the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v easy_o furnish_v i_o with_o invincible_a argument_n nor_o will_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n ever_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v keep_v the_o field_n so_o long_o as_o it_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o weak_a and_o decay_a piety_n by_o the_o fondness_n of_o man_n for_o themselves_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o frailty_n and_o by_o many_o mistake_a text_n but_o that_o this_o matter_n may_v if_o possible_a be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n 1._o i_o here_o distinguish_v between_o inordinate_a and_o natural_a affection_n by_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o mean_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a by_o natural_a its_o propension_n to_o the_o body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v invest_v the_o desire_n of_o its_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n for_o this_o end_n now_o when_o religion_n enjoin_v repugnance_n to_o the_o former_a appetite_n the_o obedience_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v no_o reluctancy_n in_o it_o but_o when_o it_o enjoin_v thing_n as_o sometime_o occasional_o it_o do_v which_o thwart_a and_o cross_v the_o latter_a here_o the_o obedience_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o conflict_n for_o our_o natural_a appetite_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v never_o be_v put_v off_o till_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v this_o be_v so_o clear_a it_o need_v not_o be_v illustrate_v by_o instance_n or_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o though_o good_a man_n have_v practise_v temperance_n chastity_n charity_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o this_o kind_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n too_o yet_o have_v nature_n shrink_v and_o startle_v at_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n though_o even_o here_o too_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o some_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o above_o what_o human_a nature_n ever_o seem_v capable_a of_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o suppose_v that_o nature_n be_v so_o change_v but_o that_o the_o inclination_n to_o sinful_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o any_o other_o forbid_a object_n will_v soon_o revive_v again_o even_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n unless_o he_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o and_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o disorderly_a desire_n not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o irregular_a motion_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o soul_n when_o strip_v of_o a_o mortal_a body_n or_o clothe_v with_o a_o immortal_a one_o till_o then_o the_o conjunction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v ever_o render_v the_o poor_a soul_n obnoxious_a to_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n and_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o the_o body_n do_v so_o easy_o pass_v those_o bound_n that_o divide_v they_o from_o sinful_a one_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o contemplation_n devotion_n good_a work_n or_o engage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o just_a and_o honest_a design_n or_o amuse_v by_o some_o innocent_a recreation_n for_o in_o these_o case_n the_o body_n be_v either_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a it_o be_v innocent_o busy_v and_o divert_v from_o those_o object_n to_o which_o it_o have_v too_o too_o impetuous_a a_o tendency_n i_o have_v now_o i_o think_v sufficient_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a liberty_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o guard_v it_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o will_v serve_v for_o so_o many_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o its_o attainment_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n these_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o four_o head_n 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v great_a happiness_n 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n 3._o it_o give_v we_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n 4._o the_o great_a and_o last_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n these_o be_v all_o comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 6.2.1_o 22_o 23._o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v death_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n aim_v at_o and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.17_o 18._o unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o i_o will_v here_o insist_v on_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o chapter_n demand_v it_o but_o also_o to_o prevent_v the_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o tedious_a repetition_n of_o they_o hereafter_o under_o every_o distinct_a branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n §_o 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o therefore_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a we_o need_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o depravity_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o feebleness_n and_o impotence_n of_o the_o will._n the_o understanding_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v incapable_a of_o discern_v the_o certainty_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n which_o now_o flow_v from_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o incomparable_o great_a which_o will_v one_o day_n flow_v from_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o fruition_n of_o they_o his_o affection_n which_o if_o fix_v and_o bend_v on_o virtue_n have_v be_v incentives_n as_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o noble_a and_o worthy_a action_n be_v biased_a and_o pervert_v do_v now_o hurry_v he_o on_o to_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a one_o and_o by_o these_o the_o mind_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o chance_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o render_v sensible_a of_o its_o happiness_n and_o duty_n be_v overpower_a and_o oppress_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n if_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o thus_o consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n and_o impotence_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o sinner_n act_v as_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infatuate_v when_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v mere_o whole_o body_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o none_o but_o one_o result_v from_o and_o dissolve_v with_o its_o temperament_n and_o contexture_n one_o design_v to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o to_o contrive_v minister_v to_o and_o partake_v in_o its_o sensuality_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v little_a expectation_n of_o another_o world_n who_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n only_o in_o this_o and_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a all_o sinner_n be_v not_o equal_o stupid_a or_o obdurate_a but_o even_o in_o those_o in_o who_o some_o spark_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n remain_v unextinguished_a how_o be_v the_o weak_a desire_n of_o virtue_n baffle_v and_o overpower_a by_o the_o much_o strong_a passion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n do_v they_o not_o find_v themselves_o reduce_v to_o that_o wretched_a state_n of_o bondage_n wherein_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o be_v present_a with_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o disease_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o not_o only_o extinguish_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o obliterate_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v
10.13_o there_o have_v no_o temptation_n take_v you_o but_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n but_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o the_o design_n of_o which_o word_n be_v certain_o to_o encourage_v christian_n against_o the_o bige_a temptation_n by_o a_o assurance_n of_o relief_n from_o god_n proportionable_a to_o our_o necessity_n and_o consequent_o must_v imply_v that_o if_o we_o yield_v to_o a_o temptation_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n god_n expect_v we_o shall_v stand_v firm_a under_o the_o high_a trial_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n rev._n 3.21_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matt._n 10.33_o if_o therefore_o by_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n man_n mean_v such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n i_o e._n such_o as_o good_a man_n may_v frequent_o fall_v into_o without_o forfeit_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n i_o can_v possible_o think_v that_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n can_v be_v such_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o temptation_n or_o that_o any_o of_o those_o sin_n reckon_v in_o the_o catalogue_n gal._n 5._o and_o eph._n 5._o can_v be_v such_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o violence_n or_o perseverance_n with_o which_o they_o attack_v we_o but_o second_o if_o by_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n they_o mean_v such_o sin_n as_o righteous_a man_n be_v liable_a to_o i_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v from_o which_o they_o be_v exempt_v but_o if_o last_o by_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n they_o mean_v such_o for_o which_o god_n be_v more_o easy_o entreat_v then_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o different_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n by_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o deliberation_n and_o surprise_n and_o by_o the_o force_n or_o weakness_n the_o continuance_n or_o shortness_n of_o a_o temptation_n and_o final_o by_o the_o different_a effect_n and_o tendency_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o which_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o the_o spirit_n have_v regard_n in_o those_o direction_n which_o it_o give_v we_o for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o such_o as_o fall_v gal._n 6.1_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v and_o of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n and_o other_o save_v with_o fear_n pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n judas_n 22_o 23._o §_o 2._o a_o second_o sort_n of_o action_n be_v such_o as_o we_o call_v involuntary_a that_o be_v those_z wherein_o we_o exercise_v no_o deliberation_n no_o choice_n some_o have_v reduce_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n to_o this_o head_n but_o with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n any_o one_o may_v judge_v for_o since_o action_n true_o involuntary_a be_v neither_o the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n nor_o will_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v what_o