religion_n be_v in_o its_o essence_n a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a holiness_n outward_a action_n can_v be_v consider_v but_o two_o way_n either_o as_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n or_o else_o as_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o holiness_n and_o both_o way_n a_o sober_a temperate_a life_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n of_o it_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a though_o i_o can_v here_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o allowance_n make_v for_o the_o variety_n of_o temper_n and_o the_o different_a strength_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n proportionable_a to_o each_o man_n different_a case_n have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v i_o come_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o promote_v god_n glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n 1._o god_n glory_n 1._o though_o a_o right_a understanding_n be_v whole_o necessary_a to_o yet_o itself_o be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a knowledge_n or_o belief_n of_o a_o truth_n but_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o obedience_n by_o which_o we_o honour_v god_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o where_n more_o light_a of_o knowledge_n heaven_n except_v than_o in_o those_o region_n of_o darkness_n where_o the_o most_o impious_a spirit_n dwell_v but_o no_o body_n will_v say_v that_o they_o there_o worship_n god_n it_o be_v true_a a_o understanding_n illuminate_v be_v certain_o a_o beautiful_a thing_n but_o then_o if_o it_o be_v join_v to_o a_o unsanctified_a will_n the_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v the_o most_o deform_a and_o loathsome_a thing_n imaginable_a for_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o the_o most_o disproportionable_a and_o contradictory_n thing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v form_v as_o the_o poet_n fancy_n man_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o slime_n of_o the_o deluge_n the_o upper_a part_n enliven_v flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o low_a mud_n and_o clay_n the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n enhaunce_v the_o guilt_n of_o malice_n and_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o will_n for_o to_o see_v god_n and_o not_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o be_v strange_o malicious_a but_o if_o his_o beauty_n be_v not_o adore_v by_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o you_o have_v be_v blind_a than_o have_v you_o have_v no_o sin_n 2._o the_o heaven_n say_v the_o psalmist_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n their_o brightness_n and_o vastness_n whilst_o they_o engage_v our_o wonder_n invite_v we_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o infiniteness_n and_o majesty_n of_o their_o architect_n so_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n declare_v his_o glory_n too_o for_o be_v renew_v after_o his_o image_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n they_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n a_o imperfect_a draught_n of_o some_o of_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n 〈◊〉_d god_n they_o worship_v thus_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n import_v to_o the_o apostle_n force_v the_o beholder_n to_o glorify_v god_n who_o have_v give_v such_o gift_n unto_o man_n so_o too_o christ_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n to_o let_v their_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n that_o when_o they_o see_v those_o good_a work_n they_o may_v glorify_v god_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n induce_v by_o the_o loveliness_n of_o that_o goodness_n derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o other_o be_v by_o his_o power_n 3._o it_o be_v goodness_n by_o which_o we_o own_o a_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v we_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o confession_n of_o our_o meanness_n and_o his_o majesty_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o law_n be_v the_o full_a proof_n we_o can_v give_v of_o our_o allegiance_n and_o his_o supremacy_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o live_v irreligious_o let_v they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o think_v what_o they_o will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o work_n 4._o holiness_n or_o goodness_n be_v real_o divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n define_v to_o be_v religion_n and_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o know_v god_n this_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a this_o be_v understanding_n to_o do_v justice_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v god_n say_v the_o lord_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v one_o self_n unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n more_o plain_o what_o be_v worship_n but_o the_o cleave_a to_o god_n with_o purity_n and_o earnestness_n of_o affection_n act_v in_o conformity_n to_o his_o law_n as_o those_o affection_n shall_v invite_v and_o enable_v we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n with_o holiness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n contribute_v to_o god_n glory_n the_o two_o only_a way_n we_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o glorify_v he_o that_o be_v by_o our_o own_o particular_a worship_n and_o by_o the_o influence_n our_o example_n have_v upon_o other_o §_o 2._o it_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n here_o and_o hereafter_o 1._o here._n 1._o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o peacefu_n government_n friendly_a neighbourhood_n i_o comfortable_a and_o close_a union_n and_o pleasant_a retirement_n depend_v on_o and_o arise_v from_o goodness_n but_o suppose_v the_o world_n plant_v with_o covetousness_n instead_o of_o justice_n pride_n instead_o of_o meekness_n cruelty_n instead_o of_o compassion_n revenge_n and_o malice_n instead_o of_o mildness_n and_o charity_n falsehood_n and_o lie_v instead_o of_o constancy_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o imagine_v if_o you_o can_v whether_o all_o society_n will_v not_o be_v tear_v into_o as_o many_o faction_n as_o there_o be_v cross_a interest_n and_o opposite_a passion_n whether_o any_o commerce_n can_v be_v just_a and_o smooth_a any_o tie_n last_v and_o delightful_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o find_v security_n or_o pleasure_n either_o in_o a_o private_a or_o a_o public_a life_n 2._o it_o be_v holiness_n which_o best_o secure_v a_o man_n inward_a peace_n guard_n and_o arm_n he_o against_o those_o impression_n which_o outward_a temptation_n make_v prescribe_v bound_n to_o our_o desire_n scatter_v our_o fear_n confirm_v our_o hope_n raise_v our_o affection_n to_o thing_n of_o true_a and_o last_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o few_o word_n it_o not_o only_o settle_v our_o peace_n by_o establish_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o mind_n over_o the_o inferior_a appetite_n but_o also_o provide_v for_o our_o pleasure_n by_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n 2._o hereafter_o 3._o goodness_n be_v whole_o necessary_a 1._o to_o recommend_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o infinite_a purity_n and_o excellency_n can_v approve_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o unholy_a this_o be_v the_o message_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o that_o god_n be_v light_a etc._n etc._n where_o you_o see_v that_o the_o law_n be_v found_v in_o his_o nature_n have_v a_o intrinsic_a resemblance_n to_o his_o own_o holiness_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o can_v neither_o alter_v it_o nor_o dispense_v with_o its_o observation_n 2._o to_o qualify_v we_o for_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v goodness_n which_o wean_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o fondness_n for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n and_o possess_v it_o with_o a_o intense_a love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n which_o two_o thing_n do_v first_o capacitate_v it_o for_o that_o world_n wherein_o god_n and_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v and_o second_o recommend_v it_o to_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o it_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n speak_v this_o doctrine_n in_o express_a term_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n he_o be_v still_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n his_o miracle_n do_v confirm_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o this_o too_o be_v careful_o secure_v to_o gain_v authority_n to_o his_o doctrine_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n of_o what_o use_n will_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o relation_n either_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o man_n happiness_n if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o not_o obey_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v light_v come_v into_o the_o world_n if_o man_n may_v still_o love_v darkness_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o son_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n reveal_v he_o more_o glorious_o to_o we_o if_o know_v he_o as_o god_n it_o be_v yet_o lawful_a for_o we_o not_o to_o glorify_v he_o
dark_a chamber_n and_o mark_v how_o thou_o must_v lie_v in_o thy_o bed_n of_o sickness_n and_o of_o death_n consider_v how_o all_o thy_o hope_n and_o comfort_n all_o thy_o design_n and_o purpose_n as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v this_o world_n must_v vanish_v like_o a_o dream_n and_o think_v what_o need_n thou_o will_v then_o stand_v in_o of_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o comfort_n which_o reason_n and_o religion_n the_o ministry_n and_o prayer_n of_o thy_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o friend_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n can_v furnish_v thou_o with_o then_o thou_o will_v need_v a_o strong_a faith_n and_o a_o vigorous_a love_n and_o a_o entire_a humility_n to_o enable_v thou_o to_o bear_v thy_o agony_n patient_o and_o part_n with_o the_o world_n cheerful_o and_o meet_v thy_o god_n compos'd_o 4._o do_v not_o indulge_v thyself_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o utmost_a liberty_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o innocence_n vice_n border_n very_o close_o upon_o virtue_n he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v burn_v must_v not_o approach_v so_o nigh_o the_o fire_n as_o to_o be_v singe_v beside_o such_o freedom_n do_v insensible_o instill_v sensuality_n into_o the_o soul_n at_o leastwise_o if_o so_o thick_a a_o air_n do_v not_o sully_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v too_o gross_a and_o mix_v to_o whiten_v and_o clear_v it_o 5._o catch_v at_o every_o opportunity_n of_o a_o holy_a discourse_n and_o learn_v to_o raise_v from_o every_o thing_n a_o heavenly_a thought_n and_o to_o manage_v every_o accident_n to_o some_o spiritual_a purpose_n embrace_v all_o example_n of_o a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o search_v after_o all_o occasion_n of_o do_v good_a decline_v by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o prudence_n and_o religion_n what_o ever_o either_o company_n or_o discourse_n whatever_o either_o sight_n or_o entertainment_n may_v soften_v thy_o temper_n thaw_v thy_o resolution_n discompose_v thy_o calm_n or_o allay_v thy_o heavenly_a mindedness_n or_o endear_v the_o world_n to_o thou_o sin_n steal_v in_o through_o the_o eye_n or_o ear_n etc._n etc._n dress_v up_o in_o beauty_n mirth_n luxury_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o wound_n whilst_o it_o delight_v and_o it_o stain_v where_o it_o touch_v and_o it_o captive_n what_o it_o once_o possess_v 6._o be_v sure_a that_o thy_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o substantial_a and_o weighty_a thing_n not_o fanciful_a and_o conceit_a for_o example_n 1._o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o know_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v the_o riches_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o do_v