satisfaction_n before_o all_o the_o world_n unless_o i_o can_v choose_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o delight_n to_o be_v unhappy_a 3._o this_o very_a consideration_n suppose_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o another_o world_n will_v yet_o strong_o engage_v i_o to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o it_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o banish_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o the_o trouble_n that_o disquiet_v the_o mind_n for_o 1._o sin_n in_o its_o very_a essence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o disorder_v distemper_a passion_n affection_n foolish_a and_o preposterous_a in_o their_o choice_n or_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a in_o their_o proportion_n which_o our_o own_o experience_n sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o be_v painful_a and_o uneasy_a 2._o it_o engage_v we_o in_o desperate_a hazard_n weary_v we_o with_o daily_a toil_n and_o often_o bury_v we_o in_o the_o ruin_n we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o last_o it_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o distrust_n and_o fear_v and_o shame_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v ourselves_o full_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o at_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n and_o if_o we_o can_v we_o can_v never_o rid_v our_o self_n of_o the_o pang_n and_o sting_n of_o a_o tremble_a soul_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v a_o peace_n and_o calm_a in_o our_o bosom_n and_o so_o enjoy_v our_o pleasure_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a freedom_n but_o if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o into_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o these_o two_o strange_a inconvenience_n 1._o that_o a_o life_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v still_o irregular_a and_o disorderly_a and_o therefore_o troublesome_a 2._o that_o we_o shall_v have_v dismantle_v our_o soul_n of_o their_o great_a strength_n disarm_v they_o of_o that_o faith_n which_o only_o can_v support_v they_o under_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o after_o all_o the_o sad_a story_n of_o another_o life_n will_v not_o be_v strait_a way_n nonsense_n because_o we_o think_v they_o so_o they_o will_v continue_v at_o leastwise_o disputable_a and_o who_o will_v but_o a_o desperate-sot_n commit_v his_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o venture_n sect._n 2._o 4._o but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o persuasion_n which_o general_o obtain_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a any_o of_o they_o be_v the_o more_o deep_o be_v they_o possess_v by_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o it_o that_o the_o reason_n plato_n cicero_n etc._n etc._n found_v this_o assertion_n in_o derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o operation_n its_o little_a affinity_n to_o any_o visible_a matter_n its_o resemblance_n of_o the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n have_v render_v it_o so_o high_o probable_a that_o it_o have_v shed_v a_o very_a powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o many_o 5._o but_o especial_o and_o above_o all_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o divine_a authority_n be_v clear_v by_o as_o strong_a evidence_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o assure_v i_o that_o this_o soul_n whether_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n immortal_a or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o now_o examine_v shall_v not_o perish_v in_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n as_o eccles_n 12.7_o then_o shall_v the_o dust_n return_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o mat._n 10.28_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n the_o soul_n it_o seem_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o a_o disease_n or_o the_o violence_n commit_v on_o the_o body_n but_o do_v subsist_v when_o the_o body_n be_v dissolve_v into_o its_o dust_n when_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o i_o can_v never_o so_o far_o renounce_v my_o reason_n and_o harden_v myself_o against_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o passion_n i_o have_v for_o myself_o as_o to_o be_v content_a that_o this_o soul_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o that_o other_o state_n provide_v i_o be_v fortunate_a and_o successful_a in_o this_o for_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v i_o then_o reap_v from_o a_o patrimony_n or_o purchase_v wide_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o i_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o all_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enjoyment_n what_o can_v the_o wealth_n or_o power_n or_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n signify_v to_o i_o when_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n shall_v lie_v stark_o dead_a and_o cold_a in_o the_o grave_a shall_v have_v no_o passion_n no_o appetite_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o rhetoric_n or_o wanton_a charm_n on_o earth_n awaken_v in_o it_o one_o languish_a desire_n or_o one_o imperfect_a act_n of_o life_n and_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o mansion_n of_o a_o new_a world_n far_o far_o remote_a from_o this_o wherein_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v strange_a wonderful_a unalterable_a and_o eternal_a but_o i_o must_v pursue_v this_o thought_n a_o little_a further_o and_o not_o stop_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o uselessness_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o soul_n departure_n from_o it_o go_v on_o to_o consider_v the_o soul_n in_o its_o intermediate_v state_n between_o death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n that_o i_o may_v know_v the_o utmost_a if_o i_o can_v that_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o soul_n import_v and_o here_o i_o will_v suppose_v myself_o surprise_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o gavety_n and_o pleasure_n of_o love_n and_o honour_n by_o a_o violent_a inexorable_a disease_n i_o resign_v up_o my_o dear_a object_n and_o my_o dotage_n together_o i_o be_o tear_v from_o my_o possession_n and_o my_o hope_n and_o when_o the_o storm_n have_v burst_v the_o cable_n and_o shatter_v the_o hulk_n of_o this_o frail_a bark_n the_o body_n it_o cast_v my_o soul_n that_o be_v all_o that_o remain_v of_o i_o upon_o a_o unknown_a strand_n naked_a and_o poor_a and_o desolate_a without_o interest_n or_o friend_n or_o hope_n it_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o dismal_a blackness_n of_o eternal_a night_n and_o melancholy_a rack_v by_o despair_n and_o guilt_n scourge_v by_o shame_n and_o rage_n torture_v with_o envy_n