the_o archbishop_n of_o york_n sermon_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n before_o the_o king_n &_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n march_v four_o 1693_o 4._o a_o sermon_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n &_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n the_o 4_o h_z of_o march_z be_v the_o 2_o d_o sunday_n in_o lent_n 1693_o 4._o by_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o york_z publish_a by_o their_o majesty_n especial_a command_n london_n print_v by_o tho._n warren_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxciv_o a_o sermon_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n proverb_n iu_o 23._o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n the_o argument_n with_o which_o this_o audience_n be_v entertain_v the_o last_o lord_n day_n be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n i_o can_v think_v it_o improper_a or_o unseasonable_a for_o i_o who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o come_v next_o to_o treat_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n there_o be_v a_o near_a relation_n between_o these_o two_o and_o a_o necessary_a dependence_n of_o the_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o our_o word_n indeed_o be_v more_o easy_o govern_v than_o our_o thought_n because_o they_o be_v more_o in_o our_o power_n but_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a either_o to_o govern_v our_o word_n or_o our_o action_n as_o we_o shall_v unless_o we_o first_o bring_v our_o thought_n in_o some_o measure_n under_o government_n i_o must_v confess_v this_o argument_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a yet_o it_o seem_v also_o a_o very_a nice_a and_o difficult_a one_o through_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o case_n arise_v from_o man_n different_a temper_n which_o will_v not_o come_v under_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o yet_o aught_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o but_o however_o this_o shall_v not_o discourage_v i_o from_o undertake_v this_o argument_n it_o shall_v only_o make_v i_o more_o careful_a as_o to_o what_o i_o say_v about_o it_o that_o be_v to_o have_v respect_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o temper_n and_o to_o deliver_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v with_o so_o much_o plainness_n that_o every_o body_n may_v go_v along_o with_o i_o the_o word_n upon_o which_o i_o ground_n my_o discourse_n be_v those_o of_o solomon_n which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o and_o which_o contain_v one_o of_o those_o precept_n that_o he_o lay_v down_o for_o the_o religious_a conduct_n of_o our_o life_n keep_v say_v he_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o what_o other_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o text_n i_o take_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o it_o to_o be_v this_o by_o the_o heart_n here_o which_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o keep_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o inward_a thought_n and_o motion_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o spirit_n all_o which_o in_o the_o inspire_a write_n be_v constant_o say_v to_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n this_o undoubted_o be_v the_o scripture-notion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o when_o we_o be_v here_o bid_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v the_o mean_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v diligent_o attend_v to_o the_o thought_n and_o motion_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v watch_v they_o narrow_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v give_v our_o consent_n to_o some_o thing_n we_o ought_v not_o this_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n and_o then_o a_o reason_n be_v add_v why_o it_o concern_v we_o thus_o to_o keep_v they_o and_o that_o be_v this_o because_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n what_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o that_o phrase_n plain_o this_o the_o issue_n the_o fruit_n the_o effect_n that_o be_v show_v in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o according_o as_o that_o be_v well_o or_o ill_o guard_v or_o keep_v so_o will_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o our_o life_n do_v altogether_o depend_v upon_o the_o attend_v or_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o thought_n and_o motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o our_o caution_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o this_o point_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o will_v our_o course_n of_o life_n be_v better_a or_o worse_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o that_o mean_v to_o live_v well_o to_o be_v infinite_o careful_a in_o this_o matter_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o advice_n that_o be_v here_o give_v we_o so_o that_o you_o see_v if_o i_o mean_v to_o discourse_v pertinent_o to_o my_o text_n my_o argument_n must_v be_v what_o i_o say_v the_o care_n and_o management_n and_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n as_o they_o fall_v under_o a_o religious_a consideration_n in_o treat_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o two_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v do_v first_o to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o power_n a_o man_n have_v over_o his_o own_o thought_n second_o to_o show_v wherein_o the_o art_n of_o govern_v of_o they_o do_v consist_v it_o be_v indeed_o this_o second_o thing_n which_o my_o text_n natural_o lead_v i_o to_o speak_v to_o but_o i_o can_v speak_v to_o that_o to_o any_o purpose_n till_o i_o have_v make_v way_n for_o it_o by_o clear_v the_o first_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o give_v rule_n about_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n till_o we_o know_v how_o far_o we_o have_v power_n over_o they_o how_o far_o they_o fall_v or_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o our_o conduct_n and_o management_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o most_o of_o those_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o that_o have_v discourse_v about_o the_o government_n of_o thought_n by_o not_o inquire_v into_o and_o