will_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o as_o our_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v please_v with_o they_o or_o when_o we_o do_v not_o â—â—ominate_v and_o cast_v they_o out_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v into_o our_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v power_n to_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_a it_o be_v true_a the_o devil_n may_v continue_v to_o disquiet_v and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o wicked_a injection_n and_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n evil_a thought_n but_o though_o they_o be_v our_o grief_n and_o molestation_n yet_o they_o be_v resist_v be_v his_o sin_n and_o god_n will_v judge_v he_o for_o they_o and_o spare_v and_o pity_v we_o god_n know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n the_o bless_a jesus_n assume_v our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o well_o know_v how_o to_o compassionate_v we_o in_o such_o circumstance_n he_o be_v himself_o solicit_v by_o the_o accurse_a tempter_n 4._o but_o he_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o he_o but_o resist_v he_o and_o if_o we_o follow_v our_o lord_n example_n and_o do_v so_o too_o if_o he_o do_v not_o present_o flee_v from_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n but_o unhappiness_n to_o be_v infest_a with_o he_o and_o this_o certain_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o may_v undoubted_o choose_v whether_o we_o will_v consent_v to_o wicked_a thought_n and_o approve_v they_o or_o not_o if_o they_o do_v indeed_o meet_v with_o a_o kind_a entertainment_n at_o our_o hand_n no_o wonder_n that_o they_o grow_v bold_a and_o familiar_a but_o if_o we_o deny_v they_o admittance_n and_o shut_v they_o out_o we_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v rid_v of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o they_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o even_o the_o devil_n be_v put_v to_o flight_n by_o resistance_n 7._o st._n james_n tell_v we_o he_o remember_v his_o apostasy_n he_o tremble_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o when_o a_o christian_a behave_v himself_o brave_o against_o he_o he_o do_v not_o care_n to_o abide_v the_o combat_n if_o we_o give_v the_o same_o reply_n to_o all_o his_o suggestion_n as_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v our_o trouble_n be_v great_a than_o our_o danger_n if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v watchful_a over_o ourselves_o and_o have_v as_o much_o care_n as_o we_o can_v of_o our_o thought_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o complain_v so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o we_o often_o do_v it_o be_v much_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o many_o evil_a thought_n proceed_v from_o thence_o the_o malignity_n or_o folly_n of_o our_o imagination_n be_v much_o owe_v to_o ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n to_o idleness_n or_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n or_o some_o such_o cause_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o we_o ought_v to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o look_v on_o they_o as_o our_o sin_n though_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v many_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o ourselves_o be_v often_o more_o chargeable_a with_o they_o than_o either_o of_o these_o and_o if_o we_o narrow_o and_o true_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a that_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o soil_n where_o this_o hemlock_n be_v sow_v there_o wicked_a thought_n be_v conceive_v they_o owe_v their_o original_n either_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o or_o be_v throw_v in_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n from_o thence_o they_o proceed_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o do_v lie_v a_o obligation_n on_o we_o of_o well_o govern_v they_o that_o we_o be_v not_o altogether_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o it_o but_o something_o be_v in_o our_o power_n we_o can_v choose_v whether_o we_o will_v cherish_v they_o or_o not_o we_o can_v either_o bid_v they_o welcome_n or_o bid_v they_o be_v go_v and_o beside_o we_o can_v use_v other_o help_n and_o assistance_n and_o follow_v these_o rule_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o well-governing_a our_o thought_n and_o what_o they_o be_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n the_o rule_n and_o direction_n which_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n viz._n the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a government_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v divide_v into_o general_n and_o particular_a the_o general_n will_v have_v relation_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v the_o latter_a will_v concern_v chief_o these_o sort_n of_o they_o hereafter_o mention_v the_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n than_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o prayer_n constant_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n this_o be_v a_o catholicon_n a_o sovereign_a remedy_n for_o every_o ail_fw-we and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o soul_n 24._o it_o be_v very_o powerful_a with_o god_n 16._o and_o avail_n much_o it_o be_v a_o preservative_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o a_o defence_n against_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n prayer_n as_o it_o engage_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o the_o protection_n of_o almighty_n god_n in_o all_o case_n so_o it_o natural_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o heart_n keep_v it_o in_o a_o due_a frame_n and_o religious_a temper_n the_o soul_n be_v thereby_o prompt_v and_o dispose_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o ponderates_n towards_o god_n it_o give_v a_o relish_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n more_o and_o more_o averse_a to_o all_o evil_a vain_a or_o silly_a thought_n and_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v preserve_v from_o wicked_a thought_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n in_o due_a temper_n and_o government_n we_o shall_v be_v constant_a and_o earnest_a in_o our_o approach_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n daily_o and_o fervent_a in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o conquer_a the_o stubbornness_n and_o irregularity_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o imagination_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o by_o he_o to_o govern_v subdue_v and_o sanctify_v all_o the_o motion_n power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o no_o unclean_a spirit_n may_v inhabit_v there_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sweep_v and_o garnish_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n and_o ever_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o visit_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o benign_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v sure_a then_o that_o you_o omit_v not_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o first_o rule_n in_o order_n to_o the_o well-governing_a your_o thought_n for_o without_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v signify_v nothing_o second_o the_o next_o rule_n be_v that_o you_o avoid_v idleness_n that_o hateful_a vice_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n like_o the_o field_n of_o the_o sluggard_n 30._o all_o overgrow_v with_o thorn_n and_o brier_n full_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o wanton_a desire_n evil_a motion_n and_o impure_a thought_n when_o a_o man_n be_v idle_a and_o loiter_v a_o thousand_o ill_a thing_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n which_o a_o honest_a industry_n will_v prevent_v and_o the_o most_o desirable_a opportunity_n the_o devil_n have_v for_o inject_v wicked_a thought_n or_o temptation_n successful_o be_v when_o a_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o avoid_v be_v idle_a and_o so_o practise_v both_o part_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n advice_n 41._o watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n idleness_n be_v the_o nurse_n of_o wickedness_n sin_n be_v procurer_n a_o vice_n most_o odious_a in_o its_o self_n and_o lead_v into_o all_o other_o it_o lay_v a_o man_n open_a to_o all_o assault_n and_o temptation_n and_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o dangerous_a solicitation_n of_o a_o legion_n of_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n at_o once_o whereas_o a_o industrious_a man_n put_v satan_n to_o the_o toil_n of_o a_o long_a siege_n as_o it_o be_v the_o negligent_a and_o idle_a person_n make_v a_o present_a and_o voluntary_a surrender_n of_o himself_o to_o he_o thus_o much_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n mat._n 12._o 43._o when_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o of_o a_o man_n he_o walk_v through_o dry_a place_n seek_v rest_n and_o find_v none_o he_o say_v i_o will_v return_v into_o my_o house_n from_o whence_o i_o come_v out_o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o find_v it_o empty_a sweep_v and_o garnish_v then_o go_v he_o and_o
a_o practical_a treatise_n concern_v evil_a thought_n wherein_o be_v some_o thing_n more_o especial_o useful_a for_o melancholy_a person_n by_o william_n chilcot_n m._n a._n ecce_fw-la coram_fw-la tot_fw-la millibus_fw-la populorum_fw-la nudabuntur_fw-la omnes_fw-la iniquitates_fw-la meae_fw-la tot_fw-la agminibus_fw-la angelorum_fw-la patebunt_fw-la universa_fw-la scelera_fw-la mea_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la actuum_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la cogitationum_fw-la simulque_fw-la locutionum_fw-la august_n lib._n 4._o medit._n exon_n print_v by_o samuel_n darker_n for_o charles_n yeo_n john_n peâ—rce_n and_o philip_n bishop_n 1698._o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o st._n john_n st._n george_n the_o martyr_n and_o allhollow_v on_o the_o wall_n in_o the_o city_n of_o exon._n brethren_n the_o follow_a treatise_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o several_a discourse_n deliver_v to_o you_o from_o the_o pulpit_n the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v undeniable_o most_o useful_a and_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o the_o more_o i_o consider_v of_o it_o the_o more_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o its_o moment_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n too_o and_o require_v more_o last_a attention_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o any_o person_n how_o well_o soever_o dispose_v can_v give_v to_o sermon_n when_o speak_v i_o think_v fit_a to_o publish_v it_o that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v these_o direction_n always_o before_o you_o which_o i_o hope_v may_v somewhat_o assist_v you_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o great_a respect_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o many_o obligation_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o you_o i_o have_v dedicate_v they_o to_o you_o the_o rather_o hope_v that_o you_o will_v the_o more_o attentive_o peruse_v they_o and_o more_o serious_o and_o earnest_o apply_v they_o whatever_o defect_n there_o be_v in_o this_o treatise_n i_o hope_v my_o sincerity_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a protection_n to_o the_o meanness_n of_o my_o endeavour_n all_o my_o aim_n be_v to_o contribute_v to_o your_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a advantage_n which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v