and_o vexation_n stab_v by_o regret_n and_o repentance_n not_o a_o calm_a and_o soft_a but_o a_o tempestuous_a and_o painful_a one_o then_o like_o some_o sick_a body_n which_o roll_v and_o tumble_v for_o a_o easy_a posture_n rather_o out_o of_o a_o inability_n to_o suffer_v pain_n than_o any_o hope_n of_o find_v rest_n it_o sometime_o languish_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o world_n vanish_v like_o a_o dream_n and_o repeat_v ineffective_a wish_n for_o the_o body_n but_o it_o shall_v return_v to_o its_o dear_a wealth_n and_o beauty_n no_o more_o for_o ever_o sometime_o like_o dives_n in_o the_o flame_n it_o look_v towards_o that_o region_n where_o light_a and_o holy_a soul_n do_v dwell_v but_o the_o unpassable_a gulf_n of_o the_o almighty_n decree_n cut_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o that_o so_o that_o that_o light_v only_o augment_v its_o envy_n and_o despair_n and_o heaven_n itself_o add_v misery_n to_o the_o wretched_a soul_n hell_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a state_n of_o a_o wretched_a soul_n dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n despair_n and_o rage_n and_o shame_n and_o guilt_n and_o fear_v and_o grief_n and_o anguish_n gnaw_v and_o devour_v the_o miserable_a creature_n and_o for_o ever_o must_v increase_v bless_a god_n need_v there_o any_o chain_n to_o sink_v it_o low_o than_o its_o own_o weight_n have_v do_v need_v there_o any_o other_o darkness_n cover_v that_o soul_n which_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o sorrow_n have_v benight_a tell_v i_o no_o more_o of_o pleasure_n these_o thought_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o tremble_v and_o grow_v pale_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o a_o temptation_n rather_o than_o my_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v in_o such_o a_o state_n a_o thousand_o year_n may_v shame_v and_o poverty_n be_v my_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n may_v the_o hatred_n of_o powerful_a enemy_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o the_o scorn_n of_o my_o dear_a friend_n pursue_v i_o may_v my_o body_n be_v but_o a_o scene_n of_o disease_n and_o so_o incapable_a of_o the_o least_o gust_n of_o pleasure_n and_o more_o than_o this_o may_v a_o awaken_v tender_a conscience_n every_o moment_n flash_n death_n and_o hell_n into_o my_o face_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n worse_o let_v i_o suffer_v it_o so_o it_o but_o preserve_v my_o soul_n from_o sin_n here_o and_o from_o that_o inexpressible_a
employment_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o other_o be_v of_o more_o absolute_a necessity_n the_o world_n be_v one_o entire_a body_n and_o each_o member_n must_v be_v serviceable_a in_o its_o place_n nor_o can_v any_o part_n withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o whole_a at_o its_o pleasure_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v rule_n of_o society_n of_o justice_n charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o himself_o the_o best_a example_n make_v his_o retirement_n by_o night_n but_o by_o day_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a nature_n have_v found_v a_o cognation_n among_o we_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o form_n shape_n reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v cement_v we_o in_o close_a union_n make_v we_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n tie_v we_o together_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n by_o the_o same_o sacrament_n the_o same_o promise_n and_o the_o same_o hope_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n think_v we_o do_v one_o another_o all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o by_o a_o mere_a abstinence_n from_o do_v wrong_n and_o by_o sequester_v ourselves_o from_o the_o service_n and_o concern_v of_o our_o brethren_n 2._o because_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o deportment_n of_o whole_a society_n than_o a_o few_o private_a person_n as_o much_o as_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o multitude_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o that_o of_o a_o very_a few_o and_o goodness_n redound_v more_o to_o his_o honour_n when_o public_a and_o almost_o universal_a than_o when_o cloister_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o few_o therefore_o all_o good_a man_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o public_a because_o the_o divine_a glory_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o 3._o which_o ought_v well_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o be_v good_a be_v separable_a from_o do_v good_a god_n though_o his_o own_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n do_v yet_o find_v a_o world_n to_o which_o he_o may_v be_v a_o universal_a benefactor_n his_o goodness_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o his_o creation_n not_o any_o considerable_a accession_n that_o his_o happiness_n be_v to_o receive_v from_o it_o this_o goodness_n therefore_o in_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a principle_n and_o render_v they_o the_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v indeed_o hardly_o conceivable_a how_o man_n shall_v be_v zealous_a patron_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v to_o protect_v and_o own_v they_o to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o man_n can_v be_v inflame_v with_o a_o very_a strong_a love_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o how_o last_o any_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o passionate_a kindness_n for_o a_o brother_n and_o yet_o never_o mingle_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n last_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o disciple_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a the_o glorious_a reward_n annex_v to_o all_o those_o who_o any_o way_n benefit_n mankind_n either_o by_o instruct_v the_o mind_n or_o relieve_v the_o body_n the_o character_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v compose_v whole_o of_o act_n of_o charity_n all_o which_o suppose_v a_o active_a life_n conformable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v that_o of_o heb._n 13.15_o 16._o by_o he_o therefore_o let_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o lip_n give_v thanks_o to_o his_o name_n but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v we_o must_v pray_v but_o prayer_n without_o do_v good_a be_v a_o unpleasing_a sacrifice_n without_o charity_n our_o very_a devotion_n be_v unchristian_a and_o our_o religion_n unnatural_a this_o let_v those_o mind_n who_o be_v long_o in_o their_o prayer_n severe_a in_o their_o outward_a deportment_n frequent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o they_o no_o fruit_n of_o meekness_n or_o charity_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o