in_o private_a and_o another_o wherein_n though_o we_o utter_v no_o sound_n prayer_n yet_o we_o conceive_v the_o expression_n and_o form_n the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n which_o i_o presume_v be_v most_o common_o use_v in_o private_a devotion_n so_o there_o be_v a_o three_o and_o more_o sublime_a kind_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o the_o soul_n take_v a_o high_a flight_n and_o have_v collect_v all_o its_o force_n by_o long_a and_o serious_a meditation_n it_o dart_v itself_o so_o to_o speak_v towards_o god_n in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o thought_n too_o big_a for_o expression_n as_o when_o after_o a_o deep_a contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n appear_v in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o wonder_n it_o address_v itself_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o profound_a adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n or_o when_o after_o sad_a reflection_n on_o its_o vileness_n and_o miscarriage_n it_o prostrate_v itself_o before_o he_o with_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o sorrow_n 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infirmity_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v bear_v that_o can_v be_v word_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o so_o recommend_v this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n as_o to_o supersede_n the_o use_n of_o the_o other_o for_o we_o have_v so_o many_o several_a thing_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o every_o petition_n of_o this_o nature_n require_v so_o much_o time_n and_o so_o great_a a_o intention_n of_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a therein_o to_o overtake_v they_o all_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o the_o deep_a sigh_n and_o heave_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o accompany_v it_o be_v something_o oppressive_a to_o nature_n and_o make_v it_o hard_o to_o continue_v long_o in_o they_o but_o certain_o a_o few_o of_o those_o inward_a aspiration_n will_v do_v more_o than_o a_o great_a many_o fluent_a and_o melt_a expression_n thus_o my_o dear_a friend_n i_o have_v brief_o propose_v the_o method_n which_o i_o judge_v proper_a for_o mould_v the_o soul_n unto_o a_o sacrament_n holy_a frame_n and_o the_o same_o mean_n which_o serve_v to_o beget_v this_o divine_a temper_n must_v still_o be_v practise_v for_o strengthen_v and_o advance_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v recommend_v but_o one_o more_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v the_o frequent_a and_o conscientious_a use_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v peculiar_o appoint_v to_o nourish_v and_o increase_v the_o spiritual_a life_n when_o once_o it_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o instrument_n of_o religion_n do_v meet_v together_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o while_o we_o address_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o we_o be_v put_v to_o practice_v all_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v mention_v before_o then_o it_o be_v that_o we_o make_v the_o severe_a survey_n of_o our_o action_n and_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n on_o ourselves_o then_o be_v our_o mind_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o grace_n do_v exercise_v itself_o with_o the_o great_a activity_n and_o vigour_n all_o the_o subject_n of_o contemplation_n do_v there_o present_v themselves_o unto_o we_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o then_o if_o ever_o do_v the_o soul_n make_v its_o most_o powerful_a sally_n towards_o heaven_n and_o assault_v it_o with_o a_o holy_a and_o acceptable_a force_n and_o certain_o the_o neglect_n or_o careless_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n that_o bedwarf_n our_o religion_n and_o make_v we_o continue_v of_o so_o low_a a_o size_n but_o it_o be_v time_n i_o shall_v put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o tedious_a letter_n which_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o far_o great_a bulk_n then_o at_o first_o i_o intend_v if_o these_o poor_a paper_n can_v do_v you_o the_o small_a service_n i_o shall_v think_v myself_o very_o happy_a in_o this_o undertake_n at_o least_o i_o be_o hopeful_a you_o will_v kind_o accept_v the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o a_o person_n who_o will_v fain_o acquit_v himself_o of_o some_o part_n of_o that_o which_o he_o owe_v you_o a_o prayer_n and_o now_o o_o most_o gracious_a god_n father_n and_o fountain_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o it_o excite_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o ardent_a desire_n after_o the_o one_o as_o may_v put_v we_o forth_o to_o the_o diligent_a prosecution_n of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o neither_o presume_v of_o our_o own_o strength_n nor_o distrust_v thy_o divine_a assistance_n but_o while_o we_o be_v do_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n teach_v we_o still_o to_o depend_v on_o thou_o for_o the_o success_n open_v our_o eye_n o_o god_n and_o teach_v we_o out_o of_o thy_o law_n bless_v we_o with_o a_o exact_a and_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o taste_n to_o discern_v perverse_a thing_n o_o that_o our_o way_n be_v direct_v to_o keep_v thy_o statute_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n possess_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o generous_a and_o holy_a disdain_n of_o all_o those_o poor_a enjoyment_n which_o this_o world_n hold_v out_o to_o allure_v we_o that_o they_o may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o inveigle_v our_o affection_n or_o betray_v we_o unto_o any_o sin_n turn_v away_o our_o eye_n from_o behold_v vanity_n and_o quicken_v thou_o we_o in_o thy_o law_n fill_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o those_o great_a truth_n which_o thou_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v influence_n and_o regulate_v our_o whole_a conversation_n and_o that_o the_o life_n which_o we_o henceforth_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o may_v live_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o that_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o thy_o bless_a nature_n and_o the_o astonish_a expression_n of_o thy_o goodness_n and_o love_n may_v conquer_v and_o overpower_v our_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v constant_o arise_v towards_o thou_o in_o flame_n of_o devout_a affection_n and_o enlarge_n themselves_o in_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a love_n towards_o all_o the_o world_n for_o thy_o sake_n and_o that_o we_o may_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o thy_o fear_n without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o behold_v and_o enjoy_v thou_o final_o o_o god_n grant_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ourselves_o be_v may_v both_o humble_a and_o lay_v we_o low_o before_o thou_o and_o also_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o ardent_a aspiration_n towards_o thou_o we_o desire_v to_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n lead_v we_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v we_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n guide_v we_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v we_o unto_o glory_n for_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o thy_o bless_a son_n our_o saviour_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o account_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o advances_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n write_a at_o the_o desire_n of_o m._n l._n v._o r._n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n mistake_v about_o religion_n what_o religion_n