which_o affirm_v concern_v original_a sin_n thus_o and_o this_o infection_n of_o nature_n do_v remain_v yea_o in_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v whereby_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n call_v in_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o do_v expound_v the_o wisdom_n some_o sensuality_n some_o the_o affection_n some_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o this_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v sure_o as_o if_o the_o flesh_n do_v always_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o regenerate_v but_o only_o that_o the_o regenerate_v themselves_o be_v liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o these_o lusting_n which_o on_o supposal_n that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v here_o think_v upon_o by_o the_o compiler_n of_o this_o article_n import_v no_o contradiction_n to_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v the_o truth_n be_v i_o have_v assert_v no_o more_o concern_v the_o cureableness_n of_o original_a corruption_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n i_o have_v too_o often_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o state_v our_o obligation_n to_o reduce_v original_a corruption_n too_o lax_o minister_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o carnal_a confidence_n of_o supine_n and_o careless_a person_n how_o greedy_o do_v some_o imbibe_n and_o how_o fond_a be_v they_o of_o this_o notion_n that_o the_o flesh_n even_o in_o the_o regenerate_v do_v always_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o look_v upon_o their_o darling_n error_n as_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n flow_v from_o the_o uncurable_a distemper_n of_o original_a sin_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o that_o under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o restitution_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o perfect_a innocence_n and_o unspotted_a purity_n we_o may_v not_o sit_v down_o content_v in_o a_o impure_a state_n and_o never_o advance_v to_o those_o degree_n of_o health_n and_o innocence_n which_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v actual_o arrive_v at_o i_o think_v fit_a here_o to_o guard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n with_o this_o one_o general_a caution_n that_o we_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o mistake_v contract_v for_o natural_a corruption_n not_o to_o mistake_v a_o super-induced_n nature_n deface_v by_o all_o the_o slime_n and_o mud_n which_o popular_a error_n and_o fashion_n leave_v upon_o it_o for_o original_a nature_n or_o nature_n in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o it_o enter_v the_o world_n it_o be_v i_o doubt_n a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o find_v but_o one_o arrive_v at_o any_o maturity_n of_o year_n in_o who_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o womb_n or_o the_o cradle_n in_o who_o these_o be_v no_o worse_a propension_n than_o what_o necessary_o flow_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o his_o be_v alas_o our_o original_a depravation_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v be_v very_o betimes_o improve_v by_o false_a principle_n and_o foolish_a custom_n by_o a_o careless_a education_n and_o by_o the_o blandishment_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o man_n be_v so_o partial_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o have_v his_o defect_n and_o error_n pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a one_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o carry_v in_o it_o its_o own_o apology_n this_o be_v a_o fatal_a error_n and_o continue_v man_n in_o their_o vice_n nay_o give_v they_o peace_n in_o they_o too_o to_o their_o life_n end_v for_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n forbear_v attempt_v what_o he_o despair_v of_o effect_v to_o prevent_v which_o i_o earnest_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o consider_v that_o all_o who_o have_v treat_v this_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n with_o any_o solidity_n or_o prudence_n do_v carry_v the_o matter_n as_o far_o at_o least_o as_o i_o have_v do_v they_o teach_v not_o only_o that_o original_a corruption_n may_v be_v prune_v and_o lop_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v cut_v down_o mortify_v and_o dry_v up_o that_o since_o no_o man_n can_v assure_v himself_o how_o far_o he_o may_v advance_v his_o conquest_n over_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n safety_n and_o glory_n oblige_v he_o to_o advance_v it_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v he_o must_v never_o cease_v fight_v against_o it_o while_o it_o fight_v against_o he_o that_o since_o every_o sin_n be_v so_o far_o mortal_a as_o it_o be_v voluntary_a and_o have_v as_o much_o gild_n in_o it_o as_o freedom_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o jealous_a lest_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o vicious_a inclination_n that_o be_v in_o reality_n the_o pruduct_v not_o of_o nature_n but_o of_o choice_n and_o last_o since_o though_o much_o less_o than_o habitual_a goodness_n may_v constitute_v a_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o nothing_o less_o can_v produce_v perfection_n or_o a_o constant_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o acquiesce_v while_o he_o see_v himself_o short_a of_o this_o and_o every_o man_n shall_v remember_v that_o his_o goodness_n ought_v to_o consist_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o most_o averse_a i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v my_o first_o enquiry_n and_o resolve_v how_o far_o original_a sin_n be_v curable_a the_o next_o be_v §_o 2._o how_o this_o cure_n may_v be_v effect_v and_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a what_o we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o general_a for_o if_o original_a righteousness_n consist_v as_o i_o think_v it_o can_v be_v doubt_v in_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o original_a corruption_n in_o the_o subversion_n of_o this_o order_n than_o the_o cure_n must_v consist_v in_o restore_v this_o subordination_n by_o the_o weaken_n and_o reduce_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n and_o by_o quicken_a and_o strengthen_v the_o mind_n and_o so_o re-establish_a its_o sovereignty_n and_o authority_n the_o scripture_n according_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 25._o and_o every_o man_n that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a and_o this_o st._n paul_n illustrate_v and_o explain_v by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n the_o preference_n give_v to_o the_o care_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n which_o constitute_v and_o demonstrate_v man_n either_o holy_a or_o wicked_a they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.5_o and_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o flesh_n its_o promise_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8.13_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_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 6.8_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o these_o place_n and_o elsewhere_o very_o common_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o aid_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o by_o the_o body_n or_o flesh_n be_v mean_v our_o inferior_a nature_n not_o just_a such_o as_o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n but_o as_o it_o be_v further_o deprave_v by_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a conversation_n however_o since_o original_a be_v the_o seed_n or_o root_n of_o voluntary_a or_o customary_a corruption_n these_o text_n do_v proper_o and_o direct_o enough_o serve_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v this_o then_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o he_o be_v always_o to_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o entire_o subjugate_a it_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o mind_n here_o the_o christian_a warfare_n must_v begin_v and_o here_o end_n for_o he_o who_o have_v crucify_v the_o body_n with_o the_o lust_n and_o affection_n thereof_o have_v enter_v into_o rest_n as_o far_o as_o this_o life_n
more_o needful_a than_o real_o be_v i_o observe_v here_o that_o as_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o nature_n very_o considerable_a infirmity_n so_o be_v there_o as_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o fortune_n very_o considerable_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o master_v of_o both_o these_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v stand_v in_o less_o need_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o arbitrary_a austerity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n too_o trifle_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o yet_o do_v prove_v sufficient_a to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o most_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o many_o passion_n and_o indecency_n nay_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n be_v sometime_o feed_v by_o temptation_n of_o very_a little_a moment_n now_o to_o surmount_v these_o temptation_n and_o to_o frame_v and_o accommodate_v the_o mind_n to_o bear_v the_o little_a shock_n and_o justle_v which_o we_o daily_o meet_v with_o without_o any_o discomposure_n or_o displeasure_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o life_n and_o the_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o pride_n of_o one_o and_o the_o stupidity_n of_o another_o one_o while_o to_o encounter_v rudeness_n another_o while_o neglect_v without_o be_v move_v by_o either_o to_o submit_v to_o noise_n disorder_n and_o the_o distraction_n of_o many_o little_a affair_n when_o one_o be_v natural_o a_o lover_n of_o quietness_n and_o order_n or_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v intent_n upon_o thing_n of_o importance_n in_o one_o word_n to_o digest_v the_o perpetual_a disappointment_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o both_o in_o business_n and_o pleasure_n and_o in_o all_o the_o little_a project_n which_o not_o the_o elegant_a and_o ingenious_a only_o but_o people_n of_o all_o station_n and_o all_o capacity_n pursue_v to_o suffer_v all_o the_o humour_n and_o folly_n the_o error_n artifices_fw-la indecency_n and_o fault_n of_o those_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o with_o that_o temper_n we_o ought_v that_o be_v with_o a_o calmness_n which_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o unconcernment_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o a_o just_a dominion_n over_o our_o own_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o great_a height_n and_o to_o train_v ourselves_o up_o to_o it_o daily_o with_o much_o patience_n vigilence_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o best_a discipline_n though_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v hereby_o to_o exclude_v all_o voluntary_a imposition_n for_o in_o order_n to_o master_n the_o evil_n which_o we_o can_v avoid_v it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n now_o and_o then_o to_o form_v the_o mind_n by_o voluntary_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n of_o our_o own_o choose_n 3._o last_o we_o must_v ever_o have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o loose_v the_o substance_n for_o the_o shadow_n not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o neglect_v the_o end_n be_v much_o take_v up_o in_o discipline_n without_o produce_v any_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v take_v much_o pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n travel_v much_o without_o make_v any_o progress_n but_o much_o more_o must_v we_o take_v care_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o the_o discipline_n we_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o do_v not_o produce_v any_o ill_a fruit._n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v careful_o observe_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o keep_v to_o that_o moderation_n which_o spiritual_a prudence_n require_v neither_o expose_v nor_o entangle_v ourselves_o nor_o discourage_v other_o by_o excess_n and_o extravagancy_n 2._o that_o our_o self-denial_n never_o betray_v we_o into_o pride_n or_o vncharitableness_n for_o if_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o overrate_v ourselves_o and_o despise_v other_o this_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o christian_a discipline_n which_o be_v the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n 3._o that_o we_o ever_o preserve_v nay_o increase_v the_o sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o whatever_o make_v we_o sour_a and_o morose_n or_o peevish_a and_o unsociable_a make_v we_o certain_o so_o much_o worse_o and_o instead_o of_o beget_v in_o we_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v we_o a_o very_a strong_a tincture_n of_o a_o devilish_a one_o athanasius_n therefore_o in_o the_o life_n of_o anthony_n the_o hermit_n observe_v among_o other_o his_o great_a virtue_n that_o after_o thirty_o year_n spend_v in_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o retire_a and_o solitary_a life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o his_o friend_n with_o a_o sullen_a or_o savage_a but_o with_o a_o oblige_a sociable_a air_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o but_o little_a reason_n why_o the_o look_n shall_v be_v lower_v and_o contract_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o charity_n goodness_n and_o pleasure_n a_o serene_a open_a countenance_n and_o a_o cheerful_a grave_a deportment_n do_v best_a suit_n the_o tranquillity_n purity_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a mind_n §_o 5._o last_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n than_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o enter_v into_o a_o examination_n of_o the_o advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v in_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o life_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n the_o settle_v this_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v one_o main_a design_n of_o my_o last_o book_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o have_v here_o to_o do_v be_v but_o to_o make_v one_o plain_a inference_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v advance_v in_o this_o chapter_n if_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o a_o frequent_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o mean_n here_o insist_v on_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v our_o life_n if_o we_o can_v into_o such_o a_o method_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v this_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o and_o close_o since_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o holy_a conversation_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o quicken_v the_o conscience_n excite_v our_o passion_n and_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a so_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o bestow_v on_o these_o for_o they_o who_o mind_n and_o time_n be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o world_n have_v very_o little_a leisure_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o be_v very_o little_o dispose_v to_o they_o and_o as_o ill_o qualify_v for_o they_o as_o to_o conversation_n as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v in_o it_o any_o relish_n of_o piety_n unless_o between_o such_o as_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o close_a and_o strict_a friendship_n but_o the_o worldly_a man_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o true_a friendship_n it_o be_v too_o sacred_a too_o delicate_a a_o thing_n for_o a_o mind_n devote_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o regard_n to_o interest_n to_o some_o outward_a form_n and_o decency_n the_o gratification_n of_o some_o natural_a inclination_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o diversion_n and_o enjoyment_n may_v invite_v he_o to_o more_o familiarity_n with_o some_o than_o other_o but_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o such_o combination_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o friendship_n a_o sincere_a and_o undesigning_a passion_n increase_v by_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o obligation_n and_o support_v and_o strengthen_v by_o virtue_n and_o honour_n as_o to_o prayer_n man_n of_o business_n do_v i_o doubt_v often_o read_v or_o say_v prayer_n than_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o grovel_n perpetual_o here_o upon_o earth_n that_o be_v incessant_o solicitous_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o enter_v abrupt_o upon_o this_o duty_n without_o any_o preparation_n shall_v immediate_o take_v fire_n be_v fill_v with_o heavenly_a vigour_n and_o be_v transport_v with_o earnest_n and_o impatient_a desire_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n ah_o how_o hard_a be_v it_o for_o he_o who_o hunger_n and_n thirst_v perpetual_o after_o the_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n too_o if_o such_o mind_n as_o these_o retain_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n some_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o gratitude_n towards_o he_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o and_o may_v this_o avail_v they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v last_o as_o to_o meditation_n how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o such_o who_o mind_n and_o body_n be_v fatigue_v and_o harrass_v by_o worldly_a business_n shall_v be_v much_o incline_v to_o it_o or_o
