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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n commandment_n keep_v obedience_n 4,378 5 7.6220 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53957 A practical discourse concerning God's love to mankind written for the satisfaction of some scrupulous persons / by Edward Pelling ... Pelling, Edward, d. 1718. 1694 (1694) Wing P1083; ESTC R21771 58,579 154

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pray_v to_o he_o and_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n asperse_v he_o that_o at_o once_o they_o fear_v he_o and_o hate_v he_o and_o that_o though_o they_o go_v to_o his_o temple_n to_o worship_n and_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v such_o a_o sort_n of_o courtship_n wherewith_o flatterer_n accost_v tyrant_n they_o hate_v and_o curse_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n the_o very_a time_n they_o seem_v to_o honour_v they_o plutarch_n think_v all_o frightful_a idea_n to_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o deity_n god_n say_v he_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o virtue_n not_o a_o formidable_a dreadful_a object_n though_o artificer_n be_v wont_a to_o represent_v he_o by_o image_n that_o have_v a_o terrible_a aspect_n yet_o philosopher_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o god_n majesty_n be_v attend_v with_o goodness_n with_o benignity_n with_o a_o kind_n and_o careful_a providence_n and_o he_o be_v of_o pythagoras_n his_o mind_n how_o slight_o soever_o some_o thought_n of_o it_o that_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a people_n be_v in_o the_o best_a temper_n when_o they_o approach_v unto_o god_n because_o their_o devotion_n be_v mix_v with_o fair_a opinion_n of_o he_o and_o with_o sincere_a affection_n towards_o he_o these_o you_o will_v think_v be_v great_a thing_n for_o a_o heathen_a to_o say_v and_o so_o they_o be_v but_o we_o find_v by_o constant_a experience_n that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o hate_n those_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o nature_n will_v work_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n if_o we_o conceive_v of_o he_o under_o such_o scare_v notion_n as_o to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o sour_a harsh_a angry_a and_o tyrannical_a be_v such_o quality_n be_v very_o hateful_a they_o create_v horror_n and_o aversion_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o beget_v any_o love_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v utter_o incompatible_a with_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o who_o show_v his_o almighty_a power_n most_o chief_o by_o do_v work_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o to_o entertain_v such_o apprehension_n of_o he_o as_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o his_o great_a goodness_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o old_a pagan_n who_o worship_v evil_a doemon_n mere_o for_o fear_n lest_o they_o shall_v hurt_v they_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_a and_o measure_n of_o love_n in_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o stern_a and_o rigorous_a be_v if_o they_o can_v but_o persuade_v themselves_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v so_o partial_a to_o their_o soul_n as_o to_o make_v they_o his_o particular_a favourite_n by_o a_o fix_a and_o unconditional_a decree_n but_o this_o degree_n and_o sort_n of_o love_n be_v mere_o a_o passion_n of_o the_o sensitive_a soul_n raise_v by_o the_o power_n of_o fancy_n because_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o absolute_a purpose_n towards_o they_o in_o particular_a want_v the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n rational_a affection_n or_o that_o love_n towards_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v all_o our_o performance_n a_o reasonable_a service_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o fervour_n of_o heart_n excite_v by_o the_o rational_a faculty_n the_o understanding_n upon_o full_a and_o clear_a conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o conviction_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o frequent_a account_n we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n touch_v the_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o touch_v his_o great_a love_n and_o relative_a goodness_n towards_o all_o mankind_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a true_a ground_n of_o that_o divine_a love_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o and_o ardent_a and_o genuine_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n universal_a goodness_n be_v apt_a to_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o man_n who_o be_v not_o conscious_a of_o any_o wilful_a and_o gross_a wickedness_n which_o make_v he_o afraid_a of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o nature_n can_v help_v they_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o considerate_a heathen_n attain_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o those_o weak_a discovery_n they_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n there_o be_v say_v seneca_n de_fw-fr ira_fw-la lib._n 2._o cap._n 27._o some_o thing_n which_o can_v hurt_v they_o be_v so_o beneficent_a and_o succour_v in_o their_o nature_n as_o the_o immortal_a god_n which_o neither_o will_n nor_o can_v be_v mischievous_a because_o their_o nature_n be_v mild_a and_o gentle_a he_o speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n to_o gratify_v the_o humour_n of_o those_o time_n but_o he_o mean_v that_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o the_o more_o intelligent_a pagan_n worship_v nay_o worship_v with_o affection_n as_o seneca_n say_v elsewhere_o the_o benef._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 19_o no_o man_n in_o his_o right_a sense_n will_v