be_v it_o be_v permanency_n and_o stability_n it_o be_v freedom_n and_o unconstrainedness_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o joh._n 4._o 34._o religion_n a_o divine_a principle_n what_o the_o natural_a life_n be_v the_o different_a tendency_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n wherein_o the_o divine_a life_n do_v consist_v religion_n better_o understand_v by_o action_n than_o by_o word_n divine_a love_n exemplify_v in_o our_o saviour_n his_o diligence_n in_o do_v god_n will._n his_o patience_n in_o bear_v it_o his_o constant_a devotion_n his_o charity_n to_o man_n his_o purity_n his_o humility_n the_o excellency_n and_o advantage_n of_o religion_n prov._n 14._o 10._o the_o excellency_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o worth_n of_o the_o object_n the_o certainty_n to_o be_v belove_v again_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o belove_a person_n that_o divine_a love_n make_v we_o partake_v in_o a_o infinite_a happiness_n he_o that_o love_v god_n find_v sweetness_n in_o every_o dispensation_n the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v delightful_a to_o he_o psal._n 63._o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o charity_n the_o pleasure_n that_o attend_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o purity_n the_o delight_n it_o afford_v the_o excellency_n of_o humility_n the_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n of_o a_o humble_a temper_n the_o despondent_a thought_n of_o some_o new_o awaken_v to_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o thing_n act._n 8._o 20._o cant_n 8._o 7._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o these_o fear_n deut._n 33._o 27._o psal._n 89._o 19_o isaiah_n 26._o ver_n 19_o isaiah_n 53._o ver_n 11._o heb._n 7._o 24_o 25._o matth._n 12._o 20._o cant._n 8_o 7._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o prov._n 4._o 18._o psal_n 84_o 7._o heb._n 11._o 34._o 2_o king_n 6._o 16_o 17._o we_o must_v do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a assistance_n i_o chron._n 22._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o psal._n 104._o 14._o jer._n 4._o 3._o we_o must_v shun_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v sinful_a psal._n 119._o 9_o heb._n 4._o 12._o psal._n 17._o 4._o we_o must_v resist_v the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n by_o consider_v the_o evil_n they_o will_v draw_v on_o we_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 10._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o isa._n 33._o 14._o we_o must_v keep_v a_o constant_a watch_n over_o ourselves_o we_o must_v often_o examine_v our_o action_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o restrain_v ourselves_o in_o many_o lawful_a thing_n we_o must_v strive_v to_o put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o love_n with_o the_o world_n we_o must_v do_v those_o outward_a action_n that_o be_v command_v we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o form_v internal_a act_n of_o devotion_n charity_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n a_o great_a instrument_n of_o religion_n heb._n 1._o 3._o to_o beget_v divine_a love_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n act._n 17._o 27._o heb._n 1._o 3._o lam._n 3._o 31._o psal._n 39_o 3._o we_o shall_v meditate_v on_o his_o goodness_n and_o love_n eph._n 3._o 17_o 18_o 19_o to_o beget_v charity_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o all_o man_n be_v near_o relate_v unto_o god_n that_o they_o carry_v his_o image_n upon_o they_o to_o beget_v purity_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o shall_v meditate_v oft_o on_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 3_o humility_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o fail_n thought_n of_o god_n give_v we_o the_o low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o prayer_n another_o instrument_n of_o religion_n the_o advantage_n of_o mental_a prayer_n religion_n be_v to_o be_v advance_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v begin_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n
imprimatur_fw-la g._n jane_n aug._n 18._o 1676._o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n or_o the_o nature_n and_o exceliency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o method_n of_o attain_v the_o happiness_n it_o propose_v and_o a_o account_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o advances_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o two_o letter_n write_v to_o person_n of_o honour_n eph._n 4._o 18._o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n gal._n 2._o 20._o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ_n nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o rom._n 8._o 14._o for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n london_n print_v for_o charles_n smith_n at_o the_o angel_n near_o the_o inner-temple-gate_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o william_n jacob_n at_o the_o black-swan_n next_o bernard_n inn_n in_o holbourn_n 1677._o preface_n this_o age_n groan_v under_o such_o a_o surcharge_n of_o new_a book_n that_o though_o the_o many_o good_a one_o late_o publish_v do_v much_o balance_n the_o great_a swarm_n of_o ill_a or_o at_o least_o needless_a one_o yet_o all_o man_n complain_v of_o the_o unnecessary_a charge_n and_o trouble_v many_o new_a book_n put_v they_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v printing_n be_v become_v a_o trade_n and_o the_o press_n must_v be_v keep_v go_v so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o shuffle_v out_o a_o ill_a book_n a_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o keep_v they_o at_o work_n and_o for_o book_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n we_o have_v see_v so_o many_o excellent_a one_o of_o late_a in_o our_o own_o language_n that_o perhaps_o no_o age_n or_o language_n can_v show_v the_o like_a in_o these_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propose_v in_o its_o own_o true_a and_o natural_a colour_n and_o rescue_v from_o those_o false_a representation_n many_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o external_n performance_n or_o in_o mechanical_a heat_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o in_o embrace_v some_o opinion_n or_o interest_n it_o be_v and_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o design_n to_o make_v we_o like_o god_n both_o in_o the_o inward_a temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o our_o whole_a deportment_n and_o conversation_n for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n both_o live_v and_o die_v this_o he_o teach_v by_o his_o discourse_n and_o discover_v in_o his_o life_n he_o die_v that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o sin_n not_o only_o or_o chief_o to_o procure_v our_o pardon_n which_o be_v do_v by_o he_o for_o a_o further_a end_n that_o a_o universal_a indemnity_n be_v offer_v through_o his_o death_n all_o mankind_n may_v be_v thereby_o encourage_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o course_n of_o holy_a obedience_n with_o all_o possible_a advantage_n have_v the_o hope_n of_o endless_a happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n before_o they_o have_v the_o clear_a rule_n and_o the_o most_o unblemished_a example_n propose_v to_o they_o be_v also_o sure_o of_o constant_a inward_a supply_n to_o support_v and_o strengthen_v their_o endeavour_n and_o a_o unerring_a providence_n to_o direct_v all_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o precept_n in_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n who_o fitness_n and_o true_a excellency_n beside_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n have_v not_o be_v full_o make_v good_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o