be_v keep_v awake_a and_o in_o its_o vigour_n how_o convictive_a how_o move_v be_v the_o discourse_n of_o a_o devout_a and_o pious_a friend_n when_o he_o complain_v or_o when_o he_o rejoice_v when_o he_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o own_o experience_n when_o he_o let_v we_o see_v the_o design_n he_o have_v form_v and_o the_o excellent_a end_v his_o soul_n thirst_v after_o how_o do_v our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o what_o variety_n of_o affection_n do_v it_o raise_v in_o we_o when_o he_o make_v his_o remark_n on_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o world_n when_o he_o bewail_v the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o when_o he_o relate_v the_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n of_o sinner_n and_o observe_v the_o particular_a sin_n and_o folly_n that_o occasion_v it_o how_o often_o do_v he_o hereby_o provoke_v we_o to_o wise_a reflection_n on_o ourselves_o how_o many_o new_a beauty_n do_v he_o discover_v to_o we_o in_o virtue_n how_o many_o deformity_n in_o sin_n which_o have_v escape_v our_o observation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o conversation_n only_o of_o my_o friend_n but_o his_o life_n also_o from_o which_o i_o derive_v or_o may_v do_v so_o instruction_n and_o admonition_n the_o perfection_n of_o my_o friend_n be_v the_o gentle_a and_o the_o mild_a and_o yet_o the_o most_o awaken_n reproof_n too_o of_o my_o own_o defect_n and_o by_o the_o freshness_n and_o lustre_n of_o his_o virtue_n i_o discern_v best_a the_o weakness_n and_o the_o dimness_n of_o my_o own_o how_o often_o have_v i_o be_v move_v to_o turn_v my_o thought_n with_o some_o indignation_n on_o my_o own_o heat_n and_o commotion_n while_o i_o have_v admire_v and_o blessed_v the_o sweetness_n and_o the_o gentleness_n the_o softness_n and_o the_o calm_a very_o conspicuous_a in_o a_o excellent_a friend_n and_o when_o i_o have_v hear_v another_o mention_n his_o nightly_o praise_n and_o those_o divine_a thought_n which_o fill_v the_o interval_n of_o his_o sleep_n and_o make_v those_o hour_n that_o be_v so_o burdensome_a to_o some_o the_o most_o entertain_v and_o delightful_a part_n of_o his_o rest_n how_o have_v i_o be_v inward_o fill_v with_o confusion_n and_o shame_n how_o have_v i_o upbraid_v and_o reproach_v myself_o condemn_v the_o sluggishness_n of_o my_o day_n the_o dulness_n and_o the_o wander_n of_o my_o soul_n by_o night_n and_o i_o believe_v every_o sincere_a man_n must_v find_v himself_o thus_o affect_v on_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o reproof_n which_o i_o talk_v of_o there_o be_v something_o more_o of_o force_n and_o authority_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o for_o the_o example_n of_o friend_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v but_o demonstrate_v also_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v nor_o do_v virtue_n any_o where_n appear_v with_o so_o lovely_a and_o charm_a a_o air_n as_o in_o a_o friend_n but_o after_o all_o among_o all_o the_o benefit_n we_o gain_v by_o excellent_a friendship_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o reckon_v this_o as_o the_o least_o that_o it_o be_v one_o and_o that_o a_o indispensable_a office_n of_o friendship_n to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v for_o the_o reproof_n of_o instruction_n be_v the_o path_n of_o life_n prov._n 6.23_o but_o then_o that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o this_o blessing_n we_o must_v dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o expect_v and_o bear_v reproof_n we_o must_v strive_v after_o a_o humble_a and_o teachable_a temper_n and_o we_o must_v invite_v and_o encourage_v our_o friend_n to_o this_o kind_a office_n not_o only_o by_o unaffected_a request_n but_o also_o by_o obey_v their_o advice_n pardon_v whatever_o infirmity_n may_v be_v intersperse_v with_o it_o and_o love_v they_o the_o better_a as_o indeed_o they_o deserve_v for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o better_a proof_n of_o their_o affection_n prudence_n and_o courage_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v we_o 2_o a_o second_o end_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n be_v the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n now_o spiritual_a strength_n consist_v in_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n we_o have_v over_o our_o affection_n and_o action_n and_o it_o stand_v upon_o two_o base_n the_o reduction_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n whatever_o do_v weaken_v and_o reduce_v our_o propension_n to_o sin_n whatever_o promote_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n add_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o render_v virtue_n more_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a and_o because_o virtue_n have_v a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o therefore_o whatever_o promote_v any_o one_o promote_v all_o but_o especial_o whatever_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n or_o quicken_v our_o fear_n or_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o increase_v our_o faith_n this_o do_v confirm_v and_o establish_v our_o resolution_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n fear_v the_o guard_n and_o hope_v the_o spur_n of_o all_o our_o virtue_n faith_n convince_v we_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n fear_n make_v we_o impartial_a diligent_a and_o watchful_a hope_v resolve_v and_o active_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v thus_o clear_a what_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n consist_v in_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v by_o what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o gain_v it_o but_o i_o can_v here_o only_o suggest_v those_o hint_n and_o intimation_n which_o the_o reader_n must_v upon_o occasion_n as_o he_o need_v enlarge_v and_o improve_v 1._o meditation_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a we_o must_v often_o survey_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o scripture_n topic_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v such_o be_v the_o death_n of_o jesus_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n we_o must_v diligent_o observe_v the_o wiles_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n and_o mark_v the_o progress_n of_o sin_n from_o its_o very_a beginning_n to_o maturity_n and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n we_o must_v often_o ponder_v upon_o the_o beauty_n and_o peace_n of_o holiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n the_o virtue_n suffering_n and_o crown_n of_o martyr_n and_o final_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o strength_n we_o must_v practice_v this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n often_o and_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o or_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o intermit_v it_o on_o any_o slight_a and_o trivial_a pretence_n and_o because_o we_o be_v not_o always_o master_n of_o our_o own_o affair_n nor_o consequent_o of_o our_o time_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v ever_o ready_a at_o hand_n a_o good_a collection_n of_o text_n which_o contain_v in_o few_o word_n the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o gospel_n motive_n the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o to_o fix_v these_o so_o in_o our_o memory_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o shield_n for_o we_o to_o oppose_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v against_o the_o dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o as_o a_o supply_n of_o excellent_a and_o useful_a thought_n upon_o a_o sudden_a so_o that_o in_o all_o the_o little_a interruption_n of_o business_n and_o the_o many_o little_a vacancy_n of_o the_o day_n the_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o active_a and_o busy_a spirit_n may_v never_o want_v a_o proper_a subject_n to_o work_v upon_o much_o less_o loose_v itself_o in_o wild_a and_o lazy_a amusement_n or_o defile_v itself_o by_o vain_a or_o vicious_a thought_n but_o we_o must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n that_o meditation_n be_v frequent_a but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o loose_a and_o rove_a to_o which_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o study_v our_o self_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o our_o constitution_n and_o our_o state_n that_o so_o in_o our_o meditation_n on_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v more_o particular_o have_v a_o eye_n on_o those_o vice_n we_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a to_o and_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v either_o more_o necessary_a or_o more_o feeble_a and_o under-grown_a next_o after_o meditation_n must_v follow_v prayer_n great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o prayer_n in_o promote_a christian_a strength_n and_o fortitude_n whether_o we_o consider_v its_o prevalence_n upon_o god_n or_o its_o natural_a influence_n upon_o ourselves_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o latter_a what_o divine_a force_n and_o energy_n be_v there_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n the_o joy_n of_o hope_n the_o earnest_a long_n and_o desire_n of_o love_n
the_o tender_a sorrow_n of_o contrition_n the_o delight_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n the_o adoration_n and_o self-depressions_a of_o a_o profound_a humility_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o vow_n of_o a_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o and_o holy_a zeal_n and_o indignation_n against_o sin_n how_o do_v these_o thing_n mellow_a and_o enrich_v the_o soul_n how_o do_v they_o raise_v it_o high_o and_o high_o above_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n how_o do_v they_o renew_v it_o daily_o and_o make_v it_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n natural_o beget_v a_o habit_n and_o habit_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n ripen_v and_o confirm_v by_o custom_n how_o natural_o then_o must_v prayer_n fortify_v the_o mind_n ripen_v good_a disposition_n or_o add_v strength_n and_o perfection_n to_o good_a habit_n since_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o repeat_v exercise_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o prayer_n give_v we_o a_o frequent_a opportunity_n of_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o otherwise_o be_v so_o often_o oblige_v to_o do_v if_o second_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o prevalence_n of_o prayer_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v further_a reason_n yet_o to_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o increase_v our_o spiritual_a strength_n what_o will_v god_n deny_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n he_o may_v deny_v he_o temporal_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o good_a for_o he_o he_o may_v refuse_v to_o remove_v a_o temptation_n because_o this_o be_v often_o a_o occasion_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o servant_n reward_v but_o he_o will_v never_o refuse_v he_o grace_n to_o conquer_v it_o he_o will_v no_o more_o deny_v his_o spirit_n to_o one_o that_o earnest_o and_o sincere_o beg_v it_o than_o the_o natural_a parent_n will_v bread_n to_o his_o hungry_a and_o crave_v child_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o grace_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o bread_n to_o the_o natural_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a than_o any_o instinct_n in_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o zealous_o solicitous_a for_o the_o holiness_n and_o immortality_n of_o his_o child_n then_o earthly_a parent_n can_v be_v for_o a_o sickly_a perish_v life_n of_o they_o thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o prayer_n contribute_v wonderful_o to_o the_o strengthen_v and_o establish_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o goodness_n but_o then_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o must_v have_v these_o two_o qualification_n it_o must_v be_v frequent_a and_o incessant_o importunate_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v frequent_a i_o will_v have_v this_o rule_n comply_v with_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v even_o in_o our_o state_v regular_a and_o solemn_a address_n to_o god_n but_o because_o business_n and_o several_a obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o to_o the_o world_n do_v often_o press_v hard_a upon_o we_o therefore_o must_v i_o give_v the_o same_o counsel_n here_o which_o i_o do_v before_o under_o the_o head_n of_o meditation_n that_o be_v to_o have_v always_o ready_a and_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n several_a text_n of_o scripture_n contain_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a truth_n in_o the_o most_o pierce_a and_o move_a language_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o form_v these_o on_o a_o sudden_a into_o ejaculation_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n may_v mount_v up_o into_o heaven_n amid_o the_o ardour_n and_o transport_v of_o desire_n and_o praise_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o manoah_n sacrifice_n 2._o prayer_n must_v be_v incessant_o importunate_a importunate_n it_o will_v be_v