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 &_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 fame_n 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 &_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 pharirisee_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 glerious_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 religious_a meditation_n and_o that_o even_o to_o rapturous_a excess_n he_o may_v take_v these_o for_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o earnest_n of_o glory_n and_o be_v lift_v up_o on_o high_a by_o they_o and_o enable_v to_o speak_v in_o wonderful_a ravish_a strain_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o evil_a man_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o for_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o who_o complexion_n incline_v they_o to_o devotion_n be_v common_o much_o under_o the_o power_n of_o melancholy_n and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o be_v most_o very_a varius_fw-la in_o their_o temper_n fometimes_o merry_a and_o pleasant_a to_o excess_n and_o then_o plunge_v as_o deep_a into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o sadness_n and_o dejection_n one_o while_o the_o sweet_a humour_n enliven_v the_o imagination_n and_o present_v it_o with_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a and_o then_o the_o black_a blood_n succeed_v which_o beget_v cloud_n and_o darkness_n and_o fill_v the_o fancy_n with_o thing_n frightful_a and_o uncomfortable_a and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o but_o feel_v such_o variety_n in_o a_o degree_n in_o themselves_o now_o while_o the_o sweet_a blood_n and_o humour_n prevail_v the_o person_n who_o complexion_n incline_v he_o to_o religion_n and_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o degree_n new_o discourse_v of_o though_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n be_v full_a of_o inward_a delight_n and_o satisfactionâ—_n and_o fancy_n at_o this_o turn_n that_o he_o be_v much_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o sure_a heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n which_o must_v needs_o excite_v in_o he_o many_o luscious_a and_o pleasant_a thought_n and_o these_o further_o warm_v his_o imagination_n which_o by_o new_a and_o take_v suggestion_n still_o raise_v the_o affection_n more_o and_o so_o the_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v transport_v beyond_o himself_o and_o speak_v like_o one_o drop_v from_o the_o cloud_n his_o tongue_n flow_v with_o light_n and_o glory_n and_o communion_n and_o revelation_n and_o income_n and_o then_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o this_o and_o that_o god_n be_v in_o he_o of_o a_o truth_n in_o a_o special_a way_n of_o manifestation_n and_o vouchsafement_n but_o when_o melancholic_a vapour_n prevail_v again_o the_o imagination_n be_v overcast_v and_o the_o fancy_n possess_v by_o dismal_a and_o uncomfortable_a thought_n and_o the_o man_n who_o head_n be_v but_o just_a before_o among_o the_o cloud_n be_v now_o grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n he_o think_v all_o be_v lose_v and_o his_o condition_n miserable_a he_o be_v a_o castaway_n and_o undo_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n as_o to_o divine_a favour_n he_o be_v just_a where_o he_o be_v before_o or_o rather_o in_o a_o better_a state_n since_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v humble_v with_o reason_n then_o to_o be_v lift_v up_o without_o it_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o do_v mere_a naturalpassion_n and_o imagination_n produce_v when_o they_o be_v tincture_v and_o heighten_v by_o religious_a melancholy_n to_o deny_v one_o self_n and_o to_o overcome_v one_o passion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o a_o sober_a virtue_n be_v much_o more_o divine_a than_o all_o this_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o i_o be_o far_o from_o deny_v it_o that_o holy_a man_n feel_v those_o joy_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v no_o fancy_n and_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o great_a peace_n psal._n 119._o 165._o and_o joy_n in_o believe_v rom._n 15._o 13._o and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n that_o pass_v all_o understanding_n phil._n 4._o 7._o but_o then_o these_o divine_a vouchsafement_n be_v not_o rapturous_a or_o ecstatical_a they_o be_v no_o sudden_a flash_n that_o be_v go_v in_o a_o moment_n leave_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o region_n of_o sorrow_n and_o despair_n but_o sober_a last_a comfort_n that_o be_v the_o reward_n be_v and_o result_v of_o virtue_n the_o rejoice_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o those_o rare_a soul_n who_o have_v overcome_v the_o evil_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n or_o be_v vigorous_o press_v on_o towards_o the_o mark_n phil._n 3._o 14._o but_o for_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n i_o have_v mention_v while_o the_o evil_a inclination_n and_o habit_n be_v indulge_v whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v all_o the_o sweet_n they_o talk_v of_o be_v but_o the_o imagery_n of_o dream_n and_o the_o pleasant_a delusion_n of_o their_o fancy_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v how_o far_o the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n may_v go_v in_o imperfect_a strive_v and_o now_o i_o must_v expect_v to_o hear_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v very_o severe_a uncomfortable_a doctrine_n and_o if_o one_o that_o shall_v eventual_o be_v shut_v out_o may_v do_v all_o this_o what_o shall_v become_v