more_o easy_a sacrifice_n because_o it_o cost_v they_o nothing_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o covetousness_n or_o frowardness_n etc._n etc._n have_v speak_v this_o much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o i_o will_v propose_v three_o or_o four_o rule_n and_o submit_v they_o to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o our_o call_n to_o do_v good_a by_o the_o capacity_n and_o fitness_n with_o which_o god_n have_v endow_v we_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o proclaim_v our_o own_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o though_o to_o do_v good_a be_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o imitation_n of_o god_n himself_o a_o thing_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v down_o on_o earth_n for_o yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n so_o to_o multiply_v the_o instance_n and_o opportunity_n of_o goodness_n that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o do_v good_a the_o happy_a by_o their_o wealth_n the_o wise_a by_o their_o knowledge_n even_o the_o miserable_a themselves_o may_v by_o their_o patience_n and_o courage_n and_o prayer_n comfort_n and_o relieve_v the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o our_o part_n and_o fortune_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v mark_v out_o for_o our_o charity_n and_o be_v content_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o his_o own_o method_n 2._o let_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n administer_v to_o our_o good_a action_n and_o like_o oil_n to_o a_o lamp_n give_v our_o charity_n fresh_a spirit_n and_o flame_n for_o as_o private_a religion_n be_v deficient_a without_o public_a charity_n so_o charity_n unless_o often_o refresh_v by_o retirement_n devotion_n and_o heavenly_a reflection_n will_v cool_v and_o languish_v our_o heart_n will_v be_v tough_a and_o insensible_a and_o our_o do_v good_a will_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o custom_n or_o prudence_n or_o activity_n of_o spirit_n not_o of_o religion_n or_o charity_n and_o if_o which_o be_v the_o best_a can_v be_v suppose_v the_o man_n consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o his_o action_n by_o purity_n of_o intention_n and_o continue_v a_o obstinate_a observer_n of_o prayer_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v strict_a duty_n oblige_v he_o to_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o more_o leisurely_o meditation_n and_o more_o serious_a reflection_n his_o address_n will_v lose_v their_o warmth_n his_o soul_n will_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o love_n and_o whilst_o his_o religion_n lose_v so_o much_o of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n what_o wonder_v if_o his_o charity_n relish_v more_o of_o drudgery_n than_o delight_n 3_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o do_v good_a by_o any_o difficulty_n or_o misfortune_n which_o may_v attend_v we_o in_o it_o in_o our_o nightly_a reflection_n let_v we_o judge_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o success_n but_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o let_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a reward_n that_o we_o have_v obey_v god_n or_o if_o we_o will_v measure_v our_o success_n let_v we_o examine_v how_o much_o our_o experience_n have_v improve_v our_o meekness_n our_o patience_n our_o reliance_n or_o charity_n for_o scarce_o any_o action_n but_o will_v exercise_v some_o of_o these_o grace_n 4._o look_v upon_o do_v good_a as_o true_o your_o business_n as_o prayer_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o never_o think_v your_o time_n misspend_v which_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o visit_v the_o imprison_a or_o sick_a relieve_v the_o necessitous_a comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o reduce_v those_o that_o err_v into_o the_o path_n of_o sobriety_n and_o truth_n though_o this_o time_n be_v pare_v off_o from_o our_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n indeed_o who_o prefer_v meek_a attendance_n and_o ministry_n and_o importunate_a address_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n before_o much_o knowledge_n passionate_a dispute_n and_o high_a pretence_n o_o charity_n how_o lovely_a must_v thou_o needs_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n for_o be_v thou_o plant_v in_o all_o our_o heart_n earth_n will_v resemble_v that_o place_n above_o i_o will_v be_v please_v therefore_o with_o
as_o well_o as_o they_o engage_v we_o to_o charity_n for_o we_o be_v become_v both_o criminal_n and_o judge_n at_o once_o and_o whilst_o we_o forgive_v other_o we_o be_v merciful_a to_o ourselves_o and_o whilst_o we_o revenge_v and_o hate_v other_o we_o be_v cruel_a and_o barbarous_a to_o ourselves_o 3._o the_o gospel_n establish_v a_o close_a relation_n between_o mankind_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o sacrament_n whereof_o one_o be_v but_o a_o holy_a league_n of_o charity_n and_o so_o in_o one_o word_n we_o be_v incorporate_v and_o become_v all_o but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o joseph_n nature_n prevail_v above_o the_o sense_n of_o wrong_n and_o remember_v not_o that_o they_o be_v his_o enemy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v his_o brethren_n he_o fall_v upon_o their_o neck_n and_o kiss_v they_o and_o weep_v through_o joy_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o those_o brethren_n who_o without_o the_o least_o softness_n or_o relent_a have_v expose_v he_o if_o not_o to_o a_o certain_a death_n to_o banishment_n and_o slavery_n so_o must_v we_o christian_n remember_v by_o what_o tie_v we_o be_v fasten_v and_o unite_v no_o more_o harm_n or_o hate_v one_o another_o than_o we_o will_v our_o own_o limb_n our_o own_o body_n 4._o the_o gospel_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o meanness_n and_o worthlesseness_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o not_o only_o of_o wealth_n but_o even_o of_o reputation_n and_o life_n too_o of_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n be_v secure_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n and_o so_o make_v it_o both_o the_o easy_a task_n to_o part_v with_o they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o so_o easy_a to_o ground_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o quarrel_n on_o they_o 5._o it_o annex_v precious_a promise_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o e._n a_o assurance_n of_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o other_o of_o happiness_n in_o overflow_a measure_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v 1._o what_o kind_n of_o thing_n true_a charity_n be_v how_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a how_o kind_a and_o meek_a a_o temper_n it_o be_v