settle_v this_o point_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o benefit_v all_o their_o hearer_n that_o desire_v to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o their_o good_a advice_n that_o to_o several_a of_o they_o they_o have_v do_v harm_n because_o as_o to_o they_o their_o advice_n have_v be_v perfect_o unpracticable_a now_o those_o that_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o instead_o of_o consider_v that_o the_o teacher_n may_v be_v in_o a_o mistake_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o weigh_v and_o examine_v the_o case_n of_o all_o person_n he_o give_v his_o advice_n to_o have_v peremptory_o conclude_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o the_o fault_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o a_o evil_a condition_n because_o they_o find_v themselves_o not_o able_a to_o live_v up_o to_o what_o be_v advise_v they_o the_o first_o question_n than_o be_v how_o far_o a_o man_n have_v power_n over_o his_o own_o thought_n there_o be_v not_o indeed_o any_o single_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o question_n that_o will_v fit_v all_o men._n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a it_o will_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o demand_v it_o as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o require_v of_o a_o workman_n to_o make_v a_o garment_n that_o shall_v fit_v all_o sort_n and_o size_n of_o men._n some_o man_n by_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o their_o make_n and_o constitution_n be_v much_o better_a able_a to_o govern_v their_o thought_n than_o other_o some_o that_o be_v natural_o weak_a have_v by_o long_a use_n and_o many_o trial_n obtain_v a_o great_a power_n over_o their_o thought_n than_o other_o again_o the_o same_o person_n that_o at_o some_o time_n have_v a_o great_a power_n over_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o mind_n may_v at_o other_o time_n have_v a_o less_o command_n over_o they_o and_o this_o according_a as_o their_o health_n or_o their_o business_n or_o a_o hundred_o contingency_n of_o outward_a thing_n do_v affect_v they_o so_o that_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a proposition_n which_o every_o body_n be_v to_o apply_v to_o himself_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o five_o of_o this_o kind_n i_o have_v to_o offer_v and_o which_o i_o think_v will_v take_v in_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o this_o argument_n the_o first_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o be_v this_o that_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v very_o little_a if_o at_o all_o in_o our_o power_n by_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n i_o mean_v those_o sudden_a thought_n or_o apprehension_n or_o passion_n or_o desire_n which_o be_v excite_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o any_o object_n
that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n present_v to_o our_o imagination_n as_o to_o these_o i_o say_v we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o master_n of_o ourselves_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o stop_v they_o nay_o though_o perhaps_o they_o be_v very_o irregular_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v produce_v so_o quick_a that_o there_o be_v not_o time_n enough_o give_v for_o reason_n to_o interpose_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v consent_n to_o these_o motion_n but_o as_o for_o their_o come_n into_o his_o mind_n he_o can_v no_o more_o help_v it_o than_o he_o can_v help_v his_o present_a temper_n or_o the_o present_a circumstance_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o thus_o for_o instance_n do_v you_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v of_o a_o fiery_a passionate_a temper_n to_o avoid_v the_o feel_n a_o sudden_a resentment_n of_o anger_n arise_v in_o his_o mind_n if_o he_o meet_v with_o any_o unexpected_a affront_n or_o other_o great_a provocation_n or_o for_o a_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v well_o think_v of_o not_o to_o entertain_v some_o vanity_n of_o imagination_n when_o he_o hear_v himself_o commend_v or_o flatter_v or_o for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v addict_v to_o pleasure_n not_o to_o feel_v some_o irregular_a inclination_n in_o himself_o towards_o the_o gratify_a his_o appetite_n in_o those_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v all_o the_o temptation_n before_o he_o and_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o case_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o a_o man_n by_o long_a consideration_n and_o a_o serious_a exercise_v himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n may_v bring_v himself_o to_o that_o temper_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o many_o irregular_a undecent_a motion_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n upon_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v and_o that_o those_o that_o be_v former_o temptation_n to_o he_o will_v at_o last_o be_v none_o but_o still_o i_o say_v the_o first_o motion_n and_o work_n of_o his_o mind_n however_o they_o be_v occasion_v be_v in_o a_o great_a meaâ—ure_n out_o of_o his_o power_n he_o can_v stop_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o art_n of_o govern_v his_o thought_n do_v not_o lie_v there_o the_o second_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n mind_n be_v vigorous_o affect_v and_o possess_v either_o with_o the_o outward_a object_n of_o sense_n or_o with_o inward_a passion_n of_o any_o kind_n in_o that_o case_n he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o command_n of_o his_o thought_n his_o mind_n at_o that_o time_n will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o take_v up_o with_o that_o it_o be_v then_o full_o off_o nor_o will_v he_o be_v able_a till_o those_o impression_n be_v wear_v off_o to_o think_v free_o of_o what_o he_o please_v thus_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n be_v under_o a_o sharp_a torment_a pain_n as_o he_o can_v avoid_v the_o feel_n of_o that_o pain_n so_o neither_o can_v he_o avoid_v the_o think_n of_o it_o when_o one_o be_v full_a of_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o dear_a relation_n or_o transport_v with_o passion_n for_o some_o unworthy_a