always_o part_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o your_o daily_a orator_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n william_n chilcot_n exon_n may_v 2._o 1698._o a_o practical_a treatise_n concern_v evil_a thought_n matth._n 15._o 19_o for_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n i_o be_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o subject_n which_o demand_v more_o than_o ordinary_a attention_n of_o the_o reader_n the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n be_v what_o i_o intend_v to_o discourse_v on_o from_o these_o word_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n so_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n few_o medicine_n can_v reach_v internal_a wound_n and_o he_o be_v a_o artist_n indeed_o that_o can_v cure_v they_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n i_o have_v attempt_v it_o and_o shall_v lay_v before_o you_o the_o best_a method_n that_o i_o can_v in_o order_n to_o the_o well-governing_a of_o the_o thought_n which_o when_o attain_v be_v a_o achievement_n above_o those_o of_o the_o great_a conqueror_n and_o deserve_v trophy_n beyond_o rhe_n most_o famous_a exploit_n of_o victory_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v the_o wise_a of_o man_n tell_v we_o 32._o that_o he_o that_o rule_v his_o spirit_n be_v better_a than_o he_o that_o take_v a_o city_n and_o our_o own_o experience_n confirm_v this_o sentence_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o a_o more_o common_a observation_n than_o that_o great_a general_n and_o captain_n who_o have_v carry_v their_o arm_n through_o distant_a nation_n and_o have_v do_v wonder_n and_o even_o bring_v the_o world_n into_o subjection_n have_v yet_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o own_o self_n tame_o yield_v to_o their_o own_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a heart_n and_o have_v not_o obtain_v a_o conquest_n over_o their_o own_o thought_n they_o have_v not_o avoid_v soil_v their_o triumph_n with_o their_o vice_n and_o asperse_v their_o glorious_a action_n with_o a_o wicked_a life_n as_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o best_a action_n be_v to_o be_v their_o worst_a and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o crown_n to_o their_o arm_n to_o be_v dissolve_v in_o lust_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n as_o if_o the_o blessing_n of_o success_n be_v riot_n and_o intemperance_n and_o the_o great_a of_o sin_n to_o be_v their_o herald_n what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a and_o true_a reflection_n than_o this_o which_o as_o it_o take_v off_o from_o the_o credit_n and_o applause_n of_o the_o noble_a action_n so_o it_o serve_v to_o show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o difficult_a task_n to_o conquer_v our_o own_o thought_n than_o the_o most_o potent_a adversary_n to_o subdue_v our_o heart_n and_o soul_n than_o whole_a battalion_n and_o that_o man_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o himself_o for_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o know_v the_o thought_n speak_v these_o word_n the_o occasion_n on_o which_o he_o speak_v they_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o vast_a advantage_n of_o well-governing_a our_o thought_n in_o order_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n three_o that_o evil_a thought_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o proceed_v from_o thence_o which_o lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o we_o of_o restrain_v they_o and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v four_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o general_n rule_n and_o direction_n for_o our_o easy_a and_o better_o perform_v of_o this_o great_a and_o difficult_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a work_n of_o well-governing_a the_o thought_n and_o five_o i_o shall_v select_v some_o special_a kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n and_o shall_v discourse_v more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a remedy_n against_o they_o chap._n i._n the_o occasion_n on_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n for_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n be_v this_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o expounder_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o give_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o instead_o of_o that_o do_v gross_o pervert_v the_o real_a design_n sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o put_v erroneous_a and_o false_a gloss_n upon_o it_o and_o many_o time_n impose_v their_o own_o tradition_n upon_o the_o people_n in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o none_o pretend_v a_o more_o strict_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n than_o they_o insomuch_o that_o we_o find_v they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n with_o a_o usual_a arrogance_n demand_v of_o our_o saviour_n 2._o why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o wash_v not_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o eat_v bread_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o answer_n viz._n that_o they_o of_o all_o man_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o tax_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o such_o a_o ceremony_n as_o wash_v before_o meat_n as_o if_o that_o be_v such_o a_o invasion_n upon_o tradition_n and_o a_o cry_a sin_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o much_o great_a in_o endeavour_v to_o vacate_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n by_o false_o suppose_v a_o case_n which_o will_v discharge_v they_o from_o honour_v and_o relieve_v their_o parent_n and_o so_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o their_o own_o tradition_n with_o a_o witness_n 12._o their_o corban_n be_v a_o effectual_a way_n to_o cover_v their_o avarice_n and_o they_o can_v not_o have_v invent_v a_o more_o colourable_a pretence_n to_o varnish_v over_o their_o most_o sordid_a and_o unnatural_a temper_n than_o that_o be_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v their_o common_a method_n when_o they_o have_v any_o wicked_a design_n in_o hand_n then_o to_o seem_v most_o religious_a and_o when_o they_o make_v long_a prayer_n it_o be_v but_o too_o sure_a a_o sign_n of_o their_o devour_a widow_n house_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n our_o bless_a lord_n do_v so_o often_o and_o so_o severe_o rebuke_v they_o particular_o here_o where_o after_o he_o have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o he_o do_v he_o expose_v and_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o the_o people_n and_o censure_v the_o vanity_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o all_o their_o religious_a pretension_n and_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o people_n he_o assure_v they_o that_o true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o such_o outward_a wash_n and_o cleansing_n and_o ceremonious_a purgation_n but_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a purification_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o
our_o thought_n and_o imagination_n and_o of_o our_o action_n the_o product_n of_o they_o that_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v pure_a and_o holy_a the_o thought_n and_o then_o the_o action_n will_v be_v so_o too_o but_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v foul_a and_o wicked_a the_o issue_n of_o it_o will_v be_v correspondent_a when_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v true_o season_v with_o religion_n it_o will_v show_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o beauteous_a and_o lovely_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n but_o when_o the_o principle_n be_v vicious_a and_o debauch_a the_o effect_n must_v and_o will_v be_v filthy_a and_o abominable_a that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o defile_v by_o any_o material_a thing_n that_o he_o either_o eat_v or_o drink_v but_o by_o his_o own_o imagination_n desire_n and_o affection_n the_o thing_n which_o come_v out_o of_o he_o for_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false-witness_n blasphemy_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o defile_v a_o man_n but_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n defile_v not_o a_o man._n all_o the_o ceremonious_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n aim_v at_o and_o terminate_v in_o this_o their_o ceremony_n be_v signification_n and_o type_n of_o matter_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o frequent_a wash_n and_o cleansing_n be_v to_o denote_v the_o spiritual_a purify_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a god_n enjoin_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o a_o time_n the_o ignorance_n and_o nonage_n of_o the_o jew_n require_v such_o a_o material_a and_o gross_a way_n of_o instruction_n but_o these_o be_v all_o abolish_v and_o do_v away_o at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o become_v our_o divine_a instructor_n and_o teacher_n and_o inform_v mankind_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o rational_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o god_n do_v expect_v from_o we_o and_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o thought_n that_o live_v sacrifice_n alone_o that_o will_v please_v god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o refine_a joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o exalt_v pleasure_n of_o seraphim_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o mankind_n be_v to_o govern_v the_o heart_n and_o subdue_v the_o thought_n this_o then_o in_o short_a be_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n which_o do_v effectual_o humble_v these_o proud_a pharisee_n who_o whole_a religion_n be_v mere_a pomp_n and_o outward_a show_n and_o consist_v mere_o in_o broad_a phylactery_n a_o affect_a garb_n and_o demure_a look_n while_o these_o gaudy_a and_o paint_a sepulcher_n be_v within_o full_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o rottenness_n and_o uncleaness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v we_o see_v a_o description_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o how_o excellent_a and_o noble_a a_o institution_n that_o be_v which_o extend_v to_o the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o tend_v to_o refine_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o pure_a state_n of_o angel_n and_o therefore_o be_v far_o above_o all_o other_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o chap._n ii_o the_o next_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v handle_v be_v the_o vast_a advantage_n of_o well_o govern_v of_o our_o thought_n in_o order_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n now_o this_o advantage_n be_v very_o great_a and_o obvious_a every_o person_n must_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o only_a way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v well_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o his_o heart_n to_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o a_o true_a order_n and_o government_n for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o uniformity_n in_o his_o piety_n the_o good_a action_n that_o he_o do_v be_v break_v and_o imperfect_a and_o he_o be_v apt_a every_o now_o and_o then_o to_o make_v fresh_a work_n for_o repentance_n by_o return_v to_o his_o old_a sin_n but_o this_o advantage_n of_o the_o well_o govern_v our_o thought_n will_v be_v the_o better_o see_v by_o some_o particular_n first_o then_o a_o care_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v the_o great_a