be_v horrible_o afraid_a of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o dread_a that_o which_o be_v beneficial_a nor_o can_v any_o man_n love_v that_o object_n which_o they_o fear_v after_o that_o manner_n according_o maximus_n tyrius_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o true_o religious_a man_n be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n or_o one_o that_o love_v god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v therefore_o happy_a because_o he_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o god_n dissert_n 4._o such_o considerable_a notion_n those_o observe_a man_n have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o natural_o produce_v great_a affection_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o christian_n who_o have_v beside_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o divine_a write_n will_v but_o attentive_o consider_v by_o what_o we_o read_v in_o they_o what_o a_o great_a lover_n of_o soul_n that_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v and_o what_o various_a method_n he_o have_v use_v to_o save_v all_o our_o soul_n from_o perish_v everlasting_o it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o astonish_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n if_o such_o consideration_n do_v not_o render_v he_o the_o most_o indear_v object_n since_o the_o very_a publican_n love_v those_o who_o love_v they_o nay_o since_o the_o very_a ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n be_v cribb_n two_o have_v thus_o show_v the_o proper_a way_n of_o acquire_v the_o love_n of_o god_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v it_o and_o that_o our_o practice_n as_o to_o this_o may_v be_v regular_a we_o must_v note_v what_o indeed_o be_v clear_a to_o all_o man_n from_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o this_o affection_n that_o love_n excite_v we_o powerful_o to_o these_o three_o thing_n one_a to_o observe_v the_o will._n two_o to_o resemble_v the_o temper_n and_o three_o to_o desire_v the_o fruition_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v a_o ardent_a affection_n for_o first_o true_a love_n make_v we_o observe_v one_o pleasure_n see_v this_o affection_n be_v make_v up_o of_o esteem_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o of_o complacency_n in_o the_o heart_n a_o ready_a compliance_n of_o the_o will_n must_v be_v the_o next_o thing_n because_o this_o be_v only_o the_o pay_v of_o that_o deference_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v due_a and_o a_o act_n of_o respect_n whereby_o we_o be_v willing_a and_o delight_v to_o oblige_v in_o all_o case_n it_o make_v we_o to_o be_v yield_v but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a love_n and_o have_v the_o bless_a god_n for_o its_o object_n it_o can_v but_o engage_v we_o to_o entire_a and_o universal_a obedience_n because_o the_o soul_n have_v god_n sovereign_a authority_n in_o its_o eye_n beside_o those_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v so_o amiable_a and_o so_o powerful_a in_o their_o influence_n god_n be_v the_o sole_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o give_v law_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o we_o be_v indispenfible_o oblige_v to_o make_v his_o will_n when_o once_o it_o be_v reveal_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o add_v a_o mighty_a force_n to_o those_o inclination_n which_o love_v alone_o creat_v evermore_o in_o the_o mind_n to_o clasp_v with_o his_o holy_a and_o righteous_a precept_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v obedience_n as_o the_o only_a sign_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a love_n i_o will_v show_v mercy_n unto_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n say_v god_n exod._n 20._o 6._o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n say_v christ_n job_n 14._o 15._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 divine_a apostle_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 3._o
redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n we_o may_v become_v servant_n unto_o god_n and_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n nothing_o can_v be_v clear_a than_o this_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o with_o this_o most_o gracious_a intention_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n ought_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n of_o heart_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v he_o as_o the_o saviour_n of_o we_o all_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o tender_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n some_o will_v be_v so_o want_v to_o their_o eternal_a interest_n as_o to_o continue_v still_o in_o bondage_n and_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a course_n till_o they_o take_v their_o last_o fortune_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n from_o who_o power_n and_o damnation_n they_o may_v have_v be_v deliver_v this_o will_v be_v indeed_o a_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o crime_n and_o folly_n and_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n but_o no_o diminution_n at_o all_o of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n by_o the_o various_a act_n whereof_o he_o show_v now_o his_o great_a and_o unwillingness_n to_o have_v any_o of_o we_o perish_v and_o it_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v the_o saviour_n especial_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v because_o though_o he_o be_v love_v unto_o all_o yet_o these_o make_v a_o special_a use_n of_o his_o general_a love_n they_o walk_v worthy_a of_o their_o vocation_n by_o their_o special_a obedience_n they_o order_v all_o action_n in_o special_a conformity_n to_o his_o command_n and_o law_n and_o so_o a_o special_a application_n of_o christ_n merit_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o