usage_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o say_v pray_v think_v not_o of_o these_o matter_n for_o these_o thing_n must_v and_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n employ_v his_o thought_n till_o his_o passion_n do_v cool_a and_o the_o impression_n that_o cause_v they_o be_v vanish_v thus_o for_o a_o man_n to_o come_v from_o some_o business_n in_o which_o he_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o concern_v or_o from_o the_o hear_n some_o very_a good_a or_o very_a bad_a news_n i_o say_v to_o come_v fresh_a from_o this_o to_o the_o say_v his_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o i_o can_v wonder_v that_o in_o this_o case_n his_o mind_n will_v be_v much_o upon_o his_o business_n or_o his_o news_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v so_o of_o a_o sudden_a turn_n his_o mind_n from_o one_o business_n to_o another_o but_o that_o if_o he_o do_v close_o and_o vigorous_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o first_o business_n his_o thought_n will_v for_o some_o time_n run_v upon_o it_o even_o after_o he_o have_v apply_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o other_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v often_o so_o order_v his_o affair_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v his_o mind_n clear_a and_o free_a from_o such_o prepossession_n as_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o so_o as_o that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o any_o business_n he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o he_o may_v intend_v it_o with_o his_o whole_a might_n but_o this_o i_o say_v if_o our_o mind_n be_v once_o engage_v with_o warm_a thought_n about_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o get_v they_o disengage_v of_o a_o sudden_a so_o that_o the_o art_n of_o govern_v our_o thought_n do_v not_o much_o lie_n in_o that_o neither_o three_o there_o be_v some_o case_n likewise_o where_o a_o man_n thought_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o present_a temper_n and_o indisposition_n of_o his_o body_n so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v in_o no_o passion_n though_o there_o be_v no_o unusual_a object_n of_o sense_n that_o excite_v those_o thought_n in_o he_o nay_o though_o he_o never_o so_o much_o resolve_v not_o to_o think_v upon_o those_o thing_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o that_o habit_n of_o body_n last_v he_o can_v avoid_v those_o kind_n of_o thought_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n also_o there_o be_v little_a room_n leave_v for_o the_o government_n of_o thought_n that_o which_o i_o now_o say_v happen_v frequent_o not_o only_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o distemper_n where_o the_o brain_n be_v visible_o disturb_v as_o in_o fever_n and_o the_o like_a which_o often_o cause_n a_o thousand_o delirious_a fancy_n and_o sometime_o downright_a madness_n and_o distraction_n but_o also_o in_o other_o case_n where_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o fever_n or_o other_o visible_a distemper_n nor_o do_v the_o brain_n as_o to_o other_o matter_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o all_o disorder_a but_o the_o person_n in_o all_o appearance_n be_v sound_a both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o deep_o hypochondriack_a person_n many_o of_o which_o will_v be_v haunt_v with_o a_o sett_n of_o thought_n and_o fancy_n that_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n get_v rid_v of_o though_o they_o desire_v it_o never_o so_o earnest_o sometime_o they_o can_v get_v it_o out_o of_o their_o head_n but_o that_o they_o be_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n they_o neither_o believe_v in_o god_n nor_o in_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o have_v any_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o religion_n sometime_o they_o be_v torment_v with_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o they_o can_v set_v themselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o office_n of_o devotion_n but_o a_o thousand_o impious_a fancy_n will_v come_v in_o and_o spoil_v all_o sometime_o they_o fancy_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o several_a grievous_a crime_n which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o nay_o you_o can_v convince_v they_o but_o that_o they_o do_v every_o day_n commit_v some_o of_o these_o crime_n because_o they_o imagine_v they_o give_v consent_n to_o they_o and_o while_o these_o sort_n of_o thought_n fill_v their_o imagination_n there_o be_v not_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o bible_n that_o they_o read_v nor_o a_o sermon_n that_o they_o hear_v but_o they_o find_v something_o in_o it_o which_o they_o do_v so_o perverse_o apply_v to_o their_o own_o case_n as_o thereby_o to_o increase_v their_o trouble_n but_o not_o to_o get_v any_o relief_n i_o have_v know_v several_a well-disposed_a person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o sincere_o pious_a that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o condition_n what_o now_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o why_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o all_o these_o thought_n and_o fancy_n be_v thrust_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v not_o the_o free_a natural_a voluntary_a operation_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o vapour_n or_o hypochondriac_a melancholy_a nor_o can_v the_o person_n themselves_o any_o more_o help_v their_o thus_o think_v or_o fancy_v than_o they_o can_v help_v the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o dream_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o sleep_v quiet_o indeed_o we_o may_v proper_o enough_o call_v these_o fancy_n of_o they_o their_o wake_a dream_n as_o their_o dream_n be_v their_o sleep_a fancy_n well_o but_o now_o of_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o these_o people_n be_v most_o desirous_a to_o have_v rule_n give_v they_o for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o i_o can_v blame_v they_o because_o their_o thought_n be_v certain_o