not_o misspend_v thy_o time_n nor_o weary_a and_o disturb_v thy_o soul_n with_o curiosity_n and_o vain_a dispute_n which_o usual_o grow_v out_o of_o interest_n and_o pride_n or_o a_o impertinent_a and_o trifle_a spirit_n 2._o as_o to_o practice_n let_v thy_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o fundamental_a duty_n not_o conceit_n or_o will_v worship_v of_o charity_n and_o humility_n obedience_n mortification_n and_o purity_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o to_o keep_v one_o self_n unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n religion_n be_v not_o a_o devout_a whimsy_n a_o sullen_a austerity_n or_o a_o blind_a and_o giddy_a passion_n but_o all_o that_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a god_n guide_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o in_o the_o path_n of_o holiness_n i_o be_o the_o purchase_n of_o thy_o son_n blood_n i_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o thy_o glorious_a gospel_n and_o receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o thy_o love_n thy_o holy_a spirit_n o_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v not_o receive_v thy_o grace_n in_o vain_a that_o i_o may_v not_o suffer_v wreck_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o haven_n but_o assist_v i_o by_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n mortify_v each_o day_n more_o and_o more_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o grow_v in_o all_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v praise_v worthy_a that_o so_o the_o near_o i_o approach_v eternity_n the_o fit_a for_o it_o i_o may_v be_v that_o my_o state_n here_o be_v a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n each_o day_n may_v give_v fresh_a vigour_n to_o my_o devotion_n so_o that_o i_o may_v not_o faint_a till_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o master_n and_o receive_v a_o crown_n amen_n amen_n holy_a jesus_n i_o have_v consider_v 1._o our_o obligation_n to_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o life_n nor_o that_o to_o come_v without_o it_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v as_o it_o regard_v either_o belief_n or_o practice_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a philosophy_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o systeme_n of_o most_o exalt_a holiness_n such_o as_o may_v become_v man_n who_o be_v design_v for_o another_o life_n it_o remain_v now_o 3._o to_o consider_v by_o what_o powerful_a motive_n the_o gospel_n engage_v we_o to_o duty_n which_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o natural_a state_n and_o strength_n practical_a christianity_n part_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v to_o holiness_n the_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n oblige_v we_o to_o holiness_n be_v 1._o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o vice_n in_o another_o world_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 3._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n 5._o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o vice_n 6._o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o 7._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o leave_v a_o place_n for_o repentance_n 1._o of_o the_o first_o motive_n upon_o what_o account_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o how_o death_n be_v abolish_v and_o how_o life_n and_o immortality_n may_v be_v attain_v 2_o that_o it_o have_v manifest_v this_o to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o 3._o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v in_o full_a and_o clear_a word_n lay_v down_o in_o almost_o every_o page_n of_o it_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a mat._n 25._o and_o ro._n 2.5_o there_o be_v a_o day_n mention_v which_o be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n because_o he_o will_v then_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a but_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a this_o be_v so_o to_o sin_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o silly_a and_o weak_a a_o thing_n no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o for_o can_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o such_o a_o choice_n as_o this_o whether_o he_o will_v live_v eternal_o or_o die_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o or_o for_o a_o moment_n upon_o supposal_n that_o sin_n can_v make_v i_o live_v one_o happy_a moment_n it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o another_o life_n no_o account_n to_o be_v take_v in_o another_o world_n the_o case_n will_v be_v much_o alter_v for_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v i_o humble_o conceive_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n or_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o business_n of_o reason_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n at_o least_o only_o to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n our_o reason_n will_v talk_v to_o we_o at_o another_o rate_n because_o it_o will_v proceed_v by_o different_a principle_n good_a and_o evil_n will_v then_o peradventure_o be_v different_a thing_n for_o whatever_o will_v make_v for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n of_o
practical_a christianity_n or_o a_o account_n of_o the_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v with_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o and_o the_o remedy_n it_o propose_v against_o temptation_n with_o a_o prayer_n conclude_v each_o distinct_a head_n imprimatur_fw-la exit_fw-la aedib_n lambethanis_n 23._o decemb._n 1676._o geo._n hooper_n london_n print_v by_o s._n and_o b._n g._n for_o r._n pawlet_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o chancery-lane_n 1677._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n to_o endear_v holiness_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o design_n neither_o so_o trifle_a nor_o criminal_a as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o excuse_n but_o because_o a_o very_a worthy_a design_n may_v miscarry_v in_o the_o contrivance_n and_o method_n of_o its_o prosecution_n therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v religion_n in_o its_o true_a and_o natural_a character_n purify_v from_o the_o sensual_a freedom_n which_o some_o and_o the_o frantic_a and_o conceit_a whimsy_n which_o other_o deform_v it_o by_o i_o have_v propose_v the_o glorious_a motive_n to_o holiness_n and_o the_o powerful_a remedy_n against_o temptation_n which_o it_o contain_v i_o have_v perform_v this_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o a_o easy_a method_n and_o familiar_a style_n i_o have_v not_o intermix_v either_o fancy_n or_o passion_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o too_o light_a and_o garish_a a_o dress_n for_o divine_a thought_n but_o write_v they_o in_o as_o natural_a a_o plainness_n and_o majesty_n as_o i_o can_v give_v they_o hope_v all_o from_o the_o conquer_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o clear_a truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o he_o who_o shall_v design_v any_o advantage_n to_o himself_o from_o this_o treatise_n to_o read_v it_o deliberate_o and_o allow_v each_o sentence_n a_o proper_a consideration_n for_o be_v force_v to_o crowd_v many_o truth_n into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n i_o have_v weave_v the_o matter_n a_o little_o close_a and_o choose_v a_o conciser_n stile_n than_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v betray_v by_o i_o into_o a_o wise_a love_n of_o religion_n at_o unaware_o or_o to_o be_v heat_v into_o a_o romantic_a passion_n for_o virtue_n the_o former_a be_v impossible_a and_o the_o latter_a of_o little_a use_n but_o if_o you_o bring_v a_o honest_a and_o attentive_a mind_n i_o hope_v you_o may_v find_v something_o in_o this_o discourse_n which_o may_v be_v of_o very_o important_a service_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o beside_o this_o i_o have_v one_o inducement_n more_o to_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o be_v i_o be_o sufficient_o assure_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o discourse_n contribute_v more_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o church_n and_o state_n than_o those_o practical_a one_o which_o aim_v at_o implant_n a_o real_a goodness_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o goodness_n be_v it_o which_o have_v betray_v we_o into_o error_n so_o numerous_a and_o so_o fatal_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o that_o charity_n and_o meekness_n and_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n which_o become_v christian_n we_o shall_v consider_v more_o calm_o and_o see_v more_o clear_o and_o act_v more_o sincere_o we_o shall_v discern_v a_o more_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o religion_n in_o those_o unnatural_a feud_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o so_o much_o passion_n in_o such_o irreligious_a method_n and_o make_v use_v of_o to_o such_o unchristian_a purpose_n than_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o contest_v and_o we_o shall_v follow_v after_o peace_n by_o a_o compliance_n if_o not_o to_o all_o yet_o to_o all_o we_o can_v and_o then_o i_o be_o confident_a we_o shall_v soon_o put_v a_o end_n if_o not_o to_o our_o mistake_v yet_o to_o our_o division_n if_o i_o have_v contribute_v my_o endeavour_n to_o this_o in_o my_o degree_n and_o capacity_n i_o hope_v for_o pardon_n at_o least_o here_o and_o be_o assure_v of_o a_o reward_n hereafter_o farewell_n errata_fw-la page_n 15._o l._n 26._o after_o all_o which_o add_v give_v we_o a_o excellent_a notion_n of_o god_n and._n p._n 48._o l._n 11._o r._n they_z or_o four_o l._n 13._o r._n faith_n love_n temperance_n and_o humility_n p._n 98._o l._n 2._o r._n his_o happiness_n or_o glory_n p_o 102._o l._n 14._o r._n unkind_a p._n 123._o before_o the_o prayer_n add_v sect._n 3_o as_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v temperance_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o section_n of_o fast_v p._n 138._o l._n 14._o for_o better_a r._n lesser_a p._n 164._o l._n 11._o for_o word_n r._n world_n p._n 223._o l._n 9_o for_o be_v of_o r._n use_n p._n 249._o l._n 23._o r._n or_o universal_a yet_o the_o content_n part_n i._o chap._n 1._o the_o great_a motive_n to_o religion_n 1._o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n chap._n 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n in_o relation_n to_o faith_n pag._n 13_o chap._n 3._o of_o christianity_n with_o respect_n to_o practice_n in_o general_n p._n 29_o chap._n 4._o of_o christianity_n with_o respect_n to_o practice_n in_o particular_a of_o faith_n 65_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 82_o of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n 91_o of_o temperance_n 112_o of_o humility_n 124_o of_o perfection_n 133_o part_n ii_o of_o the_o motive_n to_o holiness_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n 152_o the_o second_o motive_n the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a nature_n 172_o the_o three_o the_o consideration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 179_o the_o four_o the_o vanity_n of_o temptation_n 193_o the_o five_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n 195_o the_o six_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 206_o the_o seven_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n 207_o part_n iii_o of_o temptation_n to_o sin_n of_o pleasure_n 220_o of_o pain_n 241_o of_o some_o particular_a method_n by_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n 265_o of_o the_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n the_o sacrament_n prayer_n and_o fast_v 280_o the_o conclusion_n 296_o practical_a christianity_n chap._n i._o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v religious_a because_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n depend_v on_o it_o sect._n 1_o 1._o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 16.26_o if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o i_o have_v in_o this_o state_n i_o be_o now_o in_o a_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o a_o body_n who_o interest_n concern_v i_o be_v a_o truth_n my_o own_o sense_n sufficient_o discover_v for_o i_o feel_v joy_n and_o sorrow_n which_o