be_v able_a do_v you_o but_o your_o part_n which_o be_v only_o what_o you_o can_v and_o then_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n will_v do_v he_o put_v forth_o but_o your_o honest_a hearty_a endeavour_n and_o earnest_o implore_v his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o if_o then_o you_o miscarry_v let_v heaven_n answer_v for_o it_o but_o if_o upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o your_o work_n be_v too_o difficult_a and_o your_o enemy_n too_o mighty_a for_o you_o you_o lay_v down_o your_o arm_n and_o resolve_v to_o contend_v with_o they_o no_o long_o let_v heaven_n and_o earth_n judge_v between_o god_n and_o you_o which_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o your_o ruin_n god_n that_o so_o gracious_o offer_v you_o his_o help_n that_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n to_o raise_v you_o up_o tender_v you_o his_o spirit_n to_o guard_v and_o conduct_v you_o through_o all_o opposition_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o you_o that_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o 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soul_n thither_o in_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n without_o interrupt_v my_o business_n and_o yet_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o do_v make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o religious_a exercise_n wherein_o the_o proper_a duty_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n consist_v and_o though_o to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v sometime_o necessary_a that_o our_o mind_n shall_v dwell_v long_o upon_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o when_o once_o we_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v much_o more_o at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o they_o for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n take_v off_o from_o its_o wild_a and_o unreasonable_a vagary_n from_o its_o sinful_a design_n and_o lewd_a contrivance_n from_o its_o fantastic_a complacency_n in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o anxious_a reflection_n on_o the_o gild_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o when_o all_o this_o rubbish_n be_v 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time_n do_v it_o ask_v for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v over_o a_o few_o good_a thought_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o fore-arm_n his_o mind_n with_o they_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n to_o recommend_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o a_o short_a pithy_a and_o affectionate_a prayer_n and_o repeat_v his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n what_o a_o easy_a matter_n be_v it_o for_o you_o to_o borrow_v so_o many_o moment_n as_n will_v suffice_v for_o this_o purpose_n from_o your_o bed_n and_o your_o comb_n and_o looking-glass_n and_o as_o for_o the_o evening_n when_o your_o business_n be_v over_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o you_o can_v spare_v so_o much_o time_n either_o from_o your_o company_n or_o refreshment_n as_o to_o make_v a_o short_a review_n of_o the_o action_n of_o the_o day_n to_o confess_v and_o beg_v pardon_n for_o the_o evil_n you_o have_v fall_v into_o or_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a you_o have_v do_v and_o the_o evil_n you_o have_v avoid_v and_o then_o to_o recommend_v yourselves_o to_o his_o grace_n and_o protection_n for_o the_o future_a and_o as_o for_o your_o religious_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v only_o the_o seven_o part_n of_o your_o time_n and_o can_v you_o think_v much_o to_o devote_v that_o or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o to_o he_o who_o give_v you_o your_o be_v and_o duration_n and_o last_o as_o for_o your_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v at_o most_o but_o once_o a_o month_n that_o you_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o out_o of_o so_o great_a a_o proportion_n of_o time_n you_o can_v afford_v a_o few_o hour_n to_o examine_v your_o defect_n and_o to_o quicken_v your_o grace_n and_o to_o dress_v and_o prepare_v yourselves_o for_o that_o bless_a commemoration_n alas_o how_o easy_a be_v all_o this_o to_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o if_o we_o have_v but_o half_o that_o concern_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o everlasting_a interest_n that_o we_o have_v for_o our_o body_n we_o shall_v count_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o not_o worth_a our_o mention_v how_o disingenuous_a therefore_o be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o make_v such_o tragical_a outcry_n as_o they_o do_v of_o the_o hardship_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o that_o intrenche_n either_o on_o their_o secular_a calling_n or_o necessary_a diversion_n when_o they_o may_v be_v go_v onward_o to_o heaven_n while_o they_o be_v do_v their_o business_n and_o mortify_v their_o lust_n even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o recreation_n and_o so_o take_v their_o pleasure_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o vi_o consider_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o will_v certain_o abate_v and_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n if_o we_o constant_o practise_v they_o for_o in_o all_o undertake_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v use_v that_o make_v perfectness_n and_o that_o which_o be_v exceed_o hard_a to_o we_o at_o first_o either_o through_o want_n of_o skill_n to_o manage_v or_o inclination_n to_o practice_v it_o will_v by_o degree_n grow_v easy_a and_o easy_o as_o we_o be_v more_o and_o more_o accustom_a and_o familiarize_v to_o it_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n if_o we_o constant_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o these_o progressive_a duty_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o to_o a_o mind_n that_o have_v be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o they_o will_v at_o first_o be_v very_o difficult_a it_o will_v go_v against_o the_o grain_n of_o a_o wild_a and_o ungoverned_a nature_n to_o be_v confine_v from_o its_o extravagant_a range_v by_o the_o strict_a tie_n of_o a_o religious_a discipline_n and_o to_o reduce_v a_o rove_a mind_n to_o severe_a consideration_n or_o a_o fickle_a one_o to_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n
whole_a he_o shall_v maintain_v a_o modest_a opinion_n of_o himself_o and_o not_o think_v better_o of_o his_o own_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o himself_o than_o it_o deserve_v for_o by_o so_o do_v he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o overlook_v his_o own_o misgovernment_n and_o so_o incapacitate_v himself_o for_o any_o far_a improvement_n and_o in_o these_o five_o particular_n consist_v all_o that_o virtue_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o man_n consider_v mere_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o rational_a animal_n the_o first_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o prudence_n the_o second_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o moderation_n the_o three_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o fortitude_n the_o four_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n the_o five_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o humility_n all_o which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v be_v essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o such_o as_o do_v effectual_o contribute_v to_o our_o heavenly_a happiness_n i._o prudence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o root_n and_o groundwork_a of_o all_o other_o virtue_n it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v law_n and_o scope_n to_o all_o our_o motion_n that_o propose_v the_o end_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n for_o prudence_n consist_v in_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o right_a reason_n as_o it_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o worthy_a end_n and_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o obtain_v they_o so_o that_o to_o live_v prudent_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v continual_o pursue_v such_o end_v as_o right_a reason_n propose_v by_o such_o mean_v as_o right_a reason_n direct_v we_o to_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n and_o hence_o religion_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n or_o prudence_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n say_v job_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a that_o be_v understanding_n job_n xxviii_o 28_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n say_v david_n psal._n cxi_o 10_o where_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n comprehend_v all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v therefore_o wise_a and_o prudent_a because_o they_o be_v the_o fit_a mean_n to_o those_o worthy_a end_n which_o right_a reason_n propose_v so_o that_o to_o exercise_v our_o reason_n in_o the_o search_n and_o discovery_n of_o what_o be_v absolute_o best_a for_o we_o and_o to_o follow_v our_o reason_n in_o the_o pursuit_n and_o acquest_n of_o what_o it_o discover_v to_o be_v so_o be_v that_o virtue_n of_o prudence_n whereunto_o we_o stand_v oblige_v as_o we_o be_v rational_a animal_n for_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o noble_a principle_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o level_n of_o brute_n yea_o by_o which_o we_o be_v ally_v to_o angel_n and_o do_v border_n upon_o god_n himself_o aught_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v submit_v to_o as_o the_o supreme_a regent_n and_o directress_n of_o all_o our_o other_o power_n and_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o will_n and_o the_o guide_n of_o all_o our_o animal_n motion_n and_o when_o to_o gratify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n or_o unreasonable_a passion_n we_o either_o neglect_v those_o end_n which_o our_o reason_n propose_v to_o we_o or_o pursue_v they_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o our_o reason_n disallow_n of_o we_o reverse_v the_o very_a order_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o tread_v antipode_n to_o ourselves_o and_o while_o we_o do_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v happy_a either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o for_o every_o thing_n you_o see_v be_v disease_v while_o it_o be_v in_o a_o unnatural_a state_n and_o condition_n while_o its_o part_n be_v displace_v or_o put_v into_o a_o disorder_n or_o distort_v into_o a_o unnatural_a figure_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n who_o while_o he_o preserve_v his_o faculty_n in_o their_o natural_a station_n and_o subordination_n to_o each_o other_o while_o he_o keep_v his_o affection_n and_o appetite_n in_o subjection_n to_o his_o will_n and_o his_o will_n to_o his_o reason_n he_o be_v calm_a and_o quiet_a and_o enjoy_v within_o himself_o perpetual_a ease_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o when_o once_o he_o break_v this_o order_n and_o suffer_v his_o passion_n or_o his_o appetite_n to_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o impose_v contrary_a end_n to_o it_o or_o prescribe_v contrary_a mean_n his_o faculty_n like_o disjoint_a member_n be_v in_o perpetual_a anguish_n and_o anxiety_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n we_o feel_v such_o restless_a contention_n between_o our_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n between_o the_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n because_o our_o nature_n be_v out_o of_o tune_n and_o its_o faculty_n be_v displace_v and_o disorder_v and_o that_o sovereign_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o shall_v sway_v and_o govern_v we_o be_v depose_v and_o make_v a_o vassal_n to_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n for_o in_o all_o our_o evil_a course_n we_o choose_v and_o refuse_v resolve_v and_o act_n not_o as_o reason_n direct_v we_o but_o as_o sense_n and_o passion_n biass_n we_o and_o our_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o all_o this_o brutish_a scene_n of_o action_n either_o sleep_v it_o out_o without_o mind_v or_o regard_v or_o else_o sit_v by_o as_o a_o idle_a spectator_n of_o it_o and_o only_a censure_n and_o condemn_v it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o cause_v all_o that_o tumult_n and_o contest_v that_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o till_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o prudence_n our_o faculty_n be_v reduce_v and_o set_v in_o order_n again_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v like_o our_o body_n while_o its_o bone_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n continual_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a and_o therefore_o to_o remove_v this_o great_a indisposition_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o happiness_n prudence_n be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n for_o thus_o our_o saviour_n injoin_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o harmless_a as_o dove_n mat._n x._o 16_o which_o though_o it_o be_v here_o prescribe_v in_o a_o particular_a case_n only_o viz._n that_o of_o persecution_n yet_o since_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o other_o case_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v be_v prudent_a in_o all_o our_o undertake_n as_o well_o as_o in_o suffer_v persecution_n it_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n equivalent_a to_o a_o universal_a command_n so_o also_o ephes._n v._n 15_o see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a i._n e._n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o your_o action_n take_v heed_n that_o you_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o your_o reason_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o your_o blind_a passion_n and_o appetite_n which_o be_v mere_a ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la or_o the_o guide_n of_o fool_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o his_o christian_a colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n coloss._n i_o 9_o i_o e._n that_o they_o may_v have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v as_o may_v render_v they_o true_o prudent_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o pursue_v the_o best_a end_n by_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o though_o this_o virtue_n seldom_o occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n under_o its_o own_o name_n yet_o as_o in_o the_o abovenamed_a place_n it_o be_v express_v by_o wisdom_n so_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o by_o knowledge_n as_o particular_o 2_o cor._n vi_o 6_o where_o he_o command_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o approve_v themselves_o such_o by_o several_a virtue_n and_o particular_o by_o pureness_n i._n e._n continence_n and_o by_o knowledge_n i._n e._n by_o prudence_n for_o beside_o that_o knowledge_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o understanding_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v not_o a_o virtue_n in_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o so_o not_o proper_a to_o be_v enumerate_v among_o these_o virtue_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o account_n to_o be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v place_v knowledge_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o moral_a virtue_n if_o he_o do_v not_o thereby_o mean_v the_o virtue_n of_o prudence_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o guide_n of_o all_o the_o other_o virtue_n so_o again_o 2_o pet._n i_o 6_o where_o he_o bid_v we_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n i._n e._n fortitude_n or_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n by_o knowledge_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a he_o mean_v prudence_n
because_o he_o place_v it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o two_o virtue_n which_o border_n near_o upon_o prudence_n now_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v a_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o reason_n for_o to_o act_v prudent_o in_o religion_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o best_a reason_n to_o aim_v at_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o best_a end_n and_o direct_v our_o action_n thither_o by_o the_o best_a rule_n it_o be_v to_o consult_v what_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v most_o effectual_o obtain_v in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v to_o intend_v the_o chief_a good_a above_o all_o and_o to_o level_v our_o life_n and_o action_n most_o direct_o towards_o it_o this_o be_v religious_a prudence_n in_o the_o general_n and_o as_o for_o those_o particular_n of_o it_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v in_o the_o several_a state_n relation_n and_o circumstance_n wherein_o we_o be_v place_v they_o all_o consist_v in_o do_v what_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a with_o respect_n to_o that_o great_a and_o bless_a end_n for_o by_o live_v in_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o religious_a prudence_n we_o shall_v by_o degree_n habituate_v ourselves_o to_o a_o life_n of_o reason_n and_o shake_v off_o that_o drowsy_a charm_n of_o sense_n and_o passion_n which_o hang_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o render_v our_o faculty_n so_o dull_a and_o unactive_a and_o have_v disuse_v ourselves_o a_o while_n to_o obey_v their_o blind_a and_o imperious_a dictate_v our_o reason_n will_v reassume_v its_o throne_n in_o we_o and_o direct_v all_o our_o aim_n and_o endeavour_n to_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o most_o reasonable_a for_o we_o be_v finite_a and_o limit_a being_n can_v operate_v divers_a way_n with_o equal_a vigour_n at_o once_o and_o our_o faculty_n be_v make_v in_o such_o a_o regular_a and_o aequilibrious_a order_n that_o proportionable_o as_o the_o one_o do_v increase_v in_o activity_n the_o other_o always_o decay_n and_o so_o according_o as_o we_o abate_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o brutish_a we_o we_o shall_v improve_v in_o the_o vigour_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n but_o to_o act_v suitable_o to_o their_o nature_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o action_n the_o god_n of_o nature_n to_o excite_v they_o thereto_o have_v found_v all_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o they_o upon_o suitable_a object_n since_o therefore_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o best_a and_o noble_a of_o all_o power_n of_o action_n to_o be_v sure_o the_o great_a pleasure_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o must_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n wherefore_o since_o prudence_n consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o practice_n thereof_o must_v needs_o effectual_o contribute_v to_o our_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n for_o use_v and_o exercise_n will_v mighty_o strengthen_v and_o improve_v our_o reason_n and_o render_v it_o not_o only_o more_o apprehensive_a of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a but_o also_o more_o persuasive_a and_o prevalent_a and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v improve_v into_o a_o prevail_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o have_v acquire_v not_o only_o skill_n enough_o to_o prescribe_v what_o be_v right_o to_o we_o but_o also_o power_n enough_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o its_o prescription_n to_o choose_v and_o refuse_v to_o love_v and_o hate_n to_o hope_v and_o fear_n desire_v and_o delight_n and_o regulate_v all_o our_o action_n by_o its_o law_n and_o dictate_v then_o be_v we_o enter_v upon_o our_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n for_o that_o which_o make_v we_o unhappy_a be_v that_o our_o sinful_a and_o ureasonable_a affection_n do_v so_o hamper_v and_o entangle_v we_o that_o we_o can_v free_o exercise_v our_o faculty_n upon_o such_o object_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o they_o that_o our_o mind_n and_o will_n be_v so_o fetter_v by_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n that_o we_o can_v exert_v they_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o choose_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n and_o distraction_n but_o now_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o reason_n our_o faculty_n will_v by_o degree_n recover_v their_o freedom_n and_o disengage_v themselves_o from_o those_o vicious_a encumbrance_n which_o do_v so_o clog_v and_o interrupt_v they_o in_o all_o their_o rational_a motion_n and_o when_o this_o be_v thorough_o effect_v we_o be_v in_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v consist_v in_o the_o free_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o worthy_a object_n for_o when_o once_o our_o passion_n and_o appetite_n be_v perfect_o subdue_v to_o our_o reason_n all_o our_o rational_a faculty_n will_v be_v free_a and_o every_o one_o will_v move_v towards_o its_o proper_a object_n without_o any_o let_n or_o hindrance_n our_o understanding_n will_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o a_o fix_a contemplation_n of_o the_o sublimest_n truth_n our_o will_n entire_o resign_v to_o the_o choice_n and_o embrace_n of_o the_o true_a good_a our_o affection_n unalterable_o devote_v to_o the_o love_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n and_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o to_o live_v prudent_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o our_o best_a reason_n be_v both_o a_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n ii_o another_o virtue_n which_o appertain_v to_o a_o man_n consider_v mere_o as_o a_o rational_a animal_n be_v moderation_n which_o consist_v in_o proportion_v our_o concupiscible_a affection_n to_o the_o just_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o thing_n so_o as_o neither_o to_o spend_v our_o affection_n too_o prodigal_o upon_o trifle_n nor_o yet_o be_v over-sparing_a or_o niggardly_a of_o they_o to_o real_a and_o substantial_a good_n but_o to_o love_v desire_v and_o expect_v thing_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o estimate_n which_o our_o best_a and_o most_o impartial_a reason_n make_v of_o their_o worth_n and_o goodness_n for_o he_o that_o affect_v thing_n more_o than_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o reason_n they_o deserve_v affect_v they_o irrational_o and_o regulate_v his_o passion_n by_o his_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a imagination_n and_o not_o by_o his_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o while_o man_n do_v thus_o neglect_v their_o reason_n and_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o desire_v and_o love_n and_o affect_v without_o it_o they_o necessary_o disable_v themselves_o to_o enjoy_v a_o rational_a happiness_n for_o beside_o that_o their_o rational_a faculty_n be_v thus_o lay_v by_o and_o unemployed_a will_v natural_o contract_v rust_n and_o grow_v every_o day_n more_o weak_a and_o restive_a beside_o that_o their_o unexercised_a reason_n will_v melt_v away_o in_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n and_o all_o its_o vital_a power_n freeze_v for_o want_v of_o motion_n and_o like_o stand_v water_n stagnate_n and_o gather_v mire_n and_o by_o degree_n corrupt_a and_o putrefy_v till_o at_o last_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o revive_v they_o to_o the_o vigorous_a exercise_n and_o motion_n wherein_o their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n consist_v beside_o this_o i_o say_v by_o habituate_n ourselves_o to_o affect_v thing_n irrational_o i._n e._n to_o love_v the_o least_o good_n most_o and_o the_o great_a least_n we_o shall_v disable_v ourselves_o from_o enjoy_v any_o good_n but_o only_o such_o as_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a for_o he_o that_o love_v any_o good_a more_o than_o it_o be_v worth_a can_v never_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o because_o he_o think_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o he_o find_v and_o so_o be_v always_o disappoint_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o it_o and_o the_o grief_n of_o be_v disappoint_v of_o what_o he_o expect_v do_v common_o countervail_v the_o pleasure_n of_o what_o he_o find_v and_o enjoy_v while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o any_o good_a which_o he_o inordinate_o dote_v upon_o he_o be_v wild_a and_o imaginative_a he_o swell_v with_o fantastic_a joy_n and_o juggle_v himself_o into_o expectation_n that_o be_v as_o large_a and_o boundless_a as_o his_o desire_n but_o when_o once_o he_o be_v seize_v of_o it_o and_o find_v how_o vast_o the_o enjoyment_n fall_v short_a of_o his_o expectation_n his_o pleasure_n be_v present_o lose_v in_o his_o disappointment_n and_o so_o he_o remain_v as_o unsatisfied_a as_o ever_o and_o thus_o if_o he_o be_v to_o spend_v a_o eternity_n in_o such_o pursuit_n and_o enjoyment_n his_o life_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o everlasting_a succession_n of_o expectation_n and_o disappointment_n so_o that_o all_o inordinate_a affection_n destroy_v its_o own_o
