of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n permit_v the_o world_n to_o take_v up_o too_o much_o of_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o else_o he_o be_v confident_a in_o his_o mistake_n and_o very_o think_v that_o he_o understand_v better_a than_o many_o wise_a man_n these_o thing_n which_o he_o never_o understand_v at_o all_o he_o choose_v his_o party_n by_o the_o zeal_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o without_o any_o judicious_a trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o teach_v he_o be_v very_a earnest_n for_o many_o a_o suppose_a truth_n and_o duty_n which_o prove_v at_o last_o to_o be_v no_o truth_n or_o duty_n at_o all_o and_o he_o censure_v many_o a_o wise_a christian_n than_o himself_o for_o many_o a_o suppose_a sin_n which_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o perhaps_o a_o duty_n for_o he_o be_v always_o injudicious_a and_o his_o heat_n be_v great_a than_o his_o light_n or_o else_o his_o light_n be_v too_o flashy_a without_o heat_n peremptory_o he_o do_v set_v down_o some_o among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o excellent_a man_n for_o keep_v he_o company_n in_o his_o mistake_n and_o he_o bold_o number_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o his_o teacher_n with_o the_o transgressor_n for_o be_v of_o a_o sound_a understanding_n than_o himself_o and_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o he_o call_v sin_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n apt_a to_o be_v mislead_v by_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o his_o teacher_n prevail_v more_o with_o he_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n he_o that_o pray_v and_o preach_v most_o fervent_o be_v the_o man_n that_o carry_v he_o away_o though_o none_o of_o his_o argument_n be_v true_o cogent_a if_o he_o hear_v any_o hard_a name_n against_o any_o opinion_n or_o manner_n of_o worship_n he_o receive_v that_o prejudice_n which_o turn_v he_o more_o against_o it_o than_o reason_n can_v have_v do_v so_o the_o bugbear_n name_n of_o heresy_n lutheranism_n and_o calvinism_n frightn_v many_o a_o well-meaning_a papist_n both_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o almost_o from_o his_o wit_n and_o the_o name_n of_o popery_n arminianism_n prelacy_n presbyterianism_n independency_n etc._n etc._n do_v turn_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o from_o thing_n which_o they_o never_o try_v or_o understand_v if_o a_o zealous_a preacher_n do_v but_o call_v any_o opinion_n or_o practice_n antichristian_a or_o idolatrous_a it_o be_v a_o more_o effectual_a terror_n than_o the_o clear_a proof_n big_a and_o terrible_a word_n do_v move_v the_o passion_n while_o the_o understanding_n be_v abase_v or_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o passion_n be_v much_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o hence_o alas_o be_v much_o of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o act._n 21.20_o gal._n 4.17_o 18._o 3._o but_o the_o seem_a christian_n be_v only_o zealous_a final_o for_o himself_o or_o zealous_a about_o the_o small_a matter_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o pharisee_n be_v for_o their_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n or_o for_o his_o own_o invention_n or_o some_o opinion_n or_o way_n in_o which_o his_o honour_n seem_v to_o be_v interest_v and_o pride_n be_v the_o bellows_o of_o his_o zeal_n but_o as_o for_o a_o holy_a zeal_n about_o the_o substance_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o for_o god_n as_o the_o final_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o it_o he_o may_v have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o of_o and_o for_o the_o law_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o material_a cause_n but_o not_o a_o true_a zeal_n for_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a final_a cause_n rom._n 10.2_o 2_o sam._n 21.2_o 2_o king_n 10.16_o act._n 22.3_o li._n a_o christian_a indeed_o can_v bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a though_o he_o love_v not_o their_o weakness_n yet_o he_o pitty_v it_o because_o he_o true_o love_v their_o person_n christ_n have_v teach_v he_o not_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n and_o to_o gather_v the_o lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o gentle_o lead_v they_o that_o be_v with_o young_a isa._n 40.11_o &_o 42.3_o if_o they_o have_v disease_n and_o distemper_n he_o seek_v in_o tenderness_n to_o cure_v they_o and_o not_o in_o wrath_n to_o hurt_v and_o vex_v they_o he_o turn_v not_o the_o infant_n or_o sick_a person_n from_o the_o family_n