preservative_n against_o actual_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o great_a sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v be_v at_o first_o but_o a_o thought_n the_o foul_a wickedness_n and_o most_o monstrous_a impiety_n arise_v from_o so_o small_a a_o speck_n as_o a_o first_o thought_n may_v be_v resemble_v to_o the_o most_o horrid_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o virtuous_a action_n that_o ever_o be_v accomplish_v have_v no_o great_a a_o beginning_n of_o such_o a_o quick_a growth_n and_o spread_a nature_n be_v sin_n that_o it_o rival_n even_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o our_o lord_n tele_v we_o 31._o be_v like_a to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o a_o man_n take_v and_o sow_v in_o his_o field_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o when_o it_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o these_o country_n it_o be_v the_o great_a among_o herb_n and_o become_v a_o tree_n so_o that_o tbe_n bird_n of_o the_o air_n come_v and_o lodge_v in_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n 15._o represent_v it_o by_o a_o simile_n of_o another_o nature_n compare_v the_o original_a and_o growth_n of_o it_o to_o the_o formation_n of_o a_o embryo_n in_o the_o womb._n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o his_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n it_o be_v conceive_v breed_v life_n and_o grow_v in_o a_o man_n till_o at_o last_o it_o domineer_v in_o he_o and_o reign_v in_o his_o mortal_a body_n 12._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o govern_v and_o manage_v our_o thought_n without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v avoid_v fall_v into_o actual_a sin_n even_o the_o great_a that_o we_o resist_v the_o begining_n the_o very_a first_o emergency_n of_o evil_a if_o we_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o we_o can_v indulge_v evil_a thought_n without_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o commt_v actual_a sin_n or_o that_o speculation_n and_o practice_n be_v thing_n so_o vast_o distant_a from_o each_o other_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v ourselves_o from_o fall_v into_o actual_a sin_n we_o muft_v govern_v and_o suppress_v our_o thought_n and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o life_n pure_a and_o unspotted_a the_o heart_n must_v be_v keep_v in_o entire_a subjection_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o guilt_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o resist_v the_o first_o motion_n of_o evil_a all_o unlawful_a thought_n for_o no_o man_n be_v always_o in_o the_o same_o temper_n his_o resolution_n be_v not_o ever_o the_o same_o as_o it_o may_v be_v now_o or_o at_o another_o time_n his_o passion_n be_v fluctuate_a sometime_o there_o be_v as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o springtide_n of_o they_o and_o a_o man_n at_o some_o season_n be_v more_o receptive_a of_o evil_a impression_n more_o yield_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v tempt_v than_o at_o other_o and_o though_o a_o evil_a thought_n may_v not_o so_o strong_o move_v he_o at_o one_o time_n yet_o it_o may_v at_o another_o and_o every_o encouragement_n of_o it_o add_v to_o the_o falseness_n and_o treachery_n of_o his_o own_o deceitful_a and_o wicked_a heart_n which_o will_v betray_v he_o whenever_o a_o opportunity_n offer_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o be_v nice_o careful_a over_o his_o thought_n if_o he_o will_v not_o fall_v into_o actual_a sin_n let_v we_o think_v as_o bold_o and_o confident_o of_o ourselves_o as_o we_o please_v let_v we_o rest_v never_o so_o much_o upon_o our_o own_o strength_n it_o be_v our_o weakness_n it_o be_v not_o our_o presume_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o that_o will_v make_v we_o invincible_a nay_o there_o be_v none_o soon_o overcome_v and_o throw_v down_o than_o such_o as_o conceit_n great_a and_o mighty_a thing_n of_o themselves_o the_o shameful_a denial_n of_o the_o warm_a and_o boast_a apostle_n 74._o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o
purge_v and_o refine_v the_o drossy_a mass_n 3._o the_o divine_a grace_n alone_o can_v restore_v health_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o corrupt_a deprave_a degenerous_a heart_n of_o man._n and_o that_o will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n it_o will_v operate_v with_o our_o endeavour_n but_o not_o without_o they_o something_o be_v in_o our_o power_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o let_v we_o do_v that_o and_o the_o rest_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v supply_v and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a incentives_n to_o make_v we_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n be_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o take_v a_o slight_a and_o transient_a view_n only_o but_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o deep_a and_o accurate_a investigation_n of_o ourselves_o search_v every_o corner_n of_o that_o cell_n every_o recess_n of_o that_o labyrinth_n with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v for_o leven_a 12._o and_o upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o lord_n word_n verify_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v all_o evil_a thought_n no_o good_a proper_o so_o call_v proceed_v from_o thence_o but_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a issue_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o product_n of_o his_o heavenly_a inspiration_n who_o be_v continual_o strive_v with_o man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o consecrate_v and_o hallow_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n every_o good_a thought_n every_o religious_a flight_n or_o sacred_a desire_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o he_o be_v his_o immediate_a suggestion_n who_o be_v wrestle_a with_o the_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o our_o impure_a imagination_n to_o reduce_v they_o into_o their_o proper_a order_n and_o condition_n or_o else_o it_o be_v the_o whisper_n of_o some_o good_a angel_n commission_v by_o he_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o perform_v a_o godlike_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v raise_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o lend_v we_o wing_n to_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o high_a heaven_n withal_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n natural_o be_v full_a of_o evil_n and_o out_o of_o it_o proceed_v all_o kind_n of_o wicked_a thought_n and_o vain_a imagination_n it_o disembogue_v such_o impure_a steam_n and_o contagious_a exhalation_n as_o blast_v and_o infect_v the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o asphalites_n a_o dead_a sea_n which_o send_v up_o most_o noxious_a vapour_n it_o be_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o all_o the_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n original_o proceed_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o natural_a piece_n of_o advice_n that_o whenever_o we_o behold_v any_o evil_n in_o any_o part_n or_o instance_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n we_o present_o lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o breast_n look_v into_o ourselves_o and_o examine_v our_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v folly_n to_o lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o this_o and_o that_o and_o other_o thing_n when_o we_o shall_v trace_v the_o evil_n to_o its_o fountainhead_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o all_o the_o vile_a and_o sinful_a thought_n the_o base_a and_o most_o abominable_a lust_n proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n but_o when_o they_o be_v breed_v out_o of_o the_o corruption_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o the_o heart_n itself_o and_o when_o cast_v into_o it_o by_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o determine_v the_o accurse_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v no_o doubt_n lie_v hold_v on_o all_o opportunity_n to_o cast_v into_o our_o mind_n wicked_a thought_n and_o be_v very_o watchful_a of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n when_o to_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v our_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o yet_o more_o vile_a than_o natural_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o these_o wicked_a thought_n which_o many_o timorous_a soul_n imagine_v to_o be_v their_o own_o may_v be_v rational_o presume_v to_o be_v he_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o mark_n which_o probable_o may_v serve_v to_o distinguish_v the_o devil_n injection_n from_o our_o own_o cogitation_n as_o when_o they_o be_v monstrous_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a when_o they_o assault_v we_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a with_o a_o tempestuous_a vehemence_n fill_v we_o with_o terror_n and_o amazement_n or_o else_o when_o they_o be_v such_o thought_n as_o contradict_v all_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o when_o a_o man_n think_v of_o murder_v and_o destroy_v himself_o such_o a_o thought_n can_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o heart_n itself_o though_o very_o corrupt_a but_o rather_o throw_v in_o by_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o i_o say_v as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o evil_a thought_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o know_v which_o be_v our_o own_o or_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n be_v as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v the_o immediate_a result_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o devil_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o ready_a to_o improve_v they_o and_o for_o these_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n injection_n our_o corrupt_a heart_n be_v too_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o so_o that_o we_o must_v think_v ourselves_o equal_o oblige_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o there_o be_v something_o unquestionable_o in_o our_o power_n in_o order_n to_o it_o we_o can_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o unless_o we_o will_v look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o machine_n and_o so_o destroy_v both_o reason_n and_o religion_n at_o once_o i_o will_v agree_v that_o by_o a_o hypochondriack_a or_o some_o other_o disease_n or_o by_o a_o long_a series_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_v which_o be_v a_o disease_n more_o inveterate_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v cure_v that_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v so_o break_v and_o shatter_a that_o the_o power_n of_o think_v be_v become_v very_o weak_a and_o impair_v and_o that_o the_o lassitude_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o great_a almost_o as_o those_o of_o the_o body_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v few_o case_n but_o a_o man_n can_v do_v something_o in_o order_n to_o a_o regular_a think_n few_o man_n be_v arrive_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o either_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o towards_o it_o though_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v some_o can_v do_v much_o more_o than_o other_o our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n do_v not_o give_v useless_a description_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o man_n otherwise_o than_o rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o suppose_v that_o when_o he_o show_v they_o