happiness_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o give_v some_o brief_a account_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v pure_o militant_a and_o which_o whole_o consist_v of_o those_o instrumental_a duty_n by_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o to_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v they_o which_o difficulty_n as_o i_o show_v before_o chap._n 2._o be_v the_o inbred_a corruption_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n together_o with_o those_o manifold_a temptation_n from_o without_o by_o which_o they_o be_v continual_o provoke_v and_o excite_v and_o so_o to_o subdue_v and_o conquer_v these_o as_o that_o they_o may_v neither_o take_v we_o off_o from_o nor_o clog_v and_o indispose_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o business_n of_o this_o warfaring_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n that_o i_o may_v therefore_o handle_v it_o distinct_o i_o shall_v divide_v it_o into_o three_o part_n and_o endeavour_v with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v first_o to_o explain_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o part_n and_o to_o show_v how_o they_o all_o conduce_v to_o our_o conquer_a the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o to_o the_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v they_o and_o second_o to_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o part_n with_o proper_a and_o suitable_a argument_n in_o this_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n therefore_o there_o be_v 1._o our_o beginning_n or_o entrance_n into_o it_o which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n 2._o our_o course_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o holy_a life_n 3._o our_o perfect_a and_o consummation_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v final_a perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v each_o of_o which_o have_v their_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a duty_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v sect_n i._o concern_v those_o duty_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o our_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n into_o this_o warfaring_a part_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n show_v how_o they_o all_o conduce_v to_o the_o subdue_a of_o sin_n and_o acquire_v the_o heavenly_a virtue_n this_o first_o part_n of_o our_o militant_a life_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o initial_a repentance_n or_o the_o first_o turn_v of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n from_o a_o state_n of_o wilful_a sin_n and_o rebellion_n the_o duty_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o it_o and_o by_o which_o this_o turn_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v and_o perform_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o six_o head_n 1._o a_o hearty_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o its_o motive_n and_o a_o balance_a of_o they_o with_o the_o hardship_n and_o difficulty_n we_o be_v to_o undergo_v 3._o a_o deep_a and_o through_o conviction_n of_o our_o great_a need_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o render_v we_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 4._o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n shame_n and_o remorse_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a 5._o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o aid_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o effectual_o to_o renounce_v they_o 6._o a_o serious_a and_o well_o weigh_v resolution_n to_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v they_o for_o ever_o i._o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o good_a beginning_n of_o this_o our_o christian_a warfare_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o our_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a weapon_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o combat_v against_o the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o lusts._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o breastplate_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o two_o principal_a part_n of_o armour_n of_o defence_n denote_v that_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o principal_a defence_n of_o a_o christian_a against_o all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o temptation_n the_o armour_n of_o proof_n that_o guard_v our_o innocence_n and_o render_v we_o invulnerable_a in_o all_o our_o spiritual_a conflict_n for_o above_o all_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o eph._n vi_fw-la 16_o and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o defensive_a so_o it_o be_v also_o of_o our_o offensive_a armour_n for_o so_o we_o find_v all_o the_o victory_n and_o triumph_n of_o those_o glorious_a hero_n heb._n xi_o attribute_v to_o this_o irresistible_a weapon_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o they_o despise_v crown_n confront_v the_o anger_n of_o king_n and_o triumph_v over_o the_o bitter_a torment_n and_o affliction_n by_o faith_n that_o they_o wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a nay_o so_o great_a a_o share_n have_v faith_n in_o the_o success_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n that_o it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n 1_o tim._n vi_o 12_o and_o s._n john_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1_o john_n v._n 4_o for_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o undeniable_a answer_n to_o return_v to_o all_o temptation_n and_o enable_v our_o faith_n infinite_o to_o outbid_v the_o world_n whatsoever_o it_o shall_v proffer_v we_o for_o our_o innocence_n for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n carry_v in_o the_o one_o hand_n infinite_o great_a good_n and_o in_o the_o other_o infinite_o great_a evil_n to_o allure_v and_o bind_v we_o fast_o to_o our_o duty_n than_o any_o the_o world_n can_v propose_v to_o entice_v or_o terrify_v we_o from_o it_o for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o immortal_a region_n of_o the_o bless_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o pure_a element_n of_o happiness_n where_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n live_v in_o a_o continue_a fruition_n of_o their_o utmost_a wish_n be_v every_o moment_n entertain_v with_o fresh_a inravish_a scene_n of_o pleasure_n where_o all_o their_o happiness_n be_v eternal_a and_o all_o their_o eternity_n nothing_o else_o but_o one_o continue_a act_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o joy_n and_o triumph_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sigh_n or_o tear_n no_o intermixture_n of_o sorrow_n or_o misery_n but_o every_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o joy_n and_o every_o joy_n be_v a_o quintessence_n and_o every_o happy_a moment_n be_v crown_v with_o some_o fresh_a and_o new_a enjoyment_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n a_o most_o frightful_a and_o amaze_a prospect_n of_o those_o dismal_a shade_n of_o horror_n where_o mighty_a number_n of_o condemn_a ghost_n perpetual_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o torment_v with_o endless_a rage_n and_o despair_n where_o they_o always_o burn_v without_o consume_v always_o faint_a but_o never_o die_v be_v force_v to_o languish_v out_o a_o long_a eternity_n in_o unpitied_a sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o after_o such_o a_o prospect_n as_o this_o what_o poor_a inconsiderable_a trifle_n will_v all_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n appear_v to_o we_o but_o yet_o unless_o we_o believe_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o how_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o they_o will_v signify_v no_o more_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o be_v the_o master_n spring_v of_o our_o action_n than_o if_o they_o be_v so_o many_o golden_a dream_n or_o liveless_a scare-crow_n for_o all_o proposal_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n proportionable_o as_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o assent_v to_o and_o as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a be_v not_o so_o that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v be_v move_v by_o that_o good_a or_o evil_a which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o in_o which_o by_o consequence_n we_o can_v apprehend_v ourselves_o concern_v wherefore_o in_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o we_o do_v not_o take_v up_o our_o faith_n at_o a_o venture_n and_o believe_v wink_v without_o know_v why_o or_o wherefore_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a impartial_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o its_o credibility_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o reason_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o for_o
five_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o render_v our_o recovery_n more_o difficult_a for_o the_o future_a but_o plung_v ourselves_o for_o the_o present_a into_o a_o far_o more_o criminal_a and_o guilty_a condition_n p._n 501.502_o etc._n etc._n sixthly_a we_o shall_v not_o only_o render_v ourselves_o more_o guilty_a for_o the_o present_a but_o expose_v ourselves_o if_o we_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n to_o a_o deep_a and_o more_o dreadful_a ruin_n 508.509_o chap._n v._n contain_v some_o short_a direction_n for_o the_o more_o profitable_a read_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n p._n 513.514_o and_o also_o direction_n for_o the_o good_a conduct_n and_o regular_a exercise_n of_o our_o closet_n religion_n in_o all_o the_o different_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n together_o with_o form_n of_o private_a devotion_n fit_v to_o each_o state_n p._n 517._o the_o first_o be_v for_o the_o state_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o christian_a life_n p._n 517.518_o etc._n etc._n the_o second_o for_o the_o state_n of_o actual_a engagement_n in_o it_o p._n 530._o the_o three_o for_o the_o state_n of_o growth_n and_o improvement_n towards_o perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n chap._n i._o concern_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n in_o order_n to_o our_o understanding_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n use_v and_o excellency_n of_o any_o mean_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v a_o true_a and_o genuine_a notion_n of_o those_o peculiar_a end_n which_o they_o drive_v at_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v mean_n consist_v in_o be_v serviceable_a to_o some_o end_n but_o to_o what_o they_o be_v particular_o serviceable_a must_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o particular_a end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o therefore_o till_o we_o know_v what_o those_o particular_a end_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v mean_n or_o no_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n whether_o they_o be_v serviceable_a to_o any_o end_n or_o purpose_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o way_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v which_o will_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o our_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n and_o subserviency_n of_o each_o part_n of_o it_o thereunto_o therefore_o i._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n ii_o wherein_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o end_n consist_v i._o as_o for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n we_o be_v assure_v from_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o heaven_n itself_o that_o state_n of_o endless_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v in_o the_o world_n above_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o those_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o it_o be_v every_o where_o propose_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o supreme_a motive_n to_o all_o christian_a virtue_n for_o so_o st._n john_n that_o bosome-favourite_n of_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n two_o 25_o and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n who_o have_v more_o large_o record_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n than_o any_o other_o evangelist_n we_o shall_v find_v eternal_a life_n still_o propose_v by_o he_o as_o the_o supereminent_a promise_n to_o encourage_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n for_o so_o john_n four_o 36_o it_o be_v propose_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o harvest_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o which_o like_o the_o husbandman_n plough_v and_o sow_v all_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v he_o that_o reap_v receive_v wage_n and_o gather_v fruit_n unto_o eternal_a life_n consonant_o whereunto_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a gal._n vi_fw-la 8_o and_o this_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a reward_n which_o he_o give_v to_o all_o those_o that_o hear_v and_o follow_v he_o john_n x._o 27_o 28._o and_o this_o the_o great_a argument_n which_o he_o every_o where_o insist_o on_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v life_n everlasting_a that_o whosoever_o hear_v his_o word_n have_v life_n everlasting_a and_o that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a and_o rom._n vi_fw-la 22_o everlasting_a life_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o as_o such_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o direct_v our_o action_n unto_o it_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n unto_o everlasting_a life_n 1_o tim._n i_o 16_o to_o do_v good_a to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n upon_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n vi_o 18_o 19_o to_o look_n unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n heb._n twelve_o 2_o and_o therefore_o heaven_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v the_o christian_a canaan_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o direct_v all_o our_o step_n whilst_o we_o be_v travail_v through_o this_o world_n heb._n xi_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v express_v by_o seek_v it_o mat._n vi_fw-la 33_o heb._n xiii_o 14_o col._n iii._o 1_o and_o the_o incorruptible_a crown_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v as_o much_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n as_o those_o corruptible_a crown_n be_v of_o the_o raze_n in_o the_o olympic_a game_n 1_o cor._n ix_o 25_o for_o it_o be_v to_o eternal_a glory_n that_o we_o be_v call_v 1_o pet._n v_o 10_o 2_o thes._n two_o 14_o and_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o that_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v we_o be_v to_o look_v to_o this_o bless_a hope_n as_o our_o great_a end_n and_o encouragement_n tit._n two_o 13_o this_o i_o have_v the_o more_o large_o insist_v upon_o because_o of_o a_o great_a mistake_n that_o many_o person_n have_v lie_v under_o in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ultimate_a end_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o distinct_a end_n from_o heaven_n the_o first_o of_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v very_o true_a but_o the_o last_o absolute_o false_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v evident_a from_o those_o text_n which_o bid_v we_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n x._o 31_o and_o which_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o point_n in_o which_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n do_v concentre_v phil._n i._n 11_o which_o propose_v this_o as_o the_o end_n of_o all_o religious_a performance_n that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v glorify_v 1_o pet._n four_o 11_o and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v christian_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n eph._n i_o 12_o but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v no_o distinct_a end_n from_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v as_o evident_a from_o hence_o that_o this_o glory_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v add_v or_o contribute_v to_o he_o who_o essential_a glory_n be_v so_o immense_a and_o secure_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v do_v can_v either_o increase_v or_o diminish_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o glory_n can_v redound_v to_o he_o from_o any_o thing_n without_o but_o what_o be_v the_o reflection_n of_o his_o own_o natural_a ray_n he_o understand_v himself_o too_o well_o to_o value_v himself_o either_o the_o more_o or_o the_o less_o for_o the_o praise_n or_o dispraise_n of_o his_o creature_n for_o he_o be_v enough_o of_o stage_n and_o theatre_n to_o himself_o and_o have_v the_o same_o satisfy_a prospect_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o loud_a blasphemy_n of_o hell_n as_o among_o the_o perpetual_a halelujah_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v so_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v enjoin_v we_o to_o praise_n and_o glorify_v he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o good_a or_o advantage_n that_o can_v accrue_v to_o himself_o by_o it_o or_o out_o of_o any_o other_o pleasure_n he_o take_v in_o
hear_v himself_o applaud_v and_o commend_v by_o we_o than_o he_o do_v in_o any_o other_o act_n that_o be_v decent_a and_o reasonable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v therefore_o he_o will_v have_v we_o praise_v he_o because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o high_o conduce_v as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o reasonable_a action_n to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n because_o our_o praise_v he_o natural_o excite_v we_o to_o imitate_v he_o and_o to_o transcribe_v into_o our_o own_o nature_n those_o adorable_a perfection_n which_o we_o do_v so_o admire_v and_o extol_v in_o his._n so_o that_o to_o pursue_v our_o own_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o glorify_v god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o intention_n who_o require_v we_o to_o glorify_v he_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v glorify_v ourselves_o and_o indeed_o our_o happiness_n be_v god_n glory_n even_o as_o all_o other_o worthy_a effect_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v be_v to_o it_o and_o consequent_o he_o that_o be_v glorify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o resplendency_n of_o his_o own_o almighty_a goodness_n or_o his_o own_o outstretch_v ray_n shine_v back_o upon_o himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o aim_v at_o god_n glory_n just_a as_o he_o himself_o do_v when_o we_o aim_v to_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o he_o will_v have_v we_o that_o be_v when_o we_o pursue_v heaven_n and_o cooperate_v with_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o advance_v we_o to_o that_o bless_a condition_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o for_o ever_o and_o be_v everlasting_a monument_n of_o his_o overflow_a benignity_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o call_v our_o last_o end_n heaven_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v all_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n since_o by_o obtain_v heaven_n we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o intention_n and_o this_o i_o think_v may_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n but_o then_o ii_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o far_a necessary_a for_o our_o clear_n the_o way_n to_o the_o design_n in_o hand_n to_o inquire_v what_o kind_a of_o happiness_n this_o be_v which_o when_o we_o understand_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o comprehend_v what_o duty_n or_o mean_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o obtain_n it_o and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v be_v easy_o resolve_v by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o for_o who_o it_o be_v prepare_v and_o intend_v for_o all_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o free_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o nature_n about_o object_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o themselves_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o privative_a happiness_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o indolence_n or_o freedom_n from_o pain_n and_o misery_n and_o this_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o exercise_n as_o in_o the_o rest_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o faculty_n and_o herein_o the_o soft_a and_o restive_a epicurean_o place_v the_o whole_a happiness_n of_o a_o man_n in_o which_o i_o confess_v they_o will_v not_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v if_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n belong_v to_o a_o man_n beyond_o that_o animal_n and_o sensual_a one_o in_o which_o the_o disciple_n of_o this_o atheistical_a philosopher_n place_v their_o chief_a good_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n indeed_o be_v mere_o privation_n of_o misery_n and_o short_a reprieve_n from_o the_o grief_n and_o trouble_n of_o a_o wretched_a life_n for_o what_o else_o be_v our_o ease_n and_o rest_v but_o only_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o pain_n and_o weariness_n which_o be_v remove_v the_o pleasure_n be_v present_o over_o and_o then_o we_o grow_v weary_a again_o of_o our_o rest_n and_o ease_n till_o pain_n and_o weariness_n return_v and_o sweeten_v they_o and_o give_v they_o a_o fresh_a and_o new_a relish_n for_o when_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o rest_n we_o be_v fain_o to_o recreate_v ourselves_o with_o action_n and_o when_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o action_n to_o refresh_v ourselves_o with_o rest_n and_o so_o round_o again_o still_o in_o the_o same_o circle_n thus_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v consist_v in_o asswage_v the_o pain_n of_o our_o hunger_n and_o thirst._n for_o when_o this_o be_v over_o you_o see_v the_o pleasure_n cease_v and_o till_o it_o return_v again_o every_o fresh_a morsel_n be_v but_o a_o new_a load_n to_o a_o tire_a digestion_n so_o that_o in_o short_a the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o sensual_a felicity_n which_o we_o do_v here_o enjoy_v be_v only_o short_a