that_o no_o man_n be_v draw_v to_o commit_v sin_n by_o any_o state_n or_o condition_n that_o god_n have_v put_v he_o into_o no_o nor_o by_o any_o temptation_n either_o outward_a or_o inward_a that_o be_v present_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tempt_v no_o nor_o to_o feel_v that_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o some_o disorderly_a inclination_n that_o arise_v in_o our_o mind_n thereupon_o but_o second_o than_o our_o sin_n begin_v when_o we_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n when_o we_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v when_o they_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o we_o and_o we_o do_v consent_n to_o they_o then_o lust_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o sin_n but_o three_o though_o the_o very_a consent_n of_o our_o will_n to_o a_o temptation_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o yet_o that_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o it_o will_v be_v afterward_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o action_n sin_n in_o the_o desire_n or_o purpose_n be_v but_o a_o embryo_n it_o be_v but_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o sin_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v act_v it_o be_v then_o a_o sin_n in_o its_o full_a dimension_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o may_v be_v fatal_a without_o repentance_n sin_z when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n have_v thus_o give_v some_o account_n how_o far_o our_o heart_n or_o thought_n do_v fall_v under_o government_n i_o now_o come_v to_o my_o second_o point_n that_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o art_n of_o govern_v they_o or_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o necessary_a rule_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o go_v far_o for_o these_o rule_n for_o they_o will_v all_o natural_o flow_v from_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v already_o lay_v down_o and_o i_o think_v they_o may_v convenient_o enough_o be_v reduce_v likewise_o to_o these_o five_o follow_v first_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a point_n to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o if_o we_o will_v keep_v our_o heart_n in_o a_o good_a frame_n and_o order_v our_o thought_n to_o good_a purpose_n be_v that_o we_o right_o pitch_v our_o main_a design_n that_o we_o choose_v that_o for_o the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n that_o real_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o now_o what_o that_o be_v can_v bear_v no_o dispute_n with_o any_o man_n that_o will_v fair_o use_v his_o reason_n for_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a concernment_n in_o the_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v our_o great_a business_n and_o design_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n to_o save_v that_o his_o great_a concernment_n of_o all_o be_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o that_o god_n who_o make_v he_o and_o dispose_v of_o all_o his_o affair_n and_o who_o according_o as_o we_o sincere_o endeavour_v or_o not_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v he_o will_v make_v we_o either_o very_a happy_a or_o very_o miserable_a both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o so_o that_o there_o can_v as_o i_o say_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a business_n and_o design_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o which_o all_o other_o business_n must_v yield_v now_o if_o we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o real_o to_o propose_v this_o as_o our_o main_a end_n and_o resolve_v to_o mind_v it_o and_o follow_v it_o as_o such_o i_o say_v if_o we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o do_v this_o we_o have_v make_v a_o very_a great_a step_n towards_o the_o obtain_n a_o security_n to_o ourselves_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o desire_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o satisfactory_a to_o ourselves_o for_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o what_o ever_o be_v our_o main_a business_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v it_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n draw_v all_o our_o thought_n to_o it_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o contrive_v that_o we_o must_v always_o be_v think_v of_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o but_o then_o they_o be_v so_o contrive_v likewise_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v most_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o in_o our_o eye_n most_o in_o our_o esteem_n most_o in_o our_o pursuit_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v that_o you_o place_v your_o happiness_n in_o upon_o that_o will_v your_o thought_n run_v upon_o that_o will_v your_o desire_n your_o inclination_n your_o affection_n be_v fix_v we_o have_v a_o world_n of_o instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o every_o day_n before_o our_o eye_n if_o a_o man_n have_v set_v his_o heart_n on_o monâ—y_n and_o propose_v it_o to_o himself_o as_o the_o business_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v rich_a why_o i_o dare_v say_v such_o a_o one_o will_v own_v to_o you_o that_o most_o of_o his_o thought_n be_v upon_o that_o project_n and_o that_o he_o find_v it_o so_o far_o from_o be_v difficult_a to_o keep_v his_o mind_n close_o and_o steady_a to_o his_o main_a interest_n as_o he_o call_v it_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o difficult_a to_o he_o to_o think_v of_o any_o other_o matter_n if_o a_o man_n be_v give_v up_o to_o pleasure_n and_o think_v nothing_o worthy_a his_o live_n for_o but_o wine_n and_o woman_n and_o good_a eat_v and_o good_a company_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a to_o such_o a_o one_o to_o bend_v all_o his_o thought_n that_o way_n or_o do_v he_o put_v any_o force_n or_o violence_n upon_o himself_o in_o think_v and_o contrive_v all_o the_o day_n long_o how_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o gratification_n of_o his_o lust_n or_o his_o appetite_n why_o my_o brethren_n if_o we_o do_v all_o of_o we_o in_o good_a earnest_n make_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o purchase_n heaven_n and_o happiness_n to_o ourselves_o as_o much_o our_o business_n our_o end_n our_o design_n as_o these_o man_n make_v wealth_n or_o pleasure_n to_o be_v they_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v thus_o affect_v the_o