near_o relate_v to_o we_o but_o then_o 1._o the_o measure_n of_o this_o provision_n must_v be_v our_o necessity_n not_o wantonness_n for_o if_o we_o refuse_v relief_n to_o the_o poor_a on_o this_o pretence_n that_o we_o can_v support_v our_o vanity_n and_o gaiety_n and_o their_o poverty_n together_o undoubted_o we_o shall_v perish_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o uncharitableness_n 2._o the_o present_a time_n not_o the_o vain_a fear_n of_o the_o future_a must_v determine_v this_o necessity_n for_o if_o we_o deny_v a_o alm_n out_o of_o our_o present_a plenty_n upon_o a_o idle_a fear_n of_o future_a want_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a excuse_n that_o it_o be_v a_o double_a crime_n distrust_n in_o god_n as_o well_o as_o hard_a heartedness_n to_o our_o brother_n contradictory_n to_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o charity_n i_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o second_o pretence_n by_o degree_n and_o therefore_o 1._o suppose_v the_o worth_n or_o worthlesness_n or_o what_o be_v more_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o distress_a person_n be_v only_o doubtful_a and_o suspect_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o charity_n to_o give_v up_o a_o brother_n to_o ruin_v upon_o a_o vain_a surmise_n we_o be_v not_o to_o dispute_v their_o desert_n but_o to_o regard_v their_o want_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o safe_a side_n charity_n may_v be_v mistake_v but_o shall_v never_o be_v unrewarded_a we_o be_v herein_o i_o think_v to_o imitate_v that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o dispense_v the_o alm_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n he_o have_v no_o doubt_n on_o it_o particular_a favour_n as_o well_o as_o a_o particular_a kindness_n for_o the_o good_a and_o holy_a but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o so_o those_o his_o benefit_n which_o all_o stand_n in_o absolute_a need_n of_o be_v common_a to_o all_o but_o 2._o suppose_v the_o distress_a person_n be_v real_o as_o evil_a as_o needy_a unless_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o my_o charity_n will_v feed_v his_o vice_n i_o can_v tell_v though_o god_n have_v please_v to_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o affliction_n upon_o he_o whether_o he_o have_v appoint_v i_o to_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o it_o by_o withhold_v that_o aid_n which_o may_v reprieve_v his_o life_n how_o know_v i_o but_o that_o in_o those_o moment_n i_o lend_v he_o he_o may_v return_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o god_n nay_o more_o whether_o my_o charity_n may_v not_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o reduce_v he_o and_o happy_a i_o if_o i_o may_v so_o cheap_o bestow_v a_o double_a life_n of_o body_n and_o of_o soul_n if_o i_o may_v so_o easy_o retrieve_v a_o soul_n my_o saviour_n die_v for_o and_o whilst_o i_o give_v a_o alm_n in_o some_o sense_n bestow_v a_o heaven_n too_o but_o if_o those_o i_o relieve_v shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o my_o father_n the_o fellow_n heir_n of_o salvation_n how_o happy_a a_o opportunity_n be_v light_a into_o my_o hand_n of_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o heaven_n who_o interest_n be_v so_o powerful_a with_o the_o god_n i_o worship_n yet_o last_o in_o general_a whatever_o the_o occasion_n be_v whatever_o the_o person_n blessed_v be_v the_o hour_n wherein_o i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o evidence_n my_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o part_v with_o something_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o my_o dear_a saviour_n bless_a be_v the_o hour_n wherein_o i_o can_v lay_v out_o the_o very_a superfluity_n of_o my_o trifle_a stock_n for_o a_o mansion_n in_o heaven_n for_o a_o abode_n in_o everlasting_a bliss_n where_o in_o i_o can_v honest_o buy_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a i._n e._n it_o may_v be_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n for_o i_o however_o they_o be_v prayer_n which_o be_v very_o seldom_o insignificant_a for_o if_o god_n hear_v when_o they_o curse_v in_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n when_o certain_o it_o be_v his_o goodness_n not_o their_o piety_n which_o make_v their_o prayer_n hear_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v his_o goodness_n invite_v he_o to_o hear_v when_o they_o bless_v in_o the_o cheerfulness_n and_o refreshment_n of_o their_o soul_n last_o how_o comfortable_a will_v my_o reflection_n on_o my_o charity_n be_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o be_v it_o with_o a_o humble_a reverence_n speak_v though_o in_o imitation_n of_o my_o saviour_n how_o will_v that_o jesus_n who_o i_o have_v feed_v when_o hungry_a clothe_v when_o naked_a visit_v and_o comfort_v when_o sick_a and_o imprison_v ever_o give_v i_o up_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o flame_n 3._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n there_o be_v who_o soul_n be_v poor_a disease_a and_o distressed_a as_o well_o as_o their_o body_n and_o can_v a_o ulcer_v leg_n or_o wither_a arm_n deserve_v my_o pity_n more_o than_o a_o leprous_a soul_n can_v i_o choose_v but_o melt_v and_o soften_v at_o a_o sight_n which_o speak_v a_o present_a and_o bode_v a_o future_a misery_n be_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o my_o brother_n grow_v so_o contemptible_a in_o my_o fight_n that_o i_o will_v not_o spend_v a_o hour_n or_o word_n to_o ensure_v it_o alas_o how_o then_o dwell_v the_o same_o spirit_n in_o i_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n well_o then_o i_o will_v go_v and_o visit_v sick_a soul_n i_o will_v prescribe_v and_o press_v and_o watch_n and_o court_n and_o if_o i_o see_v they_o profligate_v beyond_o the_o hope_n of_o recovery_n i_o will_v recommend_v they_o as_o i_o do_v depart_a friend_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o god_n and_o whatever_o the_o success_n prove_v to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v kind_a and_o favourable_a to_o i_o angel_n will_v offer_v up_o the_o incense_n of_o my_o prayer_n and_o bottle_n up_o my_o tear_n as_o well_o as_o those_o spend_v on_o my_o own_o sin_n and_o my_o god_n will_v multiply_v and_o increase_v my_o talent_n when_o he_o see_v that_o i_o spend_v they_o well_o and_o the_o world_n will_v love_v i_o and_o the_o very_a wicked_a will_v praise_v and_o justify_v my_o god_n for_o these_o effect_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n sect._n 2._o but_o nature_n itself_o seem_v to_o incline_v we_o to_o these_o act_n of_o charity_n as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o ministry_n to_o soul_n nor_o can_v we_o share_v in_o humanity_n but_o that_o we_o must_v partake_v of_o some_o degree_n of_o and_o aptness_n to_o christianity_n the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o charity_n be_v still_o behind_o i.e._n the_o forgive_a injury_n or_o more_o the_o returning_z good_a for_o evil_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o child_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n this_o be_v it_o that_o we_o must_v labour_v after_o that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v so_o exalt_v and_o heavenly_a so_o good_a and_o holy_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v easy_o ruffle_v into_o peevishness_n and_o frowardness_n much_o less_o rankle_v into_o a_o settle_a malice_n and_o a_o resolve_v revenge_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o calm_a and_o smoothness_n all_o love_n and_o sweetness_n then_o indeed_o we_o may_v think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o injury_n do_v we_o with_o the_o mildness_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n with_o a_o meekness_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o our_o own_o worthlesness_n with_o a_o compos'dness_n of_o midn_n which_o remit_v all_o to_o a_o almighty_a and_o wise_a god_n and_o with_o a_o compassion_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o sin_n do_v awaken_v in_o we_o when_o we_o can_v have_v the_o charity_n to_o believe_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o man_n action_n conceal_v though_o we_o can_v discover_v none_o or_o if_o the_o malice_n be_v as_o plain_a and_o evident_a as_o the_o wrong_n then_o if_o we_o can_v pray_v for_o those_o who_o curse_v we_o honour_n and_o love_n those_o who_o treat_v we_o with_o despite_n and_o scorn_n if_o we_o can_v support_v the_o interest_n and_o buoy_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v use_v we_o shameful_o and_o ungrateful_o after_o we_o have_v love_v and_o after_o we_o have_v serve_v they_o if_o we_o can_v do_v this_o than_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o spirit_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n abide_v in_o we_o and_o that_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o this_o perfection_n i_o reason_v thus_o with_o myself_o it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v wrong_v i_o but_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o conquer_a wrong_n what_o need_n have_v i_o of_o christian_a patience_n where_o be_v the_o meekness_n of_o the_o christian_a spirit_n if_o i_o be_o hurry_v away_o by_o the_o same_o passion_n with_o a_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n i_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
for_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n and_o feast_v when_o the_o enemy_n have_v seize_v the_o outwork_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a suburb_n the_o soul_n be_v strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n and_o be_v it_o sense_n to_o arm_v its_o enemy_n and_o feed_v it_o into_o a_o fierce_a and_o brutish_a courage_n by_o indulge_v to_o those_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v the_o food_n and_o fuel_n to_o its_o lust_n every_o sensual_a pleasure_n it_o indulge_v to_o the_o body_n be_v a_o plain_a give_v ground_n before_o the_o face_n of_o its_o enemy_n 2._o the_o reward_n of_o this_o spiritual_a conquest_n which_o be_v fullness_n of_o pleasure_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o how_o rational_a be_v it_o to_o prefer_v eternity_n to_o a_o moment_n and_o that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o unspeakable_a unconceivable_a pleasure_n to_o the_o dream_n and_o mockery_n of_o this_o imperfect_a state_n even_o in_o this_o present_a life_n we_o think_v it_o become_v our_o wisdom_n to_o renounce_v trifle_v pleasure_n out_o of_o the_o prospect_n of_o great_a what_o a_o discipline_n of_o severity_n do_v those_o contender_n in_o the_o grecian_a game_n run_v through_o out_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o honour_n and_o applause_n from_o whence_o st._n paul_n excellent_o argue_v if_o they_o do_v this_o for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n a_o crown_n of_o leave_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o christian_a for_o a_o incorruptible_a one_o 3._o the_o example_n of_o a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o who_o press_v in_o through_o this_o narrow_a way_n and_o strait_a gate_n but_o especial_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v who_o have_v take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n with_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n with_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n what_o resemblance_n be_v there_o between_o his_o crown_n of_o thorn_n his_o scourge_v his_o agony_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o security_n and_o sloth_n the_o gaiety_n and_o vanity_n of_o a_o sensual_a life_n for_o shame_n let_v those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n do_v something_o which_o may_v become_v man_n who_o have_v take_v up_o the_o banner_n of_o the_o cross_n 4._o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o state_n of_o mortification_n 1._o the_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o more_o entire_a peace_n a_o more_o absolute_a empire_n and_o be_v not_o alarm_v by_o the_o daily_a mutiny_n of_o rebellious_a lust_n 2._o it_o be_v become_v a_o fit_a temple_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o purity_n to_o dwell_v in_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n to_o rest_v upon_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o will_v be_v abundance_n of_o inward_a pleasure_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o hope_n 5._o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n to_o judgement_n and_o who_o that_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o sense_n will_v be_v surprise_v by_o that_o day_n at_o unaware_o who_o will_v be_v overtake_v by_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n in_o surfiet_v and_o drunkenness_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o