that_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o govern_v and_o subdue_v they_o now_o we_o may_v lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n viz._n that_o evil_a thought_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v do_v not_o endanger_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n further_o than_o we_o comply_v with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n further_o than_o we_o indulge_v they_o but_o total_o to_o hinder_v they_o i_o think_v be_v a_o thing_n impracticable_a it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o such_o offence_n will_v come_v and_o i_o believe_v the_o holy_a man_n find_v it_o so_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o world_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o object_n and_o in_o a_o state_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o when_o wicked_a thought_n arise_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o may_v certain_o choose_v whether_o we_o will_v harbour_v and_o embrace_v they_o or_o not_o this_o we_o may_v do_v as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o liberty_n of_o will_n leave_v so_o much_o be_v unquestionable_o in_o our_o power_n though_o it_o be_v confess_v they_o will_v make_v frequent_a return_n upon_o we_o and_o every_o now_o and_o then_o with_o great_a importunity_n present_v themselves_o to_o we_o though_o but_o the_o last_o moment_n we_o thrust_v they_o out_o like_o a_o importunate_a creditor_n or_o a_o impertinent_a guest_n they_o will_v obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o if_o we_o tell_v they_o we_o have_v never_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n they_o will_v still_o be_v troublesome_a and_o haunt_v we_o while_o we_o be_v actual_o engage_v in_o it_o nay_o will_v pursue_v we_o even_o to_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o assault_v we_o at_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o we_o as_o often_o trust_v they_o out_o as_o they_o return_v they_o will_v never_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o give_a they_o encouragement_n and_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o that_o make_v we_o criminal_a then_o alone_a thought_n
will_v be_v a_o very_a proper_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o that_o great_a end_n which_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n there_o be_v no_o preserve_v a_o castle_n or_o fortress_n from_o be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n but_o by_o have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o the_o avenue_n and_o breach_n now_o the_o sense_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o avenue_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o inlet_n of_o all_o evil_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o we_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o our_o sense_n if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o thought_n pure_a and_o unpolluted_a for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sense_n that_o we_o have_v but_o may_v betray_v and_o ruin_v we_o a_o eye_n a_o hand_n etc._n etc._n may_v prove_v our_o utter_a destruction_n as_o that_o advice_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n imply_v 8._o wherefore_o if_o thy_o hand_n or_o thy_o foot_n offend_v thou_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o cast_v they_o from_o thou_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n halt_v and_o maim_a rather_o than_o have_v two_o hand_n or_o two_o foot_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n with_o one_o eye_n rather_o than_o have_v two_o eye_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n our_o own_o eye_n may_v ruin_v we_o as_o sure_a as_o these_o of_o a_o basilisk_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_o eye_n which_o put_v witchcraft_n into_o that_o of_o other_o and_o convey_v back_o certain_a hurt_n and_o mischief_n into_o our_o thought_n and_o soul_n there_o be_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o ensnare_a object_n in_o the_o world_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o we_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n conspire_v how_o to_o entrap_v we_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v we_o find_v some_o object_n or_o other_o to_o entice_v we_o as_o the_o hermit_n see_v in_o his_o vision_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v hang_v all_o over_o with_o net_n the_o devil_n well_o know_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o subdue_v the_o spirit_n be_v by_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a way_n of_o conquer_a the_o soul_n as_o by_o first_o make_v his_o attack_n upon_o the_o outwork_n the_o sense_n and_o therefore_o he_o first_o endeavour_n to_o take_v they_o it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n therefore_o that_o we_o keep_v a_o close_a guard_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o our_o sense_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v invade_v by_o wicked_a thought_n for_o any_o one_o of_o they_o leave_v unguarded_a may_v prove_v our_o ruin_n and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v give_v too_o great_a a_o liberty_n to_o our_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o vile_a and_o wicked_a thought_n fill_v our_o mind_n again_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o if_o any_o evil_a thought_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v arise_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n not_o to_o let_v they_o remain_v in_o we_o but_o present_o to_o make_v resistance_n against_o they_o turn_v the_o heart_n immediate_o to_o a_o contrary_a subject_n humble_v our_o soul_n by_o speedy_a repentance_n for_o the_o same_o let_v not_o vain_a thought_n lodge_v in_o we_o 14._o though_o they_o may_v glance_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v dwelling_n upon_o a_o wicked_a thought_n that_o make_v it_o prevail_v and_o domineer_a over_o we_o if_o we_o habitual_o indulge_v it_o it_o will_v get_v ground_n of_o we_o and_o at_o length_n grow_v obstinate_a and_o unruly_a and_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v conquer_v whereas_o a_o immediate_a resistance_n of_o it_o will_v by_o degree_n so_o weaken_v it_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a we_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v quite_o rid_v of_o it_o though_o this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o very_a troublesome_a yet_o it_o be_v as_o likely_a a_o way_n as_o any_o of_o avoid_v evil_a thought_n when_o any_o wicked_a imagination_n therefore_o present_v itself_o the_o best_a way_n to_o repel_v it_o will_v not_o be_v to_o argue_v and_o dispute_v long_o with_o it_o but_o to_o catch_v away_o our_o mind_n from_o it_o present_o and_o like_o a_o man_n that_o accidental_o tread_v upon_o a_o adder_n start_v back_o immediate_o and_o strive_v to_o make_v no_o more_o approach_n to_o it_o again_o it_o be_v possible_a nay_o likely_a that_o it_o will_v return_v upon_o you_o often_o in_o a_o little_a time_n but_o do_v you_o labour_v as_o often_o as_o it_o do_v so_o to_o thrust_v it_o out_o and_o be_v not_o weary_a of_o so_o do_v and_o because_o this_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n neither_o though_o this_o or_o nothing_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n it_o will_v be_v expedient_a in_o order_n to_o the_o divert_v our_o mind_n effectual_o that_o we_o propose_v to_o our_o mind_n some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o awful_a subject_n and_o such_o as_o be_v apt_a more_o than_o ordinary_o to_o take_v up_o and_o fix_v our_o thought_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n imagine_v that_o we_o see_v his_o torture_a body_n bleed_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o hear_v the_o doleful_a cry_n which_o he_o utter_v when_o he_o make_v the_o great_a atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o behold_v the_o portentous_a eclipse_n the_o preternatural_a darkness_n the_o rent_v of_o the_o rock_n the_o open_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tremendous_a circumstance_n which_o attend_v the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o else_o let_v it_o be_v the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o miscellaneous_n horror_n and_o exultation_n of_o that_o dreadful_a day_n wherein_o the_o heaven_n be_v on_o fire_n 12._o shall_v be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n 20._o the_o sun_n be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n and_o the_o moon_n into_o blood_n 29._o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n be_v shake_v and_o the_o star_n fall_v from_o their_o orb_n all_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v consume_v and_o ingulph_v in_o a_o inconceivable_a eternity_n of_o happiness_n to_o the_o righteous_a but_o of_o torment_n to_o the_o wicked_a any_o one_o of_o such_o subject_n as_o these_o will_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o in_o order_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o return_v to_o ill_a thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v more_o awe_v the_o soul_n collect_v the_o thought_n and_o compose_v the_o spirit_n than_o think_v on_o such_o subject_n they_o be_v thing_n so_o very_o considerable_a that_o while_o we_o be_v employ_v our_o mind_n about_o they_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o or_o soon_o to_o be_v draw_v aside_o to_o any_o other_o object_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o advisable_v that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o expedient_a in_o order_n to_o the_o well-governing_a our_o thought_n to_o which_o end_n also_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o watch_v over_o our_o thought_n on_o the_o lordsday_n than_o more_o especial_o than_o at_o other_o time_n the_o lordsday_n be_v i_o know_v not_o by_o what_o mean_n extreme_o slight_v and_o disregard_v and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n profaneness_n have_v very_o great_o advance_v itself_o so_o that_o god_n own_o day_n be_v become_v almost_o as_o one_o of_o we_o and_o but_o a_o very_a small_a difference_n observe_v betwixt_o they_o man_n be_v general_o so_o far_o from_o be_v most_o careful_a of_o their_o thought_n on_o that_o holiday_n that_o they_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v most_o profuse_a and_o extravagant_a then_o and_o not_o only_o their_o thought_n but_o their_o action_n too_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n worse_o than_o at_o other_o time_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n in_o itself_o and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v severe_o account_v for_o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o make_v our_o thought_n loose_v ungovernable_a and_o wicked_a at_o other_o time_n for_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o day_n peculiarly_a to_o be_v dedicate_v to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o day_n wherein_o god_n design_n in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o his_o grace_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v sanctify_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v by_o have_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o our_o thought_n and_o by_o the_o delightful_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n praise_n and_o mediditation_n and_o a_o devout_a read_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v by_o god_n blessing_n leave_v such_o a_o happy_a tincture_n on_o we_o and_o so_o pious_o and_o last_o incline_v the_o mind_n to_o good_a that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o order_v