do_v not_o make_v their_o abode_n in_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o the_o mind_n pain_n and_o pleasure_n which_o sense_n be_v too_o gross_a and_o heavy_a to_o partake_v of_o as_o the_o peace_n or_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o reflection_n upon_o good_a or_o evil_a action_n the_o delight_n or_o vexation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o or_o a_o fruitless_a inquiry_n after_o excellent_a and_o important_a truth_n 2._o and_o since_o i_o have_v such_o a_o soul_n capable_a of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v sottish_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o lose_v this_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o my_o soul_n be_v i_o myself_o and_o if_o that_o be_v miserable_a i_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o fortune_n may_v give_v the_o world_n occasion_n to_o think_v i_o happy_a but_o they_o can_v never_o make_v i_o so_o shall_v i_o call_v myself_o happy_a if_o discontent_n and_o sorrow_n eat_v out_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o my_o soul_n if_o lust_n and_o passion_n riot_n and_o mutiny_n in_o my_o bosom_n if_o my_o sin_n scatter_v a_o uneasy_a shame_n all_o over_o i_o and_o my_o guilt_n apale_v and_o fright_v i_o what_o avail_v it_o i_o that_o my_o room_n be_v stately_a my_o table_n full_a my_o attender_n numerous_a and_o my_o attire_n gawdy_a if_o all_o this_o while_n my_o very_a be_v pine_n and_o languish_v away_o these_o indeed_o be_v rich_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n but_o i_o nevertheless_o be_o poor_a and_o miserable_a man_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o this_o thing_n be_v i_o call_v a_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v a_o perish_a die_a thing_n and_o will_v not_o outlive_v the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v my_o wisdom_n and_o interest_n to_o prefer_v its_o content_n and_o
satisfaction_n before_o all_o the_o world_n unless_o i_o can_v choose_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o delight_n to_o be_v unhappy_a 3._o this_o very_a consideration_n suppose_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o another_o world_n will_v yet_o strong_o engage_v i_o to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o it_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o banish_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o the_o trouble_n that_o disquiet_v the_o mind_n for_o 1._o sin_n in_o its_o very_a essence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o disorder_v distemper_a passion_n affection_n foolish_a and_o preposterous_a in_o their_o choice_n or_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a in_o their_o proportion_n which_o our_o own_o experience_n sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o be_v painful_a and_o uneasy_a 2._o it_o engage_v we_o in_o desperate_a hazard_n weary_v we_o with_o daily_a toil_n and_o often_o bury_v we_o in_o the_o ruin_n we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o last_o it_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o distrust_n and_o fear_v and_o shame_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v ourselves_o full_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o at_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n and_o if_o we_o can_v we_o can_v never_o rid_v our_o self_n of_o the_o pang_n and_o sting_n of_o a_o tremble_a soul_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v a_o peace_n and_o calm_a in_o our_o bosom_n and_o so_o enjoy_v our_o pleasure_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a freedom_n but_o if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o into_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o these_o two_o strange_a inconvenience_n 1._o that_o a_o life_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v still_o irregular_a and_o disorderly_a and_o therefore_o troublesome_a 2._o that_o we_o shall_v have_v dismantle_v our_o soul_n of_o their_o great_a strength_n disarm_v they_o of_o that_o faith_n which_o only_o can_v support_v they_o under_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o after_o all_o the_o sad_a story_n of_o another_o life_n will_v not_o be_v strait_a way_n nonsense_n because_o we_o think_v they_o so_o they_o will_v continue_v at_o leastwise_o disputable_a and_o who_o will_v but_o a_o desperate-sot_n commit_v his_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o venture_n sect._n 2._o 4._o but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o persuasion_n which_o general_o obtain_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a any_o of_o they_o be_v the_o more_o deep_o be_v they_o possess_v by_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o it_o that_o the_o reason_n plato_n cicero_n etc._n etc._n found_v this_o assertion_n in_o derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o operation_n its_o little_a affinity_n to_o any_o visible_a matter_n its_o resemblance_n of_o the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n have_v render_v it_o so_o high_o probable_a that_o it_o have_v shed_v a_o very_a powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o many_o 5._o but_o especial_o and_o above_o all_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o divine_a authority_n be_v clear_v by_o as_o strong_a evidence_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o assure_v i_o that_o this_o soul_n whether_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n immortal_a or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o now_o examine_v shall_v not_o perish_v in_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n as_o eccles_n 12.7_o then_o shall_v the_o dust_n return_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o mat._n 10.28_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n the_o soul_n it_o seem_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o a_o disease_n or_o the_o violence_n commit_v on_o the_o body_n but_o do_v subsist_v when_o the_o body_n be_v dissolve_v into_o its_o dust_n when_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o i_o can_v never_o so_o far_o renounce_v my_o reason_n and_o harden_v myself_o against_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o passion_n i_o have_v for_o myself_o as_o to_o be_v content_a that_o this_o soul_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o that_o other_o state_n provide_v i_o be_v fortunate_a and_o successful_a in_o this_o for_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v i_o then_o reap_v from_o a_o patrimony_n or_o purchase_v wide_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o i_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o all_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enjoyment_n what_o can_v the_o wealth_n or_o power_n or_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n signify_v to_o i_o when_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n shall_v lie_v stark_o dead_a and_o cold_a in_o the_o grave_a shall_v have_v no_o passion_n no_o appetite_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o rhetoric_n or_o wanton_a charm_n on_o earth_n awaken_v in_o it_o one_o languish_a desire_n or_o one_o imperfect_a act_n of_o life_n and_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o mansion_n of_o a_o new_a world_n far_o far_o remote_a from_o this_o wherein_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v strange_a wonderful_a unalterable_a and_o eternal_a but_o i_o must_v pursue_v this_o thought_n a_o little_a further_o and_o not_o stop_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o uselessness_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o soul_n departure_n from_o it_o go_v on_o to_o consider_v the_o soul_n in_o its_o intermediate_v state_n between_o death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n that_o i_o may_v know_v the_o utmost_a if_o i_o can_v that_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o soul_n import_v and_o here_o i_o will_v suppose_v myself_o surprise_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o gavety_n and_o pleasure_n of_o love_n and_o honour_n by_o a_o violent_a inexorable_a disease_n i_o resign_v up_o my_o dear_a object_n and_o my_o dotage_n together_o i_o be_o tear_v from_o my_o possession_n and_o my_o hope_n and_o when_o the_o storm_n have_v burst_v the_o cable_n and_o shatter_v the_o hulk_n of_o this_o frail_a bark_n the_o body_n it_o cast_v my_o soul_n that_o be_v all_o that_o remain_v of_o i_o upon_o a_o unknown_a strand_n naked_a and_o poor_a and_o desolate_a without_o interest_n or_o friend_n or_o hope_n it_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o dismal_a blackness_n of_o eternal_a night_n and_o melancholy_a rack_v by_o despair_n and_o guilt_n scourge_v by_o shame_n and_o rage_n torture_v with_o envy_n and_o vexation_n stab_v by_o regret_n and_o repentance_n not_o a_o calm_a and_o soft_a but_o a_o tempestuous_a and_o painful_a one_o then_o like_o some_o sick_a body_n which_o roll_v and_o tumble_v for_o a_o easy_a posture_n rather_o out_o of_o a_o inability_n to_o suffer_v pain_n than_o any_o hope_n of_o find_v rest_n it_o sometime_o languish_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o world_n vanish_v like_o a_o dream_n and_o repeat_v ineffective_a wish_n for_o the_o body_n but_o it_o shall_v return_v to_o its_o dear_a wealth_n and_o beauty_n no_o more_o for_o ever_o sometime_o like_o dives_n in_o the_o flame_n it_o look_v towards_o that_o region_n where_o light_a and_o holy_a soul_n do_v dwell_v but_o the_o unpassable_a gulf_n of_o the_o almighty_n decree_n cut_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o that_o so_o that_o that_o light_v only_o augment_v its_o envy_n and_o despair_n and_o heaven_n itself_o add_v misery_n to_o the_o wretched_a soul_n hell_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a state_n of_o a_o wretched_a soul_n dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n despair_n and_o rage_n and_o shame_n and_o guilt_n and_o fear_v and_o grief_n and_o anguish_n gnaw_v and_o devour_v the_o miserable_a creature_n and_o for_o ever_o must_v increase_v bless_a god_n need_v there_o any_o chain_n to_o sink_v it_o low_o than_o its_o own_o weight_n have_v do_v need_v there_o any_o other_o darkness_n cover_v that_o soul_n which_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o sorrow_n have_v benight_a tell_v i_o no_o more_o of_o pleasure_n these_o thought_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o tremble_v and_o grow_v pale_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o a_o temptation_n rather_o than_o my_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v in_o such_o a_o state_n a_o thousand_o year_n may_v shame_v and_o poverty_n be_v my_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n may_v the_o hatred_n of_o powerful_a enemy_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o the_o scorn_n of_o my_o dear_a friend_n pursue_v i_o may_v my_o body_n be_v but_o a_o scene_n of_o disease_n and_o so_o incapable_a of_o the_o least_o gust_n of_o pleasure_n and_o more_o than_o this_o may_v a_o awaken_v tender_a conscience_n every_o moment_n flash_n death_n and_o hell_n into_o my_o face_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n worse_o let_v i_o suffer_v it_o so_o it_o but_o preserve_v my_o soul_n from_o sin_n here_o and_o from_o that_o inexpressible_a