morality_n there_o can_v be_v in_o they_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o this_o opinion_n be_v build_v be_v such_o as_o these_o first_o the_o measure_n say_v they_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o involuntary_a and_o unavoidable_a action_n be_v not_o a_o proper_a subject_n of_o law_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o prescribe_v rule_n or_o to_o propose_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o such_o action_n as_o be_v no_o way_n subject_n to_o our_o choice_n second_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o gospel_n grace_n to_o impute_v those_o thing_n to_o a_o man_n as_o damnable_a sin_n which_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n of_o deliberation_n now_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o deny_v any_o action_n that_o can_v lay_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o this_o apology_n to_o be_v venial_a that_o i_o can_v forbear_v think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n but_o how_o do_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v for_o the_o excusableness_n of_o involuntary_a transgression_n consist_v with_o those_o other_o doctrine_n which_o they_o maintain_v concern_v they_o namely_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o repentance_n for_o they_o that_o these_o sin_n be_v not_o venial_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o only_o through_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n take_v in_o its_o rigour_n denounce_v death_n against_o all_o sin_n in_o general_n without_o limitation_n or_o exception_n so_o that_o if_o god_n shall_v judge_v rigorous_o even_o involuntary_a sin_n will_v fall_v under_o that_o sentence_n the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n this_o i_o must_v confess_v seem_v to_o i_o very_o incoherent_a for_o if_o a_o action_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_n of_o a_o law_n how_o can_v it_o fall_v under_o the_o condemnation_n of_o law_n if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o moral_a regulation_n nor_o subject_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n how_o can_v it_o be_v mere_a matter_n of_o grace_n that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o damn_v for_o it_o in_o a_o word_n if_o a_o action_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o involuntary_a it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v voluntary_a it_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o regulation_n of_o law_n it_o be_v a_o proper_a instance_n of_o deliberation_n and_o freedom_n and_o capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o one_o need_v no_o apology_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n and_o the_o other_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v look_v for_o venial_a sin_n in_o some_o other_o species_n of_o action_n §_o 3._o the_o last_o class_n of_o action_n be_v those_o which_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n partly_o voluntary_a and_o partly_o involuntary_a and_o here_o i_o think_v we_o must_v place_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n by_o whatever_o name_n we_o may_v call_v they_o for_o these_o sure_o if_o they_o be_v be_v rank_v as_o by_o all_o they_o be_v among_o actual_a sin_n must_v be_v such_o action_n as_o have_v in_o they_o something_o of_o voluntary_a something_o of_o involuntary_a much_o of_o human_a frailty_n and_o something_o of_o sinful_a much_o of_o unavoidable_a and_o something_o of_o moral_a obliquity_n these_o be_v the_o transgression_n which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o intend_v by_o error_n defect_n slip_v mote_n the_o spot_n of_o god_n child_n and_o these_o certain_o if_o any_o must_v be_v the_o sin_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o these_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o deliberate_a wickedness_n in_o the_o will_n much_o less_o a_o habitual_a one_o nay_o they_o do_v not_o include_v in_o they_o any_o wickedness_n at_o all_o strict_o speak_v but_o be_v true_o the_o effect_n of_o human_a frailty_n and_o the_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n thus_o than_o i_o describe_v a_o venial_a sin_n it_o have_v in_o it_o so_o much_o of_o voluntary_a as_o to_o make_v it_o sin_n so_o much_o of_o involuntary_a as_o to_o make_v it_o frailty_n it_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o will_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v reduce_v and_o yet_o so_o much_o of_o necessity_n in_o it_o it_o be_v never_o utter_o to_o be_v extirpate_v it_o have_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o criminal_a enough_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o watch_v against_o it_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o so_o much_o in_o it_o pitiable_a and_o excusable_a as_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o pardon_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o thus_o i_o distinguish_v venial_a from_o mortal_a sin_n mortal_a sin_n proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n either_o habitual_o corrupt_v or_o deceive_v and_o captive_v for_o the_o time_n but_o venial_a sin_n result_v from_o the_o imperfection_n and_o infelicity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o state_n mortal_a sin_n be_v true_o voluntary_a and_o deliberate_a in_o the_o rice_n and_o birth_n of_o it_o and_o mischievous_a and_o injurious_a in_o its_o consequence_n but_o
we_o court_v till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o take_v as_o much_o pleasure_n in_o the_o obedience_n as_o ever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 2_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o provoke_a nature_n so_o criminal_a in_o their_o birth_n and_o mischievous_a in_o their_o consequence_n that_o one_o single_a act_n or_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o these_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o habit_n of_o other_o such_o be_v murder_n idolatry_n perjury_n adultery_n these_o can_v be_v commit_v without_o renounce_v humanity_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n without_o resist_v the_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o must_v break_v through_o a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n and_o terror_n ere_o we_o can_v come_v at_o these_o sin_n we_o must_v commit_v many_o other_o in_o order_n to_o commit_v one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v deliberate_v long_o resolve_v desperate_o and_o in_o defiance_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n and_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o habit_n in_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o necessary_a preparative_a in_o these_o that_o be_v obduration_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o the_o unhappy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o set_v free_a when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o never_o repeat_v it_o again_o but_o then_o when_o he_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a reparation_n of_o the_o wrong_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o when_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n require_v it_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v oppress_v with_o shame_n and_o suffering_n when_o in_o one_o word_n a_o long_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n have_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n 2._o we_o must_v be_v free_a not_o only_o from_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a presumptuous_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a mortal_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o wound_v the_o conscience_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o renounce_v our_o hope_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n at_o least_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o habit_n but_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n death_n be_v the_o penalty_n the_o sanction_n of_o every_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n do_v not_o prohibit_v habit_n only_o but_o single_a act_n too_o nor_o be_v there_o indeed_o any_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v here_o but_o in_o one_o case_n which_o be_v if_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o in_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o here_o indeed_o much_o may_v be_v say_v and_o with_o much_o uncertainty_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n do_v not_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v minister_v to_o any_o good_a or_o necessary_a end_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o god_n in_o all_o other_o case_n every_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a for_o if_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o station_n but_o by_o repentance_n if_o he_o repent_v present_o he_o be_v safe_a but_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n if_o he_o repeat_v it_o he_o pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n widen_v the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n decline_v insensible_o into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o render_v his_o wound_n more_o and_o more_o incurable_a it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n i_o think_v here_o to_o consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n even_o of_o the_o same_o sin_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n because_o a_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o commit_v it_o at_o all_o if_o he_o do_v though_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n and_o with_o a_o divide_a soul_n though_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n seem_v not_o utter_o to_o have_v forsake_v he_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o the_o very_a minute_n it_o be_v finish_v and_o repentance_n and_o remorse_n take_v off_o the_o relish_n of_o the_o unhappy_a draught_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n damnable_a and_o nothing_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n can_v purge_v the_o gild_n 3._o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o only_o actual_o to_o abstain_v from_o mortal_a sin_n but_o to_o be_v advance_v so_o far_o in_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o to_o do_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o it_o must_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o his_o victory_n over_o ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v more_o confirm_v and_o absolute_a his_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o more_o deep_a and_o sensible_a more_o fix_v and_o last_a than_o that_o of_o a_o beginner_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o regenerate_v at_o first_o fear_v the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o degree_n he_o hate_v the_o sin_n itself_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o soul_n render_v he_o now_o incapable_a of_o find_v any_o pleasure_n in_o what_o he_o dote_v on_o before_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o temptation_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 4._o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n