council_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v never_o since_o miracle_n cease_v demonstrate_v with_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n then_o in_o our_o age_n both_o for_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o dare_a hector_n and_o for_o silence_v the_o secret_a doubt_n of_o more_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o though_o so_o grave_a a_o subject_n shall_v have_v be_v rather_o prejudice_v then_o adorn_v by_o artificial_a and_o force_a strain_n of_o wit_n or_o eloquence_n yet_o as_o our_o language_n be_v never_o chaste_a than_o now_o so_o these_o subject_n have_v be_v handle_v with_o all_o the_o proper_a decency_n of_o easy_a wit_n and_o good_a language_n but_o after_o all_o this_o into_o what_o a_o torrent_n of_o regrate_v and_o lamentation_n must_v i_o break_v out_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o for_o few_o do_v either_o believe_v or_o reflect_v on_o those_o great_a thing_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o general_a conspiracy_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n how_o do_v the_o great_a part_n among_o we_o break_v loose_a from_o all_o the_o tie_n and_o bond_n of_o that_o yoke_n that_o be_v light_a and_o casie_a and_o enslave_v themselves_o to_o many_o base_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o they_o can_v be_v but_o desire_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v esteem_v they_o such_o and_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n and_o enhance_v their_o guilt_n by_o turn_v factor_n for_o hell_n study_v to_o corrupt_v all_o about_o they_o this_o sad_a prospect_n must_v needs_o deep_o affect_v all_o that_o either_o true_o love_n god_n or_o have_v a_o tender_a compassion_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o will_v certain_o set_v they_o to_o their_o secret_a mourning_n and_o wrestle_n with_o god_n to_o avert_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n that_o seem_v to_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o that_o he_o may_v of_o his_o great_a mercy_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o froward_a and_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a and_o till_o god_n arise_v and_o bless_v his_o gospel_n with_o more_o of_o this_o success_n nothing_o can_v be_v such_o a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o convince_a the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellence_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n as_o that_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o embrace_v it_o do_v walk_v in_o all_o the_o strictness_n of_o a_o most_o holy_a innocent_n and_o exemplary_a life_n keep_v the_o due_a mean_a between_o the_o affectation_n of_o morossness_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o levities_n of_o irreligion_n and_o folly_n this_o be_v the_o only_a argument_n that_o be_v want_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o people_n be_v more_o wrought_v on_o by_o lively_a example_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n than_o by_o any_o discourse_n or_o reason_n how_o strong_a or_o convince_a soever_o the_o one_o be_v more_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o leave_v a_o deep_a impression_n than_o the_o other_o which_o do_v not_o prevail_v on_o we_o till_o by_o frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n we_o be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o and_o when_o we_o hear_v any_o one_o speak_v well_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v he_o think_v as_o he_o say_v but_o do_v often_o suspect_v he_o be_v show_v his_o wit_n or_o eloquence_n to_o our_o cost_n that_o he_o may_v persuade_v we_o into_o some_o opinion_n that_o may_v prove_v gainful_a to_o himself_o but_o when_o we_o see_v a_o man_n pursue_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o most_o painful_a instance_n which_o do_v most_o prejudice_n his_o visible_a interest_n we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n persuade_v of_o those_o truth_n which_o engage_v he_o to_o such_o a_o conversation_n after_o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n nothing_o prevail_v so_o much_o on_o the_o world_n as_o the_o exemplary_a life_n and_o the_o painful_a martyrdom_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o make_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n look_v with_o amazement_n on_o that_o doctrine_n that_o wrought_v so_o powerful_o on_o all_o rank_n and_o do_v raise_v person_n of_o the_o mean_a education_n and_o disposition_n and_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n and_o tender_a age_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v beyond_o what_o their_o great_a hero_n and_o most_o celebrate_a philosopher_n have_v ever_o do_v and_o in_o those_o day_n the_o apologist_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v appeal_v to_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n holy_a conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o good_a in_o that_o doctrine_n that_o make_v all_o its_o votary_n such_o but_o alas_o when_o we_o write_v apology_n we_o must_v appeal_v from_o the_o life_n of_o most_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o must_v decline_v the_o put_v the_o trial_n of_o christianity_n upon_o that_o issue_n and_o though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v beautiful_a and_o shine_a instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o yet_o alas_o there_o be_v too_o few_o of_o they_o and_o they_o lie_v hide_v in_o a_o vast_a mixture_n of_o other_o that_o be_v naught_o the_o two_o great_a prejudices_fw-la the_o tribe_n of_o libertine_n and_o ruffian_n be_v harden_v in_o against_o religion_n be_v 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v those_o
that_o profess_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n live_v like_o man_n that_o do_v so_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o i_o have_v know_v they_o say_v that_o do_v they_o believe_v the_o great_a god_n govern_v all_o humane_a affair_n and_o do_v know_v all_o we_o do_v and_o be_v to_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o and_o reward_n or_o punish_v according_o in_o a_o endless_a and_o inchangeable_a state_n they_o can_v not_o live_v as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n do_v but_o will_v present_o renounce_v all_o the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o this_o world_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o whole_o to_o a_o holy_a and_o exact_a course_n of_o life_n the_o other_o prejudice_n be_v that_o for_o those_o in_o who_o deportment_n they_o find_v little_a to_o blame_v yet_o they_o have_v great_a cause_n of_o suspect_v there_o be_v some_o hide_a design_n under_o it_o which_o will_v break_v out_o when_o there_o be_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o they_o conclude_v that_o such_o person_n be_v either_o secret_o as_o bad_a as_o other_o only_o disguise_v it_o by_o a_o decenter_n deportment_n or_o that_o all_o they_o do_v be_v a_o force_n upon_o themselves_o for_o some_o secret_a end_n or_o other_o and_o if_o there_o be_v some_o on_o who_o they_o can_v fasten_v neither_o of_o these_o as_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a but_o one_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o possess_v himself_o with_o prejudices_fw-la will_v either_o find_v or_o pretend_v some_o colour_n for_o they_o then_o at_o last_o they_o judge_v such_o person_n be_v moross_a and_o sulien_a and_o find_v either_o from_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o body_n or_o their_o education_n as_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o sour_a gravity_n as_o other_o do_v in_o all_o their_o wanton_a and_o extravagant_a folly_n these_o prejudices_fw-la especial_o the_o first_o must_v be_v discuss_v by_o