how_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n how_o delightsome_a to_o ourselves_o and_o how_o like_a god_n and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o make_v we_o 2._o what_o a_o stress_n god_n lay_v upon_o this_o duty_n how_o dear_a a_o value_n he_o have_v for_o it_o that_o charity_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n without_o charity_n be_v a_o unnatural_a contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o raise_v my_o wonder_n to_o observe_v thar_z there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o though_o they_o do_v no_o harm_n do_v no_o good_a neither_o who_o study_v nothing_o but_o their_o proper_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n and_o so_o if_o just_o which_o be_v the_o most_o be_v far_o from_o charitable_a and_o yet_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v much_o more_o be_o i_o amaze_v to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n who_o be_v mere_a lion_n in_o their_o family_n bear_n and_o wolf_n in_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worst_a in_o the_o state_n who_o be_v bad_a neighbour_n worse_a husband_n and_o master_n worse_a subject_n and_o yet_o they_o call_v themselves_o christian_n which_o be_v for_o man_n who_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o live_v on_o earth_n to_o hope_v for_o heaven_n and_o yet_o i_o still_o wonder_v more_o when_o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v great_a devotionists_n long_a and_o sometime_o passionate_a too_o in_o their_o prayer_n unless_o the_o passion_n be_v mere_o threatical_a which_o be_v not_o a_o settle_a affection_n but_o the_o mere_a sally_n of_o a_o sudden_a heat_n severe_a and_o grave_a in_o their_o outward_a deportment_n and_o huge_a zealot_n for_o this_o or_o that_o cause_n or_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v froward_a and_o peevish_a sour_a and_o sullen_a and_o censorious_a and_o covetous_a and_o proud_a and_o insosolent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o yet_o these_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o call_v into_o question_n their_o salvation_n that_o they_o count_v themselves_o spiritual_a and_o the_o especial_a favourit_n of_o god_n despise_v the_o rest_n of_o mandkind_a as_o carnal_a moral_a blind_a thing_n by_o what_o mean_v they_o arrive_v at_o this_o dangerous_a state_n i_o will_v not_o now_o examine_v but_o i_o will_v beseech_v all_o such_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o general_a truth_n that_o he_o who_o love_v his_o god_n must_v love_v his_o neighbour_n too_o he_o that_o pray_v must_v do_v good_a and_o communicate_v too_o he_o that_o be_v devout_a and_o zealous_a must_v be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o charitable_a and_o obedient_a too_o or_o else_o their_o religion_n be_v unnatural_a their_o devotion_n a_o mere_a humour_n or_o melancholy_n or_o any_o thing_n but_o holiness_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o humanity_n to_o perfect_v they_o into_o men._n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n enlighten_v my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v know_v thou_o and_o discern_v the_o loveliness_n and_o beauty_n of_o all_o thy_o attribute_n especial_o thy_o goodness_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o shed_v forth_o thy_o spirit_n of_o love_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v seek_v thou_o and_o delight_n in_o thou_o and_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o contemplate_v and_o to_o serve_v thou_o and_o may_v the_o example_n of_o thy_o mercy_n towards_o mankind_n and_o i_o in_o particular_a and_o the_o example_n of_o my_o bless_a saviour_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o enemy_n enkindle_v in_o i_o such_o a_o true_a affection_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n that_o i_o may_v love_v he_o as_o myself_o or_o as_o christ_n love_v i_o that_o i_o may_v walk_v as_o the_o bless_a jesas_n do_v in_o abundance_n of_o kindness_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o a_o heavenly_a charity_n and_o so_o may_v at_o last_o enter_v into_o that_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o eternal_a abode_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n amen_o amen_n bless_a lord_n sect._n 3_o of_o temperance_n by_o temperance_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v inquire_v 1._o what_o rule_v of_o temperance_n it_o prescribe_v we_o 2._o what_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n it_o make_v use_v of_o and_o 3._o what_o method_n it_o enjoin_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o grace_n 1._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o standard_n which_o most_o have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o conduct_v man_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n be_v the_o end_n of_o those_o act_n that_o be_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n but_o i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o dislike_v of_o this_o rule_n for_o if_o extend_v any_o further_a than_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v it_o be_v apparent_o false_a and_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v affirm_v that_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n be_v therefore_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o religion_n be_v apply_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n in_o a_o strict_a and_o close_a sense_n it_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o man_n conscience_n and_o must_v reduce_v all_o to_o the_o mere_a necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o many_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v innocent_a enough_o nay_o sometime_o upon_o some_o emergence_n necessary_a will_v be_v utter_o sinful_a and_o religion_n will_v be_v make_v a_o mere_a burden_n and_o man_n mind_n be_v fill_v with_o endless_a scruple_n if_o take_v in_o as_o wide_a a_o sense_n as_o some_o man_n i_o see_v understand_v it_o it_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o sensuality_n and_o unchristian_a freedom_n for_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o any_o man_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o body_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o intemperance_n in_o that_o notion_n that_o i_o have_v of_o it_o that_o be_v any_o man_n may_v eat_v or_o drink_v to_o the_o enrage_v of_o his_o lust_n to_o the_o soften_a and_o sensualize_v of_o his_o mind_n etc._n etc._n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o a_o head_n ache_n on_o these_o account_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o this_o rule_n as_o very_o useless_a and_o improper_a if_o not_o dangerous_a for_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o proper_a rule_n of_o nature_n only_o in_o such_o a_o state_n which_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o another_o life_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o inquire_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o better_a i_o think_v than_o we_o shall_v easy_o find_v what_o