to_o make_v our_o thought_n of_o god_n vile_a and_o blasphemous_a the_o truth_n of_o this_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o various_a and_o monstrous_a idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n and_o the_o gross_a and_o horrid_a conception_n they_o have_v of_o their_o deity_n and_o also_o from_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o gross_a and_o carnal_a way_n of_o worship_n among_o they_o use_v especial_o in_o the_o dark_a age_n of_o popery_n when_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a to_o tell_v what_o absurdity_n and_o profaneness_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o ignorance_n nay_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o even_o among_o ourselves_o some_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n i_o speak_v this_o to_o your_o shame_n and_o until_o they_o have_v until_o they_o do_v attain_v to_o know_v he_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o their_o thought_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v rectify_v the_o more_o we_o know_v god_n the_o more_o we_o come_v to_o love_v he_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o he_o and_o to_o have_v the_o most_o high_a and_o noble_a thought_n of_o he_o now_o this_o excellent_a and_o useful_a and_o desirable_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v these_o two_o way_n by_o his_o work_n and_o by_o his_o word_n first_o from_o our_o own_o observation_n of_o the_o stupendous_a frame_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o mighty_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o admirable_a order_n of_o all_o being_n their_o usefulness_n and_o subserviency_n to_o man_n the_o establishment_n of_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n both_o his_o judgement_n and_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n if_o serious_o observe_v and_o consider_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o consequent_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o high_a and_o holy_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o so_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o all_o profane_a or_o blasphemous_a or_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o as_o we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v god_n by_o our_o own_o attentive_a observation_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o providence_n so_o we_o may_v by_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n and_o indeed_o thence_o alone_o we_o can_v fetch_v our_o true_a idea_n and_o most_o proper_a thought_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a help_n to_o our_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o wherein_o in_o a_o majestic_a style_n his_o glorious_a attribute_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o his_o goodness_n purity_n power_n justice_n truth_n be_v wonderful_o display_v in_o a_o various_a manner_n by_o description_n historical_a relation_n amaze_a act_n prophecy_n and_o prediction_n precept_n and_o admonition_n and_o surprise_v revelation_n which_o no_o man_n can_v consider_v as_o he_o ought_v but_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v inspire_v with_o holy_a and_o awful_a thought_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o admirable_o preserve_v from_o all_o vain_a wicked_a or_o profane_a thought_n which_o prove_v a_o great_a terror_n and_o affliction_n to_o many_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o chapter_n a_o careful_a and_o humble_a read_n and_o hear_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n together_o with_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o his_o sacrament_n and_o other_o ordinance_n be_v a_o very_a excellent_a way_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o all_o profane_a or_o blasphemous_a thought_n for_o our_o heart_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v happy_o season_v with_o good_a thing_n and_o god_n holy_a spirit_n convey_v to_o our_o soul_n and_o last_a inclination_n to_o holiness_n be_v apt_a to_o remain_v in_o we_o but_o because_o i_o will_v not_o leave_v these_o poor_a soul_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v disquiet_v and_o terrify_v with_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o without_o some_o further_a security_n comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v please_v further_a to_o consider_v that_o though_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o hate_v and_o abhor_v and_o tremble_v at_o the_o very_a first_o motion_n of_o such_o profane_a impious_a or_o blasphemous_a thought_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o terrible_o affright_v at_o they_o or_o confound_v with_o they_o as_o many_o and_o these_o good_a christian_n be_v for_o the_o alwise_a god_n do_v frequent_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v with_o such_o profane_a thought_n for_o end_n excellent_a and_o beneficial_a to_o our_o own_o immortal_a soul_n as_o to_o humble_v we_o and_o make_v we_o more_o strict_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n more_o sensible_a of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o nothing_o more_o discernible_a than_o in_o a_o extravagant_a liberty_n of_o thought_n or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v to_o make_v we_o more_o sober_a in_o our_o understanding_n to_o avoid_v nice_a inquiry_n into_o case_n mysterious_a and_o shun_v all_o enthusiastic_a expectation_n or_o to_o rouse_v up_o the_o dull_a and_o decay_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o we_o will_v love_v he_o when_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o withhold_v his_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a comfort_n from_o our_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o or_o else_o to_o cause_v we_o perhaps_o to_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n our_o high_a end_n in_o all_o our_o performance_n that_o our_o heart_n run_v not_o upon_o any_o mean_a and_o low_a design_n but_o the_o please_a the_o almighty_a be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o great_a diligence_n in_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o not_o to_o let_v our_o eternal_a happiness_n rest_n upon_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v they_o but_o strive_v to_o get_v as_o much_o assurance_n of_o our_o endless_a welfare_n as_o possible_o we_o be_v able_a and_o consistent_a with_o faith_n hope_n and_o other_o christian_a virtue_n these_o then_o be_v doubtless_o some_o of_o the_o gracious_a end_n for_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o suffer_v we_o to_o labour_v under_o such_o thought_n as_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o the_o case_n of_o good_a christian_n to_o be_v afflict_v with_o they_o these_o poor_a soul_n who_o happen_v at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v disquiet_v with_o they_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v courage_n and_o to_o be_v comfort_v under_o they_o and_o let_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o that_o which_o be_v a_o man_n burden_n 28._o will_v not_o be_v reckon_v as_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o they_o hate_v these_o thought_n more_o because_o they_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o god_n than_o because_o they_o be_v grievous_a and_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o they_o make_v more_o watchful_a circumspect_a and_o devout_a than_o they_o before_o be_v then_o satan_n shall_v answer_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o the_o devil_n shall_v be_v judge_v for_o all_o these_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a thought_n which_o they_o deject_a soul_n be_v so_o much_o afflict_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o as_o their_o own_o and_o so_o i_o have_v dispatch_v this_o first_o species_n of_o evil_a thought_n viz._n profane_a and_o blasphemous_a thought_n chap._n vi_o the_o next_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n which_o deserve_v our_o distinct_a consideration_n be_v that_o of_o unclean_a thought_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o danger_n in_o these_o than_o the_o former_a because_o there_o be_v something_o in_o corrupt_a nature_n more_o agreeable_a to_o they_o than_o to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v apt_a more_o to_o be_v please_v with_o they_o but_o to_o a_o good_a man_n to_o a_o true_a christian_a these_o thought_n be_v no_o less_o disquiet_v and_o hateful_a than_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v some_o proper_a remedy_n against_o they_o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v prayer_n which_o though_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a remedy_n and_o must_v in_o no_o case_n of_o trial_n be_v pretermit_v for_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n or_o grace_n of_o any_o particular_a kind_n whatsoever_o let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n say_v st._n james_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o 5._o and_o upbraid_v not_o yet_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v more_o especial_o needful_a here_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v much_o in_o prayer_n if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v assault_v with_o this_o kind_n of_o thought_n we_o must_v make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o our_o constant_a petition_n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o he_o will_v mortify_v our_o lustful_a desire_n
and_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o concupiscence_n in_o we_o that_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n we_o must_v imitate_v the_o poor_a leper_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o who_o fall_v down_o at_o jesus_n foot_n and_o worship_v he_o say_v lord_n if_o thou_o will_v thou_o can_v make_v i_o clean_a it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o subdue_v this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n in_o some_o complexion_n but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o so_o do_v be_v great_a to_o such_o as_o have_v live_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o heaven_n by_o constant_a and_o devout_a prayer_n second_o temperance_n and_o fast_v be_v a_o proper_a remedy_n for_o the_o suppress_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n while_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n be_v so_o unite_v and_o make_v up_o one_o compositum_fw-la the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v great_o incline_v and_o bias_v by_o the_o complexion_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o that_o must_v be_v keep_v in_o due_a order_n and_o subjection_n a_o pamper_n and_o indulge_v the_o flesh_n be_v a_o great_a promoter_n of_o lust_n and_o when_o the_o animal_n spirit_n be_v intoxicate_v the_o soul_n can_v but_o feeble_o exert_v itself_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o preserve_v himself_o then_o from_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o uncleanness_n much_o less_o from_o impure_a thought_n and_o therefore_o temperance_n and_o self-denial_n be_v always_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o avoid_v unclean_a thought_n which_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o unclean_a devil_n 21._o go_v not_o out_o but_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n the_o mind_n be_v calm_a and_o serene_a when_o the_o body_n be_v in_o a_o regular_a temper_n a_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o meditate_v and_o think_v on_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o holy_a thing_n when_o he_o be_v sober_a and_o moderate_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o