feign_a piety_n but_o all_o the_o fine_a thing_n of_o the_o animal_n religion_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v of_o this_o kind_n and_o they_o be_v the_o worst_a sort_n by_o the_o grosser_n form_n man_n hardly_o deceive_v other_o by_o these_o they_o effectual_o gull_v themselves_o so_o that_o many_o that_o vehement_o oppose_v form_n be_v the_o great_a formalist_n themselves_o form_n of_o worship_n may_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n when_o as_o zeal_n against_o form_n may_v be_v a_o form_n itself_o whatever_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n and_o do_v not_o make_v we_o better_o that_o be_v a_o form_n at_o least_o to_o we_o there_o be_v spiritual_a form_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n and_o these_o be_v most_o deadly_a poison_n be_v worst_a in_o aquavitae_a he_o that_o speak_v his_o prayer_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la with_o vehemence_n and_o lowdness_n if_o he_o strive_v not_o against_o his_o ill_a nature_n and_o self_n will_v be_v as_o much_o a_o formalist_n as_o he_o that_o tell_v his_o prayer_n by_o his_o bead_n and_o understand_v not_o one_o word_n he_o say_v and_o those_o that_o run_v away_o from_o form_n in_o church_n meet_v more_o dangerous_a one_o in_o barn_n and_o private_a corner_n orthodox_n opinion_n devout_a phrase_n set_v look_n melt_a tone_n affect_a sigh_n and_o vehement_a rapture_n be_v often_o mere_a form_n of_o godliness_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o animal_n religion_n which_o itself_o be_v a_o form_n likewise_o o_o that_o the_o observer_n of_o so_o many_o mote_n in_o their_o brother_n eye_n will_v learn_v to_o throw_v out_o the_o beam_n of_o their_o own_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o pretend_v itself_o to_o be_v no_o more_o be_v not_o so_o hurtful_a but_o the_o form_n that_o call_v themselves_o the_o power_n be_v deadly_a it_o be_v the_o formality_n and_o superstition_n of_o separatist_n that_o keep_v on_o the_o separation_n they_o contend_v for_o fancy_n and_o arbitrary_a trifle_n we_o for_o order_n and_o obedience_n the_o people_n be_v abuse_v by_o name_n and_o be_v fright_v by_o the_o shadow_n of_o superstition_n and_o formality_n they_o run_v into_o the_o worst_a formality_n and_o silly_a superstition_n in_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n rom._n fourteen_o 17_o neither_o in_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n 1_o cor._n seven_o 19_o not_o in_o zeal_n for_o little_a thing_n nor_o against_o they_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v equal_o formal_a the_o power_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o use_v divine_a aid_n hearty_o and_o constant_o in_o order_n to_o the_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n this_o godliness_n be_v not_o exercise_v so_o much_o in_o reform_v other_o as_o ourselves_o the_o chief_a design_n be_v to_o govern_v within_o and_o not_o to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o world_n without_o we_o this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a jam._n iii._o 17_o it_o make_v no_o noise_n and_o bluster_v abroad_o but_o quiet_o mind_v its_o own_o business_n at_o home_n so_o that_o certain_o the_o best_a man_n have_v not_o always_o have_v the_o great_a fame_n for_o godliness_n as_o the_o wise_a have_v very_o seldom_o be_v the_o most_o popular_a they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o animal_n religion_n that_o make_v the_o big_a show_n the_o voice_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v hear_v in_o quiet_a it_o sound_v not_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v see_v in_o justice_n meekness_n humility_n and_o charity_n thing_n that_o look_v not_o so_o splendid_o as_o the_o spiritual_a form_n and_o thus_o of_o the_o inference_n and_o corollary_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o my_o discourse_n which_o though_o they_o can_v all_o be_v infer_v from_o any_o of_o its_o minute_n and_o separate_a part_n yet_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o design_n and_o contexture_n of_o it_o chap._n v._o practical_a advice_n for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o hasten_v now_o to_o advice_n for_o practice_n the_o way_n of_o happiness_n be_v difficult_a but_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v by_o strive_v a_o little_a will_v not_o do_v many_o seeker_n be_v shut_v out_o what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o to_o strive_v and_o that_o diligent_o with_o constant_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n we_o be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o happiness_n all_o the_o world_n seek_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a psal._n four_o 6_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n we_o have_v seek_v it_o long_o in_o emptiness_n and_o shadow_n and_o that_o search_n have_v still_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n where_o true_a substantial_a felicity_n be_v we_o know_v and_o the_o way_n we_o know_v joh._n fourteen_o 4_o it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o we_o in_o cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n or_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v worth_a our_o pain_n to_o search_v after_o it_o it_o be_v not_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n but_o it_o may_v be_v see_v yea_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v so_o near_o as_o to_o be_v feel_v though_o the_o way_n be_v straight_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o who_o will_v not_o venture_v his_o pain_n upon_o the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o issue_n many_o difficulty_n be_v in_o it_o but_o our_o encouragement_n and_o assistance_n be_v infinite_a the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o son_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o intercession_n the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o invitation_n and_o promise_n the_o rare_a precept_n and_o incomparable_a example_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o these_o be_v mighty_a help_n and_o great_a motive_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o strive_v and_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o it_o let_v we_o then_o arise_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o aid_n and_o attempt_v with_o courage_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n let_v we_o engage_v our_o deep_a resolution_n and_o most_o diligent_a endeavour_n here_o be_v no_o need_n to_o deliberate_v the_o thing_n be_v necessary_a the_o benefit_n unspeakable_a and_o the_o event_n will_v be_v glorious_a it_o be_v no_o question_n i_o hope_v whether_o god_n or_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v first_o choose_v whether_o heaven_n or_o hell_n be_v better_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o we_o shall_v stay_v and_o consider_v we_o can_v be_v rash_a here_o we_o can_v hurt_v ourselves_o by_o a_o too_o sudden_a engagement_n we_o have_v delay_v too_o long_o already_o and_o every_o moment_n we_o sit_v still_o be_v one_o lose_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o happiness_n let_v we_o resolve_v then_o and_o begin_v with_o courage_n and_o proceed_v with_o diligence_n it_o be_v our_o end_n and_o felicity_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o strive_v and_o every_o thing_n be_v active_a for_o its_o end_n and_o perfection_n all_o creature_n be_v diligent_a in_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o providence_n the_o heaven_n be_v in_o restless_a motion_n and_o the_o cloud_n be_v still_o carry_v about_o their_o fruitful_a water_n the_o sluggish_a earth_n itself_o be_v always_o put_v forth_o in_o variety_n of_o tree_n and_o grass_n and_o flower_n the_o river_n run_v towards_o the_o sea_n the_o brook_n move_v towards_o they_o and_o the_o sea_n within_o itself_o thus_o all_o thing_n even_o in_o inanimate_a nature_n may_v mind_v we_o of_o act_v towards_o our_o end_n and_o if_o we_o look_v a_o little_a high_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n the_o fowl_n and_o cattle_n and_o creep_a thing_n be_v diligent_a in_o strive_v after_o the_o good_a and_o perfection_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o solomon_n send_v the_o sluggard_n to_o those_o little_a infect_v the_o ant_n and_o bee_n to_o teach_v he_o activity_n and_o diligence_n prov._n vi_fw-la 6_o and_o shall_v the_o beast_n act_v more_o reasonable_o than_o the_o profess_a son_n of_o reason_n may_v it_o not_o shame_v we_o that_o we_o need_v instruction_n from_o the_o creature_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o carry_v our_o head_n so_o high_a and_o look_v down_o with_o contempt_n upon_o inferior_a animal_n when_o they_o live_v more_o wise_o and_o more_o regular_o than_o we_o the_o sum_n be_v all_o thing_n be_v incessant_o move_v towards_o a_o end_n and_o happiness_n be_v we_o which_o therefore_o shall_v engage_v our_o most_o careful_a thought_n and_o most_o active_a endeavour_n we_o be_v solicitous_a and_o diligent_a about_o thing_n of_o infinite_o less_o moment_n and_o in_o effect_n of_o none_o viz._n uncertain_a riches_n sensual_a pleasure_n and_o worldly_a honour_n though_o the_o way_n to_o these_o be_v sufficient_o difficult_a and_o uneasy_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o discourage_v