as_o such_o and_o as_o insignificant_a will_v this_o opinion_n render_v it_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n for_o of_o what_o use_n will_v all_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o justice_n charity_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n prove_v if_o we_o continue_v peevish_a and_o revengeful_a intemperate_a and_o lustful_a etc._n etc._n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o full_a discovery_n of_o another_o world_n life_n and_o immortality_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o if_o i_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v i_o choose_v but_o dread_a a_o god_n who_o i_o have_v wrong_v and_o will_v not_o unruly_a passion_n and_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n make_v a_o christian_a as_o miserable_a as_o a_o jew_n or_o heathen_a if_o goodness_n now_o be_v the_o end_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o holy_a belief_n of_o christian_n than_o i_o infer_v 1._o that_o the_o best_a man_n be_v the_o best_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o who_o affection_n be_v more_o raise_v and_o heavenly_a and_o have_v least_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o sensuality_n be_v of_o the_o high_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v best_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o walk_v in_o some_o measure_n as_o he_o walk_v 2._o that_o the_o most_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n our_o conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n good_a lord_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o put_v a_o a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o to_o persuade_v it_o and_o ourselves_o that_o we_o believe_v though_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o we_o do_v nothing_o less_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o never_o think_v that_o i_o believe_v aright_o till_o i_o have_v a_o love_n for_o all_o his_o commandment_n till_o i_o can_v meditate_v delightful_o pray_v vigorous_o rely_v constant_o obey_v ready_o suffer_v patient_o rejoice_v humble_o expect_v reverent_o and_o happy_a be_v i_o if_o i_o attain_v that_o height_n earnest_o too_o the_o hour_n of_o my_o death_n or_o the_o appearance_n of_o my_o lord_n i_o shall_v never_o hereafter_o think_v that_o i_o have_v study_v or_o know_v divine_a truth_n to_o any_o purpose_n till_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v i_o free_a rescue_v i_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n the_o prayer_n thou_o holy_a pure_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n who_o can_v not_o endure_v iniquity_n who_o do_v so_o love_v goodness_n that_o thou_o have_v send_v thy_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o promote_v it_o his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n his_o pain_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v spend_v in_o this_o cause_n o_o enable_v thy_o poor_a servant_n who_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n lord_n let_v thy_o truth_n and_o thy_o spirit_n be_v powerful_a in_o i_o to_o the_o subdue_a all_o of_o evil_a inclination_n i_o believe_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o bare_a before_o thou_o and_o therefore_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v mock_v or_o impose_v upon_o by_o specious_a pretence_n or_o formality_n that_o i_o be_o not_o to_o expect_v to_o appear_v any_o other_o in_o thy_o eye_n than_o such_o as_o i_o be_o in_o myself_o enable_v i_o therefore_o to_o confess_v thou_o in_o my_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o word_n to_o live_v like_o one_o who_o believe_v thy_o holy_a truth_n let_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v in_o honesty_n and_o uprightness_n to_o obey_v all_o thy_o commandment_n let_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o i_o they_o have_v upon_o all_o thy_o holy_a saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n i._n e._n persuade_v i_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o holy_o in_o this_o present_a world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n sect._n 2._o of_o do_v good_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o world_n and_o rid_v their_o hand_n of_o business_n and_o think_v it_o abundant_o sufficient_a if_o they_o can_v discharge_v their_o duty_n towards_o god_n in_o their_o retirement_n this_o be_v lawful_a nay_o commendable_a only_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o if_o my_o temper_n or_o circumstance_n be_v such_o that_o my_o conversation_n can_v be_v public_a and_o safe_a too_o for_o then_o the_o salvation_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n be_v natural_o the_o most_o near_o and_o dear_o concern_v or_o 2._o if_o my_o qualification_n be_v such_o that_o my_o retirement_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o advantageous_a to_o the_o public_a than_o my_o fill_v any_o other_o post_n for_o than_o i_o act_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n there_o be_v two_o other_o inducement_n to_o a_o retire_a private_a life_n the_o one_o found_v in_o a_o vice_n the_o other_o in_o a_o mistake_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v when_o man_n withdraw_v from_o the_o business_n as_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o pleasure_n not_o religion_n be_v their_o first_o and_o chief_a motive_n they_o meet_v with_o many_o rub_n and_o opposition_n in_o a_o busy_a active_a life_n and_o then_o they_o grow_v soft_a and_o weak_a and_o lazy_a and_o they_o want_v courage_n and_o industry_n and_o the_o frequent_a interruption_n of_o their_o private_a peace_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v uneasy_a and_o they_o will_v withdraw_v to_o enjoy_v themselves_o and_o this_o be_v unchristian_a and_o unmanly_a it_o be_v epicurism_n not_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o mistake_n be_v when_o we_o look_v upon_o a_o monastical_a kind_n of_o life_n as_o the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n and_o the_o mere_a perfection_n of_o the_o regenerate_v state_n and_o place_n piety_n so_o whole_o in_o act_n of_o solitary_a devotion_n as_o to_o seclude_v the_o do_v good_a and_o communicate_v etc._n etc._n it_o will_v behoove_v such_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o true_a and_o apparent_a motive_n pretence_n and_o religion_n be_v sometime_o so_o twist_v together_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o distinguish_v they_o and_o therefore_o some_o secret_a weakness_n or_o reserve_n may_v be_v the_o real_a whilst_o zeal_n be_v make_v the_o pretend_a cause_n of_o this_o choice_n 2._o that_o the_o busy_a and_o active_a life_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a and_o the_o more_o necessary_a 1._o the_o more_o excellent_a as_o be_v full_a of_o hazard_n and_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n there_o be_v a_o large_a field_n for_o virtue_n for_o patience_n courage_n meekness_n reliance_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o active_a than_o speculative_a life_n and_o such_o will_v receive_v more_o crown_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n i_o can_v but_o think_v act_n of_o charity_n as_o prevalent_a to_o the_o wipe_v off_o our_o guilt_n as_o the_o severe_a penance_n a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a life_n spend_v in_o promote_a the_o welfare_n of_o other_o be_v a_o more_o perfect_a instance_n of_o self_n denial_n speak_v a_o great_a contradiction_n to_o our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n commit_v more_o violence_n upon_o our_o inclination_n than_o any_o act_n of_o private_a austerity_n can_v pretend_v to_o do_v for_o beside_o the_o pain_n the_o watch_v and_o the_o fast_a incident_a to_o both_o a_o like_a the_o trouble_n of_o contrivance_n the_o industry_n of_o address_n the_o uneasiness_n of_o refusal_n etc._n etc._n sufficient_o weigh_v down_o the_o one_o side_n beside_o this_o confinement_n imprison_v our_o light_n under_o a_o bushel_n it_o be_v a_o cover_n a_o napkin_n for_o our_o talent_n to_o conceal_v they_o and_o render_v they_o useless_a to_o other_o and_o therefore_o our_o reward_n will_v be_v less_o in_o another_o world_n and_o our_o grace_n the_o faint_a in_o this_o for_o to_o he_o what_o have_v i._n e._n use_v shall_v be_v give_v grace_n like_o the_o widow_n oil_n increase_v by_o be_v charitable_o impart_v that_o flame_n which_o warm_v my_o neighbour_n reflect_v back_o with_o a_o double_a heat_n upon_o myself_o and_o that_o goodness_n which_o cherish_v his_o heart_n soften_v and_o sanctify_v my_o own_o and_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o i_o enjoy_v a_o strange_a delight_n in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o behold_v the_o fruit_n which_o my_o own_o hand_n have_v plant_v and_o my_o assurance_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o my_o hope_n increase_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o love_n which_o my_o work_n convince_v i_o i_o have_v for_o my_o brethren_n 2._o that_o a_o busy_a
rely_v upon_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v high_o oblige_v he_o to_o both_o or_o 2._o in_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o then_o according_a to_o that_o experience_n and_o proof_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n such_o be_v the_o proportion_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o assurance_n and_o hope_n which_o do_v not_o exclude_v but_o suppose_v faith_n in_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o now_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v his_o prayer_n hear_v his_o service_n accept_v and_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o bear_v ward_v if_o he_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n or_o 3_o in_o a_o state_n of_o relapse_n and_o even_o here_o he_o have_v yet_o hope_n if_o he_o repent_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v frequent_o assert_v in_o scripture_n i_o will_v urge_v but_o one_o place_n 1._o jo_n 2._o 1_o 2._o my_o little_a child_n regenerate_v certain_o these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o and_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n that_o by_o these_o sin_n be_v not_o understand_v the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a man_n but_o plain_a and_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v plain_a 1._o from_o hence_o that_o this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o epistle_n 2._o from_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v that_o you_o sin_v not_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n which_o can_v be_v sense_n if_o apply_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a error_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n 3._o they_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o christ_n shed_v his_o blood_n and_o be_v equal_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o these_o three_o use_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v none_o nor_o what_o more_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o or_o desire_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v see_v unless_o man_n will_v wilful_o abuse_v their_o faith_n into_o a_o impunity_n and_o patronage_n for_o sin_n or_o what_o disparagement_n it_o can_v reflect_v upon_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o holiness_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o guilt_n of_o sin_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o silly_a scandal_n of_o trust_v in_o work_n they_o that_o know_v what_o these_o word_n or_o term_n justify_v by_o work_n and_o justify_v by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n mean_v know_v that_o the_o one_o imply_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o the_o other_o for_o the_o former_a deny_v any_o sin_n or_o iniquity_n and_o the_o latter_a do_v direct_o suppose_v it_o 4._o without_o some_o degree_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v awaken_v into_o any_o serious_a sense_n of_o his_o condition_n or_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o set_v himself_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o please_v and_o obey_v god_n without_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o this_o faith_n the_o very_a regenerate_a will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n and_o enter_v into_o their_o rest_n i_o mean_v with_o the_o apostle_n a_o rest_n from_o sin_n for_o their_o endeavour_n will_v be_v but_o weak_a and_o languish_a their_o prayer_n cold_a and_o faint_a the_o act_n and_o instance_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v undertake_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o necessity_n not_o delight_n the_o whole_a progress_n of_o their_o christian_a warfare_n will_n like_o the_o drive_v of_o pharoahs_n chariot_n when_o the_o wheel_n be_v off_o beslow_v and_o uneasy_a they_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o frequent_v relapse_n their_o life_n will_v not_o be_v a_o firm_a peace_n but_o a_o unstedy_a truce_n with_o conscience_n and_o their_o death_n will_v be_v mix_v and_o chequer_a with_o jealousy_n distrust_n and_o faint_a hope_n like_o a_o sky_n spot_v with_o numerous_a cloud_n but_o if_o we_o arrive_v