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 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_o 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 i._n 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 then_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 john_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 john_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 ftand_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 rome_n 7._o 25._o so_o that_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v not_o degenerate_v
be_v far_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o mere_a nature_n psal._n 147._o 10._o but_o be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o expression_n of_o grace_n in_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o so_o that_o a_o sincere_a and_o lowly-minded_n christian_a that_o talk_v of_o no_o immediate_a income_n or_o communication_n and_o perhaps_o dare_v not_o out_o of_o reverence_n trust_v to_o his_o own_o present_a conception_n in_o a_o work_n so_o solemn_a but_o use_v the_o help_n of_o some_o pious_a form_n of_o word_n suitable_a to_o his_o desire_n and_o want_n who_o be_v due_o sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o overcome_v they_o and_o be_v true_o and_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o the_o divine_a aid_n in_o order_n to_o it_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v assist_v by_o it_o while_o the_o other_o do_v all_o by_o mere_a nature_n and_o imitation_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v those_o spiritual_a aid_n which_o he_o never_o hearty_o desire_v nor_o intend_v to_o use_v this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o and_o safe_o say_v but_o for_o the_o controversy_n between_o form_n and_o conceive_a prayer_n which_o of_o they_o be_v absolute_o best_a i_o determine_v nothing_o of_o it_o here_o and_o indeed_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v alike_o indifferent_a and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o accept_v as_o they_o partake_v more_o or_o less_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n viz._n of_o faith_n humility_n and_o holy_a desire_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o a_o man_n may_v have_v these_o that_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o he_o may_v want_v they_o that_o take_v the_o other_o way_n and_o think_v himself_o in_o a_o dispensation_n much_o above_o it_o so_o that_o my_o business_n be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o one_o of_o these_o way_n of_o devotion_n against_o the_o other_o but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o height_n and_o vehemency_n of_o many_o warm_a people_n in_o their_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o supernatural_a or_o divine_a and_o consequent_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v no_o mark_n of_o godliness_n which_o i_o hope_v no_o one_o think_v i_o speak_v to_o discredit_v those_o pious_a ardour_n that_o be_v feel_v by_o real_o devout_a soul_n when_o a_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n do_v even_o sometime_o transport_v they_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o design_n any_o thing_n so_o impious_a my_o aim_n be_v only_o to_o note_v that_o there_o be_v complexional_a heat_n raise_v many_o time_n by_o fancy_n and_o self-admiration_n that_o look_v like_o these_o in_o person_n who_o real_o have_v little_a of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o they_o thus_o far_o also_o those_o may_v go_v that_o shall_v not_o enter_v i_o add_v iii_o a_o man_n may_v endeavour_v somewhat_o and_o strive_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o yet_o his_o work_n may_v miscarry_v and_o himself_o with_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o evil_a man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o vileness_n and_o that_o even_o to_o anguish_n and_o torment_n the_o gentile_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o 14._o which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o conscience_n often_o sting_n and_o disquiet_v the_o vile_a sinner_n and_o sometime_o extort_v from_o they_o lamentable_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o earnest_a declamation_n against_o they_o they_o may_v weep_v bitter_o at_o their_o remembrance_n and_o be_v under_o great_a heaviness_n and_o dejection_n upon_o their_o occasion_n they_o may_v speak_v vehement_o against_o sin_n themselves_o and_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_n love_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o feature_n 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 pretty_a 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 abovecited_a 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