5._o chapter_n of_o matthew_n be_v a_o excellent_a lecture_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o that_o to_o disparage_v morality_n be_v to_o disgrace_n christianity_n itself_o and_o to_o vilify_v one_o of_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o all_o religion_n and_o all_o duty_n respect_v either_o god_n our_o neighbour_n or_o ourselves_o and_o the_o duty_n that_o relate_v to_o these_o two_o last_o be_v moral_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n st._n james_n count_v these_o morality_n of_o visit_v the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a to_o be_v the_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiledâ—_n â—_z jam._n i._n 17_o and_o the_o prophet_n micah_n intimate_v that_o those_o moral_a virtue_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n be_v some_o of_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o mich._n vi_fw-la 8_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v sum_v up_o in_o these_o two_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o math._n xxii_o 13_o which_o latter_a contain_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n teach_v according_a to_o st_n paul_n be_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n two_o 11_o there_o be_v no_o godliness_n without_o morality_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n reckon_v up_o gal._n v._n 22_o be_v moral_a virtue_n and_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o groâ—_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n three_o 18_o virtue_n be_v partly_o understand_v for_o one_o branch_n of_o what_o be_v call_v grace_n in_o we_o be_v moral_a virtue_n produce_v by_o divine_a aid_n christian_a principle_n and_o encouragement_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o duty_n that_o relate_v immediate_o to_o god_n also_o by_o which_o we_o see_v how_o ignorant_o and_o dangerous_o those_o people_n talk_n that_o disparage_v morality_n as_o a_o dull_a lame_a thing_n of_o no_o account_n or_o reckon_n upon_o this_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n be_v by_o too_o many_o neglect_a and_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o new_a godliness_n be_v lay_v in_o frequent_a hear_n and_o devout_a seraphic_a talk_n luscious_a fancy_n new_a light_n income_n manifestation_n sealing_n in-dwelling_n and_o such_o like_a thus_o antinomianism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o phanaticism_n have_v make_v their_o way_n by_o the_o disparagement_n of_o morality_n and_o man_n have_v learn_v to_o believe_v themselves_o the_o choose_v precious_a people_n while_o their_o heart_n have_v be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o bitterness_n and_o their_o hand_n of_o violence_n while_o they_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n rebel_v against_o the_o government_n destroy_v public_a peace_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v all_o into_o misery_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v this_o diabolical_a project_n of_o divide_v morality_n from_o religion_n that_o have_v give_v rise_n and_o occasion_n to_o all_o these_o villainy_n and_o while_o the_o practiser_n of_o such_o thing_n have_v assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o only_a godly_a godliness_n itself_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o disgrace_n by_o they_o and_o atheism_n encourage_v to_o show_v itself_o in_o open_a defiance_n to_o religion_n yea_o through_o the_o indiscretion_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o some_o preacher_n the_o phantastry_n and_o vain_a babble_n of_o other_o and_o the_o general_a disposition_n of_o the_o people_n to_o admire_v what_o make_v a_o great_a show_n and_o pretend_v to_o more_o than_o ordinary_a spirituality_n thing_n be_v in_o many_o place_n come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o those_o who_o teach_v christian_a virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n without_o senseless_a phrase_n and_o fantastic_a affectation_n shall_v be_v reckon_v for_o dry_a moralist_n and_o such_o as_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n yea_o those_o people_n have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o gibberish_n and_o cant_v that_o they_o can_v understand_v plain_a sense_n and_o virtue_n be_v become_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o their_o ear_n that_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o speak_v of_o in_o a_o pulpit_n they_o count_v the_o preacher_n a_o broacher_n of_o new_a divinity_n and_o one_o that_o will_v teach_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o philosophy_n and_o he_o escape_v well_o if_o they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o that_o he_o will_v reconcile_v we_o to_o gentilism_n and_o heathen_a worship_n the_o danger_n and_o vanity_n of_o which_o ignorant_a humour_n the_o contempt_n of_o morality_n be_v apparent_a in_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o add_v no_o more_o concern_v it_o here_o but_o proceed_v to_o another_o inference_n which_o be_v sect_n iv._o iu_o that_o grace_n and_o the_o new_a nature_n make_v their_o way_n by_o degree_n on_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o difficulty_n will_v not_o be_v remove_v nor_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n subdue_v all_o at_o once_o habit_n that_o grow_v by_o repeat_v act_n time_n and_o continuance_n will_v not_o be_v expel_v in_o a_o moment_n no_o man_n can_v become_v great_o evil_a or_o good_a on_o a_o sudden_a the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o a_o perfect_a day_n prov._n four_o 18_o we_o do_v not_o jump_v from_o darkness_n into_o full_a light_n we_o be_v not_o full_o sanctify_v and_o convert_v in_o a_o instant_n the_o day_n begin_v in_o a_o insensible_a dawn_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n mat._n xiii_o 31_o it_o do_v not_o start_v up_o present_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o a_o tree_n the_o divine_a birth_n begin_v like_o the_o natural_a in_o a_o imperfect_a embryo_n there_o be_v some_o seed_n of_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n that_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o our_o nature_n these_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n to_o conviction_n which_o proceed_v to_o purpose_n these_o to_o resolution_n and_o thence_o we_o pass_v to_o abstinence_n from_o all_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a duty_n and_o so_o at_o last_o by_o degree_n to_o vigorous_a attempt_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n when_o grace_n be_v arrive_v to_o this_o eminent_a growth_n it_o be_v very_o visible_a as_o the_o plant_n be_v when_o it_o be_v above_o the_o ground_n but_o the_o beginning_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o ordinary_o perceive_v so_o that_o to_o catechise_v man_n about_o the_o punctual_a time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v a_o idle_a device_n and_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o vanity_n and_o lie_v who_o can_v tell_v the_o exact_a moment_n when_o the_o night_n end_v and_o the_o dawn_n enter_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o passage_n from_o the_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n which_o begin_v in_o some_o extraordinary_a horror_n and_o conviction_n be_v sometime_o very_o notable_a but_o it_o be_v not_o not_o so_o in_o all_o or_o most_o the_o time_n of_o st._n paul_n conversion_n be_v eminent_a but_o that_o change_n be_v from_o great_a contrariety_n and_o miraculous_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o instance_n both_o the_o beginning_n and_o minute_n progression_n of_o grace_n be_v usual_o undiscerned_a we_o can_v see_v the_o grass_n just_o put_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n or_o actual_o grow_v but_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o it_o do_v both_o and_o grace_n be_v better_a know_v in_o its_o fruit_n than_o in_o its_o rise_n by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n twelve_o 33_o and_o the_o same_o way_n we_o may_v know_v ourselves_o sect_n v._o v._n we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o animal_n as_o well_o as_o a_o divine_a religion_n a_o religion_n that_o be_v but_o the_o effect_n and_o modification_n of_o complexion_n natural_a fear_n and_o self_n love_n how_o far_o these_o will_v go_v we_o have_v see_v and_o how_o short_a it_o will_v prove_v in_o the_o end_n the_o not_o note_v this_o have_v be_v the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o deceive_v many_o some_o observe_v great_a heat_n of_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o modern_a pharisee_n take_v these_o to_o be_v the_o saint_n and_o good_a people_n believe_v all_o the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o when_o other_o that_o know_v they_o to_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a unjust_a and_o covetous_a proud_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o can_v therefore_o look_v on_o they_o as_o such_o choice_n holy_a people_n be_v apt_a to_o affirm_v all_o to_o be_v hypocrisy_n and_o feign_v in_o which_o sentence_n both_o be_v mistake_v for_o want_n of_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mere_a animal_n religion_n that_o will_v produce_v very_o specious_a and_o glorious_a effect_n so_o that_o though_o the_o pharisee_n pray_v vehement_o and_o fast_n severe_o and_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o love_n of_o