if_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v as_o it_o ought_v that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v disengage_v from_o this_o world_n and_o possess_v entire_o with_o the_o belief_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o a_o better_a if_o it_o be_v humble_v in_o itself_o disclaim_v all_o strength_n and_o merit_n of_o its_o own_o and_o rest_v whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n i_o add_v incessant_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n luke_n 11.8_o and_o 18.5_o and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n 5.17_o and_o whoever_o consider_v human_a nature_n well_o and_o remember_v how_o soon_o pious_a motion_n vanish_v and_o how_o little_a they_o effect_v will_v discern_v a_o plain_a reason_n both_o for_o vehemence_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n for_o vehemence_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v deep_o impress_v by_o pious_a passion_n for_o perseverance_n that_o such_o impression_n may_v not_o be_v effaced_a and_o obliterated_a nor_o let_v any_o one_o fancy_n that_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v have_v not_o a_o better_a influence_n upon_o god_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o ourselves_o it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v void_a of_o the_o painfulness_n and_o defect_n of_o human_a passion_n but_o not_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a one_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o god_n be_v a_o inflexible_a inexorable_a deity_n and_o incapable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o incessant_a importunity_n of_o his_o poor_a creature_n woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o the_o softness_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v not_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o little_a resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o man._n if_o in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v not_o abound_v in_o goodness_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n more_o easy_o to_o be_v move_v and_o excite_v than_o those_o human_a passion_n that_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o they_o next_o to_o conversation_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n the_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n do_v wonderful_o contribute_v to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o virtue_n how_o do_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o such_o as_o deserve_v our_o esteem_n and_o affection_n settle_v and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n when_o they_o concur_v with_o we_o how_o do_v their_o knowledge_n enlighten_v we_o their_o reason_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o their_o example_n inflame_v we_o with_o emulation_n a_o pious_a friendship_n render_v religion_n itself_o more_o engage_v it_o sanctify_v our_o very_a diversion_n and_o recreation_n and_o make_v they_o minister_v to_o virtue_n it_o mind_v we_o when_o we_o be_v forgetful_a support_v and_o encourage_v we_o when_o we_o faint_v and_o tire_v reprove_v and_o correct_v we_o when_o we_o give_v back_o and_o recall_v we_o into_o the_o right_a path_n when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o it_o this_o be_v or_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o conversation_n the_o end_n and_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n we_o shall_v be_v often_o talk_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n communicate_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o fear_n our_o hope_n our_o improvement_n and_o defect_n we_o shall_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o comfort_n and_o support_v one_o another_o our_o discourse_n shall_v always_o minister_v new_a warmth_n or_o new_a strength_n to_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o love_n but_o among_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o one_o do_v so_o much_o corroborate_v and_o nourish_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n how_o many_o wise_a and_o impartial_a reflection_n do_v the_o preparation_n for_o it_o occasion_n what_o unfeigned_a humility_n and_o what_o a_o profound_a awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n do_v a_o previous_a self-examination_n beget_v in_o we_o what_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n do_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n enkindle_v what_o firmness_n and_o resolution_n do_v we_o derive_v from_o fresh_a vow_n and_o repeat_v engagement_n and_o these_o offer_v up_o with_o so_o much_o solemnity_n and_o how_o much_o final_o be_v the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n improve_v by_o that_o spiritual_a pleasure_n which_o the_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n work_v in_o we_o by_o that_o awe_n and_o holy_a fear_n which_o the_o whole_a action_n leave_v behind_o on_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o zeal_n vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o for_o the_o time_n follow_v not_o to_o mention_v here_o how_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n oblige_v we_o to_o a_o most_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n here_o in_o a_o word_n we_o prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n as_o we_o will_v do_v in_o death_n and_o judgement_n here_o we_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n renounce_v the_o world_n and_o flesh_n
consequent_o acceptable_a to_o all_o faithful_a christian_n in_o the_o next_o chap._n iii_o of_o liberty_n after_o illumination_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n follow_v liberty_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o will._n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o liberty_n in_o general_n and_o then_o discourse_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o regard_v wickedness_n vnfruitfulness_n human_a infirmity_n and_o original_a corruption_n §_o 1._o what_o liberty_n be_v there_o have_v be_v several_a mistake_v about_o this_o matter_n but_o these_o have_v be_v so_o absurd_a or_o extravagant_a so_o design_v or_o sensual_a that_o they_o need_v not_o i_o think_v a_o serious_a refutation_n however_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o remove_v this_o rubbish_n and_o lumber_n out_o of_o my_o way_n that_o i_o may_v build_v up_o and_o establish_v the_o truth_n more_o easy_o and_o regular_o some_o then_o have_v place_v christian_a liberty_n in_o deliverance_n from_o the_o mosaic_a yoke_n but_o this_o be_v to_o make_v our_o liberty_n consist_v in_o freedom_n from_o a_o yoke_n to_o which_o we_o be_v never_o subject_a and_o to_o make_v our_o glorious_a redemption_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v it_o dwindle_v into_o a_o immunity_n from_o external_a rite_n and_o observance_n it_o be_v true_a the_o mosaic_a institution_n as_o far_o as_o it_o consist_v in_o outward_a observance_n and_o typical_a rite_n be_v now_o dissolve_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v who_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o those_o shadow_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n be_v unfold_v and_o display_v without_o any_o veil_n upon_o her_o face_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n or_o to_o those_o ecclesiastical_a institution_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mosaic_a yoke_n from_o the_o abrogation_n indeed_o or_o abolition_n of_o ritual_a and_o typical_a religion_n one_o may_v infer_v first_o that_o christianity_n must_v be_v a_o rational_a worship_n of_o moral_a spiritual_a service_n and_o therefore_o second_o that_o human_a institution_n when_o they_o enjoin_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o or_o when_o they_o impose_v such_o riâ—es_n as_o through_o the_o number_n or_o nature_n of_o they_o cherish_v superstition_n obscure_v the_o gospel_n weaken_v its_o force_n or_o prove_v burdensome_a to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o not_o comply_v with_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a and_o nothing_o far_o there_o have_v be_v other_o who_o have_v run_v into_o more_o intolerable_a error_n for_o some_o have_v place_v christian_a liberty_n in_o exemption_n from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o other_o advance_v high_a in_o exemption_n even_o from_o the_o moral_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n but_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o these_o opinion_n sufficient_o confute_v they_o since_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o every_o one_o that_o disobedience_n and_o anarchy_n be_v as_o flat_a a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o peaceableness_n as_o voluptuousness_n and_o luxury_n be_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o how_o absurd_a and_o wicked_a soever_o these_o notion_n be_v yet_o do_v we_o find_v they_o greedy_o embrace_v and_o industrious_o propagate_v at_o this_o day_n and_o behold_v with_o amazement_n the_o baffle_a and_o despicable_a gnostic_n priscilianist_n libertine_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o other_o spawn_n of_o hell_n revive_v in_o deist_n and_o atheist_n these_o indeed_o do_v not_o advance_v their_o error_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o which_o be_v more_o ingenious_a and_o less_o scandalous_a of_o the_o two_o in_o open_a defiance_n and_o confess_v opposition_n to_o christianity_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n false_a and_o fantastic_a notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o liberty_n that_o religion_n do_v enslave_v man_n not_o set_v he_o free_a aw_v the_o mind_n by_o groundless_a and_o superstitious_a principle_n and_o restrain_v and_o infringe_v our_o true_a and_o natural_a liberty_n which_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o consist_v in_o give_v nature_n its_o full_a swing_n let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o the_o most_o headstrong_a lust_n and_o the_o wild_a and_o the_o most_o corrupt_a imagination_n but_o to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v that_o while_o these_o man_n attempt_v to_o establish_v their_o error_n and_o fortify_v their_o mind_n in_o they_o by_o argument_n of_o some_o sort_n or_o other_o as_o they_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n true_a liberty_n must_v consist_v not_o in_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v not_o in_o follow_v our_o lust_n or_o fancy_n but_o our_o reason_n not_o in_o be_v exempt_a from_o law_n but_o in_o be_v a_o law_n to_o ourselves_o and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o the_o discipline_n of_o virtue_n or_o libertinism_n whether_o the_o school_n of_o epicurus_n or_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n to_o true_a liberty_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n whether_o spiritual_a or_o sensual_a pleasure_n whether_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o body_n be_v the_o more_o like_a to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o sober_a and_o solid_a reason_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o argument_n the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n proclaim_v aloud_o what_o a_o glorious_a kind_n of_o liberty_n they_o be_v like_a to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o 2_o pet._n 2.19_o whilst_o they_o promise_v liberty_n they_o themselves_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o corruption_n and_o this_o corruption_n draw_v on_o their_o ruin_n the_o dishonourable_a and_o miserable_a course_n in_o which_o these_o poor_a wretch_n be_v plunge_v and_o in_o which_o general_o they_o perish_v before_o their_o time_n be_v such_o a_o open_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n that_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v abandon_v its_o conduct_n that_o they_o have_v give_v themselves_o up_o to_o that_o of_o lust_n and_o humour_n and_o that_o they_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o force_v or_o betray_v their_o reason_n into_o a_o compliance_n to_o screen_n themselves_o from_o the_o reproach_n and_o disturbance_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o from_o the_o shame_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v dwell_v long_o enough_o on_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o pass_v on_o and_o resolve_v what_o christian_a liberty_n real_o be_v this_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v suggest_v already_o for_o if_o reason_n be_v the_o govern_v faculty_n in_o man_n than_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n must_v consist_v in_o his_o subjection_n to_o reason_n and_o so_o christian_n liberty_n will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o subjection_n to_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o revelation_n two_o thing_n therefore_o be_v essential_a to_o true_a liberty_n a_o clear_a and_o unbiased_a judgement_n and_o a_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o act_v conformable_a to_o it_o this_o be_v a_o very_a short_a but_o full_a account_n of_o liberty_n darkness_n and_o impotence_n constitute_v our_o slavery_n light_n and_o strength_n our_o freedom_n man_n be_v then_o free_a when_o his_o reason_n be_v not_o awe_v by_o vile_a fear_n or_o bribe_v by_o vile_a hope_n when_o it_o be_v not_o tumultuos_o transport_v and_o hurry_v away_o by_o lust_n and_o passion_n nor_o cheat_v and_o delude_v by_o the_o guild_a appearance_n of_o sophisticated_a good_a but_o it_o deliberate_v impartial_o and_o command_v effectual_o and_o because_o the_o great_a obstacle_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v sin_n because_o natural_a and_o contract_a corruption_n be_v the_o fetter_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v because_o the_o law_n in_o the_o body_n war_n against_o the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n obscure_v the_o light_n and_o enfeeble_v the_o authority_n of_o reason_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a liberty_n be_v as_o true_o as_o common_o describe_v by_o a_o dominion_n over_o the_o body_n by_o the_o subdue_a our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o by_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n this_o notion_n of_o liberty_n may_v be_v sufficient_o establish_v upon_o that_o account_n of_o servitude_n or_o bondage_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o rom._n 7._o where_o he_o represent_v it_o as_o consist_v in_o impotence_n or_o inability_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n command_v and_o reason_n approve_v for_o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o ver_fw-la 18._o liberty_n therefore_o must_v on_o