because_o they_o cry_v or_o be_v unquiet_a unclean_a infirm_a and_o troublesome_a but_o he_o exercise_v his_o love_n and_o pity_n upon_o their_o weakness_n if_o they_o mistake_v their_o way_n or_o be_v ignorant_a and_o peevish_a and_o froward_a in_o their_o mistake_n he_o seek_v not_o to_o undo_v they_o but_o gentle_o to_o reduce_v they_o if_o they_o censure_v himself_o and_o call_v he_o erroneous_a heretical_a antichristian_a idolatrous_a because_o he_o concur_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o mistake_n he_o bear_v it_o with_o love_n and_o patience_n as_o he_o will_v do_v the_o peevish_a chide_n of_o a_o child_n or_o the_o frowardness_n of_o the_o sick_a he_o do_v not_o lose_v his_o charity_n and_o set_v his_o wit_n against_o a_o child_n and_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n and_o be_v revile_v revile_v again_o and_o say_v you_o be_v schismatic_n hypocrite_n obstinate_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v severe_o deal_v with_o but_o he_o overcome_v they_o with_o love_n and_o patience_n which_o be_v the_o conquest_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o the_o happy_a victory_n both_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o he_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o he_o be_v more_o trouble_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o consorious_a than_o for_o his_o own_o be_v wrong_v by_o their_o censure_n phil._n 1.16_o 17_o 18._o rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 14.2_o 3._o 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a be_v ready_a to_o censure_v other_o than_o patient_o to_o bear_v a_o censure_n himself_o either_o he_o storm_v against_o the_o censurer_n as_o if_o they_o do_v he_o some_o unsufferable_a wrong_n through_o the_o overgreat_a esteem_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o reputation_n or_o else_o to_o escape_v the_o fang_n of_o censure_n and_o keep_v up_o his_o repute_n with_o they_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o censorious_a and_o overrun_v his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o be_v well_o speak_v of_o and_o count_v a_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a man_n gal._n 2.12_o 13_o 14._o 3._o but_o the_o seem_a christian_n be_v so_o proud_a and_o selfish_a and_o want_v charity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o weak_a that_o he_o be_v impatient_a of_o their_o provocation_n and_o will_v cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n by_o cut_v their_o throat_n or_o rid_v the_o country_n of_o they_o if_o a_o child_n do_v but_o wrangle_v with_o he_o he_o cry_v away_o with_o he_o he_o be_v a_o troubler_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v more_o notice_n of_o one_o of_o their_o infirmity_n than_o of_o all_o their_o grace_n yea_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o obstinacy_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o they_o if_o they_o do_v but_o cross_v he_o in_o his_o opinion_n or_o reputation_n or_o worldly_a end_n selfishness_n can_v turn_v his_o hypocrisy_n into_o malignity_n and_o cruelty_n if_o once_o he_o take_v they_o to_o be_v against_o his_o interest_n indeed_o his_o interest_n can_v make_v he_o patient_a he_o can_v bear_v with_o they_o that_o he_o look_v to_o gain_v by_o but_o not_o with_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o he_o the_o radical_a enmity_n against_o sincerity_n that_o be_v not_o mortify_v but_o cover_v in_o his_o heart_n will_v easy_o be_v again_o uncover_v mark_n 6.18_o 20_o 21_o 22._o phil._n 1.15_o 16._o 3_o joh._n 9_o lii_o 1._o a_o christian_a indeed_o be_v a_o great_a esteemer_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o great_o averse_a to_o all_o division_n among_o believer_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n a_o abhor_v of_o dismember_n or_o separate_v any_o part_n from_o the_o whole_a so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o member_n that_o have_v life_n can_v but_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o any_o distemper_a attempt_n for_o abscision_n be_v destruction_n the_o member_n die_v that_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o any_o obstruction_n or_o hindrance_n of_o communion_n they_o will_v be_v painful_a or_o unuseful_a he_o feel_v in_o himself_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o those_o strict_a command_n and_o earnest_a exhortation_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o