come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o offer_v and_o promote_v it_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v powerful_a and_o ready_a to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n we_o be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o we_o seek_v it_o and_o lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v the_o text_n be_v christ_n return_n to_o the_o question_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v three_o thing_n ay_o a_o answer_v imply_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n two_o a_o duty_n express_v strive_v to_o enter_v iii_o a_o consideration_n to_o engage_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o duty_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o gate_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o entrance_n and_o all_o the_o way_n oâ—_n happiness_n and_o that_o be_v religion_n by_o the_o straightness_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n we_o be_v to_o encounter_v by_o strive_v earnest_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n by_o seek_v a_o imperfect_a strive_n and_o from_o the_o word_n thuâ—_n brief_o explain_v these_o proposition_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n the_o gate_n be_v straight_o ii_o the_o difficulty_n may_v bâ—_n overcome_v by_o strive_v strive_v tâ—_n enter_v iii_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o strive_v that_o will_v not_o procure_v a_o entrance_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a chap._n i._o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n religion_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o difficulty_n arise_v 1_o from_o the_o depravity_n of_o our_o nature_n 2_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o sense_n 3_o from_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n 4_o from_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n 5_o from_o evil_a example_n and_o 6_o from_o worldly_a interest_n and_o engagement_n sect_n i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o in_o order_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o it_o i_o premise_v this_o negative_a consideration_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o understanding_n religion_n be_v a_o plain_a thing_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v no_o deep_a subtlety_n or_o high-strained_a notion_n it_o be_v no_o gild_a fancy_n or_o elaborate_a exercise_n of_o the_o brain_n it_o be_v not_o place_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o imagination_n nor_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystical_a clothing_n but_o it_o be_v obvious_a and_o familiar_a easy_a and_o intelligible_a first_o preach_v by_o fisherman_n and_o mechanic_n without_o pomp_n of_o speech_n or_o height_n of_o speculation_n address_v to_o babe_n and_o plebeian_n head_n and_o incend_v to_o govern_v the_o will_n of_o the_o honest_a and_o sincere_a and_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o notional_a and_o curious_a so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o mount_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n to_o fetch_v religion_n from_o the_o star_n nor_o go_v down_o to_o the_o deep_a to_o fetch_v it_o up_o from_o thence_o for_o it_o be_v with_o we_o and_o before_o we_o as_o open_a as_o the_o day_n and_o as_o familiar_a as_o the_o light_n the_o great_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v clothe_v in_o sunbeam_n and_o be_v as_o visible_a to_o the_o common_a eye_n as_o to_o the_o eagle_n upon_o the_o high_a perch_n it_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o wit_n or_o subtlety_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n nor_o will_v it_o require_v much_o study_n or_o learned_a retirement_n to_o understand_v the_o religion_n we_o must_v practice_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a to_o the_o very_a heathen_a rom._n i._n 19_o the_o law_n be_v light_a say_v solomon_n prov._n vi_fw-la 13_o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o single_a pass_a glance_n on_o the_o eye_n but_o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o know_v he_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o our_o duty_n be_v set_v up_o in_o open_a place_n and_o shine_v upon_o by_o a_o clear_a beam_n it_o be_v write_v of_o old_a upon_o the_o plain_a table_n of_o habakkuk_n hab._n two_o 2_o so_o that_o the_o run_a eye_n may_v see_v and_o read_v and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o h._n jesus_n like_o himself_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o ray_n about_o its_o head_n religion_n i_o say_v be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o may_v concern_v the_o theatre_n or_o the_o school_n may_v entertain_v man_n wit_n and_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o religion_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n soul_n religion_n be_v once_o a_o mystery_n but_o the_o mystery_n be_v reveal_v and_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o yet_o count_v mystery_n be_v plain_o enough_o discover_v as_o to_o their_o be_v such_o as_o we_o believe_v they_o though_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o manner_n how_o and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o inquire_v into_o that_o but_o rather_o it_o injoin_v we_o meek_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o faith_n without_o bold_a scrutiny_n into_o hide_a thing_n in_o short_a then_o i_o say_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o the_o understanding_n in_o prompto_fw-la &_o facili_n est_fw-la aeternitas_fw-la say_v the_o father_n the_o affair_n of_o eternity_n depend_v on_o thing_n easy_a and_o familiar_a and_o i_o premise_v this_o to_o prevent_v dangerous_a mistake_n but_o though_o religion_n be_v so_o facile_a and_o plain_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v understand_v yet_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v no_o broad_a or_o easy_a path_n the_o gaâ—_n be_v straight_o enough_o for_o all_o that_o anâ—_n i_o now_o come_v to_o show_v what_o be_v thâ—_n real_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n anâ—_n whence_o they_o arise_v sect_n ii_o one_o great_a difficulty_n arisen_a from_o the_o depravity_n of_o ouâ—_n nature_n the_o scripture_n intimatesâ—_n that_o we_o be_v conceive_v in_o sinâ—_n psalm_n lv_o 5_o trangressour_n froâ—_n the_o womb_n isaiah_n xlviii_o 8_o anâ—_n child_n of_o wrath_n ephes._n two_o 3_o anâ—_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o we_o brinâ—_n vile_a inclination_n into_o the_o worlâ—_n with_o we_o some_o be_v natural_o cruelâ—_n and_o injurious_a proud_a and_o imperiâ—ous_a lustful_a and_o revengeful_a oâ—thers_n covetous_a and_o unjust_a huâ—moursome_a and_o discontent_v treacherous_a and_o false_a and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o instance_n of_o habitual_a vice_n or_o villainy_n but_o some_o or_o other_o be_v addict_v to_o it_o by_o their_o particular_a make_n and_o nature_n i_o say_v their_o nature_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o true_a what_o some_o affirm_v to_o serve_v their_o opinion_n in_o contradiction_n to_o experience_n that_o vice_n be_v not_o in_o man_n natural_a propension_n but_o instil_v by_o corrupt_a education_n evil_a custom_n and_o example_n for_o we_o see_v that_o those_o who_o education_n have_v be_v the_o same_o do_v yet_o differ_v extreme_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o inclination_n and_o some_o who_o breed_n have_v be_v careless_a and_o loose_a who_o have_v see_v almost_o nothing_o else_o but_o example_n of_o vice_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o little_a beside_o the_o art_n of_o vanity_n and_o pleasure_n i_o say_v there_o be_v such_o who_o notwithstanding_o these_o their_o unhappy_a circumstance_n discover_v none_o of_o thosâ—_n vile_a inclination_n and_o propensionâ—_n that_o be_v in_o other_o who_o educatiâ—â—_n have_v be_v very_o strict_a and_o advantâ—â—geous_a this_o i_o think_v be_v enough_o tâ—_n show_v that_o many_o of_o our_o evil_a hibbit_n be_v from_o nature_n and_o not_o from_o custom_n only_o and_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v that_o hâ—â—mane_a nature_n be_v so_o debauch_a thâ—â—_n every_o man_n be_v incline_v to_o every_o euâ—â—_n by_o it_o for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o bâ—_n their_o temper_n be_v averse_a to_o somâ—_n kind_a of_o vice_n and_o natural_o dispon_v to_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n somâ—_n by_o their_o constitution_n be_v incline_v to_o hate_v cruelty_n covetousness_n lie_v impudence_n and_o injustice_n and_o be_v bâ—_n temper_v merciful_a liberal_a modest_a truâ—â—_n and_o just_a there_o be_v kind_n of_o viâ—ces_n which_o our_o nature_n almost_o uniâ—versally_o rise_v against_o as_o many_o bestâ—â—alities_n and_o some_o horrid_a cruelty_n and_o all_o man_n except_o monster_n in_o humane_a form_n be_v dispose_v to_o some_o virtue_n such_o as_o love_n to_o child_n and_o kindness_n to_o friend_n and_o benefactor_n all_o this_o i_o must_v confess_v and_o say_v because_o experience_n constrain_v i_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v why_o systematick_a notion_n shall_v sway_v more_o than_o that_o but_o notwithstanding_o these_o last_o concession_n it_o be_v evident_a enough_o