abstinence_n be_v not_o only_o more_o easy_a and_o steady_a but_o more_o entire_a and_o complete_a also_o than_o that_o of_o other_o he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o elevation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o expound_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o most_o enlarge_v sense_n and_o interpret_v they_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o refrain_v from_o action_n direct_o criminal_a but_o shun_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o labour_n to_o mortify_v all_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o his_o nature_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v whatever_o circumstance_n of_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o body_n he_o have_v crucify_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n too_o that_o pleasure_n that_o honour_n that_o power_n that_o profit_n which_o captives_z the_o sinner_n tempt_v and_o try_v and_o disquiet_v the_o novice_n be_v but_o a_o burden_n a_o trouble_n to_o he_o he_o find_v no_o gust_n no_o relish_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intemperance_n so_o far_o from_o wantonness_n so_o far_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n that_o can_v he_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n he_o will_v imitate_v the_o meanness_n the_o plainness_n the_o laboriousness_n the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n not_o only_o in_o disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o even_o in_o his_o outward_a state_n and_o deportment_n and_o will_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n he_o inquire_v not_o how_o far_o he_o may_v enjoy_v and_o be_v safe_a but_o how_o far_o he_o may_v deny_v himself_o and_o be_v wise_a he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v forbid_a satisfaction_n that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a and_o afraid_a to_o find_v too_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a action_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v this_o to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o forego_n chapter_n for_o it_o be_v what_o i_o have_v be_v do_v throughout_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a time_n and_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o what_o the_o best_a author_n have_v write_v who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o work_n or_o have_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a conversation_n let_v any_o one_o but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o st._n basil_n or_o any_o other_o after_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o now_o do_v the_o promote_a holiness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o far_o from_o have_v carry_v this_o matter_n too_o high_a i_o
aside_o the_o natural_a right_n which_o he_o have_v over_o he_o as_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o transact_v with_o he_o as_o free_v and_o master_n of_o himself_o but_o this_o be_v all_o infinite_a condescension_n second_o it_o seem_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o bereave_v man_n of_o the_o life_n and_o happiness_n he_o have_v once_o confer_v upon_o he_o unless_o he_o forfeit_v it_o by_o some_o demerit_n the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v how_o death_n which_o have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o it_o can_v have_v enter_v the_o world_n if_o sin_n have_v not_o enter_v it_o first_o in_o this_o sense_n unsinning_a obedience_n give_v a_o kind_n of_o right_a to_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v at_o first_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n last_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v once_o establish_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o sin_n forfeit_v life_n so_o obedience_n must_v give_v a_o right_a to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o penitent_n can_v not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o that_o commit_v no_o sin_n will_v need_v no_o pardon_n but_o then_o life_n itself_o and_o a_o ability_n to_o work_v righteousness_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o grace_n antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v whereof_o to_o boast_v comparative_o with_o respect_n to_o other_o who_o fall_v but_o not_o before_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v man_n have_v nothing_o to_o render_v to_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o which_o be_v no_o very_o good_a foundation_n for_o merit_n but_o suppose_v he_o absolute_a master_n of_o himself_o suppose_v he_o hold_v all_o thing_n independent_a of_o god_n can_v the_o service_n of_o a_o few_o day_n merit_v immortality_n and_o glory_n angelical_a perfection_n and_o a_o crown_n he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o vanity_n and_o presumption_n that_o dare_v affirm_v this_o 3._o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_n not_o his_o interest_n we_o promote_v by_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n be_v impotence_n and_o want_n the_o prince_n want_v the_o service_n and_o tribute_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o subject_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o rich_a need_v the_o ministry_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a support_n and_o maintenance_n from_o the_o rich._n and_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o imaginary_a as_o well_o as_o real_a want_v the_o luxury_n and_o pleasure_n of_o one_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o support_v by_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o other_o and_o the_o pomp_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v subsist_v but_o on_o the_o servitude_n of_o the_o other_o in_o these_o case_n therefore_o mutual_a want_n create_v mutual_a right_n and_o mutual_a merit_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o want_v or_o necessity_n nor_o be_v his_o glory_n or_o happiness_n capable_a of_o diminution_n or_o increase_n he_o be_v a_o monarch_n that_o need_v no_o tribute_n to_o support_v his_o grandeur_n nor_o any_o strength_n or_o power_n beside_o his_o own_o to_o guard_v his_o throne_n if_o we_o revolt_v or_o rebel_n we_o can_v injure_v he_o if_o we_o be_v loyal_a and_o obedient_a we_o can_v profit_v he_o he_o have_v all_o fullness_n all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a god_n but_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a though_o god_n have_v no_o want_n we_o have_v many_o and_o though_o his_o majesty_n and_o felicity_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o vicissitude_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o our_o service_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o our_o obedience_n be_v design_v to_o procure_v our_o own_o advantage_n we_o need_v we_o daily_o need_v his_o support_n and_o protection_n we_o depend_v entire_o on_o his_o favour_n and_o patronage_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n we_o derive_v all_o the_o stream_n of_o good_a by_o which_o we_o be_v refresh_v and_o improve_v to_o know_v and_o love_v he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o our_o happiness_n and_o security_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o our_o perfection_n and_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v he_o will_v be_v our_o heaven_n and_o those_o glimpse_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o we_o be_v vouchsafe_v through_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o pledge_n and_o foretaste_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a voice_n of_o scripture_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o will_v i_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o unto_o he_o thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n job_n 35.7_o 8._o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n though_o i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n that_o be_v the_o remove_n the_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n yet_o i_o easy_o foresee_v there_o may_v be_v some_o which_o will_v not_o be_v reduce_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o forego_n head_n for_o these_o therefore_o i_o reserve_v this_o place_n these_o be_v five_o 1._o too_o easy_a and_o loose_a a_o notion_n of_o religion_n 2._o a_o opinion_n that_o perfection_n be_v not_o attainable_a 3._o that_o religion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n 4._o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o than_o will_v consist_v with_o perfection_n 5._o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n §_o 1._o some_o seem_v to_o have_v entertain_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o moderation_n here_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o where_o else_o they_o look_v upon_o zeal_n as_o as_o a_o excess_n of_o righteousness_n and_o can_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o want_v degree_n of_o glory_n if_o they_o can_v but_o save_v their_o soul_n to_o which_o end_n they_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o perfection_n now_o i_o will_v beseech_v such_o serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n of_o no_o common_a importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n they_o form_n to_o themselves_o of_o religion_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v alter_v by_o their_o fancy_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v mock_v or_o impose_v on_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v sincere_o with_o ourselves_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o certain_o behoove_v we_o to_o do_v we_o must_v frame_v our_o idea_n of_o religion_n not_o from_o the_o opinion_n the_o manner_n or_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v not_o interpret_v these_o by_o our_o own_o inclination_n but_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o duty_n they_o prescribe_v by_o those_o description_n of_o they_o by_o those_o property_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o find_v there_o we_o must_v weigh_v the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o see_v how_o our_o platform_n or_o model_n of_o religion_n suit_n with_o it_o and_o if_o after_o we_o have_v do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o part_n vice_n and_o virtue_n it_o can_v but_o be_v safe_a for_o we_o to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o remember_v too_o that_o the_o repeat_v exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o diligence_n and_o that_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o indefatigable_a to_o vigilance_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v to_o patience_n to_o steadfastness_n and_o suchlike_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o easy_a lazy_a gentile_a religion_n that_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o fair_a and_o full_a comment_n on_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o never_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o a_o corrupt_a world_n but_o of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o the_o best_a age_n this_o this_o one_o thing_n alone_o will_v convince_v