real_a confutation_n and_o the_o strict_a conduct_n of_o our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o grave_n and_o solemn_a devotion_n must_v show_v we_o be_v overrule_v by_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o law_n which_o govern_v our_o whole_a action_n nor_o will_v our_o abstain_v from_o gross_a immorality_n be_v argument_n enough_o since_o even_o decency_n may_v prevail_v so_o far_o though_o alas_o never_o so_o little_a as_o now_o when_o fool_n do_v so_o general_o mock_v at_o the_o shame_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o that_o be_v only_o the_o peevishness_n of_o a_o strict_a and_o illiberal_a education_n but_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v below_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o strengthen_v a_o corrupt_a generation_n in_o their_o vice_n what_o signify_v endless_a game_n especial_o when_o join_v with_o so_o much_o avarice_n and_o passion_n as_o accompany_v it_o general_o but_o that_o people_n know_v not_o to_o dispose_v of_o their_o time_n and_o therefore_o must_v play_v it_o away_o idle_o at_o best_a what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o those_o constant_a crowd_n at_o play_n especial_o when_o the_o stage_n be_v so_o defile_v with_o atheism_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o immorality_n but_o that_o so_o many_o person_n know_v not_o how_o to_o fill_v up_o so_o many_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o therefore_o this_o contrivance_n must_v serve_v to_o waste_v they_o and_o they_o must_v feed_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n with_o debauch_v object_n which_o will_v either_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n or_o at_o least_o fill_v their_o imagination_n with_o very_a unpleasant_a and_o hateful_a representation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a growth_n of_o ill_a thought_n ready_a to_o spring_v up_o within_o we_o but_o this_o must_v be_v cultivate_v and_o improve_v by_o art_n what_o be_v those_o perpetual_a visit_n in_o the_o give_n or_o receive_v of_o which_o most_o spend_v the_o better_a half_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v awake_a and_o how_o trifle_v at_o best_a but_o general_o how_o hurtful_a the_o discourse_n that_o pass_v in_o those_o visit_n be_v i_o leave_v to_o those_o who_o live_v in_o they_o to_o declare_v how_o much_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o vain_a dress_n not_o to_o mention_v those_o indecent_a art_n of_o paint_v and_o other_o contrivance_n to_o corrupt_v the_o world_n and_o all_o either_o to_o feed_v vanity_n or_o kindle_v lust_n and_o after_o all_o this_o many_o that_o live_v in_o these_o thing_n desire_v to_o be_v think_v good_a christian_n be_v constant_a to_o church_n and_o frequent_a at_o the_o sacrament_n what_o wonder_v then_o if_o our_o libertine_n see_v such_o thing_n in_o person_n that_o pass_v for_o very_o religious_a and_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o discern_v that_o such_o a_o deportment_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o account_n to_o be_v make_v for_o all_o we_o do_v conclude_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o do_v some_o failure_n now_o and_o then_o can_v not_o justify_v such_o a_o inference_n but_o a_o habit_n and_o course_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o belief_n which_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v answer_v but_o when_o we_o have_v get_v so_o far_o as_o to_o escape_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v blame-worthy_a it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v all_o we_o must_v aim_v at_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o not_o to_o be_v ill_o we_o must_v be_v good_a and_o express_v it_o in_o all_o the_o instance_n which_o our_o state_n of_o life_n and_o circumstance_n call_v for_o do_v good_a to_o all_o forgeve_v injury_n comfort_v all_o in_o trouble_n supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o chief_o study_v to_o advance_v the_o good_a of_o all_o people_n soul_n as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v improve_n whatever_o interest_n we_o have_v in_o any_o person_n to_o this_o end_n of_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n the_o chief_a motive_n we_o offer_v to_o this_o be_v the_o unaffected_a strictness_n of_o our_o own_o deportment_n which_o will_v make_v all_o our_o discourse_n have_v the_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n in_o they_o and_o for_o the_o other_o prejudices_fw-la it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o fence_n or_o security_n against_o jealousy_n yet_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v every_o thing_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o it_o as_o all_o secret_a converse_n with_o suspect_a person_n the_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o without_o sin_n we_o may_v forbear_v which_o be_v singular_a or_o may_v bring_v a_o disesteem_n on_o other_o or_o make_v we_o be_v observe_v or_o talk_v of_o and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o shun_v all_o force_a gesture_n or_o mode_n of_o speech_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o native_a and_o genuine_a for_o let_v man_n think_v what_o they_o will_v nothing_o that_o be_v constrain_v can_v ever_o become_v so_o natural_a but_o it_o will_v appear_v loathsome_a and_o affect_v to_o other_o which_o must_v needs_o afford_v matter_n of_o jealousy_n and_o disesteem_n especial_o to_o all_o pry_n and_o critical_a observer_n be_v there_o many_o who_o do_v live_v thus_o the_o atheist_n will_v be_v more_o convince_v at_o least_o more_o ashamed_a and_o out_o of_o countenance_n then_o the_o most_o learned_a write_n or_o labour_v sermon_n will_v ever_o make_v they_o especial_o if_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o goodness_n do_v appear_v more_o among_o christian_n and_o those_o faction_n and_o animosity_n be_v lay_v aside_o which_o both_o weaken_v the_o inward_a vital_n of_o holiness_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o make_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o aggressor_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o more_o unaccountable_a thing_n to_o be_v imagine_v then_o to_o see_v a_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v that_o religion_n a_o great_a and_o main_a precept_n whereof_o be_v mutual_a love_n forbearance_n gentleness_n of_o spirit_n and_o compassion_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o that_o doctrine_n differ_v only_o in_o some_o less_o material_a and_o more_o disputable_a thing_n yet_o maintain_v those_o difference_n with_o a_o zeal_n so_o disproportion_v to_o the_o value_n of_o they_o prosecute_a all_o that_o disagree_v from_o they_o with_o all_o possible_a violence_n or_o if_o they_o want_v mean_n to_o use_v outward_a force_n with_o all_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n this_o must_v needs_o astonish_v every_o impartial_a beholder_n and_o raise_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o those_o person_n religious_a as_o make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n profess_v love_n but_o break_v out_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o hatred_n but_o the_o deep_a sense_n i_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n have_v carry_v i_o too_o far_o my_o design_n in_o this_o preface_n be_v only_o to_o introduce_v the_o follow_a discourse_n which_o be_v write_v by_o a_o