common_a course_n of_o our_o thought_n will_v natural_o and_o easy_o without_o the_o least_o constraint_n run_v upon_o those_o object_n and_o we_o shall_v take_v as_o great_a delight_n in_o think_v of_o our_o treasure_n and_o contrive_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v in_o think_v and_o project_v for_o they_o i_o say_v thus_o it_o will_v be_v with_o we_o for_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n apprehend_v what_o charm_v there_o can_v be_v in_o worldly_a or_o sensual_a thing_n to_o attract_v a_o man_n mind_n what_o fetter_n there_o can_v be_v in_o they_o to_o bind_v his_o thought_n and_o tie_v they_o to_o themselves_o but_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o or_o great_a in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n here_o and_o eternal_a glory_n hereafter_o always_o provide_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o choice_n and_o pursuit_n as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o suspect_v where_o we_o see_v man_n so_o very_o cold_a and_o backward_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o spend_v all_o their_o thought_n upon_o trifle_v vain_a or_o worldly_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o reluctancy_n that_o they_o can_v bring_v themselves_o to_o think_v of_o their_o everlasting_a concernment_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o suspect_v that_o these_o person_n have_v not_o yet_o lay_v up_o their_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o so_o whole_o devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o main_a business_n when_o once_o they_o have_v do_v that_o i_o dare_v assure_v they_o they_o will_v find_v it_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o force_n upon_o they_o to_o think_v of_o good_a thing_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o natural_a to_o they_o and_o they_o will_v find_v the_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n in_o so_o do_v second_o whoever_o will_v keep_v his_o heart_n always_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o thought_n to_o god_n must_v have_v a_o especial_a care_n to_o avoid_v two_o thing_n viz._n idleness_n and_o loose_a company_n for_o both_o of_o these_o do_v strange_o unhinge_v a_o man_n mind_n and_o disarm_v it_o of_o that_o severity_n which_o be_v its_o best_a guard_n and_o defence_n against_o evil_a thought_n and_o make_v it_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n that_o will_v attack_v it_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v
never_o be_v at_o such_o a_o pass_n as_o to_o say_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o spend_v my_o next_o hour_n but_o shall_v so_o order_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n that_o all_o the_o portion_n of_o his_o time_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v fill_v with_o some_o useful_a or_o at_o least_o some_o innocent_a employment_n it_o be_v idleness_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v that_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o most_o of_o those_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o sinful_a fancy_n in_o which_o some_o man_n spend_v their_o day_n and_o whereas_o temptation_n do_v now_o and_o then_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o man_n the_o idle_a man_n be_v force_v to_o seek_v out_o temptation_n for_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o he_o that_o seek_v they_o find_v abundance_n of_o they_o and_o true_o loose_a and_o impertinent_a conversation_n which_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n i_o name_v though_o it_o look_v something_o with_o a_o better_a grace_n yet_o be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o idleness_n for_o wherever_o it_o be_v much_o use_v it_o will_v so_o emasculate_v a_o man_n mind_n and_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o as_o to_o serious_a thing_n that_o he_o can_v easy_o get_v it_o into_o a_o good_a frame_n again_o evil_a communication_n say_v st._n paul_n do_v corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o therefore_o those_o people_n a_o great_a part_n of_o who_o life_n be_v take_v up_o in_o gad_v up_o and_o down_o in_o play_n in_o merry_a meeting_n in_o tell_v or_o hear_v idle_a story_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v impossible_a but_o their_o thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v be_v suitable_a that_o be_v to_o say_v very_o frothy_a very_o light_a and_o foolish_a not_o to_o say_v profane_a and_o wicked_a and_o atheistical_a too_o if_o the_o company_n they_o much_o converse_v with_o be_v of_o that_o strain_n three_o another_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n for_o the_o keep_v our_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v as_o attentive_a as_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o whenever_o we_o find_v that_o they_o tend_v towards_o something_o that_o be_v forbid_v to_o stop_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o can_v we_o can_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o often_o prevent_v irregular_a desire_n or_o passion_n or_o inclination_n from_o arise_v in_o our_o mind_n upon_o sundry_a occasion_n but_o this_o we_o can_v do_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o they_o we_o can_v refuse_v our_o consent_n to_o they_o and_o in_o that_o case_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o as_o sin_n nay_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o can_v refuse_v their_o break_n out_o or_o show_v themselves_o in_o our_o word_n or_o our_o action_n for_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o outward_a member_n be_v all_o at_o our_o command_n though_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o here_o therefore_o will_v lie_v a_o main_a point_n in_o the_o art_n of_o well_o govern_v our_o mind_n and_o thought_n you_o can_v perhaps_o for_o instance_n prevent_v a_o sudden_a passion_n of_o anger_n from_o rise_v in_o your_o mind_n upon_o twenty_o accident_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o feel_v this_o passion_n you_o can_v thus_o far_o stifle_v it_o you_o can_v seal_v up_o your_o mouth_n so_o that_o the_o passion_n shall_v not_o vent_v itself_o in_o unseemly_a word_n and_o if_o you_o will_v withdraw_v that_o fuel_n from_o the_o new-kindled_n fire_n it_o will_v soon_o