the_o contrary_n consist_v in_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v good_a in_o obey_v those_o commandment_n which_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n which_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n give_v we_o of_o it_o joh._n 8._o for_o when_o the_o jew_n brag_v of_o their_o freedom_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o freedom_n can_v not_o consist_v with_o subjection_n to_o sin_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n ver_fw-la 34._o that_o honourable_a parentage_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o false_a and_o ludicrous_a appearance_n of_o liberty_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o the_o son_n must_v make_v they_o so_o ver_fw-la 36._o i._n e._n they_o must_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o servitude_n of_o lust_n and_o error_n and_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o work_v righteousness_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a ver_fw-la 31_o 32._o final_o not_o to_o multiply_v proof_n of_o a_o truth_n that_o be_v scarce_o liable_a to_o be_v controvert_v as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v the_o bondage_n of_o a_o sinner_n in_o rom._n 7._o so_o do_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o saint_n in_o rom._n 8._o for_o there_o ver_fw-la 2._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v set_v the_o true_a christian_a free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o then_o he_o let_v we_o know_v wherein_o this_o liberty_n consist_v in_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o restitution_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o its_o just_a empire_n and_o authority_n if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o all_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o his_o description_n of_o liberty_n chapter_n 6._o where_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n thus_o then_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o bondage_n and_o liberty_n yet_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o both_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v each_o capable_a of_o different_a degree_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o entire_a complete_a and_o absolute_a according_a to_o the_o different_a progress_n of_o man_n in_o vice_n and_o virtue_n thus_o in_o some_o man_n not_o their_o will_n only_o but_o their_o very_a reason_n be_v enslave_v their_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o infatuate_v their_o affection_n so_o entire_o captive_v that_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n at_o all_o between_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o body_n they_o commit_v sin_n without_o any_o reluctancy_n beforehand_o or_o any_o remorse_n afterward_o their_o sâ—ared_a conscience_n make_v no_o remonstrance_n inflict_v no_o wound_n nor_o denounce_v any_o threat_n this_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o vassalage_n such_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n other_o there_o be_v in_o who_o their_o lust_n and_o appetite_n prevail_v indeed_o but_o not_o without_o opposition_n they_o reason_v right_o and_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o this_o have_v some_o desire_n and_o wish_n of_o righteousness_n but_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v unable_a to_o act_v and_o live_v conformable_a to_o their_o reason_n their_o understanding_n have_v indeed_o light_a but_o not_o authority_n it_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o have_v no_o power_n no_o force_n to_o make_v it_o be_v obey_v it_o produce_v indeed_o some_o good_a inclination_n purpose_n and_o effort_n but_o they_o prove_v weak_a and_o ineffectual_a one_o and_o unable_a to_o grapple_v with_o the_o strong_a passion_n raise_v by_o the_o body_n and_o as_o bondage_n so_o liberty_n be_v of_o different_a degree_n and_o different_a strength_n for_o though_o liberty_n may_v be_v able_a to_o subsist_v where_o there_o be_v much_o opposition_n from_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o liberty_n be_v most_o absolute_a and_o complete_a where_o the_o opposition_n be_v least_o where_o the_o body_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o entire_a submission_n and_o obsequiousness_n and_o the_o spirit_n reign_v with_o a_o uncontrolled_a and_o unlimited_a authority_n and_o this_o latter_a be_v that_o liberty_n which_o i_o will_v have_v my_o perfect_a man_n possess_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v common_o teach_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o state_n but_o i_o think_v this_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v thorough_o consider_v have_v neither_o scripture_n reason_n nor_o experience_n to_o support_v it_o for_o as_o to_o those_o place_n rom._n 7._o and_o gal._n 5._o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o almost_o incessant_a strong_a and_o too-frequent_o prevalent_a lust_a of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n it_o have_v be_v often_o answer_v and_o prove_v too_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o belong_v to_o the_o perfect_a that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o regenerate_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o text_n that_o represent_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n which_o affirm_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o be_v grievous_a to_o such_o as_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n do_v all_o bear_v witness_n to_o that_o liberty_n which_o i_o contend_v for_o nor_o do_v reason_n favour_v my_o opinion_n less_o than_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n if_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o new_a nature_n if_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o his_o spirit_n live_v to_o righteousness_n in_o one_o word_n if_o the_o world_n be_v as_o much_o crucify_v to_o he_o as_o he_o to_o it_o i_o can_v see_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o act_v consonant_n to_o his_o nature_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o with_o pleasure_n and_o readiness_n follow_v that_o spirit_n and_o obey_v those_o affection_n which_o reign_n and_o rule_v in_o he_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v why_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o property_n with_o other_o habit_n that_o be_v be_v attend_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o its_o operation_n and_o action_n it_o be_v true_a i_o can_v easy_o see_v why_o the_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v acquire_v with_o more_o difficulty_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n but_o i_o say_v i_o can_v see_v when_o they_o be_v acquire_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o natural_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o as_o any_o other_o last_o how_o degenerate_a soever_o age_n past_a have_v be_v or_o the_o present_n be_v i_o dare_v not_o so_o far_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o my_o cause_n or_o the_o virtue_n of_o mankind_n as_o not_o to_o refer_v myself_o willing_o in_o this_o point_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o experience_n i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v that_o truth_n and_o justice_n devotion_n and_o charity_n honour_n and_o integrity_n be_v to_o a_o great_a many_o so_o dear_a and_o delightful_a so_o natural_a so_o easy_a that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v more_o strong_o move_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o the_o instigation_n of_o love_n and_o inclination_n and_o that_o they_o can_v do_v a_o base_a thing_n without_o the_o utmost_a mortification_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o nature_n nor_o be_v all_o this_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o we_o again_o reflect_v on_o what_o i_o just_a now_o intimate_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n transform_v daily_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o new_a affection_n raise_v and_o fortify_v by_o new_a principle_n that_o he_o be_v animate_v by_o a_o divine_a energy_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o true_a and_o bright_a light_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n appear_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n deform_v and_o worthless_a just_a as_o to_o he_o who_o view_v they_o through_o a_o microscope_n the_o work_n of_o god_n appear_v exact_a and_o elegant_a but_o those_o of_o man_n coarse_a and_o bungle_v and_o ugly_a my_o opinion_n then_o which_o assert_n the_o absolute_a liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v here_o and_o in_o chap._n the_o first_o and_o if_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o i_o can_v easy_o reinforce_v it_o with_o fresh_a recruit_n for_o the_o glorious_a character_n that_o be_v give_v we_o in_o scripture_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v easy_o furnish_v i_o with_o invincible_a argument_n nor_o will_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n ever_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v keep_v the_o field_n so_o long_o as_o it_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o weak_a and_o decay_a piety_n by_o the_o fondness_n of_o man_n for_o themselves_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o frailty_n and_o by_o many_o mistake_a text_n but_o that_o this_o matter_n may_v if_o possible_a be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n 1._o i_o here_o distinguish_v between_o inordinate_a and_o natural_a affection_n by_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o mean_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a by_o natural_a its_o propension_n to_o the_o body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v invest_v the_o desire_n of_o its_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n for_o this_o end_n now_o when_o religion_n enjoin_v repugnance_n to_o the_o former_a appetite_n the_o obedience_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v no_o reluctancy_n in_o it_o but_o when_o it_o enjoin_v thing_n as_o sometime_o occasional_o it_o do_v which_o thwart_a and_o cross_v the_o latter_a here_o the_o obedience_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o conflict_n for_o our_o natural_a appetite_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v never_o be_v put_v off_o till_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v this_o be_v so_o clear_a it_o need_v not_o be_v illustrate_v by_o instance_n or_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o though_o good_a man_n have_v practise_v temperance_n chastity_n charity_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o this_o kind_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n too_o yet_o have_v nature_n shrink_v and_o startle_v at_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n though_o even_o here_o too_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o some_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o above_o what_o human_a nature_n ever_o seem_v capable_a of_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o suppose_v that_o nature_n be_v so_o change_v but_o that_o the_o inclination_n to_o sinful_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o any_o other_o forbid_a object_n will_v soon_o revive_v again_o even_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n unless_o he_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o and_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o disorderly_a desire_n not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o irregular_a motion_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o soul_n when_o strip_v of_o a_o mortal_a body_n or_o clothe_v with_o a_o immortal_a one_o till_o then_o the_o conjunction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v ever_o render_v the_o poor_a soul_n obnoxious_a to_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n and_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o the_o body_n do_v so_o easy_o pass_v those_o bound_n that_o divide_v they_o from_o sinful_a one_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o contemplation_n devotion_n good_a work_n or_o engage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o just_a and_o honest_a design_n or_o amuse_v by_o some_o innocent_a recreation_n for_o in_o these_o case_n the_o body_n be_v either_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a it_o be_v innocent_o busy_v and_o divert_v from_o those_o object_n to_o which_o it_o have_v too_o too_o impetuous_a a_o tendency_n i_o have_v now_o i_o think_v sufficient_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a liberty_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o guard_v it_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o will_v serve_v for_o so_o many_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o its_o attainment_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n these_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o four_o head_n 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v great_a happiness_n 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n 3._o it_o give_v we_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n 4._o the_o great_a and_o last_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n these_o be_v all_o comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 6.2.1_o 22_o 23._o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v death_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n aim_v at_o and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.17_o 18._o unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o i_o will_v here_o insist_v on_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o chapter_n demand_v it_o but_o also_o to_o prevent_v the_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o tedious_a repetition_n of_o they_o hereafter_o under_o every_o distinct_a branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n §_o 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o therefore_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a we_o need_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o depravity_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o feebleness_n and_o impotence_n of_o the_o will._n the_o understanding_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v incapable_a of_o discern_v the_o certainty_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n which_o now_o flow_v from_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o incomparable_o great_a which_o will_v one_o day_n flow_v from_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o fruition_n of_o they_o his_o affection_n which_o if_o fix_v and_o bend_v on_o virtue_n have_v be_v incentives_n as_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o noble_a and_o worthy_a action_n be_v biased_a and_o pervert_v do_v now_o hurry_v he_o on_o to_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a one_o and_o by_o these_o the_o mind_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o chance_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o render_v sensible_a of_o its_o happiness_n and_o duty_n be_v overpower_a and_o oppress_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n if_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o thus_o consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n and_o impotence_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o sinner_n act_v as_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infatuate_v when_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v mere_o whole_o body_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o none_o but_o one_o result_v from_o and_o dissolve_v with_o its_o temperament_n and_o contexture_n one_o design_v to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o to_o contrive_v minister_v to_o and_o partake_v in_o its_o sensuality_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v little_a expectation_n of_o another_o world_n who_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n only_o in_o this_o and_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a all_o sinner_n be_v not_o equal_o stupid_a or_o obdurate_a but_o even_o in_o those_o in_o who_o some_o spark_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n remain_v unextinguished_a how_o be_v the_o weak_a desire_n of_o virtue_n baffle_v and_o overpower_a by_o the_o much_o strong_a passion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n do_v they_o not_o find_v themselves_o reduce_v to_o that_o wretched_a state_n of_o bondage_n wherein_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o be_v present_a with_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o disease_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o not_o only_o extinguish_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o obliterate_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v