there_o much_o more_o do_v so_o because_o be_v raise_v spiritual_a it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o it_o will_v be_v knit_v in_o a_o close_a union_n and_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o those_o influence_n but_o beside_o this_o 2._o it_o will_v have_v pleasure_n agreeable_a and_o natural_a to_o itself_o which_o it_o will_v reap_v 1._o from_o the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n it_o possess_v which_o will_v be_v one_o peculiar_a to_o itself_o and_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n thus_o in_o our_o saviour_n on_o the_o mount_n from_o who_o transfiguration_n we_o may_v receive_v a_o little_a light_n they_o be_v two_o different_a thing_n which_o make_v up_o the_o beauty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o of_o his_o body_n wisdom_n love_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o charm_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o light_n and_o glory_n and_o proportion_v the_o majesty_n and_o beauty_n of_o his_o body_n and_o since_o this_o body_n will_v be_v in_o its_o nature_n distinct_a from_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o spiritual_a it_o will_v not_o be_v intelligent_a therefore_o too_o it_o will_v have_v object_n fit_a to_o entertain_v it_o what_o those_o object_n will_v be_v that_o i_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o scripture_n do_v in_o the_o general_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o place_n itself_o will_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o mighty_a glory_n that_o our_o conversation_n will_v be_v strange_o delightful_a that_o there_o be_v thing_n prepare_v for_o we_o which_o be_v not_o therefore_o god_n himself_o which_o the_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v &c._n &c._n if_o that_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o entertainment_n of_o another_o life_n but_o least_o any_o shall_v mistake_v i_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o dream_n of_o any_o gross_a pleasure_n not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o glorify_a body_n will_v be_v as_o spiritual_a a_o the_o body_n and_o no_o more_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v i_o infer_v 1._o that_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a for_o the_o more_o excellent_a the_o be_v the_o more_o delicate_a and_o refine_a its_o pleasure_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o angel_n that_o be_v ravish_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o hog_n that_o fatten_v in_o be_v sty_n and_o grunt_v at_o a_o full_a meal_n and_o if_o so_o how_o unconceivable_o great_a will_v our_o pleasure_n be_v in_o that_o state_n wherein_o the_o worse_o and_o mean_a part_n of_o we_o our_o very_a body_n shall_v be_v spiritual_a and_o incorruptible_a 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o less_o move_v and_o captive_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o such_o pleasure_n in_o another_o life_n because_o they_o be_v portray_v to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o excellence_n and_o lustre_n as_o do_v rather_o dazzle_v and_o amaze_v than_o take_v and_o please_v we_o for_o though_o now_o we_o be_v as_o far_o beneath_o they_o as_o we_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o yet_o than_o our_o nature_n will_v be_v make_v equal_a to_o they_o and_o when_o we_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o angel_n what_o make_v up_o their_o heaven_n will_v constitute_v we_o too_o and_o now_o what_o can_v man_n fancy_v more_o than_o this_o that_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o the_o high_a perfection_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o be_v entertain_v by_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n imaginable_a there_o be_v only_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v add_v that_o this_o state_n be_v eternal_a that_o we_o not_o only_o have_v all_o which_o our_o heart_n can_v desire_v but_o also_o that_o we_o have_v all_o this_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v one_o property_n of_o heaven_n too_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a now_o eternity_n be_v a_o duration_n that_o never_o pass_v a_o stream_n of_o time_n which_o still_o glide_v on_o and_o yet_o never_o run_v quite_o away_o a_o day_n that_o never_o set_v in_o any_o cloud_n or_o night_n a_o state_n of_o life_n which_o shall_v never_o grow_v old_a by_o time_n nor_o decay_v by_o age_n a_o pleasure_n which_o will_v always_o delight_v and_o never_o surfeit_v we_o a_o meeting_n of_o the_o dear_a friend_n never_o to_o part_v again_o o_o my_o god_n how_o unconceivable_a be_v the_o glory_n thou_o do_v design_n i_o for_o i_o can_v comprehend_v what_o i_o be_o go_v to_o be_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o influence_n of_o all_o this_o but_o that_o i_o shall_v count_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o present_a life_n dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o i_o shall_v count_v all_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v how_o be_v it_o almost_o possible_a for_o i_o to_o resist_v the_o charm_n of_o such_o a_o heaven_n or_o not_o to_o despise_v this_o world_n who_o have_v the_o prospect_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o come_v i_o need_v but_o cast_v a_o eye_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o confront_v and_o baffle_v all_o the_o allurement_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o all_o the_o gawdy_a nothing_o of_o this_o fade_a world_n one_o think_v a_o day_n of_o heaven_n will_v raise_v i_o so_o far_o above_o all_o the_o fear_n and_o trouble_n which_o distract_v and_o disquiet_v this_o present_a state_n that_o i_o can_v sit_v with_o unconcernment_n and_o see_v all_o my_o hope_n and_o interest_n lose_v and_o shipwrack_v on_o the_o billow_n of_o a_o inconstant_a word_n while_o i_o know_v that_o my_o heaven_n my_o eternity_n be_v sure_a nay_o death_n itself_o will_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n which_o will_v be_v a_o object_n fit_a for_o my_o desire_n and_o wish_n what_o be_v it_o then_o can_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n who_o be_v thus_o arm_v who_o be_v proof_n against_o the_o flattery_n or_o menace_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o soft_a address_n of_o a_o wanton_n or_o the_o impatience_n and_o querulency_n of_o a_o weak_a tender_a body_n what_o conflict_n if_o possible_a can_v be_v difficult_a which_o be_v to_o be_v thus_o reward_v who_o can_v faint_v or_o languish_v in_o his_o race_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n fix_v