mind_n and_o use_v by_o it_o and_o as_o interpose_a matter_n or_o defective_a application_n may_v cause_v the_o image_n on_o the_o wax_n to_o be_v imperfect_a though_o make_v by_o the_o most_o perfect_a seal_n so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o case_n when_o one_o man_n do_v defective_o understand_v the_o scripture-description_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n or_o christian_a and_o another_o by_o misunderstanding_n mix_v false_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o and_o another_o by_o a_o corrupt_a deprave_a will_n do_v hinder_v the_o understanding_n from_o believe_v or_o remember_v or_o consider_v and_o use_v what_o it_o partly_o apprehend_v what_o wonder_v if_o the_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n in_o their_o heart_n be_v unlike_o the_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n in_o the_o scripture_n when_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v imperfect_o on_o the_o heart_n be_v there_o mix_v with_o the_o carnal_a law_n in_o their_o member_n no_o marvel_n if_o it_o be_v express_v according_o in_o their_o life_n i_o have_v therefore_o much_o endeavour_v in_o all_o my_o write_n and_o especial_o in_o this_o to_o draw_v out_o the_o full_a portraiture_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o godly_a man_n indeed_o and_o to_o describe_v god_n image_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o just_a information_n of_o the_o reader_n mind_n and_o the_o fill_n up_o of_o the_o want_n and_o rectify_v the_o error_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o his_o former_a conception_n of_o it_o and_o i_o do_v purposely_o inculcate_v the_o same_o thing_n oft_o in_o several_a write_n as_o when_o i_o preach_v i_o do_v in_o all_o my_o sermon_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v that_o i_o bring_v he_o not_o undigested_a needless_a novelty_n and_o that_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o may_v help_v to_o make_v the_o deep_a and_o full_a impression_n for_o my_o work_n be_v to_o subserve_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o put_v god_n law_n into_o man_n heart_n and_o write_v it_o out_o true_o clear_o and_o full_o upon_o their_o inward_a part_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v such_o themselves_o by_o understand_v thorough_o what_o they_o must_v be_v and_o what_o a_o solid_a christian_a be_v and_o that_o thus_o they_o may_v be_v bear_v again_o by_o the_o incorruptible_a immortal_a seed_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o will_v live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o may_v purify_v their_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n 1_o pet._n 1.22_o 23_o 25._o he_o be_v the_o best_a lawyer_n physician_n soldier_n etc._n etc._n who_o have_v his_o doctrine_n in_o his_o brain_n and_o not_o only_o in_o his_o book_n and_o have_v digest_v his_o read_n into_o a_o intellectual_a system_a and_o habit_n of_o knowledge_n if_o minister_n have_v a_o hundred_o time_n over_o repeat_v the_o integral_a portraiture_n or_o character_n of_o a_o sound_n christian_n till_o it_o have_v be_v as_o familiar_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n of_o their_o hearer_n as_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o magistrate_n a_o physician_n a_o schoolmaster_n a_o husbandman_n a_o shepher_v and_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o powerful_a mean_n to_o make_v sound_a christian_n but_o when_o man_n mind_n conceive_v of_o a_o christian_a as_o a_o man_n that_o differ_v from_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n in_o nothing_o but_o hold_v the_o christian_a opinion_n and_o use_v different_a word_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n and_o such_o like_a no_o wonder_n if_o such_o be_v but_o opinionative_n lifeless_a christian_n and_o if_o their_o religion_n make_v they_o no_o better_a than_o a_o seneca_n or_o plutarch_n i_o shall_v never_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v any_o sure_a to_o be_v save_v than_o they_o and_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o be_v that_o suppose_v christianity_n to_o consist_v but_o of_o these_o three_o part_n 1._o the_o christian_a doctrine_n acknowledge_v which_o they_o call_v faith_n 2._o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o worship_n submit_v to_o and_o decent_o use_v which_o they_o call_v godliness_n and_o 3._o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o a_o cato_n cicero_n or_o socrates_n adjoin_v but_o all_o that_o go_v beyond_o this_o which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o godliness_n a_o lively_a faith_n and_o hope_v and_o love_n a_o heavenly_a and_o holy_a mind_n and_o life_n from_o the_o renew_n in_o dwel_v spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o this_o