intermission_n of_o the_o pain_n and_o uneasiness_n of_o a_o wretched_a life_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o happiness_n belong_v to_o a_o man_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o not_o be_v sensible_a of_o misery_n it_o be_v much_o more_o desirable_a to_o be_v a_o stone_n than_o a_o man_n and_o the_o only_a way_n for_o he_o to_o be_v perfect_o happy_a will_v be_v to_o deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o sense_n and_o perception_n it_o be_v true_a that_o which_o be_v positive_a in_o our_o happiness_n can_v never_o be_v perfect_o enjoy_v by_o we_o without_o a_o perfect_a indolence_n and_o insensibility_n of_o pain_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a sense_n of_o any_o thing_n whilst_o we_o have_v the_o least_o touch_n or_o feel_n of_o its_o contrary_n but_o be_v happiness_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o non-perception_a of_o misery_n it_o will_v have_v no_o positive_a essence_n or_o reality_n of_o its_o own_o which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a experience_n for_o we_o plain_o feel_v that_o our_o happiness_n have_v in_o it_o not_o only_o a_o rest_n from_o evil_a but_o a_o grateful_a motion_n to_o good_a and_o that_o as_o our_o pain_n and_o misery_n consist_v in_o a_o acute_a and_o sensible_a perception_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o ungrateful_a to_o our_o nature_n so_o pleasure_n or_o satisfaction_n consist_v in_o a_o vigorous_a perception_n of_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o beside_o the_o not_o be_v miserable_a which_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o happiness_n as_o a_o necessary_a disposition_n to_o it_o without_o which_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v be_v indispose_v to_o relish_v and_o perceive_v it_o there_o be_v a_o positive_a happiness_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o consist_v in_o a_o constant_a free_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n about_o such_o object_n as_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n for_o happiness_n in_o the_o general_n include_v perfection_n and_o pleasure_n both_o which_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n for_o then_o the_o faculty_n be_v perfect_a when_o they_o be_v free_o constant_o and_o vigorous_o employ_v about_o such_o object_n as_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n when_o they_o be_v recover_v from_o all_o indisposition_n whether_o natural_a or_o moral_a to_o those_o proper_a motion_n and_o exercise_n for_o which_o they_o be_v frame_v and_o do_v free_o constant_o and_o without_o any_o clog_n or_o interruption_n direct_v all_o their_o course_n towards_o such_o object_n as_o be_v their_o natural_a centre_n and_o then_o the_o faculty_n be_v most_o please_v and_o delight_v too_o when_o they_o be_v most_o vigorous_o exercise_v about_o that_o which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o only_o determine_v to_o such_o object_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n but_o do_v also_o act_v upon_o and_o exert_v themselves_o towards_o they_o with_o the_o great_a sprightliness_n and_o vigour_n these_o thing_n i_o think_v meet_v to_o premise_v concern_v happiness_n in_o the_o general_n as_o be_v very_o needful_a to_o the_o clear_a resolution_n of_o the_o 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and_o have_v as_o real_a and_o certain_a apprehension_n of_o his_o all-glorious_a be_v as_o he_o have_v of_o we_o so_o that_o in_o heaven_n you_o see_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o bless_a mind_n that_o inhabit_v it_o be_v so_o invigorate_v that_o they_o can_v gaze_v upon_o the_o sun_n without_o dazzle_v contemplate_n the_o pure_a and_o immaculate_a glory_n of_o the_o deity_n without_o be_v confound_v with_o their_o brightness_n and_o their_o understanding_n be_v thus_o exalt_v they_o must_v needs_o apprehend_v more_o at_o one_o single_a view_n than_o we_o can_v do_v in_o volume_n of_o discourse_n and_o tedious_a long_a train_n of_o deduction_n and_o then_o enjoy_v as_o they_o do_v a_o most_o perfect_a repose_n both_o from_o within_o and_o without_o they_o they_o be_v never_o disturb_v in_o their_o eager_a contemplation_n which_o have_v such_o a_o immense_a horizon_n of_o truth_n and_o glory_n round_o about_o they_o be_v still_o discover_v far_o and_o far_o and_o so_o continual_o entertain_v with_o fresh_a wonder_n and_o delight_n what_o a_o infinite_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n then_o must_v that_o all-glorious_a object_n afford_v to_o such_o raise_v and_o elevate_v mind_n as_o these_o which_o like_o transparent_a window_n let_v in_o without_o any_o labour_n or_o difficulty_n all_o that_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a light_n which_o free_o offer_v itself_o unto_o and_o shine_v for_o ever_o round_o about_o they_o and_o which_o by_o every_o new_a discovery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o these_o bottomless_a secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v still_o enlarge_v to_o discover_v more_o and_o still_o have_v new_a discovery_n offer_v themselves_o as_o fast_o as_o they_o be_v enlarge_v to_o receive_v they_o this_o of_o itself_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o heaven_n that_o st._n john_n himself_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o imagine_v any_o heaven_n beyond_o it_o 1_o joh._n three_o 2_o belove_a now_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v in_o glory_n and_o happiness_n for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v but_o then_o ii_o the_o heaven_n or_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n consist_v also_o in_o a_o free_a and_o undistracted_a choice_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o choose_v he_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n adoration_n and_o dependence_n all_o which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v beatifical_a act_n and_o do_v abundant_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n for_o happiness_n as_o have_v be_v premise_v consist_v not_o in_o rest_n but_o in_o motion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o motion_n can_v contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o any_o be_v but_o what_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n now_o what_o motion_n can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n than_o to_o love_n and_o adore_v the_o author_n of_o its_o be_v and_o wellbeing_a to_o bow_v to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o almighty_a sovereign_n and_o to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o supreme_a standard_n and_o pattern_n of_o all_o reasonable_a being_n to_o rely_v and_o depend_v on_o his_o infinite_a power_n that_o be_v always_o conduct_v by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n all_o which_o be_v found_v upon_o so_o many_o strong_a evident_a and_o undeniable_a reason_n that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v they_o to_o our_o faculty_n and_o demonstrate_v they_o to_o be_v infinite_o agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o of_o themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v exceed_o joyous_a and_o blissful_a for_o as_o the_o sensitive_a nature_n be_v most_o gratify_v with_o
happiness_n not_o only_o to_o cohabit_n but_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o in_o heart_n and_o will_n unite_v to_o this_o bless_a and_o glorious_a company_n for_o what_o soul_n that_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o cordial_a love_n to_o jesus_n the_o best_a friend_n of_o soul_n that_o ever_o be_v any_o grateful_a remembrance_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o our_o sake_n will_v not_o esteem_v it_o a_o mighty_a felicity_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o presence_n and_o to_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o happy_a change_n of_o his_o past_a woeful_a circumstance_n to_o see_v he_o that_o be_v so_o cruel_o treat_v so_o barbarous_o vilify_v torture_v and_o butcher_v for_o our_o sake_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o splendour_n and_o dignity_n to_o be_v head_n and_o prince_n of_o all_o the_o hierarchy_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v worship_v and_o celebrate_v throughout_o all_o the_o noble_a choir_n of_o archangel_n and_o angel_n and_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a very_o methinks_v have_v i_o only_o the_o privilege_n to_o look_v in_o and_o see_v my_o dear_a and_o bless_a lord_n surround_v with_o all_o this_o circle_n of_o glory_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o heavenly_a consolation_n to_o i_o though_o i_o be_v sure_a never_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o the_o very_a communion_n i_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o master_n will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n at_o second-hand_n to_o i_o and_o my_o soul_n will_v be_v wondrous_a happy_a by_o sympathize_v with_o he_o in_o his_o felicity_n and_o advancement_n but_o oh_o when_o that_o bless_a person_n shall_v not_o only_o permit_v i_o to_o see_v his_o glory_n but_o introduce_v i_o into_o it_o and_o make_v i_o partaker_n of_o it_o when_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o behold_v his_o belove_a face_n but_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o dear_a conversation_n and_o dwell_v in_o his_o arm_n and_o embrace_n for_o ever_o when_o i_o shall_v hear_v he_o record_v the_o wondrous_a adventure_n of_o his_o love_n through_o how_o many_o woeful_a stage_n he_o pass_v to_o rescue_v i_o from_o misery_n and_o make_v i_o happy_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v have_v a_o most_o ravish_v feel_v of_o that_o happiness_n how_o will_v my_o heart_n spring_n with_o joy_n and_o burn_v with_o love_n and_o my_o mouth_n overflow_v with_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o and_o as_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o and_o choice_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n must_v needs_o contribute_v vast_o to_o our_o happiness_n so_o must_v also_o though_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n our_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v and_o unite_v with_o saint_n and_o angel_n who_o be_v not_o only_o endow_v with_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a understand_n but_o also_o with_o perfect_a good-nature_n and_o most_o generous_a charity_n must_v needs_o make_v excellent_a company_n for_o as_o their_o goodness_n can_v but_o render_v their_o conversation_n infinite_o free_a and_o benign_a so_o their_o great_a knowledge_n must_v necessary_o render_v it_o equal_o profitable_a and_o delightful_a and_o then_o be_v so_o know_v as_o they_o be_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o wise_a art_n of_o endearment_n and_o be_v so_o good_a they_o must_v be_v also_o suppose_v to_o be_v continual_o practise_v they_o and_o if_o so_o what_o a_o heavenly_a conversation_n must_v they_o be_v the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a knowledge_n and_o the_o law_n whereof_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a friendship_n who_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o leave_v a_o foolish_a froward_a and_o ill-natured_a world_n for_o the_o bless_a society_n of_o these_o wise_a friend_n and_o perfect_a lover_n and_o what_o a_o felicity_n must_v it_o be_v to_o spend_v a_o eternity_n in_o such_o a_o noble_a conversation_n where_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o deep_a philosophy_n of_o heaven_n communicate_v with_o mutual_a freedom_n in_o the_o wise_a and_o amicable_a discourse_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o glorify_a spirit_n who_o without_o any_o reserve_v or_o affectation_n of_o mystery_n without_o passion_n or_o interest_n or_o peevish_a contention_n for_o victory_n do_v free_o philosophize_v and_o mutual_o impart_v the_o treasure_n of_o each_o other_o knowledge_n for_o since_o all_o saint_n there_o be_v great_a philosopher_n and_o all_o philosopher_n perfect_a saint_n we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v knowledge_n and_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o charity_n to_o be_v equal_o intermingle_v throughout_o all_o their_o conversation_n and_o be_v so_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o delightful_a when_o therefore_o we_o shall_v leave_v this_o impertinent_a and_o unsociable_a world_n and_o all_o our_o good_a old_a friend_n that_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o shall_v meet_v we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v land_v upon_o the_o shore_n of_o eternity_n and_o with_o infinite_a congratulation_n for_o our_o safe_a arrival_n shall_v conduct_v we_o into_o the_o company_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o introduce_v we_o into_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o they_o and_o with_o all_o those_o brave_a and_o generous_a soul_n who_o by_o their_o glorious_a example_n have_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v familiar_a friend_n with_o angel_n and_o arch-angel_n and_o all_o the_o courtier_n of_o heaven_n shall_v call_v we_o brethren_n and_o bid_v we_o welcome_n to_o their_o master_n joy_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o glorious_a society_n with_o all_o the_o tender_a endearment_n and_o caress_n of_o those_o heavenly_a lover_n what_o a_o mighty_a addition_n to_o our_o happiness_n will_v this_o be_v there_o be_v indeed_o some_o other_o addition_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n such_o as_o the_o glory_n and_o magnificence_n of_o the_o place_n which_o be_v the_o high_a heaven_n or_o the_o upper_a and_o pure_a tract_n of_o the_o aether_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v paradise_n luke_n xxiii_o 43_o and_o st._n paul_n the_o three_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n twelve_o 2_o both_o which_o in_o the_o phrase_n of_o that_o age_n bespeak_v it_o to_o be_v a_o place_n of_o unspeakable_a glory_n for_o so_o the_o jew_n do_v common_o call_v this_o bless_a seat_n the_o three_o or_o angel-bearing_a region_n of_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o denote_v it_o to_o be_v the_o palace_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n where_o his_o most_o glorious_a courtier_n do_v reside_v and_o they_o also_o call_v it_o paradise_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n of_o eden_n because_o as_o that_o be_v the_o garden_n of_o this_o low_a world_n so_o this_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o though_o we_o have_v no_o exact_a description_n of_o this_o place_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o perhaps_o because_o no_o humane_a language_n can_v describe_v it_o yet_o since_o god_n have_v choose_v it_o for_o the_o everlasting_a theatre_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n we_o may_v thence_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v most_o exquisite_o furnish_v it_o with_o all_o accommodation_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o most_o happy_a and_o blissful_a life_n beside_o which_o also_o there_o be_v the_o everlasting_a duration_n of_o it_o which_o be_v another_o great_a accession_n to_o its_o happiness_n that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o enjoyment_n as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o like_o all_o other_o pleasure_n spend_v and_o waste_v in_o the_o fruition_n that_o though_o it_o will_v be_v always_o feed_v our_o faculty_n with_o new_a delight_n yet_o it_o will_v never_o be_v exhaust_v but_o be_v always_o equal_o because_o infinite_o distant_a from_o a_o period_n so_o that_o its_o happiness_n consist_v of_o a_o infinite_a variety_n of_o pleasure_n extend_v to_o a_o infinite_a duration_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o to_o be_v either_o cloy_v with_o the_o repetition_n of_o it_o or_o torment_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o but_o these_o two_o last_n i_o only_a mention_n because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o our_o present_a argument_n which_o be_v only_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o heaven_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v this_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v infer_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o i._o that_o the_o main_a of_o heaven_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o any_o outward_a possession_n as_o in_o a_o inward_a state_n and_o temper_n for_o though_o heaven_n be_v doubtless_o a_o most_o glorious_a place_n and_o all_o its_o bless_a inhabitant_n do_v possess_v and_o hold_v it_o by_o a_o everlasting_a tenure_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o main_a happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v in_o live_v
for_o ever_o in_o a_o glorious_a place_n which_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o heaven_n will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a and_o hungry_a kind_n of_o happiness_n for_o life_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o happiness_n than_o as_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o pleasant_a and_o grateful_a perception_n and_o if_o we_o can_v live_v for_o ever_o without_o perceive_v it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o everlasting_a stone_n and_o tree_n and_o what_o great_a matter_n will_v it_o signify_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o a_o glorious_a place_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v for_o ever_o affect_v by_o it_o with_o a_o delightful_a sense_n and_o perception_n which_o be_v impossible_a because_o all_o delightful_a sense_n as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n about_o such_o object_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o they_o but_o what_o can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o most_o glorious_a place_n so_o suitable_a to_o a_o rational_a mind_n and_o will_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o for_o ever_o vigorous_o employ_v and_o exercise_v about_o it_o it_o may_v indeed_o for_o a_o while_n employ_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o eager_a contemplation_n of_o its_o new_a and_o surprise_v beauty_n but_o how_o soon_o will_v the_o mind_n dis-relish_a it_o be_v it_o to_o be_v its_o only_a entertainment_n for_o eternity_n and_o as_o for_o the_o will_n what_o will_v a_o fine_a place_n signify_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o replenish_v with_o such_o object_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o own_o option_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v everlasting_o gratify_v a_o rational_a mind_n and_o will_n but_o what_o have_v in_o it_o such_o a_o infinity_o of_o truth_n as_o be_v everlasting_o knowable_a and_o such_o a_o infinity_o of_o goodness_n as_o be_v everlasting_o desirable_a or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n nothing_o but_o what_o have_v truth_n enough_o in_o it_o for_o the_o one_o to_o be_v vigorous_o contemplate_v for_o ever_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v goodness_n enough_o in_o it_o for_o the_o other_o to_o be_v as_o vigorous_o love_v adore_a and_o imitate_v for_o ever_o and_o such_o a_o infinitude_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o god_n but_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o place_n and_o duration_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o object_n that_o be_v external_a to_o we_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v a_o happiness_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o act_v upon_o he_o and_o free_o exercise_v our_o faculty_n about_o he_o unless_o we_o know_v he_o and_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o that_o which_o felicitates_fw-la all_o be_v our_o own_o internal_a act_n it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o enjoy_v heaven_n and_o perceive_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o by_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o man_n be_v constitute_v happy_a but_o by_o vigorous_o exert_v their_o faculty_n upon_o the_o heavenly_a object_n for_o without_o this_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n or_o out_o of_o it_o will_v be_v altogether_o indifferent_a to_o we_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o consist_v in_o a_o state_n of_o heavenly_a action_n in_o be_v so_o attemper_v and_o connaturalize_v to_o the_o object_n of_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v always_o act_v upon_o and_o cheerful_o employ_v our_o faculty_n about_o they_o for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n in_o act_v cold_o upon_o suitable_a object_n so_o there_o be_v pain_n and_o trouble_v in_o act_v vigorous_o upon_o unsuitable_a one_o and_o therefore_o to_o make_v heaven_n itself_o a_o happiness_n to_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v act_v vigorous_o upon_o the_o object_n of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o act_v from_o a_o suitableness_n of_o temper_n to_o they_o that_o we_o shall_v contemplate_v god_n submit_v to_o his_o will_n adore_v and_o imitate_v his_o perfection_n from_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n for_o otherwise_o these_o act_n will_v be_v penance_n instead_o of_o pleasure_n to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o intense_o we_o exert_v they_o the_o more_o painful_a they_o will_v be_v and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o heaven_n all_o that_o heavenly_a exercise_n in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o it_o consist_v will_v be_v but_o a_o torment_n and_o vexation_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o heavenly_a temper_n for_o as_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n can_v never_o rest_v but_o do_v move_v about_o in_o a_o perpetual_a whirl-pool_n till_o they_o be_v hit_v into_o a_o place_n or_o interstice_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o form_n and_o figure_n with_o they_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v rest_v in_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v heavenly_a all_o that_o be_v otherwise_o rebound_v and_o fly_v off_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n and_o can_v never_o acquiesce_v there_o till_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o form_n and_o temper_v and_o disposition_n with_o it_o from_o hence_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n in_o heaven_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o outward_a glory_n of_o the_o place_n as_o in_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o from_o a_o suitableness_n of_o temper_n to_o the_o heavenly_a object_n do_v always_o free_o employ_v and_o exercise_v its_o faculty_n about_o they_o ii_o that_o the_o heavenly_a state_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o heavenly_a virtue_n for_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o heaven_n consist_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o intimate_a knowledge_n and_o a_o free_a and_o uncontested_a choice_n of_o god_n and_o of_o those_o bless_a being_n that_n resemble_v he_o and_o these_o two_o comprehend_v all_o heavenly_a virtue_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v not_o in_o kind_a but_o in_o degree_n for_o grace_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o glory_n and_o glory_n be_v the_o maturity_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v knowledge_n exalt_v above_o all_o error_n and_o prejudice_n above_o all_o difficulty_n or_o obscurity_n of_o apprehension_n it_o be_v love_n strain_v from_o all_o repugnancy_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o refine_v into_o a_o pure_a celestial_a flame_n it_o be_v obedience_n to_o and_o imitation_n of_o god_n perfect_o separate_v from_o all_o sinful_a defect_n and_o free_v from_o the_o clog_n of_o counter-striving_a principle_n it_o be_v adoration_n of_o and_o dependency_n upon_o he_o without_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o indisposition_n or_o despondency_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v a_o free_a and_o uncontrolled_a motion_n of_o all_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n together_o in_o which_o they_o be_v every_o one_o most_o vigorous_o exert_v without_o the_o least_o check_n or_o impediment_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o state_n of_o heaven_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o main_a difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o heaven_n be_v only_o gradual_a that_o virtue_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o so_o then_o as_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o true_a virtue_n be_v a_o step_n heavenward_n so_o every_o far_a degree_n be_v a_o near_a approach_n towards_o the_o heavenly_a state_n so_o that_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o proceed_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o virtue_n to_o another_o we_o draw_v near_o and_o near_o to_o that_o bless_a condition_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v all_o pure_a virtue_n without_o any_o sinful_a alloy_n or_o intermixture_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o heaven_n chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o advance_v our_o nature_n to_o such_o a_o sublime_a degree_n of_o purity_n and_o perfection_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o capacitate_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o heavenly_a bliss_n it_o be_v necessitate_v in_o order_n hereunto_o to_o strain_v our_o duty_n to_o a_o great_a height_n than_o any_o precede_a law_n have_v do_v before_o it_o for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n law_n be_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v be_v effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v this_o end_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o duty_n they_o enjoin_v shall_v be_v such_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o happiness_n require_v now_o in_o the_o first_o state_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v that_o of_o innocence_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v design_v only_o for_o a_o terrestrial_a paradise_n that_o be_v to_o enjoy_v a_o sensual_a animal_n happiness_n in_o a_o state_n of_o earthly_a immortality_n and_o to_o serve_v and_o promote_v this_o end_n god_n give_v we_o