upon_o such_o a_o crown_n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o glorious_a god_n strengthen_v my_o faith_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n that_o it_o may_v enable_v i_o to_o conquer_v this_o imprint_v in_o my_o soul_n such_o a_o lively_a image_n of_o that_o future_a state_n as_o may_v make_v i_o run_v with_o patience_n and_o cheerfulness_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o i_o o_o let_v i_o not_o choose_v my_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n let_v i_o not_o exchange_v the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n for_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n let_v i_o not_o forfeit_v the_o pleasure_n and_o peace_n of_o that_o state_n of_o bliss_n for_o the_o dull_a momentary_a lust_n of_o this_o mortal_a earthly_a state_n but_o let_v i_o who_o have_v this_o hope_v purify_v myself_o let_v i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o be_v do_v thy_o will_n for_o which_o way_n can_v i_o so_o advantageous_o lay_v out_o my_o time_n and_o strength_n as_o for_o a_o infinite_a reward_n o_o my_o god_n let_v these_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o i_o to_o live_v so_o that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o die_v i_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o receive_v a_o crown_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n of_o hell_n now_o though_o a_o mere_a exile_n from_o this_o heaven_n be_v hell_n enough_o and_o there_o need_v no_o flame_n nor_o darkness_n to_o make_v that_o state_n miserable_a for_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o eternal_a day_n who_o light_n shall_v never_o shine_v on_o i_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v full_a tide_n of_o pleasure_n which_o i_o shall_v never_o taste_v of_o this_o be_v hell_n enough_o yet_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v real_a and_o endless_a torment_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o all_o they_o who_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o place_n be_v a_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n of_o flame_n and_o darkness_n which_o together_o with_o a_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v import_v the_o excess_n of_o that_o torment_n which_o shall_v produce_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n the_o company_n be_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o fearful_a
with_o or_o the_o frequent_a sin_n to_o which_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o have_v betray_v we_o will_v discern_v reason_n enough_o to_o invite_v he_o to_o this_o duty_n either_o in_o order_n to_o our_o mortification_n and_o our_o future_a security_n or_o as_o a_o act_n of_o affliction_n and_o revenge_n for_o our_o past_a fault_n therefore_o 2._o who_o ever_o total_o neglect_v this_o duty_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n it_o have_v upon_o either_o body_n or_o mind_n ought_v well_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o wanton_a and_o carnal_a mind_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o his_o body_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o degree_n of_o this_o duty_n otherwise_o he_o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o his_o capacity_n 3._o to_o fast_v must_v be_v join_v alm_n and_o prayer_n and_o vainglory_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o it_o without_o the_o former_a it_o be_v insignificant_a with_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o if_o any_o just_a reason_n disable_v any_o man_n to_o give_v alm_n or_o to_o devote_v the_o day_n entire_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n i_o can_v yet_o think_v but_o that_o fast_n may_v be_v use_v as_o a_o act_n of_o affliction_n provide_v it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a intention_n at_o least_o the_o prayer_n glorious_a god_n i_o see_v in_o what_o a_o world_n i_o live_v and_o what_o a_o body_n this_o soul_n of_o i_o do_v dwell_v in_o how_o little_a kindle_v those_o lust_n which_o blast_v the_o innocence_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o destroy_v my_o peace_n i_o remember_v how_o often_o i_o have_v behave_v myself_o unbeseeming_a a_o child_n of_o god_n only_o to_o gratify_v the_o inclination_n of_o a_o ungovernable_a body_n enable_n i_o therefore_o so_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v it_o that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v a_o entire_a peace_n and_o conquest_n so_o to_o humble_a and_o afflict_v it_o that_o my_o revenge_n may_v testify_v the_o sorrow_n i_o feel_v for_o my_o misdemeanour_n and_o accept_v thou_o my_o sorrow_n to_o the_o atonement_n of_o my_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n amen_n the_o conclusion_n i_o be_o now_o earnest_o to_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o a_o system_fw-la of_o most_o glorious_a delightful_a and_o important_a truth_n whether_o any_o principle_n can_v raise_v man_n to_o such_o a_o entire_a conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o himself_o whether_o holiness_n do_v not_o transform_v he_o into_o a_o great_a and_o a_o glorious_a thing_n whether_o any_o knowledge_n can_v create_v in_o he_o so_o perfect_a a_o peace_n and_o so_o undisturbed_a a_o joy_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beside_o religion_n can_v make_v a_o man_n spurn_v fawn_a pleasure_n and_o outbrave_v his_o fear_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v turn_v the_o world_n into_o so_o much_o paradise_n and_o secure_v our_o peace_n and_o interest_n on_o such_o unshaken_a bottom_n and_o lead_v on_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o a_o public_a or_o a_o private_a life_n in_o such_o a_o safe_a and_o pleasant_a method_n what_o then_o be_v thou_o fond_a of_o ruin_n or_o have_v damnation_n any_o charm_n in_o it_o that_o thou_o will_v still_o resolve_v to_o persevere_v in_o such_o a_o manifold_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o soul_n to_o be_v miserable_a here_o through_o those_o numerous_a lust_n which_o be_v the_o incessant_a torment_n of_o it_o and_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o abandon_v all_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n or_o do_v thou_o indeed_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o read_v these_o kind_n of_o arguing_n as_o only_o wise_a and_o politic_a harangue_n sure_o so_o much_o holiness_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n must_v needs_o witness_v its_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v but_o try_v thyself_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o thou_o will_v feel_v its_o divine_a principle_n in_o the_o life_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n can_v choose_v but_o indespight_n of_o inclination_n acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o confess_v