become_v final_o and_o effectual_o and_o in_o the_o event_n and_o issue_n the_o saviour_n of_o they_o only_o it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o our_o eternal_a comfort_n amount_v to_o to_o take_v great_a care_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o action_n because_o whatever_o notion_n some_o be_v willing_a to_o please_v their_o fancy_n with_o every_o one_o final_a state_n will_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o work_n to_o be_v pry_v into_o and_o to_o depend_v on_o god_n secret_a counsel_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o neglect_v one_o own_o life_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o a_o more_o fatal_a downfall_n than_o his_o who_o walk_v on_o gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n and_o present_o break_v his_o neck_n by_o tumble_v down_o a_o rugged_a precipice_n the_o reveal_v thing_n belong_v to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o revelation_n that_o if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n we_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n mat._n 19_o 17._o that_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o act._n 10._o 35._o that_o we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v phil._n 2._o 12._o that_o we_o must_v not_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 12._o 2._o that_o we_o must_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o that_o we_o must_v be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o and_o that_o if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 11._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_a the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v to_o let_v all_o empty_a speculation_n go_v and_o to_o study_v the_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o our_o opinion_n but_o solid_a piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o will_v carry_v we_o out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n 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 just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n say_v the_o prophet_n mic._n 6._o 8._o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n have_v the_o grace_n grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n appear_v unto_o all_o man_n why_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n say_v the_o apostle_n tit._n 2._o 12._o if_o then_o we_o will_v answer_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o indeed_o and_o to_o reap_v benefit_n by_o it_o everlasting_o this_o be_v the_o true_a way_n viz._n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n unto_o repentance_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n to_o eschew_v evil_a to_o follow_v peace_n and_o 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labour_n and_o that_o engage_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o generous_a undertake_n as_o dull_a selfish_a and_o phlegmatic_a nature_n be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o open_v a_o thought_n to_o in_o short_a it_o be_v such_o a_o command_a passion_n as_o bring_v a_o man_n into_o captivity_n with_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o make_v he_o pleasant_o and_o cheerful_o a_o vassal_n witness_v that_o single_a instance_n of_o love_n jacob_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o unworthy_a artifices_fw-la of_o his_o uncle_n laban_n look_v upon_o his_o many_o year_n servitude_n but_o as_o a_o few_o day_n for_o the_o affection_n he_o bear_v to_o his_o belove_a rachel_n gen._n 29_o as_o this_o affection_n be_v more_o and_o more_o purify_v so_o it_o rise_v in_o its_o vigour_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a love_n place_v upon_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o most_o active_a delightful_a principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o which_o set_v the_o bless_a angel_n upon_o the_o wing_n to_o execute_v his_o command_n with_o such_o pleasure_n and_o alacrity_n the_o same_o divine_a principle_n inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o other_o such_o saint_n of_o christ_n especial_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n to_o do_v and_o to_o suffer_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n name_n with_o that_o resolution_n cheerfulness_n and_o zeal_n which_o make_v they_o renown_v unto_o all_o age_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 14._o and_o to_o omit_v other_o instance_n i_o can_v but_o remember_v here_o the_o ardent_a zeal_n of_o that_o famous_a imitator_n of_o st._n paul_n ignatius_n the_o martyr_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n who_o be_v condemn_v
to_o be_v throw_v to_o the_o lion_n as_o he_o be_v on_o his_o tedious_a journey_n to_o rome_n where_o he_o be_v to_o suffer_v he_o send_v beforehand_o to_o the_o christian_n there_o a_o epistle_n wherein_o he_o most_o importunate_o and_o passionate_o desire_v they_o not_o to_o use_v any_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v his_o martyrdom_n but_o rather_o assist_v the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v to_o die_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o pray_v hearty_o that_o it_o may_v be_v his_o lot_n to_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o wild_a beast_n which_o be_v provide_v for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v find_v they_o fierce_a and_o ravenous_a he_o profess_v that_o rather_o than_o fail_v he_o will_v court_v nay_o constrain_v they_o to_o devour_v he_o he_o express_v his_o wish_n that_o he_o may_v endure_v any_o torment_n the_o flame_n the_o cross_a the_o unite_a force_n of_o savage_a creature_n mangling_n dilaceration_n the_o disperse_v of_o his_o bone_n the_o chap_a of_o all_o his_o limb_n into_o piece_n the_o consumption_n of_o his_o whole_a body_n nay_o all_o the_o pain_n the_o devil_n can_v