in_o the_o exercise_n of_o truth_n justice_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o where_o be_v the_o ill_a influence_n of_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n more_o notorious_a than_o here_o for_o these_o render_v we_o impatient_a and_o insatiable_a in_o our_o desire_n violent_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o extravagant_a and_o excessive_a in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v few_o and_o finite_a and_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v such_o inordinate_a appetite_n we_o stand_v in_o one_o another_o light_n in_o one_o another_o way_n to_o profit_v and_o pleasure_n or_o too_o often_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o produce_v a_o thousand_o miserable_a consequence_n according_o we_o daily_o see_v that_o these_o passion_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o envy_n and_o emulation_n avarice_n ambition_n strife_n and_o contention_n hypocrisy_n and_o corruption_n lewdness_n luxury_n and_o prodigality_n but_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o honour_n truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o generosity_n and_o charity_n to_o obviate_v therefore_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o these_o vicious_a principle_n religion_n aim_v at_o implant_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o a_o benign_a and_o beneficent_a nature_n oppose_v against_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n hope_n against_o selfishness_n charity_n and_o against_o sensuality_n faith_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o different_a tendency_n of_o these_o different_a principle_n may_v be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a i_o will_v brief_o compare_v the_o effect_n they_o have_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o neighbour_n selfishness_n make_v man_n look_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o make_v for_o he_o alone_o and_o upon_o all_o as_o his_o enemy_n who_o do_v any_o way_n interfere_v with_o or_o obstruct_v his_o design_n it_o seal_v up_o all_o our_o treasure_n confine_n all_o our_o care_n and_o thought_n to_o our_o private_a interest_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n employ_v all_o our_o part_n power_n and_o wealth_n and_o all_o our_o time_n too_o in_o pursuit_n of_o our_o particular_a advantage_n sensuality_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o abandon_v the_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o country_n his_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o station_n that_o he_o may_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o some_o sottish_a and_o dishonourable_a vice_n it_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o refuse_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a assistance_n to_o any_o public_a or_o neighbourly_a good_a work_n and_o even_o a_o decent_a nay_o sometime_o a_o necessary_a allowance_n to_o his_o family_n that_o he_o may_v waste_v and_o lavish_a out_o his_o fortune_n upon_o some_o vile_a and_o expensive_a lust_n in_o a_o word_n it_o make_v he_o incapable_a of_o the_o fatigue_n of_o civil_a business_n and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o hardship_n and_o hazard_n of_o war_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o imitate_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o vriah_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v court_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n even_o of_o allow_a pleasure_n nor_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o tenderness_n and_o caress_n of_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n while_o joab_n and_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o on_o the_o contrary_a dissolve_v and_o melt_v down_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o uncleanness_n and_o luxury_n the_o shame_n and_o burden_n of_o his_o country_n and_o his_o family_n at_o a_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o country_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o prince_n and_o people_n defend_v it_o by_o their_o toil_n and_o blood_n what_o shall_v i_o mention_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o visible_a among_o we_o as_o deplorable_a do_v not_o this_o wherever_o it_o reign_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o bribery_n and_o corruption_n falshood_n treachery_n and_o cowardice_n worse_o can_v be_v say_v on_o it_o and_o more_o need_v not_o for_o what_o society_n can_v thrive_v or_o which_o way_n can_v credit_v and_o reputation_n be_v support_v what_o treasure_n what_o counsel_n what_o army_n what_o conduct_v can_v save_v a_o people_n where_o these_o vice_n prevail_v let_v we_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n cashier_v and_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n entertain_v in_o their_o room_n what_o a_o bless_a change_n will_v this_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n how_o soon_o will_v honour_v and_o integrity_n truth_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o public_a spirit_n revive_v how_o serviceable_a and_o eminent_a will_v these_o render_v every_o man_n in_o his_o charge_n these_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o great_a and_o brave_a action_n these_o these_o alone_a can_v render_v our_o duty_n dear_a to_o we_o than_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n these_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v good_a work_n without_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o return_v they_o will_v make_v we_o these_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o reasonable_a to_o sacrifice_v fortune_n life_n every_o thing_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o public_a good_a demand_v it_o of_o we_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o heaven_n be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a good_a will_v make_v we_o easy_o surmount_v the_o consideration_n of_o expense_n difficulty_n or_o hazard_n in_o such_o attempt_v as_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v please_v he_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o compassionate_a to_o his_o evil_n and_o want_n tender_a to_o his_o infirmity_n and_o zealous_a of_o his_o good_a as_o of_o our_o own_o how_o happy_a then_o will_v these_o principle_n make_v the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o be_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v these_o and_o to_o discountenance_v and_o suppress_v the_o contrary_a one_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v make_v two_o remark_n on_o this_o last_o paragraph_n first_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o it_o that_o solid_a virtue_n can_v be_v graff_v on_o no_o stock_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n that_o universal_a righteousness_n can_v be_v raise_v on_o none_o but_o gospel_n principles_n who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 5._o i_o do_v not_o oppose_v this_o proposition_n against_o jew_n or_o gentile_n god_n vouchsafe_v in_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n such_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o such_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o to_o these_o be_v the_o righteousness_n hereof_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o moses_n but_o suppose_v it_o against_o the_o bold_a pretension_n of_o libertin_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n honour_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o mouth_n be_v a_o vain_a beast_n and_o the_o natural_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o over_o their_o own_o action_n to_o square_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v only_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o supplant_v the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a as_o arrogant_a alas_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o liberty_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o do_v they_o but_o once_o admit_v purity_n of_o heart_n into_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o discern_v what_o stranger_n they_o be_v to_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o body_n who_o reject_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n who_o either_o believe_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o much_o about_o we_o and_o how_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v selfish_a and_o sensual_a and_o dote_v upon_o this_o world_n who_o expect_v no_o better_o who_o believe_v no_o other_o take_v away_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o can_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o any_o action_n that_o shall_v cross_v his_o temporal_a interest_n or_o his_o pleasure_n what_o shall_v reward_v his_o espouse_v virtue_n when_o it_o have_v no_o dowry_n but_o loss_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n what_o shall_v curb_v he_o in_o the_o career_n of_o a_o lust_n when_o he_o may_v commit_v it_o not_o only_o with_o impunity_n but_o as_o the_o world_n sometime_o go_v with_o honour_n and_o preferment_n too_o though_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o these_o may_v possible_o restrain_v their_o outward_a action_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o the_o
while_n enslave_v and_o defile_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o very_a liberty_n they_o boast_v of_o in_o their_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o themselves_o open_o spring_v from_o their_o secret_a servitude_n to_o some_o vile_a passion_n or_o other_o nor_o yet_o can_v i_o be_v so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o grant_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o either_o do_v or_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o liberty_n they_o pretend_v to_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o regulate_v and_o govern_v all_o their_o outward_a action_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n they_o too_o often_o throw_v off_o the_o disguise_n which_o either_o hypocrisy_n or_o enmity_n to_o religion_n make_v they_o put_v on_o and_o prove_v too_o plain_o to_o the_o world_n that_o when_o they_o lay_v restraint_n on_o themselves_o in_o this_o or_o that_o sin_n it_o be_v only_a to_o indulge_v themselves_o the_o more_o free_o and_o secure_o in_o other_o second_o my_o next_o remark_n be_v that_o it_o be_v gross_a stupidity_n or_o impudence_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n and_o another_o world_n when_o the_o belief_n of_o both_o be_v so_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o this_o the_o frame_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o world_n require_v both_o without_o these_o selfishness_n must_v undoubted_o be_v the_o predominant_a principle_n this_o will_v breed_v unreasonable_a desire_n and_o these_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n so_o that_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n will_v indeed_o be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o our_o enmity_n against_o one_o another_o will_v not_o be_v extinguish_v by_o civil_a society_n but_o only_o conceal_v and_o restrain_v till_o a_o fit_a occasion_n for_o its_o break_n out_o shall_v present_v itself_o law_n will_v want_v that_o force_n commonwealth_n that_o bond_n or_o cement_n conversation_n that_o confidence_n and_o our_o possession_n that_o security_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v they_o blessing_n to_o we_o §_o 3._o a_o three_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v that_o relation_n which_o it_o create_v between_o god_n and_o we_o we_o be_v no_o long_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v separate_v and_o sanctify_a devote_a and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n thus_o st._n peter_n 1_o epist_n 2.9_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n god_n be_v our_o god_n we_o be_v his_o people_n he_o be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o be_v his_o child_n we_o be_v ingraff_v into_o his_o family_n the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v his_o dear_o belove_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n be_v our_o advocate_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o intercessor_n for_o we_o his_o spirit_n reside_v with_o we_o to_o comfort_v and_o assist_v we_o his_o angel_n guard_v we_o and_o minister_v to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v no_o long_o the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n how_o do_v the_o apostle_n triumph_n on_o this_o argument_n heb._n 12.18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n for_o you_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v and_o that_o burn_v with_o fire_n nor_o unto_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n and_o tempest_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o word_n which_o voice_n they_o who_o hear_v entreat_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o which_o be_v command_v and_o if_o so_o much_o as_o a_o beast_n touch_v the_o mountain_n it_o shall_v be_v stone_v or_o thrust_v through_o with_o a_o dart_n and_o so_o terrible_a be_v the_o sight_n that_o moses_n say_v i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v but_o you_o be_v come_v unto_o mount_n zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v better_a thing_n then_o that_o of_o abel_n and_o thus_o again_o 1_o cor._n 3.2_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephus_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n what_o dignity_n and_o eminence_n do_v this_o adoption_n raise_v we_o to_o what_o blessedness_n flow_v from_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n what_o can_v we_o want_v or_o what_o can_v we_o fear_v when_o we_o have_v so_o mighty_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n when_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n be_v employ_v to_o promote_v and_o secure_v our_o happiness_n now_o sure_a we_o may_v rejoice_v now_o we_o may_v glory_v and_o triumph_n for_o certain_o all_o thing_n must_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a but_o as_o fall_v angel_n envy_v the_o happiness_n of_o new_a create_v man_n so_o do_v apostate_n and_o debauch_a man_n envy_v that_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o one_o of_o these_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v hold_v sir_n you_o run_v too_o fast_o these_o glorious_a privilege_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o embryo_n and_o all_o your_o happiness_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o reversion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o big_a word_n you_o must_v grant_v i_o that_o you_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n that_o you_o be_v to_o undergo_v hardship_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o the_o thin_a diet_n of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n and_o so_o i_o think_v i_o may_v take_v you_o down_o from_o heir_n of_o god_n to_o servant_n at_o the_o best_a well_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o we_o yet_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a contend_v about_o those_o pleasure_n that_o be_v but_o in_o the_o bud_n i_o will_v for_o once_o quit_v all_o that_o preference_n both_o as_o to_o nobility_n and_o pleasure_n which_o adoption_n and_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n give_v a_o godly_a man_n above_o a_o sinner_n and_o i_o will_v take_v the_o state_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o be_v as_o the_o objector_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v suppose_v he_o to_o be_v under_o age_n till_o he_o come_v to_o another_o life_n and_o to_o differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n whilst_o he_o be_v so_o though_o he_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o yet_o after_o all_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n it_o will_v be_v no_o contemptible_a fruit_n no_o small_a commendation_n of_o liberty_n that_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n be_v plain_a for_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o he_o who_o make_v and_o still_o uphold_v the_o world_n shall_v govern_v it_o aught_o we_o not_o to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n who_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o immense_a beneficence_n invest_v he_o with_o a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o who_o shall_v we_o honour_v with_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_n what_o we_o have_v but_o to_o he_o from_o who_o we_o receive_v all_o who_o praise_n shall_v we_o show_v forth_o but_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n who_o shall_v we_o obey_v and_o adore_v but_o he_o who_o have_v translate_v we_o out_o of_o bondage_n into_o liberty_n out_o of_o the_o servitude_n of_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n have_v redeem_v we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n from_o that_o wrath_n to_o which_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_o subject_v we_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o shall_v prove_v it_o not_o only_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o honour_n and_o our_o happiness_n to_o serve_v god_n even_o on_o the_o supposition_n on_o which_o the_o objection_n proceed_v and_o which_o i_o at_o present_a grant_n 1._o it_o be_v our_o honour_n to_o