treatise_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o it_o and_o take_v it_o to_o be_v but_o fancy_n and_o hypocrisy_n these_o no-christians_a do_v much_o to_o reduce_v the_o church_n to_o infidelity_n that_o there_o may_v be_v indeed_o no_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v if_o there_o be_v no_o better_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n than_o these_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v be_v no_o christian_n myself_o and_o if_o christ_n make_v man_n no_o better_o than_o the_o religion_n of_o socrates_n cato_n or_o seneca_n and_o do_v no_o more_o to_o the_o reparation_n and_o perfect_a of_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n i_o shall_v think_v no_o better_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o of_o they_o for_o the_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o end_n and_o use_v and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a physician_n that_o have_v the_o remedy_n which_o be_v fit_a to_o work_v the_o cure_n if_o god_n have_v not_o acquaint_v i_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o have_v real_o more_o holiness_n mortification_n spirituality_n love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o and_o even_o to_o enemy_n and_o more_o heavenly_a desire_n expectation_n and_o delight_n than_o these_o man_n before_o describe_v have_v it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a great_a hindrance_n to_o my_o faith_n the_o same_o may_v i_o say_v of_o those_o that_o place_n godliness_n and_o christianity_n only_o in_o hold_v strict_a opinion_n and_o in_o affect_a needless_a singularity_n and_o in_o the_o fluent_a oratory_n and_o length_n of_o prayer_n and_o avoid_v other_o man_n form_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o any_o thing_n short_a of_o a_o renew_a holy_a heavenly_a heart_n and_o life_n and_o undoubted_o if_o a_o true_a full_a character_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o so_o blot_v with_o sensuality_n selfishness_n pride_n ambition_n worldliness_n distrust_n of_o god_n self-conceitedness_n heresy_n schism_n rebellion_n unquietness_n impatiency_n unmercifulness_n and_o cruelty_n to_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n as_o we_o have_v see_v they_o in_o this_o age_n and_o all_o this_o justify_v as_o consistent_a with_o religion_n and_o i_o fear_v that_o because_o this_o treatise_n will_v speak_v to_o few_o that_o be_v not_o some_o way_n guilty_a every_o face_n which_o have_v a_o spot_n or_o blemish_n will_v be_v offend_v with_o the_o glass_n and_o lest_o the_o faulty_a will_v say_v that_o i_o particular_o intend_v to_o disgrace_v they_o but_o i_o must_v here_o tell_v the_o reader_n to_o prevent_v his_o misunderstanding_n that_o if_o he_o shall_v imagine_v that_o i_o have_v my_o eye_n upon_o particular_a party_n and_o as_o a_o discontent_a person_n do_v intend_v to_o blame_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o myself_o or_o to_o grieve_v inferior_n or_o dishonour_n and_o asperse_v superior_n they_o will_v mistake_v i_o and_o wrong_v themselves_o and_o i_o who_o profess_o intend_v but_o the_o true_a description_n of_o sound_a christian_n disease_a christian_n and_o seem_a christian_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o writing_n i_o be_o conscious_a it_o have_v but_o little_a to_o commend_v it_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v publish_v the_o lord_n verulam_n in_o his_o essay_n true_o say_v that_o much_o read_n make_v one_o full_a much_o discourse_n do_v make_v one_o ready_a and_o much_o writing_n do_v make_v a_o man_n exact_a though_o i_o have_v have_v my_o part_n of_o all_o these_o mean_n yet_o be_v part_v five_o year_n from_o my_o book_n and_o three_o year_n from_o my_o preach_v the_o effect_n may_v decay_v and_o you_o must_v expect_v neither_o quotation_n or_o oratory_n testimony_n or_o ornament_n of_o stile_n but_o have_v not_o yet_o whole_o cease_v from_o write_v i_o may_v own_o so_o much_o of_o the_o exactness_n as_o will_v allow_v i_o to_o entreat_v the_o reader_n not_o to_o use_v i_o as_o many_o have_v do_v who_o by_o overlook_a some_o one_o word_n have_v make_v the_o sense_n another_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v it_o a_o crime_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o write_v because_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o be_v exact_a in_o read_v or_o charitable_a or_o humane_a in_o interpret_n the_o content_n the_o character_n of_o a_o strong_a