the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o right_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o earthly_a happiness_n and_o according_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o law_n be_v of_o a_o much_o low_a strain_n than_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o a_o much_o low_a happiness_n for_o in_o this_o our_o earthly_a and_o animal_n state_n right_a reason_n can_v require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o earthly_a and_o animal_n felicity_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v good_a for_o we_o but_o what_o tend_v thereunto_o nothing_o evil_a but_o what_o do_v obstruct_v and_o oppose_v it_o but_o now_o that_o our_o happiness_n be_v place_v in_o another_o world_n and_o in_o such_o vast_o different_a enjoyment_n from_o those_o of_o a_o terrestrial_a paradise_n we_o must_v proceed_v upon_o other_o principle_n for_o now_o every_o action_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a wise_a or_o foolish_a as_o it_o serve_v or_o hinder_v our_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o now_o we_o shall_v live_v at_o a_o different_a rate_n than_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o in_o that_o animal_n state_n wherein_o we_o be_v first_o create_v that_o we_o shall_v submit_v our_o earthly_a to_o our_o heavenly_a interest_n and_o renounce_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n whensoever_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o spiritual_a felicity_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v now_o we_o be_v no_o long_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o world_n as_o our_o native_a country_n but_o as_o a_o foreign_a land_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o reckon_v our_o self_n stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n and_o according_o to_o use_v the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n as_o stranger_n do_v their_o inn_n not_o to_o abide_v or_o take_v up_o our_o habitation_n in_o they_o but_o only_o to_o bait_v and_o away_o and_o refresh_v ourselves_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o perform_v our_o journey_n to_o the_o eternal_a world_n for_o the_o scene_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v shift_v from_o a_o earthly_a immortality_n to_o a_o heavenly_a and_o consequent_o the_o happiness_n itself_o be_v now_o much_o more_o sublime_a and_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v have_v it_o continue_v earthly_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o it_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v as_o high_a above_o the_o condion_fw-la of_o mere_a earthly_a creature_n as_o that_o be_v above_o the_o rank_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o earthly_a happiness_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o relish_v and_o enjoy_v it_o now_o every_o agent_n have_v need_n of_o more_o or_o few_o mean_n proportionable_o as_o he_o be_v far_o off_o or_o near_o to_o the_o end_v he_o drive_v at_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o husbandman_n that_o have_v a_o fat_a and_o fruitful_a soil_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o be_v near_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o a_o good_a harvest_n than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o barren_a or_o stony_a ground_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o therefore_o have_v much_o less_o to_o do_v for_o whereas_o the_o latter_a before_o he_o can_v plough_v and_o sow_v must_v manure_v his_o ground_n and_o gather_v out_o the_o stone_n of_o it_o the_o former_a needs_o only_o plough_v up_o the_o fertile_a earth_n and_o cast_v his_o seed_n into_o it_o or_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n a_o man_n that_o be_v mere_o ignorant_a be_v in_o a_o much_o near_a capacity_n of_o true_a knowledge_n than_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v altogether_o prejudice_v with_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o therefore_o needs_o much_o few_o help_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o for_o his_o mind_n be_v perfect_o disengage_v be_v like_o a_o fair_a paper_n on_o which_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o write_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v blot_v out_o so_o that_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o inquire_v after_o and_o receive_v the_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o but_o as_o for_o the_o prejudice_v man_n he_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o unlearn_v before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o learning_n a_o great_a many_o false_a principle_n to_o be_v expunge_v before_o ever_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v imprint_v on_o his_o understanding_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v take_v a_o true_a account_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o attain_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o a_o vast_a distance_n we_o be_v from_o it_o in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o our_o nature_n if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o indifference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n we_o shall_v be_v much_o near_a heaven_n than_o we_o be_v for_o then_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v without_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n whereof_o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n consist_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v without_o all_o that_o repugnance_n and_o aversation_n to_o they_o which_o render_v they_o so_o difficult_o attainable_a and_o our_o nature_n be_v already_o in_o a_o aequilibrium_fw-la will_v by_o the_o least_o over-weight_n of_o motive_n be_v present_o incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o alas_o in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n whereinto_o we_o be_v sink_v our_o nature_n run_v evil-ward_n with_o a_o very_a strong_a and_o prevail_a bias_n and_o be_v not_o only_o void_a of_o virtue_n but_o averse_a to_o it_o and_o this_o set_v we_o at_o a_o far_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o every_o degree_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v a_o remove_n from_o heaven_n a_o descent_n from_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o the_o heavenly_a blessedness_n consist_v and_o if_o so_o how_o remote_a from_o heaven_n be_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o their_o progress_n thither_o when_o to_o their_o natural_a corruption_n they_o have_v superad_v by_o their_o sinful_a course_n so_o many_o inordinate_a inclination_n and_o inveterate_a sinful_a habit_n when_o by_o a_o long_a series_n of_o wicked_a action_n they_o have_v raise_v and_o blow_v up_o their_o concupiscence_n into_o such_o rage_a flame_n of_o lust_n as_o general_o they_o do_v and_o be_v thus_o far_o go_v back_o from_o our_o end_n there_o be_v sundry_a mean_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v perfect_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a that_o be_v now_o become_v absolute_o necessary_a thereunto_o for_o have_v we_o begin_v our_o progress_n towards_o heaven_n from_o a_o state_n of_o indifferency_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n we_o have_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o practice_v those_o several_a virtue_n of_o religion_n of_o which_o the_o heavenly_a life_n and_o state_n consist_v to_o love_v and_o to_o contemplate_v to_o adore_v and_o to_o obey_v god_n and_o behave_v ourselves_o just_o and_o charitable_o towards_o one_o another_o all_o which_o will_v have_v be_v so_o easy_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o occasion_n of_o any_o instrumental_a duty_n to_o facilitate_v they_o to_o we_o whereas_o now_o start_v heavenward_n as_o we_o general_o do_v from_o a_o most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n there_o be_v sundry_a other_o mean_n which_o we_o must_v use_v as_o instrument_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o acquire_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n to_o our_o conquer_a the_o difficulty_n of_o and_o kill_v the_o vicious_a aversation_n of_o our_o nature_n against_o they_o all_o which_o will_v have_v be_v needless_a at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n have_v not_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_a as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v with_o we_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n the_o first_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o the_o perfection_n whereof_o consist_v the_o state_n of_o heaven_n the_o second_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o certain_a instrumental_a duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o acquire_v those_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o these_o be_v the_o proximate_a mean_n those_o which_o direct_o and_o immediate_o respect_v the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n the_o second_o the_o more_o remote_a mean_n which_o immediate_o respect_v those_o mean_n that_o immediate_o respect_v the_o end_n the_o first_o be_v like_o the_o art_n of_o the_o builder_n which_o immediate_o respect_v the_o house_n the_o second_o like_o the_o art_n of_o the_o smith_n which_o immediate_o respect_v the_o mean_n
and_o instrument_n of_o building_n i._o one_o sort_n of_o mean_n necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o respect_v it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n in_o the_o perfection_n whereof_o the_o heavenly_a life_n consist_v for_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o all_o heavenly_a virtue_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v and_o perfect_v only_o by_o practice_n that_o as_o all_o bad_a disposition_n be_v acquire_v and_o improve_v into_o habit_n by_o bad_a practice_n and_o custom_n so_o be_v all_o the_o contrary_a virtuous_a one_o by_o the_o contrary_a practice_n for_o religion_n proceed_v in_o the_o method_n of_o nature_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o from_o the_o act_n to_o the_o disposition_n and_o from_o the_o disposition_n to_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n the_o divine_a grace_n which_o accompany_v religion_n do_v ordinary_o work_v its_o effect_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n not_o by_o a_o instantaneous_a infusion_n of_o virtuous_a habit_n into_o the_o will_n but_o by_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o vicious_a habit_n and_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o till_o they_o have_v mortify_v those_o habit_n and_o thorough_o habituate_v and_o enure_v themselves_o to_o these_o so_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o graff_n which_o though_o it_o be_v put_v into_o a_o stock_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o kind_n do_v yet_o make_v use_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o juice_n of_o the_o stock_n and_o so_o by_o cooperate_n with_o they_o convert_v it_o by_o degree_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o man_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o reformation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o act_v virtuous_o from_o habit_n and_o inclination_n that_o it_o go_v against_o the_o very_a grain_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o they_o will_v much_o rather_o return_v to_o their_o vicious_a course_n if_o they_o be_v not_o chase_v and_o pursue_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o when_o afterward_o they_o come_v to_o act_v upon_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a principle_n yet_o still_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a averseness_n and_o reluctancy_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n usual_o ere_o they_o arrive_v to_o a_o habit_n or_o facility_n of_o act_v virtuous_o but_o then_o by_o perseverance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v more_o and_o more_o incline_v and_o dispose_v to_o it_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n it_o become_v easy_a and_o natural_a to_o they_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v ever_o arrive_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o the_o heavenly_a state_n imply_v it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n by_o a_o continual_a train_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n which_o by_o degree_n will_v wear_v off_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o adapt_v and_o familiarize_v our_o nature_n to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o thing_n which_o they_o that_o learn_v aught_o to_o do_v they_o learn_v by_o do_v they_o thus_o we_o learn_v devotion_n by_o prayer_n submission_n to_o god_n by_o deny_v ourselves_o charity_n by_o give_v alm_n and_o meekness_n by_o forgive_a injury_n and_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o commence_v learn_v without_o study_n as_o virtuous_a without_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n since_o therefore_o the_o formal_a happiness_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o it_o be_v by_o these_o alone_a that_o we_o can_v relish_v and_o enjoy_v the_o blissful_a object_n of_o heaven_n it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o immediate_a mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o bless_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o then_o ii_o another_o sort_n of_o mean_n necessary_a to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n consist_v of_o certain_a instrumental_a duty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o acquire_v improve_v and_o perfect_a these_o heavenly_a virtue_n what_o these_o mean_n be_v will_v be_v hereafter_o large_o show_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o they_o at_o present_a be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v no_o far_o good_a and_o useful_a than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o do_v tend_v towards_o the_o acquire_n improve_n and_o perfect_v it_o for_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n may_v be_v distribute_v into_o these_o two_o general_n viz._n the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n contain_v all_o that_o heavenly_a virtue_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v and_o this_o the_o apostle_n distribute_v into_o three_o particular_n viz._n sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n comprehend_v all_o that_o duty_n which_o do_v either_o natural_o or_o by_o institution_n respect_n and_o drive_v at_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o that_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o be_v not_o itself_o a_o natural_a branch_n and_o part_n of_o it_o do_v respect_n and_o drive_v at_o it_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a for_o the_o purpose_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n be_v either_o 1._o to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o they_o or_o 2._o to_o perfect_v the_o humane_a nature_n or_o 3._o to_o entitle_v man_n to_o heaven_n or_o 4._o to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v they_o for_o the_o heavenly_a life_n to_o neither_o of_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v any_o far_a useful_a than_o as_o it_o produce_v and_o promote_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n for_o i._o it_o be_v no_o further_a useful_a towards_o the_o reconcile_a we_o to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o us._n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hearty_a reconciliation_n between_o adverse_a party_n without_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a likeness_n and_o agreement_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o carnal_a mind_n which_o include_v all_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n seven_o 17_o that_o be_v have_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o antipathy_n the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v found_v in_o our_o wicked_a work_n coloss._n i_o 21_o so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v practice_v never_o so_o diligent_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n though_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n with_o never_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v be_v insignificant_a as_o to_o the_o reconcile_a our_o nature_n to_o god_n unless_o it_o destroy_v in_o we_o that_o carnal_a mind_n and_o those_o wicked_a work_n which_o render_v we_o so_o averse_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o though_o god_n bear_v a_o hearty_a good_a will_n to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o good_a and_o embrace_n his_o whole_a creation_n with_o the_o outstretch_v arm_n of_o his_o benevolence_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v please_v with_o or_o delight_v in_o any_o but_o such_o as_o resemble_v he_o in_o those_o amiable_a grace_n of_o purity_n and_o goodness_n for_o which_o he_o love_v himself_o for_o he_o love_v not_o himself_o mere_o because_o he_o be_v himself_o which_o will_v be_v a_o blind_a instinct_n rather_o than_o a_o reasonable_a love_n but_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o he_o love_v himself_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n because_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a good_a and_o consequent_o he_o love_v all_o other_o thing_n proportionable_o as_o they_o approach_v and_o resemble_v he_o in_o goodness_n and_o indeed_o if_o he_o love_v we_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n beside_o that_o for_o which_o he_o love_v himself_o he_o will_v not_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o love_v himself_o because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v that_o reason_n to_o love_v himself_o for_o which_o he_o love_v and_o take_v delight_n in_o vs._n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o our_o resemblance_n of_o god_n can_v reconcile_v he_o to_o we_o and_o since_o our_o resemblance_n of_o he_o