bring_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o he_o may_v but_o enjoy_v jesus_n christ_n he_o declare_v that_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a without_o martyrdom_n and_o that_o he_o have_v much_o rather_o die_v for_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n than_o be_v monarch_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o this_o his_o flame_v zeal_n be_v the_o great_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o christ_n wonderful_a affection_n in_o die_v for_o the_o world_n which_o command_v from_o he_o the_o return_n of_o these_o passionate_a affection_n to_o god_n and_o his_o redeemer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o my_o love_n be_v crucify_a i_o have_v brief_o observe_v these_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o love_n be_v a_o most_o powerful_a affection_n when_o it_o be_v sincere_a hearty_a and_o earnest_a of_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v conceal_v or_o lie_v idle_a there_o be_v a_o vehemence_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o will_v break_v forth_o and_o discover_v the_o delight_n and_o desire_n that_o be_v within_o and_o therefore_o to_o fit_a and_o temper_v our_o mind_n due_o for_o those_o performance_n which_o god_n look_v for_o as_o a_o genuine_a return_n on_o our_o part_n for_o his_o abundant_a love_n to_o we_o all_o and_o as_o necessary_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o final_a and_o everlasting_a fruition_n of_o himself_o we_o must_v raise_v our_o affection_n to_o this_o hihg_n and_o noble_a pitch_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n mat._n 22._o 37._o our_o saviour_n there_o call_v it_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v of_o prime_a obligation_n but_o moreover_o because_o it_o be_v the_o main_a genuine_a spring_n whence_o all_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n do_v natural_o flow_v indeed_o solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 9_o 10._o and_o doubtless_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n be_v a_o very_a necessary_a thing_n to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_o nay_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v a_o check_n upon_o those_o who_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o commit_v iniquity_n with_o greediness_n and_o run_v out_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o god_n judgement_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o hell_n torment_v in_o the_o next_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o good_a restraint_n and_o high_o needful_a in_o its_o kind_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o preservative_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v for_o this_o fear_n be_v in_o some_o man_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o absurd_a slavish_a disposition_n proceed_v pure_o from_o self-love_n and_o from_o a_o natural_a principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o make_v they_o forbear_v those_o sin_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n only_o which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v ready_o commit_v be_v there_o no_o danger_n and_o as_o for_o those_o positive_a act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n which_o they_o perform_v they_o proceed_v too_o from_o the_o same_o servise_v principle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v at_o best_a a_o force_a and_o unwilling_a obedience_n extort_a mere_o to_o pacify_v a_o terrible_a god_n that_o be_v arm_v with_o power_n to_o revenge_v the_o contempt_n of_o of_o his_o most_o sacred_a authority_n and_o though_o there_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o the_o very_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a people_n a_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o a_o dread_a of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o of_o eternal_a punishment_n a_o fear_n that_o be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o very_o useful_a to_o themselves_o yet_o in_o those_o pious_a heart_n it_o be_v attend_v and_o mix_v with_o a_o very_a ardent_a love_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a fear_n a_o filial_a reverence_n like_o that_o awful_a regard_n which_o dutiful_a and_o affectionate_a child_n have_v for_o their_o dear_a parent_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o displeasure_n and_o obey_v but_o obey_v with_o cheerfulness_n and_o delight_n it_o be_v love_n that_o most_o generous_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v fear_v such_o a_o good_a and_o kindly_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o the_o warm_a our_o love_n be_v the_o more_o extensive_a hearty_a and_o acceptable_a will_v our_o obedience_n be_v therefore_o that_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o by_o a_o cheerful_a performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n he_o have_v propose_v to_o our_o practice_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v fit_v we_o for_o true_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n to_o answer_v i_o say_v this_o his_o unspeakable_a love_n to_o we_o all_o we_o shall_v use_v all_o possible_a endeavour_n to_o inflame_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o love_n towards_o he_o again_o as_o wrought_v so_o vigorous_o in_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a who_o count_v not_o their_o very_a life_n dear_a to_o they_o so_o that_o they_o may_v finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o act._n 20._o 24._o in_o the_o close_n of_o this_o whole_a subject_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n love_n and_o be_v now_o to_o end_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o we_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o how_o we_o may_v acquire_v second_o how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v