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 sincerty_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_v 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 rigorous_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 lowdness_n if_o he_o strive_v not_o against_o his_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 the_o formality_n and_o superstition_n of_o separatist_n that_o keep_v on_o the_o separation_n they_o contend_v for_o fancy_n and_o arbitrary_a trifle_n we_o for_o order_n and_o obedience_n the_o people_n be_v abuse_v by_o name_n and_o be_v fright_v by_o the_o shadow_n of_o superstition_n and_o formality_n they_o run_v into_o the_o worst_a formality_n and_o silly_a superstition_n in_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n rom._n 14._o 17._o neither_o in_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o not_o in_o zeal_n for_o little_a thing_n nor_o in_o zeal_n against_o they_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v equal_o formal_a the_o power_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o use_v divine_a aid_n hearty_o and_o constant_o in_o order_n to_o the_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n this_o godliness_n be_v not_o exercise_v so_o much_o in_o reform_v other_o as_o ourselves_o the_o chief_a design_n be_v to_o govern_v within_o and_o not_o to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o world_n without_o we_o this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a jam._n 3._o 17._o it_o make_v no_o noise_n and_o bluster_v abroad_o but_o quiet_o mind_v its_o own_o business_n at_o home_n so_o that_o certain_o the_o best_a man_n have_v not_o always_o have_v the_o great_a fame_n for_o godliness_n as_o the_o wise_a have_v very_o seldom_o be_v the_o most_o popular_a they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o animal_n religion_n that_o make_v the_o big_a fhew_n the_o voice_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v hear_v in_o quiet_a it_o sound_v not_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v see_v in_o justice_n meekness_n humility_n and_o charity_n thing_n that_o look_v not_o so_o splendid_o as_o the_o spiritual_a form_n and_o thus_o of_o the_o inference_n and_o corollary_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o my_o discourse_n which_o though_o they_o can_v all_o be_v infer_v from_o any_o of_o its_o minute_n and_o separate_a part_n yet_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o design_n and_o contexture_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o advice_n for_o practice_n the_o way_n of_o happiness_n be_v difficult_a but_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v by_o strive_v a_o little_a will_v not_o do_v many_o seeker_n be_v shut_v out_o what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o to_o strive_v and_o that_o diligent_o with_o constant_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n we_o be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o happiness_n all_o the_o world_n seek_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a psal._n 4._o 6._o be_v the_o voice_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n we_o have_v seek_v it_o long_o in_o emptiness_n and_o shadow_n and_o that_o search_n have_v still_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n where_o true_a substantial_a felicity_n be_v we_o know_v and_o the_o way_n we_o know_v joh._n 14._o 4._o it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o we_o in_o cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n or_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v worth_a our_o pain_n to_o search_v after_o it_o it_o be_v not_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n but_o it_o may_v be_v see_v yea_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v so_o near_o as_o to_o be_v feel_v though_o the_o way_n be_v straight_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o who_o will_v not_o venture_v his_o pain_n upon_o the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o issue_n many_o difficulty_n be_v in_o it_o but_o our_o encouragement_n and_o assistance_n be_v infinite_a the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o son_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o intercession_n the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o invitation_n and_o promise_n the_o rare_a precept_n and_o incomparable_a example_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o these_o be_v mighty_a help_n and_o great_a motive_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o strive_v and_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o it_o let_v we_o then_o arise_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o aid_n and_o attempt_v with_o courage_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n let_v we_o engage_v our_o deep_a resolution_n and_o most_o diligent_a endeavour_n here_o be_v no_o need_n to_o deliberate_v the_o thing_n be_v necessary_a the_o benefit_n unspeakable_a and_o the_o event_n will_v be_v glorious_a it_o be_v no_o question_n i_o hope_v whether_o god_n or_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v first_o choose_v whether_o heaven_n or_o hell_n be_v better_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o we_o shall_v stay_v and_o consider_v we_o can_v be_v rash_a here_o we_o can_v hurt_v ourselves_o by_o a_o too_o sudden_a engagement_n we_o have_v delay_v too_o long_o already_o and_o every_o moment_n we_o sit_v still_o be_v one_o lose_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o happiness_n let_v we_o resolve_v