by_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o world_n into_o another_o and_o therefore_o as_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v likeness_n that_o do_v congregate_v and_o associate_v being_n together_o so_o doubtless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o too_o so_o that_o if_o we_o carry_v with_o we_o thither_o our_o wicked_a and_o devilish_a disposition_n as_o we_o shall_v doubtless_o do_v unless_o we_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v they_o here_o there_o will_v be_v no_o company_n fit_a for_o we_o to_o associate_v with_o but_o only_o the_o devilish_a and_o damn_a ghost_n of_o wicked_a man_n with_o who_o our_o wretched_a spirit_n be_v already_o join_v by_o a_o likeness_n of_o nature_n will_v mingle_v themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v from_o the_o society_n of_o mortal_n for_o whither_o shall_v they_o flock_v but_o to_o the_o bird_n of_o their_o own_o feather_n with_o who_o shall_v they_o associate_v but_o with_o those_o malignant_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v already_o join_v by_o a_o community_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o suppose_v that_o when_o they_o land_n in_o eternity_n it_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o bless_a or_o the_o damn_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o heaven_n will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o they_o that_o the_o air_n of_o that_o bright_a region_n of_o eternal_a day_n will_v never_o agree_v with_o their_o black_a and_o hellish_a nature_n for_o alas_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v among_o those_o bless_a being_n that_n inhabit_v it_o to_o who_o godlike_a nature_n divine_a contemplation_n and_o heavenly_a employment_n they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o repugnancy_n and_o aversation_n so_o that_o beside_o the_o have_v a_o right_a to_o heaven_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o enjoy_n it_o that_o we_o shoule_fw-mi be_v antecedent_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v thus_o god_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o to_o make_v those_o very_a virtue_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o right_n to_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n of_o our_o spirit_n for_o it_o that_o so_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o labour_n we_o may_v entitle_v ourselves_o to_o and_o qualify_v ourselves_o to_o enjoy_v it_o now_o as_o we_o show_v you_o before_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o right_n to_o heaven_n be_v our_o practise_v those_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_v no_o further_a entitle_v we_o to_o heaven_n than_o as_o it_o produce_v and_o promote_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n so_o it_o no_o further_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o for_o when_o the_o soul_n go_v into_o eternity_n it_o leave_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n behind_o it_o and_o carry_v nothing_o with_o it_o but_o only_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o disposition_n which_o it_o here_o acquire_v by_o those_o mean_n for_o as_o for_o faith_n and_o consideration_n hear_v of_o god_n word_n and_o receive_v of_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v all_o but_o scaffold_n to_o that_o heavenly_a building_n of_o inward_a purity_n and_o goodness_n and_o when_o this_o be_v once_o finish_v for_o eternity_n then_o must_v those_o scaffold_n all_o go_v down_o as_o thing_n of_o no_o further_o use_v or_o necessity_n but_o as_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o be_v to_o stand_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v the_o receptacle_n and_o habitation_n of_o all_o heavenly_a pleasure_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o of_o those_o three_o christian_a grace_n faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n charity_n which_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n of_o it_o comprehend_v all_o heavenly_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a because_o the_o two_o former_a be_v but_o mean_v of_o charity_n shall_v cease_v in_o heaven_n and_o be_v swallow_v up_o for_o ever_o in_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o charity_n say_v he_o never_o fail_v 1_o cor._n twelve_o 13_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v no_o further_o useful_a to_o we_o than_o as_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v and_o promote_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n the_o practice_n of_o which_o be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o immediate_a mean_n to_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o a_o christian._n wherefore_o as_o a_o man_n may_v knock_v and_o file_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o mechanic_n though_o the_o hammer_n and_o file_n with_o which_o he_o do_v it_o be_v very_o useful_a tool_n to_o the_o make_n of_o any_o curious_a machine_n so_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o be_v a_o very_a bungler_n in_o the_o bless_a trade_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v excellent_a mean_n of_o heavenly_a live_n yet_o as_o the_o art_n of_o the_o mechanic_n consist_v not_o bare_o in_o use_v his_o tool_n but_o in_o use_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfect_a and_o accomplish_v his_o work_n so_o the_o art_n of_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o heavenly_a life_n consist_v not_o bare_o in_o pray_v and_o hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o that_o religious_a skill_n and_o artifice_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v they_o effectual_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o general_a account_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o it_o or_o such_o as_o more_o remote_o respect_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o the_o perfection_n whereof_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v the_o second_o be_v the_o practise_v of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v those_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o of_o these_o two_o part_n consist_v the_o whole_a christian_a life_n which_o take_v in_o not_o only_o all_o those_o virtue_n that_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o in_o heaven_n but_o also_o all_o those_o duty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o those_o virtue_n and_o to_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v they_o the_o first_o of_o these_o for_o distinction_n sake_n we_o will_v call_v the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o we_o shall_v lead_v in_o heaven_n after_o we_o have_v learn_v it_o here_o upon_o earth_n the_o second_o i_o shall_v call_v the_o warfaring_a or_o militant_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o our_o earthly_a state_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o contend_v and_o strive_v with_o the_o manifold_a difficulty_n which_o attend_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n both_o which_o i_o conceive_v be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n i._n 27_o only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v let_v your_o conversation_n be_v strict_o signify_v behave_v ourselves_o as_o citizen_n or_o which_o if_o we_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o coin_v a_o word_n may_v be_v fit_o render_v citizen_n it_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o word_n imply_v that_o those_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v be_v denizen_n of_o some_o free_a city_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o phil._n iii._o 20_o be_v render_v conversation_n strict_o denote_v a_o citizenship_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d citizen_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o act_v xxii_o 28_o be_v translatee_fw-mi a_o freedom_n i._n e._n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o denote_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o though_o they_o dwell_v out_o of_o that_o city_n and_o sometime_o remote_a from_o it_o have_v yet_o the_o jus_fw-la civitatis_fw-la romanae_fw-la the_o privilege_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o for_o thus_o cicero_n describe_v it_o omnibus_fw-la municipibus_fw-la dvas_fw-la esse_fw-la tatrias_fw-la unam_fw-la naturae_fw-la alteram_fw-la juris_fw-la catonis_fw-la exemplo_fw-la qui_fw-la tusculi_fw-la natus_fw-la in_o populi_n romani_fw-la societaem_n susceptus_fw-la est_fw-la i._n e._n all_o such_o as_o be_v make_v free_a of_o the_o city_n have_v two_o country_n one_o of_o nature_n the_o other_o of_o law_n as_o cato_n for_o instance_n who_o be_v bear_v at_o tusculum_n and_o afterward_o admit_v a_o citizen_n of_o rome_n which_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o heavenly_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o citizenship_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o attribute_n to_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o belong_v at_o present_a to_o another_o
country_n and_o live_v a_o great_a way_n off_o from_o the_o heavenly_a city_n have_v as_o yet_o no_o domicilium_fw-la in_o urbe_fw-la no_o actual_a possession_n of_o any_o of_o its_o bless_a mansion_n be_v notwithstanding_o free_a denizen_n of_o it_o and_o have_v by_o covenant_n a_o right_n to_o all_o those_o bless_a privilege_n which_o its_o inhabitant_n do_v actual_o enjoy_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o that_o text_n refer_v to_o their_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o such_o it_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o behave_v themselves_o to_o live_v as_o those_o who_o be_v now_o in_o a_o remote_a country_n be_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o ephes._n two_o 19_o i_o e._n fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n above_o that_o be_v connaturalize_v with_o they_o into_o that_o heavenly_a commonwealth_n and_o be_v thus_o understand_v the_o apostle_n advice_n will_v comprehend_v in_o it_o both_o those_o kind_n of_o mean_n which_o i_o have_v before_o describe_v for_o to_o live_v as_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n be_v first_o to_o live_v like_o those_o who_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n to_o imitate_v their_o bless_a manner_n and_o behaviour_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o heaven_n and_o this_o take_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n of_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n consist_v second_o to_o live_v like_o those_o that_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o citizenship_n in_o heaven_n that_o be_v entitle_v by_o covenant_n to_o the_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n of_o it_o but_o be_v as_o yet_o to_o win_v its_o possession_n by_o a_o continual_a warfare_n and_o contention_n with_o those_o manifold_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n which_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n to_o it_o and_o this_o take_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n in_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n consist_v so_o that_o to_o live_v like_o christian_n or_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o continual_a use_n of_o both_o kind_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o happiness_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a conversation_n consist_v of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o only_a full_a and_o adequate_a mean_n by_o which_o heaven_n can_v be_v obtain_v but_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v i_o shall_v consider_v these_o two_o part_n of_o it_o distinct_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o effectual_o each_o of_o they_o do_v contribute_v in_o its_o kind_n to_o our_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o first_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o proximate_a mean_n viz._n the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o do_v make_v the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v the_o proximate_a mean_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n show_v what_o virtue_n it_o consist_v of_o and_o how_o much_o every_o virtue_n contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n virtue_n in_o the_o general_n consist_v in_o a_o suitable_a behaviour_n to_o the_o state_n and_o capacity_n in_o which_o we_o be_v place_v now_o man_n who_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o that_o virtue_n we_o be_v here_o discourse_v of_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o threefold_a capacity_n the_o first_o be_v of_o a_o rational_a animal_n the_o second_o of_o a_o rational_a animal_n relate_v to_o god_n the_o three_o of_o a_o rational_a animal_n relate_v to_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o only_a capacity_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o all_o the_o virtue_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o and_o capable_a of_o consist_v in_o behave_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o rational_a animal_n that_o be_v relate_v to_o god_n and_o their_o fellow_n creature_n by_o which_o three_o capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o virtue_n or_o suitableness_n of_o behaviour_n which_o we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o be_v distinguish_v into_o three_o kind_n viz._n the_o humane_a the_o divine_a and_o the_o social_n humane_a virtue_n consist_v in_o behave_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o the_o state_n and_o capacity_n of_o mere_a rational_a animal_n divine_a virtue_n consist_v in_o behave_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o rational_a animal_n relate_v to_o god_n social_n virtue_n consist_v in_o behave_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o rational_a animal_n relate_v to_o their_o fellow_n creature_n but_o especial_o to_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o class_n and_o society_n with_o we_o that_o i_o may_v therefore_o proceed_v more_o distinct_o in_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o those_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v which_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o man_n in_o each_o of_o these_o capacity_n and_o how_o much_o each_o of_o those_o virtue_n contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n sect_n i._o concern_v those_o humane_a virtue_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o reasonable_a animal_n show_v that_o they_o be_v all_o include_v in_o the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o effectual_o conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v man_n in_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o mere_a rational_a animal_n that_o be_v compound_v of_o contrary_a principle_n viz._n spirit_n and_o matter_n or_o a_o rational_a soul_n and_o humane_a body_n by_o which_o composition_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o buckle_v of_o both_o world_n in_o who_o the_o spiritual_a and_o material_a world_n be_v clasp_v and_o unite_v together_o and_o partake_v as_o he_o do_v of_o both_o extreme_n of_o spirit_n and_o matter_n angel_n and_o brute_n there_o arise_v within_o he_o from_o those_o contrary_a nature_n contrary_a propension_n viz._n rational_a and_o sensual_a or_o angelical_a and_o brutish_a and_o in_o the_o due_a subordination_n of_o these_o his_o sensual_a to_o his_o rational_a propension_n consist_v all_o humane_a virtue_n for_o his_o reason_n be_v the_o noble_a principle_n of_o his_o nature_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v implant_v in_o he_o by_o god_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v he_o to_o be_v a_o eye_n to_o his_o blind_a and_o brutish_a affection_n to_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o his_o imagination_n to_o bound_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o his_o appetite_n and_o regulate_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o action_n so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v destructive_a or_o injurious_a to_o this_o excellent_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o now_o in_o this_o compound_a nature_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v his_o concupiscible_a and_o irascible_a affection_n with_o the_o first_o of_o which_o he_o desire_v and_o pursue_v his_o pleasure_n and_o with_o the_o second_o he_o shun_v and_o avoid_v his_o danger_n and_o there_o be_v also_o bodily_a appetite_n such_o as_o hunger_n thirst_v and_o carnal_a concupiscence_n and_o together_o with_o these_o a_o self-esteem_a and_o valuation_n all_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a subject_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o indeed_o the_o only_a subject_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v to_o exercise_v its_o dominion_n so_o that_o in_o the_o well_o and_o ill_a government_n of_o these_o consist_v all_o humane_a virtue_n and_o vice_n to_o the_o perfect_a well_o govern_v therefore_o of_o a_o man_n self_n there_o be_v five_o thing_n indispensable_o necessary_a 1._o that_o he_o shall_v impartial_o consult_v his_o reason_n what_o be_v absolute_o best_a for_o he_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v best_o attainable_a and_o and_o then_o constant_o pursue_v what_o it_o propose_v and_o direct_v he_o to_o for_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v want_v in_o this_o he_o cast_v off_o the_o government_n of_o his_o reason_n 2._o that_o he_o shall_v proportion_v his_o concupiscible_a affection_n to_o the_o just_a value_n which_o his_o reason_n set_v upon_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o affect_v for_o every_o degree_n of_o affection_n which_o exceed_v the_o merit_n of_o thing_n be_v irrational_a and_o consequent_o injurious_a to_o our_o rational_a nature_n 3._o that_o he_o shall_v not_o suffer_v his_o irascible_a affection_n to_o exceed_v those_o evil_n and_o danger_n which_o he_o will_v avoid_v for_o if_o he_o do_v they_o will_v prove_v great_a evil_n to_o he_o than_o those_o evil_n or_o danger_n be_v which_o raise_v and_o provoke_v they_o 4._o that_o he_o shall_v not_o indulge_v his_o bodily_a appetite_n to_o the_o hurt_a and_o prejudice_n of_o his_o rational_a nature_n for_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v violate_v the_o noble_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o vile_a part_n of_o himself_o and_o 5._o that_o upon_o the_o
when_o ever_o he_o survey_v himself_o in_o the_o glorious_a mirror_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n he_o discern_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o what_o be_v infinite_o lovely_a nothing_o but_o what_o exact_o correspond_v with_o the_o fair_a idea_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a reason_n whereas_o if_o upon_o a_o impossible_a supposal_n it_o be_v otherwise_o there_o will_v arise_v a_o civil_a war_n within_o his_o own_o bosom_n against_o which_o omnipotence_n itself_o can_v not_o protect_v or_o defend_v he_o for_o in_o despite_n of_o himself_o he_o will_v be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o just_a reproach_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o his_o own_o all-seeing_a eye_n will_v every_o moment_n detect_v and_o libel_n and_o upbraid_v he_o and_o render_v he_o a_o most_o inglorious_a spectacle_n to_o himself_o so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v infinite_o please_v and_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o that_o his_o own_o infallible_a reason_n will_v be_v a_o everlasting_a vexation_n to_o he_o and_o so_o will_v we_o be_v to_o we_o unless_o we_o take_v care_n to_o imitate_v god_n in_o those_o his_o divine_a perfection_n from_o whence_o his_o infinite_a self-satisfaction_n arise_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o wilful_o swerve_v and_o deviate_v from_o the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n we_o can_v but_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o be_v high_o dissatisfy_v with_o our_o own_o action_n our_o conscience_n must_v necessary_o reproach_v our_o will_n and_o our_o reason_n upbraid_v our_o base_a inclination_n now_o what_o a_o intolerable_a plague_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v force_v to_o make_v invective_n against_o himself_o and_o continual_o to_o carry_v his_o own_o satyr_n in_o his_o bosom_n in_o this_o life_n indeed_o what_o by_o disguise_v our_o fault_n with_o specious_a name_n or_o colour_v they_o over_o with_o plausible_a pretence_n what_o by_o bribe_v our_o conscience_n with_o false_a presumption_n or_o divert_v ourselves_o from_o listen_v to_o their_o reproach_n by_o hurry_v into_o vice_n or_o business_n we_o may_v happy_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o deal_v well_o enough_o with_o ourselves_o but_o alas_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n where_o all_o fair_a colour_n and_o pretence_n shall_v be_v wipe_v off_o our_o vice_n and_o we_o shall_v appear_v to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o naked_a and_o undisguised_a ugliness_n where_o all_o our_o false_a presumption_n shall_v be_v baffle_v by_o a_o woeful_a experience_n and_o all_o the_o din_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o business_n in_o which_o we_o be_v wont_a to_o drown_v the_o clamour_n of_o our_o conscience_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o silence_v so_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v expose_v without_o fence_n or_o guard_n to_o the_o furious_a reflection_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o lie_v stark_o naked_a under_o the_o lash_n of_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n for_o ever_o o_o good_a god_n what_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o intolerable_a anguish_n of_o such_o a_o state_n wherein_o our_o own_o deformity_n shall_v be_v continual_o object_v to_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o palliate_v or_o excuse_v they_o but_o be_v always_o force_v to_o condemn_v and_o hate_v and_o curse_v ourselves_o for_o they_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o correct_v and_o reform_v they_o wherein_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v hurry_v on_o to_o such_o action_n by_o our_o own_o furious_a inclination_n as_o when_o we_o have_v do_v they_o will_v startle_v and_o amaze_v we_o set_v on_o our_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o worry_v we_o with_o their_o reproachful_a reflection_n yet_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o their_o reproach_n we_o shall_v still_o reiterate_v and_o repeat_v they_o like_o a_o desperate_a murderer_n who_o have_v kill_v a_o innocent_a person_n reflect_v with_o horror_n upon_o his_o own_o act_n tear_v his_o hair_n beat_v his_o breast_n curse_n and_o call_v himself_o a_o thousand_o villain_n but_o be_v hereby_o chase_v into_o a_o great_a fury_n instead_o of_o reform_v he_o grow_v more_o mischievous_a and_o so_o murder_n another_o and_o then_o rage_v afresh_o at_o his_o own_o act_n but_o still_o the_o more_o he_o rage_v the_o more_o he_o murder_n and_o this_o will_v necessary_o be_v our_o state_n in_o the_o other_o world_n if_o through_o our_o neglect_n of_o imitate_v god_n we_o go_v away_o thither_o under_o a_o habitual_a contrariety_n of_o nature_n to_o he_o beside_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v whole_o indispose_v to_o those_o beatifical_a act_n of_o divine_a love_n worship_n and_o contemplation_n in_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pleasure_n heaven_n consist_v for_o since_o all_o love_n be_v found_v in_o likeness_n and_o likeness_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o imitation_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v love_v god_n unless_o we_o imitate_v he_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o love_v he_o what_o pleasure_n can_v we_o take_v in_o contemplate_v and_o adore_v he_o wherefore_o in_o prosecution_n of_o its_o great_a design_n which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a the_o gospel_n strict_o require_v we_o to_o be_v always_o imitate_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v imitable_a the_o perfection_n and_o action_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o endeavour_v to_o form_v our_o nature_n to_o he_o to_o rectify_v the_o feature_n and_o lineament_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o his_o most_o amiable_a idea_n to_o be_v continual_o frame_v our_o temper_n by_o the_o noble_a pattern_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n his_o justice_n purity_n and_o wisdom_n that_o so_o be_v new_o cast_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a mould_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o may_v be_v transform_v into_o live_a image_n of_o he_o so_o ephes._n v._n 1_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imitator_n or_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n i._n e._n that_o so_o you_o may_v resemble_v he_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o your_o mind_n as_o child_n do_v their_o parent_n in_o the_o lineament_n of_o their_o body_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o those_o evangelical_n injunction_n which_o require_v we_o to_o be_v pure_a as_o god_n be_v pure_a merciful_a as_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o perfect_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a that_o be_v to_o take_v example_n by_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o trace_v and_o follow_v he_o in_o all_o his_o imitable_a perfection_n by_o put_v on_o that_o new_a that_o godlike_a man_n that_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o after_o god_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n ephes._n four_o 24_o this_o therefore_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n to_o set_v god_n always_o before_o our_o eye_n as_o the_o great_a pattern_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o to_o endeavour_v constant_o to_o write_v 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extinguish_v upon_o our_o arrival_n into_o the_o other_o world_n where_o be_v free_v from_o all_o our_o misconception_n of_o god_n from_o all_o the_o repugnancy_n of_o our_o bodily_a temper_n to_o he_o and_o from_o all_o those_o temptation_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o avert_v we_o from_o he_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o involuntary_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n in_o we_o and_o then_o our_o will_n be_v already_o predominant_o incline_v to_o follow_v god_n and_o take_v example_n by_o he_o and_o have_v no_o contrary_a inclination_n to_o contend_v with_o we_o shall_v present_o attend_v to_o and_o imitate_v his_o perfection_n with_o the_o great_a vigour_n freedom_n and_o alacrity_n of_o soul_n so_o that_o now_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o intense_o fix_v to_o choose_v and_o act_v like_o god_n who_o be_v the_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o shall_v everlasting_o