bad_a man_n but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v common_o about_o opinion_n or_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o appertain_v to_o first_o table_n duty_n while_o usual_o the_o same_o man_n be_v very_o cold_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o and_o when_o zeal_n be_v partial_a and_o spend_v about_o the_o little_a thing_n that_o tend_v not_o to_o the_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n or_o the_o perfect_a of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a animal_n fervour_n and_o no_o divine_a fire_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n the_o seeker_n that_o shall_v not_o enter_v may_v grow_v up_o to_o another_o height_n that_o look_v glorious_o and_o seem_v to_o speak_v mighty_a thing_n as_o iii_o he_o may_v have_v great_a comfort_n in_o religious_a meditation_n and_o that_o even_o to_o rapturous_a excess_n he_o may_v take_v these_o for_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o earnest_n of_o glory_n and_o be_v lift_v up_o on_o high_a by_o they_o and_o enable_v to_o speak_v in_o wonderful_a ravish_a strain_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o evil_a man_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o for_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o who_o complexion_n incline_v they_o to_o devotion_n be_v common_o much_o under_o the_o power_n of_o melancholy_n and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o be_v most_o very_a various_a in_o their_o temper_n sometime_o merry_a and_o pleasant_a to_o excess_n and_o then_o plunge_v as_o deep_a into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o sadness_n and_o dejection_n one_o while_o the_o sweet_a humour_n enliven_v the_o imagination_n and_o present_v it_o with_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a and_o then_o the_o black_a blood_n succeed_v which_o beget_v cloud_n and_o darkness_n and_o fill_v the_o fancy_n with_o thing_n frightful_a and_o uncomfortable_a and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o but_o feel_v such_o variety_n in_o a_o degree_n in_o themselves_o now_o while_o the_o sweet_a blood_n and_o â—â—â—mours_n prevail_v the_o person_n who_o complexion_n incline_v he_o to_o religion_n and_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o degree_n new_o discourse_v of_o though_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n be_v full_a of_o inward_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o fancy_n at_o this_o turn_n that_o he_o be_v much_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o sure_a heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n which_o must_v needs_o excite_v in_o he_o many_o luscious_a and_o pleasant_a thought_n and_o these_o further_o warm_v his_o imagination_n which_o by_o new_a and_o take_v suggestion_n still_o raise_v the_o affection_n more_o and_o so_o the_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v transport_v beyond_o himself_o and_o speak_v like_o one_o drop_v from_o the_o cloud_n his_o tongue_n flow_v with_o light_n and_o glory_n and_o communion_n and_o revelation_n and_o income_n and_o then_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o this_o and_o that_o god_n be_v in_o he_o of_o a_o truth_n in_o a_o special_a way_n of_o manifestation_n and_o vouchsafement_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a height_n of_o the_o animal_n religion_n and_o many_o time_n it_o proceed_v from_o nothing_o more_o divine_a for_o when_o melancholic_a vapour_n prevail_v again_o the_o imagination_n be_v overcast_v and_o the_o fancy_n possess_v by_o dismal_a and_o uncomfortable_a thought_n and_o the_o man_n who_o head_n be_v but_o just_a before_o among_o the_o cloud_n be_v now_o grovel_v in_o the_o dust._n he_o think_v all_o be_v lose_v and_o his_o condition_n miserable_a he_o be_v a_o castaway_n and_o undo_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n as_o to_o divine_a favour_n he_o be_v just_a where_o he_o be_v before_o or_o rather_o in_o a_o better_a state_n since_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v humble_v with_o reason_n then_o to_o be_v lift_v up_o without_o it_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o do_v mere_a natural_a passion_n and_o imagination_n produce_v when_o they_o be_v tincture_v and_o heighten_v by_o religious_a melancholy_n to_o deny_v one_o self_n and_o to_o overcome_v one_o passion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o a_o sober_a virtue_n be_v much_o more_o divine_a than_o all_o this_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o i_o be_o far_o from_o deny_v it_o that_o holy_a man_n feel_v those_o joy_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v no_o fancy_n and_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o great_a peace_n ps._n cxix_o 165_o and_o joy_n in_o believe_v rom._n xv_o 13_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n that_o pass_v all_o understanding_n phil._n four_o 7_o but_o then_o these_o divine_a vouchsafement_n be_v not_o rapturous_a or_o ecstatical_a they_o be_v no_o sudden_a flash_n that_o be_v go_v in_o a_o moment_n leave_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o region_n of_o sorrow_n and_o despair_n but_o sober_a last_a comfort_n that_o be_v the_o reward_n and_o result_v of_o virtue_n the_o rejoice_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o cor._n i_o 12_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o those_o rare_a soul_n who_o have_v overcome_v the_o evil_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n or_o be_v vigorous_o press_v on_o towards_o this_o mark_n phil._n iii._o 14_o but_o for_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n i_o have_v mention_v while_o the_o evil_a inclination_n and_o habit_n be_v indulge_v whatever_o they_o pretend_v all_o the_o sweet_n they_o talk_v of_o be_v but_o the_o imagery_n of_o dream_n and_o the_o pleasant_a delusion_n of_o their_o fancy_n sect_n vi_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v how_o far_o the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n may_v go_v in_o imperfect_a strive_v and_o now_o i_o must_v expect_v to_o hear_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v very_o severe_a uncomfortable_a doctrine_n and_o if_o one_o that_o shall_v eventual_o be_v shut_v out_o may_v do_v all_o this_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o religious_a man_n that_o never_o do_v so_o much_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v short_a what_o will_v be_v available_a who_o then_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o measure_n of_o religion_n and_o happiness_n ourselves_o but_o to_o take_v those_o that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o except_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n we_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n v._n 20_o now_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v thing_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v equal_a to_o all_o the_o particular_n i_o have_v mention_v yea_o they_o go_v beyond_o marry_v of_o our_o glorious_a professor_n who_o yet_o think_v themselves_o in_o a_o high_a form_n of_o godliness_n they_o believe_v their_o religion_n firm_o and_o pray_v frequent_o and_o fervent_o and_o fast_v severe_o they_o be_v exact_a and_o exceed_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n and_o hate_v scandalous_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o be_v very_o punctual_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n supererrogated_a and_o go_v beyond_o what_o be_v command_v such_o zealous_a people_n be_v they_o and_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o conversation_n and_o custom_n of_o other_o jew_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o suppose_v great_a holiness_n and_o purity_n these_o be_v height_n to_o which_o the_o pharisee_n arrive_v and_o a_o good_a christian_a must_v exceed_v all_o this_o and_o he_o that_o live_v in_o a_o sober_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o self_n government_n and_o humble_a submission_n to_o god_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n and_o charity_n to_o his_o neighbour_n he_o do_v real_o exceed_v it_o and_o shall_v enter_v when_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o pharisaic_a righteousness_n must_v be_v exceed_v the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o every_o thing_n the_o pharisee_n do_v be_v necessary_a but_o we_o must_v do_v that_o which_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o be_v better_a and_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n viz._n that_o whereas_o they_o place_v their_o religion_n in_o strict_a fast_n and_o nice_a observation_n of_o festival_n in_o loud_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o zeal_n to_o get_v proselyte_n we_o shall_v place_v we_o in_o sincere_a subjection_n of_o our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o law_n in_o amend_v the_o fault_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o life_n in_o subdue_a our_o passion_n and_o cast_v out_o the_o habit_n of_o evil_a these_o be_v much_o beyond_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o fanatic_a