that_o their_o vice_n be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o their_o choice_n but_o weakness_n bless_a god_n what_o account_v then_o will_v these_o man_n give_v of_o their_o disobedience_n at_o that_o day_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o render_v the_o vengeance_n to_o all_o who_o have_v not_o obey_v his_o gospel_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o prevalent_a motive_n make_v use_v of_o to_o endear_v holiness_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v offer_v they_o towards_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v well_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v as_o a_o perfect_a refutation_n of_o all_o such_o excuse_n so_o many_o million_o i_o hope_v of_o bless_a saint_n who_o though_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o encompass_v by_o the_o same_o temptation_n do_v yet_o conquer_v all_o and_o enter_v into_o life_n through_o the_o strait-gate_n but_o if_o this_o little_a treatise_n shall_v light_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o perfect_a atheist_n or_o at_o least_o of_o one_o who_o laugh_v at_o every_o particular_a sect_n of_o religion_n to_o such_o a_o one_o i_o address_v these_o last_o line_n and_o i_o beseech_v he_o to_o allow_v they_o so_o much_o consideration_n as_o he_o will_v to_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o concernment_n and_o importance_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n nature_n seem_v to_o dictate_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o forget_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a neither_o in_o life_n nor_o death_n and_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o rational_a creature_n be_v his_o peculiar_a offspring_n and_o more_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o and_o on_o this_o argument_n socrates_n in_o his_o apology_n found_v his_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n a_o argument_n much_o of_o a_o kin_n to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n now_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n at_o the_o smartness_n and_o clearness_n of_o which_o argue_v the_o people_n be_v astonish_v and_o if_o there_o be_v another_o life_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o proper_a quality_n to_o recommend_v and_o endear_v we_o to_o the_o god_n who_o preside_v in_o that_o other_o world_n for_o i_o can_v never_o fancy_v a_o brutish_a and_o irrational_a deity_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o a_o atheist_n can_v never_o possess_v his_o soul_n in_o any_o rest_n and_o peace_n and_o beside_o if_o there_o be_v none_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o religion_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o will_v make_v appear_v present_o can_v do_v no_o man_n any_o harm_n and_o what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o not_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a side_n in_o a_o mat-t_a of_o this_o dear_a concernment_n 2._o in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n in_o particular_a i_o beseech_v such_o a_o one_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o those_o miracle_n and_o proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n which_o the_o gospel_n relate_v be_v true_a and_o real_a than_o the_o matter_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n if_o they_o be_v not_o i_o will_v fain_o see_v some_o probable_a account_n how_o christianity_n can_v so_o general_o obtain_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n it_o be_v to_o encounter_n have_v neither_o interest_n nor_o pleasure_n nor_o force_n to_o countenance_v it_o against_o the_o establish_a superstition_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o age._n that_o it_o concern_v they_o of_o judea_n which_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n to_o have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o manifest_a account_n of_o the_o imposture_n and_o so_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o judaisme_n which_o be_v subvert_v by_o it_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o religious_a sect_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v quick_o swallow_v up_o into_o christianity_n that_o those_o early_a day_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a for_o a_o confutation_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o which_o christianity_n be_v bottom_v as_o be_v most_o near_o conjoin_v to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n action_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o be_v easy_o inform_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v which_o must_v needs_o suppose_v the_o world_n either_o monstruous_o ignorant_a or_o
a_o new_a and_o repeat_v engagement_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o a_o renunciation_n of_o those_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a fence_n and_o antidote_n against_o temptation_n for_o these_o fresh_a impression_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n the_o new_a strength_n of_o divine_a grace_n the_o vigour_n of_o a_o new_a and_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o obedience_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o glorious_a contempt_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o prayer_n and_o now_o o_o my_o god_n what_o shall_v make_v i_o so_o prodigal_o venturous_a of_o my_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o neglect_v the_o frequent_a use_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n have_v i_o not_o need_v frequent_o to_o examine_v myself_o be_v not_o thy_o grace_n apt_a to_o wither_v and_o decay_v unless_o thus_o water_v and_o refresh_v do_v not_o my_o converse_n with_o the_o world_n and_o my_o communication_n with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n render_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o renew_v my_o resolution_n against_o they_o as_o often_o as_o i_o can_v or_o be_v there_o not_o a_o holy_a delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o this_o that_o surpass_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sensual_a life_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sacrifice_n that_o my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v high_o please_v with_o and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v oblige_v he_o who_o die_v for_o i_o with_o this_o frequent_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n evidence_v in_o his_o death_n pardon_v i_o o_o my_o god_n that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o thou_o so_o senseless_a of_o my_o own_o welfare_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o will_v delight_v in_o this_o holy_a communion_n i_o will_v often_o offer_v up_o myself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o thou_o and_o profess_v