and_o confidence_n in_o god_n upon_o who_o its_o be_v and_o happiness_n depend_v and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n to_o render_v our_o future_a happiness_n complete_a endeavour_n to_o train_v we_o up_o beforehand_o to_o a_o firm_a and_o perfect_a confidence_n in_o god_n by_o make_v it_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n 1_o pet._n four_o 19_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v 1_o tim._n vi_o 17_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n who_o raise_v the_o dead_a 2_o cor._n i_o 9_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o not_o be_v trouble_v at_o any_o event_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n john_n fourteen_o 1_o and_o not_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o confidence_n heb._n x._o 35_o and_o the_o like_a the_o sense_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o press_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o cheerful_a reliance_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o affect_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o overrule_a providence_n and_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o all_o those_o great_a design_n he_o be_v drive_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o embrace_v all_o event_n as_o the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o always_o to_o live_v upon_o this_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v infinite_o better_a for_o we_o to_o be_v in_o god_n hand_n than_o in_o our_o own_o and_o that_o he_o know_v much_o better_a how_o to_o dispose_v of_o we_o and_o our_o affair_n than_o we_o do_v and_o that_o he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o much_o to_o our_o advantage_n as_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v if_o we_o know_v as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v now_o though_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o strong_a impression_n which_o sensible_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n of_o sense_n make_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v able_a so_o firm_o to_o rely_v upon_o and_o repose_v ourselves_o in_o god_n invisible_a power_n as_o not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o disquiet_v about_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n yet_o if_o by_o frequent_a act_n of_o trust_n and_o reliance_n on_o he_o we_o have_v so_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o confide_v in_o he_o as_o that_o by_o look_v up_o to_o his_o overrule_a providence_n we_o can_v ordinary_o stay_v and_o support_v ourselves_o amid_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o this_o world_n if_o when_o a_o storm_n of_o adversity_n hang_v lower_v over_o or_o shower_n down_o upon_o we_o we_o can_v fly_v to_o god_n for_o shelter_n and_o promise_v ourselves_o safety_n and_o protection_n under_o the_o outstretch_v wing_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o a_o word_n if_o when_o we_o smart_v we_o can_v ordinary_o hope_v in_o he_o and_o rest_v persuade_v that_o under_o his_o gracious_a conduct_n and_o disposal_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a this_o our_o imperfect_a waver_a hope_n and_o dependence_n shall_v in_o the_o other_o life_n be_v immediate_o ripen_v into_o a_o most_o perfect_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v be_v whole_o remove_v from_o this_o life_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n invisible_a providence_n be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o distract_v and_o beside_o we_o shall_v have_v much_o quick_a and_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o infinite_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o confide_v in_o he_o and_o then_o when_o after_o all_o the_o threat_n of_o a_o tempestuous_a voyage_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o land_v in_o a_o bless_a world_n and_o possess_v of_o all_o its_o promise_a glory_n this_o mighty_a experiment_n of_o god_n fidelity_n and_o goodness_n will_v immediate_o settle_v our_o predisposed_a mind_n into_o such_o a_o immovable_a confidence_n in_o he_o as_o that_o from_o thenceforth_o no_o fear_n or_o distrust_n will_v ever_o find_v the_o least_o access_n to_o our_o thought_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o perfect_o assure_v of_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o though_o we_o shall_v feel_v ourselves_o sustain_v and_o blessed_v every_o moment_n by_o the_o arbitrary_a influence_n of_o his_o benignity_n and_o power_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o confident_a for_o ever_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o bliss_n as_o we_o can_v be_v if_o we_o do_v self-exist_a and_o hold_v the_o eternity_n of_o our_o be_v and_o happiness_n as_o independent_o as_o god_n do_v he_o for_o though_o our_o condition_n will_v be_v ever_o dependent_a yet'twill_v be_v ever_o dependent_a upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n as_o can_v no_o more_o fail_v than_o god_n own_o life_n and_o be_v viz._n upon_o his_o veracity_n and_o goodness_n both_o which_o be_v so_o essential_a to_o he_o as_o that_o he_o can_v exist_v without_o they_o and_o know_v ourselves_o so_o firm_o secure_v in_o this_o our_o dependent_a state_n as_o that_o we_o can_v never_o sink_v unless_o god_n himself_o sink_v under_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o eternity_n not_o only_o as_o safe_a but_o as_o satisfy_v in_o it_o as_o if_o we_o be_v every_o one_o a_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o bless_a security_n we_o shall_v quiet_o enjoy_v god_n and_o ourselves_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n will_v crown_v the_o pleasure_n of_o all_o our_o other_o virtue_n by_o give_v we_o full_a security_n of_o a_o everlasting_a fruition_n of_o it_o for_o now_o the_o ravish_a mind_n will_v have_v no_o fear_n or_o distrust_v to_o cramp_n or_o arrest_v it_o in_o its_o bless_a operation_n no_o anxious_a thought_n of_o a_o sad_a futurity_n to_o sour_a its_o present_a enjoyment_n but_o it_o will_v enjoy_v all_o heaven_n every_o moment_n in_o a_o fearless_a security_n of_o enjoy_v it_o all_o for_o ever_o and_o when_o it_o shall_v perfect_o love_v contemplate_v and_o adore_v god_n with_o a_o sure_a and_o certain_a confidence_n of_o contemplate_v love_a and_o adore_v he_o perfect_o for_o ever_o o_o how_o unspeakable_o will_v this_o enhance_v the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o beatifical_a act_n for_o now_o in_o every_o moment_n of_o all_o our_o bless_a eternity_n we_o shall_v still_o have_v the_o joy_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n to_o come_v and_o beside_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o each_o present_a moment_n of_o our_o heavenly_a life_n shall_v abound_v with_o we_o shall_v still_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o prospect_n of_o infinite_a age_n of_o pleasure_n and_o thus_o the_o bless_a mind_n you_o see_v by_o its_o perfect_a dependence_n upon_o god_n consummate_v its_o own_o heaven_n and_o secure_v itself_o for_o ever_o in_o a_o most_o quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o by_o all_o which_o i_o think_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v how_o much_o each_o of_o these_o divine_a virtue_n which_o as_o rational_a creature_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o exert_v and_o exercise_v upon_o god_n contribute_v to_o our_o heavenly_a happiness_n and_o consequent_o how_o indispensable_o necessary_a our_o present_a practice_n of_o they_o be_v to_o dispose_v and_o capacitate_v we_o to_o enjoy_v it_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o social_n virtue_n show_v that_o these_o also_o be_v include_v in_o the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o that_o in_o their_o nature_n they_o very_o much_o contribute_v to_o our_o heavenly_a happiness_n man_n of_o all_o sublunary_a creature_n be_v the_o most_o adapt_v for_o society_n for_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o other_o creature_n do_v covet_v society_n as_o well_o as_o he_o yet_o he_o alone_o be_v furnish_v with_o that_o gift_n of_o nature_n which_o render_v society_n most_o pleasant_a and_o useful_a and_o that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o speech_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o we_o can_v express_v our_o thought_n and_o maintain_v a_o mutual_a intelligence_n of_o mind_n with_o one_o another_o and_o thereby_o divert_v our_o sorrow_n mingle_v our_o mirth_n impart_v our_o secret_n communicate_v our_o counsel_n and_o make_v mutual_a compact_n and_o agreement_n to_o supply_v and_o assist_v each_o other_o and_o in_o these_o thing_n consist_v the_o great_a use_n and_o pleasure_n of_o society_n and_o as_o of_o all_o creature_n we_o be_v the_o best_a fit_v for_o society_n so_o we_o stand_v in_o the_o great_a need_n of_o it_o for_o as_o for_o other_o creature_n after_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o be_v much_o soon_o able_a to_o help_v themselves_o than_o we_o and_o after_o we_o be_v most_o able_a to_o help_v ourselves_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o necessary_n and_o convenience_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a and_o with_o which_o we_o can_v be_v supply_v without_o each_o other_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o in_o a_o unsociable_a state_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v of_o all_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n be_v
receive_v by_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o know_v not_o that_o for_o sinful_a man_n to_o appease_v the_o incense_a divinity_n it_o be_v necessary_a first_o that_o some_o life_n shall_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o he_o by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o noble_a it_o be_v the_o more_o propitious_a it_o render_v he_o 2._o that_o some_o high_a favourite_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o intercede_v with_o he_o in_o their_o behalf_n whereupon_o understand_v by_o universal_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o middle_a being_n who_o they_o call_v demon_n between_o the_o sovereign_a god_n and_o man_n they_o begin_v to_o address_v to_o these_o and_o to_o bribe_v they_o with_o sacred_a honour_n to_o interpose_v with_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n and_o if_o they_o can_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o rely_v upon_o sacrifice_n the_o most_o precious_a of_o which_o be_v the_o live_v of_o sinful_a 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to_o indemnify_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o every_o sinner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v but_o return_v to_o he_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n neither_o of_o which_o great_a thing_n can_v ever_o be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o own_o personal_a interest_n with_o his_o father_n he_o now_o intercede_v in_o our_o behalf_n and_o plead_v our_o cause_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o price_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o his_o hand_n even_o his_o precious_a blood_n by_o which_o he_o redeem_v they_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o with_o that_o powerful_a oratory_n he_o can_v fail_v of_o succeed_v in_o our_o behalf_n for_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n all_o those_o favour_n which_o he_o intercede_v for_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o so_o that_o now_o for_o our_o great_a security_n all_o those_o favour_n which_o god_n 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from_o virtue_n to_o vice_n or_o from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n he_o will_v still_o be_v ready_a to_o face_v about_o with_o it_o and_o be_v always_o veer_v like_o a_o weathercock_n to_o a_o contrary_a point_n upon_o every_o change_n of_o wind._n whereas_o when_o a_o man_n intention_n pure_o respect_v god_n it_o will_v be_v immovable_o fix_v among_o all_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n from_o without_o for_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a change_n or_o capricio_n of_o fortune_n can_v hinder_v a_o man_n from_o please_a god_n who_o love_n to_o we_o depend_v not_o upon_o our_o be_v poor_a or_o rich_a please_v or_o pain_v depress_v or_o advance_v but_o upon_o our_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a and_o therefore_o if_o our_o aim_n be_v pure_o to_o please_v he_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o continue_v so_o which_o side_n soever_o fortune_n smile_v upon_o wherefore_o to_o our_o successful_a progress_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o shall_v abstract_a and_o separate_v our_o religious_a intention_n from_o all_o these_o worldly_a respect_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o look_v frequent_o up_o to_o god_n and_o actual_o refer_v and_o dedicate_a our_o action_n to_o he_o by_o shut_v our_o eye_n when_o we_o be_v enter_v upon_o any_o duty_n to_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o determine_v with_o ourselves_o this_o i_o will_v do_v pure_o because_o it_o be_v godlike_a or_o because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o whether_o i_o shall_v be_v commend_v or_o disgrace_v for_o it_o whether_o i_o shall_v get_v or_o lose_v by_o it_o i_o will_v not_o now_o regard_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o and_o therefore_o for_o this_o reason_n only_o i_o will_v do_v it_o without_o any_o other_o respect_n or_o consideration_n by_o which_o mean_v we_o shall_v by_o degree_n so_o purify_v our_o intention_n and_o refine_v they_o from_o worldly_a aim_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o act_v vigorous_o in_o religion_n without_o any_o other_o respect_n but_o that_o of_o please_a god_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o nature_n and_o when_o once_o we_o can_v do_v thus_o we_o be_v in_o a_o great_a forwardness_n in_o religion_n for_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v get_v such_o a_o ascendant_n over_o we_o that_o as_o we_o can_v cheerful_o obey_v he_o without_o external_a inducement_n so_o we_o can_v free_o contemn_v all_o inducement_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o it_o be_v our_o great_a and_o chief_a aim_n to_o please_v and_o be_v like_o he_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o we_o will_v have_v very_o little_a power_n to_o move_v we_o one_o way_n or_o '_o other_o because_o now_o our_o great_a aim_n be_v above_o they_o and_o our_o eye_n be_v so_o steadfast_o fix_v upon_o god_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o regard_v they_o and_o our_o mind_n be_v thus_o indispose_v to_o listen_v to_o the_o restless_a importunity_n of_o external_a good_n and_o evil_n our_o innocence_n be_v safe_a and_o we_o may_v pass_v triumphant_o through_o all_o their_o temptation_n it_o be_v a_o noble_a say_v of_o epictetus_n lib._n 2._o c._n 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o eject_v sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o lust_n from_o his_o soul_n but_o by_o look_v up_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o he_o only_o and_o devote_v our_o life_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v his_o scholar_n that_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o he_o drive_v at_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n to_o make_v they_o free_a and_o bless_a by_o persuade_v they_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n whether_o it_o be_v small_a or_o great_a lib._n 2._o c._n 19_o for_o whilst_o in_o our_o religious_a intention_n we_o do_v too_o much_o respect_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o we_o we_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n intrust_v they_o with_o our_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o make_v they_o inducement_n to_o our_o duty_n so_o far_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o secure_v or_o betray_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n so_o much_o as_o i_o aim_v at_o profit_n in_o any_o religious_a action_n so_o much_o power_n profit_n have_v over_o my_o religion_n and_o if_o the_o same_o profit_n shall_v invite_v i_o to_o a_o wicked_a action_n it_o will_v have_v as_o much_o power_n to_o betray_v my_o religion_n as_o it_o have_v to_o secure_v it_o for_o the_o same_o gain_n will_v have_v the_o same_o influence_n on_o i_o when_o it_o tempt_v i_o to_o sin_n as_o it_o have_v when_o it_o tempt_v i_o to_o obey_v what_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n therefore_o be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o intrust_v such_o a_o treasure_n as_o their_o innocence_n and_o religion_n in_o such_o irresponsible_a hand_n and_o to_o give_v those_o outward_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n a_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o virtue_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o sheep_n to_o a_o wolf_n or_o of_o our_o chastity_n to_o a_o goat_n wherefore_o as_o we_o will_v be_v safe_a in_o our_o religious_a progress_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o purify_v our_o good_a intention_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a from_o all_o worldly_a respect_n and_o to_o level_v they_o direct_o and_o immediate_o at_o god_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o v._o to_o render_v the_o course_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n successful_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o and_o inspection_n over_o we_o among_o the_o many_o excellent_a rule_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n have_v give_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o man_n life_n this_o be_v one_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n they_o shall_v imagine_v some_o excellent_a person_n for_o who_o they_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o spectator_n of_o all_o their_o action_n and_o it_o be_v wholesome_a advice_n that_o one_o give_v his_o lewd_a friend_n that_o he_o shall_v hang_v the_o picture_n of_o his_o grave_n and_o serious_a father_n in_o the_o room_n where_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o celebrate_v his_o debauch_n imagine_v that_o the_o severe_a eye_n of_o the_o good_a old_a man_n though_o but_o in_o effigy_n will_v give_v a_o mighty_a check_n to_o the_o wanton_a sally_n of_o the_o intemperate_a youth_n and_o if_o the_o bare_a fiction_n of_o a_o man_n be_v present_a with_o we_o or_o his_o be_v present_a only_o in_o a_o dead_a picture_n may_v be_v rational_o suppose_v to_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n on_o our_o action_n of_o how_o much_o great_a force_n must_v our_o firm_a belief_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o we_o be_v to_o regulate_v our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thus_o present_a with_o we_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v not_o only_o from_o the_o infinite_a plenitude_n of_o his_o essence_n which_o be_v self-existent_a can_v not_o be_v bound_v or_o limit_v by_o any_o cause_n from_o without_o and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o be_v boundless_a and_o immense_a but_o also_o from_o express_a assertion_n of_o scripture_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o every_o place_n behold_v the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a prov._n xv_o 3_o that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n at_o hand_n and_o not_o a_o god_n afar_o off_o and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a place_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o and_o that_o he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n jer._n xxiii_o 23_o 24._o and_o that_o we_o can_v go_v no_o whither_o from_o his_o presence_n psal._n cxxxix_o 7_o 8._o and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o his_o eye_n heb._n four_o 13_o that_o be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v surround_v and_o fill_v with_o his_o be_v which_o be_v both_o the_o womb_n that_o contain_v and_o the_o soul_n that_o pervade_v the_o creation_n and_o that_o be_v thus_o present_a with_o we_o wherever_o we_o be_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o constant_a inspection_n over_o we_o and_o a_o clear_a sense_n and_o perception_n of_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v and_o he_o be_v thus_o present_a with_o we_o in_o reality_n and_o not_o in_o fiction_n or_o picture_n it_o must_v doubtless_o be_v of_o mighty_a avail_n to_o the_o well-government_n of_o our_o life_n to_o be_v continual_o inspire_v with_o a_o actual_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v we_o to_o do_v good_a from_o a_o