fasting_n be_v make_v a_o duty_n be_v in_o order_n to_o tame_v the_o insolence_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o keep_v the_o thought_n pure_a the_o reason_n clear_a and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o fit_a for_o religious_a duty_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a as_o they_o may_v sometime_o seem_v to_o we_o but_o high_o reasonable_a since_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sensual_a and_o low_a desire_n do_v bring_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o high_a appetite_n of_o the_o soul_n since_o while_o the_o body_n be_v keep_v in_o due_a subjection_n the_o soul_n liberty_n and_o activity_n be_v much_o the_o great_a and_o beside_o heaven_n be_v worth_a strive_v and_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o work_n much_o more_o harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a than_o it_o be_v if_o this_o will_v denominate_v we_o of_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n true_a disciple_n certain_o we_o shall_v not_o stick_v at_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v do_v so_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v assure_v we_o 24._o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o man_n will_v restrain_v their_o appetite_n and_o deny_v themselves_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o some_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a end_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o do_v it_o then_o to_o gain_v eternal_a happiness_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o ancient_a grecian_a game_n call_v the_o olympic_a game_n these_o that_o be_v the_o striver_n or_o combatant_n for_o the_o prize_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o mortify_v themselves_o and_o keep_v to_o a_o strict_a and_o spare_a diet_n thereby_o to_o bring_v down_o their_o flesh_n and_o make_v their_o body_n pliant_a and_o athletic_a and_o all_o that_o they_o can_v hope_v to_o get_v by_o it_o be_v only_o a_o garland_n of_o flower_n and_o a_o little_a frivolous_a honour_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o do_v so_o much_o for_o a_o reward_n not_o worth_a a_o name_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o do_v it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_v unclean_a thought_n and_o impure_a desire_n which_o will_v not_o only_o hinder_v we_o in_o our_o strive_v for_o heaven_n but_o unqualify_v we_o for_o it_o thus_o the_o apostle_n argue_v every_o one_o that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n etc._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 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 lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o may_v not_o myself_o be_v a_o castaway_n the_o three_o remedy_n against_o unclean_a thought_n be_v the_o consideration_n that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o defile_n nature_n they_o leave_v a_o strange_a pollution_n and_o filth_n behind_o they_o and_o if_o indulge_v very_o strong_o incline_v to_o actual_a uncleanness_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o cherish_v thought_n of_o this_o kind_n to_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o dwell_v upon_o they_o for_o there_o be_v none_o more_o apt_a to_o grow_v usurp_v and_o ungovernable_a by_o entertainment_n than_o these_o they_o do_v moreover_o mighty_o unfit_a we_o for_o holy_a duty_n they_o weaken_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o value_v our_o soul_n as_o we_o esteem_v heaven_n into_o which_o no_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v enter_v let_v we_o labour_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o this_o consideration_n be_v proper_a in_o order_n thereunto_o four_o keep_v a_o strict_a guard_n over_o all_o our_o sense_n be_v here_o particular_o necessary_a for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sense_n that_o lust_n invade_v the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o they_o we_o can_v preserve_v our_o soul_n from_o be_v pollute_v our_o eye_n therefore_o shall_v be_v turn_v away_o from_o all_o forbid_a object_n our_o ear_n be_v deaf_a to_o all_o obscene_a discourse_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o sense_n shun_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v have_v the_o least_o tendency_n to_o this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n a_o vain_a curiosity_n to_o be_v a_o spectator_n have_v sometime_o prove_v fatal_a especial_o in_o two_o instance_n in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o and_o one_o unguarded_a sense_n have_v ever_o now_o prove_v a_o man_n destruction_n 2._o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o sincerity_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o attain_v a_o right_a government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o avoid_v this_o kind_n of_o they_o especial_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o all_o our_o sense_n five_o a_o have_a recourse_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n be_v a_o great_a preservative_n against_o and_o cure_v of_o unclean_a thought_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o devout_a person_n come_v i_o pulsat_fw-la aliqua_fw-la turpis_fw-la cogitatio_fw-la statim_fw-la recurro_fw-la ad_fw-la vulnera_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o sanabor_fw-la i.e._n when_o i_o be_o assault_v by_o any_o impure_a thought_n i_o have_v immediate_a recourse_n to_o the_o wound_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v heal_v therefore_o when_o any_o filthy_a imagination_n come_v into_o thy_o heart_n let_v thy_o mind_n present_o divert_v from_o it_o to_o christ_n jesus_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n imagine_v that_o thou_o see_v his_o precious_a blood_n stream_v four_o and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o thy_o soul_n ma_fw-fr be_v cleanse_v therein_o especial_o fly_v to_o the_o bethesda_n of_o his_o blood_n in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o all_o the_o disease_n of_o thy_o soul_n but_o this_o of_o unclean_a thought_n in_o particular_a the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o purify_n and_o strengthen_v ordinance_n if_o we_o come_v to_o it_o right_o prepare_v and_o it_o be_v most_o common_o for_o want_v of_o a_o devout_a preparation_n that_o we_o find_v not_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o sacrament_n be_v our_o spiritual_a armour_n against_o all_o the_o dart_n of_o the_o devil_n against_o all_o his_o impure_a suggestion_n and_o temptation_n and_o if_o we_o come_v to_o it_o with_o a_o true_o penitent_a sincere_a and_o humble_a heart_n though_o this_o kind_n of_o wicked_a thought_n or_o any_o other_o shall_v infest_v we_o even_o while_o we_o be_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n yet_o our_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a god_n will_v accept_v our_o sincere_a though_o mean_v endeavour_n and_o at_o length_n grant_v we_o that_o purity_n which_o we_o be_v so_o sensible_a we_o want_v and_o so_o earnest_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o serve_v he_o without_o distraction_n and_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o whole_a soul_n and_o unmixed_a affection_n another_o remedy_n against_o
fear_n or_o some_o temporal_a consideration_n may_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o execute_v his_o revenge_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_n himself_o from_o wicked_a uncharitable_a thought_n which_o be_v hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o high_o punishable_a the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o demerit_n be_v a_o proper_a expedient_a and_o here_o we_o can_v but_o fall_v down_o in_o adoration_n of_o the_o forbearance_n and_o longanimity_n of_o a_o provoke_v god_n towards_o we_o miserable_a offender_n we_o can_v but_o with_o the_o deep_a conviction_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v offend_v god_n infinite_o more_o than_o any_o have_v offend_v we_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n be_v a_o transcendent_a aggravation_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a persuasive_a motive_n for_o we_o to_o overlook_v all_o injury_n and_o affront_v which_o how_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o be_v yet_o comparative_o petty_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o great_a presumption_n for_o any_o person_n to_o have_v forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o in_o his_o mouth_n while_o he_o harbour_v envious_a malicious_a or_o uncharitable_a thought_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o whosoever_o due_o consider_v himself_o and_o what_o a_o sinful_a unworthy_a creature_n he_o be_v an_o he_o will_v do_v well_o here_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v some_o of_o his_o great_a sin_n will_v not_o easy_o cherish_v any_o rancorous_a or_o invidious_a thought_n long_o nay_o not_o suffer_v the_o sun_n to_o go_v down_o upon_o his_o wrath_n it_o may_v cool_v our_o incense_a or_o uncharitable_a thought_n if_o when_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o consider_v on_o that_o perfect_a love_n union_n and_o sincere_a affection_n that_o there_o be_v among_o all_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n we_o must_v be_v like_o they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n animate_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o opposition_n or_o variation_n in_o their_o desire_n or_o affection_n every_o one_o of_o the_o bless_a be_v unspeakable_o dear_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n god_n be_v love_n 16._o st._n john_n tell_v we_o and_o his_o radiant_a likeness_n be_v stamp_v upon_o every_o glorify_v soul_n which_o make_v it_o surpass_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a love_n it_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o happiness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o cement_n of_o this_o creation_n which_o keep_v all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o a_o harmonious_a order_n so_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o heaven_n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o retain_v the_o least_o grudge_n or_o uncharitable_a suspicion_n or_o revengeful_a thought_n be_v unfit_a to_o live_v among_o these_o affectionate_a spirit_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o transport_v illapse_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o infinite_a love_n which_o consideration_n shall_v effectual_o banish_v every_o malicious_a or_o uncharitable_a thought_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o indeed_o this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n be_v such_o as_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n esteem_v slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a they_o often_o produce_v very_o sad_a effect_n when_o encourage_v they_o run_v man_n into_o horrible_a extreme_n beside_o that_o they_o great_o hinder_v we_o in_o do_v our_o duty_n acceptable_o and_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o god_n that_o they_o render_v all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n vain_a and_o insignicant_a and_o blast_v the_o best_a of_o our_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o choice_a gift_n that_o we_o bring_v to_o the_o altar_n 23._o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v they_o and_o never_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v at_o rest_n until_o we_o find_v in_o we_o a_o real_a and_o universal_a reconciliation_n and_o a_o undissembled_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o which_o there_o be_v some_o