this_o chapter_n be_v grow_v much_o too_o big_a already_o and_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v on_o nothing_o more_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o whatever_o advice_n will_v secure_v the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o liberty_n will_v consequent_o secure_v the_o whole_a i_o will_v therefore_o close_v this_o chapter_n here_o with_o a_o brief_a exhortation_n to_o endeavour_v after_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n how_o many_o and_o powerful_a motive_n have_v we_o to_o it_o will_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n let_v we_o dam_v up_o the_o source_n of_o they_o which_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n let_v we_o disarm_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o this_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o perfect_v and_o accomplish_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o excellent_a quality_n it_o be_v righteousness_n wherein_o consist_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o cleanse_n ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o must_v transform_v we_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n will_v we_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a fortune_n it_o be_v righteousness_n that_o will_v make_v we_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o conquest_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o abound_a in_o good_a work_n that_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a towards_o god_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o we_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v we_o ambitious_a of_o honour_n let_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v virtue_n only_o that_o be_v true_o honourable_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o so_o noble_a a_o relation_n for_o this_o ally_n we_o to_o god_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v they_o only_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v rule_v and_o animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n these_o be_v they_o in_o a_o word_n who_o have_v overcome_v and_o will_v one_o day_n sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n even_o as_o he_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_v set_v down_o with_o his_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n rev._n 3.21_o good_a god_n how_o absurd_a and_o perverse_a all_o our_o desire_n and_o project_n be_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o hug_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o cherish_v those_o vice_n who_o fatal_a wound_n be_v ever_o big_a with_o numerous_a and_o intolerable_a plague_n we_o fear_v death_n and_o will_v get_v rid_v of_o this_o fear_n not_o by_o disarm_v but_o sharpen_v its_o sting_n not_o by_o subdue_a but_o forget_v it_o we_o love_v wealth_n and_o treasure_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v temporal_a not_o eternal_a we_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o but_o we_o seek_v not_o that_o which_o come_v from_o god_n only_o we_o be_v fond_a of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o wander_v from_o those_o path_n of_o wisdom_n which_o alone_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o for_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v this_o christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v man_n true_o free_a not_o the_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o no_o man_n but_o to_o no_o sin_n not_o the_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v we_o true_o great_a and_o true_o glorious_a for_o this_o alone_a render_v we_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o easie_n to_o our_o self_n benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n and_o delightsome_a at_o home_n it_o be_v christian_n liberty_n make_v we_o true_o prosperous_a true_o fortunate_a because_o it_o make_v we_o true_o happy_a fill_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v we_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n iu._n of_o liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o original_a sin_n whatever_o difficulty_n the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n real_o be_v involve_v in_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o some_o to_o be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o concern_v i_o who_o be_o no_o further_o oblige_v to_o consider_v it_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v much_o dispute_n about_o original_a sin_n there_o be_v little_a or_o none_o about_o original_a corruption_n the_o reality_n of_o this_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v though_o the_o gild_n the_o sinfulness_n or_o immorality_n of_o it_o be_v controvert_v and_o though_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n concern_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o eternity_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o make_v but_o that_o it_o incite_v and_o instigate_v we_o to_o actual_a sin_n and_o be_v the_o seed-plot_n of_o human_a folly_n and_o wickedness_n all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o strong_a propension_n in_o our_o nature_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n that_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n wherein_o consist_v righteousness_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v that_o we_o have_v appetite_n which_o clash_n with_o and_o oppose_v the_o command_n of_o god_n not_o only_a when_o they_o threaten_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o confession_n and_o martyrdom_n but_o also_o when_o they_o only_o prune_v its_o luxuriancy_n and_o extravagance_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o desire_v sensitive_a pleasure_n but_o even_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o hurry_v and_o transport_v we_o beyond_o the_o bound_n that_o reason_n and_o religion_n set_v we_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o aversion_n for_o pain_n and_o toil_n and_o death_n but_o to_o that_o excess_n that_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o renounce_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o carnal_a ease_n and_o temporal_a safety_n and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o reveal_v truth_n so_o prone_a to_o terminate_v our_o thought_n on_o and_o confine_v our_o desire_n within_o this_o visible_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o no_o other_o than_o the_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o that_o this_o make_v we_o selfish_a and_o sordid_a proud_a and_o ambitious_a false_a subtle_a and_o contentious_a to_o the_o endless_a disturbance_n of_o mankind_n and_o ourselves_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o this_o be_v the_o corruption_n we_o labour_v under_o all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o do_v a_o controversy_n arise_v about_o this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o appeal_v any_o further_a for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o than_o to_o one_o own_o experience_n this_o will_v tell_v every_o one_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o fact_n and_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v consult_v it_o will_v tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v so_o for_o what_o other_o than_o this_o can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n who_o enter_v the_o world_n with_o a_o soul_n so_o dark_a and_o destitute_a of_o divine_a light_n so_o deep_o immerce_v and_o plunge_v into_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o tender_o and_o intimate_o affect_v by_o bodily_a sensation_n and_o with_o a_o body_n so_o adapt_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o fasten_v to_o it_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o interest_n convenience_n and_o necessity_n this_o account_n of_o original_a corruption_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o of_o it_o rom._n 7._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o with_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n on_o which_o he_o build_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n joh._n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n have_v thus_o brief_o explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o original_a sin_n i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o far_o this_o distemper_n of_o nature_n be_v curable_a 2._o which_o way_n this_o cure_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v as_o to_o the_o first_o enquiry_n i_o will_v
not_o be_v understand_v to_o proceed_v in_o it_o with_o a_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o regenerate_v in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o perfect_a for_o the_o strength_n of_o original_a sin_n can_v but_o be_v very_o different_a in_o new_a convert_v or_o babe_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o such_o as_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o think_v i_o may_v on_o good_a ground_n resolve_v that_o original_a sin_n in_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o reduce_v and_o master_v as_o to_o give_v he_o but_o very_o rare_a and_o slight_a disturbance_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a change_n that_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o he_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o sinner_n into_o a_o saint_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 2_o cor._n 5.17_o and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v this_o new_a nature_n without_o new_a propension_n and_o inclination_n not_o only_o different_a from_o but_o repugnant_a to_o our_o former_a original_a and_o corrupt_a one_o or_o at_o least_o we_o must_v suppose_v this_o new_a creation_n so_o far_o to_o have_v reform_v and_o correct_v the_o man_n that_o original_a corruption_n have_v lose_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n which_o before_o it_o have_v this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a yet_o if_o we_o observe_v never_o so_o slight_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o great_a change_n first_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o excellent_a person_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o unfeigned_a and_o habitual_a sorrow_n for_o and_o detestation_n of_o all_o sin_n i_o hate_v say_v the_o psalmist_n every_o false_a way_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a be_v the_o strength_n and_o heat_v of_o corrupt_a propension_n with_o the_o tear_n and_o aversion_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_n how_o tame_a be_v the_o body_n how_o pure_a the_o mind_n when_o the_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o firm_a and_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n when_o he_o dissolve_v in_o the_o pious_a tenderness_n of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n next_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o a_o steady_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n with_o enlighten_v eye_n he_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o admire_v the_o solidity_n the_o weight_n and_o duration_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n he_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o seek_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o have_v set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o his_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o must_v we_o not_o now_o suppose_v such_o a_o one_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v from_o all_o corrupt_a affection_n when_o the_o very_a bend_v of_o his_o soul_n be_v quite_o another_o way_n must_v we_o not_o suppose_v the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o deprave_a nature_n overpowr_v and_o subdue_v by_o these_o heavenly_a affection_n how_o mortify_v must_v such_o a_o man_n be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o body_n how_o feeble_a be_v the_o opposition_n that_o inferior_a nature_n can_v raise_v against_o a_o mind_n invest_v with_o so_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o endow_v with_o light_n and_o strength_n from_o above_o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v not_o only_o crucify_v the_o inordinate_a and_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o have_v also_o obtain_v a_o great_a mastery_n even_o over_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o it_o how_o else_o can_v it_o be_v that_o his_o desire_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o heaven_n that_o he_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n from_o thence_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o groan_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o corruptible_a tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o above_o the_o body_n may_v certain_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n above_o even_o the_o most_o natural_a appetite_n he_o that_o have_v set_v himself_o free_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n even_o from_o his_o aversion_n to_o death_n and_o in_o his_o affection_n at_o least_o very_a much_o loosen_v the_o bond_n the_o knot_n that_o untie_v soul_n and_o body_n may_v certain_o very_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v much_o more_o above_o all_o covetous_a ambitious_a