be_v extinguish_v and_o die_v whereas_o if_o you_o suffer_v it_o to_o break_v out_o in_o bitter_a speech_n and_o expression_n it_o will_v flame_n beyond_o measure_n thus_o again_o if_o any_o undecent_a impure_a fancy_n or_o desire_n shall_v be_v excite_v in_o you_o upon_o any_o occasion_n it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o in_o your_o power_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o come_v into_o your_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o temptation_n that_o cause_v they_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o direct_v your_o thought_n to_o some_o other_o object_n at_o least_o not_o to_o proceed_v one_o step_n in_o any_o outward_a action_n towards_o the_o accomplish_v of_o those_o desire_n if_o you_o take_v this_o course_n the_o disturbance_n of_o your_o mind_n will_v soon_o cease_v and_o you_o will_v return_v present_o to_o your_o ordinary_a temper_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o this_o further_o that_o by_o your_o be_v thus_o careful_a to_o resist_v and_o smother_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o sin_n you_o will_v not_o only_o preserve_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o innocency_n of_o your_o mind_n under_o the_o present_a temptation_n but_o you_o will_v also_o have_v this_o far_a advantage_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n you_o increase_v your_o power_n over_o your_o thought_n against_o the_o next_o time_n that_o the_o temptation_n return_v every_o check_n you_o give_v to_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o sin_n make_v the_o next_o assault_n of_o they_o the_o less_o furious_a and_o if_o you_o do_v constant_o use_v yourselves_o thus_o to_o guard_n and_o watch_n over_o your_o heart_n you_o will_v in_o time_n obtain_v such_o a_o command_n over_o they_o that_o you_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o a_o quarter_n of_o those_o irregular_a desire_n and_o passion_n which_o heretofore_o upon_o several_a occasion_n use_v to_o be_v kindle_v in_o you_o by_o this_o method_n you_o will_v strengthen_v your_o faculty_n and_o enlarge_v your_o power_n and_o by_o degree_n bring_v yourselves_o to_o that_o happy_a temper_n of_o soul_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a war_n between_o the_o law_n of_o your_o member_n be_v and_o the_o law_n of_o your_o mind_n but_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n will_v be_v crucify_a to_o you_o as_o you_o be_v to_o they_o that_o i_o may_v use_v st._n paul_n expression_n but_o than_o four_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o keep_v bad_a thought_n out_o of_o your_o mind_n but_o also_o to_o have_v a_o constant_a spring_n of_o good_a one_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a exercise_n very_o proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v recommend_v such_o i_o mean_v as_o these_o converse_v with_o discreet_a and_o pious_a person_n read_v good_a book_n especial_o the_o holy_a scripture_n take_v time_n of_o meditation_n and_o recollection_n and_o above_o all_o fervent_a and_o constant_a prayer_n to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tell_v how_o every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v help_v to_o inspire_v we_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o purpose_n a_o little_a passage_n now_o and_o then_o though_o but_o occasional_o drop_v in_o a_o conversation_n that_o be_v to_o the_o business_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n will_v supply_v we_o some_o time_n with_o matter_n for_o good_a thought_n for_o a_o considerable_a while_n after_o what_o last_a impression_n then_o do_v you_o think_v will_v be_v leave_v upon_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o make_v it_o our_o constant_a exercise_n every_o day_n to_o read_v or_o hear_v something_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n or_o some_o other_o good_a book_n with_o a_o design_n to_o grow_v better_o thereby_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o be_v diligent_a and_o serious_a in_o our_o application_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v hearty_a prayer_n and_o devotion_n that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v will_v prove_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o keep_v our_o heart_n steady_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o sensible_a earthly_a object_n that_o do_v surround_v we_o o_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v constant_a in_o our_o religious_a office_n nay_o let_v we_o take_v every_o opportunity_n that_o our_o affair_n will_v allow_v we_o of_o raise_v our_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o thank_v he_o for_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o and_o implore_v the_o continual_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o reinforce_a our_o vow_n and_o purpose_n of_o persevere_v in_o his_o service_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o lead_v spiritual_a life_n indeed_o our_o soul_n will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a fountain_n of_o good_a thought_n and_o while_o we_o live_v here_o our_o conversation_n will_v be_v in_o heaven_n for_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n above_o will_v have_v our_o heart_n though_o the_o world_n have_v our_o body_n but_o then_o in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n notwithstanding_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o diligence_n with_o which_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n yet_o this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o with_o our_o diligence_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o join_v discretion_n my_o mean_v be_v this_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o intend_v our_o thought_n immoderate_o and_o more_o than_o our_o temper_n will_v bear_v even_o to_o the_o best_a thing_n but_o we_o must_v so_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o preserve_v our_o health_n and_o keep_v up_o the_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o way_n to_o do_v that_o be_v not_o to_o put_v they_o too_o much_o or_o too_o long_o upon_o the_o stretch_n at_o any_o one_o time_n but_o to_o relax_v they_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o to_o let_v they_o run_v out_o and_o entertain_v themselves_o