deal_n of_o seem_a haste_n but_o anon_o they_o flag_n and_o give_v over_o they_o be_v in_o hot_a mood_n but_o now_o they_o be_v cool_v they_o do_v shoot_v forth_o fresh_a and_o high_a but_o be_v quick_o wither_v because_o they_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o these_o sudden_a fit_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o violent_a and_o convulsive_a motion_n of_o body_n new_o behead_v cause_v by_o the_o agitation_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n after_o the_o soul_n be_v depart_v which_o however_o violent_a and_o impetuous_a can_v be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n whereas_o the_o motion_n of_o holy_a soul_n be_v constant_a and_o regular_a proceed_v from_o a_o permanent_a and_o lively_a principle_n it_o be_v true_a this_o divine_a life_n continue_v not_o always_o in_o that_o same_o strength_n and_o vigour_n but_o many_o time_n suffer_v sad_a decay_n and_o holy_a man_n find_v great_a difficulty_n in_o resist_a temptation_n and_o less_o alacrity_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v nor_o be_v they_o abandon_v to_o the_o power_n of_o these_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o sway_n and_o over-rule_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n unconstrainedness_n again_o religion_n may_v be_v design_v by_o the_o name_n of_o life_n because_o it_o be_v a_o inward_a free_a and_o selfmoving_a principle_n and_o those_o who_o have_v make_v progress_n in_o it_o be_v not_o act_v only_o by_o external_a motive_n drive_v mere_o by_o threaten_n nor_o bribe_v by_o promise_n nor_o constrain_v by_o law_n but_o be_v powerful_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o delight_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o love_n which_o a_o pious_a man_n carry_v to_o god_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o command_n enjoin_v he_o so_o to_o do_v as_o by_o a_o new_a nature_n instruct_v and_o prompt_v he_o to_o it_o nor_o do_v he_o pay_v his_o devotion_n as_o a_o unavoidable_a tribute_n only_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a justice_n or_o quiet_a his_o clamorous_a conscience_n but_o those_o religious_a exercise_n be_v the_o proper_a emanation_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n the_o natural_a employment_n of_o the_o new_a bear_v soul_n he_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o and_o repent_v not_o only_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v command_v but_o rather_o because_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o want_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o misery_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n his_o charity_n be_v not_o force_v nor_o his_o alm_n extort_a from_o he_o his_o love_n make_v he_o willing_a to_o give_v and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a obligation_n his_o heart_n will_v devise_v liberal_a thing_n injustice_n or_o intemperance_n and_o all_o other_o vice_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o his_o temper_n and_o constitution_n as_o the_o base_a action_n be_v to_o the_o most_o generous_a spirit_n and_o impudence_n and_o scurrility_n to_o those_o who_o be_v natural_o modest_a so_o that_o i_o may_v well_o say_v with_o st._n john_n whosoever_o 9_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n though_o holy_a and_o religious_a person_n do_v much_o eye_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n unto_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o much_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n as_o its_o reasonableness_n and_o purity_n and_o goodness_n which_o do_v prevail_v with_o they_o they_o account_v it_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a in_o its_o self_n and_o that_o in_o keep_v of_o it_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o that_o divine_a love_n wherewith_o they_o be_v act_v make_v they_o become_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o quis_fw-la legem_fw-la det_fw-la amantibus_fw-la major_a est_fw-la amor_fw-la lex_fw-la ipse_fw-la sibi_fw-la for_o who_o can_v give_v a_o law_n to_o those_o that_o love_n love_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a law_n which_o do_v such_o person_n move_v in_o a_o word_n what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v of_o himself_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n applicable_a to_o his_o follower_n that_o it_o be_v their_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v their_o father_n 34._o will_n and_o as_o the_o natural_a appetite_n be_v carry_v out_o towards_o food_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o reflect_v on_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o life_n so_o be_v they_o carry_v with_o a_o natural_a and_o unforced_a propension_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a it_o be_v true_a external_a motive_n be_v many_o time_n of_o great_a use_n to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o this_o inward_a principle_n especial_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o weakness_n when_o it_o be_v often_o so_o languid_a that_o the_o man_n himself_o can_v scarce_o discern_v it_o hardly_o be_v able_a to_o move_v one_o step_n forward_o but_o when_o he_o be_v push_v by_o his_o hope_n or_o his_o fear_n by_o the_o pressure_n of_o a_o affliction_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o mercy_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o now_o if_o such_o a_o person_n be_v conscientious_a and_o uniform_a in_o his_o obedience_n and_o earnest_o groan_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o dulness_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n with_o more_o spirit_n and_o vigour_n these_o be_v the_o first_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n which_o though_o it_o be_v faint_a and_o weak_a will_v sure_o be_v cherish_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o grow_v unto_o great_a maturity_n but_o he_o who_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o this_o inward_a principle_n and_o do_v not_o aspire_v unto_o it_o but_o content_v himself_o with_o those_o performance_n whereunto_o he_o be_v prompt_v by_o education_n or_o custom_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n or_o carnal_a notion_n of_o heaven_n can_v no_o more_o be_v account_v a_o religious_a person_n than_o a_o puppet_n can_v be_v call_v a_o man._n this_o force_a and_o artificial_a religion_n be_v common_o heavy_a and_o languid_a like_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o weight_n force_v upward_o it_o be_v cold_a and_o spritless_a like_o the_o uneasy_a compliance_n of_o a_o wife_n marry_v against_o her_o will_n who_o carry_v dutiful_o towards_o the_o husband_n who_o she_o do_v not_o love_n out_o of_o some_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o honour_n hence_o also_o this_o religion_n be_v scant_o and_o niggardly_o especial_o in_o those_o duty_n which_o do_v great_a violence_n to_o man_n carnal_a inclination_n and_o those_o slavish_a spirit_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o require_v it_o be_v a_o law_n that_o compel_v they_o and_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o go_v beyond_o what_o it_o stint_v they_o to_o nay_o they_o will_v ever_o be_v put_v such_o gloss_n on_o it_o as_o may_v leave_v themselves_o the_o great_a liberty_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v frank_a and_o liberal_a far_o from_o such_o peevish_a and_o narrow_a reckon_n and_o he_o who_o have_v give_v himself_o entire_o unto_o god_n will_v never_o think_v he_o do_v too_o much_o for_o he_o by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v it_o do_v appear_v principle_n that_o religion_n be_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n term_v a_o life_n or_o vital_a principle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o it_o and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v constrain_v and_o depend_v on_o external_a cause_n i_o come_v next_o to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o i_o design_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o divine_a life_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v call_v