or_o wanton_a inclination_n these_o be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o freedom_n from_o original_a sin_n as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o 2_o but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o think_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n upon_o earth_n can_v so_o extinguish_v the_o spark_n of_o original_a corruption_n but_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o they_o will_v gather_v strength_n and_o revive_v again_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o we_o after_o baptism_n or_o regeneration_n be_v methinks_v a_o very_a needless_a one_o for_o if_o it_o be_v about_o the_o notion_n we_o ought_v to_o entertain_v of_o it_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v proper_o sin_n or_o not_o this_o be_v a_o contention_n about_o word_n for_o what_o signify_v it_o by_o what_o name_n we_o call_v this_o remainder_n of_o original_a pravity_n when_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o stain_v and_o gild_n of_o it_o be_v wash_v off_o and_o pardon_v but_o if_o it_o be_v about_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o controversy_n of_o some_o moment_n but_o a_o very_a foolish_a one_o on_o one_o side_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v it_o be_v to_o say_v a_o great_a many_o subtle_a and_o puzzle_v thing_n against_o a_o truth_n that_o every_o man_n feel_v and_o experiment_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o may_v thus_o describe_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o original_a sin_n he_o have_v mortify_v it_o though_o not_o utter_o extirpate_v it_o he_o have_v subdue_v it_o though_o not_o exterminate_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o sinful_a and_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o affection_n but_o also_o in_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n than_o other_o man_n from_o those_o infirmity_n and_o irregularity_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o struggle_n and_o ebullition_n of_o original_a sin_n not_o yet_o sufficient_o tame_v he_o have_v advance_v his_o victory_n very_o far_o even_o over_o his_o natural_a appetite_n he_o have_v no_o strong_a inclination_n for_o the_o body_n or_o for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o than_o such_o as_o become_v a_o man_n that_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o another_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n crucify_v to_o he_o and_o he_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n his_o sorrow_n and_o his_o joy_n his_o desire_n and_o his_o fear_n be_v the_o occasion_n never_o so_o just_a or_o lawful_a pass_v not_o the_o modest_a bound_n of_o a_o wise_a moderation_n he_o desire_v without_o impatience_n care_n and_o contrive_v hope_n and_o pursue_v without_o anxiety_n or_o solicitude_n he_o be_v cautious_a without_o fear_n and_o pusillanimity_n he_o be_v sad_a without_o dejection_n or_o despondency_n and_o pleasant_a without_o vanity_n all_o this_o indeed_o show_v he_o not_o only_o to_o have_v conquer_v sin_n and_o folly_n but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n also_o his_o natural_a propension_n to_o they_o but_o after_o all_o this_o happy_a creature_n must_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o body_n in_o the_o body_n who_o appetite_n will_v soon_o pass_v beyond_o their_o due_a bound_n if_o he_o be_v indulgent_a or_o careless_a he_o must_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v not_o immutable_o holy_a his_o understanding_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o bright_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v nor_o the_o bend_v of_o his_o affection_n so_o strong_o set_v upon_o good_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v and_o therefore_o he_o must_v be_v sober_a and_o vigilant_a and_o fear_v always_o thus_o have_v i_o state_v the_o cureableness_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n and_o as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v plain_o the_o countenance_n of_o scripture_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o i_o in_o the_o least_o clash_n with_o that_o clause_n in_o the_o nine_o article_n of_o our_o church_n
void_a of_o understanding_n and_o lo_o it_o be_v all_o grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n and_o nettle_n have_v cover_v the_o face_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone_n wall_n thereof_o be_v break_v down_o this_o be_v one_o plain_a cause_n and_o common_o the_o first_o of_o our_o halt_n between_o god_n and_o baal_n namely_o our_o idleness_n and_o sloth_n in_o religion_n join_v with_o pusillanimity_n and_o cowardice_n which_o move_v we_o to_o decline_v all_o difficulty_n and_o disable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o bold_a resistance_n against_o temptation_n how_o criminal_a and_o guilty_a this_o must_v render_v we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o guess_v be_v this_o the_o zeal_n the_o revenge_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o active_a penitent_n be_v this_o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n and_o efface_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n and_o provocation_n be_v this_o the_o conversation_n that_o become_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n be_v this_o our_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v this_o our_o ambition_n our_o passion_n for_o a_o heaven_n final_o be_v it_o thus_o we_o requite_v the_o mercy_n and_o obligation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n shall_v such_o halt_a trim_v christian_n as_o these_o think_v you_o ever_o be_v judge_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a and_o live_a faith_n who_o express_v it_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n so_o much_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n for_o that_o salvation_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v worth_a the_o purchase_n by_o so_o much_o travel_n and_o so_o much_o sorrow_n so_o much_o shame_n and_o so_o much_o blood_n 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o our_o halt_a between_o god_n and_o baal_n be_v some_o degree_n of_o infidelity_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o israel_n too_o they_o be_v ever_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n partly_o train_v up_o to_o it_o in_o egypt_n and_o elsewhere_o partly_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o finite_a and_o topical_a god_n than_o of_o a_o infinite_a and_o universal_a one_o jer._n 23.23_o partly_o be_v fond_a of_o follow_v the_o fashion_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o last_o move_v partly_o by_o that_o great_a and_o long_a prosperity_n which_o egypt_n and_o other_o idolatrous_a nation_n enjoy_v and_o no_o doubt_n compare_v it_o too_o with_o the_o variety_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n and_o the_o frequent_a disappointment_n of_o their_o expectation_n hose_n 2._o never_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n all_o the_o while_n that_o the_o way_n to_o secure_v their_o prosperity_n be_v to_o change_v not_o their_o god_n but_o their_o manner_n i_o will_v to_o god_n this_o be_v not_o too_o lively_a a_o description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n and_o that_o we_o can_v not_o trace_v our_o lukewarmness_n and_o fickleness_n in_o religion_n too_o plain_o back_o to_o the_o same_o source_n or_o origine_fw-la namely_o some_o degree_n of_o infidelity_n i_o wish_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v not_o somewhat_o undermine_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n i_o wish_v whatever_o we_o talk_v of_o a_o treasure_n in_o another_o world_n we_o do_v not_o now_o and_o then_o think_v it_o wise_a to_o have_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o the_o decay_n and_o dissolution_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o death_n the_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o variety_n of_o change_n and_o fortune_n our_o very_a dust_n undergo_v may_v tempt_v we_o to_o some_o scruple_n and_o jealousy_n about_o a_o post-humous_a life_n but_o however_o it_o be_v in_o these_o point_n i_o be_o too_o too_o well_o assure_v that_o we_o do_v often_o doubt_v whether_o virtue_n be_v the_o true_a blessedness_n of_o life_n whether_o there_o be_v that_o pleasure_n in_o righteousness_n the_o scripture_n affirm_v there_o be_v i_o be_o confident_a the_o notion_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v we_o be_v often_o blur_v and_o blot_v by_o the_o maxim_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v laodicean_n and_o trimmer_n in_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o his_o threat_n and_o that_o he_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o heaven_n upon_o mild_a and_o soft_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n propose_v some_o such_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n as_o this_o must_v possess_v the_o heart_n wherever_o the_o life_n be_v so_o infinite_o below_o our_o profession_n when_o the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_n it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o mingle_v with_o a_o due_a measure_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o if_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v see_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o evident_a and_o present_a by_o faith_n though_o distant_a in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o must_v move_v but_o they_o must_v take_v we_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o must_v enkindle_v in_o we_o another_o sort_n of_o desire_n and_o this_o desire_n will_v soon_o produce_v another_o sort_n of_o endeavour_n another_o sort_n of_o life_n when_o moses_n behold_v canaan_n from_o pisga_n how_o passionate_o do_v he_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o good_a land_n when_o the_o disciple_n have_v see_v jesus_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n how_o be_v they_o transport_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o follow_v he_o how_o unspeakable_a be_v their_o joy_n how_o fervent_a their_o prayer_n how_o last_a and_o enlarge_v their_o gratitude_n they_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o great_a joy_n and_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n praise_v and_o bless_v god_n how_o do_v a_o prospect_n of_o gain_n captivate_v the_o covetous_a how_o do_v the_o fancy_n or_o expectation_n of_o pleasure_n inflame_v the_o voluptuary_n how_o do_v the_o sight_n of_o vanity_n and_o grandeur_n infect_v the_o proud_a and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n fire_n the_o ambitious_a what_o have_v the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n no_o attraction_n have_v heaven_n no_o charm_n in_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n no_o force_n no_o power_n in_o they_o sure_o we_o have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o precious_a one_o and_o if_o they_o raise_v no_o passion_n in_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v through_o want_n of_o excellent_a and_o loveliness_n in_o they_o but_o want_v of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o then_o judge_v you_o how_o acceptable_a this_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n must_v render_v we_o to_o god_n what_o value_n can_v god_n have_v for_o a_o people_n who_o no_o kindness_n can_v oblige_v no_o argument_n convince_v with_o who_o no_o miracle_n can_v gain_v belief_n no_o assurance_n or_o promise_n find_v credit_n hell_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n rev._n 21.8_o and_o what_o dreadful_a judgement_n do_v overwhelm_v israel_n as_o often_o as_o they_o thus_o halt_v between_o god_n and_o idol_n it_o do_v not_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o have_v some_o sort_n of_o veneration_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o miracle_n since_o this_o be_v not_o able_a to_o over-rule_v their_o prejudice_n and_o superstition_n that_o they_o retain_v some_o honour_n for_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o that_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o their_o father_n since_o they_o have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o for_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o their_o god_n too_o and_o whatever_o power_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n or_o whatever_o benefit_n they_o do_v own_v themselves_o to_o have_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v the_o memory_n of_o either_o be_v utter_o extinguish_v among_o they_o all_o this_o avail_v they_o nothing_o while_o they_o make_v their_o court_n to_o other_o god_n too_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o their_o patronage_n and_o protection_n though_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o gild_n of_o a_o laodicean_n virtue_n and_o a_o uncertain_a halt_a faith_n yet_o i_o must_v advance_v on_o and_o observe_v unto_o you_o a_o worse_a principle_n if_o worse_a can_v be_v of_o this_o deportment_n yet_o which_o be_v 4._o the_o four_o fountain_n of_o this_o unsteadiness_n and_o remissness_n in_o religion_n be_v some_o remain_v of_o corruption_n the_o prevalency_n of_o some_o vicious_a passion_n or_o other_o man_n action_n be_v the_o plain_a indication_n of_o their_o affection_n if_o the_o life_n look_v two_o way_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o heart_n do_v so_o too_o this_o be_v that_o make_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n fluctuate_v so_o between_o christ_n and_o mammon_n this_o be_v the_o