nazian_n think_v it_o very_o extravagant_a to_o pretend_v to_o be_v perfect_a than_o the_o rule_n and_o exacter_n than_o the_o law_n the_o quaker_n have_v make_v much_o noise_n and_o stir_v about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n and_o have_v reflect_v very_o severe_o on_o other_o as_o subvert_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n but_o with_o what_o justice_n will_v easy_o appear_v when_o i_o have_v represent_v their_o sense_n which_o i_o will_v do_v very_o impartial_o and_o in_o as_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n as_o i_o can_v mr._n w._n p._n etc._n p._n a_o key_n open_v etc._n etc._n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o infallible_a and_o perfect_a as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v indeed_o true_a but_o it_o be_v mere_a trifle_n for_o this_o be_v a_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n which_o no_o man_n deny_v who_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o whoever_o follow_v his_o guidance_n must_v be_v in_o the_o right_n unless_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n he_o urge_v it_o be_v true_a a_o great_a number_n of_o scripture_n to_o show_v they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n that_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n from_o sin_n though_o not_o in_o fullness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n but_o this_o be_v too_o dark_a and_o short_a a_o hint_n to_o infer_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o party_n from_o it_o mr._n ed._n burrough_n etc._n burrough_n principle_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o full_a we_o believe_v say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o may_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o christ_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o without_o sin_n and_o may_v have_v victory_n over_o all_o temptation_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o believe_v every_o saint_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n aught_o to_o press_v after_o perfection_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o temptation_n upon_o earth_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o that_o faithful_o wait_v for_o it_o shall_v obtain_v it_o and_o shall_v be_v present_v without_o sin_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n and_o such_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o remember_v no_o more_o for_o they_o cease_v to_o commit_v sin_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n if_o by_o sin_n here_o he_o mean_v as_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v deliberate_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o establish_v church_n whether_o protestant_n or_o popish_a teach_v otherwise_o mr._n barclay_n 8._o barclay_n apol._n thes_n 8._o go_v very_o methodical_o to_o work_v and_o first_o set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n then_o confute_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o he_o answer_v their_o objection_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o last_o establish_v his_o own_o doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o perfection_n which_o he_o assert_n he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o impossibility_n of_o sin_v but_o a_o possibility_n of_o not_o sin_v and_o that_o his_o perfect_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o daily_a growth_n and_o improvement_n when_o to_o this_o i_o have_v add_v that_o he_o speak_v all_o along_o of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v wilful_a sin_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o description_n of_o it_o for_o he_o call_v it_o iniquity_n wickedness_n impurity_n the_o service_n of_o satan_n and_o attribute_n such_o effect_n to_o it_o as_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v add_v to_o render_v his_o sense_n clear_a i_o can_v ready_o subscribe_v to_o he_o for_o i_o know_v no_o such_o doctrine_n in_o our_o church_n as_o those_o which_o he_o there_o oppose_v namely_o that_o the_o regenerate_v be_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v impure_a and_o sinful_a but_o then_o he_o either_o mistake_v the_o main_a point_n in_o debate_n or_o prudent_o decline_v it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o good_a man_n may_v live_v in_o mortal_a or_o wilful_a sin_n but_o whether_o good_a man_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v indeed_o sin_n though_o not_o imputable_a under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whether_o the_o quaker_n be_v not_o in_o this_o point_n pelagian_n i_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v because_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v already_o consider_v two_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o mr._n barclay_n state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o can_v so_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o one_o be_v that_o he_o express_v himself_o so_o injudicious_o about_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o perfect_a man_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o forget_v the_o difference_n the_o scripture_n make_v between_o babe_n and_o full_a grow_v man_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o place_n perfection_n so_o low_a in_o reference_n to_o positive_a righteousness_n or_o virtue_n as_o if_o it_o consist_v in_o negative_a only_o or_o cease_v from_o sin_n the_o other_o be_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o peremptory_o affirm_v a_o state_n of_o impeccability_n attainable_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o he_o seem_v incline_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o imagine_v it_o countenance_v by_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v consider_v that_o whatever_o impeccability_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o text_n it_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n but_o to_o all_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o observe_v upon_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o these_o man_n place_n perfection_n especial_o in_o refrain_v from_o sin_n i_o advance_v high_a and_o place_v it_o in_o a_o well-setled_n habit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v as_o little_o dissatisfy_v with_o i_o for_o this_o as_o i_o be_o with_o they_o for_o assert_v the_o perfect_a man_n free_v from_o sin_n for_o as_o mr._n barclay_n express_v himself_o i_o think_v he_o have_v in_o reality_n no_o adversary_n but_o antinomian_o and_o ranter_n as_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v magnify_v by_o mystical_a writer_n some_o of_o they_o have_v only_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o figurative_a and_o unintelligible_a term_n those_o of_o they_o which_o write_v with_o more_o life_n and_o heat_n than_o other_o man_n ordinary_o do_v recommend_v nothing_o but_o that_o holiness_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o be_v consummate_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o fix_v and_o unite_v man_n to_o his_o sovereign_a good_a that_o be_v god_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v not_o differ_v with_o these_o there_o be_v i_o confess_v almost_o innumerable_a say_n of_o the_o father_n which_o sufficient_o testify_v how_o little_a friend_n they_o be_v to_o perfection_n in_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o general_o embrace_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o primitive_a spirit_n breathe_v nothing_o but_o humility_n it_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o all_o self-confidence_n and_o arrogance_n to_o supererogation_n and_o merit_n and_o it_o invite_v man_n earnest_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sin_n and_o slip_v of_o life_n and_o on_o that_o opposition_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o body_n maintain_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o in_o the_o best_a men._n this_o consideration_n force_v the_o bishop_n of_o condome_n to_o that_o plain_a and_o honest_a confession_n itaque_fw-la justitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la licet_fw-la per_fw-la charitatis_fw-la infusionem_fw-la sit_fw-la vera_fw-la etc._n etc._n though_o our_o righteousness_n because_o of_o that_o love_n which_o the_o spirit_n shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o real_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o absolute_a and_o consummate_a because_o of_o the_o opposition_n of_o concupiscence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v perpetual_o bewail_v the_o error_n of_o life_n wherefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v humble_o to_o confess_v with_o st._n austin_n that_o our_o righteousness_n in_o this_o life_n consist_v rather_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n then_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o concern_v not_o i_o i_o never_o dream_n of_o any_o man_n pass_v the_o course_n of_o life_n without_o sin_n nor_o do_v i_o contend_v for_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o st._n austin_n call_v absolute_a which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o increase_n and_o
be_v keep_v awake_a and_o in_o its_o vigour_n how_o convictive_a how_o move_v be_v the_o discourse_n of_o a_o devout_a and_o pious_a friend_n when_o he_o complain_v or_o when_o he_o rejoice_v when_o he_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o own_o experience_n when_o he_o let_v we_o see_v the_o design_n he_o have_v form_v and_o the_o excellent_a end_v his_o soul_n thirst_v after_o how_o do_v our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o what_o variety_n of_o affection_n do_v it_o raise_v in_o we_o when_o he_o make_v his_o remark_n on_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o world_n when_o he_o bewail_v the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o when_o he_o relate_v the_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n of_o sinner_n and_o observe_v the_o particular_a sin_n and_o folly_n that_o occasion_v it_o how_o often_o do_v he_o hereby_o provoke_v we_o to_o wise_a reflection_n on_o ourselves_o how_o many_o new_a beauty_n do_v he_o discover_v to_o we_o in_o virtue_n how_o many_o deformity_n in_o sin_n which_o have_v escape_v our_o observation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o conversation_n only_o of_o my_o friend_n but_o his_o life_n also_o from_o which_o i_o derive_v or_o may_v do_v so_o instruction_n and_o admonition_n the_o perfection_n of_o my_o friend_n be_v the_o gentle_a and_o the_o mild_a and_o yet_o the_o most_o awaken_n reproof_n too_o of_o my_o own_o defect_n and_o by_o the_o freshness_n and_o lustre_n of_o his_o virtue_n i_o discern_v best_a the_o weakness_n and_o the_o dimness_n of_o my_o own_o how_o often_o have_v i_o be_v move_v to_o turn_v my_o thought_n with_o some_o indignation_n on_o my_o own_o heat_n and_o commotion_n while_o i_o have_v admire_v and_o blessed_v the_o sweetness_n and_o the_o gentleness_n the_o softness_n and_o the_o calm_a very_o conspicuous_a in_o a_o excellent_a friend_n and_o when_o i_o have_v hear_v another_o mention_n his_o nightly_o