not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o fountain_n and_o original_n have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o nature_n religion_n be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o image_n of_o the_o almighty_a shine_a in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o real_a participation_n of_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o beam_n of_o the_o eternal_a light_n a_o drop_n of_o that_o infinite_a ocean_n of_o goodness_n and_o they_o who_o be_v eudue_v with_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v god_n dwell_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o christ_n form_v within_o they_o before_o i_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a be_v consideration_n of_o that_o divine_a life_n wherein_o true_a religion_n do_v consist_v it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v fit_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a of_o that_o natural_a or_o animal_n life_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o i_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o inclination_n and_o propension_n towards_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o nature_n or_o self-love_n issue_v forth_o and_o spread_a itself_o
the_o root_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v faith_n the_o chief_a branch_n be_v love_n to_o god_n charity_n to_o man_n purity_n and_o humility_n for_o as_o a_o excellent_a person_n have_v well_o observe_v however_o these_o name_n be_v common_a and_o vulgar_a and_o make_v no_o extraordinary_a sound_n yet_o do_v they_o carry_v such_o a_o mighty_a sense_n that_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v pronounce_v nothing_o more_o weighty_a or_o excellent_a faith_n have_v the_o same_o place_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n which_o sense_n have_v in_o the_o natural_a be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o sense_n or_o feel_a persuasion_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o divine_a truth_n but_o in_o our_o lapse_v estate_n it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o reconcileableness_n to_o sinner_n through_o a_o mediator_n and_o therefore_o receive_v its_o denomination_n from_o that_o principal_a object_n be_v ordinary_o term_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o delightful_a and_o affectionate_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n resign_v and_o sacrifice_v itself_o whole_o unto_o he_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o and_o delight_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o sake_n or_o at_o his_o pleasure_n though_o this_o affection_n may_v have_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o ourselves_o yet_o do_v it_o in_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n transcend_v such_o particular_a consideration_n and_o ground_n itself_o on_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n manifest_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n a_o soul_n thus_o possess_v with_o divine_a love_n must_v needs_o be_v enlarge_v towards_o all_o mankind_n in_o a_o sincere_a and_o unbounded_a affection_n because_o of_o the_o relation_n they_o carry_v unto_o god_n be_v his_o creature_n and_o have_v something_o of_o his_o image_n stamp_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o charity_n i_o name_v as_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o religion_n and_o under_o which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o justice_n all_o the_o duty_n be_v we_o owe_v to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v eminent_o comprehend_v for_o he_o who_o do_v true_o love_v all_o the_o world_n will_v be_v near_o concern_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o and_o so_o far_o from_o wrong_v or_o injure_v any_o person_n that_o he_o will_v resent_v any_o evil_n that_o befall_v to_o other_o as_o if_o it_o happen_v to_o himself_o by_o purity_n i_o understand_v a_o due_a abstractedness_n from_o the_o body_n and_o mastery_n over_o the_o inferior_a appetite_n or_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o make_v a_o man_n despise_v &_o abstain_v from_o all_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o sense_n or_o fancy_n which_o be_v sinful_a in_o themselves_o or_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v or_o lessen_v our_o relish_n of_o more_o divine_a and_o intellectual_a pleasure_n which_o do_v also_o infer_v a_o resoluteness_n to_o undergo_v all_o those_o hardship_n he_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o not_o only_a chastity_n and_o temperance_n but_o also_o christian_a courage_n and_o magnanimity_n may_v come_v under_o this_o head_n humility_n import_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o meanness_n with_o a_o hearty_a and_o affectionate_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o owe_v all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o the_o divine_a bounty_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o profound_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o great_a deadness_n towards_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n and_o applause_n of_o man_n these_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n that_o either_o man_n or_o angel_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o heaven_n lay_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o he_o who_o have_v attain_v they_o needs_o not_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o the_o hide_a roll_n of_o god_n decree_n or_o search_v the_o volume_n of_o heaven_n to_o know_v what_o be_v determine_v about_o his_o everlasting_a condition_n but_o he_o may_v find_v a_o copy_n of_o god_n thought_n concern_v he_o write_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n his_o love_n to_o god_n may_v give_v he_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o he_o and_o those_o beginning_n of_o happiness_n which_o he_o feel_v in_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n be_v a_o sure_a pledge_n that_o his_o felicity_n shall_v be_v perfect_v and_o continue_v unto_o all_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o one_o say_v i_o have_v rather_o see_v the_o real_a impression_n of_o a_o godlike_a nature_n upon_o my_o own_o soul_n then_o have_v a_o vision_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o angel_n send_v to_o tell_v i_o that_o my_o name_n be_v enrol_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n when_o we_o have_v say_v all_o that_o we_o can_v word_n the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o express_v language_n and_o word_n can_v reach_v they_o nor_o can_v they_o be_v true_o understand_v but_o by_o those_o soul_n that_o be_v enkindle_v within_o and_o awaken_v unto_o the_o sense_n and_o relish_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v this_o understanding_n the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v better_o express_v in_o action_n than_o in_o word_n because_o action_n be_v more_o lively_a thing_n and_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o inward_a principle_n whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v take_v the_o best_a measure_n of_o those_o gracious_a endowment_n from_o the_o deportment_n of_o those_o in_o who_o they_o reside_v especial_o as_o they_o be_v perfect_o exemplify_v in_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o main_a part_n of_o who_o business_n in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o teach_v by_o his_o practice_n what_o he_o do_v require_v of_o other_o and_o to_o make_v his_o own_o conversation_n a_o exact_a resemblance_n of_o those_o unparalleled_a rule_n which_o he_o prescribe_v so_o that_o if_o ever_o true_a goodness_n be_v visible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n it_o be_v then_o when_o his_o presence_n do_v beautify_v