sinful_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o prayer_n o_o thou_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o pure_a spirit_n sanctify_v i_o in_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n that_o i_o may_v offer_v up_o myself_o unto_o thou_o a_o holy_a live_v and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n enable_n i_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n to_o take_v up_o the_o banner_n of_o the_o cross_n against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o imitate_v my_o holy_a saviour_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n that_o have_v subdue_v the_o flesh_n and_o conquer_v the_o world_n i_o may_v enjoy_v a_o more_o entire_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n in_o my_o life_n and_o may_v at_o last_o depart_v with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n and_o triumph_n out_o of_o it_o and_o receive_v from_o my_o bless_a saviour_n a_o incorruptible_a crown_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n sect._n 4._o of_o humility_n this_o be_v the_o ornament_n and_o guard_n of_o all_o our_o grace_n that_o which_o set_v off_o and_o illustrate_v all_o our_o excellency_n and_o keep_v we_o upon_o our_o watch_n to_o secure_v they_o it_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n even_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n without_o it_o will_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a your_o consideration_n in_o the_o next_o place_n humility_n be_v a_o mean_a opinion_n or_o rather_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o a_o sober_a contemplation_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o a_o real_a persuasion_n of_o our_o imperfection_n which_o be_v st._n paul_n sobriety_n of_o spirit_n or_o humility_n of_o mind_n contrary_a to_o the_o be_v puff_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o shed_v itself_o upon_o the_o will_n render_v man_n modest_a in_o their_o desire_n and_o humble_a in_o their_o deportment_n which_o be_v that_o other_o part_n of_o humility_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o reject_v praise_n and_o honour_n and_o to_o debase_v himself_o to_o the_o mean_a office_n thus_o the_o bless_a jesus_n seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o he_o come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v make_v the_o ground_n of_o pride_n the_o gift_n of_o grace_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o fortune_n but_o the_o humble_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n look_v not_o upon_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v but_o what_o be_v still_o before_o he_o pay_v his_o sacrifice_n of_o honour_n not_o to_o that_o earthen_a vessel_n which_o contain_v the_o treasure_n but_o to_o the_o god_n from_o who_o fullness_n it_o be_v derive_v he_o dwell_v not_o upon_o the_o please_a spectacle_n of_o his_o good_a action_n but_o most_o on_o the_o catalogue_n of_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o rest_v himself_o on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o fresh_a repentance_n he_o take_v up_o fresh_a resolution_n and_o spirit_n every_o day_n as_o to_o the_o gift_n of_o fortune_n the_o world_n be_v too_o much_o a_o trifle_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o enlighten_v understanding_n to_o raise_v in_o a_o good_a man_n any_o esteem_n or_o love_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o a_o man_n can_v never_o prize_v himself_o for_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o he_o slight_v nor_o be_v proud_a of_o what_o he_o despise_v as_o to_o the_o gift_n of_o nature_n he_o must_v value_v they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o he_o consider_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v but_o common_a one_o and_o be_v but_o the_o imperfect_a ornament_n of_o this_o imperfect_a state_n which_o must_v be_v do_v away_o when_o we_o come_v into_o a_o better_a and_o withal_o he_o reflect_v often_o upon_o his_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n his_o folly_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o consider_v how_o poor_a miserable_a and_o comfortless_a a_o thing_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v if_o abandon_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n he_o lay_v his_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o at_o once_o admire_v the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o confess_v his_o own_o vanity_n 2._o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o humility_n be_v a_o entire_a subjection_n &_o resignation_n of_o one_o self_n to_o god_n meekness_n and_o patience_n towards_o man_n a_o calm_a and_o tranquillity_n in_o one_o own_o bosom_n for_o as_o to_o god_n consider_v he_o as_o infinite_o glorious_a and_o himself_o entire_o dependent_a of_o he_o the_o humble_a man_n compose_v himself_o to_o believe_v all_o he_o reveal_v to_o obey_v what_o he_o command_v to_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o attend_v the_o decree_n and_o the_o leisure_n of_o heaven_n to_o suffer_v meek_o and_o enjoy_v modest_o as_o to_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o how_o little_a he_o deserve_v he_o be_v neither_o ambitious_a of_o wealth_n nor_o honour_n but_o he_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o past_a satisfy_v with_o the_o present_a and_o neither_o impatient_a for_o nor_o distrustful_a of_o the_o future_a and_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o indisposition_n to_o good_a and_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o strength_n he_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o though_o he_o stand_v he_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v as_o to_o his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o the_o distrust_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n or_o else_o teach_v by_o the_o example_n of_o his_o great_a master_n who_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n the_o humble_a man_n be_v more_o forward_o to_o obey_v than_o to_o command_v to_o believe_v than_o to_o dispute_v he_o be_v slow_a to_o speak_v swift_a to_o hear_v not_o fond_a of_o opinion_n but_o desirous_a to_o be_v enlighten_v by_o
this_o present_a state_n will_v be_v good_a and_o even_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n will_v not_o peradventure_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n then_o that_o now_o for_o the_o soul_n will_v not_o challenge_v so_o distinct_a a_o consideration_n or_o provision_n as_o now_o for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v only_o lawful_a but_o wise_a for_o it_o to_o become_v sensual_a and_o worldly_a and_o so_o the_o same_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n will_v minister_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o now_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v to_o live_v to_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o every_o action_n of_o we_o have_v a_o influence_n on_o that_o other_o life_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o every_o action_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a wise_a or_o foolish_a as_o it_o serve_v or_o hinder_v our_o happiness_n in_o that_o state_n to_o come_v that_o this_o motive_n may_v have_v its_o full_a force_n it_o will_v behoove_v every_o man_n to_o take_v as_o lively_a a_o survey_n as_o he_o can_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o misery_n of_o another_o life_n and_o 1._o of_o heaven_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o to_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v proper_o of_o heaven_n we_o have_v need_n like_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o it_o for_o the_o rich_a fancy_n will_v be_v but_o flat_a and_o barren_a in_o its_o frame_v any_o resemblance_n of_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n they_o be_v unconceivable_a heaven_n be_v like_o the_o god_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o search_v of_o he_o out_o unto_o perfection_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o he_o manifest_v to_o prove_v he_o to_o we_o strange_o aimable_fw-fr and_o therefore_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v manifest_v to_o we_o of_o heaven_n 1._o the_o place_n 2._o the_o person_n for_o the_o object_n they_o will_v fall_v in_o with_o these_o which_o constitute_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o place_n heaven_n it_o be_v the_o sacred_a abode_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v as_o much_o exceed_v this_o world_n as_o they_o do_v we_o for_o no_o doubt_n on_o it_o the_o wise_a architect_n of_o all_o thing_n make_v each_o palace_n proper_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o that_o family_n it_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o place_n fit_a for_o the_o favourite_n of_o god_n to_o live_v in_o for_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n heaven_n be_v the_o end_n and_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n all_o thing_n will_v there_o be_v in_o their_o high_a perfection_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o we_o be_v now_o the_o rough_a draught_n of_o what_o the_o great_a artificer_n intend_v we_o imagine_v to_o what_o glory_n we_o may_v be_v raise_v we_o once_o be_v dirt_n and_o clay_n see_v now_o what_o comely_a glorious_a being_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o be_v refine_v much_o more_o above_o what_o we_o be_v now_o than_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v above_o dirt_n and_o clay_n what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o time_n and_o eternity_n between_o corruption_n and_o incorruption_n so_o much_o we_o differ_v in_o our_o existence_n and_o essence_n now_o from_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v afterward_o for_o mortality_n must_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o immortality_n and_o corruption_n of_o incorruption_n if_o heaven_n be_v a_o state_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v consummate_v a_o end_n which_o have_v none_o beyond_o it_o than_o i_o infer_v 1._o that_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o more_o for_o we_o either_o to_o hope_n or_o fear_n all_o will_v be_v full_a of_o quiet_a and_o peace_n no_o passion_n there_o but_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o wonder_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n neither_o sorrow_n nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o more_o pain_n rev._n 21._o 2._o have_v obtain_v our_o end_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o further_o need_v of_o mean_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o something_o else_o as_o here_o below_o the_o covetous_a man_n suffer_v hardship_n and_o the_o toil_n of_o constant_a business_n not_o because_o he_o love_v trouble_v but_o because_o he_o will_v be_v rich_a the_o religious_a man_n offer_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o body_n not_o because_o it_o be_v actual_o pleasant_a to_o do_v so_o but_o because_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o great_a good_a therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o to_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n all_o the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o that_o life_n will_v be_v delight_n and_o pleasure_n hence_o it_o be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n describe_v as_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o rest_v and_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o person_n i_o a_o poor_a creature_n of_o this_o world_n below_o i_o who_o have_v feel_v the_o trouble_n of_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v torture_v by_o the_o passion_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n fear_n and_o care_n despair_n and_o hope_n even_o i_o be_o go_v to_o a_o heaven_n where_o none_o of_o these_o can_v enter_v where_o i_o shall_v be_v make_v happy_a with_o those_o enjoyment_n which_o make_v god_n and_o angel_n so_o i_o shall_v be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d equal_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n how_o far_o above_o they_o in_o my_o happiness_n for_o what_o a_o value_n will_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o world_n make_v i_o set_v upon_o the_o joy_n of_o another_o the_o sense_n and_o memory_n of_o misery_n will_v make_v my_o heaven_n double_a i_o consider_v that_o in_o that_o life_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v have_v soul_n and_o body_n though_o not_o such_o as_o we_o have_v now_o our_o soul_n will_v be_v strange_o raise_v and_o refine_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o endow_v with_o strange_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n this_o compare_v to_o the_o other_o life_n be_v like_o childhood_n to_o manhood_n 1_o cor._n 13.