phariseeâ—_n â—_z not_o in_o show_n and_o pomp_n but_o in_o real_a worth_n and_o divine_a esteem_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v discourage_v because_o they_o that_o do_v so_o much_o be_v cast_v out_o since_o though_o we_o find_v not_o those_o heat_n and_o specious_a thing_n in_o ourselves_o which_o we_o observe_v in_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v more_o meek_a and_o modest_a and_o patient_a and_o charitable_a and_o humble_a and_o just_a our_o case_n be_v better_a and_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n when_o they_o be_v but_o the_o form_n and_o we_o who_o they_o account_v alien_n and_o enemy_n shall_v enter_v while_o they_o the_o presume_a friend_n and_o domestics_n shall_v be_v shut_v out_o but_o 2._o i_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v again_o object_v against_o this_o severity_n of_o discourse_n that_o our_o saviour_n say_v mat._n xi_o 20_o that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n be_v light_a which_o place_n seem_v to_o cross_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v about_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v such_o a_o appearance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o more_o for_o the_o word_n look_v as_o cross_v to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a author_n concern_v the_o straightness_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o narrowness_n of_o the_o way_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v from_o those_o infallible_a say_n therefore_o to_o remove_v the_o semblance_n of_o contrariety_n which_o the_o object_v text_n seem_v to_o have_v to_o those_o other_o and_o to_o my_o discourse_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a the_o word_n we_o read_v easy_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v very_o good_a excellent_a gracious_a and_o the_o meaning_n i_o suppose_v be_v that_o his_o precept_n have_v a_o native_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v congruous_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o apt_a instrument_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o which_o sense_n this_o expression_n have_v no_o antipathy_n to_o the_o text_n or_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v add_v my_o burden_n be_v light_a i_o think_v by_o this_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o his_o command_n be_v not_o of_o that_o burdensome_a nature_n that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v those_o be_v very_o cumbersome_a and_o have_v nothing_o in_o their_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a whereas_o his_o religion_n have_v no_o expensive_a troublesome_a rite_n appendant_a to_o it_o nor_o do_v it_o require_v any_o thing_n but_o our_o observation_n of_o those_o law_n which_o eternal_a reason_n oblige_v we_o to_o and_o which_o of_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v choose_v to_o live_v under_o be_v we_o free_v from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o interest_n of_o flesh._n so_o that_o neither_o do_v this_o objection_n signify_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o scope_n of_o my_o discourse_n chap._n iu_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a concern_v 1_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o nature_n 2_o the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n to_o perfect_v humane_a nature_n 3_o the_o agreement_n and_o oneness_n of_o christianity_n and_o morality_n 4_o the_o method_n of_o of_o grace_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n 5_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o animal_n religion_n 6_o the_o certain_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v our_o state_n 7_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o form_n of_o it_o sect_n i._o and_o now_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v to_o add_v will_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o general_n 1_o inference_n and_o a_o plain_a 2_o advice_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o inference_n and_o corollary_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o 1_o we_o may_v collect_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v see_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n to_o overcome_v evil_a inclination_n and_o the_o prevail_a influence_n of_o sense_n and_o passion_n and_o evil_a custom_n and_o example_n and_o worldly_a affection_n and_o therefore_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n consist_v in_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o these_o this_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o old_a man_n eph._n four_o 22_o the_o image_n of_o the_o earthy_a 1_o cor._n xv_o flesh_n gal_n v._n 17_o death_n rom._n seven_o 24_o darkness_n john_n iii._o 19_o and_o old_a leaven_n 1_o cor._n v_o 7_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o state_n of_o sincere_a strive_v against_o they_o which_o if_o it_o keep_v on_o end_v in_o victory_n and_o this_o be_v call_v conversion_n act_v three_o 19_o and_o renovation_n while_o it_o be_v in_o its_o first_o motion_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n i_o 4_o the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a 1_o cor._n xv_o 20_o the_o spirit_n gal._n v._n 16_o light_n ephes._n v._n 8_o and_o life_n 1_o joh._n three_o 14_o when_o it_o be_v arrive_v to_o more_o compleatness_n and_o perfection_n for_o our_o full_a understanding_n this_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o grace_n be_v take_v 1_o for_o divine_a favour_n 2_o for_o christian_a virtue_n as_o it_o signify_v divine_a favour_n so_o it_o be_v use_v 1_o for_o those_o help_n and_o aid_v god_n afford_v we_o viz._n the_o gospel_n joh._n i._n 17_o and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o 9_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n by_o baptism_n viz._n we_o be_v entitle_v to_o divine_a help_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o regeneration_n for_o we_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o impotence_n and_o weakness_n and_o destitution_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n this_o be_v the_o world_n of_o mere_a nature_n but_o then_o in_o baptism_n we_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v be_v put_v under_o its_o influence_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o its_o aid_n and_o so_o be_v moral_o bear_v again_o not_o that_o this_o regeneration_n alone_o will_v save_v we_o without_o our_o endeavour_n it_o import_v only_o a_o external_a relation_n and_o right_a to_o privilege_n and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v powerful_o assist_v in_o our_o strive_n if_o we_o use_v they_o but_o then_o 2_o grace_v too_o as_o it_o signify_v divine_a favour_n imply_v his_o special_a love_n and_o kindness_n such_o as_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a man_n so_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n a_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n be_v a_o condition_n assist_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o all_o baptize_v person_n be_v in_o that_o but_o if_o they_o use_v not_o those_o help_n they_o be_v not_o in_o god_n special_a favour_n and_o so_o not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o when_o those_o assistance_n be_v due_o employ_v and_o join_v with_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n than_o the_o person_n so_o use_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n also_o and_o in_o god_n special_a love_n and_o favour_n thus_o of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n as_o take_v for_o divine_a favour_n 2_o the_o word_n be_v also_o use_v for_o christian_a virtue_n 2_o peter_n three_o 18_o and_o virtue_n be_v call_v grace_n because_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v divine_a favour_n and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v a_o virtuous_a man_n which_o suppose_v divine_a aid_n and_o entitle_v to_o divine_a love_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v take_v a_o occasion_n thus_o brief_o to_o state_n and_o i_o have_v do_v it_o because_o there_o be_v ofttimes_o much_o confusion_n in_o man_n discourse_n about_o grace_n and_o nature_n from_o which_o much_o trouble_n and_o many_o controversy_n have_v arisen_a and_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v also_o in_o these_o brief_a hint_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o office_n of_o baptism_n may_v be_v understand_v clear_o and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o sound_a and_o true_a notwithstanding_o the_o petty_a exception_n of_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v sect_n ii_o two_o i_o may_v infer_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o perfect_v humane_a nature_n the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n consist_v as_o i_o have_v intimate_v in_o the_o subjection_n and_o
