_o own_o assurance_n and_o every_o one_o be_v out_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o be_v religion_n say_v one_o nay_o but_o it_o be_v here_o say_v the_o next_o and_o a_o three_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o they_o both_o and_o then_o they_o scuffle_v and_o contend_v till_o they_o have_v talk_v themselves_o out_o of_o sense_n out_o of_o charity_n and_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o when_o they_o will_v say_v on_o but_o know_v not_o what_o when_o their_o passion_n be_v raise_v but_o their_o reason_n lose_v they_o fall_v to_o pelt_v each_o other_o with_o hard_a name_n they_o squabble_v and_o strive_v and_o damn_v one_o another_o by_o turn_n they_o gather_v party_n to_o help_v up_o the_o cry_n and_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o the_o noise_n of_o their_o quarrel_n and_o triumph_n and_o crow_v after_o a_o conquest_n in_o imagination_n and_o after_o all_o this_o bustle_n and_o all_o this_o ado_n they_o sit_v down_o where_o they_o begin_v nothing_o be_v gain_v on_o either_o side_n but_o a_o addition_n of_o malice_n and_o bitter_a zeal_n more_o rancour_n and_o more_o damn_v sentence_n while_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o far_o from_o truth_n as_o from_o agreement_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o contend_a world_n nor_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o while_o ignorance_n and_o malice_n interest_n and_o passion_n inspire_v the_o quarrel_n or_o if_o controversy_n shall_v be_v end_v the_o vote_n will_v doubtless_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o side_n of_o folly_n and_o falsehood_n for_o their_o adherent_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o most_o loud_a while_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n be_v meek_a and_o modest_a thin_o scatter_v among_o the_o herd_n and_o still_o liable_a to_o be_v overbear_v and_o out-noised_a by_o the_o tumult_n but_o the_o come_a day_n will_v set_v all_o right_a and_o effectual_o resolve_v pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n the_o meek_a and_o the_o peaceable_a the_o charitable_a and_o the_o just_a who_o do_v not_o dispute_v but_o live_v who_o be_v not_o swell_v with_o rage_n and_o notion_n but_o big_a of_o charity_n and_o universal_a kindness_n for_o mankind_n then_o shall_v these_o be_v declare_v the_o rightful_a heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n when_o the_o presume_a son_n of_o it_o who_o hug_v themselves_o as_o the_o only_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o warm_v their_o hand_n by_o their_o own_o fantastic_a fire_n who_o fly_v aloft_o on_o the_o wing_n