praise_n and_o those_o divine_a thought_n which_o fill_v the_o interval_n of_o his_o sleep_n and_o make_v those_o hour_n that_o be_v so_o burdensome_a to_o some_o the_o most_o entertain_v and_o delightful_a part_n of_o his_o rest_n how_o have_v i_o be_v inward_o fill_v with_o confusion_n and_o shame_n how_o have_v i_o upbraid_v and_o reproach_v myself_o condemn_v the_o sluggishness_n of_o my_o day_n the_o dulness_n and_o the_o wander_n of_o my_o soul_n by_o night_n and_o i_o believe_v every_o sincere_a man_n must_v find_v himself_o thus_o affect_v on_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o reproof_n which_o i_o talk_v of_o there_o be_v something_o more_o of_o force_n and_o authority_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o for_o the_o example_n of_o friend_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v but_o demonstrate_v also_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v nor_o do_v virtue_n any_o where_n appear_v with_o so_o lovely_a and_o charm_a a_o air_n as_o in_o a_o friend_n but_o after_o all_o among_o all_o the_o benefit_n we_o gain_v by_o excellent_a friendship_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o reckon_v this_o as_o the_o least_o that_o it_o be_v one_o and_o that_o a_o indispensable_a office_n of_o friendship_n to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v for_o the_o reproof_n of_o instruction_n be_v the_o path_n of_o life_n prov._n 6.23_o but_o then_o that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o this_o blessing_n we_o must_v dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o expect_v and_o bear_v reproof_n we_o must_v strive_v after_o a_o humble_a and_o teachable_a temper_n and_o we_o must_v invite_v and_o encourage_v our_o friend_n to_o this_o kind_a office_n not_o only_o by_o unaffected_a request_n but_o also_o by_o obey_v their_o advice_n pardon_v whatever_o infirmity_n may_v be_v intersperse_v with_o it_o and_o love_v they_o the_o better_a as_o indeed_o they_o deserve_v for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o better_a proof_n of_o their_o affection_n prudence_n and_o courage_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v we_o 2_o a_o second_o end_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n be_v the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n now_o spiritual_a strength_n consist_v in_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n we_o have_v over_o our_o affection_n and_o action_n and_o it_o stand_v upon_o two_o base_n the_o reduction_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n whatever_o do_v weaken_v and_o reduce_v our_o propension_n to_o sin_n whatever_o promote_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n add_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o render_v virtue_n more_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a and_o because_o virtue_n have_v a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o therefore_o whatever_o promote_v any_o one_o promote_v all_o but_o especial_o whatever_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n or_o quicken_v our_o fear_n or_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o increase_v our_o faith_n this_o do_v confirm_v and_o establish_v our_o resolution_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n fear_v the_o guard_n and_o hope_v the_o spur_n of_o all_o our_o virtue_n faith_n convince_v we_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n fear_n make_v we_o impartial_a diligent_a and_o watchful_a hope_v resolve_v and_o active_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v thus_o clear_a what_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n consist_v in_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v by_o what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o gain_v it_o but_o i_o can_v here_o only_o suggest_v those_o hint_n and_o intimation_n which_o the_o reader_n must_v upon_o occasion_n as_o he_o need_v enlarge_v and_o improve_v 1._o meditation_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a we_o must_v often_o survey_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o scripture_n topic_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v such_o be_v the_o death_n of_o jesus_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n we_o must_v diligent_o observe_v the_o wiles_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n and_o mark_v the_o progress_n of_o sin_n from_o its_o very_a beginning_n to_o maturity_n and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n we_o must_v often_o ponder_v upon_o the_o beauty_n and_o peace_n of_o holiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n the_o virtue_n suffering_n and_o crown_n of_o martyr_n and_o final_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o strength_n we_o must_v practice_v this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n often_o and_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o or_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o intermit_v it_o on_o any_o slight_a and_o trivial_a pretence_n and_o because_o we_o be_v not_o always_o master_n of_o our_o own_o affair_n nor_o consequent_o of_o our_o time_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v ever_o ready_a at_o hand_n a_o good_a collection_n of_o text_n which_o contain_v in_o few_o word_n the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o gospel_n motive_n the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o to_o fix_v these_o so_o in_o our_o memory_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o shield_n for_o we_o to_o oppose_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v against_o the_o dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o as_o a_o supply_n of_o excellent_a and_o useful_a thought_n upon_o a_o sudden_a so_o that_o in_o all_o the_o little_a interruption_n of_o business_n and_o the_o many_o little_a vacancy_n of_o the_o day_n the_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o active_a and_o busy_a spirit_n may_v never_o want_v a_o proper_a subject_n to_o work_v upon_o much_o less_o loose_v itself_o in_o wild_a and_o lazy_a amusement_n or_o defile_v itself_o by_o vain_a or_o vicious_a thought_n but_o we_o must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n that_o meditation_n be_v frequent_a but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o loose_a and_o rove_a to_o which_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o study_v our_o self_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o our_o constitution_n and_o our_o state_n that_o so_o in_o our_o meditation_n on_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v more_o particular_o have_v a_o eye_n on_o those_o vice_n we_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a to_o and_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v either_o more_o necessary_a or_o more_o feeble_a and_o under-grown_a next_o after_o meditation_n must_v follow_v prayer_n great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o prayer_n in_o promote_a christian_a strength_n and_o fortitude_n whether_o we_o consider_v its_o prevalence_n upon_o god_n or_o its_o natural_a influence_n upon_o ourselves_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o latter_a what_o divine_a force_n and_o energy_n be_v there_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n the_o joy_n of_o hope_n the_o earnest_a long_n and_o desire_n of_o love_n
the_o contrary_n consist_v in_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v good_a in_o obey_v those_o commandment_n which_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n which_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n give_v we_o of_o it_o joh._n 8._o for_o when_o the_o jew_n brag_v of_o their_o freedom_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o freedom_n can_v not_o consist_v with_o subjection_n to_o sin_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n ver_fw-la 34._o that_o honourable_a parentage_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o false_a and_o ludicrous_a appearance_n of_o liberty_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o the_o son_n must_v make_v they_o so_o ver_fw-la 36._o i._n e._n they_o must_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o servitude_n of_o lust_n and_o error_n and_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o work_v righteousness_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a ver_fw-la 31_o 32._o final_o not_o to_o multiply_v proof_n of_o a_o truth_n that_o be_v scarce_o liable_a to_o be_v controvert_v as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v the_o bondage_n of_o a_o sinner_n in_o rom._n 7._o so_o do_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o saint_n in_o rom._n 8._o for_o there_o ver_fw-la 2._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v set_v the_o true_a christian_a free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o then_o he_o let_v we_o know_v wherein_o this_o liberty_n consist_v in_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o restitution_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o its_o just_a empire_n and_o authority_n if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o all_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o his_o description_n of_o liberty_n chapter_n 6._o where_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n thus_o then_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o bondage_n and_o liberty_n yet_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o both_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v each_o capable_a of_o different_a degree_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o entire_a complete_a and_o absolute_a according_a to_o the_o different_a progress_n of_o man_n in_o vice_n and_o virtue_n thus_o in_o some_o man_n not_o their_o will_n only_o but_o their_o very_a reason_n be_v enslave_v their_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o infatuate_v their_o affection_n so_o entire_o captive_v that_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n at_o all_o between_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o body_n they_o commit_v sin_n without_o any_o reluctancy_n beforehand_o or_o any_o remorse_n afterward_o their_o sâ—ared_a conscience_n make_v no_o remonstrance_n inflict_v no_o wound_n nor_o denounce_v any_o threat_n this_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o vassalage_n such_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n other_o there_o be_v in_o who_o their_o lust_n and_o appetite_n prevail_v indeed_o but_o not_o without_o opposition_n they_o reason_v right_o and_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o this_o have_v some_o desire_n and_o wish_n of_o righteousness_n but_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v unable_a to_o act_v and_o live_v conformable_a to_o their_o reason_n their_o understanding_n have_v indeed_o light_a but_o not_o authority_n it_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o have_v no_o power_n no_o force_n to_o make_v it_o be_v obey_v it_o produce_v indeed_o some_o good_a inclination_n purpose_n and_o effort_n but_o they_o prove_v weak_a and_o ineffectual_a one_o and_o unable_a to_o grapple_v with_o the_o strong_a passion_n