and_o illustrate_v this_o low_a world_n that_o sincere_a and_o devout_a affection_n saviour_n wherewith_o his_o bless_a soul_n do_v constant_o burn_v towards_o his_o heavenly_a father_n do_v express_v itself_o in_o a_o entire_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n it_o be_v this_o be_v his_o very_a meat_n to_o do_v the_o will_n and_o finish_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o this_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o childhood_n and_o the_o constant_a employment_n of_o his_o ripe_a age_n he_o spare_v no_o travail_n or_o pain_n while_o he_o be_v about_o his_o father_n business_n but_o take_v will._n such_o infinite_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o that_o when_o be_v faint_a and_o weary_a with_o his_o journey_n he_o rest_v he_o on_o jacob_n well_o and_o entreat_v a_o drink_n of_o the_o samaritan_n woman_n the_o success_n of_o his_o conference_n with_o she_o and_o the_o accession_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o delight_n as_o seem_v to_o have_v redound_v to_o his_o very_a body_n refresh_v his_o spirit_n and_o make_v he_o forget_v the_o thirst_n whereof_o he_o complain_v before_o and_o refuse_v the_o meat_n which_o he_o have_v send_v the_o disciple_n to_o buy_v nor_o be_v he_o less_o patient_a and_o submissive_a it_o in_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n then_o diligent_a in_o do_v of_o it_o he_o endure_v the_o sharp_a affliction_n and_o extreme_a misery_n that_o ever_o be_v inflict_v on_o any_o mortal_a without_o a-repining_a thought_n or_o discontent_a word_n for_o though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o a_o stupid_a insensibility_n or_o a_o fantastic_a or_o stoical_a obstinacy_n and_o have_v as_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o pain_n as_o other_o man_n and_o the_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o suffer_v in_o his_o soul_n as_o his_o bloody_a sweat_n and_o the_o sore_a amazement_n and_o sorrow_n which_o he_o profess_v do_v abundant_o declare_v yet_o do_v he_o entire_o submit_v to_o that_o severe_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o willing_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a or_o as_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n have_v if_o he_o be_v willing_a that_o cup_n may_v be_v remove_v yet_o he_o gentle_o add_v nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v of_o what_o strange_a importance_n be_v the_o expression_n joh._n 12._o 27._o where_o he_o first_o
of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o but_o only_o reflect_v on_o our_o saviour_n lowly_a and_o humble_a deportment_n while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v none_o of_o those_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n which_o may_v just_o humble_v the_o best_a of_o man_n but_o he_o be_v so_o entire_o swallow_v up_o with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n that_o he_o appear_v as_o nothing_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n i_o mean_v in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n he_o consider_v those_o eminent_a perfection_n which_o shine_v in_o his_o bless_a soul_n as_o not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o assume_v nothing_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o but_o with_o the_o profound_a humility_n renounce_v all_o pretence_n to_o they_o hence_o do_v he_o refuse_v that_o ordinary_a compellation_n of_o good_a master_n when_o address_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n by_o one_o who_o it_o seem_v be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o divinity_n why_o call_v thou_o i_o good_a say_v he_o there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o god_n only_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o goodness_n of_o any_o creature_n and_o such_o only_o thou_o take_v i_o to_o be_v be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v name_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o be_v original_o and_o essential_o good_n he_o never_o make_v use_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n for_o vanity_n or_o ostentation_n he_o will_v not_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n some_o prodigious_a appearance_n in_o the_o air_n nor_o will_v he_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o countryman_n and_o kindred_n who_o will_v have_v have_v all_o his_o great_a work_n perform_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n for_o gain_v he_o the_o great_a fame_n but_o when_o his_o charity_n have_v prompt_v he_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o miserable_a his_o humility_n make_v he_o many_o time_n enjoin_v the_o concealment_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n for_o which_o he_o come_v unto_o the_o world_n require_v the_o publication_n of_o they_o he_o ascribe_v the_o honour_n of_o all_o to_o his_o father_n tell_v they_o that_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o i_o can_v insist_v on_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o humility_n in_o his_o deportment_n towards_o man_n his_o withdraw_a himself_o when_o they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o a_o king_n his_o subjection_n not_o only_o to_o his_o bless_a mother_n but_o to_o her_o husband_n during_o his_o young_a year_n and_o his_o submission_n to_o all_o the_o indignity_n and_o affront_n which_o his_o rude_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n do_v put_v upon_o he_o the_o history_n of_o his_o holy_a life_n record_v by_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o he_o be_v full_a of_o such_o passage_n as_o these_o and_o indeed_o the_o serious_a and_o attentive_a study_n of_o it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o get_v right_a measure_n of_o humility_n and_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v be_v endeavour_v to_o describe_v but_o now_o that_o i_o may_v lessen_v your_o trouble_n of_o read_v a_o long_a letter_n by_o make_v some_o pause_n in_o it_o let_v i_o here_o subjoin_v a_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v proper_a when_o one_o who_o have_v former_o entertain_v some_o false_a notion_n of_o religion_n begin_v to_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v a_o prayer_n infinite_a and_o eternal_a majesty_n author_n and_o fountain_n of_o be_v and_o blessedness_n how_o little_a do_v we_o poor_a sinful_a creature_n know_v of_o thou_o or_o the_o way_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v thou_o we_o talk_v of_o religion_n and_o pretend_v unto_o it_o but_o alas_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o know_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o mean_v how_o easy_o do_v we_o mistake_v the_o affection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o issue_n of_o self-love_n for_o those_o divine_a grace_n which_o alone_o can_v render_v we_o acceptable_a in_o thy_o sight_n it_o may_v just_o grieve_v i_o to_o consider_v that_o i_o shall_v have_v wander_v so_o long_o and_o content_v myself_o so_o often_o with_o vain_a shadow_n and_o false_a image_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v thy_o goodness_n who_o have_v be_v please_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o open_v my_o eye_n and_o let_v i_o see_v what_o it_o be_v at_o which_o i_o ought_v to_o aim_v i_o rejoice_v to_o consider_v what_o mighty_a improvement_n my_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o what_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o spirit_n do_v shine_v in_o those_o who_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o choose_v and_o cause_v to_o approach_v unto_o thou_o bless_a be_v thy_o infinite_a mercy_n who_o send_v thou_o own_o son_n to_o dwell_v among_o man_n and_o instruct_v they_o by_o his_o example_n as_o well_o as_o his_o law_n give_v