and_o languor_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v see_v in_o the_o faintness_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o many_o blemish_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o sight_n and_o sensual_a object_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o powerful_a with_o he_o by_o how_o much_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v dark_a and_o weak_a 3._o the_o hypocrite_n or_o best_a of_o the_o unregenerate_a believe_v but_o either_o with_o a_o humane_a faith_n which_o rest_v but_o on_o the_o word_n of_o man_n or_o else_o with_o a_o dead_a opinionative_n faith_n which_o be_v overpower_v by_o infidelity_n or_o be_v like_o the_o dream_a thought_n of_o a_o man_n asleep_a which_o stir_v he_o not_o to_o action_n he_o live_v by_o sight_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n for_o he_o have_v not_o a_o faith_n that_o will_v overpower_v sense_n and_o sensual_a object_n jam._n 2.14_o mat._n 13.22_o ii_o 1._o a_o christian_a indeed_o not_o only_o know_v why_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o see_v those_o reason_n for_o his_o religion_n which_o disgrace_n all_o that_o the_o cunning_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n can_v say_v against_o it_o and_o so_o far_o satisfy_v confirm_v and_o establish_v he_o that_o emergent_a difficulty_n temptation_n and_o objection_n do_v not_o at_o all_o stagger_v he_o or_o raise_v any_o deliberate_a doubt_n in_o he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o see_v first_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o those_o foundation-truth_n which_o nature_n itself_o make_v know_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a be_v power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o creator_n the_o owner_n the_o ruler_n and_o the_o father_n felicity_n and_o end_n of_o man_n that_o we_o owe_v he_o all_o our_o love_n and_o service_n that_o none_o of_o our_o fidelity_n shall_v be_v in_o vain_a or_o unrewarded_a and_o none_o shall_v be_v final_o a_o loser_n by_o his_o duty_n that_o man_n who_o be_v natural_o govern_v by_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o life_n be_v make_v and_o live_v for_o that_o other_o life_n where_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v sentence_v by_o god_n his_o judge_n to_o happiness_n or_o misery_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o he_o discern_v the_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o those_o supernatural_a superadded_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o he_o see_v how_o wonderful_o these_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o former_a and_o how_o excellent_o the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n doctrine_n and_o law_n agree_v and_o how_o much_o countenance_n supernatural_a truth_n receive_v from_o the_o presuppose_a natural_n so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o adhere_v to_o christ_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o mere_a engagement_n of_o education_n friend_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n nor_o by_o a_o blind_a resolution_n which_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o strong_a temptation_n from_o a_o deceiver_n or_o a_o worldly_a interest_n to_o shake_v or_o overthrow_v it_o but_o he_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n which_o will_v stand_v in_o the_o assault_n of_o satan_n storm_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o mat._n 16.18_o &_o 13.23_o &_o 7.25_o joh._n 6.68_o 69._o 2._o but_o a_o weak_a christian_a have_v but_o a_o dim_a and_o general_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o but_o a_o weak_a apprehension_n of_o they_o though_o he_o have_v the_o best_a and_o most_o unanswerable_a reason_n and_o either_o he_o be_v confident_a in_o the_o dark_a upon_o ground_n which_o he_o can_v make_v good_a and_o which_o want_v but_o a_o strong_a assault_n to_o shake_v they_o or_o else_o he_o be_v trouble_v and_o ready_a to_o stagger_v at_o every_o difficulty_n which_o occur_v every_o hard_a say_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v offend_v he_o and_o every_o seem_a contradiction_n shake_v he_o and_o the_o depth_n of_o mystery_n which_o pass_v his_o understanding_n do_v make_v he_o say_v as_o nicodemus_n of_o regeneration_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o if_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o cunning_a infidel_n he_o be_v unable_a so_o to_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o clear_v his_o way_n through_o they_o as_o to_o come_v off_o unwounded_a and_o unshaken_a and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o belief_n by_o discern_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o it_o heb._n 5.12_o 13._o matth._n 15.16_o 1_o cor._n 14.20_o joh._n 12.16_o 3._o the_o