most_o nauseous_a to_o its_o disease_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o in_o its_o health_n it_o will_v have_v embrace_v with_o the_o great_a pleasure_n will_v in_o its_o sickness_n be_v the_o great_a burden_n and_o oppression_n to_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v spoil_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o constitution_n and_o be_v degenerate_v from_o the_o humane_a nature_n into_o the_o brutal_a or_o diabolical_a one_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o burden_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o beast_n or_o a_o devil_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n they_o arise_v not_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o require_v but_o out_o of_o the_o perverse_a indisposition_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o they_o and_o these_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n contract_v by_o ourselves_o so_o that_o instead_o of_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n we_o ought_v to_o strive_v and_o contend_v the_o more_o earnest_o against_o it_o because_o we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o for_o it_o when_o a_o man_n have_v play_v the_o fool_n and_o set_v his_o house_n on_o fire_n the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o folly_n ought_v to_o make_v he_o more_o industrious_a to_o extinguish_v it_o but_o if_o instead_o of_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v sit_v with_o his_o hand_n in_o his_o bosom_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o mischief_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o stop_v it_o what_o will_v folk_n say_v of_o he_o mischievous_a do_v it_o become_v thou_o to_o sit_v here_o idle_o complain_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o thy_o own_o villainy_n whilst_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o thy_o power_n will_v thou_o but_o bestir_v thyself_o to_o quench_v the_o flame_n and_o prevent_v the_o spread_a of_o it_o for_o shame_n get_v up_o and_o do_v thy_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o repair_v thy_o own_o act_n and_o to_o extinguish_v this_o spread_a mischief_n of_o which_o thou_o be_v the_o author_n since_o therefore_o we_o have_v be_v so_o obstinate_o foolish_a as_o to_o set_v fire_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o kindle_v in_o they_o by_o our_o vicious_a course_n such_o destructive_a flame_n of_o unnatural_a lust_n how_o monstrous_o ridiculous_a be_v it_o whilst_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o power_n to_o extinguish_v they_o to_o sit_v whine_v and_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n permit_v they_o to_o rage_n and_o burn_v on_o without_o interruption_n o_o miserable_a man_n if_o they_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v quench_v who_o may_v you_o thank_v for_o it_o be_v it_o not_o you_o that_o kindle_v they_o and_o do_v you_o now_o sit_v idle_o complain_v of_o your_o own_o act_n when_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o industrious_a to_o repair_v the_o mischief_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v your_o own_o for_o shame_n arise_v and_o bestir_v yourselves_o and_o since_o you_o be_v conscious_a that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o your_o religion_n be_v of_o your_o own_o create_v and_o that_o those_o lust_n which_o indispose_v you_o to_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o your_o own_o action_n let_v this_o excite_v you_o to_o a_o more_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o subdue_v and_o conquer_v they_o ii_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o your_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n as_o well_o as_o in_o your_o warfare_n against_o they_o for_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o your_o own_o experience_n whether_o you_o have_v not_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n in_o wickedness_n especial_o while_o you_o be_v educate_v and_o train_v up_o your_o nature_n to_o it_o do_v not_o your_o nature_n oftentimes_o recoil_v and_o start_v and_o boggle_v at_o your_o vicious_a action_n and_o be_v you_o not_o fain_o sometime_o to_o curb_v and_o sometime_o to_o spur_v it_o to_o commit_v many_o outrage_n and_o violence_n upon_o it_o whilst_o you_o be_v back_v and_o manage_v it_o before_o you_o can_v reduce_v it_o to_o a_o through-pace_n in_o iniquity_n how_o often_o have_v you_o put_v your_o modest_a nature_n to_o the_o blush_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o filthy_a and_o uncomely_a action_n whilst_o your_o wicked_a will_n have_v be_v drag_v it_o along_o like_o a_o timorous_a virgin_n to_o a_o adulterer_n bed_n and_o what_o terrible_a shriek_n have_v your_o conscience_n many_o time_n give_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o sinful_a commission_n when_o you_o be_v act_v the_o first_o rape_n upon_o your_o innocence_n how_o many_o a_o pensive_a mood_n have_v the_o review_n of_o your_o sinful_a pleasure_n cost_v you_o and_o what_o swarm_v of_o horror_n and_o dreadful_a expectation_n have_v the_o reflection_n on_o your_o past_a guilt_n raise_v in_o your_o mind_n and_o then_o with_o what_o excessive_a difficulty_n have_v you_o be_v fain_o to_o practice_v some_o vice_n only_o to_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o practise_v they_o more_o easy_o how_o often_o have_v you_o be_v force_v to_o swallow_v sickness_n to_o drink_v dead_a palsy_n and_o foam_a epilepsy_n to_o render_v your_o intemperances_n familiar_a to_o you_o and_o in_o what_o qualm_n and_o faint_a sweat_n and_o sottish_a confusion_n have_v you_o many_o time_n awake_v before_o ever_o you_o can_v connaturalize_v your_o midnight_n revel_n to_o your_o temper_n and_o when_o with_o so_o much_o labour_n and_o violence_n you_o have_v pretty_a well_o train_v and_o exercise_v yourselves_o in_o this_o hellish_a warfare_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o natural_a and_o habitual_a to_o you_o to_o how_o many_o inconvenience_n have_v it_o daily_o expose_v you_o &_o what_o base_a and_o unmanly_a shift_n have_v it_o put_v you_o upon_o to_o extricate_v yourselves_o out_o of_o those_o difficulty_n wherein_o it_o have_v involve_v you_o what_o violent_a passion_n and_o perturbation_n do_v it_o raise_v in_o your_o mind_n and_o into_o what_o wild_a tumult_n of_o action_n do_v it_o frequent_o hurry_v you_o in_o a_o word_n how_o do_v it_o perplex_v and_o intrigue_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o your_o life_n and_o entangle_v you_o in_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o knavish_a trick_n and_o collusion_n so_o that_o many_o time_n you_o be_v at_o your_o wit_n end_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v yourselves_o all_o these_o difficulty_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o which_o i_o can_v present_o think_v of_o you_o must_v have_v contend_v with_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o action_n if_o you_o have_v make_v any_o considerable_a experiment_n of_o it_o and_o do_v you_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o persevere_v in_o religion_n you_o that_o have_v so_o courageous_o persevere_v in_o a_o worse_a way_n against_o difficulty_n that_o be_v as_o great_a all_o thing_n consider_v if_o not_o great_a you_o that_o have_v hitherto_o sin_v on_o so_o industrious_o that_o have_v break_v through_o so_o many_o strong_a barricado_n to_o come_v at_o and_o enjoy_v your_o lust_n be_v you_o not_o ashamed_a to_o start_v and_o boggle_v as_o you_o do_v at_o the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n look_v but_o how_o the_o 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of_o your_o case_n choose_v which_o side_n you_o please_v whether_o to_o march_v under_o christ_n or_o the_o devil_n banner_n you_o must_v expect_v beforehand_o to_o encounter_v some_o difficulty_n yea_o and_o perhaps_o as_o great_a on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o and_o if_o so_o than_o you_o have_v little_a else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o compare_v their_o end_n and_o to_o consider_v which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o eligible_a a_o crown_n of_o glory_n or_o eternal_a torment_n iii_o consider_v that_o how_o difficult_a soever_o this_o your_o spiritual_a warfare_n may_v be_v it_o must_v be_v endure_v or_o that_o which_o be_v much_o more_o intolerable_a i_o confess_v be_v it_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a we_o may_v with_o some_o colour_n of_o reason_n urge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o to_o excuse_v ourselves_o from_o undertake_v and_o
into_o hypocrisy_n it_o may_v be_v whilst_o you_o be_v contend_v against_o those_o fleshly_a inclination_n by_o which_o you_o have_v former_o be_v captivate_v your_o heart_n will_v begin_v to_o swell_v with_o a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o your_o own_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o as_o a_o consequence_n of_o that_o to_o entertain_v contemptuous_a and_o censorious_a thought_n of_o your_o brethren_n beware_v now_o that_o whilst_o you_o be_v struggle_v with_o your_o old_a fleshly_a lust_n you_o do_v not_o overlook_v these_o little_a defect_n and_o indecency_n of_o your_o nature_n lest_o while_o you_o be_v conquer_a one_o sort_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v captivate_v by_o another_o for_o if_o you_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o nip_v they_o in_o their_o bud_n and_o to_o check_v these_o little_a essay_n and_o beginning_n of_o they_o they_o will_v soon_o spring_v up_o into_o habit_n of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n rancour_n and_o vncharitableness_n and_o so_o your_o warfare_n against_o sin_n 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and_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n overseer_n of_o their_o particular_a flock_n act_n xx_o 28_o which_o word_n both_o in_o sacred_a and_o profane_a writ_n denote_v a_o roll_a power_n and_o according_o these_o overseer_n be_v elsewhere_o call_v ruling-elders_a tim._n i._n 5.17_o and_o the_o subject_n and_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v require_v to_o obey_v they_o as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o heb._n xiii_o 17_o and_o elsewhere_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o know_v i._n e._n submissive_o to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n thes._n i._n 5.12_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n subject_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o spiritual_a
creature_n which_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v hence_o necessaril_o follow_v that_o as_o his_o hatred_n must_v convert_v into_o love_n to_o we_o when_o from_o wicked_a we_o become_v good_a so_o his_o love_n must_v convert_v into_o hatred_n of_o we_o when_o from_o good_a we_o degenerate_a into_o wicked_a which_o alteration_n of_o his_o affection_n towards_o we_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o change_n in_o his_o nature_n but_o from_o a_o change_n in_o we_o he_o always_o proceed_v upon_o steady_a and_o unchangeable_a priniciple_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o fix_v and_o constant_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o love_n and_o hatred_n which_o he_o can_v not_o be_v if_o he_o do_v not_o alter_v his_o affection_n to_o we_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v alter_v if_o he_o do_v not_o abominate_a we_o when_o he_o see_v we_o fall_v and_o degenerate_v from_o that_o state_n of_o goodness_n for_o teh_a sake_n of_o which_o he_o love_v we_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o we_o so_o that_o by_o wilful_o 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it_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o pain_n may_v you_o have_v save_v how_o many_o prayer_n and_o tear_n struggle_n and_o contention_n with_o yourselves_o might_n you_o have_v escape_v and_o avoid_v and_o at_o last_o be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n if_o not_o a_o better_a than_o that_o wherein_o your_o apostasy_n will_v certain_o leave_v you_o and_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v so_o long_o take_v heaven_n by_o storm_n and_o violence_n when_o he_o have_v break_v through_o so_o many_o opposition_n to_o come_v at_o it_o and_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o dart_n of_o temptation_n from_o without_o and_o of_o all_o the_o weight_n and_o pressure_n of_o inclination_n from_o within_o he_o be_v get_v up_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o scaling-ladder_n have_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o battlement_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o leap_v in_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o it_o what_o a_o madness_n be_v it_o for_o he_o now_o to_o let_v go_v his_o hold_n and_o tumble_v headlong_o down_o again_o into_o that_o abyss_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n out_o of_o which_o he_o have_v recover_v himself_o with_o so_o much_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n especial_o consider_v iu._n that_o by_o this_o our_o relapse_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o forfeit_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o past_a labour_n but_o also_o render_v our_o recovery_n more_o hazardous_a and_o difficult_a than_o ever_o for_o what_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v concern_v apostate_n from_o christianity_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n applicable_a to_o those_o who_o have_v engage_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n fall_v off_o from_o it_o again_o to_o their_o old_a sinful_a course_n it_o be_v impossible_a i._n e._n it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o those_o that_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v
relap_v we_o be_v now_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a outrage_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o destroy_v the_o dear_a fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n of_o lay_v waste_v his_o enclosure_n quench_v his_o motion_n extinguish_v his_o grace_n and_o strangle_v all_o those_o heavenly_a effect_n which_o he_o by_o his_o powerful_a goodness_n have_v produce_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o what_o a_o black_a aggravation_n of_o our_o gild_n must_v it_o be_v thus_o to_o baffle_v and_o disappoint_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o than_o second_o as_o by_o our_o apostasy_n we_o offer_v the_o rude_a affront_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o we_o commit_v the_o great_a violence_n both_o upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o experience_n for_o in_o all_o apostasy_n we_o sin_n with_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n with_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o gild_n glare_v in_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v fain_o to_o contend_v and_o struggle_v with_o our_o own_o mind_n before_o we_o can_v break_v through_o those_o check_n and_o restraint_n it_o lay_v upon_o we_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o our_o gild_n for_o the_o more_o light_n and_o persuasion_n a_o man_n sin_n against_o the_o more_o of_o will_n and_o malice_n there_o be_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o of_o gild_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o malicious_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o dare_v and_o defy_v his_o own_o conviction_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o very_a mouth_n of_o they_o while_o they_o be_v spit_v fire_n and_o roar_a everlasting_a ruin_n against_o he_o this_o plain_o show_v he_o to_o be_v act_v by_o a_o desperate_a resolution_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o lust_n he_o dare_v confront_v the_o terror_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o rather_o than_o be_v bar_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o he_o will_v plunge_v himself_o headlong_o into_o a_o foresee_a ruin_n and_o leap_v after_o they_o into_o hell_n with_o his_o eye_n open_a and_o yet_o thus_o we_o do_v in_o all_o our_o wilful_a apostasy_n we_o sin_n against_o the_o quick_a sense_n of_o our_o danger_n the_o loud_a warning_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v all_o most_o horrid_a aggravation_n must_v needs_o swell_v up_o our_o gild_n to_o a_o monstrous_a proportion_n neither_o do_v we_o sin_v only_o against_o our_o conscience_n but_o also_o against_o our_o experience_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o we_o have_v make_v some_o proof_n and_o trial_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v do_v so_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o practicable_a and_o high_o for_o our_o good_a nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v thorough_o assure_v of_o all_o this_o and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o by_o discourse_n as_o by_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n what_o a_o horrid_a baseness_n will_v it_o be_v if_o notwithstanding_o this_o we_o shall_v renounce_v and_o desert_n it_o if_o we_o have_v never_o try_v it_o we_o may_v have_v urge_v our_o ignorance_n or_o want_n of_o experience_n as_o a_o apology_n for_o our_o refusal_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o we_o may_v have_v pretend_v that_o for_o want_n of_o a_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o it_o we_o look_v upon_o its_o command_n as_o impossible_a or_o at_o least_o as_o very_o difficult_a and_o altogether_o fruitless_a and_o ungrateful_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v once_o comply_v with_o it_o we_o must_v have_v present_o renounce_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a and_o desirable_a and_o from_o thenceforth_o have_v be_v content_v to_o sigh_v away_o our_o life_n in_o unsufferable_a severity_n and_o a_o melancholy_a retirement_n from_o all_o the_o joy_n and_o festivity_n of_o humane_a conversation_n for_o such_o frightful_a representation_n man_n that_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v of_o it_o which_o though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o justify_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n extenuate_v their_o enmity_n to_o it_o but_o you_o that_o have_v try_v religion_n must_v needs_o have_v experience_v that_o all_o this_o be_v false_a that_o its_o command_n be_v easy_a enough_o to_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o that_o the_o many_o advantage_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o do_v abundant_o compensate_a for_o their_o difficulty_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bar_v man_n any_o innocent_a pleasure_n or_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o they_o purify_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o render_v they_o more_o grateful_a and_o generous_a that_o beside_o this_o they_o bring_v mighty_a pleasure_n of_o their_o own_o along_o with_o they_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o glorious_a hope_n a_o serene_a mind_n a_o calm_a and_o undisturbed_a conscience_n which_o be_v such_o as_o do_v far_o out-relish_a the_o most_o study_a and_o artificial_a luxury_n all_o this_o you_o can_v but_o know_v if_o you_o have_v make_v any_o considerable_a trial_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o wel-advised_n religion_n so_o that_o if_o now_o you_o apostatise_v you_o will_v not_o only_o affront_v your_o conscience_n but_o your_o experience_n too_o and_o the_o past_a sense_n you_o have_v have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o religion_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o you_o and_o for_o ever_o silence_v all_o the_o excuse_n you_o can_v urge_v for_o yourselves_o and_o leave_v you_o nothing_o to_o say_v but_o that_o you_o be_v sick_a of_o your_o ease_n and_o tire_v with_o the_o refreshment_n of_o religion_n but_o than_o three_o as_o your_o apostasy_n will_v be_v a_o grievous_a affront_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n so_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o foul_a dishonour_n that_o you_o can_v cast_v upon_o religion_n if_o you_o have_v never_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o near_o touch_v by_o your_o wicked_a course_n and_o all_o consider_v man_n will_v have_v attribute_v your_o enmity_n to_o it_o to_o your_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o experience_n and_o never_o have_v think_v the_o worse_a of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v it_o so_o contemptuous_o treat_v by_o one_o that_o be_v never_o acquaint_v with_o it_o but_o if_o now_o you_o revolt_v into_o wicked_a course_n after_o you_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o it_o what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v look_v you_o here_o be_v one_o that_o have_v make_v a_o experiment_n of_o the_o religion_n you_o so_o much_o celebrate_v and_o which_o you_o extol_v and_o cry_v up_o for_o such_o a_o pleasant_a and_o amiable_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v what_o you_o pretend_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o after_o so_o long_a trial_n and_o experience_n of_o it_o this_o man_n shall_v now_o at_o last_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v it_o which_o be_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o solve_v but_o by_o demonstrate_v the_o man_n who_o apostasy_n start_v it_o to_o be_v forsake_v and_o abandon_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o if_o upon_o the_o trial_n he_o have_v make_v of_o religion_n he_o have_v experience_v it_o to_o be_v that_o good_a and_o grateful_a thing_n it_o be_v represent_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v he_o will_v ever_o have_v revolt_v from_o it_o have_v he_o be_v capable_a to_o deliberate_v of_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o action_n and_o how_o can_v they_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o religion_n forbear_v suspect_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v a_o man_n after_o trial_n and_o in_o his_o right_a sense_n declare_v by_o his_o action_n that_o vice_n be_v better_a and_o more_o eligible_a than_o virtue_n and_o do_v behold_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n prefer_v before_o the_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o religion_n by_o one_o that_o have_v make_v a_o through_o experiment_n of_o they_o both_o so_o that_o by_o apostatise_v into_o sinful_a course_n after_o a_o through_o trial_n of_o religion_n we_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o defame_v and_o scandalize_v it_o to_o render_v it_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o those_o that_o have_v have_v but_o little_a or_o no_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o and_o if_o by_o our_o example_n any_o shall_v be_v dishearten_v either_o from_o enter_v into_o or_o proceed_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n their_o blood_n will_v be_v one_o day_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v raise_v a_o most_o fearful_a cry_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n but_o also_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o those_o soul_n who_o have_v stumble_v at_o our_o apostasy_n lift_v up_o their_o cry_n
together_o to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n for_o a_o dire_a and_o speedy_a vengeance_n against_o we_o vi_o consider_v if_o after_o you_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o religion_n you_o revolt_v into_o sinful_a course_n you_o will_v not_o only_o render_v yourselves_o for_o the_o present_a more_o guilty_a but_o as_o a_o consequence_n of_o that_o you_o will_v certain_o expose_v yourselves_o if_o you_o die_v before_o your_o recovery_n to_o a_o deep_a and_o more_o dreadful_a ruin_n for_o this_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v righteous_o and_o consequent_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o will_v proportion_v his_o reward_n to_o our_o service_n so_o on_o the_o other_o he_o will_v measure_v his_o punishment_n by_o our_o guilt_n and_o demerit_n and_o if_o he_o thus_o proceed_v as_o he_o most_o certain_o will_v how_o horrible_a be_v it_o to_o think_v of_o the_o black_a and_o dismal_a fate_n that_o hang_v over_o the_o head_n of_o apostate_n who_o gild_n be_v aggravate_v by_o those_o abovenamed_a circumstance_n to_o such_o a_o prodigious_a bulk_n and_o magnitude_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o draw_v after_o it_o a_o punishment_n proportionable_a and_o if_o so_o then_o doubtless_o the_o portion_n of_o apostate_n among_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a spirit_n will_v be_v the_o most_o wretched_a &_o deplorable_a for_o beside_o those_o supernumerary_a stripe_n they_o must_v expect_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n as_o be_v servant_n that_o have_v know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o experience_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v final_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o their_o reflection_n on_o their_o own_o apostasy_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o it_o will_v doubtless_o gall_v and_o torment_v they_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o sting_n of_o their_o conscience_n together_o for_o how_o must_v it_o enrage_v they_o against_o themselves_o to_o ruminate_v on_o their_o own_o folly_n as_o they_o be_v wander_v through_o the_o infernal_a shade_n o_o desperate_a creature_n from_o what_o glorious_a hope_n have_v we_o precipitate_v ourselves_o into_o this_o dismal_a state_n we_o have_v once_o get_v a_o fair_a way_n onward_o to_o heaven_n and_o be_v arrive_v within_o sight_n of_o its_o bless_a shore_n we_o have_v shake_v off_o our_o lust_n master_v our_o inclination_n and_o subdue_v our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v conquer_v the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o our_o voyage_n we_o have_v weather_v the_o cross_a wind_n of_o temptation_n from_o without_o and_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n within_o so_o that_o have_v we_o but_o bear_v up_o courageous_o a_o little_a far_o we_o that_o be_v now_o howl_v among_o damn_a ghost_n may_v have_v be_v triumph_v with_o bless_a spirit_n but_o o_o abominable_a fool_n and_o traitor_n to_o ourselves_o after_o all_o the_o successful_a pain_n we_o have_v take_v to_o be_v happy_a we_o have_v shipwreck_a our_o soul_n at_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o harbour_n and_o to_o gratify_v a_o base_a lust_n have_v leap_v headlong_o from_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o river_n of_o pleasure_n into_o this_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o have_v we_o thus_o undo_v ourselves_o thus_o mad_o thus_o without_o pretence_n or_o temptation_n o_o curse_a be_v our_o folly_n curse_v be_v our_o lust_n and_o for_o ever_o curse_v be_v we_o for_o harbour_v and_o entertain_v they_o thus_o will_v these_o miserable_a people_n incessant_o rave_v against_o themselves_o and_o with_o dire_a reflection_n on_o their_o desperate_a folly_n for_o ever_o enrage_v and_o multiply_v their_o own_o torment_n so_o that_o be_v i_o descend_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o have_v but_o so_o much_o time_n before_o i_o come_v there_o