we_o can_v of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o outward_a action_n of_o virtue_n be_v in_o our_o power_n and_o it_o be_v somewhat_o to_o come_v so_o far_o as_o this_o what_o be_v more_o viz._n the_o inward_a love_n and_o delight_n in_o goodness_n will_v succeed_v in_o time_n if_o we_o persevere_v it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o the_o great_a height_n at_o first_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v discourage_v and_o fall_v back_o god_n accept_v even_o of_o that_o little_a if_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o more_o he_o despise_v not_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n zech._n 4._o 10._o if_o thou_o do_v well_o shall_v thou_o not_o be_v accept_v christ_n love_v the_o young_a man_n who_o have_v keep_v the_o external_a part_n of_o the_o commandment_n mark_v 10._o 12._o if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o courage_n to_o have_v proceed_v what_o he_o have_v do_v will_v have_v stead_v he_o much_o the_o inward_a love_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n be_v promote_v by_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o hereby_o the_o contrary_a evil_n be_v both_o pine_v and_o thrust_v out_o thus_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o endeavour_n imply_v upon_o this_o must_v follow_v 2._o a_o attempt_n upon_o evil_a habit_n viz._n those_o that_o have_v be_v super-induced_n on_o we_o by_o carelessness_n and_o temptation_n bad_a custom_n and_o evil_a company_n every_o victory_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o another_o we_o grow_v strong_a and_o the_o enemy_n weak_a by_o it_o to_o have_v overcome_v the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o beginning_n in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n but_o our_o chief_a enemy_n be_v the_o habit_n these_o must_v be_v attempt_v also_o but_o with_o prudence_n wild_a beast_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o by_o main_a strength_n art_n and_o stratagem_n must_v be_v use_v in_o this_o war_n and_o it_o be_v good_a policy_n i_o think_v here_o to_o fight_v the_o least_o powerful_a foe_n first_o the_o contract_a habit_n before_o we_o fall_v on_o the_o inbred_a natural_a inclination_n while_o our_o force_n be_v weak_a it_o be_v dangerous_a set_v upon_o the_o strong_a hold_v viz._n the_o vice_n of_o complexion_n which_o be_v weave_v into_o our_o very_a nature_n if_o a_o man_n apply_v all_o his_o force_n where_o he_o have_v not_o resolution_n enough_o to_o go_v through_o with_o what_o he_o undertake_v he_o receive_v a_o foil_n and_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o he_o sit_v down_o and_o faint_v prudence_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v use_v where_o we_o distrust_v our_o strength_n fall_v upon_o sin_n where_o it_o be_v weak_a where_o it_o have_v least_o of_o nature_n and_o least_o of_o temptation_n and_o where_o we_o have_v argument_n from_o reputation_n and_o worldly_a interest_n wherewith_o to_o war_v against_o it_o if_o we_o prevail_v we_o be_v hearten_v by_o the_o success_n our_o faith_n and_o resolution_n will_v grow_v strong_a by_o this_o experience_n when_o we_o have_v triumph_v over_o the_o sin_n of_o evil_a custom_n example_n and_o sensual_a indulgence_n and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o those_o habit_n be_v thrust_v out_o other_o must_v be_v plant_v in_o their_o room_n when_o the_o soil_n be_v prepare_v the_o seed_n must_v be_v sow_v and_o the_o seed_n of_o virtuous_a habit_n be_v the_o action_n of_o virtue_n these_o i_o recommend_v under_o the_o last_o head_n and_o shall_v say_v more_o of_o the_o introduce_v of_o habit_n under_o one_o that_o follow_v on_o purpose_n 3._o the_o next_o advance_v in_o our_o endeavour_n be_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n to_o assault_v the_o great_a devil_n and_o to_o strive_v to_o cast_v out_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o sin_n of_o complexion_n and_o particular_a nature_n this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o will_v 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 endeavourere_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 straight_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 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 siâ—_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 multitnde_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 &_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 8.12_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 and_o perhaps_o despise_v these_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o morality_n and_o so_o