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o we_o know_v in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v then_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n i_o speak_v as_o a_o child_n i_o understand_v as_o a_o child_n i_o think_v as_o a_o child_n but_o when_o i_o become_v a_o man_n i_o put_v away_o childish_a thing_n for_o now_o we_o see_v tborough_n a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v even_o as_o also_o i_o be_o know_v i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o infer_v what_o kind_n of_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n this_o text_n import_v to_o determine_v how_o well_o we_o shall_v be_v verse_v in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o grace_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o world_n above_o how_o experience_v we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o annal_n and_o history_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v as_o the_o text_n do_v that_o what_o we_o do_v see_v we_o shall_v see_v plain_o not_o dark_o and_o what_o can_v we_o see_v in_o another_o life_n but_o god_n etc._n etc._n how_o rich_a a_o pleasure_n this_o will_v be_v only_o ingenious_a and_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o fancy_v all_o may_v be_v able_a to_o guess_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n because_o knowledge_n be_v one_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o the_o soul_n affection_n they_o will_v sure_o be_v settle_v on_o god_n or_o whatever_o other_o object_n there_o may_v be_v subordinate_a they_o will_v be_v such_o as_o will_v become_v so_o pure_a and_o holy_a a_o be_v for_o the_o appetite_n of_o each_o be_v flow_v from_o the_o constitution_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o it_o now_o indeed_o derive_v mean_a and_o degenerous_a inclination_n from_o its_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n who_o contrivance_n be_v proper_a for_o the_o state_n it_o live_v in_o but_o then_o the_o body_n will_v be_v raise_v a_o spiritual_a glorify_a body_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o carnal_a natural_a one_o 1_o cor._n 15._o a_o body_n proper_a to_o be_v a_o inhabitant_n of_o such_o a_o place_n and_o to_o be_v a_o suitable_a companion_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n fit_a to_o comply_v with_o its_o desire_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n sure_a to_o partake_v of_o its_o joy_n which_o i_o may_v place_v as_o the_o first_o ingredient_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o body_n in_o that_o life_n to_o come_v i.e._n as_o it_o here_o grieve_v and_o joy_n in_o the_o pain_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o there_o it_o will_v much_o more_o if_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o do_v by_o a_o happy_a influence_n impart_v health_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o pleasure_n to_o the_o body_n it_o will_v
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
his_o infinite_a wisdom_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o about_o he_o we_o be_v inform_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v make_v man_n and_o live_v here_o upon_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v teach_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n of_o it_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_v for_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o after_o forty_o day_n sojourn_v here_o he_o be_v receive_v into_o glory_n and_o become_v the_o head_n and_o prince_n of_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n the_o belief_n of_o all_o which_o illustrate_v the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n i._n e._n the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a reward_n and_o superadd_v most_o powerful_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o lay_v a_o unshaken_a foundation_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n by_o show_v we_o on_o what_o account_n our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o our_o service_n accept_v so_o that_o now_o there_o will_v need_v but_o few_o word_n to_o prove_v 2._o that_o this_o knowledge_n do_v direct_o serve_v the_o end_n and_o aim_n of_o religion_n which_o must_v be_v god_n glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n the_o former_a be_v already_o prove_v for_o to_o glorify_v and_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v equivalent_a term_n the_o late_a easy_o appear_v thus_o in_o that_o this_o belief_n do_v 1._o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n by_o powerful_a motive_n and_o endearment_n to_o and_o by_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o virtue_n and_o 2._o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o from_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n 3._o it_o compose_v our_o mind_n in_o all_o the_o various_a change_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o god_n who_o govern_v it_o and_o last_o it_o delight_v and_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o object_n fit_a for_o their_o love_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v no_o less_o essential_o necessary_a to_o our_o present_a happiness_n than_o any_o of_o the_o former_a for_o man_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o empty_a creature_n can_v like_o god_n find_v his_o happiness_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o himself_o but_o must_v seek_v it_o in_o something_o else_o which_o must_v be_v able_a to_o fill_v all_o his_o desire_n and_o appetite_n and_o satisfy_v all_o his_o capacity_n of_o enjoyment_n o_o happy_a christian_a that_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o himself_o that_o be_v free_v from_o all_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n about_o a_o future_a state_n and_o enjoy_v the_o ravish_a object_n of_o a_o glorious_a faith_n well_o may_v the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v up_o the_o description_n of_o this_o state_n of_o character_n of_o joy_n peace_n and_o hope_n 2._o but_o now_o second_o that_o this_o happiness_n may_v be_v entire_a it_o be_v neessary_a to_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o my_o own_o bosom_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o may_v be_v disturb_v two_o way_n either_o by_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o else_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v tempt_v to_o the_o former_a common_o by_o this_o argument_n these_o thing_n can_v be_v therefore_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o they_o be_v a_o imposture_n to_o the_o late_a by_o much_o the_o same_o argument_n these_o thing_n can_v be_v therefore_o since_o we_o can_v deny_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v explain_v they_o in_o some_o other_o sense_n both_o proceed_v upon_o this_o bottom_n i_o can_v understand_v or_o conceive_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o or_o that_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v to_o secure_v myself_o from_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o consider_v the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o the_o god_n we_o worship_v and_o the_o trifle_a dwarfish_a capacity_n of_o we_o man_n and_o then_o i_o wonder_v not_o that_o some_o article_n shall_v rather_o surprise_v and_o dazzle_v my_o faculty_n than_o enlighten_v they_o to_o expect_v otherwise_o be_v to_o forget_v the_o nature_n of_o mystery_n and_o of_o myself_o it_o be_v true_a to_o believe_v without_o a_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v credulity_n not_o faith_n but_o then_o revelation_n be_v the_o high_a reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n supernatural_a there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_v leave_v we_o to_o attain_v to_o their_o knowledge_n so_o that_o all_o that_o reason_n can_v have_v to_o do_v here_o be_v not_o to_o discuss_v the_o probability_n of_o the_o article_n reveal_v but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o this_o be_v once_o clear_v to_o surrender_v up_o our_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n which_o be_v weigh_v the_o shallowness_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o mystery_n no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o tedious_a long_a journey_n our_o eye_n be_v dim_a and_o the_o way_n unknown_a and_o intricate_a to_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o kind_n skilful_a and_o faithful_a guide_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n and_o arrive_v into_o a_o rational_a creature_n by_o painful_a institution_n and_o slow_a progression_n the_o soul_n be_v cloud_v by_o passion_n imprison_v and_o limit_v by_o scanty_a organ_n pervert_v by_o unhappy_a prejudices_fw-la and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wild_a and_o extravagant_a piece_n of_o folly_n to_o make_v one_o own_o understanding_n the_o great_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n or_o to_o determine_v that_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o fancy_n be_v the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o deity_n too_o for_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n be_v a_o great_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o his_o greatness_n be_v unsearchable_a psal_n 145.3_o and_o therefore_o by_o a_o clear_a consequence_n our_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o less_o reasonable_a because_o it_o be_v the_o more_o resign_v a_o awful_a distance_n and_o a_o modest_a faith_n be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o holiness_n as_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n these_o very_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o secure_v i_o 2._o against_o all_o doubt_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n for_o the_o receive_v and_o general_a sense_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a and_o obvious_a and_o therefore_o no_o objection_n lie_v against_o it_o but_o what_o be_v already_o remove_v the_o seem_a impossibility_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v address_v to_o person_n of_o very_a ordinary_a endowment_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o most_o obvious_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o that_o humble_a infant_n spirit_n christ_n require_v in_o his_o disciple_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o believe_v rather_o than_o dispute_v that_o the_o receive_a sense_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n that_o a_o error_n of_o judgement_n which_o spring_v from_o humility_n not_o pride_n will_v be_v rather_o pity_v than_o punish_v by_o a_o good_a god_n this_o all_o together_o will_v easy_o raise_v my_o faith_n above_o all_o scruple_n and_o waver_a especial_o if_o i_o add_v to_o all_o this_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o the_o adversary_n of_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n have_v never_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a body_n but_o several_a sect_n divide_v by_o numerous_a and_o contradictory_n tenant_n build_v up_o upon_o different_a foundation_n that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o propagate_v any_o thing_n but_o wild_a and_o unaccountable_a fancy_n that_o they_o have_v set_v scripture_n at_o a_o more_o irreconcilable_a distance_n from_o itself_o and_o instead_o of_o clear_v its_o mysterious_a sense_n have_v make_v its_o plain_a sense_n a_o mystery_n from_o all_o this_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o resolve_v not_o to_o gaze_v and_o stare_v upon_o majesty_n lest_o i_o be_v blind_v by_o the_o shine_n of_o it_o but_o worship_n and_o adore_v that_o i_o may_v be_v blessed_v by_o it_o i_o will_v look_v upon_o my_o creed_n like_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n 2_o sam._n 6._o it_o must_v not_o be_v touch_v by_o a_o bold_a hand_n though_o to_o support_v it_o all_o its_o article_n be_v like_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o altar_n exod._n 20._o to_o lift_v up_o a_o tool_n of_o a_o workman_n upon_o they_o though_o with_o design_n to_o polish_v and_o adorn_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o profane_v and_o