at_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o this_o precious_a faith_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o temptation_n preserve_v through_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n we_o shall_v be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v swell_v with_o vanity_n in_o prosperity_n or_o to_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o affliction_n we_o shall_v find_v all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n in_o one_o word_n we_o shall_v rejoice_v always_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o when_o our_o glass_n be_v run_v and_o our_o life_n spend_v we_o shall_v be_v translate_v to_o the_o blesed_a seat_n of_o perfection_n and_o peace_n 5._o for_o the_o obtain_n and_o improve_n and_o confirm_v of_o this_o holy_a faith_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o mere_a credulity_n or_o custom_n but_o that_o we_o serious_o weigh_v those_o two_o great_a witness_n our_o saviour_n appeal_v to_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o come_n from_o god_n his_o work_n and_o doctrine_n the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o holiness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o commission_n from_o above_o to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v the_o testimony_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o from_o heaven_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o glory_n and_o all_o those_o mighty_a work_n perform_v by_o his_o follower_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o be_v firm_o root_v and_o ground_v in_o faith_n through_o these_o argument_n be_v that_o which_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 2._o by_o frequent_a retirement_n and_o sosolemn_a and_o devout_a meditation_n to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o as_o intimate_o as_o we_o can_v with_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o draw_v the_o representation_n of_o they_o as_o lovely_a as_o may_v be_v and_o to_o dwell_v and_o gaze_v on_o the_o thing_n we_o believe_v till_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n have_v shed_v itself_o through_o the_o inferior_a soul_n warm_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o body_n itself_o seem_v to_o relish_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o most_o useful_a matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n will_v be_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o the_o god_n we_o worship_v i_o mean_v the_o glorious_a attribute_n mankind_n be_v most_o concern_v in_o his_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n his_o power_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o 2._o the_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n as_o the_o sole_a ground_n of_o inexpressible_a comfort_n as_o the_o most_o indear_v obligation_n to_o holiness_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o most_o lively_a instance_n of_o its_o reward_n 3._o we_o must_v add_v to_o both_o these_o mean_n incessant_a prayer_n offer_v up_o with_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o consider_v the_o darkness_n and_o indisposition_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o have_v altogether_o need_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o prayer_n o_o eternal_a god_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a gift_n enlighten_v my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v thy_o gospel_n set_v at_o liberty_n my_o will_n that_o i_o may_v approve_v and_o love_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n may_v engage_v i_o to_o love_n obey_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o give_v i_o such_o a_o lively_a sight_n and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o may_v raise_v i_o above_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o make_v i_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o so_o my_o life_n may_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n my_o latter_a end_n of_o peace_n my_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n of_o rest_n and_o my_o whole_a man_n in_o the_o resurrection_n full_a of_o delight_n and_o glory_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n section_n 2._o of_o love_n 1._o of_o god_n 2._o of_o our_o neighbour_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n love_n be_v not_o a_o meet_a approbation_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o also_o a_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n or_o heart_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n and_o therefore_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o warmth_n and_o passion_n for_o the_o world_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o
it_o be_v the_o gospel_n mean_v by_o temperance_n by_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o end_n it_o aim_v at_o in_o enjoin_v this_o duty_n 2._o by_o what_o word_n it_o describe_v and_o express_v it_o 3._o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o follower_n in_o this_o point_n likewise_o the_o motive_n it_o add_v and_o the_o method_n it_o prescribe_v will_v serve_v to_o clear_v up_o its_o intention_n to_o we_o the_o great_a end_n st_n paul_n suggest_v to_o i_o 1_o cor._n 9.25_o every_o man_n who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n intimate_v that_o the_o mean_n be_v then_o proper_a when_o they_o be_v suit_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o their_o end_n and_o by_o the_o allusion_n imply_v that_o the_o end_n of_o our_o temperance_n be_v a_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n that_o be_v a_o conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n for_o the_o gospel_n represent_v the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n as_o those_o enemy_n against_o which_o the_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o continual_a warfare_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o they_o do_v war_n against_o the_o soul_n religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o gospel_n endeavour_v all_o that_o it_o can_v to_o wean_v we_o from_o all_o fondness_n for_o or_o delight_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o serve_v two_o such_o contrary_a interest_n by_o a_o clear_a consequence_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o plain_a word_n that_o that_o abstinence_n from_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o render_v the_o body_n tame_a and_o governable_a serviceable_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o cheerful_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v enfranchise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o its_o captivity_n to_o sense_n which_o do_v establish_v its_o dominion_n over_o the_o brutish_a part_n so_o that_o the_o man_n live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n be_v disengage_v from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o ready_a to_o depart_v be_v that_o temperance_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v and_o by_o consequence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o that_o indulgence_n to_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o tend_v to_o pamper_v and_o enrage_v the_o body_n to_o awaken_v our_o passion_n for_o this_o present_a state_n to_o endear_v and_o recommend_v the_o world_n to_o we_o to_o make_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n soft_a and_o feeble_a heavy_a and_o sensual_a to_o make_v our_o temper_n delicate_a and_o wanton_a unable_a to_o suffer_v and_o froward_a if_o our_o appetite_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v flat_o contradictory_n to_o the_o temperance_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o if_o well_o consider_v and_o conscientious_o apply_v to_o every_o particular_a will_v sufficient_o conduct_v man_n in_o the_o path_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o answer_v all_o scruple_n concern_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o fantastic_a one_o for_o be_v any_o man_n such_o a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o he_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o passion_n which_o he_o feel_v nor_o know_v by_o what_o method_n he_o be_v betray_v into_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o decay_n of_o his_o religion_n do_v not_o every_o man_n feel_v what_o kind_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v clog_v the_o soul_n and_o embolden_v the_o body_n what_o kind_n of_o sight_n or_o dalliance_n do_v dart_v the_o poison_n of_o lust_n and_o ambition_n into_o our_o very_a soul_n or_o what_o do_v thaw_v and_o melt_v we_o and_o make_v we_o love_n and_o hate_n delight_n or_o grieve_v hope_v and_o fear_n like_o the_o child_n not_o of_o light_n but_o of_o the_o world_n certain_o unless_o a_o man_n will_v impose_v upon_o himself_o he_o must_v needs_o discern_v the_o birth_n and_o growth_n of_o his_o own_o passion_n and_o discover_v the_o method_n by_o which_o he_o do_v insensible_o degenerate_a into_o a_o loose_a or_o cold_a or_o senseless_a spirit_n 2._o this_o temperance_n be_v in_o general_n express_v in_o holy_a writ_n by_o mortification_n and_o holiness_n the_o former_a import_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o body_n as_o flatten_n and_o dead_v its_o appetite_n for_o the_o world_n i_o be_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o the_o latter_a import_v a_o excellent_a and_o godlike_a nature_n a_o transformation_n of_o man_n into_o a_o spiritual_a a_o frame_n as_o man_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o arrive_v at_o and_o certain_o man_n thus_o qualify_v can_v not_o place_v their_o delight_n in_o the_o sensual_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n how_o innocent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v the_o world_n have_v nothing_o agreeable_a to_o soul_n of_o this_o heavenly_a nature_n nor_o nothing_o worthy_a of_o they_o temperance_n in_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v call_v purity_n sobriety_n abstinence_n modesty_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o sense_n which_o do_v not_o only_o restrain_v the_o outward_a act_n but_o also_o the_o inward_a passion_n of_o man_n in_o a_o sense_n which_o do_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o commission_n of_o gross_a sin_n but_o also_o all_o tendency_n towards_o they_o in_o the_o body_n and_o in_o the_o soul_n conformable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v 3._o the_o life_n and_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o his_o follower_n though_o peradventure_o it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o errational_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o his_o immediate_a disciple_n and_o their_o conversation_n with_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o afterward_o the_o fresh_a memory_n of_o all_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n may_v render_v a_o corporal_a discipline_n the_o less_o necessary_a i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o our_o bless_a master_n do_v often_o accept_v of_o entertainment_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o design_n to_o forbid_v any_o such_o thing_n on_o particular_a occasion_n which_o may_v warrant_v they_o but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o course_n and_o plain_a and_o spare_v his_o constant_a diet_n with_o his_o disciple_n be_v how_o frequent_a in_o his_o fasting_n and_o his_o watch_n he_o be_v as_o for_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o departure_n their_o life_n be_v but_o a_o constant_a warfare_n and_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n their_o enemy_n they_o live_v like_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n and_o their_o pleasure_n be_v altogether_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a these_o be_v the_o path_n that_o they_o tread_v towards_o conquest_n and_o a_o glorious_a crown_n and_o i_o can_v easy_o conceive_v how_o their_o life_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o spiritual_a ravishment_n how_o they_o long_v for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n with_o such_o glorious_a assurance_n as_o that_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n all_o which_o may_v have_v regard_n not_o only_o to_o his_o suffering_n but_o also_o to_o his_o conflict_n with_o the_o flesh_n too_o henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n and_o not_o to_o i_o only_o but_o unto_o they_o also_o that_o love_n his_o appearance_n but_o how_o that_o softeness_n of_o conversation_n that_o full_a and_o luxurious_a feed_n and_o drink_v that_o garishness_n and_o wantonness_n of_o dress_n that_o sloth_n and_o lazyness_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v so_o universal_a in_o the_o world_n can_v become_v the_o life_n of_o a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o not_o wise_a nor_o lucky_a enough_o to_o comprehend_v but_o i_o can_v now_o easy_o discern_v from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v that_o religion_n seem_v so_o unpleasant_a a_o thing_n and_o that_o man_n be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o depart_v hence_o into_o another_o life_n it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v such_o imperfect_a christian_n and_o we_o live_v sensual_o it_o will_v therefore_o behoove_v we_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o great_a motive_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n engage_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n as_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a state_n in_o this_o world_n the_o poor_a soul_n live_v in_o a_o treacherous_a body_n and_o a_o tempt_a world_n both_o which_o conspire_v its_o ruin_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o its_o watch_n upon_o its_o guard_n it_o be_v not_o a_o time_n