presume_v that_o he_o be_v a_o saint_n too_o soon_o he_o never_o come_v to_o be_v one_o at_o all_o such_o be_v the_o seeker_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v their_o seek_v import_v some_o strive_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o though_o it_o be_v specious_a yet_o it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o will_v not_o succeed_v and_o hence_o the_o three_o proposition_n arise_v that_o i_o propose_v to_o discourse_v iii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o strive_v that_o will_v not_o procure_v a_o entrance_n employ_v in_o these_o word_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o be_v flatter_v into_o a_o false_a peace_n and_o to_o take_v up_o with_o imperfect_a godliness_n to_o reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o our_o belove_a sin_n and_o to_o judge_v our_o condition_n safe_a upon_o insufficient_a ground_n this_o multitude_n do_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o our_o day_n man_n can_v be_v content_v without_o do_v something_o in_o religion_n but_o they_o be_v content_v with_o a_o little_a and_o then_o they_o reckon_v themselves_o godly_a before_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v saint_n upon_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v not_o distinguish_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a we_o seek_v after_o mark_n of_o godliness_n and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v how_o we_o may_v try_v our_o state_n the_o thing_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o if_o the_o sign_n we_o judge_v by_o be_v either_o false_a or_o imperfect_a we_o be_v deceive_v to_o our_o undo_n mere_a speculative_a mistake_n about_o opinion_n do_v no_o great_a hurt_n but_o error_n in_o the_o mark_n and_o measure_n of_o religion_n be_v deadly_a now_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n common_o take_v for_o sign_n of_o godliness_n which_o though_o they_o be_v something_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o enough_o they_o be_v hopeful_a for_o beginning_n but_o nothing_o worth_a when_o they_o be_v our_o end_n and_o rest_n they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o seek_v and_o imperfect_a strive_n but_o not_o such_o as_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n or_o will_v procure_v we_o a_o entrance_n at_o the_o gà te_n therefore_o to_o disable_v the_o flatter_a insufficient_a mark_n of_o godliness_n i_o shall_v discover_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o three_o proposition_n how_o far_o a_o man_n may_v strive_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v at_o last_o among_o those_o seeker_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v and_o though_o i_o have_v intimate_v something_o of_o this_o in_o the_o general_n before_o yet_o i_o shall_v now_o more_o particular_o show_v it_o in_o the_o instance_n that_o follow_v and_o in_o these_o i_o shall_v discover_v a_o religion_n that_o may_v be_v call_v animal_n to_o which_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v attain_v i._n a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assent_v hearty_o to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o if_o he_o proceed_v not_o he_o be_v no_o further_o by_o this_o than_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n jam._n 2._o 19_o 2._o he_o may_v go_v on_o and_o have_v a_o great_a thirst_n to_o be_v more_o acquaint_v with_o truth_n he_o may_v seek_v it_o diligent_o in_o scripture_n and_o sermon_n and_o good_a book_n and_o know_v company_n and_o yet_o do_v this_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o no_o high_a principle_n than_o a_o inbred_a curiosity_n and_o desire_v of_o knowledge_n and_o many_o time_n this_o earnestness_n after_o truth_n proceed_v from_o a_o proud_a effection_n to_o wise_a than_o our_o neighbour_n that_o we_o may_v pity_v their_o darkness_n or_o the_o itch_n of_o a_o dispute_a humour_n that_o we_o may_v out_o talk_v they_o or_o a_o design_n to_o carry_v on_o or_o make_v a_o party_n that_o we_o may_v be_v call_v rabbi_n or_o serve_v a_o interest_n and_o the_o zeal_n for_o truth_n that_o be_v set_v on_o work_n by_o such_o motive_n be_v a_o spark_n of_o that_o fire_n that_o be_v from_o beneath_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o a_o man_n self_n and_o to_o the_o public_a weal_n of_o the_o church_n and_o mankind_n but_o the_o man_n proceed_v and_o be_v 3._o very_o much_o concern_v to_o defend_v and_o propagate_v his_o faith_n and_o the_o pharisee_n be_v so_o in_o relation_n to_o they_o matt._n 23._o 15._o and_o so_o have_v be_v many_o professor_n of_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v man_n natural_o love_v their_o own_o tenant_n and_o be_v ambitious_a to_o mould_v other_o judgement_n according_a to_o they_o there_o be_v glory_n in_o be_v a_o instructor_n of_o other_o man_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o our_o way_n and_o opinion_n so_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o yet_o above_o nature_n nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o that_o seek_v and_o be_v shut_v out_o but_o 4._o faith_n work_v great_a effect_n