subordination_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v enlighten_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o those_o of_o reason_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o integrity_n in_o which_o we_o be_v first_o make_v and_o we_o lose_v it_o by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o inferior_a power_n which_o have_v usurp_v the_o government_n of_o we_o ever_o since_o here_o be_v the_o imperfection_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n now_o religion_n design_n to_o remove_v and_o cure_v these_o and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o our_o first_o and_o happy_a state_n it_o be_v business_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v our_o look_n and_o our_o language_n or_o to_o model_n our_o action_n and_o gesture_n into_o a_o devout_a appearance_n not_o only_o to_o restrain_v the_o practice_n of_o open_a profaneness_n and_o villainy_n nor_o to_o comfort_v we_o with_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_v we_o we_o know_v not_o why_o but_o to_o cure_v our_o ill_a nature_n to_o govern_v our_o passion_n to_o moderate_v our_o desire_n to_o throw_v out_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o uncharitable_a surmisal_n with_o the_o other_o spiritual_a sort_n of_o wickedness_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o sin_n or_o imperfection_n and_o so_o to_o render_v we_o fit_a object_n of_o his_o delight_n and_o love_n so_o that_o whatever_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o some_o way_n or_o other_o real_o better_a better_a in_o our_o self_n and_o better_a in_o all_o relation_n as_o father_n and_o child_n and_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o subject_n and_o governor_n and_o neighbour_n and_o friend_n be_v not_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n and_o where_o we_o see_v not_o this_o effect_n of_o religion_n let_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o high_a and_o glorious_a in_o his_o profession_n we_o may_v yet_o conclude_v that_o either_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o good_a or_o that_o he_o only_o pretend_v and_o real_o have_v it_o not_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o great_a certainty_n viz._n that_o christian_a religion_n aim_v at_o the_o better_n and_o perfect_v of_o our_o nature_n for_o the_o thing_n it_o command_v relate_v either_o to_o worship_n or_o virtue_n the_o instance_n of_o external_a worship_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n both_o which_o be_v high_a act_n of_o gratitude_n and_o justice_n and_o they_o fit_v we_o for_o divine_a blessing_n and_o keep_v we_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o prepare_v we_o for_o union_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a thus_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n tend_v to_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o inward_a do_v infinite_o the_o same_o they_o be_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v faith_n in_o god_n support_v and_o relieve_v we_o in_o all_o affliction_n and_o distress_n the_o love_n of_o he_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o solace_n to_o we_o in_o all_o loss_n and_o disappointment_n since_o he_o be_v a_o object_n most_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o one_o that_o can_v be_v lose_v except_o we_o wilful_o thrust_v he_o from_o we_o fear_v of_o god_n have_v no_o torment_n it_o be_v no_o slavish_a dread_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o power_n but_o a_o reverence_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o a_o lothness_n to_o offend_v he_o and_o this_o dispose_v we_o also_o for_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n ps._n lxxxv_o 9_o and_o this_o it_o do_v by_o congruity_n and_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v say_v likewise_o of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o they_o will_v make_v those_o happy_a that_o practise_v they_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v positive_o enjoin_v or_o not_o and_o though_o no_o express_a reward_n have_v be_v annex_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v other_o two_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o christianity_n require_v which_o be_v institute_v and_o positive_a and_o respect_n christ_n our_o lord_n they_o be_v the_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n both_o which_o be_v holy_a rite_n of_o high_a signification_n and_o seal_v of_o a_o excellent_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o assure_v we_o of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o divine_a favour_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o more_o firm_o oblige_v we_o to_o holy_a obedience_n and_o dependence_n the_o only_a way_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a whence_o we_o see_v brief_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o worship_n which_o christianity_n bind_v upon_o we_o tend_v to_o our_o perfection_n and_o felicity_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n that_o it_o command_v do_v the_o same_o both_o those_o that_o respect_v we_o in_o a_o personal_a and_o those_o other_o that_o relate_v to_o we_o as_o member_n of_o society_n thus_o humility_n recommend_v mat._n v._n 3_o meekness_n blessed_v v_o 5._o purity_n v_o 8_o be_v virtue_n that_o accomplish_v our_o particular_a person_n and_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o ourselves_o for_o of_o pride_n come_v contention_n prov._n xiii_o 10_o and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o trouble_n arise_v from_o stomach_n and_o self-will_n all_o which_o humility_n cure_v and_o meekness_n also_o take_v away_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o numerous_a mischief_n we_o run_v into_o through_o the_o rage_n and_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a beauty_n and_o ornament_n since_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o due_a order_n and_o government_n of_o our_o faculty_n purity_n also_o which_o comprehend_v temperance_n of_o all_o sort_n free_v we_o from_o the_o torment_a importunity_n of_o those_o desire_n that_o drag_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o expose_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o temptation_n and_o make_v we_o exceed_o miserable_a beside_o which_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o render_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o christian_a virtue_n do_v not_o only_o accomplish_v and_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o our_o particular_a person_n but_o in_o the_o more_o public_a capacity_n also_o they_o dispose_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n without_o murmur_v and_o complain_v and_o thereby_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v secure_v and_o all_o good_a thing_n else_o in_o that_o but_o there_o be_v other_o virtue_n that_o christianity_n enjoin_v which_o have_v a_o more_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o as_o justice_n mat._n seven_o 12_o charity_n 1_o cor._n 13._o loyalty_n rom._n xiii_o and_o all_o other_o public_a virtue_n may_v i_o think_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o where_o there_o be_v no_o justice_n every_o man_n prey_v upon_o another_o and_o no_o man_n property_n be_v safe_a where_o charity_n be_v want_v jealousy_n hatred_n envy_n backbiting_n and_o cruelty_n abound_v which_o render_v the_o world_n deplorable_o unhappy_a where_o there_o be_v not_o loyalty_n and_o conscionable_a submission_n to_o governor_n the_o public_a be_v upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o commotion_n involve_v in_o infinite_a misery_n and_o disaster_n so_o that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n proper_a instrument_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o they_o have_v be_v method_n of_o felicity_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n though_o they_o have_v never_o be_v require_v by_o so_o great_a and_o so_o sacred_a a_o authority_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v because_o i_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o recommend_v the_o excellency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o i_o have_v do_v it_o but_o only_o in_o brief_a hint_n because_o it_o arise_v but_o upon_o a_o corollary_n from_o my_o main_a subject_n and_o from_o this_o i_o infer_v sect_n iii_o iii_o that_o christianity_n be_v the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o morality_n they_o both_o tend_v to_o the_o real_a better_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a till_o christ_n jesus_n come_v he_o confirm_v and_o enforce_v all_o those_o precept_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o clear_v they_o from_o many_o corruption_n that_o be_v grow_v upon_o they_o through_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n the_o gloss_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o false_a conceit_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o he_o enforce_v they_o anew_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o knowledge_n he_o give_v of_o divine_a aid_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o be_v understand_v before_o yea_o he_o enlarge_a it_o in_o some_o instance_n such_o as_o love_a enemy_n and_o forgive_a injury_n thus_o christ_n jesus_n teach_v morality_n viz._n the_o way_n of_o live_v like_o man_n and_o the_o