and_o steep_a about_o it_o hence_o be_v the_o address_n of_o the_o spirit_n awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n eph._n 5.4_o 3._o power_n be_v the_o three_o attribute_n of_o god_n religion_n promote_v even_o this_o in_o we_o by_o inspire_v the_o mind_n with_o courage_n and_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o strength_n conjoin_v to_o it_o innocence_n make_v a_o man_n bold_a as_o a_o lion_n it_o make_v one_o dare_v and_o hope_v well_o religion_n be_v a_o confederacy_n with_o the_o almighty_a and_o he_o become_v the_o good_a man_n strength_n ps_n 18.1_o &_o 19.4_o it_o create_v a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o he_o among_o man_n and_o it_o make_v he_o approach_v as_o near_o to_o selfsufficiency_n as_o the_o state_n of_o a_o creature_n will_v let_v he_o he_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o half_a the_o hope_n nor_o fear_n nor_o care_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n have_v for_o this_o man_n have_v a_o ill_a conscience_n and_o be_v therefore_o timorous_a he_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n dread_v every_o thing_n beside_o he_o have_v many_o passion_n that_o be_v to_o be_v gratify_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v very_o dependent_a on_o the_o world_n he_o live_v ill_a and_o therefore_o be_v the_o scorn_n of_o man_n and_o the_o hate_n of_o god_n 4._o wisdom_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v easy_o prove_v for_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a truth_n the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o most_o ravish_a pleasure_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o our_o happiness_n and_o to_o our_o peace_n our_o health_n our_o honour_n our_o prosperity_n and_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n but_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n besot_v and_o infatuate_v the_o man_n it_o make_v he_o passionate_a and_o foolish_a consult_v ill_a and_o execute_v worse_o he_o be_v blind_a to_o the_o most_o glorious_a truth_n and_o have_v no_o taste_n or_o relish_v of_o those_o glorious_a object_n of_o another_o world_n and_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o love_n with_o ruin_n and_o though_o he_o see_v death_n and_o confess_v it_o in_o the_o way_n he_o be_v spur_v on_o by_o his_o passion_n and_o dare_v not_o shun_v it_o he_o covet_v mere_a trifle_n vanish_v fade_a pleasure_n mere_a apparition_n and_o dream_n of_o happiness_n and_o he_o fly_v from_o real_a and_o substantial_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o will_v never_o have_v a_o end_n he_o tremble_v where_n no_o fear_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v steel_v and_o senseless_a against_o almighty_a vengeance_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v foolish_a i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v the_o five_o and_o last_o now_o be_v goodness_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v kindness_n and_o serviceableness_n to_o other_o this_o religion_n so_o far_o advance_v that_o each_o man_n be_v so_o far_o christian_n as_o he_o be_v thus_o good_a this_o goodness_n or_o love_n be_v the_o mere_a substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o where_o ever_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n have_v plant_v itself_o the_o man_n be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o good_a and_o kind_a he_o do_v not_o only_o put_v off_o revenge_n and_o frowardness_n and_o hardheartedness_n but_o he_o put_v on_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n meekness_n tenderness_n charity_n his_o good_n and_o life_n be_v not_o too_o dear_a a_o price_n to_o pay_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o a_o brother_n but_o sin_n on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a arm_n man_n against_o another_o and_o sow_v nothing_o but_o dissension_n and_o ruin_n among_o mankind_n injustice_n cruelty_n rapine_n murder_n covetousness_n hardheartedness_n be_v the_o character_n which_o constitute_v a_o sinner_n justice_n and_o truth_n be_v as_o essential_a part_n of_o holiness_n as_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n perfect_a and_o exalt_v the_o man_n how_o it_o make_v he_o more_o spiritual_a give_v he_o power_n life_n wisdom_n goodness_n ally_n he_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o make_v he_o like_o god_n but_o sin_n deface_v all_o those_o excellency_n make_v he_o a_o mere_a heap_n of_o rubbish_n and_o ruin_n a_o silly_a empty_a creature_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v well_o say_v of_o such_o rev._n 3.17_o that_o they_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o who_o can_v now_o look_v upon_o sin_n as_o a_o little_a harmless_a indifferent_a thing_n he_o that_o shall_v rob_v the_o ambitious_a man_n of_o his_o honour_n the_o covetous_a of_o his_o wealth_n the_o vain_a person_n of_o his_o trifle_a gaity_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v commit_v a_o unpardonable_a offence_n against_o they_o and_o yet_o sure_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v thing_n of_o far_o great_a excellency_n than_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o gaity_n they_o be_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o god_n and_o when_o he_o please_v to_o communicate_v and_o impart_v to_o his_o creature_n some_o though_o slender_a proportion_n of_o these_o what_o can_v be_v a_o more_o fatal_a enemy_n to_o the_o creature_n than_o that_o sin_n which_o spoil_n and_o rifle_v he_o of_o these_o he_o that_o shall_v stab_v the_o body_n and_o through_o as_o many_o gash_n as_o those_o of_o caesar_n in_o the_o senate_n let_v out_o the_o imprison_a soul_n commit_v no_o murder_n like_o that_o of_o sin_n which_o quench_v in_o man_n the_o spiritual_a life_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o eternity_n o_o my_o soul_n do_v every_o intemperate_a draught_n every_o sensual_a pleasure_n quench_v the_o light_n and_o damp_n the_o spirit_n within_o i_o and_o yet_o shall_v i_o still_o go_v on_o be_v it_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o loss_n to_o change_v from_o spirit_n into_o flesh_n do_v all_o my_o sinful_a passion_n for_o this_o world_n ambition_n covetousness_n dotage_n etc._n etc._n deface_v all_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o i_o and_o make_v i_o weak_a and_o wicked_a impotent_a and_o foolish_a and_o yet_o shall_v i_o still_o go_v on_o to_o dote_v be_v it_o so_o little_a desirable_a to_o be_v like_o god_n be_v it_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o change_n like_o the_o unhappy_a angel_n to_o fall_v from_o light_n to_o darkness_n forgive_v i_o o_o my_o god_n i_o now_o begin_v to_o see_v a_o horror_n in_o my_o sin_n i_o see_v its_o poisonous_a nature_n and_o the_o mighty_a wound_n it_o give_v and_o i_o will_v shun_v it_o hereafter_o more_o than_o death_n and_o ruin_n more_o than_o the_o sword_n the_o plague_n or_o famine_n for_o i_o be_o well_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o excellent_a as_o spiritual_a life_n peace_n power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o nothing_o can_v wound_v or_o blast_v these_o but_o sin_n and_o if_o second_o life_n and_o goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v such_o excellent_a thing_n how_o dear_a must_v they_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o contradictory_n to_o his_o will_n must_v be_v all_o those_o method_n which_o man_n take_v to_o deface_v they_o and_o this_o he_o have_v sufficient_o teach_v in_o that_o he_o have_v think_v it_o worthy_a the_o incarnation_n life_n and_o passion_n of_o his_o own_o son_n to_o root_v out_o and_o banish_v iniquity_n and_o transgression_n from_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n contradictory_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o his_o design_n too_o in_o the_o creation_n from_o all_o this_o you_o see_v that_o holiness_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n sin_n be_v contradictory_n to_o it_o and_o by_o consequence_n that_o he_o who_o work_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v real_o holy_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o he_o can_v love_v the_o unholy_a unless_o he_o can_v renounce_v his_o own_o nature_n the_o prayer_n o_o thou_o god_n who_o be_v light_v and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o a_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n how_o infinite_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n oblige_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v givee_a they_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o do_v travel_v by_o thy_o word_n and_o spirit_n to_o form_n and_o fashion_v they_o into_o thy_o glorious_a image_n to_o make_v they_o share_v in_o thy_o perfection_n that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o in_o thy_o happiness_n too_o o_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n that_o i_o may_v labour_v day_n and_o night_n to_o water_n and_o improve_v those_o resemblance_n of_o thy_o divine_a perfection_n which_o thou_o have_v impart_v to_o i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n that_o so_o i_o may_v through_o christ_n increase_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n
temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v very_o numerous_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n pleasure_n and_o pain_n for_o these_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o love_n and_o hate_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o consequent_o of_o all_o humane_a action_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o pleasure_n chap._n i._o of_o pleasure_n consider_v as_o a_o temptation_n pleasure_n be_v the_o idol_n of_o mankind_n and_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o love_v our_o self_n and_o not_o love_v our_o pleasure_n and_o never_o any_o man_n deny_v himself_o yet_o any_o the_o least_o portion_n of_o it_o but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o great_a therefore_o though_o i_o first_o premise_v that_o he_o can_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o forego_v all_o his_o present_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o true_a faith_n of_o the_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o yet_o eternal_a to_o prefer_v these_o temporal_a one_o because_o see_v before_o they_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n to_o obey_v he_o no_o long_o than_o he_o command_v pleasant_a thing_n yet_o because_o a_o misperswasion_n about_o this_o matter_n may_v prove_v a_o snare_n and_o a_o burden_n to_o some_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o deter_v other_o from_o it_o i_o will_v inquire_v 1._o how_o far_o religion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o our_o sensual_a pleasure_n 2._o what_o remedy_n it_o prescribe_v against_o they_o 3._o what_o motive_n it_o lay_v down_o to_o abstinence_n as_o to_o those_o instance_n of_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v forbid_v the_o case_n be_v plain_a all_o unnatural_a lust_n be_v a_o species_n of_o pleasure_n if_o they_o may_v deserve_v that_o name_n utter_o interdict_v the_o christian_a as_o to_o our_o degree_n of_o enjoyment_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o pleasure_n which_o be_v allow_v we_o and_o such_o be_v all_o our_o natural_a appetite_n it_o be_v first_o plain_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o excess_n be_v forbid_v we_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_o to_o be_v understand_v the_o body_n we_o be_v to_o mortify_v be_v describe_v to_o have_v such_o member_n as_o these_o col._n 3.5_o fornication_n uncleanness_n which_o involve_v too_o a_o unnaturalness_n in_o they_o inordinate_a affection_n evil_a concupiscence_n and_o covetousness_n which_o be_v idolatry_n and_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n or_o according_a to_o the_o world_n be_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o lasciviousness_n lust_n excess_n of_o wine_n revel_n banquet_n which_o be_v call_v afterward_o excess_n of_o riot_n 1_o pet._n 4.3_o 4._o 2._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o raise_v our_o heart_n upward_o to_o make_v we_o spiritual_o mind_v and_o therefore_o all_o sensuality_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o consequence_n i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o any_o thing_n though_o a_o allow_a instance_n of_o pleasure_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n according_o i_o find_v that_o that_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o it_o permit_v to_o we_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v cool_a and_o moderate_a not_o warm_a and_o passionate_a 1_o cor._n 7.29_o but_o this_o i_o say_v brethren_n the_o time_n be_v short_a it_o remain_v that_o both_o they_o that_o have_v wife_n be_v as_o though_o they_o have_v none_o and_o they_o that_o weep_v as_o though_o they_o weep_v not_o and_o they_o that_o rejoice_v as_o though_o they_o rejoice_v not_o and_o they_o that_o buy_v as_o though_o they_o possess_v not_o and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o this_o world_n as_o not_o abuse_v it_o for_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o now_o three_o by_o consequence_n whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o betray_n of_o we_o into_o excess_n or_o dotage_n be_v unlawful_a consider_v pure_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o such_o a_o end_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o little_a injurious_a religion_n be_v to_o man_n present_a pleasure_n we_o be_v allow_v all_o thing_n but_o dotage_n unnatural_a lust_n and_o excess_n and_o all_o these_o be_v contradictory_n to_o our_o present_a happiness_n as_o for_o excess_n and_o unnatural_a lust_n there_o be_v no_o question_n as_o for_o dotage_n whoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o emptiness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o world_n must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o pleasure_n be_v a_o moderate_a affection_n and_o bate_v now_o all_o these_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o enjoin_v we_o misery_n and_o trouble_n that_o we_o be_v express_o invite_v to_o it_o by_o this_o motive_n among_o other_o that_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o look_v upon_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o great_a blessing_n and_o we_o be_v allow_v the_o delight_n of_o friendly_a conversation_n love_v without_o hypocrisy_n and_o to_o love_v our_o wife_n even_o as_o ourselves_o so_o that_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v our_o life_n comfortable_a be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o promise_v we_o but_o if_o we_o will_v make_v this_o earth_n our_o heaven_n it_o be_v this_o that_o be_v to_o be_v sensual_a and_o carnal_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o apply_v these_o rule_n to_o our_o clothing_n eat_v drink_v conversation_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a and_o prudent_a christian_n and_o religion_n will_v appear_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a there_o be_v one_o more_o limit_v affix_v to_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o that_o be_v by_o charity_n we_o must_v take_v care_v our_o satisfaction_n by_o our_o example_n do_v not_o betray_v or_o tempt_v other_o brotherly_a affection_n be_v not_o very_o hot_a in_o his_o breast_n who_o rather_o than_o deny_v himself_o any_o little_a liberty_n will_v contribute_v to_o the_o damnation_n of_o his_o neighbour_n 2._o the_o remedy_n against_o pleasure_n 1._o a_o loose_a and_o a_o dissolute_a spirit_n a_o gay_a and_o inconsiderate_a temper_n be_v that_o which_o common_o betray_v we_o into_o excess_n and_o vanity_n into_o softness_n and_o dotage_n and_o therefore_o religion_n endeavour_v to_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o sobriety_n and_o awe_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o holy_a god_n by_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v by_o the_o value_n and_o preciousness_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o manifold_a danger_n and_o enemy_n they_o be_v encompass_v by_o and_o therefore_o engage_v we_o to_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v in_o fear_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o to_o be_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o watch_v always_o 2._o because_o the_o body_n be_v apt_a to_o grow_v wanton_a it_o prescribe_v we_o watch_n fast_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n as_o the_o great_a instrument_n that_o do_v most_o tame_a and_o mortify_v it_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n improve_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n beside_o these_o that_o i_o may_v at_o once_o conquer_v my_o pleasure_n and_o live_v pleasant_o too_o i_o have_v draw_v these_o other_o rule_n from_o scripture_n 1._o i_o never_o frame_v to_o myself_o rich_a idea_n nor_o fancy_n i_o know_v not_o what_o heaven_n in_o any_o object_n but_o be_o content_a with_o a_o indifferent_a pleasure_n and_o hope_v for_o no_o more_o than_o what_o befit_v mankind_n in_o this_o state_n on_o earth_n 2._o i_o train_v up_o myself_o to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o pass_v through_o some_o choose_a difficulty_n by_o check_v even_o a_o lawful_a passion_n by_o call_v off_o my_o humour_n from_o too_o much_o freedom_n and_o by_o accustom_v my_o outward_a man_n to_o endure_v a_o bridle_n and_o thus_o my_o temper_n grow_v strong_a and_o my_o mind_n staunch_v and_o firm_a 3._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o herd_n which_o aim_v at_o sensual_a pleasure_n either_o seldom_o meet_v it_o and_o what_o a_o misery_n be_v it_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o lust_n they_o never_o satisfy_v or_o else_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v it_o or_o they_o be_v so_o soft_a and_o unmanly_a they_o droop_v in_o every_o interval_n wherein_o they_o want_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o compose_v myself_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o meet_v a_o storm_n and_o to_o stem_v the_o tide_n and_o to_o arrive_v at_o my_o port_n through_o boisterous_a sea_n and_o so_o a_o small_a blast_n do_v not_o move_v i_o a_o great_a one_o do_v not_o sink_v i_o and_o a_o calm_a like_o a_o unexpected_a blessing_n be_v receive_v the_o more_o thankful_o and_o use_v the_o more_o moderate_o 4._o i_o labour_v that_o my_o conversation_n may_v be_v above_o and_o i_o endeavour_v to_o look_v beyond_o this_o dark_a
with_o or_o the_o frequent_a sin_n to_o which_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o have_v betray_v we_o will_v discern_v reason_n enough_o to_o invite_v he_o to_o this_o duty_n either_o in_o order_n to_o our_o mortification_n and_o our_o future_a security_n or_o as_o a_o act_n of_o affliction_n and_o revenge_n for_o our_o past_a fault_n therefore_o 2._o who_o ever_o total_o neglect_v this_o duty_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n it_o have_v upon_o either_o body_n or_o mind_n ought_v well_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o wanton_a and_o carnal_a mind_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o his_o body_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o degree_n of_o this_o duty_n otherwise_o he_o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o his_o capacity_n 3._o to_o fast_v must_v be_v join_v alm_n and_o prayer_n and_o vainglory_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o it_o without_o the_o former_a it_o be_v insignificant_a with_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o if_o any_o just_a reason_n disable_v any_o man_n to_o give_v alm_n or_o to_o devote_v the_o day_n entire_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n i_o can_v yet_o think_v but_o that_o fast_n may_v be_v use_v as_o a_o act_n of_o affliction_n provide_v it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a intention_n at_o least_o the_o prayer_n glorious_a god_n i_o see_v in_o what_o a_o world_n i_o live_v and_o what_o a_o body_n this_o soul_n of_o i_o do_v dwell_v in_o how_o little_a kindle_v those_o lust_n which_o blast_v the_o innocence_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o destroy_v my_o peace_n i_o remember_v how_o often_o i_o have_v behave_v myself_o unbeseeming_a a_o child_n of_o god_n only_o to_o gratify_v the_o inclination_n of_o a_o ungovernable_a body_n enable_n i_o therefore_o so_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v it_o that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v a_o entire_a peace_n and_o conquest_n so_o to_o humble_a and_o afflict_v it_o that_o my_o revenge_n may_v testify_v the_o sorrow_n i_o feel_v for_o my_o misdemeanour_n and_o accept_v thou_o my_o sorrow_n to_o the_o atonement_n of_o my_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n amen_n the_o conclusion_n i_o be_o now_o earnest_o to_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o a_o system_fw-la of_o most_o glorious_a delightful_a and_o important_a truth_n whether_o any_o principle_n can_v raise_v man_n to_o such_o a_o entire_a conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o himself_o whether_o holiness_n do_v not_o transform_v he_o into_o a_o great_a and_o a_o glorious_a thing_n whether_o any_o knowledge_n can_v create_v in_o he_o so_o perfect_a a_o peace_n and_o so_o undisturbed_a a_o joy_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beside_o religion_n can_v make_v a_o man_n spurn_v fawn_a pleasure_n and_o outbrave_v his_o fear_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v turn_v the_o world_n into_o so_o much_o paradise_n and_o secure_v our_o peace_n and_o interest_n on_o such_o unshaken_a bottom_n and_o lead_v on_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o a_o public_a or_o a_o private_a life_n in_o such_o a_o safe_a and_o pleasant_a method_n what_o then_o be_v thou_o fond_a of_o ruin_n or_o have_v damnation_n any_o charm_n in_o it_o that_o thou_o will_v still_o resolve_v to_o persevere_v in_o such_o a_o manifold_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o soul_n to_o be_v miserable_a here_o through_o those_o numerous_a lust_n which_o be_v the_o incessant_a torment_n of_o it_o and_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o abandon_v all_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n or_o do_v thou_o indeed_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o read_v these_o kind_n of_o arguing_n as_o only_o wise_a and_o politic_a harangue_n sure_o so_o much_o holiness_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n must_v needs_o witness_v its_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v but_o try_v thyself_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o thou_o will_v feel_v its_o divine_a principle_n in_o the_o life_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n can_v choose_v but_o indespight_n of_o inclination_n acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o confess_v that_o their_o vice_n be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o their_o