my_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o there_o beg_v thy_o assistance_n and_o conduct_n through_o the_o difficult_a path_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o o_o my_o god_n accept_v thou_o of_o my_o address_n and_o praise_n through_o thy_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n amen_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o those_o three_o head_n i_o before_o mention_v and_o 1._o as_o a_o part_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n be_v our_o god_n a_o confession_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o our_o meanness_n be_v a_o solemn_a adoration_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o humiliation_n and_o of_o repentance_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o reliance_n upon_o he_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v what_o preparation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o extempore_o address_n be_v the_o most_o improper_a and_o the_o most_o unwelcome_a to_o god_n for_o these_o be_v at_o best_a but_o imagine_v to_o raise_v those_o passion_n or_o disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v presuppose_v in_o it_o beforehand_o to_o the_o render_n of_o our_o prayer_n acceptable_a for_o we_o draw_v near_o in_o prayer_n to_o offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n which_o we_o have_v prepare_v before_o and_o we_o may_v second_o conclude_v that_o what_o ever_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dispose_v and_o prepare_v the_o mind_n by_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o exert_v the_o act_n i_o name_v before_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o a_o soul_n which_o thus_o prepare_v and_o fix_v itself_o in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n dwell_v with_o a_o inward_a devotion_n upon_o those_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o praise_n humiliation_n and_o faith_n without_o express_v these_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o word_n i_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n do_v in_o s._n paul_n sense_n rom._n 8.26_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o in_o public_a those_o prayer_n be_v most_o spiritual_a which_o share_v most_o of_o this_o preparation_n 2._o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n it_o do_v exercise_v all_o our_o grace_n and_o refresh_v and_o improve_v they_o by_o exercise_v the_o breathe_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n assistant_n in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_v which_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a warfare_n and_o make_v they_o disrelish_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n last_o prayer_n have_v extraordinary_a promise_n annex_v to_o it_o of_o receive_v whatsoever_o we_o ask_v with_o faith_n mat._n 7.7_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o antidote_n against_o temptation_n for_o it_o possess_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a love_n and_o with_o a_o horror_n against_o sin_n whilst_o we_o enumerate_v his_o benefit_n and_o our_o sin_n with_o all_o their_o aggravate_v circumstance_n and_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o repeat_v those_o sin_n which_o he_o do_v just_a now_o bemoan_v and_o abhor_v renounce_v and_o resolve_v against_o before_o god_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v who_o come_v forth_o forewarn_v and_o arm_v to_o encounter_v a_o temptation_n last_o prayer_n convince_v a_o man_n of_o the_o loveliness_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o he_o find_v that_o his_o peace_n and_o reliance_n grow_v up_o or_o decay_v together_o with_o his_o virtue_n if_o i_o do_v pray_v earnest_o and_o often_o how_o humble_a how_o holy_a how_o heavenly_a and_o exalt_v will_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o what_o glorious_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o sin_n what_o a_o unquenchable_a thirst_n of_o holiness_n what_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n will_v my_o spirit_n be_v possess_v by_o and_o what_o a_o mighty_a influence_n will_v all_o this_o have_v upon_o my_o conversation_n how_o humble_o how_o wary_o how_o fervent_o shall_v i_o walk_v but_o when_o i_o do_v not_o pray_v often_o or_o with_o this_o care_n and_o preparation_n how_o lazy_a and_o careless_a be_v my_o life_n how_o dim_a and_o imperfect_a my_o conception_n how_o stat_fw-la and_o tasteless_a my_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n how_o do_v a_o worldly_a sensual_a temper_n grow_v and_o increase_v upon_o i_o and_o the_o divine_a life_n within_o droop_n and_o languish_v the_o prayer_n o_o therefore_o my_o god_n give_v i_o grace_n to_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n assist_v i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n to_o dress_v and_o prepare_v my_o soul_n for_o this_o more_o solemn_a approach_n to_o thou_o and_o than_o i_o shall_v experience_n this_o to_o be_v the_o high_a way_n of_o commerce_n with_o heaven_n i_o shall_v feel_v the_o wind_n blow_v upon_o the_o garden_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o spice_n flow_v forth_o i_o shall_v feel_v the_o spirit_n fan_v that_o spark_n of_o holy_a life_n it_o kindle_v into_o a_o flame_n and_o i_o shall_v feel_v myself_o transport_v and_o ascend_a up_o above_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o it_o o_o therefore_o grant_v i_o o_o my_o god_n thy_o holy_a spirit_n that_o i_o may_v pray_v with_o understanding_n and_o fervency_n with_o a_o prepare_v and_o a_o devout_a soul_n that_o my_o prayer_n may_v not_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o turn_v into_o sin_n but_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o a_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o guard_n against_o sin_n enable_v we_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v receive_v a_o everlasting_a crown_n and_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v something_o concern_v fast_v which_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o our_o saviour_n rule_n prescribe_v to_o it_o do_v plain_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o freewill_n offering_n and_o so_o dependent_a of_o various_a circumstance_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v be_v fix_v by_o particular_a rule_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o do_v on_o purpose_n omit_v speak_v to_o it_o when_o i_o have_v a_o fair_a offer_n under_o that_o head_n the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v temperance_n consider_v as_o a_o habit_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o now_o i_o will_v only_o consider_v it_o very_o brief_o 1._o who_o ever_o shall_v consider_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o devout_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o this_o body_n we_o be_v clothe_v