god_n and_o delight_n great_o in_o hear_v and_o pious_a discourse_n and_o will_v suffer_v all_o thing_n for_o what_o he_o call_v his_o conscience_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v a_o saint_n from_o hence_o because_o the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n may_v put_v itself_o forth_o in_o all_o these_o expression_n and_o though_o this_o professor_n be_v a_o bad_a man_n proud_a and_o covetous_a malicious_a and_o censorious_a sacrilegious_a and_o rebellious_a yet_o we_o can_v thence_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n in_o one_o sense_n viz._n such_o a_o one_o as_o feign_v all_o that_o he_o pretend_v but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v real_o so_o affect_v with_o hear_v and_o pray_v and_o devout_a company_n as_o he_o make_v show_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o not_o alter_v our_o opinion_n of_o his_o be_v a_o evil_a man_n since_o the_o animal_n religion_n will_v go_v as_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o glory_v there_o be_v nothing_o whereby_o the_o common_a people_n be_v draw_v more_o easy_o into_o the_o way_n of_o sect_n and_o separation_n then_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o faction_n these_o they_o take_v to_o be_v religion_n and_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o godliness_n and_o those_o the_o religious_a and_o only_a godly_a people_n and_o so_o first_o they_o conceive_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o then_o follow_v they_o whithersoever_o they_o lead_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v tempt_v into_o schism_n and_o party_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o argument_n of_o fanatic_n as_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o godliness_n which_o opinion_n be_v ground_v upon_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n and_o very_o common_o do_v so_o this_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o by_o this_o ignorance_n be_v betray_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o separation_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o own_o great_a hurt_n and_o inconvenience_n whereas_o can_v they_o be_v make_v to_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o complexion_n and_o natural_a passion_n may_v bring_v forth_o all_o these_o fruit_n they_o may_v be_v secure_v by_o this_o mean_n against_o the_o tempt_a imposture_n and_o learn_v that_o meekness_n and_o patience_n affability_n and_o charity_n justice_n and_o a_o peaceable_a humble_a temper_n be_v better_a argument_n of_o saintship_n than_o all_o these_o thus_o a_o great_a mischief_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o there_o be_v another_o also_o that_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o the_o same_o observation_n the_o inconvenience_n be_v this_o while_o the_o enemy_n of_o faction_n object_n hypocrisy_n to_o they_o affirm_v that_o all_o they_o do_v and_o say_v be_v mere_a personate_n and_o pretence_n they_o confirm_v and_o settle_v those_o people_n in_o their_o way_n for_o many_o of_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n and_o consequent_o that_o their_o opposer_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v they_o by_o which_o they_o be_v better_o establish_v in_o their_o own_o good_a opinion_n and_o harden_v against_o conviction_n whereas_o do_v they_o consider_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v suggest_v about_o the_o animal_n religion_n and_o grant_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v serious_a believe_v themselves_o infinite_o and_o feel_v all_o those_o warmth_n which_o they_o pretend_v and_o yet_o be_v evil_a man_n and_o far_o enough_o from_o be_v godly_a do_v they_o show_v they_o that_o all_o their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o more_o and_o great_a than_o they_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o principle_n that_o have_v nothing_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o will_v thereby_o strike_v they_o in_o the_o right_a vein_n and_o bring_v they_o down_o from_o the_o high_a perch_n whereon_o by_o their_o false_a mark_n they_o have_v place_v themselves_o and_o thereby_o disabuse_v they_o and_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o other_o sect_n vi_o vi_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v know_v our_o state_n whether_o it_o be_v that_o of_o grace_n and_o life_n or_o the_o other_o sad_a one_o of_o unregeneracy_n and_o death_n the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o motion_n towards_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n and_o a_o perfect_a victory_n over_o ourselves_o and_o all_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o affection_n the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n and_o death_n be_v the_o continuance_n under_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sense_n passion_n and_o evil_a habit_n when_o it_o be_v a_o question_n to_o ourselves_o in_o which_o of_o these_o state_n we_o be_v it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o we_o be_v arrive_v to_o something_o of_o religion_n for_o the_o gross_o wicked_a can_v but_o know_v what_o their_o condition_n be_v and_o the_o way_n i_o will_v propose_v to_o those_o other_o who_o be_v yet_o uncertain_a be_v this_o viz._n to_o take_v notice_n whether_o they_o real_o design_n and_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o goodness_n every_o motion_n indeed_o can_v be_v feel_v or_o perceive_v but_o if_o we_o go_v on_o though_o never_o so_o insensible_o time_n will_v show_v that_o we_o be_v grow_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v our_o particular_a defect_n and_o studious_o apply_v proper_a instrument_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o we_o find_v success_n in_o those_o endeavour_n and_o that_o we_o be_v better_o this_o year_n than_o we_o be_v the_o former_a that_o our_o passion_n be_v better_o govern_v and_o our_o inordinate_a affection_n more_o restrain_v and_o our_o evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n less_o powerful_a with_o we_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n that_o we_o live_v and_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o shall_v at_o last_o arrive_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n eph._n four_o 13_o and_o shall_v attain_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o 2_o cor._n four_o 1_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o come_v to_o some_o hopeful_a pitch_n and_o stand_v still_o there_o if_o sin_n and_o temptation_n be_v as_o powerful_a with_o we_o now_o as_o they_o be_v a_o year_n ago_o and_o our_o inclination_n and_o passion_n just_a at_o the_o same_o pass_n we_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a state_n and_o dead_a while_o the_o plant_n grow_v it_o live_v and_o may_v become_v a_o great_a tree_n though_o at_o present_v it_o be_v but_o small_a whereas_o that_o who_o stature_n be_v big_a and_o more_o promise_v if_o it_o proceed_v not_o decay_n and_o come_v to_o nothing_o though_o we_o be_v imperfect_a if_o we_o be_v strive_v and_o go_v towards_o perfection_n god_n overlook_v our_o infirmity_n and_o pardon_v they_o for_o christ_n sake_n this_o be_v our_o sincerity_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o think_v ourselves_o well_o and_o do_v not_o always_o attempt_v forward_o our_o state_n be_v bad_a and_o our_o sin_n will_v be_v impute_v be_v our_o pretence_n what_o they_o will_v our_o faith_n be_v not_o sincere_a and_o will_v not_o stead_v we_o when_o we_o get_v to_o a_o certain_a pitch_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v that_o our_o state_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v mere_o animal_n and_o but_o a_o mode_n of_o complexion_n self_n love_n and_o natural_a fear_n when_o we_o overcome_v some_o sin_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o spare_v and_o cherish_v other_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o our_o attempt_n upon_o any_o and_o that_o what_o we_o have_v do_v be_v not_o perform_v upon_o good_a and_o divine_a motive_n sincerity_n be_v discover_v by_o growth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a mark_n that_o i_o know_v of_o trial_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o presume_v though_o as_o we_o think_v we_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n if_o we_o go_v not_o on_o nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v we_o any_o to_o despair_n though_o our_o present_a attainment_n be_v but_o small_a if_o we_o be_v proceed_v the_o bud_n and_o tender_a blossom_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o the_o fair_a leaf_n of_o the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n be_v nothing_o in_o his_o estimate_n this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n we_o have_v from_o the_o gospel_n that_o imperfection_n will_v be_v accept_v where_o there_o be_v sincerity_n whereas_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o exact_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n no_o man_n can_v be_v make_v happy_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o who_o victory_n be_v absolute_a sect_n vii_o vii_o it_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o our_o discourse_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n consist_v viz._n in_o a_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n and_o a_o entire_a victory_n over_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n and_o external_a action_n of_o