raise_v by_o the_o body_n and_o as_o bondage_n so_o liberty_n be_v of_o different_a degree_n and_o different_a strength_n for_o though_o liberty_n may_v be_v able_a to_o subsist_v where_o there_o be_v much_o opposition_n from_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o liberty_n be_v most_o absolute_a and_o complete_a where_o the_o opposition_n be_v least_o where_o the_o body_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o entire_a submission_n and_o obsequiousness_n and_o the_o spirit_n reign_v with_o a_o uncontrolled_a and_o unlimited_a authority_n and_o this_o latter_a be_v that_o liberty_n which_o i_o will_v have_v my_o perfect_a man_n possess_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v common_o teach_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o state_n but_o i_o think_v this_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v thorough_o consider_v have_v neither_o scripture_n reason_n nor_o experience_n to_o support_v it_o for_o as_o to_o those_o place_n rom._n 7._o and_o gal._n 5._o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o almost_o incessant_a strong_a and_o too-frequent_o prevalent_a lust_a of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n it_o have_v be_v often_o answer_v and_o prove_v too_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o belong_v to_o the_o perfect_a that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o regenerate_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o text_n that_o represent_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n which_o affirm_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o be_v grievous_a to_o such_o as_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n do_v all_o bear_v witness_n to_o that_o liberty_n which_o i_o contend_v for_o nor_o do_v reason_n favour_v my_o opinion_n less_o than_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n if_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o new_a nature_n if_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o his_o spirit_n live_v to_o righteousness_n in_o one_o word_n if_o the_o world_n be_v as_o much_o crucify_v to_o he_o as_o he_o to_o it_o i_o can_v see_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o act_v consonant_n to_o his_o nature_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o with_o pleasure_n and_o readiness_n follow_v that_o spirit_n and_o obey_v those_o affection_n which_o reign_n and_o rule_v in_o he_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v why_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o property_n with_o other_o habit_n that_o be_v be_v attend_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o its_o operation_n and_o action_n it_o be_v true_a i_o can_v easy_o see_v why_o the_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v acquire_v with_o more_o difficulty_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n but_o i_o say_v i_o can_v see_v when_o they_o be_v acquire_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o natural_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o as_o any_o other_o last_o how_o degenerate_a soever_o age_n past_a have_v be_v or_o the_o present_n be_v i_o dare_v not_o so_o far_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o my_o cause_n or_o the_o virtue_n of_o mankind_n as_o not_o to_o refer_v myself_o willing_o in_o this_o point_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o experience_n i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v that_o truth_n and_o justice_n devotion_n and_o charity_n honour_n and_o integrity_n be_v to_o a_o great_a many_o so_o dear_a and_o delightful_a so_o natural_a so_o easy_a that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v more_o strong_o move_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o the_o instigation_n of_o love_n and_o inclination_n and_o that_o they_o can_v do_v a_o base_a thing_n without_o the_o utmost_a mortification_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o nature_n nor_o be_v all_o this_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o we_o again_o reflect_v on_o what_o i_o just_a now_o intimate_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n transform_v daily_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o new_a affection_n raise_v and_o fortify_v by_o new_a principle_n that_o he_o be_v animate_v by_o a_o divine_a energy_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o true_a and_o bright_a light_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n appear_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n deform_v and_o worthless_a just_a as_o to_o he_o who_o view_v they_o through_o a_o microscope_n the_o work_n of_o god_n appear_v exact_a and_o elegant_a but_o those_o of_o man_n coarse_a and_o bungle_v and_o ugly_a my_o opinion_n then_o which_o assert_n the_o absolute_a liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v here_o and_o in_o chap._n the_o first_o and_o if_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o i_o can_v easy_o reinforce_v it_o with_o fresh_a recruit_n for_o the_o glorious_a character_n that_o be_v give_v we_o in_o scripture_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o
on_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o creation_n but_o also_o scatter_v and_o diffuse_v i_o know_v not_o what_o venom_n and_o infection_n through_o it_o that_o make_v it_o eager_o pursue_v its_o own_o misery_n it_o be_v a_o disease_n that_o produce_v more_o intolerable_a effect_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o any_o whatever_o can_v in_o the_o body_n the_o predominancy_n of_o any_o noxious_a humour_n can_v breed_v no_o pain_n no_o disturbance_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o predominant_a â—_z not_o scar_n or_o ruin_n which_o the_o worst_a disease_n leave_v behind_o it_o be_v half_a so_o deform_v and_o loathsome_a as_o those_o of_o vice_n nay_o that_o last_o change_n which_o death_n itself_o produce_v when_o it_o convert_v a_o beautiful_a body_n into_o dust_n and_o rottenness_n be_v not_o half_a so_o contemptible_a or_o hateful_a as_o that_o of_o sin_n when_o it_o transform_v man_n into_o a_o beast_n or_o devil_n if_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n by_o view_v it_o as_o it_o exist_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n we_o may_v contemplate_v it_o in_o our_o action_n and_o here_o it_o be_v blindness_n and_o folly_n rashness_n and_o madness_n incogitance_n levity_n falsehood_n and_o cowardice_n it_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v mean_a and_o base_a and_o all_o this_o aggravate_v by_o the_o most_o accurse_a ingratitude_n that_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n on_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n can_v choose_v but_o render_v it_o hateful_a and_o if_o second_o we_o make_v any_o serious_a one_o on_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o render_v it_o frightful_a and_o dreadful_a to_o we_o these_o effect_n may_v be_v especial_o reduce_v to_o three_o 1._o the_o ill_a influence_n sin_n have_v upon_o our_o temporal_a concern_v 2._o gild_n and_o 3._o fear_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o we_o suffer_v very_o few_o evil_n but_o what_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v very_o rare_o any_o calamity_n befall_v we_o but_o we_o may_v put_v our_o finger_n on_o the_o fountain_n the_o sin_n i_o mean_v from_o whence_o the_o mischief_n flow_v whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_v among_o you_o say_v st._n james_n come_v they_o not_o from_o your_o lust_n which_o war_n in_o your_o member_n this_o be_v every_o jot_n as_o applicable_a to_o private_a as_o public_a contention_n and_o where_o envy_n strife_n and_o contention_n be_v no_o evil_a work_n no_o disaster_n will_v be_v long_o absent_a i_o may_v run_v through_o all_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o evil_n that_o infest_v the_o body_n or_o embroil_v the_o fortune_n that_o blast_n our_o hope_n or_o stain_v our_o desire_n and_o easy_o show_v that_o they_o all_o general_o spring_n from_o our_o vice_n nay_o what_o be_v worse_o yet_o i_o can_v show_v that_o sin_n convert_v our_o good_a thing_n into_o evil_n and_o our_o enjoyment_n into_o punishment_n that_o it_o render_v the_o slight_a evil_n intolerable_a turn_v scratch_n into_o wound_n and_o wound_n into_o gangrene_n but_o this_o be_v too_o copious_a a_o subject_n and_o will_v insensible_o render_v i_o voluminous_a when_o i_o will_v be_v as_o short_a as_o possible_o i_o can_v a_o second_o effect_v of_o sin_n be_v gild_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v ill_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n result_v from_o it_o and_o though_o man_n often_o sin_n with_o hope_n of_o impunity_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v even_o on_o this_o supposal_n that_o they_o shall_v sin_v without_o suffer_v the_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n which_o sure_o must_v be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o they_o to_o be_v perpetual_o vex_v at_o one_o own_o folly_n to_o commit_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o inward_o condemn_v and_o be_v in_o continual_a pain_n lest_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o light_n to_o be_v always_o displease_v at_o one_o self_n and_o afraid_a not_o only_o of_o the_o reflection_n of_o other_o but_o our_o own_o this_o be_v methinks_v a_o great_a evil_n do_v no_o other_o attend_v our_o sin_n but_o three_o fear_n be_v almost_o inseparable_o join_v with_o gild_n for_o gild_n do_v not_o only_a damp_n the_o cheerfulness_n and_o enfeeble_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o do_v not_o only_o destroy_v that_o confidence_n man_n will_v otherwise_o natural_o have_v in_o god_n and_o render_v he_o cowardly_a and_o pusillanimous_a but_o it_o terrify_v his_o soul_n with_o melancholy_a apprehension_n and_o make_v he_o live_v continual_o in_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o punishment_n and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v the_o state_n of_o a_o sinner_n the_o wicked_a flee_v when_o none_o pursue_v but_o the_o righteous_a be_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n prov._n 28.1_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 3.2_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a say_v the_o lord_n isa_n 48.22_o to_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n heb._n 2.15_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fearfulness_n have_v surpise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o devour_a fire_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n isa_n 23.14_o nor_o let_v any_o one_o wonder_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o outward_a gaiety_n of_o the_o sinner_n the_o spirit_n thus_o describe_v the_o inward_a condition_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v whole_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o he_o they_o may_v indeed_o forget_v he_o in_o the_o fit_v of_o lust_n or_o passion_n but_o in_o their_o intermission_n his_o terror_n will_v return_v upon_o they_o with_o more_o violence_n again_o as_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n if_o they_o acknowledge_v