employment_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o other_o be_v of_o more_o absolute_a necessity_n the_o world_n be_v one_o entire_a body_n and_o each_o member_n must_v be_v serviceable_a in_o its_o place_n nor_o can_v any_o part_n withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o whole_a at_o its_o pleasure_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v rule_n of_o society_n of_o justice_n charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o himself_o the_o best_a example_n make_v his_o retirement_n by_o night_n but_o by_o day_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a nature_n have_v found_v a_o cognation_n among_o we_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o form_n shape_n reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v cement_v we_o in_o close_a union_n make_v we_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n tie_v we_o together_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n by_o the_o same_o sacrament_n the_o same_o promise_n and_o the_o same_o hope_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n think_v we_o do_v one_o another_o all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o by_o a_o mere_a abstinence_n from_o do_v wrong_n and_o by_o sequester_v ourselves_o from_o the_o service_n and_o concern_v of_o our_o brethren_n 2._o because_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o deportment_n of_o whole_a society_n than_o a_o few_o private_a person_n as_o much_o as_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o multitude_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o that_o of_o a_o very_a few_o and_o goodness_n redound_v more_o to_o his_o honour_n when_o public_a and_o almost_o universal_a than_o when_o cloister_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o few_o therefore_o all_o good_a man_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o public_a because_o the_o divine_a glory_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o 3._o which_o ought_v well_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o be_v good_a be_v separable_a from_o do_v good_a god_n though_o his_o own_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n do_v yet_o find_v a_o world_n to_o which_o he_o may_v be_v a_o universal_a benefactor_n his_o goodness_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o his_o creation_n not_o any_o considerable_a accession_n that_o his_o happiness_n be_v to_o receive_v from_o it_o this_o goodness_n therefore_o in_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a principle_n and_o render_v they_o the_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v indeed_o hardly_o conceivable_a how_o man_n shall_v be_v zealous_a patron_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v to_o protect_v and_o own_v they_o to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o man_n can_v be_v inflame_v with_o a_o very_a strong_a love_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o how_o last_o any_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o passionate_a kindness_n for_o a_o brother_n and_o yet_o never_o mingle_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n last_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o disciple_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a the_o glorious_a reward_n annex_v to_o all_o those_o who_o any_o way_n benefit_n mankind_n either_o by_o instruct_v the_o mind_n or_o relieve_v the_o body_n the_o character_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v compose_v whole_o of_o act_n of_o charity_n all_o which_o suppose_v a_o active_a life_n conformable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v that_o of_o heb._n 13.15_o 16._o by_o he_o therefore_o let_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o lip_n give_v thanks_o to_o his_o name_n but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v we_o must_v pray_v but_o prayer_n without_o do_v good_a be_v a_o unpleasing_a sacrifice_n without_o charity_n our_o very_a devotion_n be_v unchristian_a and_o our_o religion_n unnatural_a this_o let_v those_o mind_n who_o be_v long_o in_o their_o prayer_n severe_a in_o their_o outward_a deportment_n frequent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o they_o no_o fruit_n of_o meekness_n or_o charity_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o more_o easy_a sacrifice_n because_o it_o cost_v they_o nothing_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o covetousness_n or_o frowardness_n etc._n etc._n have_v speak_v this_o much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o i_o will_v propose_v three_o or_o four_o rule_n and_o submit_v they_o to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o our_o call_n to_o do_v good_a by_o the_o capacity_n and_o fitness_n with_o which_o god_n have_v endow_v we_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o proclaim_v our_o own_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o though_o to_o do_v good_a be_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o imitation_n of_o god_n himself_o a_o thing_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v down_o on_o earth_n for_o yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n so_o to_o multiply_v the_o instance_n and_o opportunity_n of_o goodness_n that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o do_v good_a the_o happy_a by_o their_o wealth_n the_o wise_a by_o their_o knowledge_n even_o the_o miserable_a themselves_o may_v by_o their_o patience_n and_o courage_n and_o prayer_n comfort_n and_o relieve_v the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o our_o part_n and_o fortune_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v mark_v out_o for_o our_o charity_n and_o be_v content_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o his_o own_o method_n 2._o let_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n administer_v to_o our_o good_a action_n and_o like_o oil_n to_o a_o lamp_n give_v our_o charity_n fresh_a spirit_n and_o flame_n for_o as_o private_a religion_n be_v deficient_a without_o public_a charity_n so_o charity_n unless_o often_o refresh_v by_o retirement_n devotion_n and_o heavenly_a reflection_n will_v cool_v and_o languish_v our_o heart_n will_v be_v tough_a and_o insensible_a and_o our_o do_v good_a will_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o custom_n or_o prudence_n or_o activity_n of_o spirit_n not_o of_o religion_n or_o charity_n and_o if_o which_o be_v the_o best_a can_v be_v suppose_v the_o man_n consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o his_o action_n by_o purity_n of_o intention_n and_o continue_v a_o obstinate_a observer_n of_o prayer_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v strict_a duty_n oblige_v he_o to_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o more_o leisurely_o meditation_n and_o more_o serious_a reflection_n his_o address_n will_v lose_v their_o warmth_n his_o soul_n will_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o love_n and_o whilst_o his_o religion_n lose_v so_o much_o of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n what_o wonder_v if_o his_o charity_n relish_v more_o of_o drudgery_n than_o delight_n 3_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o do_v good_a by_o any_o difficulty_n or_o misfortune_n which_o may_v attend_v we_o in_o it_o in_o our_o nightly_a reflection_n let_v we_o judge_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o success_n but_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o let_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a reward_n that_o we_o have_v obey_v god_n or_o if_o we_o will_v measure_v our_o success_n let_v we_o examine_v how_o much_o our_o experience_n have_v improve_v our_o meekness_n our_o patience_n our_o reliance_n or_o charity_n for_o scarce_o any_o action_n but_o will_v exercise_v some_o of_o these_o grace_n 4._o look_v upon_o do_v good_a as_o true_o your_o business_n as_o prayer_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o never_o think_v your_o time_n misspend_v which_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o visit_v the_o imprison_a or_o sick_a relieve_v the_o necessitous_a comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o reduce_v those_o that_o err_v into_o the_o path_n of_o sobriety_n and_o truth_n though_o this_o time_n be_v pare_v off_o from_o our_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n indeed_o who_o prefer_v meek_a attendance_n and_o ministry_n and_o importunate_a address_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n before_o much_o knowledge_n passionate_a dispute_n and_o high_a pretence_n o_o charity_n how_o lovely_a must_v thou_o needs_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n for_o be_v thou_o plant_v in_o all_o our_o heart_n earth_n will_v resemble_v that_o place_n above_o i_o will_v be_v please_v therefore_o with_o
myself_o only_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o i_o share_v of_o thou_o for_o i_o know_v this_o be_v the_o standard_n by_o which_o god_n now_o value_v i_o and_o will_v hereafter_o judge_v i_o if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n only_o to_o implant_v goodness_n and_o charity_n among_o we_o to_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o like_a god_n and_o kind_a and_o beneficial_a one_o to_o another_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o world_n hate_v it_o for_o i_o may_v say_v concern_v those_o who_o persecute_v christianity_n as_o st._n peter_n do_v of_o those_o who_o crucify_a its_o author_n i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o act._n 3_o 17._o sure_o it_o be_v because_o you_o do_v not_o discern_v its_o beauty_n that_o you_o do_v not_o love_v it_o if_o any_o retire_a life_n promote_v the_o end_n i_o have_v mention_v as_o well_o as_o a_o active_a once_o i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o condemn_v it_o the_o prayer_n o_o god_n the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o thy_o goodness_n the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o body_n be_v all_o employ_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o o_o make_v we_o who_o worship_v thou_o to_o imitate_v thou_o too_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thy_o child_n indeed_o make_v our_o soul_n delight_v to_o do_v good_a and_o imprint_v in_o we_o such_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a bowel_n towards_o one_o another_o as_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n have_v towards_o we_o amen_o amen_n bless_a jesus_n chap._n iu._n of_o chrictian_n practice_n in_o particular_a have_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n in_o respect_n to_o practice_n in_o the_o general_n i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o more_o particular_o but_o not_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o every_o single_a virtue_n i_o will_v dwell_v upon_o three_o which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a duty_n i.e._n faith_n love_n and_o humility_n i_o will_v not_o apologise_v for_o the_o unphilosophical_a place_n of_o faith_n among_o practical_a duty_n the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v clear_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o i_o place_v humility_n in_o the_o last_o place_n not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o humility_n which_o be_v precedent_n to_o and_o dispose_v man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o faith_n but_o because_o i_o look_v upon_o that_o humility_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o and_o cause_v by_o it_o and_o which_o must_v always_o accompany_v it_o to_o render_v it_o acceptable_a in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a sense_n a_o evangelical_n grace_n 1._o of_o faith_n when_o i_o read_v the_o glorious_a achievement_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n heb._n 11._o that_o it_o subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v promise_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o one_o word_n support_v man_n under_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o arm_v they_o against_o the_o most_o take_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v that_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o a_o heaven_n confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o strong_a evidence_n i._n e._n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n shall_v have_v so_o weak_a a_o influence_n upon_o we_o christian_n we_o take_v no_o more_o pain_n for_o heaven_n than_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n and_o we_o have_v the_o same_o care_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n present_a which_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n have_v so_o that_o though_o we_o talk_v much_o of_o faith_n we_o make_v little_a or_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o it_o therefore_o lest_o any_o man_n delude_v and_o fool_n himself_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v not_o i_o will_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o suit_n with_o and_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o end_n and_o aim_n of_o god_n i'faith_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o substance_n or_o presence_n the_o evidence_n or_o proof_n it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a transient_a glance_n drowsy_a imperfect_a assent_n a_o stagger_a waver_a opinion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a representation_n a_o affective_a vision_n a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o object_n