other_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o a_o immoderate_a self-love_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o stick_v to_o most_o man_n avoid_v pride_n and_o partiality_n constant_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o hope_v these_o that_o i_o have_v mention_v may_v put_v you_o upon_o inquire_v after_o the_o rest_n chap._n viii_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o affliction_n to_o we_o and_o that_o more_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o spiritual_a comfort_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o service_n of_o god_n than_o the_o inconstancy_n and_o wander_v of_o our_o thought_n while_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o holy_a thing_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o such_o remedy_n against_o wander_v thought_n as_o i_o hope_v may_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n do_v in_o its_o compass_n take_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o they_o for_o sometime_o our_o wander_v thought_n be_v profane_a and_o blasphemous_a sometime_o wanton_a and_o obscene_a and_o sometime_o idle_a and_o foolish_a etc._n etc._n now_o these_o wander_v thought_n when_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o holy_a thing_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n owe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o there_o be_v much_o in_o our_o power_n in_o order_n to_o their_o cure_n we_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a occasion_n of_o they_o and_o that_o will_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o remedy_n against_o they_o first_o then_o wander_v thought_n be_v oftentimes_o occasion_v by_o a_o want_n of_o preparation_n to_o holy_a duty_n we_o careless_o and_o temerarious_o rush_v on_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o we_o think_v indeed_o that_o they_o must_v be_v do_v but_o yet_o consider_v not_o as_o we_o ought_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o we_o go_v to_o our_o prayer_n as_o to_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o make_v but_o little_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o ordinary_a action_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o the_o cause_n why_o our_o thought_n wander_v and_o scatter_v and_o so_o we_o reap_v but_o little_a comfort_n or_o advantage_n from_o our_o best_a performance_n it_o be_v expedient_a then_o and_o our_o duty_n before_o ever_o we_o engage_v in_o any_o set_a performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o by_o some_o previous_a thought_n and_o pious_a disposition_n that_o so_o we_o may_v come_v to_o our_o duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v prepossess_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n we_o think_v it_o too_o bold_a and_o presume_v to_o thrust_v ourselves_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n without_o due_a consideration_n and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v think_v less_o to_o approach_v the_o face_n of_o the_o infinite_a god_n without_o a_o solemn_a composure_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o preparation_n of_o thought_n but_o beside_o the_o evil_a of_o so_o do_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v to_o make_v our_o thought_n loose_a and_o wander_a and_o unless_o we_o set_v about_o holy_a duty_n with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n it_o can_v hardly_o be_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o when_o therefore_o we_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n either_o in_o our_o closet_n or_o family_n or_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o of_o these_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n beforehand_o and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o due_a frame_n of_o devotion_n because_o our_o deportment_n when_o we_o be_v actual_o engage_v in_o it_o do_v mighty_o depend_v thereon_o thus_o the_o preacher_n 2._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o this_o rule_n in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_n wander_a thought_n may_v be_v but_o little_o mind_v but_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o useful_a second_o want_v of_o intention_n and_o settle_v the_o mind_n on_o god_n in_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n be_v another_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o wander_a of_o our_o thought_n therein_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o complaint_n that_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o our_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o advantage_n pray_v with_o that_o fervour_n of_o devotion_n praise_v he_o with_o that_o enlargement_n of_o soul_n and_o have_v
that_o relish_n of_o divine_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v or_o ought_v why_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a care_n of_o our_o thought_n in_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n which_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n beforehand_o why_o be_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n go_v a_o pilgrimage_n to_o strange_a country_n and_o travel_v after_o foreign_a object_n why_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a intention_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o god_n it_o be_v because_o we_o do_v not_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o awe_n and_o fear_n of_o that_o god_n we_o worship_v and_o consider_v not_o the_o importance_n of_o that_o duty_n we_o be_v employ_v in_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n or_o into_o his_o court_n to_o pay_v our_o homage_n to_o he_o we_o shall_v serious_o consider_v into_o what_o a_o infinite_a presence_n we_o come_v what_o who_o that_o glorious_a god_n be_v we_o worship_v meditate_v on_o his_o wonderful_a attribute_n and_o form_n such_o a_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o conduce_v to_o our_o utmost_a devotion_n we_o shall_v consider_v not_o only_o the_o dignity_n and_o infiniteness_n of_o that_o god_n who_o we_o worship_v but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v our_o high_a our_o eternal_a interest_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o that_o it_o be_v our_o true_a advantage_n and_o high_a honour_n to_o approach_v to_o he_o and_o that_o we_o consult_v the_o everlasting_a good_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n 30._o in_o honour_v he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v adore_v and_o worship_v in_o sincerity_n and_o true_a devotion_n that_o he_o will_v not_o dispense_v with_o a_o hypocritical_a and_o formal_a devotion_n and_o a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o as_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o so_o he_o be_v a_o avenger_n of_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o insincerity_n if_o we_o come_v to_o church_n only_o as_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a place_n and_o set_v about_o holy_a duty_n without_o the_o most_o serious_a application_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o entire_a surrender_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o avoid_v wander_a thought_n when_o thou_o be_v therefore_o employ_v in_o any_o part_n of_o thy_o devotion_n labour_v to_o fix_v thy_o thought_n steady_o on_o god_n beware_v of_o a_o unattentive_a heedless_a or_o indifferent_a temper_n sequestre_n thyself_o from_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v withdraw_v thy_o thought_n as_o moses_n by_o the_o almighty_n command_n 5._o pull_v off_o the_o shoe_n from_o his_o foot_n when_o he_o go_v up_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o sinai_n so_o do_v thou_o fulfil_v the_o mystery_n of_o that_o action_n and_o when_o thou_o come_v at_o any_o time_n into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o worship_v he_o bow_n down_o before_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v more_o especial_o present_a there_o and_o say_v as_o the_o devout_a patriarch_n do_v when_o in_o his_o sleep_n he_o see_v that_o surprise_v vision_n sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o place_n 16._o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n labour_v to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n intent_n upon_o god_n and_o thou_o will_v see_v such_o excellent_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o he_o as_o will_v effectual_o charm_v thy_o sight_n and_o not_o suffer_v thou_o to_o look_v off_o and_o thy_o foolish_a thought_n to_o be_v vain_a and_o wander_v as_o they_o will_v inevitable_o be_v without_o such_o a_o intention_n three_o a_o dissolute_a and_o unconstant_a practice_n of_o holy_a duty_n mighty_o conduce_v to_o weaken_v and_o scatter_v our_o thought_n in_o they_o when_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v constancy_n and_o assiduity_n in_o our_o devotion_n we_o lose_v much_o of_o that_o holy_a fervour_n and_o sacred_a temper_n which_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o to_o omit_v our_o prayer_n or_o other_o holy_a duty_n twice_o perhaps_o for_o have_v perform_v they_o once_o or_o to_o be_v devout_a and_o worship_n god_n by_o start_n and_o fit_n and_o not_o in_o a_o regular_a and_o constant_a course_n have_v a_o very_a ill_a influence_n upon_o our_o thought_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v have_v avocation_n so_o that_o sometime_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v our_o usual_a hour_n of_o devotion_n but_o alas_o we_o often_o make_v that_o a_o hindrance_n which_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o by_o not_o be_v constant_a in_o keep_v our_o time_n and_o season_n for_o holy_a duty_n but_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o every_o vanity_n visit_n or_o trifle_n our_o thought_n become_v vain_a idle_a and_o wander_v when_o we_o come_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n the_o sacred_a temper_n be_v wear_v off_o the_o mind_n be_v out_o of_o that_o frame_n of_o devotion_n in_o which_o it_o be_v leave_v by_o the_o last_o performance_n and_o god_n be_v provoke_v to_o withdraw_v his_o aid_n from_o such_o inconstant_a devoto_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n very_o well_o worth_a our_o notice_n and_o observation_n and_o let_v we_o see_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n of_o miss_v prayer_n or_o other_o holy_a duty_n but_o once_o without_o a_o reasonable_a cause_n in_o this_o case_n also_o too_o much_o liberty_n give_v our_o sense_n be_v of_o very_o evil_a influence_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v very_o watchful_a over_o they_o if_o we_o will_v prevent_v the_o aberration_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o holy_a duty_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o our_o devotion_n be_v no_o more_o than_o lip-service_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o far_o from_o god_n when_o we_o be_v in_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n that_o instead_o of_o be_v influence_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n humble_v to_o the_o dust_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n raise_v up_o with_o admiration_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n our_o thought_n be_v engage_v either_o in_o foolish_a and_o silly_a or_o wanton_a and_o impure_a speculation_n why_o it_o be_v because_o we_o do_v not_o careful_o guard_v our_o sense_n but_o give_v they_o a_o offensive_a liberty_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n make_v a_o theatre_n or_o exchange_n what_o be_v it_o that_o man_n come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o be_v it_o not_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o poor_a