as_o to_o make_v one_o prayer_n more_o in_o my_o own_o behalf_n next_o to_o that_o of_o be_v whole_o deliver_v thence_o i_o know_v none_o i_o shall_v soon_o pitch_v upon_o than_o this_o o_o lord_n deliver_v i_o from_o that_o portion_n of_o hell_n which_o thou_o have_v reserve_v for_o apostate_n so_o that_o if_o now_o that_o we_o have_v so_o far_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o retreat_v into_o our_o old_a sinful_a course_n it_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v never_o engage_v in_o it_o at_o all_o for_o unless_o we_o repent_v of_o our_o retreat_n and_o come_v on_o again_o we_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n in_o religion_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o only_o to_o to_o treasure_n up_o to_o ourselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o heat_v the_o furnace_n of_o our_o future_a torment_n yet_o seven_o time_n hot_a wherefore_o since_o the_o matter_n be_v now_o reduce_v to_o this_o issue_n that_o if_o we_o revolt_v from_o our_o christian_a warfare_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o defeat_v ourselves_o of_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o past_a labour_n and_o contention_n but_o also_o enhance_v our_o future_a punishment_n so_o that_o we_o must_v either_o resolve_v to_o win_v heaven_n by_o our_o perseverance_n or_o sink_v ourselves_o into_o the_o neithermost_a hell_n by_o our_o apostasy_n let_v we_o pull_v up_o our_o courage_n and_o mangre_n all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a continue_v steadfast_a and_o immovable_a in_o our_o christian_a resolution_n remember_v what_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v promise_v rev._n iii._o 21_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o sit_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n chap._n v._o contain_v some_o short_a direction_n for_o the_o more_o profitable_a read_v the_o precede_a discourse_n and_o also_o for_o the_o conduct_n and_o regular_a exercise_n of_o our_o closet_n religion_n in_o all_o the_o different_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n together_o with_o form_n of_o private_a devotion_n fit_v to_o each_o state_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n i_o have_v endeavour_v a_o full_a account_n of_o all_o those_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o acquire_v improve_v and_o perfect_v the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o it_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o virtue_n heaven_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n consist_v and_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a management_n thereof_o i_o consider_v man_n under_o a_o threefold_a state_n first_o as_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a life_n second_o as_o actual_o engage_v in_o the_o course_n of_o it_o three_o as_o improve_n towards_o perfection_n by_o perseverance_n in_o it_o and_o give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o all_o those_o instrumental_a duty_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o each_o of_o these_o state_n and_o now_o that_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o that_o and_o the_o precede_a chapter_n may_v have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o the_o reader_n mind_n i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o reduce_v it_o to_o practice_n by_o direct_v man_n first_o how_o to_o read_v and_o apply_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o to_o their_o own_o particular_a state_n second_o by_o furnish_v they_o with_o some_o short_a rule_n for_o the_o more_o profitable_a exercise_n of_o their_o private_a religion_n in_o each_o of_o those_o different_a state_n together_o with_o form_n of_o private_a devotion_n fit_v to_o each_o state_n i._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o to_o the_o make_v man_n sincere_a and_o hearty_a christian_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o right_a understanding_n first_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n which_o christianity_n propose_v to_o they_o second_o of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o that_o end_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v three_o of_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n towards_o this_o bless_a end_n and_o of_o the_o contrary_a tendency_n of_o the_o opposite_a vice_n towards_o their_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o all_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n wherefore_o i_o will_v advise_v the_o reader_n 1._o careful_o and_o serious_o to_o peruse_v those_o chapter_n wherein_o because_o i_o have_v be_v sometime_o force_v by_o the_o sublimity_n of_o my_o argument_n to_o discourse_v a_o little_a more_o abstruse_o than_o in_o any_o of_o the_o follow_a part_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o employ_v more_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o consideration_n and_o not_o to_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o slight_a and_o cursory_a perusal_n and_o when_o by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v there_o discourse_v his_o mind_n be_v full_o convince_v what_o a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n he_o be_v to_o expect_v hereafter_o
and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n after_o this_o thanksgiving_n consider_v brief_o with_o yourself_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o your_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n and_o how_o not_o only_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a but_o also_o hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o you_o all_o your_o past_a labour_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v without_o it_o and_o then_o conclude_v your_o morning_n devotion_n with_o this_o prayer_n for_o perseverance_n o_o god_n who_o art_n unchangeable_o holy_a and_o bless_a who_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o do_v never_o swerve_v or_o vary_v from_o the_o essential_a goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o thy_o own_o nature_n look_v down_o i_o beseech_v thou_o upon_o i_o a_o fickle_a weak_a and_o mutable_a creature_n who_o thou_o have_v redeem_v to_o thyself_o and_o hitherto_o conduct_v by_o thy_o grace_n and_o spirit_n thou_o know_v o_o lord_n the_o weakness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o how_o unable_a i_o be_o without_o thy_o strength_n and_o assistance_n to_o finish_v the_o race_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v before_o i_o thou_o know_v what_o temptation_n i_o must_v struggle_v with_o and_o what_o difficulty_n i_o must_v yet_o overcome_v before_o i_o be_o seize_v of_o the_o bless_a prize_n i_o be_o contend_v for_o wherefore_o since_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o be_v my_o constant_a support_n and_o defence_n forsake_v i_o not_o now_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n but_o as_o thou_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o i_o so_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o finish_v and_o complete_a it_o to_o uphold_v my_o feeble_a soul_n by_o thy_o free_a spirit_n under_o all_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n that_o so_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n i_o may_v seek_v for_o and_o at_o last_o obtain_v honour_n and_o glory_n immortality_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o which_o end_n o_o lord_n preserve_v i_o from_o be_v over-confident_a of_o my_o own_o ability_n and_o inspire_v i_o with_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n of_o myself_o that_o whilst_o i_o stand_v i_o may_v take_v heed_n lest_o i_o fall_v and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n i_o shall_v be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o offend_v thou_o wilful_o which_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o prevent_v for_o thy_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n sake_n o_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o sleep_v in_o my_o sin_n but_o recall_v i_o instant_o by_o the_o check_n of_o my_o conscience_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o spirit_n lest_o while_o i_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n and_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o my_o lust_n shall_v regain_v their_o dominion_n over_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v angry_a with_o i_o and_o reject_v i_o from_o thy_o covenant_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o i_o may_v every_o day_n serve_v thou_o more_o free_o and_o steadfast_o wean_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o more_o and_o more_o from_o those_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o be_v round_o about_o i_o and_o give_v i_o such_o a_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n as_o that_o neither_o the_o flattery_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o other_o may_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o withdraw_v i_o from_o my_o duty_n and_o lest_o while_o i_o be_o mortify_v my_o old_a sin_n i_o shall_v careless_o permit_v new_a one_o to_o spring_n up_o in_o my_o nature_n good_a god_n do_v thou_o mind_v i_o to_o search_v and_o try_v my_o own_o heart_n and_o take_v a_o severe_a account_n even_o of_o the_o small_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n within_o i_o that_o so_o i_o may_v correct_v and_o reform_v they_o in_o time_n before_o they_o be_v improve_v into_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v be_v always_o so_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o imperfection_n as_o that_o i_o may_v never_o rest_v in_o any_o present_a attainment_n but_o may_v still_o be_v press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o my_o high_a call_n in_o jesus_n christ._n suggest_v to_o i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o frequent_a thought_n of_o my_o mortality_n that_o so_o while_o i_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n i_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o my_o departure_n hence_o and_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o die_a hour_n in_o order_n whereunto_o assist_v i_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o strict_o to_o examine_v and_o review_v my_o past_a sinful_a course_n that_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o remain_v of_o gild_n abide_v upon_o my_o conscience_n i_o may_v purge_v they_o away_o by_o proper_a act_n of_o repentance_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v and_o grant_v that_o as_o i_o have_v former_o abound_v in_o sin_n so_o i_o may_v now_o redeem_v that_o precious_a time_n i_o have_v lose_v by_o abound_v in_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n that_o so_o as_o far_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v i_o may_v revoke_v and_o undo_v the_o multitude_n of_o my_o past_a sin_n by_o do_v all_o the_o good_a i_o be_o able_a for_o the_o future_a and_o that_o i_o may_v hold_v out_o and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n preserve_v and_o continue_v i_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o fall_v from_o my_o own_o steadfastness_n and_o final_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o bless_a mean_n i_o may_v so_o far_o prevail_v over_o the_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n of_o my_o nature_n as_o that_o at_o last_o i_o may_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a feel_v of_o my_o own_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n towards_o thou_o that_o so_o be_v from_o thence_o assure_v of_o thy_o love_n and_o of_o my_o title_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o may_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n more_o cheerful_o and_o at_o last_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o resign_v myself_o to_o thou_o take_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o into_o thy_o care_n and_o protection_n this_o day_n preserve_v i_o from_o all_o evil_a but_o especial_o from_o sin_n and_o quicken_v i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n unto_o every_o good_a work_n that_o so_o i_o may_v serve_v thou_o with_o a_o free_a and_o cheerful_a mind_n and_o make_v it_o my_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v thy_o blessed_a will_n all_o which_o i_o humble_o beg_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n in_o who_o name_n and_o mediation_n i_o further_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o evening_n when_o you_o enter_v into_o your_o closet_n consider_v what_o be_v the_o present_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o your_o mind_n and_o upon_o enquiry_n you_o will_v perceive_v either_o that_o through_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n you_o be_v averse_a to_o divine_a office_n or_o that_o through_o bodily_a infirmity_n you_o be_v indispose_v to_o they_o or_o that_o through_o worldly-mindedness_a and_o vanity_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v cold_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v distract_v in_o they_o or_o last_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v very_o much_o enlarge_v and_o your_o mind_n and_o affection_n vigorous_o dispose_v towards_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n if_o upon_o enquiry_n you_o find_v that_o through_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n you_o be_v averse_a to_o divine_a office_n endeavour_v to_o affect_v yourself_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o by_o represent_v to_o your_o mind_n the_o great_a impiety_n and_o baseness_n the_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o this_o your_o present_a temper_n and_o then_o offer_v up_o this_o follow_a prayer_n o_o my_o most_o gracious_a god_n and_o most_o kind_a and_o merciful_a father_n thou_o be_v the_o best_a friend_n i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o have_v show_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o love_n to_o i_o than_o ever_o i_o show_v to_o myself_o but_o after_o all_o the_o vast_a and_o most_o indear_v obligation_n thou_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o this_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a heart_n of_o i_o still_o retain_v some_o dregs_o of_o its_o ancient_a enmity_n against_o thou_o have_v i_o but_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o man_n in_o i_o how_o can_v i_o think_v of_o thou_o without_o rapture_n of_o love_n how_o can_v i_o draw_v near_o unto_o thou_o without_o transport_v of_o delight_n and_o complacency_n but_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a that_o i_o be_o i_o can_v think_v of_o all_o thy_o goodness_n with_o cold_a and_o freeze_a affection_n and_o can_v come_v into_o thy_o presence_n not_o only_o with_o indifference_n but_o reluctancy_n good_a god_n what_o be_o i_o make_v of_o what_o a_o insensible_a soul_n do_v i_o carry_v about_o i_o o_o i_o be_o ashamed_a of_o myself_o i_o be_o confound_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o baseness_n and_o yet_o woe_n be_v i_o i_o can_v help_v it_o i_o strive_v to_o shake_v off_o this_o clog_n of_o my_o corrupt_a
come_v 1_o cor._n xi_o 26_o and_o that_o this_o do_v not_o like_o the_o precept_n of_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o for_o once_o only_o and_o no_o more_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o forego_n word_n of_o this_o last_o recite_v text_n as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o these_o sacramental_a element_n be_v to_o be_v more_o than_o once_o receive_v by_o we_o it_o be_v true_a how_o often_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v any_o where_o define_v but_o if_o we_o consult_v primitive_a example_n which_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o express_a precept_n be_v the_o best_a rule_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o by_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v very_o frequent_o receive_v for_o from_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o seem_v probable_a that_o christian_n do_v then_o communicate_v every_o day_n as_o particular_o act_v two_o 46_o where_o they_o be_v say_v to_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o house_n that_o be_v as_o it_o seem_v probable_a in_o some_o upper_a room_n of_o the_o temple_n though_o perhaps_o this_o daily_a may_v refer_v only_o to_o the_o lord_n day_n agreeable_o to_o that_o act_n xx_o 7_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whensoever_o they_o assemble_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n they_o close_v it_o with_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o they_o do_v for_o a_o great_a while_n in_o the_o western_a church_n every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n and_o in_o the_o eastern_a as_o st._n basil_n tell_v we_o epist._n 289._o four_o time_n a_o week_n beside_o festival_n so_o that_o allow_v for_o our_o declension_n from_o the_o primitive_a zeal_n and_o devotion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o communicate_v now_o once_o in_o four_o week_n shall_v be_v a_o very_a moderate_a proportion_n but_o as_o for_o those_o that_o whole_o neglect_v this_o sacred_a institution_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o wilful_a rebellion_n against_o their_o saviour_n or_o with_o what_o confidence_n they_o can_v expect_v either_o that_o he_o shall_v assist_v they_o with_o his_o grace_n on_o the_o way_n or_o crown_v they_o with_o his_o salvation_n in_o the_o end_n when_o they_o so_o perverse_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o a_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v solemn_o institute_v for_o a_o conveyance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o other_o but_o will_v we_o take_v that_o care_n that_o become_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o and_o frequent_v this_o holy_a institution_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o till_o we_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o confirm_a state_n of_o good_a our_o holy_a fervour_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o cool_v our_o good_a purpose_n to_o slacken_v and_o unwind_v and_o our_o virtuous_a endeavour_n to_o languish_v and_o tire_v and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o take_v care_n frequent_o to_o revive_v our_o religion_n with_o this_o spiritual_a repast_n and_o restorative_n and_o still_o to_o add_v new_a fuel_n to_o it_o as_o the_o flame_n decay_v it_o will_v quick_o pine_v away_o and_o expire_v but_o if_o upon_o the_o solemn_a return_v of_o this_o sacred_a festival_n we_o will_v constant_o come_v with_o due_a preparation_n to_o our_o master_n table_n and_o here_o renew_v our_o vow_n re-invigorate_a our_o resolution_n repair_v our_o decay_n and_o put_v our_o sluggish_a grace_n into_o a_o new_a fermentation_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o religion_n not_o only_o live_v but_o thrive_v and_o be_v still_o acquire_v new_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o activity_n but_o because_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v already_o so_o full_o handle_v in_o our_o practical_a treatise_n particular_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n patrick_n in_o his_o mensa_fw-la mystica_fw-la and_o christian_a sacrifice_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n thither_o for_o the_o far_a consideration_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o with_o all_o the_o brevity_n i_o can_v i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o course_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n sect_n iv._o contain_v certain_a motive_n to_o animate_v man_n against_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o duty_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o course_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n how_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o we_o those_o aforenamed_a duty_n be_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n have_v be_v sufficient_o show_v so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o our_o sloth_n and_o vnwillingness_n can_v object_v against_o they_o but_o only_o this_o that_o they_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o do_v require_v more_o of_o our_o time_n and_o care_n and_o pain_n than_o we_o can_v convenient_o spare_v from_o our_o other_o necessary_a occasion_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v so_o unpleasant_a and_o severe_a and_o attend_v with_o so_o much_o cumber_v and_o trouble_v that_o we_o very_o much_o doubt_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o go_v through_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o remove_v this_o objection_n out_o of_o man_n way_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o necessary_a duty_n i_o shall_v for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o it_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o for_o it_o 2._o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o warfare_n against_o it_o 3._o that_o how_o difficult_a soever_o this_o warfare_n may_v be_v it_o must_v be_v endure_v or_o that_o which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o 4._o that_o though_o it_o be_v difficult_a yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v render_v possible_a to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o 5._o that_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a but_o that_o it_o be_v fair_o consistent_a with_o all_o our_o other_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o diversion_n 6._o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v certain_o abate_v and_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n if_o we_o constant_o practise_v they_o 7._o that_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o present_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n intermingle_v 8._o that_o their_o difficulty_n be_v abundant_o compensated_a by_o the_o final_a reward_n of_o they_o i._o consider_v that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o for_o it_o for_o if_o we_o have_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o before_o we_o have_v enter_v ourselves_o into_o sinful_a course_n and_o have_v therein_o contract_v sinful_a habit_n and_o inclination_n we_o may_v have_v prevent_v those_o difficulty_n which_o we_o now_o complain_v of_o for_o our_o religion_n be_v make_v for_o and_o adapt_v to_o our_o nature_n and_o will_v have_v sweet_o accord_v with_o all_o its_o affection_n and_o propension_n have_v we_o not_o vitiate_v they_o by_o our_o own_o wilful_a sin_n and_o clap_v a_o preternatural_a bias_n upon_o they_o but_o though_o the_o light_n be_v natural_o congruous_a to_o the_o eye_n yet_o if_o through_o a_o distillation_n of_o ill_a humour_n into_o it_o the_o eye_n grow_v sore_a and_o weak_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o grievous_a and_o offensive_a to_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o religion_n which_o to_o the_o pure_a and_o uncontaminated_a nature_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o most_o grateful_a and_o aggreeable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o by_o our_o own_o ill_a government_n we_o disease_n our_o nature_n and_o deprave_v its_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o well_o proportion_v to_o it_o in_o its_o purity_n shall_v sit_v hard_a and_o uneasy_a upon_o it_o in_o its_o apostasy_n and_o corruption_n for_o to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o fever_n every_o thing_n be_v bitter_a even_a honey_n which_o when_o he_o be_v well_o be_v exceed_v sweet_a and_o grateful_a but_o the_o bitterness_n which_o he_o taste_v be_v not_o in_o the_o honey_n but_o in_o the_o gall_n which_o overflow_v his_o own_o palate_n and_o so_o to_o a_o nature_n that_o be_v disease_v with_o any_o unnatural_a lust_n that_o which_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o itself_o will_v be_v