be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o evident_a that_o they_o not_o only_o convince_v but_o take_v we_o too_o it_o be_v have_v the_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o so_o look_v upon_o thing_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o angel_n and_o judge_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o see_v that_o the_o thing_n invisible_a be_v but_o to_o see_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n such_o as_o they_o be_v eternity_n as_o eternity_n and_o heaven_n as_o heaven_n that_o be_v a_o state_n of_o true_o great_a and_o glorious_a happiness_n on_o this_o account_n the_o thing_n present_a may_v have_v a_o different_a face_n and_o aspect_n when_o regard_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o of_o sense_n for_o sense_n stop_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o regard_v their_o usefulness_n to_o the_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o faith_n carry_v its_o sight_n forward_o and_o compare_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v with_o those_o hope_v for_o the_o thing_n temporal_a with_o those_o eternal_a and_o then_o all_o below_o appear_v but_o mere_a vanity_n this_o whole_a account_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o 13_o verse_n of_o heb._n 11._o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v or_o live_v in_o faith_n the_o follow_a word_n explain_v not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n i.e._n the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o but_o have_v see_v they_o a_o far_o off_o i._n e._n by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n now_o faith_n be_v unalterable_a as_o to_o its_o essence_n but_o its_o object_n may_v vary_v they_o may_v be_v more_o or_o few_o clear_a or_o dark_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n heb._n 1.1_o its_o evidence_n may_v be_v full_a or_o weak_a but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v suffice_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n 2._o its_o object_n be_v the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o christ_n god_n the_o father_n such_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o son_n god_n the_o son_n incarnate_a crucify_a etc._n etc._n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o all_o in_o order_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o its_o holy_a and_o righteous_a precept_n by_o faith_n i_o see_v that_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a who_o though_o he_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n do_v yet_o humble_a himself_o to_o behold_v all_o that_o be_v do_v upon_o earth_n nor_o do_v he_o only_o behold_v but_o govern_v all_o thing_n too_o and_o whilst_o i_o contemplate_v his_o wisdom_n power_n truth_n goodness_n holiness_n justice_n etc._n etc._n manifest_v to_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n i_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o i_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o i_o call_v on_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o i_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v before_o he_o and_o be_v perfect_a i_o know_v nothing_o like_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v nothing_o beside_o he_o or_o equal_a to_o he_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n by_o faith_n i_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n abandon_v the_o bosom_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n descend_v upon_o earth_n and_o assume_v the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n he_o may_v propagate_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o world_n i_o trace_v he_o through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o travel_v till_o i_o behold_v he_o fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o bleed_v out_o his_o meek_a and_o holy_a soul_n at_o those_o painful_a wound_n the_o nail_n have_v make_v and_o all_o this_o for_o my_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o then_o with_o what_o a_o strange_a mixture_n of_o passion_n that_o sight_n fill_v i_o with_o grief_n and_o shame_n and_o yet_o with_o love_n and_o hope_v too_o how_o i_o be_o amaze_v to_o see_v what_o indignation_n a_o holy_a god_n have_v discover_v against_o sin_n and_o how_o my_o heart_n bleed_v to_o think_v that_o my_o sin_n have_v treat_v thus_o despiteful_o and_o cruel_o my_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n and_o with_o what_o a_o melt_a passion_n and_o vigorous_a resolution_n of_o a_o fervent_a industrious_a service_n and_o a_o everlasting_a zeal_n
set_v myself_o to_o my_o duty_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o bless_a will_n whether_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o crown_v my_o cup_n with_o overflow_a joy_n and_o to_o reward_v my_o labour_n by_o inward_a transport_n or_o not_o and_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a i_o shall_v thus_o love_v my_o god_n whatever_o there_o be_v which_o can_v take_v and_o endear_v a_o rational_a and_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o all_o the_o notion_n i_o can_v possible_o frame_v to_o myself_o of_o a_o spiritual_a perfection_n and_o beauty_n i_o conceive_v unite_v in_o he_o goodness_n wisdom_n power_n truth_n constancy_n be_v the_o character_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n discover_v he_o to_o we_o and_o these_o have_v unspeakable_a charm_n upon_o all_o ingenious_a mind_n and_o they_o be_v intelligible_a enough_o to_o any_o that_o will_v consider_v they_o it_o be_v true_a he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o so_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o in_o his_o essence_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v frame_v to_o myself_o a_o image_n for_o my_o love_n as_o one_o friend_n do_v of_o another_o but_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o i_o shall_v be_v spiritual_a enough_o to_o see_v he_o as_o i_o be_o see_v and_o then_o my_o delight_n and_o love_n will_v be_v proportionable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n my_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n assure_v i_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o aimable_fw-fr though_o that_o beauty_n be_v now_o a_o light_n that_o be_v inaccessible_a but_o beside_o this_o that_o great_a character_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n manifest_v in_o its_o most_o excellent_a lustre_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v enough_o to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o he_o be_v not_o now_o our_o father_n only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n because_o he_o have_v make_v we_o feed_v and_o clothe_v we_o these_o be_v common_a and_o trivial_a mercy_n compare_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o redeem_v we_o from_o our_o evil_a conversation_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o chriâ—â—_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n into_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v his_o own_o image_n and_o resemblance_n the_o design_v we_o for_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o heaven_n his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v our_o transgression_n his_o care_n employ_v upon_o we_o against_o temptation_n his_o delight_n in_o we_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o world_n can_v show_v we_o such_o evidence_n of_o love_n or_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o such_o a_o eternity_n if_o it_o can_v tell_v we_o as_o the_o serpent_n do_v eve_n eat_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n then_o indeed_o there_o be_v temptation_n in_o it_o but_o till_o it_o do_v there_o be_v none_o real_o beside_o these_o two_o consideration_n of_o the_o aimableness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o himself_o &_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o include_v his_o infinite_a power_n too_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o can_v be_v a_o proper_a motive_n to_o engage_v our_o affection_n that_o be_v that_o such_o a_o object_n be_v last_a and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o he_o never_o change_v nor_o die_v he_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v what_o he_o be_v now_o most_o perfect_a and_o most_o gracious_a the_o prayer_n o_o glorious_a god_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a excellence_n of_o my_o nature_n that_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o love_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v my_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o suffer_v and_o admit_v of_o the_o address_n of_o my_o soul_n in_o this_o only_o i_o be_o a_o kin_n to_o angel_n in_o those_o talent_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o corporal_a life_n i_o be_o out_o do_v by_o brute_n o_o therefore_o give_v i_o grace_n to_o dwell_v as_o often_o as_o i_o can_v in_o the_o divine_a contemplation_n of_o thy_o nature_n to_o look_v forward_o to_o that_o glory_n which_o thy_o bounty_n have_v reveal_v and_o promise_v i_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o method_n of_o infinite_a love_n thou_o do_v prepare_v i_o for_o it_o and_o let_v all_o this_o make_v i_o love_v thou_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o thou_o my_o heavenly_a father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v amen_o amen_n 2._o the_o second_o part_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n of_o which_o now_o charity_n be_v in_o short_a the_o love_n of_o our_o brethren_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o brotherly_a affection_n one_o towards_o another_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o regulate_v this_o habit_n be_v that_o love_v we_o bear_v ourselves_o or_o that_o which_o christ_n bear_v we_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v unfeigned_a constant_a and_o out_o of_o no_o other_o design_n but_o their_o happiness_n the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 13._o take_v charity_n in_o a_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n as_o it_o animate_v all_o other_o grace_n and_o influence_n all_o our_o action_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o neighbour_n do_v thus_o divine_o describe_v it_o charity_n suffer_v long_a and_o be_v kind_a charity_n envy_v not_o charity_n vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n or_o wrong_a but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n faithfulness_n or_o fair_a deal_n bear_v all_o thing_n or_o rather_o cover_v or_o conceal_v i._n e._n other_o error_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n but_o now_o to_o reduce_v all_o to_o few_o head_n and_o to_o consider_v charity_n in_o a_o close_a sense_n it_o contain_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o do_v good_a to_o and_o 2._o forgive_a one_o another_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o our_o charity_n be_v our_o neighbour_n reputation_n body_n soul_n and_o therefore_o 1._o charity_n secure_v man_n credit_n by_o denounce_v a_o hell_n to_o the_o slanderer_n and_o whisperer_n and_o evil_a speaker_n etc._n etc._n this_o charity_n oblige_v we_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o weak_a surmise_n but_o to_o be_v forward_o to_o believe_v the_o best_a in_o favour_n and_o excuse_v of_o a_o error_n not_o to_o proclaim_v another_o fault_n tho_o true_a and_o real_a unless_o the_o discovery_n may_v serve_v a_o better_a end_n than_o the_o concealment_n which_o be_v that_o think_v no_o evil_a bear_v all_o thing_n that_o believe_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o it_o forbid_v these_o sin_n much_o more_o those_o black_a of_o open_a slander_n and_o private_a whisper_n nor_o do_v this_o charity_n oblige_v we_o only_o not_o to_o wrong_v our_o neighbour_n credit_n but_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrong_v to_o protect_v and_o generous_o rescue_v their_o reputation_n from_o the_o jaw_n of_o the_o persecutor_n to_o awe_v and_o check_v the_o slanderer_n by_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o holy_a anger_n into_o shame_n and_o confusion_n for_o otherwise_o we_o become_v accessary_a to_o those_o slander_n we_o entertain_v and_o give_v ear_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o to_o blast_v a_o man_n reputation_n be_v to_o render_v he_o the_o scorn_n and_o hate_n of_o other_o and_o a_o burden_n to_o himself_o it_o can_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o heap_v such_o kill_a mischief_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o one_o we_o love_v and_o charity_n be_v suppose_v to_o love_v all_o 2._o charity_n minister_n to_o the_o body_n of_o our_o neighbour_n if_o we_o will_v act_v like_o man_n possess_v by_o that_o charity_n which_o suit_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o heart_n and_o hand_n must_v be_v always_o open_a to_o our_o brother_n necessity_n our_o soul_n must_v delight_v to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o redress_v their_o grievance_n or_o relieve_v their_o pressure_n by_o our_o wealth_n or_o interest_n we_o must_v ease_v they_o by_o our_o compassion_n comfort_v they_o by_o holy_a advice_n and_o succour_v they_o by_o our_o prayer_n '_o all_o that_o profess_v christianity_n believe_v this_o a_o duty_n and_o yet_o how_o great_a and_o numerous_a be_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o needy_a and_o distress_a and_o more_o great_a and_o numerous_a be_v the_o luxury_n and_o the_o wantonness_n of_o the_o rich_a but_o it_o happen_v thus_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o duty_n but_o shift_n it_o off_o by_o two_o pretence_n 1._o their_o own_o inability_n 2._o the_o demerit_n or_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o needy_a person_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o pretence_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o our_o duty_n to_o make_v provision_n first_o for_o ourselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v more_o