upon_o any_o thing_n that_o come_v next_o to_o hand_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v innocent_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o we_o can_v always_o be_v think_v of_o our_o great_a business_n or_o that_o we_o can_v be_v always_o a_o pray_v or_o read_v or_o meditate_v or_o that_o as_o our_o condition_n be_v in_o this_o world_n even_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o thought_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o we_o call_v devout_a and_o religious_a thought_n god_n have_v provide_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o other_o business_n for_o we_o to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o by_o mind_v that_o diligent_o and_o conscientious_o we_o do_v serve_v god_n as_o acceptable_o as_o if_o we_o be_v read_v or_o pray_v nay_o even_o then_o when_o we_o have_v no_o urgent_a business_n upon_o our_o hand_n to_o take_v up_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o think_v of_o religion_n nor_o will_v i_o call_v every_o thought_n a_o vain_a or_o a_o idle_a or_o a_o sinful_a thought_n that_o have_v not_o god_n or_o our_o spiritual_a concernment_n for_o its_o object_n even_o the_o most_o spiritually-minded_n among_o we_o must_v oftentimes_o be_v content_a to_o be_v entertain_v with_o such_o thought_n as_o our_o company_n or_o our_o temper_n or_o the_o present_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o do_v suggest_v to_o we_o and_o provide_v those_o thought_n be_v innocent_a and_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o piety_n and_o purity_n and_o charity_n be_v they_o otherwise_o very_a trifle_n and_o impertinent_a i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o ill_a thought_n nor_o have_v any_o one_o angry_a at_o himself_o upon_o account_n of_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v so_o long_o as_o we_o consist_v of_o body_n and_o soul_n we_o can_v always_o be_v think_v of_o serious_a thing_n they_o indeed_o be_v the_o wise_a that_o think_v of_o they_o most_o but_o it_o be_v even_o dangerous_a to_o attempt_v to_o think_v of_o they_o always_o for_o as_o most_o man_n constitution_n be_v that_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o spoil_v the_o habit_n of_o our_o body_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o render_v our_o mind_n perfect_o unfit_a for_o think_v at_o all_o to_o any_o good_a purpose_n thus_o have_v i_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o as_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o right_a govern_v our_o thought_n do_v consist_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o be_v so_o safe_a and_o so_o effectual_a that_o whosoever_o will_v sincere_o practice_v they_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v will_v so_o keep_v his_o heart_n that_o the_o issue_n from_o thence_o in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n will_v be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a i_o conclude_v all_o with_o the_o collect_n of_o this_o day_n almighty_a god_n who_o see_v that_o we_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ourselves_o to_o help_v ourselves_o keep_v we_o both_o outward_o in_o our_o body_n and_o inward_o in_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o may_v be_v defend_v from_o all_o adversity_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o the_o body_n and_o from_o all_o evil_a thought_n which_o may_v assault_v and_o hurt_v the_o soul_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n finis_fw-la
very_o troublesome_a but_o true_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v pertinent_o to_o their_o case_n instead_o of_o give_v they_o advice_n for_o the_o regulate_v their_o thought_n they_o shall_v rather_o be_v advise_v to_o look_v after_o their_o body_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o good_a prescription_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o those_o fume_n and_o vapour_n which_o occasion_n these_o fancy_n when_o the_o cause_n be_v remove_v the_o effect_n will_v soon_o cease_v i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n what_o ever_o these_o people_n may_v think_v of_o their_o own_o case_n but_o that_o this_o be_v as_o proper_o a_o bodily_a disease_n as_o a_o fever_n or_o fit_v of_o the_o fall_v sickness_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n whatever_o rule_n be_v proper_a to_o be_v give_v to_o other_o person_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o thought_n of_o all_o people_n live_v those_o rule_n do_v the_o least_o concern_v they_o for_o those_o thought_n which_o they_o complain_v of_o do_v not_o at_o all_o fall_n under_o regulation_n or_o government_n because_o they_o be_v suggest_v to_o their_o mind_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o advisable_a if_o it_o can_v be_v to_o neglect_v and_o despise_v they_o than_o to_o be_v perpetual_o struggle_v and_o dispute_v with_o they_o and_o vex_v themselves_o about_o they_o but_o you_o will_v say_v if_o man_n be_v such_o slave_n to_o their_o thought_n and_o be_v thus_o necessary_o passive_a under_o they_o where_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o thought_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o four_o place_n out_o of_o these_o three_o case_n i_o before_o mention_v we_o have_v liberty_n of_o think_v and_o may_v choose_v our_o own_o thought_n and_o that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n we_o have_v in_o think_v do_v to_o my_o apprehension_n main_o consist_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o all_o of_o we_o who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o circumstance_n i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o speak_v of_o can_v if_o we_o please_v apply_v our_o mind_n more_o vigorous_o to_o one_o sort_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o another_o and_o according_o as_o we_o do_v thus_o apply_v our_o mind_n so_o will_v the_o most_o of_o our_o thought_n be_v it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n among_o the_o multitude_n of_o object_n which_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n as_o for_o instance_n god_n virtue_n holiness_n heaven_n wealth_n power_n greatness_n preferment_n fine_a clothes_n splendid_a equipage_n sensual_a pleasure_n recreation_n divertisement_n knowledge_n learning_n art_n and_o