dismiss_v from_o the_o pilgrimage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o corruptible_a tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o do_v i_o last_o doubt_n but_o that_o this_o love_n be_v often_o sensible_o transport_v it_o be_v a_o fire_n within_o that_o strive_v to_o break_v out_o and_o exert_v itself_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o rich_a and_o mighty_a cordial_n that_o raise_v nature_n above_o itself_o and_o make_v it_o all_o purity_n all_o glory_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o extent_n or_o compass_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n virtue_n and_o the_o sum_n total_a be_v in_o some_o he_o must_v excel_v because_o natural_a and_o easy_a in_o other_o because_o necessary_a universal_a one_o he_o can_v want_v they_o be_v essential_a to_o christianity_n other_o of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n he_o may_v unless_o his_o circumstance_n exact_v they_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o diminutton_n of_o his_o perfection_n patience_n fortitude_n moderation_n vigilance_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o virtue_n of_o earth_n not_o heaven_n and_o yet_o none_o think_v the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n imperfect_a because_o not_o endow_v with_o habit_n which_o they_o do_v not_o want_v above_o all_o he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v abound_v in_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o heroic_a nature_n faith_n love_n and_o humility_n for_o these_o be_v they_o which_o most_o effectual_o exalt_v man_n above_o himself_o and_o above_o the_o world_n which_o inflame_v he_o with_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o prosecute_a this_o glorious_a design_n i_o be_o next_o to_o inquire_v §_o 2._o to_o what_o height_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o virtue_n the_o perfect_a man_n may_v advance_v i_o have_v in_o part_n anticipate_v this_o enquiry_n already_o yet_o can_v forbear_v add_v here_o two_o observation_n first_o that_o reason_n and_o scripture_n seem_v to_o press_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o endless_a progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o yet_o second_o that_o both_o seem_v to_o propose_v to_o we_o such_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n as_o attainable_a beyond_o which_o we_o can_v go_v that_o so_o the_o beginner_n may_v not_o despair_v of_o perfection_n nor_o the_o perfect_a abate_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o vigilance_n and_o their_o industry_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o excellence_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v such_o a_o height_n above_o which_o there_o be_v no_o room_n to_o soar_v if_o apply_v to_o man_n and_o this_o world_n be_v sure_o but_o a_o imaginary_a notion_n to_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o perfection_n be_v to_o forget_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o state_n no_o sagacity_n of_o judgement_n no_o strength_n of_o resolution_n no_o felicity_n of_o circumstance_n can_v ever_o advance_v we_o to_o this_o height_n such_o a_o perfection_n as_o this_o that_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o increase_n belong_v i_o believe_v to_o god_n alone_o or_o if_o we_o may_v allow_v it_o to_o angel_n we_o must_v certain_o deny_v it_o to_o man_n in_o who_o one_o will_v think_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n can_v never_o be_v so_o entre_o subdue_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o place_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n or_o render_v his_o victory_n more_o entire_a and_o complete_a and_o in_o who_o one_o will_v think_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v never_o reside_v in_o that_o measure_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o to_o be_v add_v to_o his_o fullness_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v study_v the_o systeme_n of_o divine_a faith_n how_o we_o shall_v daily_o reflect_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v give_v god_n the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o repeat_v proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n without_o increase_v our_o strength_n and_o assurance_n and_o love_n must_v natural_o increase_v with_o these_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n acknowledge_v himself_o not_o yet_o perfect_a resolve_n that_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o will_v press_v on_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3.13_o 14._o and_o st._n austin_n resolve_v plenissima_fw-la charitas_fw-la quam_fw-la diu_fw-la hîc_fw-la homo_fw-la vivit_fw-la est_fw-la in_o nemine_fw-la a_o absolute_a plenitude_n of_o charity_n be_v in_o no_o mortal_a upon_o earth_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o come_v to_o fact_n and_o practice_n one_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v arrive_v at_o that_o state_n wherein_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o climb_v high_a but_o rather_o to_o make_v good_a the_o ground_n they_o have_v gain_v what_o can_v render_v st._n paul_n victory_n over_o the_o body_n more_o complete_a who_o assure_v we_o i_o be_o crucify_v with_o christ_n and_o again_o i_o be_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o what_o can_v render_v the_o authority_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o mind_n more_o absolute_a or_o its_o grace_n more_o consummate_a and_o entire_a who_o can_v say_v with_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o i_o who_o live_v but_o christ_n who_o live_v in_o i_o what_o will_v you_o have_v add_v to_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o make_v he_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v but_o to_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o make_v he_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n as_o to_o those_o word_n of_o he_o phil._n 3.13_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o etc._n etc._n they_o relate_v to_o his_o trial_n and_o performance_n to_o his_o peril_n and_o conflict_n not_o to_o his_o attainment_n he_o do_v not_o here_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v perfect_a though_o that_o may_v well_o enough_o have_v become_v his_o modesty_n and_o humility_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o already_o at_o his_o goal_n a_o conqueror_n and_o crown_v there_o be_v much_o yet_o behind_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v pass_v through_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v not_o as_o though_o i_o be_v already_o perfect_a as_o to_o st._n austin_n i_o be_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o he_o speak_v comparative_o and_o do_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n live_v be_v as_o perfect_a in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o will_v be_v in_o another_o which_o no_o man_n sure_o can_v ever_o doubt_v if_o we_o consult_v reason_n will_v it_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o every_o be_v have_v its_o bound_n set_v it_o so_o have_v every_o perfection_n too_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stature_n as_o of_o the_o natural_a so_o of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n beyond_o which_o it_o can_v grow_v that_o as_o to_o grace_n no_o more_o can_v be_v infuse_v than_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o otherwise_o like_v too_o rich_a a_o cordial_n it_o will_v not_o strengthen_v but_o fire_n our_o nature_n or_o like_o too_o dazzle_v a_o light_n it_o will_v not_o assist_v but_o oppress_v our_o faculty_n and_o do_v not_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o master_n countenance_v this_o matth._n 25.2_o wherein_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n give_v to_o one_o five_o talent_n to_o another_o two_o to_o another_o one_o to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n by_o which_o one_o will_v think_v our_o lord_n insinuate_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v usual_o distribute_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o he_o who_o improve_v his_o two_o talent_n into_o four_o arrive_v at_o his_o proper_a perfection_n as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o improve_v his_o five_o into_o ten_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o man_n body_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o height_n or_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o same_o capacity_n reflect_v on_o all_o this_o together_o i_o can_v but_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o some_o have_v actual_o arrive_v at_o that_o strength_n of_o faith_n at_o that_o ardour_n of_o love_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o considerable_a accession_n in_o this_o life_n but_o yet_o new_a occasion_n may_v still_o demand_v new_a virtue_n which_o be_v indeed_o before_o contain_v and_o include_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o not_o otherwise_o than_o as_o fruit_n and_o tree_n be_v in_o their_o seed_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o original_a corruption_n may_v still_o be_v lurk_v in_o the_o
of_o all_o thing_n o_o my_o god_n may_v i_o at_o least_o be_v one_o to_o fill_v the_o train_n of_o this_o triumphant_a procession_n in_o that_o bless_a day_n when_o thou_o shall_v crown_v the_o zeal_n and_o patience_n of_o thy_o saint_n thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o zeal_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o kindle_v it_o in_o every_o breast_n by_o some_o few_o consideration_n which_o will_v at_o once_o evince_n the_o necessity_n and_o declare_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o 1._o our_o own_o security_n and_o happiness_n demand_v of_o we_o a_o zeal_n fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n 2._o it_o be_v indispensable_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o it_o minister_v most_o effectual_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1._o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o without_o this_o we_o reject_v on_o at_o least_o frustrate_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v for_o this_o christ_n die_v that_o he_o may_v purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o election_n god_n have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n eph._n 1.4_o which_o be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o eph._n 2.10_o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o good_a work_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o ver_fw-la mind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n god_n impart_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o for_o this_o end_n he_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v our_o nature_n we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n immediate_o aim_v at_o first_o godliness_n then_o life_n first_o virtue_n then_o glory_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o narrative_a of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o his_o apostle_n in_o almost_o innumerable_a place_n have_v with_o great_a power_n and_o great_a earnestness_n inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n that_o immortality_n and_o glory_n be_v the_o portion_n not_o of_o knowledge_n but_o patience_n and_o charity_n not_o of_o a_o orthodox_n belief_n and_o specious_a pretention_n but_o of_o righteousness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o incorruptible_a the_o never-fading_a crown_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n or_o if_o man_n will_v be_v judge_v by_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o the_o language_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o matter_n at_o all_o since_o faith_n itself_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o its_o work_n and_o as_o a_o happy_a eternity_n depend_v upon_o our_o zeal_n so_o nothing_o else_o can_v give_v we_o any_o comfortable_a any_o rational_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v zeal_n that_o be_v the_o only_a unquestionable_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o fruit_n which_o alone_o can_v evidence_n the_o life_n and_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o yea_o a_o man_n may_v say_v thou_o have_v faith_n and_o i_o have_v work_n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n jam._n 2.18_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a do_v thou_o believe_v in_o jesus_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o deny_v thyself_o take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v do_v thou_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v why_o do_v thou_o not_o work_v out_o thy_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a why_o do_v thou_o not_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n that_o thou_o may_v lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o lie_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n nor_o be_v good_a work_v less_o necessary_a to_o prove_v our_o love_n than_o faith_n certain_o if_o we_o love_v holiness_n if_o we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n we_o shall_v never_o live_v in_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o strong_a passion_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o refuse_v to_o gratify_v a_o inclination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o fervent_a in_o we_o but_o its_o gratification_n will_v procure_v we_o eternal_a reward_n too_o certain_o if_o we_o love_v god_n we_o can_v but_o seek_v his_o glory_n we_o can_v but_o be_v desirous_a to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o if_o so_o do_v we_o know_v any_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o good_a work_n do_v we_o know_v any_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o more_o than_o zeal_n do_v we_o love_v the_o b._n jesus_n be_v not_o good_a work_v the_o very_a test_n of_o this_o love_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o commandment_n joh._n 14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 15.14_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n constrain_v we_o what_o to_o do_v to_o live_v not_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o that_o die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o 2_o cor._n 5.15_o what_o other_o return_v can_v we_o make_v to_o jesus_n what_o other_o way_n can_v we_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o himself_o need_v our_o ministry_n nor_o want_v our_o service_n and_o charity_n but_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o do_v it_o to_o one_o of_o these_o my_o little_a one_o you_o have_v do_v it_o to_o i_o matt._n 25.40_o 2._o our_o zeal_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o other_o do_v we_o regard_v our_o neighbour_n eternal_a interest_n it_o be_v zeal_n repress_n sin_n and_o propagate_v righteousness_n it_o be_v zeal_n defend_v the_o faith_n and_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o error_n it_o be_v zeal_n convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o build_v up_o the_o believer_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a quicken_v the_o lukewarm_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a and_o inflame_v the_o good_a with_o a_o holy_a emulation_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o baffle_v all_o objection_n refute_v all_o calumny_n and_o vanquish_v all_o opposition_n raise_v against_o religion_n and_o oppress_v its_o enemy_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n zeal_n and_o zeal_n alone_o that_o can_v make_v religion_n appear_v lovely_a and_o delightful_a and_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o it_o for_o this_o alone_a can_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n for_o it_o render_v virtue_n more_o conspicuous_a more_o take_v in_o life_n and_o example_n than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o precept_n and_o description_n of_o word_n nor_o be_v zeal_n less_o serviceable_a to_o the_o temporal_a that_o eternal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n when_o god_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o virtue_n too_o and_o when_o he_o form_v man_n he_o weave_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n into_o his_o very_a nature_n how_o necessary_a be_v justice_n to_o poor_a creature_n who_o lie_v so_o open_a to_o wrong_n and_o injury_n how_o indispensable_a be_v charity_n or_o generosity_n to_o these_o who_o be_v expose_v to_o so_o many_o accident_n to_o so_o many_o want_v to_o such_o a_o viscissitude_n of_o fortune_n and_o be_v all_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o folly_n and_o infirmity_n to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o fancy_n how_o strong_a must_v be_v our_o obligation_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n patience_n and_o gentleness_n in_o a_o word_n sin_n and_o misery_n abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n to_o balance_v the_o one_o and_o â—o_o relieve_v and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o other_o life_n will_v be_v intolerable_a so_o that_o reveal_v and_o natural_a religion_n do_v necessary_o terminate_v and_o centre_n in_o a_o zeal_n for_o good_a work_n as_o their_o ultimate_a end_n and_o utmost_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o rule_v of_o our_o saviour_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o be_v a_o abstract_n not_o only_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o of_o the_o code_n of_o nature_n too_o and_o this_o single_a principle_n if_o sincere_o pursue_v