as_o well_o as_o they_o engage_v we_o to_o charity_n for_o we_o be_v become_v both_o criminal_n and_o judge_n at_o once_o and_o whilst_o we_o forgive_v other_o we_o be_v merciful_a to_o ourselves_o and_o whilst_o we_o revenge_v and_o hate_v other_o we_o be_v cruel_a and_o barbarous_a to_o ourselves_o 3._o the_o gospel_n establish_v a_o close_a relation_n between_o mankind_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o sacrament_n whereof_o one_o be_v but_o a_o holy_a league_n of_o charity_n and_o so_o in_o one_o word_n we_o be_v incorporate_v and_o become_v all_o but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o joseph_n nature_n prevail_v above_o the_o sense_n of_o wrong_n and_o remember_v not_o that_o they_o be_v his_o enemy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v his_o brethren_n he_o fall_v upon_o their_o neck_n and_o kiss_v they_o and_o weep_v through_o joy_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o those_o brethren_n who_o without_o the_o least_o softness_n or_o relent_a have_v expose_v he_o if_o not_o to_o a_o certain_a death_n to_o banishment_n and_o slavery_n so_o must_v we_o christian_n remember_v by_o what_o tie_v we_o be_v fasten_v and_o unite_v no_o more_o harm_n or_o hate_v one_o another_o than_o we_o will_v our_o own_o limb_n our_o own_o body_n 4._o the_o gospel_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o meanness_n and_o worthlesseness_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o not_o only_o of_o wealth_n but_o even_o of_o reputation_n and_o life_n too_o of_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n be_v secure_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n and_o so_o make_v it_o both_o the_o easy_a task_n to_o part_v with_o they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o so_o easy_a to_o ground_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o quarrel_n on_o they_o 5._o it_o annex_v precious_a promise_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o e._n a_o assurance_n of_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o other_o of_o happiness_n in_o overflow_a measure_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v 1._o what_o kind_n of_o thing_n true_a charity_n be_v how_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a how_o kind_a and_o meek_a a_o temper_n it_o be_v how_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n how_o delightsome_a to_o ourselves_o and_o how_o like_a god_n and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o make_v we_o 2._o what_o a_o stress_n god_n lay_v upon_o this_o duty_n how_o dear_a a_o value_n he_o have_v for_o it_o that_o charity_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n without_o charity_n be_v a_o unnatural_a contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o raise_v my_o wonder_n to_o observe_v thar_z there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o though_o they_o do_v no_o harm_n do_v no_o good_a neither_o who_o study_v nothing_o but_o their_o proper_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n and_o so_o if_o just_o which_o be_v the_o most_o be_v far_o from_o charitable_a and_o yet_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v much_o more_o be_o i_o amaze_v to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n who_o be_v mere_a lion_n in_o their_o family_n bear_n and_o wolf_n in_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worst_a in_o the_o state_n who_o be_v bad_a neighbour_n worse_a husband_n and_o master_n worse_a subject_n and_o yet_o they_o call_v themselves_o christian_n which_o be_v for_o man_n who_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o live_v on_o earth_n to_o hope_v for_o heaven_n and_o yet_o i_o still_o wonder_v more_o when_o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v great_a devotionists_n long_a and_o sometime_o passionate_a too_o in_o their_o prayer_n unless_o the_o passion_n be_v mere_o threatical_a which_o be_v not_o a_o settle_a affection_n but_o the_o mere_a sally_n of_o a_o sudden_a heat_n severe_a and_o grave_a in_o their_o outward_a deportment_n and_o huge_a zealot_n for_o this_o or_o that_o cause_n or_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v froward_a and_o peevish_a sour_a and_o sullen_a and_o censorious_a and_o covetous_a and_o proud_a and_o insosolent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o yet_o these_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o call_v into_o question_n their_o salvation_n that_o they_o count_v themselves_o spiritual_a and_o the_o especial_a favourit_n of_o god_n despise_v the_o rest_n of_o mandkind_a as_o carnal_a moral_a blind_a thing_n by_o what_o mean_v they_o arrive_v at_o this_o dangerous_a state_n i_o will_v not_o now_o examine_v but_o i_o will_v beseech_v all_o such_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o general_a truth_n that_o he_o who_o love_v his_o god_n must_v love_v his_o neighbour_n too_o he_o that_o pray_v must_v do_v good_a and_o communicate_v too_o he_o that_o be_v devout_a and_o zealous_a must_v be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o charitable_a and_o obedient_a too_o or_o else_o their_o religion_n be_v unnatural_a their_o devotion_n a_o mere_a humour_n or_o melancholy_n or_o any_o thing_n but_o holiness_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o humanity_n to_o perfect_v they_o into_o men._n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n enlighten_v my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v know_v thou_o and_o discern_v the_o loveliness_n and_o beauty_n of_o all_o thy_o attribute_n especial_o thy_o goodness_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o shed_v forth_o thy_o spirit_n of_o love_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v seek_v thou_o and_o delight_n in_o thou_o and_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o contemplate_v and_o to_o serve_v thou_o and_o may_v the_o example_n of_o thy_o mercy_n towards_o mankind_n and_o i_o in_o particular_a and_o the_o example_n of_o my_o bless_a saviour_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o enemy_n enkindle_v in_o i_o such_o a_o true_a affection_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n that_o i_o may_v love_v he_o as_o myself_o or_o as_o christ_n love_v i_o that_o i_o may_v walk_v as_o the_o bless_a jesas_n do_v in_o abundance_n of_o kindness_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o a_o heavenly_a charity_n and_o so_o may_v at_o last_o enter_v into_o that_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o eternal_a abode_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n amen_o amen_n bless_a lord_n sect._n 3_o of_o temperance_n by_o temperance_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v inquire_v 1._o what_o rule_v of_o temperance_n it_o prescribe_v we_o 2._o what_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n it_o make_v use_v of_o and_o 3._o what_o method_n it_o enjoin_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o grace_n 1._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o standard_n which_o most_o have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o conduct_v man_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n be_v the_o end_n of_o those_o act_n that_o be_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n but_o i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o dislike_v of_o this_o rule_n for_o if_o extend_v any_o further_a than_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v it_o be_v apparent_o false_a and_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v affirm_v that_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n be_v therefore_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o religion_n be_v apply_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n in_o a_o strict_a and_o close_a sense_n it_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o man_n conscience_n and_o must_v reduce_v all_o to_o the_o mere_a necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o many_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v innocent_a enough_o nay_o sometime_o upon_o some_o emergence_n necessary_a will_v be_v utter_o sinful_a and_o religion_n will_v be_v make_v a_o mere_a burden_n and_o man_n mind_n be_v fill_v with_o endless_a scruple_n if_o take_v in_o as_o wide_a a_o sense_n as_o some_o man_n i_o see_v understand_v it_o it_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o sensuality_n and_o unchristian_a freedom_n for_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o any_o man_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o body_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o intemperance_n in_o that_o notion_n that_o i_o have_v of_o it_o that_o be_v any_o man_n may_v eat_v or_o drink_v to_o the_o enrage_v of_o his_o lust_n to_o the_o soften_a and_o sensualize_v of_o his_o mind_n etc._n etc._n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o a_o head_n ache_n on_o these_o account_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o this_o rule_n as_o very_o useless_a and_o improper_a if_o not_o dangerous_a for_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o proper_a rule_n of_o nature_n only_o in_o such_o a_o state_n which_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o another_o life_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o inquire_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o better_a i_o think_v than_o we_o shall_v easy_o find_v what_o
covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v believe_v and_o repent_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v our_o sin_n can_v exclude_v we_o from_o heaven_n if_o we_o forsake_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o die_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o every_o one_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o may_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n which_o mercy_n extend_v itself_o not_o only_o to_o the_o sin_n which_o precede_v conversion_n 76._o p._n 76._o but_o to_o those_o also_o which_o follow_v it_o as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v now_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o overture_n of_o pardon_n incourage_v we_o to_o repentance_n 2._o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o love_v and_o obey_v bim_n despair_n clip_v the_o wing_n and_o cramp_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o man_n will_v be_v good_a if_o he_o know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o be_v so_o for_o why_o shall_v he_o deny_v his_o sensual_a satisfaction_n if_o he_o can_v expect_v no_o fruit_n of_o his_o mortification_n but_o when_o the_o almighty_a make_v a_o tender_a of_o mercy_n and_o invite_v the_o sinner_n to_o be_v reconcile_v what_o will_v not_o he_o do_v who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o favour_n or_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o his_o anger_n that_o he_o may_v avoid_v the_o one_o and_o gain_v the_o other_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o wound_a conscience_n be_v a_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o bear_v and_o who_o will_v not_o rid_v himself_o of_o it_o and_o possess_v his_o soul_n of_o a_o entire_a peace_n when_o he_o see_v that_o he_o may_v who_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v all_o his_o life_n in_o bondage_n who_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o will_v feed_v the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o a_o approach_a death_n in_o his_o bosom_n who_o may_v extinguish_v and_o dispel_v they_o if_o he_o will_v salvation_n be_v not_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o matter_n but_o that_o every_o one_o make_v this_o natural_o his_o