the_o like_a i_o say_v that_o among_o all_o this_o multitude_n of_o object_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o which_o of_o they_o we_o will_v dwell_v upon_o and_o make_v a_o business_n of_o and_o according_o when_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v pitch_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o as_o a_o business_n it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o mind_v that_o business_n either_o more_o or_o less_o diligent_o and_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o that_o we_o mean_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o concern_v ourselves_o about_o it_o it_o will_v then_o so_o fill_v our_o mind_n as_o that_o by_o attend_v to_o that_o we_o shall_v either_o prevent_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n other_o thought_n from_o come_v into_o our_o head_n or_o if_o they_o do_v come_v in_o they_o will_v not_o long_o stay_v there_o but_o will_v very_o speedy_o give_v place_n to_o that_o which_o be_v our_o main_a business_n at_o that_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o our_o nature_n be_v of_o that_o make_v that_o two_o thing_n at_o once_o can_v well_o possess_v our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v intent_n about_o one_o thing_n we_o can_v have_v much_o room_n or_o leisure_n for_o thought_n of_o another_o nature_n but_o than_o five_o and_o last_o though_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o power_n we_o have_v over_o our_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a object_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o power_n we_o have_v over_o they_o that_o ought_v here_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v consider_v because_o in_o it_o be_v lay_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o it_o all_o our_o thought_n become_v either_o moral_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o though_o we_o can_v in_o many_o case_n think_v always_o of_o what_o we_o will_v nay_o though_o we_o can_v hinder_v abundance_n of_o thought_n from_o come_v into_o our_o mind_n against_o our_o will_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o in_o our_o power_n to_o assent_v to_o our_o thought_n or_o to_o deny_v our_o consent_n to_o they_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o morality_n of_o our_o thought_n begin_v according_a as_o we_o assent_v or_o dissent_n to_o the_o motion_n that_o be_v make_v in_o our_o mind_n so_o will_v our_o thought_n have_v the_o notion_n of_o virtuous_a or_o sinful_a thought_n when_o any_o temptation_n be_v present_v to_o we_o from_o without_o we_o can_v perhaps_o as_o i_o say_v before_o avoid_v the_o feel_n a_o irregular_a passion_n or_o motion_n or_o inclination_n stir_v within_o we_o upon_o occasion_n thereof_o but_o yet_o at_o that_o very_a time_n it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n whether_o we_o will_v comply_v with_o those_o passion_n and_o inclination_n or_o not_o whether_o we_o will_v consent_v to_o they_o or_o not_o whether_o we_o will_v pursue_v they_o further_o or_o not_o now_o if_o we_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o they_o but_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v and_o stifle_v and_o resist_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o they_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o harm_n do_v our_o thought_n how_o undecent_a or_o irregular_a soever_o they_o be_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v account_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n than_o our_o sin_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o to_o our_o wander_v thought_n in_o our_o prayer_n if_o we_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v our_o mind_n in_o a_o devout_a compose_a temper_n and_o attend_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o i_o say_v if_o we_o do_v this_o i_o hope_v those_o distraction_n and_o wander_n will_v never_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o as_o for_o the_o frightful_a blasphemous_a fancy_n which_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o some_o even_o pious_a person_n be_v torment_v with_o as_o to_o they_o i_o say_v they_o of_o all_o other_o irregular_a thought_n have_v the_o least_o danger_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o solemn_o and_o formal_o dispute_v with_o and_o contest_v against_o because_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o terrible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n and_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o goodness_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o consent_v to_o they_o they_o be_v indeed_o great_a infelicity_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n any_o sin_n any_o far_a than_o we_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o to_o approve_v of_o they_o for_o any_o tolerable_o good_a man_n be_v impossible_a but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o consent_v to_o any_o wicked_a motion_n or_o inclination_n that_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o let_v it_o come_v in_o how_o it_o will_v never_o so_o sudden_o never_o so_o unexpected_o if_o we_o close_v with_o any_o thought_n that_o prompt_v we_o to_o evil_a so_o as_o to_o be_v please_v with_o it_o to_o delight_v in_o it_o to_o think_v of_o pursue_v it_o till_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o action_n in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v no_o long_o to_o plead_v our_o original_a corruption_n for_o in_o that_o very_a instant_n we_o become_v actual_a sinner_n actual_a transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o obligation_n of_o which_o reach_v to_o our_o very_a heart_n and_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o our_o action_n though_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o so_o great_a transgressor_n so_o long_o as_o our_o sin_n be_v only_o in_o thought_n or_o desire_n or_o purpose_n as_o if_o it_o have_v proceed_v to_o outward_a action_n all_o this_o be_v teach_v we_o for_o true_a divinity_n by_o no_o less_o a_o author_n than_o st._n james_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n v_o 13_o 14_o 15._o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n which_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o contain_v these_o three_o proposition_n first_o