creature_n to_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o creator_n be_v it_o not_o for_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a end_n that_o he_o come_v there_o be_v it_o not_o in_o order_n to_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n pardon_v of_o his_o sin_n the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o in_o the_o end_n the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o precious_a soul_n be_v these_o little_a and_o trifle_a thing_n be_v they_o not_o the_o great_a concern_v that_o can_v be_v sure_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o those_o who_o walk_v whisper_z talk_z gaze_v laugh_v etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v employ_v about_o holy_a thing_n do_v much_o betray_v their_o stupidity_n and_o folly_n and_o their_o mean_a and_o irreligious_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o they_o can_v never_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n but_o do_v indeed_o great_o provoke_v he_o thereby_o there_o can_v be_v a_o clear_a argument_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o profaneness_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n than_o a_o unserious_a and_o loose_a deportment_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o nothing_o administer_v more_o than_o a_o careless_a liberty_n give_v our_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o thought_n keep_v steady_a and_o intent_n we_o must_v diligent_o keep_v our_o sense_n and_o he_o that_o will_v preserve_v his_o soul_n from_o wander_v must_v never_o be_v so_o odd_o at_o leisure_n in_o his_o devotion_n as_o to_o gaze_v on_o this_o or_o other_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o have_v fine_a clothes_n or_o a_o strange_a face_n or_o suffer_v any_o of_o his_o sense_n to_o be_v trifling_o employ_v this_o then_o be_v also_o a_o rule_n necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_v this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n viz._n wander_v thought_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v often_o very_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o our_o soul_n and_o many_o time_n render_v our_o sacred_a performance_n fruitless_a too_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o to_o wander_v and_o vain_a thought_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v very_o much_o conduce_v a_o pompous_a multitude_n of_o ceremony_n such_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v quite_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o gravity_n and_o decency_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o
forgive_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o blasphemy_n wherewith_o soever_o they_o shall_v blaspheme_v but_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o in_o luke_n 12._o 10_o there_o be_v but_o little_a variation_n whosoever_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o unto_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v now_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o these_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a sin_n you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o two_o former_a of_o these_o evangelist_n st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n in_o the_o context_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v heal_v a_o demoniak_a and_o when_o he_o have_v expel_v the_o devil_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o he_o have_v without_o measure_n to_o the_o great_a amazement_n of_o all_o the_o people_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o heart_n be_v sour_v with_o the_o leven_a of_o pride_n and_o envy_n notwithstanding_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o that_o and_o other_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v they_o blasphemous_o ascribe_v the_o do_v of_o they_o to_o the_o devil_n represent_v our_o lord_n as_o a_o wizard_n or_o a_o conjurer_n and_o as_o absurd_o as_o impious_o say_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n of_o this_o imputation_n our_o saviour_n severe_o reflect_v upon_o and_o public_o declare_v that_o these_o that_o out_o of_o a_o invenomed_a spirit_n and_o wilful_a spite_n and_o against_o the_o strong_a conviction_n thus_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n by_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o who_o almighty_a power_n these_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o thus_o endeavour_v to_o subvert_v the_o whole_a structure_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o wilful_o disow_v christ_n the_o saviour_n these_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o salvation_n leave_v they_o no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o can_v be_v save_v there_o be_v no_o other_o christ_n no_o other_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o man_n but_o eternal_a damnation_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n consist_v in_o word_n it_o be_v blasphemy_n and_o not_o every_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n neither_o not_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o some_o heretic_n have_v do_v and_o now_o do_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n which_o be_v a_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o visible_a glorious_a operation_n the_o immediate_a effect_n and_o office_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o such_o too_o as_o be_v utter_v not_o out_o of_o fear_n infirmity_n or_o cowardice_n but_o out_o of_o a_o hateful_a and_o malicious_a heart_n not_o of_o rashness_n but_o of_o set-purpose_n to_o do_v despite_n unto_o christ_n his_o know_a doctrine_n and_o work_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o universal_a defection_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o this_o sin_n in_o its_o formality_n can_v be_v commit_v now_o from_o this_o short_a explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v it_o do_v appear_v that_o none_o of_o these_o who_o be_v scare_v and_o terrify_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o can_v have_v commit_v it_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o fear_n and_o dismal_a thought_n about_o it_o be_v groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o our_o peace_n in_o order_n to_o disquiet_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v their_o duty_n or_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o melancholy_n or_o despair_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o person_n that_o wilful_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n and_o persist_v in_o impenitency_n shall_v final_o perish_v for_o ever_o as_o sure_o as_o if_o they_o have_v commit_v the_o the_o great_a sin_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o but_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o thousand_o do_v out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertence_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a that_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v the_o vile_a action_n the_o great_a sin_n of_o practice_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o sin_n call_v indeed_o for_o the_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o most_o unfeigned_a repentance_n but_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o repentance_n be_v thing_n very_o inconsisistent_a and_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n of_o mercy_n in_o god_n or_o want_v of_o merit_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o from_o a_o incapacity_n in_o the_o offender_n upon_o the_o whole_a than_o you_o see_v what_o this_o conclude_v sin_n be_v and_o consequent_o how_o little_a reason_n many_o poor_a deject_a soul_n have_v to_o be_v affright_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o have_v commit_v it_o and_o to_o sink_v and_o despond_v upon_o mere_a doubt_n conjecture_n and_o suspicion_n chap._n x._o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a indeed_o that_o have_v not_o a_o special_a regard_n to_o his_o thought_n and_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o have_v they_o pure_a holy_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n be_v a_o happiness_n never_o to_o be_v attain_v without_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o serious_a consideration_n and_o a_o ready_a and_o willing_a application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o proper_a mean_n the_o which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n endeavour_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o and_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n there_o be_v unquestionable_o a_o great_a deal_n in_o our_o own_o power_n in_o order_n to_o it_o as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v the_o evident_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o which_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o it_o not_o only_o above_o all_o other_o art_n and_o science_n which_o in_o their_o perfection_n be_v only_o the_o riches_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o beyond_o all_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v manifest_a christianity_n soar_v above_o all_o the_o tempt_a gaiety_n and_o little_a noisy_a vanity_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o its_o business_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o silly_a applause_n of_o the_o age_n or_o popular_a admiration_n it_o be_v not_o be_v see_v of_o man_n or_o to_o inherit_v this_o bubble_n it_o be_v not_o only_a to_o appear_v outward_o great_a or_o good_a but_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v a_o internal_a purity_n and_o holiness_n a_o conformity_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n though_o it_o go_v far_o yet_o come_v vast_o short_a of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o excellent_a rule_n deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n for_o the_o government_n of_o life_n be_v much_o below_o the_o divine_a oracle_n as_o for_o the_o jewish_a religion_n it_o consist_v of_o mere_a element_n 9_o and_o first_o rudiment_n the_o law_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o but_o as_o the_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o christ_n 24._o the_o law_n be_v deliver_v in_o blackness_n and_o thick_a darkness_n on_o mount_n sinai_n 11._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o darkness_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a discovery_n of_o the_o evangelical_n state_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o type_n figure_n and_o shadow_n and_o parabolical_a and_o mystical_a rite_n but_o in_o plain_a and_o perfective_a precept_n in_o such_o admirable_a rule_n and_o direction_n as_o due_o observe_v will_v wonderful_o enrich_v and_o beautify_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o near_o to_o perfection_n by_o a_o resemblance_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v it_o for_o the_o blissful_a enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o beatific_a vision_n the_o rite_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o vile_a impurity_n and_o as_o for_o mahomet_n as_o ambition_n and_o lust_n be_v the_o first_o motive_n to_o his_o imposture_n so_o lewdness_n and_o obscenity_n be_v his_o heaven_n too_o and_o indeed_o other_o religion_n too_o have_v take_v care_n to_o propagate_v uncleanness_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o a_o recluse_n life_n and_o the_o severe_a purity_n but_o true_a religion_n indeed_o such_o as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n always_o preach_v and_o urge_v upon_o man_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o genuine_a design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n