that_o divine_a affection_n which_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o two_o first_o then_o the_o way_n to_o acquire_v this_o love_n be_v to_o represent_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o best_a of_o all_o being_n and_o that_o in_o a_o two_o fold_v respect_n 1._o as_o the_o most_o desirable_a delightful_a and_o amiable_a good_a in_o his_o nature_n and_o 2._o as_o a_o be_v that_o be_v most_o communicative_a of_o goodness_n and_o happiness_n to_o we_o one_a first_o we_o shall_v represent_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o most_o amiable_a good_a in_o his_o nature_n some_o perfection_n be_v very_a indear_n and_o attractive_a of_o our_o affection_n though_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o as_o that_o perfection_n of_o body_n which_o consist_v in_o external_n beauty_n and_o loveliness_n invit_v the_o spectator_n affection_n though_o the_o person_n so_o accomplish_v be_v and_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o he_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v much_o more_o attractive_a of_o a_o rational_a affection_n wisdom_n truth_n sincerity_n faithfulness_n gentleness_n meekness_n patience_n righteousness_n mercy_n a_o condescend_v temper_n and_o whatever_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a goodness_n these_o be_v amiable_a virtue_n and_o disposition_n which_o we_o can_v but_o love_v one_o another_o for_o though_o they_o be_v in_o we_o but_o in_o a_o scanty_a measure_n and_o be_v mix_v too_o with_o many_o infirmity_n such_o as_o they_o be_v they_o be_v derive_v also_o we_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o to_o that_o supreme_a and_o first_o cause_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o excellency_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v most_o amiable_a in_o god_n because_o in_o he_o they_o be_v absolute_a and_o infinite_a nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v any_o perfection_n intellectual_a or_o moral_a in_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n no_o not_o in_o the_o bless_a angel_n themselves_o but_o what_o be_v transcendent_o glorious_a in_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n who_o excellency_n admit_v of_o no_o boundary_n or_o abatement_n
this_o than_o be_v the_o first_o way_n of_o express_v our_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o return_n of_o his_o great_a love_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o mankind_n by_o do_v all_o thing_n he_o require_v of_o we_o with_o a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a mind_n it_o be_v not_o a_o starch_a gesture_n nor_o a_o formal_a carriage_n nor_o a_o external_n profession_n nor_o a_o waterish_a look_v nor_o a_o furious_a zeal_n for_o dry_a opinion_n it_o be_v not_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o that_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a principle_n of_o religion_n for_o these_o outward_a show_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o hatred_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o then_o they_o be_v only_o so_o many_o gloss_n of_o hypocrite_n void_a of_o that_o rational_a and_o generous_a affection_n which_o god_n love_n call_v for_o it_o be_v the_o entire_a subjection_n of_o the_o heart_n operate_a and_o exert_v all_o its_o vigour_n by_o religious_a sober_a honest_a and_o charitable_a action_n it_o be_v the_o subdue_a our_o unreasonable_a passion_n the_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n the_o cleanse_n of_o ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n the_o square_n of_o our_o life_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o this_o pliant_a and_o obediential_a frame_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o true_a testimony_n and_o fruit_n of_o that_o love_n which_o god_n look_v for_o and_o which_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o so_o great_a a_o price_n we_o must_v call_v upon_o he_o daily_o with_o faithful_a and_o inflame_v spirit_n we_o must_v apply_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v do_v just_o love_n mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o our_o god_n we_o must_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o any_o guile_n and_o deal_v true_o with_o all_o man_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n we_o must_v love_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_v one_o another_o for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v 1_o joh._n 4._o 20._o in_o short_a to_o express_v our_o love_n of_o god_n after_o a_o right_a manner_n we_o must_v obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o with_o enlarge_a heart_n with_o filial_a reverence_n with_o ingenuous_a dutifulness_n with_o a_o ready_a will_n and_o with_o such_o alacrity_n cheerfulness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o mind_n as_o become_v those_o for_o who_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n second_o another_o proper_a act_n of_o love_n be_v to_o study_v imitation_n this_o proceed_v from_o a_o twofold_a cause_n partly_o from_o the_o great_a value_n we_o have_v of_o and_o the_o great_a complacency_n we_o take_v in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o affection_n which_o be_v so_o amiable_a in_o our_o eye_n do_v natural_o excite_v we_o to_o transform_v ourselves_o into_o a_o similitude_n of_o it_o and_o partly_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o innate_a desire_n we_o all_o have_v of_o be_v belove_v again_o which_o be_v impracticable_a without_o a_o harmony_n of_o mind_n and_o temper_v between_o both_o party_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o one_o that_o love_n may_v be_v reciprocal_a to_o suit_v himself_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o other_o especial_o if_o that_o other_o be_v a_o superior_a in_o dignity_n excellence_n and_o perfection_n consider_v