seem_a christian_a either_o have_v no_o solid_a reason_n at_o all_o for_o his_o religion_n or_o else_o if_o he_o have_v the_o best_a he_o have_v no_o sound_a apprehension_n of_o they_o but_o though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n and_o can_v preach_v and_o defend_v the_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o so_o root_v in_o he_o as_o to_o endure_v the_o trial_n but_o if_o a_o strong_a temptation_n from_o subtlety_n or_o carnal_a interest_n assault_v he_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o sand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o he_o a_o secret_a root_n of_o bitterness_n and_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n which_o cause_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n heb._n 3.12_o matth._n 13.20_o 21_o 22._o matth._n 7.26_o 27._o heb._n 12.15_o joh._n 6.60_o 64_o 66._o 1_o tim._n 6.10_o 11._o iii_o 1._o a_o christian_a indeed_o be_v not_o only_o confirm_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n but_o he_o have_v a_o clear_a delightful_a sight_n of_o those_o useful_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o integral_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o fundamental_o and_o be_v the_o branch_n of_o the_o master-point_n of_o faith_n though_o he_o see_v not_o all_o the_o lesser_a truth_n which_o be_v branch_v out_o at_o last_o into_o innumerable_a particle_n yet_o he_o see_v the_o main_a body_n of_o sacred_a verity_n deliver_v by_o christ_n for_o man_n sanctification_n and_o see_v they_o methodical_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o see_v how_o one_o support_v another_o and_o in_o how_o beautiful_a a_o order_n and_o contexture_n they_o be_v place_v and_o as_o he_o stick_v not_o in_o the_o bare_a principle_n so_o he_o receive_v all_o these_o addition_n of_o knowledge_n not_o notional_o only_a but_o practical_o as_o the_o food_n on_o which_o his_o soul_n must_v live_v heb._n 5.13_o 14._o &_o 6.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 13.11_o eph._n 1.18_o &_o 3.18_o 19_o joh._n 13.17_o 2._o a_o weak_a christian_n in_o knowledge_n beside_o the_o principle_n or_o essential_o of_o religion_n do_v know_v but_o a_o few_o disorder_a scatter_a truth_n which_o be_v also_o but_o half_o know_v because_o while_o he_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o those_o point_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o other_o which_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o support_v and_o clear_v and_o improve_n of_o they_o and_o because_o he_o know_v they_o not_o in_o their_o place_n and_o order_n and_o relation_n and_o aspect_n upon_o other_o truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o temptation_n be_v strong_a and_o come_v with_o advantage_n the_o weak_a christian_a in_o such_o point_n be_v easy_o draw_v into_o many_o error_n and_o thence_o into_o great_a confidence_n and_o conceitedness_n in_o those_o error_n and_o thence_o into_o sinful_a dangerous_a course_n in_o the_o prosecution_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o error_n such_o be_v like_a child_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o and_o carry_v to_o and_o fro_o by_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o cunning_a sleight_n and_o subtlety_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v eph._n 4.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.3_o col._n 2.4_o 2_o tim._n 3.7_o 3._o the_o seem_a christian_n have_v no_o save_v practical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n themselves_o do_v therefore_o either_o neglect_v to_o know_v the_o rest_n or_o know_v they_o but_o notional_o as_o common_a science_n and_o subject_v they_o all_o to_o his_o worldly_a interest_n and_o therefore_o be_v still_o of_o that_o side_n or_o party_n in_o religion_n which_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o safety_n honour_n or_o preferment_n his_o flesh_n command_v he_o to_o follow_v either_o he_o be_v still_o on_o the_o great_a rise_v side_n and_o of_o the_o ruler_n religion_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v or_o if_o he_o dissent_v it_o be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o another_o game_n which_o pride_n or_o fleshly_a end_n have_v start_v 2_o pet._n 2.14_o gal._n 3.3_o joh._n 9.22_o &_o 12.42_o 43._o matth._n 13.21.22_o iv._o 1._o the_o christian_a indeed_o have_v not_o only_a reason_n for_o his_o religion_n but_o also_o have_v a_o inward_a connatural_a principle_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v as_o a_o new-nature_n incline_v and_o enliven_a he_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n whereby_o he_o mind_v and_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o that_o his_o nature_n do_v work_v blind_o as_o nature_n do_v in_o the_o