but_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o universal_a law_n thou_o shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o thou_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o thou_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v reflect_v on_o their_o sin_n without_o regret_n and_o uneasiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o have_v more_o or_o less_o repugnancy_n in_o it_o to_o truth_n justice_n and_o goodness_n final_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o faculty_n as_o conscience_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v they_o a_o law_n and_o that_o they_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o the_o natural_a conscience_n can_v choose_v but_o by_o fit_n and_o upon_o occasion_n scourge_n and_o torture_n lance_n and_o gash_n they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o wear_v out_o these_o notion_n they_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o obvious_a the_o proof_n of_o they_o be_v so_o clear_a their_o reputation_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o well_o establish_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o frequent_o inculcate_n they_o man_n may_v easy_o wear_v out_o all_o sense_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n but_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o do_v this_o in_o reference_n to_o virtue_n in_o general_a because_o it_o be_v temper_v and_o accommodate_v to_o human_a nature_n and_o society_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o tolerable_a well-being_n of_o the_o world_n man_n may_v soon_o i_o confess_v extinguish_v their_o christianity_n but_o not_o humanity_n and_o while_o this_o remain_v sin_n will_v leave_v a_o stain_n and_o gild_n behind_o it_o and_o gild_n will_v be_v attend_v by_o uneasiness_n and_o fear_v the_o very_a pagan_n who_o have_v advance_v so_o far_o in_o wickedness_n as_o to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o all_o dishonourable_a passion_n and_o to_o commit_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n have_v not_o yet_o so_o mortify_v and_o stupefy_v their_o conscience_n but_o that_o it_o give_v they_o much_o disturbance_n rom._n 1._o ver_fw-la 32._o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n and_o rom._n 2.15_o their_o conscience_n be_v say_v to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v they_o and_o it_o be_v of_o very_o wicked_a man_n that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n affirm_v that_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n they_o be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n but_o be_v there_o not_o will_v some_o say_v many_o ingenious_a and_o brave_a spirit_n who_o have_v disperse_v these_o vain_a spectres_n and_o burst_v those_o superstitious_a fetter_n by_o which_o you_o labour_v to_o scare_v and_o enslave_v the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v indeed_o but_o that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o have_v vigorous_o endeavour_v to_o cashier_v all_o principle_n of_o natural_a
part_n and_o gallantry_n bless_a god_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o madness_n and_o stupidity_n may_v man_n of_o the_o fine_a natural_a part_n sink_v when_o abandon_v by_o thou_o or_o rather_o when_o they_o themselves_o abandon_v thou_o and_o that_o light_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n think_v the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o poor_a compensation_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 16._o but_o these_o man_n rather_o than_o it_o shall_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o will_v charge_v through_o shame_n and_o pain_n remorse_n and_o sickness_n and_o all_o the_o obstacle_n that_o god_n have_v set_v between_o we_o and_o a_o desperate_a height_n of_o wickedness_n 4._o though_o a_o sinner_n may_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o to_o suppress_v his_o conscience_n and_o master_v his_o fear_n yet_o he_o must_v ever_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o fruitlesness_n and_o the_o meanness_n of_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v inward_o sensible_a that_o he_o have_v weary_v himself_o to_o commit_v iniquity_n to_o no_o purpose_n that_o his_o mind_n have_v be_v restless_a and_o tempestuous_a like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n cast_v up_o its_o own_o mire_n and_o dirt_n he_o must_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a unconstant_a and_o ingrateful_a and_o in_o bondage_n to_o such_o lust_n as_o be_v mean_a and_o poor_a and_o injurious_a to_o his_o repose_n and_o which_o he_o have_v often_o wish_v himself_o free_a from_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n must_v be_v a_o bless_a condition_n when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n do_v to_o his_o face_n assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n condemn_v and_o scorn_v and_o which_o he_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o without_o resent_v it_o as_o the_o high_a affront_n certain_o it_o be_v better_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v call_v i_o fool_n and_o knave_n and_o villain_n than_o that_o i_o shall_v call_v myself_o so_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a my_o peace_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o my_o own_o opinion_n of_o myself_o not_o that_o of_o other_o it_o be_v the_o inward_a sentiment_n that_o i_o have_v of_o myself_o that_o raise_v or_o deject_v i_o and_o my_o mind_n can_v no_o more_o be_v please_v with_o any_o sensation_n but_o its_o own_o than_o the_o body_n can_v be_v gratify_v by_o the_o relish_v of_o another_o palate_n 5._o the_o more_o insensible_a a_o sinner_n grow_v the_o more_o intolerable_a be_v the_o disorder_n and_o distraction_n which_o sin_n produce_v in_o his_o affair_n while_o man_n be_v under_o any_o little_a restraint_n of_o conscience_n while_o they_o be_v hold_v in_o by_o scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o fit_v of_o regret_n while_n in_o a_o word_n they_o sin_n with_o any_o modesty_n so_o long_a sin_n will_v tolerable_o comport_v with_o their_o interest_n and_o reputation_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o grow_v insensible_a and_o impudent_a they_o pass_v all_o bound_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o dear_a and_o considerable_a to_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o wickedness_n now_o wife_n and_o child_n friend_n estate_n law_n vow_n compact_n oath_n be_v no_o strong_a tie_n to_o they_o than_o sampson_n with_o 's_o or_o cord_n such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o be_v very_o well_o describe_v in_o the_o prophet_n thou_o be_v a_o swift_a dromedary_n traverse_v her_o way_n a_o wild_a ass_n use_v to_o the_o wilderness_n that_o snuff_v up_o the_o wind_n at_o her_o pleasure_n in_o her_o occasion_n who_o can_v turn_v she_o away_o jer._n 2.22_o and_o again_o he_o be_v fit_o represent_v to_o a_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n he_o have_v as_o much_o contempt_n for_o his_o safety_n and_o happiness_n as_o for_o reason_n and_o religion_n he_o defy_v shame_n ruin_n and_o death_n as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v god_n and_o providence_n in_o one_o word_n with_o a_o impudent_a and_o lewd_a stupidity_n he_o make_v all_o the_o have_v he_o can_v to_o be_v undo_v and_o since_o he_o will_v be_v so_o it_o be_v well_o if_o he_o can_v be_v undo_v alone_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v too_o many_o instance_n at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o miserable_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n to_o leave_v any_o room_n to_o doubt_v whether_o i_o have_v strain_v the_o point_n here_o or_o no._n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o that_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o be_v not_o lessen_v but_o increase_v by_o obduration_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o proposition_n infer_v do_v natural_o follow_v that_o deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_a so_o great_a that_o if_o we_o estimate_v it_o by_o the_o evil_a there_o be_v in_o sin_n health_n to_o the_o sick_a liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n day_n to_o the_o benight_a weary_a and_o wander_a traveller_n a_o calm_a a_o port_n to_o passenger_n in_o a_o storm_n pardon_v to_o man_n adjudge_v to_o death_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o a_o disease_n will_v at_o worst_a terminate_v with_o the_o body_n and_o life_n and_o pain_n will_v have_v a_o end_v together_o but_o the_o pain_n that_o sin_n cause_n will_v endure_v to_o all_o eternity_n for_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n will_v not_o be_v quench_v the_o error_n of_o the_o traveller_n will_v be_v correct_v by_o the_o approach_a day_n and_o his_o weariness_n refresh_v at_o the_o next_o stage_n he_o come_v to_o but_o he_o that_o err_v impenitent_o from_o the_o path_n of_o life_n be_v lose_v for_o ever_o when_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v once_o set_v upon_o he_o no_o light_n shall_v ever_o recall_v his_o wander_a foot_n into_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n no_o ease_n no_o refreshment_n shall_v ever_o relieve_v his_o toil_n and_o misery_n while_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o captive_n be_v load_v with_o fetter_n his_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v its_o true_a liberty_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n and_o dungeon_n like_o paul_n and_o silas_n he_o may_v sing_v song_n of_o praise_n and_o triumph_n but_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n defile_v oppress_v and_o enslave_v the_o mind_n and_o deliver_v up_o the_o miserable_a man_n to_o those_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a evil_n which_o inexorable_a justice_n and_o almighty_a wrath_n inflict_v upon_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o storm_n can_v but_o wreck_v the_o body_n a_o frail_a and_o worthless_a bark_n the_o soul_n will_v escape_v safe_a to_o shore_n the_o bless_a shore_n where_o the_o happy_a inhabitant_n enjoy_v a_o undisturbed_a a_o everlasting_a calm_a but_o sin_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o he_o that_o perish_v in_o it_o do_v but_o pass_v into_o a_o more_o miserable_a state_n for_o on_o the_o wicked_a god_n will_v rain_v snare_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n storm_n and_o tempest_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o portion_n forever_o psal_n 11._o and_o last_o a_o pardon_n send_v back_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a to_o life_n that_o be_v to_z sin_z and_o suffering_n to_o toil_n and_o trouble_n which_o death_n if_o death_n be_v the_o utmost_a he_o have_v to_o fear_v will_v have_v free_v he_o from_o but_o he_o that_o be_v once_o deliver_v from_o sin_n be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o from_o this_o life_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n of_o hope_n shall_v soon_o pass_v to_o another_o of_o fruition_n and_o glory_n §_o 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n here_o i_o will_v show_v two_o thing_n first_o and_o this_o but_o brief_o that_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o immediate_o second_o that_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n remove_v the_o great_a obstacle_n and_o impediment_n of_o righteousness_n and_o throw_v off_o that_o weight_n which_o will_v otherwise_o encumber_v and_o tire_v we_o in_o our_o race_n 1._o holiness_n be_v no_o small_a pleasure_n no_o small_a advantage_n to_o he_o who_o be_v exercise_v therein_o when_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o restore_v the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n be_v proper_o and_o true_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o praise_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n be_v to_o gratify_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o delightful_a inclination_n we_o have_v these_o indeed_o be_v at_o first_o stifle_v and_o oppress_v by_o original_a corruption_n false_a principle_n and_o vicious_a custom_n but_o when_o once_o they_o have_v break_v through_o these_o like_o seed_n through_o the_o earthy_a coat_n they_o be_v enclose_v and_o imprison_v in_o and_o be_v impregnate_v warm_v and_o cherish_v by_o