therefore_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_o the_o most_o excellent_a the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a of_o all_o being_n the_o love_n which_o spring_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o reach_v after_o a_o plenary_a communication_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o stimulate_v one_o soul_n to_o put_v on_o a_o disposition_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o that_o we_o may_v right_o and_o eminent_o express_v our_o love_n to_o god_n we_o must_v by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o resemble_v he_o i_o mean_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v imitable_a by_o we_o we_o must_v be_v sincere_a in_o heart_n as_o that_o most_o bless_v be_v be_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o power_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o must_v be_v holy_a and_o separate_a from_o all_o moral_a impurity_n as_o god_n be_v we_o must_v be_v patient_n long-suffering_a and_o slow_a to_o anger_n as_o he_o be_v we_o must_v be_v treatable_a and_o reconcilable_a notwithstanding_o all_o affront_v and_o injury_n as_o he_o be_v we_o must_v be_v strict_a observer_n of_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o justice_n as_o he_o be_v we_o must_v be_v steaddy_a and_o true_a to_o all_o our_o promise_n as_o the_o faithful_a god_n be_v we_o must_v be_v merciful_a and_o benign_a compassionate_a and_o tenderhearted_a bountiful_a and_o impartial_a kind_a and_o good_a to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o our_o enemy_n as_o that_o gracious_a and_o beneficent_a be_v be_v who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o good_a and_o upon_o the_o evil_a too_o and_o send_v his_o rain_n upon_o the_o just_a and_o upon_o the_o unjust_a also_o those_o illnatured_n people_n who_o be_v uncharitable_a rigid_a fierce_a implacable_a austere_a cruel_a revengeful_a and_o outrageous_a shall_v look_v upon_o god_n glory_n the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o shall_v employ_v their_o time_n upon_o this_o great_a study_n how_o to_o be_v like_o god_n according_a to_o those_o charm_a idea_n under_o which_o he_o be_v represent_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n thou_o think_v wicked_o that_o i_o be_o even_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o say_v god_n but_o i_o will_v reprove_v thou_o and_o set_v before_o thou_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v do_v psal_n 50._o 21._o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o our_o vice_n nor_o must_v we_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o think_v we_o love_v he_o by_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o filth_n and_o refuse_v of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n goodness_n be_v so_o bright_a a_o beam_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v see_v in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n that_o man_n can_v but_o discover_v it_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o common_a natural_a reason_n the_o old_a pagan_n admire_v it_o and_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v the_o best_o be_v and_o therefore_o adore_v he_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o all_o their_o strait_n and_o necessity_n and_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v they_o for_o which_o universal_a custom_n among_o all_o mankind_n there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n have_v they_o not_o universal_o believe_v not_o only_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o divine_a be_v be_v a_o god_n of_o power_n and_o a_o god_n of_o great_a clemency_n benignity_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o their_o religious_a office_n and_o of_o that_o love_n which_o nature_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n towards_o he_o and_o whatever_o any_o of_o we_o christian_n may_v talk_v of_o our_o love_a god_n all_o be_v but_o froth_n and_o vanity_n senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a profession_n unless_o we_o resemble_v he_o in_o goodness_n be_v you_o merciful_a even_o as_o your_o father_n be_v merciful_a as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v luk._n 6._o 36._o three_o and_o last_o to_o express_v our_o love_n towards_o god_n we_o must_v earnest_o desire_v the_o fruition_n of_o he_o this_o every_o one_o see_v to_o be_v another_o natural_a act_n of_o this_o affection_n and_o the_o most_o vehement_a effort_n of_o it_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o its_o object_n and_o to_o have_v it_o in_o actual_a possession_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o happiness_n be_v apprehend_v to_o consist_v in_o such_o enjoyment_n now_o god_n be_v the_o true_a felicity_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o only_a proper_a object_n which_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v employ_v upon_o with_o satisfaction_n and_o which_o can_v full_o answer_v all_o our_o desire_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o can_v true_o love_v he_o especial_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o our_o happiness_n without_o ardent_a and_o impatient_a long_n after_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o note_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o present_a and_o a_o future_a fruition_n of_o god_n the_o present_a fruition_n in_o respect_n of_o degree_n be_v very_o imperfect_a because_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o imperfect_a state_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o quality_n and_o kind_a be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v for_o it_o consist_v in_o contemplate_v god_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n in_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n in_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o