to_o forget_v that_o these_o be_v but_o his_o messenger_n and_o instrument_n to_o convey_v unto_o we_o several_a parcel_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v his_o and_o not_o they_o and_o which_o natural_o or_o supernatural_o they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o all_o these_o candle_n be_v light_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o sun_n and_o how_o little_a do_v this_o weak_a christian_a refer_v his_o common_a knowledge_n to_o god_n or_o use_v it_o for_o he_o or_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o own_o and_o other_o happiness_n 1_o tim._n 2.4_o 3._o and_o the_o seem_a christian_n though_o material_o he_o may_v be_v eminent_a for_o knowledge_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resign_v himself_o to_o the_o teach_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o make_v even_o his_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a verity_n to_o be_v to_o he_o but_o a_o common_a carnal_a thing_n while_o he_o know_v it_o but_o in_o a_o common_a manner_n and_o use_v it_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o never_o yet_o learned_a so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n nor_o to_o love_n god_n as_o god_n above_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 13.2_o x._o 1._o a_o christian_a indeed_o be_v one_o who_o repentance_n have_v be_v deep_a and_o serious_a and_o universal_a and_o unchangeable_a it_o have_v go_v to_o the_o very_a root_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sore_a and_o have_v not_o leave_v behind_o it_o any_o reign_v unmortified_a sin_n nor_o any_o prevalent_a love_n to_o fleshly_a pleasure_n his_o repentance_n do_v not_o only_o disgrace_v his_o sin_n and_o cast_v some_o reproachful_a word_n against_o it_o and_o use_v confession_n to_o excuse_v he_o from_o mortification_n and_o to_o save_v its_o life_n and_o hide_v it_o from_o the_o mortal_a blow_n nor_o do_v he_o only_o repent_v of_o his_o open_a sin_n and_o those_o that_o be_v most_o censure_v by_o the_o beholder_n of_o his_o life_n but_o he_o special_o perceive_v the_o dangerous_a poison_n of_o pride_n and_o unbelief_n and_o worldliness_n and_o the_o want_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o all_o his_o outward_a and_o small_a sin_n do_v serve_v to_o show_v he_o the_o great_a malignity_n of_o these_o and_o these_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o great_a lamentation_n he_o take_v not_o up_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n with_o strong_a corruption_n secret_o cover_v in_o his_o heart_n but_o his_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o corruption_n and_o the_o purify_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o do_v not_o secret_o cherish_v any_o sin_n as_o too_o sweet_a or_o too_o profitable_a to_o be_v utter_o forsake_v nor_o overlook_v it_o as_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a matter_n but_o he_o feel_v sin_n to_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o his_o disease_n and_o as_o he_o desire_v not_o one_o enemy_n one_o sickness_n one_o wound_n one_o break_a bone_n one_o serpent_n in_o his_o bed_n so_o he_o desire_v not_o any_o one_o sin_n to_o be_v spare_v in_o his_o soul_n but_o faith_n with_o david_n psal._n 139.23_o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a he_o live_v in_o no_o gross_a or_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o his_o infirmity_n be_v comparative_o few_o and_o small_a so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o sharp_a accuser_n of_o himself_o than_o the_o most_o observant_a spectator_n be_v that_o be_v just_a there_o will_v little_o be_v know_v by_o he_o that_o be_v culpable_a and_o matter_n of_o reproof_n he_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n blameless_a as_o to_o any_o notable_a miscarriage_n luk._n 1.6_o he_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o who_o he_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o world_n phil_n 2_o 15._o the_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n be_v the_o work_n and_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a though_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n but_o what_o he_o be_v a_o hater_n of_o and_o fain_o will_v be_v deliver_v from_o yet_o alas_o how_o imperfect_a be_v his_o deliverance_n and_o how_o weak_a be_v the_o hatred_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o mix_v with_o so_o much_o proneness_n to_o it_o thaâ—_n his_o life_n be_v much_o blemish_v