enquiry_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o when_o to_o do_v one_o best_o be_v to_o do_v all_o and_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n be_v to_o atone_v they_o in_o the_o acceptance_n of_o god_n who_o will_v slight_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o heaven_n tender_v upon_o these_o term_n o_o my_o saviour_n thou_o have_v indeed_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n thou_o have_v free_v i_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o thou_o have_v open_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o reconciliation_n and_o heaven_n through_o thy_o body_n upon_o the_o cross_n without_o this_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n justice_n will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o hope_n which_o i_o can_v have_v derive_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o i_o can_v never_o without_o a_o affront_n to_o his_o holiness_n have_v flatter_v myself_o from_o his_o clemency_n into_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o those_o numerous_a sin_n i_o have_v commit_v against_o my_o conscience_n for_o ever_o bless_v be_v thy_o name_n that_o thou_o have_v take_v the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o my_o sin_n upon_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v suffer_v that_o i_o may_v be_v justify_v through_o thy_o blood_n i_o will_v no_o long_o deliberate_v whether_o i_o shall_v ease_v i_o of_o my_o sin_n and_o guilt_n whether_o i_o shall_v be_v happy_a or_o no_o i_o come_v i_o come_v bless_a lord_n i_o renounce_v all_o the_o sin_n and_o vanity_n of_o my_o former_a life_n and_o desire_v to_o devote_v myself_o a_o holy_a live_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o any_o long_a sin_n against_o so_o much_o love_n and_o goodness_n when_o i_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o give_v manifest_a affront_n to_o that_o glorious_a be_v who_o create_v and_o do_v preserve_v i_o when_o i_o have_v trample_v upon_o all_o his_o obligation_n and_o abuse_v all_o his_o mercy_n into_o wantonness_n without_o any_o temptation_n to_o it_o beside_o the_o baseness_n of_o my_o own_o nature_n i_o may_v have_v expect_v that_o a_o just_a wrath_n will_v have_v reveal_v itself_o in_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n in_o judgement_n and_o death_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o he_o continue_v the_o overture_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o court_v i_o with_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o indulgent_a father_n o_o my_o god_n thou_o have_v conquer_v i_o by_o thy_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a thou_o have_v take_v i_o by_o thy_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n i_o adore_v thy_o clemency_n and_o wisdom_n and_o be_o ashamed_a of_o the_o wildness_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o my_o own_o folly_n o_o pardon_v i_o and_o my_o mourning_n and_o revenge_n shall_v witness_v what_o resentment_n i_o have_v of_o thy_o sweetness_n and_o tenderness_n i_o will_v serve_v and_o love_v thou_o much_o because_o thou_o have_v forgive_v i_o much_o farewell_o my_o sloth_n and_o ease_n i_o have_v devote_v myself_o to_o my_o great_a creator_n and_o i_o must_v redeem_v the_o time_n that_o i_o have_v spend_v amiss_o farewell_o my_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o my_o vain_a diversion_n i_o will_v no_o long_o indulge_v that_o body_n which_o have_v betray_v my_o god_n which_o have_v make_v i_o a_o rebel_n against_o a_o gracious_a father_n farewell_o my_o ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a aim_n these_o be_v not_o the_o ornament_n which_o become_v a_o humble_a penitent_n these_o and_o such_o like_a resolution_n be_v i_o think_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n manifest_v in_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n no_o man_n can_v believe_v himself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o he_o must_v natural_o desire_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o those_o fear_n which_o accompany_v his_o guilt_n and_o to_o be_v secure_v of_o heaven_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n contend_v for_o conquest_n over_o we_o by_o love_n and_o goodness_n but_o he_o must_v blush_v at_o his_o ingratitude_n and_o melt_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o stupendous_a mercy_n the_o prayer_n o_o glorious_a ood_n grant_v that_o these_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o my_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o thy_o goodness_n may_v lead_v i_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o by_o the_o contempt_n of_o thy_o mercy_n treasure_n up_o to_o myself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n lord_n what_o shall_v make_v i_o backward_o if_o thou_o be_v forward_o to_o a_o reconciliation_n what_o shall_v make_v i_o refuse_v thy_o pardon_n when_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o bestow_v it_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o be_v save_v or_o can_v i_o be_v save_v in_o despite_n of_o god_n lord_n i_o can_v be_v so_o blind_a to_o think_v so_o grant_v i_o then_o the_o grace_n to_o repent_v to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n to_o mind_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o my_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o my_o eye_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n and_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o consider_v all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o main_a motive_n to_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n contain_v nothing_o be_v here_o want_v that_o can_v just_o beget_v our_o love_n or_o hate_n nothing_o want_v that_o can_v work_v upon_o our_o hope_n or_o fear_n nothing_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v which_o can_v invite_v or_o encourage_v we_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n of_o necessity_n and_o possibility_n of_o obligation_n and_o duty_n be_v here_o combine_v and_o twist_v to_o make_v the_o cord_n that_o shall_v draw_v we_o strong_a enough_o that_o one_o may_v just_o wonder_v how_o any_o man_n can_v resist_v the_o power_n of_o such_o argument_n and_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v damn_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v see_v what_o effect_n christianity_n have_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v as_o loose_v as_o heathen_n as_o covetous_a as_o jew_n and_o in_o a_o word_n as_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n as_o if_o neither_o life_n and_o immortality_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n nor_o there_o be_v any_o promise_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n it_o will_v become_v we_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o and_o to_o discover_v those_o temptation_n which_o detain_v man_n captive_a to_o sin_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v do_v to_o redeem_v they_o practical_a christianity_n part._n iii_o of_o temptation_n to_o sin_n the_o
to_o be_v state_v whether_o i_o be_o to_o obey_v god_n or_o my_o friend_n whether_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n or_o comply_v with_o a_o friend_n peccant_a humour_n to_o the_o manifest_a hazard_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o he_o the_o case_n thus_o state_v be_v i_o think_v too_o plain_a to_o contain_v in_o it_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n at_o all_o for_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n who_o have_v more_o powerful_o endear_v himself_o to_o we_o supercede_v all_o obligation_n in_o this_o case_n to_o our_o friend_n nay_o friendship_n itself_o oblige_v we_o rather_o to_o advice_n and_o reproof_n than_o compliance_n it_o be_v the_o true_a duty_n of_o affection_n to_o do_v not_o what_o be_v most_o pleasant_a but_o most_o useful_a for_o our_o friend_n and_o i_o must_v say_v further_o that_o friendship_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v found_v in_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o without_o the_o guilt_n of_o lightness_n or_o inconstancy_n i_o may_v lawful_o as_o far_o renounce_v my_o friend_n as_o he_o do_v his_o innocence_n for_o he_o be_v become_v quite_o another_o thing_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o that_o charm_n and_o grace_n which_o make_v i_o love_v he_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v to_o the_o devil_n thus_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o for_o virtue_n need_v no_o excuse_n if_o they_o can_v act_v a_o crime_n without_o blush_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o a_o virtue_n and_o if_o they_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enjoy_v themselves_o i_o think_v it_o much_o more_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v refuse_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o this_o way_n of_o plain_a deal_n will_v be_v every_o way_n more_o useful_a to_o yourself_o and_o brother_n than_o disguize_n and_o excuse_n for_o he_o that_o shift_v off_o his_o friend_n importunity_n to_o sin_n not_o by_o a_o flat_a denial_n but_o a_o pretence_n seem_v to_o confess_v that_o he_o deny_v compliance_n not_o out_o of_o conscience_n but_o convenience_n and_o so_o expose_v himself_o to_o a_o fresh_a assault_n because_o his_o friend_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o conquerable_a and_o only_o wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n wherein_o he_o may_v attack_v he_o in_o better_a circumstance_n and_o a_o better_a temper_n all_o which_o will_v be_v avoid_v by_o a_o plain_a and_o hearty_a refusal_n 2._o this_o way_n in_o common_a reason_n must_v prove_v most_o useful_a to_o our_o brother_n for_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o the_o influence_n of_o our_o friendship_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v gain_v upon_o he_o or_o open_a disallowance_n may_v at_o least_o startle_v he_o into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n which_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o defeat_v he_o of_o his_o folly_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o virtue_n may_v encourage_v his_o imitation_n by_o let_v he_o see_v that_o virtue_n be_v easy_a as_o well_o as_o lovely_a against_o all_o device_n of_o satan_n and_o temptation_n in_o general_a i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o or_o four_o consideration_n 1._o that_o be_v the_o excuse_n or_o imposture_n as_o cunning_o weave_v as_o it_o can_v it_o matter_n not_o be_v the_o excuse_n what_o it_o will_v i_o be_o to_o consider_v this_o that_o by_o harken_v to_o such_o device_n of_o satan_n that_o crowd_n which_o now_o throng_n hell_n descend_v into_o those_o horrible_a region_n never_o any_o man_n yet_o sin_v with_o a_o design_n or_o persuasion_n to_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o but_o he_o contrive_v his_o excuse_n as_o subtle_o and_o provide_v a_o reserve_n as_o safe_a as_o possible_o he_o can_v and_o yet_o they_o miscarry_v god_n cut_v they_o off_o sudden_o or_o sin_n grow_v too_o strong_a and_o they_o too_o weak_a 2._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conquer_v a_o lust_n than_o to_o satisfy_v it_o the_o ambitious_a may_v grow_v content_a soon_o than_o great_a the_o covetous_a may_n soon_o moderate_v their_o desire_n than_o satisfy_v they_o the_o unclean_a may_n more_o easy_o gain_v a_o chaste_a spirit_n than_o satisfy_v the_o rave_n of_o a_o wander_a lust_n for_o a_o man_n frame_n grow_v tractable_a and_o governable_a by_o wholesome_a reason_n and_o sound_a advice_n heavenly_a by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o if_o you_o listen_v to_o a_o wanton_a suggestion_n it_o will_v kindle_v into_o lust_n and_o lust_n if_o encourage_v will_v flame_v into_o a_o passion_n and_o our_o passion_n will_v grow_v savage_a and_o imperious_a if_o feed_v and_o pamper_a and_o then_o no_o greatness_n can_v glut_v ambition_n no_o enjoyment_n eat_v a_o lust_n and_o shall_v we_o choose_v a_o hard_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o eternal_a ruin_n before_o a_o easy_a way_n which_o guide_v we_o to_o happiness_n 3._o it_o ought_v heedful_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o temptation_n do_v not_o gain_v upon_o any_o by_o strength_n of_o argument_n but_o by_o importunity_n and_o prepossession_n no_o man_n that_o weigh_v the_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a can_v prefer_v in_o his_o judgement_n those_o to_o these_o but_o those_o be_v see_v and_o these_o be_v not_o those_o be_v continual_o with_o we_o and_o they_o carry_v their_o argument_n and_o rhetoric_n in_o their_o look_n and_o every_o sense_n of_o we_o be_v constant_o beset_v and_o apply_v and_o so_o by_o insensible_a degree_n they_o insinuate_v and_o then_o possess_v we_o and_o captive_a we_o