earnest_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o express_v a_o mighty_a love_n to_o his_o name_n yet_o this_o may_v be_v too_o without_o any_o real_a conformity_n unto_o he_o in_o his_o life_n and_o law_n the_o jew_n speak_v much_o of_o moses_n in_o he_o they_o believe_v and_o in_o he_o they_o trust_v john_n v._n 45_o his_o name_n be_v a_o sweet_a sound_n to_o their_o ear_n and_o it_o be_v very_o pleasant_a upon_o their_o tongue_n and_o yet_o they_o hate_v the_o spirit_n of_o moses_n and_o have_v no_o love_n to_o those_o law_n of_o he_o which_o condemn_v their_o wicked_a action_n and_o we_o may_v see_v how_o many_o of_o those_o love_n christ_n that_o speak_v often_o and_o affectionate_o of_o he_o by_o observe_v how_o they_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n fourteen_o 15_o especial_o those_o of_o meekness_n mercy_n and_o universal_a love_n thus_o imperfect_a striver_n may_v employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o external_a office_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v instance_a only_o in_o three_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o this_o i_o add_v that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o outward_a matter_n of_o duty_n but_o may_v arrive_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v account_v great_a height_n and_o be_v real_o more_o and_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a to_o instance_n sect_n v._o i._n they_o may_v have_v some_o love_n to_o god_n goodness_n and_o good_a man_n the_o soul_n natural_o love_v beauty_n and_o perfection_n and_o all_o mankind_n apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v of_o all_o being_n the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o intellectual_a love_n for_o he_o the_o reason_n that_o that_o love_n take_v no_o hold_n of_o the_o passion_n in_o wicked_a man_n be_v partly_o because_o they_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o by_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o chief_o because_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o their_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o complacency_n or_o delight_n in_o he_o who_o they_o think_v have_v nothing_o but_o thought_n of_o enmity_n and_o displeasure_n against_o they_o but_o if_o once_o they_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o many_o time_n by_o such_o false_a mark_n as_o i_o have_v recite_v they_o be_v that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n and_o peculiar_a friend_n that_o they_o be_v his_o choose_a and_o his_o darling_n who_o he_o love_v from_o eternity_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o will_v give_v himself_o in_o a_o way_n of_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n then_o the_o love_n that_o before_o be_v only_o a_o esteem_n in_o the_o understanding_n do_v kindle_v in_o the_o affection_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o conceit_n of_o god_n love_v they_o so_o dear_o and_o the_o passion_n thus_o heat_v run_v out_o even_o into_o seraphic_a and_o rapturous_a devotion_n while_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o mere_a animal_n love_n excite_v chief_a by_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o not_o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o it_o common_o go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o earnest_a expression_n of_o extraordinary_a love_n to_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o discourse_n while_o it_o appear_v not_o in_o any_o singular_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n or_o generous_a and_o universal_a love_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o the_o true_a divine_a love_n be_v express_v for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n v._n 3_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o thus_o if_o we_o love_v one_o another_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o his_o love_n be_v perfect_v in_o we_o 1_o john_n four_o 12_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n john_n four_o 20_o charity_n then_o and_o universal_a obedience_n be_v the_o true_a argument_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o these_o suppose_v a_o victory_n over_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o self-will_n but_o the_o other_o love_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conceit_n of_o our_o special_a dearness_n to_o god_n upon_o insufficient_a ground_n that_o go_v no_o further_a than_o to_o some_o suavity_n and_o pleasant_a fancy_n within_o ourselves_o and_o some_o passionate_a compliment_n of_o the_o image_n we_o have_v set_v up_o in_o our_o imagination_n this_o love_n will_v consist_v with_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o that_o be_v not_o like_o ourselves_o yea_o and_o it_o will_v produce_v it_o those_o poisonous_a fruit_n and_o vile_a affection_n may_v be_v encourage_v and_o cherish_v under_o it_o so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o love_n to_o god_n in_o evil_a man_n but_o while_o self-love_n be_v the_o only_a motive_n and_o the_o more_o prevalent_a passion_n it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o their_o advantage_n and_o as_o the_o imperfect_a striver_n may_v have_v some_o love_n to_o god_n so_o he_o may_v to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n every_o man_n love_v these_o in_o idea_n the_o vile_a sinner_n take_v part_n in_o his_o affection_n with_o the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a when_o he_o see_v they_o describe_v in_o history_n or_o romance_n and_o have_v a_o detestation_n for_o those_o who_o be_v character_v as_o impious_a and_o immoral_a virtue_n be_v a_o great_a beauty_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v with_o it_o while_o it_o be_v consider_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o our_o corrupt_a interest_n and_o sensual_a affection_n be_v not_o concern_v it_o be_v these_o that_o recommend_v sin_n to_o our_o love_n and_o choice_n while_o the_o mind_n stand_v on_o the_o side_n of_o virtue_n with_o that_o we_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o with_o the_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n rom._n seven_o 25_o so_o that_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v not_o degenerate_v into_o mere_a brute_n have_v this_o mental_a and_o intellectual_a love_n to_o goodness_n that_o be_v they_o approve_v and_o like_o it_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_v practice_v it_o also_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o prevalent_a bias_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v likewise_o that_o the_o same_o may_v approve_v and_o respect_v good_a man_n they_o may_v reverence_v and_o love_v they_o for_o their_o charity_n humility_n justice_n and_o temperance_n though_o themselves_o be_v person_n of_o the_o contrary_a character_n yet_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a and_o ardent_a affection_n for_o those_o that_o be_v eminent_o pious_a and_o devout_a though_o they_o be_v very_o irreligious_a themselves_o the_o conscience_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n may_v produce_v this_o in_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o vile_a inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o good_a mark_n of_o godliness_n neither_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o stead_v we_o except_o it_o be_v prevalent_a and_o as_o the_o love_n describe_v may_v be_v natural_a and_o a_o mere_a animal_n man_n may_v arrive_v unto_o it_o so_o ii_o he_o may_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a zeal_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o love_n hot_a temper_n be_v eager_a where_o they_o take_v either_o kindness_n or_o displeasure_n the_o natural_a man_n that_o have_v a_o animal_n love_v to_o religion_n may_v be_v violent_a in_o speak_v and_o act_v for_o thing_n appertain_v to_o it_o if_o his_o temper_n be_v devotional_a and_o passionate_a he_o become_v a_o mighty_a zealot_n and_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o the_o fame_n of_o his_o godliness_n his_o natural_a fire_n move_v this_o way_n and_o make_v a_o mighty_a blaze_n ahab_n be_v very_o zealous_a and_o it_o be_v like_a it_o be_v not_o only_o his_o own_o interest_n that_o make_v he_o so_o 2_o king_n x._o 16_o the_o pharisee_n be_v zealous_a people_n and_o certain_o their_o zeal_n be_v not_o always_o personate_v and_o put_v on_o but_o real_a though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o many_o thing_n deceive_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o tradition_n and_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o be_v so_o st._n paul_n while_o a_o persecutor_n be_v zealous_a against_o the_o disciple_n and_o he_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o that_o name_n and_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o those_o zealous_a murderer_n that_o shall_v kill_v his_o saint_n shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o it_o john_n xuj_o 2_o so_o that_o all_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o feign_v and_o act_v of_o a_o part_n nor_o have_v it_o always_o evil_a object_n the_o pharisee_n be_v zealous_a against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n zeal_n then_o and_o that_o in_o earnest_n for_o religion_n may_v be_v in_o