they_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v o_o that_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n may_v be_v 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feel_v they_o a_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o 10._o with_o their_o joy_n holiness_n be_v the_o right_a temper_n the_o vigorous_a and_o healthful_a constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o faculty_n have_v former_o be_v enfeeble_v and_o disorder_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o exerce_fw-la their_o natural_a function_n it_o have_v weary_v itself_o with_o endless_a toss_n and_o rolling_n and_o be_v never_o able_a to_o find_v any_o rest_n now_o that_o distemper_n be_v remove_v and_o it_o feel_v itself_o well_o there_o be_v a_o due_a harmony_n in_o its_o faculty_n and_o a_o sprightly_a vigour_n possess_v every_o part_n the_o understanding_n can_v discern_v what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o will_n can_v cleave_v unto_o it_o the_o affection_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o external_n object_n but_o they_o be_v stir_v by_o more_o divine_a impression_n be_v touch_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o invisible_a thing_n let_v we_o descend_v if_o you_o please_v 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unto_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o a_o secret_a force_n and_o energy_n insinuate_v into_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o mould_n and_o fashion_v it_o unto_o their_o own_o likeness_n hence_o we_o may_v see_v how_o easy_o lover_n or_o friend_n do_v slide_v unto_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o affect_v and_o how_o even_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a they_o begin_v to_o resemble_v they_o not_o only_o in_o the_o more_o considerable_a instance_n of_o their_o deportment_n but_o also_o in_o their_o voice_n and_o gesture_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v their_o mien_n and_o air_n and_o certain_o we_o shall_v as_o well_o transcribe_v the_o virtue_n and_o inward_a beauty_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o they_o be_v the_o object_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o love_n but_o now_o as_o all_o the_o
some_o this_o image_n be_v more_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a and_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o lovely_a treat_v of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o though_o in_o other_o it_o be_v miserable_o sully_v and_o deface_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o altogether_o raze_v some_o lineament_n at_o least_o do_v still_o remain_v all_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o rational_a and_o immortal_a soul_n with_o understanding_n and_o will_n capable_a of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v at_o present_a disorder_a and_o put_v out_o of_o tune_n by_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n this_o may_v indeed_o move_v our_o compassion_n but_o ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o extinguish_v our_o love_n when_o we_o see_v a_o person_n of_o a_o rugged_a humour_n and_o perverse_a disposition_n full_a of_o malice_n and_o dissimulation_n very_o foolish_a and_o very_a proud_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o a_o object_n that_o present_v itself_o unto_o we_o under_o a_o idea_n so_o 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heaven_n purpose_n that_o we_o frequent_o raise_v our_o mind_n towards_o heaven_n and_o represent_v to_o our_o thought_n those_o joy_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n those_o pleasure_n that_o 3_o endure_v for_o evermore_o for_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a if_o our_o heavenly_a country_n be_v much_o in_o our_o thought_n it_o will_v make_v we_o as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n and_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a in_o this_o world_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o other_o but_o then_o we_o must_v see_v that_o our_o notion_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o gross_a and_o carnal_a that_o we_o dream_v not_o of_o a_o mahometan_a paradise_n nor_o rest_n on_o those_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n by_o which_o these_o joy_n be_v sometime_o represent_v for_o this_o may_v perhaps_o have_v a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n it_o may_v entangle_v we_o further_o in_o carnal_a affection_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o indulge_v ourselves_o a_o very_a liberal_a foretaste_n of_o those_o pleasure_n wherein_o we_o have_v place_v our_o everlasting_a felicity_n but_o when_o we_o come_v once_o to_o conceive_v aright_o of_o those_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a pleasure_n when_o the_o happiness_n we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o be_v from_o the_o sight_n and_o love_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o hope_n and_o fore-thought_n of_o that_o bless_a estate_n o_o how_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a will_v all_o thing_n here_o below_o appear_v in_o our_o eye_n with_o what_o disdain_n will_v we_o reject_v the_o gross_a and_o muddy_a pleasure_n that_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o those_o celestial_a enjoyment_n or_o any_o way_n unfit_a and_o indispose_v we_o for_o they_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o religion_n be_v humility_n fail_n and_o sure_o we_o can_v never_o want_v matter_n of_o consideration_n for_o beget_v it_o all_o our_o wickedness_n and_o imperfection_n all_o our_o folly_n and_o our_o sin_n may_v help_v to_o pull_v down_o that_o fond_a and_o overween_a conceit_n which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v of_o ourselves_o that_o which_o make_v any_o body_n esteem_v we_o be_v their_o knowledge_n or_o apprehension_n of_o some_o little_a good_a and_o their_o ignorance_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o evil_n that_o may_v be_v in_o we_o be_v they_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o we_o they_o will_v quick_o change_v their_o opinion_n the_o thought_n that_o pass_v in_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o serious_a day_n of_o our_o life_n be_v expose_v unto_o public_a view_n will_v render_v we_o either_o hateful_a or_o ridiculous_a and_o now_o however_o we_o conceal_v our_o fail_n from_o one_o another_o yet_o sure_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o they_o ourselves_o and_o some_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o they_o will_v much_o qualify_v and_o 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so_o clear_o as_o when_o we_o place_v they_o before_o this_o infinite_a light_n and_o we_o never_o seem_v less_o in_o our_o own_o eye_n than_o when_o we_o look_v down_o upon_o ourselves_o from_o on_o high_a o_o how_o little_a how_o nothing_o do_v all_o those_o shadow_n of_o perfection_n then_o appear_v for_o which_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o value_v ourselves_o that_o humility_n which_o come_v from_o a_o view_n of_o our_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n be_v more_o turbulent_a and_o boisterous_a but_o the_o other_o lay_v we_o full_a as_o low_a and_o want_v nothing_o but_o that_o anguish_n and_o vexation_n wherewith_o our_o soul_n be_v apt_a to_o boil_v when_o they_o be_v the_o near_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n there_o remain_v yet_o another_o mean_a for_o religion_n beget_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v fervent_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n holiness_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n indeed_o the_o great_a gift_n he_o do_v bestow_v or_o we_o 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