choice_n but_o weakness_n bless_a god_n what_o account_v then_o will_v these_o man_n give_v of_o their_o disobedience_n at_o that_o day_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o render_v the_o vengeance_n to_o all_o who_o have_v not_o obey_v his_o gospel_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o prevalent_a motive_n make_v use_v of_o to_o endear_v holiness_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v offer_v they_o towards_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v well_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v as_o a_o perfect_a refutation_n of_o all_o such_o excuse_n so_o many_o million_o i_o hope_v of_o bless_a saint_n who_o though_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o encompass_v by_o the_o same_o temptation_n do_v yet_o conquer_v all_o and_o enter_v into_o life_n through_o the_o strait-gate_n but_o if_o this_o little_a treatise_n shall_v light_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o perfect_a atheist_n or_o at_o least_o of_o one_o who_o laugh_v at_o every_o particular_a sect_n of_o religion_n to_o such_o a_o one_o i_o address_v these_o last_o line_n and_o i_o beseech_v he_o to_o allow_v they_o so_o much_o consideration_n as_o he_o will_v to_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o concernment_n and_o importance_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n nature_n seem_v to_o dictate_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o forget_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a neither_o in_o life_n nor_o death_n and_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o rational_a creature_n be_v his_o peculiar_a offspring_n and_o more_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o and_o on_o this_o argument_n socrates_n in_o his_o apology_n found_v his_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n a_o argument_n much_o of_o a_o kin_n to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n now_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n at_o the_o smartness_n and_o clearness_n of_o which_o argue_v the_o people_n be_v astonish_v and_o if_o there_o be_v another_o life_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o proper_a quality_n to_o recommend_v and_o endear_v we_o to_o the_o god_n who_o preside_v in_o that_o other_o world_n for_o i_o can_v never_o fancy_v a_o brutish_a and_o irrational_a deity_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o a_o atheist_n can_v never_o possess_v his_o soul_n in_o any_o rest_n and_o peace_n and_o beside_o if_o there_o be_v none_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o religion_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o will_v make_v appear_v present_o can_v do_v no_o man_n any_o harm_n and_o what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o not_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a side_n in_o a_o mat-t_a of_o this_o dear_a concernment_n 2._o in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n in_o particular_a i_o beseech_v such_o a_o one_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o those_o miracle_n and_o proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n which_o the_o gospel_n relate_v be_v true_a and_o real_a than_o the_o matter_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n if_o they_o be_v not_o i_o will_v fain_o see_v some_o probable_a account_n how_o christianity_n can_v so_o general_o obtain_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n it_o be_v to_o encounter_n have_v neither_o interest_n nor_o pleasure_n nor_o force_n to_o countenance_v it_o against_o the_o establish_a superstition_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o age._n that_o it_o concern_v they_o of_o judea_n which_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n to_o have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o manifest_a account_n of_o the_o imposture_n and_o so_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o judaisme_n which_o be_v subvert_v by_o it_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o religious_a sect_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v quick_o swallow_v up_o into_o christianity_n that_o those_o early_a day_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a for_o a_o confutation_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o which_o christianity_n be_v bottom_v as_o be_v most_o near_o conjoin_v to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n action_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o be_v easy_o inform_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v which_o must_v needs_o suppose_v the_o world_n either_o monstruous_o ignorant_a or_o
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miserable_a for_o a_o speculalative_a error_n into_o which_o his_o humility_n and_o resignation_n to_o god_n and_o such_o strong_a probability_n not_o to_o say_v more_o betray_v he_o but_o suppose_v against_o all_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v fictitious_a what_o can_v any_o man_n suffer_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o principle_n certain_o they_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o like_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o article_n which_o reflect_v any_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o discover_v it_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o great_a and_o the_o lovely_a character_n and_o therefore_o unavoidable_o if_o any_o religion_n than_o this_o will_v secure_v our_o future_a life_n as_o to_o the_o present_a if_o our_o life_n be_v cloud_v and_o o'reca_v by_o affliction_n these_o principle_n alone_o can_v support_v we_o under_o they_o because_o these_o only_o be_v substantial_a ground_n of_o courage_n or_o content_n if_o our_o life_n be_v calm_a and_o fair_a no_o man_n enjoy_v it_o 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the_o taste_n of_o such_o luscious_a meal_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o few_o fortunate_a minute_n of_o a_o life_n in_o the_o general_a disorder_a and_o trouble_v or_o whether_o account_n be_v state_v right_o we_o may_v not_o safe_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o such_o a_o enjoyment_n much_o less_o any_o permanent_a state_n of_o it_o and_o then_o i_o may_v easy_o defend_v religion_n as_o to_o this_o point_n for_o than_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o our_o desire_n shall_v be_v calm_a and_o temperate_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v sit_v down_o content_a with_o such_o easy_a and_o obvious_a pleasure_n as_o suit_v this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o childhood_n and_o if_o so_o what_o harm_n can_v christianity_n do_v man_n as_o god_n expostulate_v with_o his_o people_n testify_z against_o i_o wherein_o have_v i_o wrong_v thou_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o like_v but_o dote_v it_o do_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o enjoy_v the_o world_n but_o it_o forbid_v we_o to_o equal_v it_o with_o heaven_n and_o when_o it_o have_v once_o fix_v the_o limit_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n aright_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o drive_v we_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a path_n to_o it_o we_o sail_v within_o those_o sea_n mark_n which_o if_o we_o slight_a we_o dash_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n for_o answer_v i_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n render_v more_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n because_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v employ_v to_o useful_a and_o ingenious_a purpose_n not_o lose_v on_o trifle_n be_v our_o sense_n less_o subtle_a and_o judicious_a because_o the_o body_n be_v preserve_v in_o a_o entire_a and_o vigorous_a health_n by_o temperance_n and_o employment_n and_o content_a of_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o our_o affection_n be_v a_o good_a estate_n less_o useful_a or_o less_o creditable_a by_o be_v spend_v temperate_o and_o charitable_o be_v greatness_n the_o less_o firm_a or_o the_o less_o glorious_a because_o its_o basis_n be_v virtue_n be_v a_o beauty_n the_o less_o take_v because_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o humane_a life_n i_o have_v always_o think_v friendship_n the_o dear_a and_o certain_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o wit_n true_a courage_n and_o honour_n and_o constancy_n the_o product_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o nature_n and_o gentile_a education_n must_v go_v to_o make_v it_o perfect_a and_o delightful_a when_o any_o be_v endear_v by_o a_o generous_a goodness_n by_o a_o innocent_a and_o undefign_a passion_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o confederacy_n of_o rational_a delight_n and_o glorious_a hope_n i_o be_o confident_a no_o debauch_a mind_n can_v ever_o fancy_v any_o thing_n so_o charm_v and_o romantic_a and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o religion_n do_v that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o wise_a method_n to_o happiness_n fetch_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o goodness_n and_o contrive_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i_o can_v discover_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o quarrel_n against_o it_o i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o sinner_n can_v get_v clear_o off_o from_o these_o argument_n remember_v then_o it_o be_v a_o disingenuous_a kind_n of_o confidence_n to_o return_v only_a raillery_n for_o answer_v to_o argument_n and_o to_o think_v a_o loud_a laughter_n a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o important_a truth_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v a_o day_n be_v come_v when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a when_o god_n will_v argue_v his_o own_o cause_n in_o a_o flame_a vengeance_n and_o than_o what_o a_o miserable_a tragedy_n will_v thy_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n the_o sinner_n and_o his_o world_n end_n in_o what_o astonishment_n and_o dread_n will_v seize_v upon_o every_o soul_n which_o have_v harden_v itself_o against_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n how_o miserable_o fool_v and_o cheat_v will_v all_o the_o gay_a and_o jolly_a sinner_n find_v themselves_o but_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o every_o one_o who_o work_v righteousness_n the_o prayer_n o_o thou_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n thou_o divine_a principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n remove_v all_o blindness_n hardness_n and_o impenitence_n from_o off_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o those_o who_o read_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o grant_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o entire_a humility_n and_o pure_a affection_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o their_o conversation_n that_o when_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n beat_v they_o may_v be_v like_o house_n build_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o stand_v unshaken_a in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n amen_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o catalogue_n of_o book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o robert_n pawlet_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o chancery_n lane_n near_o fleetstreet_n villare_v anglicanum_n or_o a_o view_n of_o all_o town_n village_n etc._n etc._n in_o england_n and_o wales_n alphabetical_o compose_v so_o that_o name_v any_o town_n or_o place_n you_o may_v ready_o find_v in_o what_o shire_n hundred_o rape_n wapenstake_v it_o be_v in_o also_o the_o number_n of_o bishopwrick_n county_n under_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o shire_n town_n borough_n and_o parish_n in_o each_o county_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o eminent_a sir_n henry_n spelman_n kt._n the_o nun_n complaint_n against_o the_o friar_n be_v the_o charge_n give_v in_o the_o court_n of_o france_n by_o the_o nun_n of_o st._n katherine_n near_a province_n against_o the_o father_n friar_n their_o confessor_n show_v their_o abuse_n in_o their_o allowance_n of_o undecent_a book_n and_o love-letter_n and_o marriage_n of_o the_o friar_n and_o