with_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o offence_n though_o his_o unbelief_n and_o pride_n and_o worldleness_n be_v not_o predominant_a in_o he_o yet_o be_v they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o still_o so_o strong_a and_o fight_v so_o much_o against_o his_o faith_n humility_n and_o heavenliness_n that_o he_o can_v scarce_o tell_v which_o have_v the_o upper_a hand_n nor_o can_v other_o that_o see_v the_o fail_n of_o his_o life_n discern_v whether_o the_o good_a or_o the_o evil_n be_v most_o prevalent_a though_o it_o be_v heaven_n which_o he_o most_o seek_v yet_o earth_n be_v so_o much_o regard_v by_o he_o that_o his_o heavenly_a mindedness_n be_v great_o damp_a and_o suppress_v by_o it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o walk_v in_o yet_o be_v it_o with_o so_o many_o stumbling_n and_o fall_n if_o not_o deviation_n also_o that_o make_v he_o oft_o a_o burden_n to_o himself_o a_o shame_n to_o his_o profession_n and_o a_o snare_n or_o trouble_v to_o those_o about_o he_o his_o heart_n be_v like_o a_o ill_o sweep_v house_n that_o have_v many_o a_o sluttish_a corner_n in_o it_o and_o his_o life_n be_v like_o a_o moth-eaten_a garment_n which_o have_v many_o a_o hole_n which_o you_o may_v see_v if_o you_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o light_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 6.6_o 7_o 8._o &_o 11.18_o 21_o 22_o etc._n etc._n 3._o and_o for_o the_o seem_a christian_a his_o repentance_n do_v but_o crop_n the_o branch_n it_o go_v not_o to_o the_o root_n and_o heart_n of_o his_o sin_n it_o leave_v his_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o dominion_n it_o pollish_v his_o life_n but_o make_v he_o not_o a_o new_a creature_n it_o cast_v away_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o flesh_n can_v spare_v and_o which_o bring_v more_o shame_n or_o loss_n or_o trouble_n with_o they_o than_o worldly_a honour_n gain_n or_o pleasure_n but_o still_o he_o be_v a_o very_a worldling_n at_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o his_o fleshly_a pleasure_n and_o felicity_n consist_v in_o he_o will_v hide_v by_o confession_n and_o seem_a opposition_n but_o never_o mortify_v and_o forsake_v as_o judas_n that_o while_o he_o follow_v christ_n be_v yet_o a_o thief_n and_o a_o covetous_a hypocrite_n joh._n 12.6_o 1_o tim._n 6.10_o 11._o xi_o 1._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o christian_a indeed_o do_v hearty_o love_v the_o search_a light_n that_o it_o may_v full_o acquaint_v he_o with_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v true_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o use_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o candle_n to_o show_v he_o what_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o bring_v himself_o willing_o into_o the_o light_n he_o love_v the_o most_o search_a book_n and_o preacher_n not_o only_o because_o they_o disclose_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n but_o his_o own_o he_o be_v not_o one_o that_o so_o love_v his_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a sin_n as_o to_o fly_v the_o light_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o know_v they_o and_o so_o to_o forsake_v they_o but_o because_o he_o hate_v they_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v they_o therefore_o he_o will_v know_v they_o joh._n 3.19_o 20_o 21._o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o only_o patient_a under_o reproof_n but_o love_v they_o and_o be_v thankful_a to_o a_o charitable_a reprover_n and_o make_v a_o good_a use_n even_o of_o malicious_a and_o passionate_a reproof_n psal._n 141.5_o 2_o sam._n 16.11_o he_o say_v as_o in_o job_n 34.32_o that_o which_o i_o see_v not_o teach_v thou_o i_o if_o i_o have_v do_v iniquity_n i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o his_o hatred_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v reform_v suffer_v not_o his_o heart_n by_o pride_n to_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o remedy_n and_o reject_v reproof_n though_o he_o will_v not_o false_o confess_v his_o duty_n to_o be_v his_o sin_n nor_o take_v the_o judgement_n of_o every_o selfish_n passionate_a or_o ignorant_a reprover_n to_o be_v infallible_a nor_o to_o be_v his_o rule_n yet_o if_o a_o judicious_a impartial_a person_n do_v but_o suspect_v he_o of_o a_o fault_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v himself_o of_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v clear_a he_o love_v he_o better_o that_o will_v save_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n than_o he_o that_o will_v entice_v he_o to_o it_o and_o take_v he_o for_o his_o best_a