the_o best_a way_n therefore_o to_o secure_v ourselves_o be_v either_o first_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o opportunity_n of_o be_v tempt_v by_o retirement_n and_o retreat_n from_o the_o world_n or_o second_o to_o countermine_v the_o world_n by_o a_o equal_a diligence_n make_v our_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n more_o frequent_a than_o our_o entertainment_n of_o sense_n that_o so_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v call_v off_o from_o the_o thing_n without_o to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o thing_n above_o as_o often_o at_o least_o as_o gaity_n and_o luxury_n invite_v it_o out_o 4._o as_o there_o be_v object_n of_o vanity_n so_o there_o be_v too_o in_o the_o world_n object_n that_o advise_v and_o reprove_v we_o such_o as_o distress_n and_o sickness_n that_o raise_v our_o thought_n such_o as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n and_o all_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a observation_n as_o for_o example_n what_o be_v a_o evident_a vanity_n may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o pity_n rather_o than_o love_v feast_n and_o music_n may_v suggest_v the_o almighty_n goodness_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a state_n and_o if_o we_o use_v this_o method_n we_o shall_v reap_v a_o double_a benefit_n first_o we_o shall_v avoid_v the_o insinuation_n to_o sin_n visible_a in_o outward_a object_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o soul_n store_v with_o excellent_a thought_n 4._o never_o slacken_v nor_o abate_v thy_o diligence_n though_o thou_o have_v arrive_v at_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o piety_n and_o have_v mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o subdue_v the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o security_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n many_o good_a man_n fall_v the_o best_a may_v and_o therefore_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v for_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n god_n only_o know_v the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o will_v thou_o let_v go_v the_o victory_n when_o thou_o have_v break_v the_o main_a strength_n of_o the_o battle_n thou_o be_v almost_o above_o fear_n and_o above_o struggle_n thy_o life_n hasten_v away_o and_o thy_o task_n diminish_v and_o will_v thou_o shipwreck_n in_o the_o port_n thou_o be_v just_a go_v into_o the_o arm_n of_o thy_o lord_n and_o will_v thou_o now_o suffer_v thy_o beauty_n to_o fade_v and_o thy_o glory_n to_o languish_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v just_a at_o the_o door_n and_o will_v thou_o now_o suffer_v thy_o lamp_n to_o go_v out_o the_o prayer_n eternal_a god_n who_o see_v that_o i_o walk_v upon_o snare_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n give_v i_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n humility_n and_o watchfulness_n that_o i_o may_v walk_v circumspect_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o my_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n encompass_v i_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n to_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o to_o have_v confidence_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o my_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n amen_n blessed_a god_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n for_o which_o because_o they_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v reduce_v to_o any_o one_o single_a head_n of_o those_o three_o which_o i_o have_v divide_v this_o whole_a discourse_n into_o i_o have_v therefore_o reserve_v this_o last_o
place_n i._n e._n sacrament_n prayer_n and_o fast_v each_o of_o which_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n 1._o as_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o of_o holiness_n in_o general_n 2._o as_o instrument_n of_o advance_v holiness_n 3._o as_o remedy_n and_o antidote_n against_o temptation_n in_o each_o of_o which_o relation_n i_o will_v consider_v each_o of_o they_o a_o little_a and_o 1._o of_o baptism_n consider_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o three_o it_o contain_v a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n a_o actual_a renunciation_n of_o those_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o list_a one_o self_n into_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o because_o i_o can_v think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o essential_a part_n in_o the_o system_fw-la of_o christianity_n mere_o ceremonial_a i_o can_v think_v but_o that_o beside_o the_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o its_o member_n our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v endow_v the_o person_n baptize_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o perform_v all_o those_o great_a engagement_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n which_o do_v always_o annex_v a_o grace_n to_o the_o external_a mean_a or_o instrument_n or_o 2._o the_o great_a thing_n speak_v or_o this_o sacrament_n or_o 3._o the_o value_n all_o understand_a christian_n have_v have_v for_o it_o or_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v it_o when_o practise_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o humble_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o suppose_v the_o thing_n signify_v by_o the_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o baptism_n to_o be_v a_o death_n unto_o sin_n and_o a_o new-birth_n unto_o righteousness_n but_o whatever_o become_v of_o this_o motion_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n as_o be_v a_o most_o solemn_a engagement_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n from_o which_o we_o can_v start_v back_o without_o draw_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o perjury_n and_o forfeit_v all_o those_o advantage_n we_o partake_v of_o by_o it_o and_o i_o wish_v all_o will_v lay_v this_o to_o heart_n who_o plead_v the_o obligation_n of_o civility_n and_o friendship_n custom_n and_o fashion_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o if_o any_o trifle_a ceremony_n be_v sufficient_a to_o supersede_n our_o obligation_n to_o christ_n and_o acquit_v we_o of_o that_o guilt_n which_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a covenant_n bring_v upon_o we_o the_o prayer_n bless_a and_o holy_a saviour_n give_v i_o grace_n to_o remember_v my_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o remember_v that_o i_o be_o a_o swear_a enemy_n to_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o enable_v i_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n under_o thy_o banner_n the_o cross_n let_v i_o have_v no_o truce_n entertain_v no_o friendship_n with_o thou_o and_o my_o enemy_n let_v they_o flatter_v i_o if_o they_o will_v with_o smile_n and_o promise_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o mean_v nothing_o to_o i_o but_o death_n and_o ruin_n how_o shall_v any_o fantastic_a obligation_n cancel_v my_o duty_n to_o thou_o result_v from_o so_o solemn_a a_o covenant_n in_o vain_a do_v the_o world_n disguise_v its_o temptation_n under_o the_o form_n of_o civility_n and_o honour_n i_o know_v no_o civility_n which_o can_v oblige_v i_o to_o renounce_v my_o vow_n no_o honour_n that_o can_v excuse_v my_o perjury_n in_o vain_a do_v the_o world_n assault_v i_o by_o greatness_n and_o wealth_n and_o glory_n these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o resolve_v against_o when_o i_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o my_o crucify_a saviour_n in_o my_o baptism_n grant_n o_o bless_a lord_n that_o i_o may_v have_v mortify_v affection_n and_o a_o victorious_a faith_n a_o humble_a meek_a spirit_n and_o glorious_a hope_n that_o after_o this_o troublesome_a life_n be_v end_v i_o may_v rest_v with_o thou_o in_o everlasting_a glory_n amen_n amen_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n may_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o form_n of_o consideration_n which_o baptism_n do_v that_o be_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o as_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n 2._o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n 3._o as_o a_o remedy_n against_o temptation_n i_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o brief_o under_o each_o of_o these_o notion_n and_o herein_o i_o will_v guide_v myself_o by_o that_o incomparable_a office_n of_o this_o church_n which_o have_v admirable_o express_v and_o reduce_v to_o a_o method_n the_o whole_a mind_n of_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n for_o which_o i_o have_v often_o bless_v god_n whilst_o i_o behold_v and_o reverence_v that_o primitive_a plainness_n and_o true_o christian_a spirit_n visible_a in_o it_o first_o then_o our_o lord_n supper_n consider_v as_o a_o act_n or_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o holiness_n contain_v in_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o sin_n 2._o a_o devout_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o expect_v salvation_n by_o no_o other_o way_n than_o that_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n 3._o a_o solemn_a oblation_n of_o most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o this_o inestimable_a benefit_n his_o bestow_v his_o son_n upon_o we_o to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o to_o our_o master_n and_o only_a saviour_n christ_n for_o his_o exceed_a great_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o 4._o a_o most_o solemn_a oblation_n of_o ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a lively_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n so_o that_o this_o sacrament_n consist_v of_o a_o whole_a constellation_n of_o grace_n repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n it_o be_v a_o near_a approach_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o more_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o give_v a_o very_a fair_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o its_o frequent_a practice_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v second_o a_o more_o effectual_a instrument_n of_o holiness_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o follow_a account_n 1._o that_o the_o preparation_n necessary_a as_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o worthy_a reception_n do_v awaken_v our_o soul_n and_o refresh_v all_o our_o grace_n and_o mortify_v all_o our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o draw_v we_o near_o to_o heaven_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o preparation_n as_o the_o church-office_n prescribe_v appear_v from_o hence_o that_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o charity_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o exert_v those_o act_n beforementioned_a which_o constitute_v this_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o to_o approach_v that_o holy_a table_n without_o a_o soul_n so_o qualify_v be_v to_o affront_v and_o mock_v the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n 2._o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n in_o receive_v do_v increase_v and_o improve_v they_o that_o act_n of_o humble_a adoration_n and_o profound_a prostration_n of_o ourselves_o before_o god_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o purity_n and_o majesty_n and_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o meanness_n that_o lively_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v profess_v its_o firm_a belief_n of_o and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o its_o dear_a lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o salvation_n that_o love_n whereby_o the_o soul_n offer_v its_o praise_n and_o its_o self_n a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n do_v leave_v such_o lively_a and_o last_a impression_n upon_o man_n mind_n as_o be_v not_o quick_o nor_o easy_o efface_v and_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o delight_n it_o find_v in_o its_o exert_v these_o grace_n be_v enkindle_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o repeat_v the_o same_o acts._n 3._o that_o the_o sacrament_n itself_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o promote_v holiness_n 1._o by_o its_o sensible_a representation_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n the_o symbol_n themselves_o be_v fit_a to_o bring_v into_o our_o mind_n the_o pain_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n 2._o by_o that_o inward_a grace_n inseparable_a from_o the_o worthy_a reception_n of_o it_o bestow_v upon_o we_o to_o refresh_v and_o strengthen_v our_o soul_n to_o root_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n to_o inflame_v our_o love_n and_o perfect_a our_o hope_n 3._o by_o be_v a_o pledge_n and_o assurance_n to_o we_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v