thing_n appear_v to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o the_o mind_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n the_o often_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v transfigure_v into_o a_o more_o glorious_a be_v by_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o more_o flat_a and_o insipid_a be_v all_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a satisfaction_n to_o it_o another_o effect_n that_o attend_v our_o shake_n off_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v our_o be_v purify_v from_o gild_n the_o stain_n of_o the_o past_a life_n be_v wash_v off_o by_o repentance_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n contract_v no_o new_a one_o by_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n now_o therefore_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o himself_o and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n without_o any_o vneasiness_n he_o can_v reflect_v upon_o his_o action_n and_o review_v each_o day_n when_o it_o be_v past_a without_o inward_a regret_n or_o shame_n to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o vanquish_v both_o terror_n and_o allurement_n when_o they_o persuade_v to_o that_o which_o be_v mean_a and_o base_a to_o be_v master_n of_o one_o self_n and_o entertain_v no_o affection_n but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o regular_a and_o such_o as_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o wish_v shall_v daily_o increase_v and_o grow_v strong_a these_o be_v thing_n so_o far_o from_o merit_v reproach_n and_o reproof_n from_o one_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v it_o against_o all_o reproach_n from_o without_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n such_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o well_o establish_v habit_n of_o righteousness_n that_o it_o do_v more_o than_o compensate_a the_o difficulty_n to_o which_o either_o the_o attainment_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v expose_v a_o man._n last_o he_o that_o be_v free_a from_o gild_n be_v free_a from_o fear_n too_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o all_o our_o fear_n not_o by_o deny_v or_o renounce_v god_n with_o atheist_n but_o by_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o he_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o upon_o rational_a ground_n be_v raise_v above_o melancholy_a and_o fear_n for_o what_o shall_v he_o fear_v god_n be_v his_o glory_n his_o boast_n his_o joy_n his_o strength_n and_o if_o god_n be_v for_o he_o who_o can_v be_v against_o he_o neither_o thing_n present_a nor_o to_o come_v neither_o life_n nor_o death_n can_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o time_n or_o eternity_n that_o he_o need_v fear_n man_n can_v hurt_v he_o he_o be_v encompass_v with_o the_o favour_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n as_o with_o a_o shield_n but_o if_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n happy_a be_v he_o this_o do_v but_o increase_v his_o present_a joy_n and_o future_a glory_n but_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a death_n itself_o can_v hurt_v he_o devil_n can_v hurt_v he_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n these_o consideration_n prove_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n happy_a happy_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o loose_a and_o wicked_a but_o in_o comparison_n with_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o he_o be_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o end_n in_o this_o respect_n indeed_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o trouble_v of_o discipline_n and_o probation_n in_o this_o respect_n his_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n do_v but_o just_a peep_n up_o above_o the_o ground_n the_o fullness_n and_o maturity_n of_o both_o he_o can_v enjoy_v till_o he_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v §_o 4._o the_o last_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o heaven_n will_v consist_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n that_o human_a nature_n when_o raise_v to_o a_o equality_n with_o angel_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o beauty_n and_o glory_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n will_v as_o it_o be_v like_o a_o fruitful_a and_o ripe_a harvest_n here_o grow_v up_o there_o in_o all_o the_o utmost_a plenty_n and_o perfection_n that_o omnipotence_n itself_o will_v ever_o produce_v be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v controvert_v heaven_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o god_n the_o accomplishment_n and_o consummation_n of_o all_o his_o wonderful_a design_n the_o last_o and_o most_o endear_n expression_n of_o boundless_a love_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o scripture_n describe_v it_o by_o the_o most_o take_v and_o the_o most_o admire_a thing_n upon_o earth_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o this_o image_n though_o draw_v by_o a_o divine_a pencil_n must_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o it_o for_o what_o temporal_a thing_n can_v yield_v colour_n or_o metaphor_n strong_a and_o rich_a enough_o to_o paint_v heaven_n to_o the_o life_n one_o thing_n there_o be_v indeed_o which_o seem_v to_o point_v we_o to_o a_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o heaven_n it_o seem_v to_o excite_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o attempt_v for_o conception_n of_o what_o we_o can_v grasp_v we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o the_o labour_a mind_n the_o more_o it_o discover_v conclude_v still_o the_o more_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v the_o beatific_a vision_n this_o be_v that_o which_o as_o divine_n general_o teach_v do_v constitute_v heaven_n and_o scripture_n seem_v to_o teach_v so_o too_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v often_o doubt_v whether_o our_o see_v god_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o fruition_n or_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v there_o as_o it_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o fountain_n head_n and_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a to_o he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n shall_v ever_o flourish_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o enjoy_v all_o good_a heap_v up_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o the_o incomprehensible_a glory_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n incline_v i_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o easy_o accountable_a enjoyment_n and_o especial_o where_o a_o intelligent_a be_v be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o imply_v something_o of_o proportion_n something_o of_o equality_n something_o of_o familiarity_n but_o ah_o what_o proportion_n think_v i_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v between_o finite_a and_o infinite_a what_o equality_n between_o a_o poor_a creature_n and_o his_o incomprehensible_a creator_n what_o eye_n shall_v give_v on_o the_o splendour_n of_o his_o essential_a beauty_n when_o the_o very_a light_n he_o dwell_v in_o be_v inaccessible_a and_o even_o the_o brightness_n he_o veil_v himself_o in_o be_v too_o dazzle_v even_o for_o cherub_n and_o seraph_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o behold_v ah_o what_o familiarity_n can_v there_o be_v between_o this_o eternal_a and_o inconceiveable_a majesty_n and_o being_n which_o he_o have_v form_v out_o of_o nothing_o and_o when_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o reflect_v on_o the_o effect_n which_o the_o presence_n of_o angel_n have_v upon_o the_o prophet_n and_o see_v human_a nature_n in_o man_n sink_v and_o die_v away_o because_o unable_a to_o sustain_v the_o glory_n of_o one_o of_o their_o fellow-creature_n i_o think_v myself_o in_o a_o manner_n oblige_v to_o yield_v and_o stand_v out_o no_o long_o against_o a_o notion_n which_o though_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v general_o receive_v seem_v to_o have_v more_o reason_n on_o its_o side_n and_o to_o be_v more_o intelligible_a but_o when_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o god_n do_v not_o disdain_n even_o while_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o humility_n of_o infirmity_n and_o mortality_n to_o account_v we_o not_o only_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o people_n but_o his_o friend_n and_o his_o child_n i_o begin_v to_o question_v the_o former_a opinion_n and_o when_o i_o have_v survey_v the_o nature_n of_o fruition_n and_o the_o various_a way_n of_o it_o a_o little_a more_o attentive_o i_o whole_o quit_v it_o for_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o enjoyment_n be_v most_o transport_v where_o admiration_n mingle_v with_o our_o passion_n where_o the_o belove_a object_n stand_v not_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o we_o but_o condescend_v to_o meet_v a_o virtuous_a and_o aspire_a and_o ambitious_a affection_n thus_o the_o happy_a favourite_n enjoy_v
this_o chapter_n be_v grow_v much_o too_o big_a already_o and_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v on_o nothing_o more_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o whatever_o advice_n will_v secure_v the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o liberty_n will_v consequent_o secure_v the_o whole_a i_o will_v therefore_o close_v this_o chapter_n here_o with_o a_o brief_a exhortation_n to_o endeavour_v after_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n how_o many_o and_o powerful_a motive_n have_v we_o to_o it_o will_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n let_v we_o dam_v up_o the_o source_n of_o they_o which_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n let_v we_o disarm_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o this_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o perfect_v and_o accomplish_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o excellent_a quality_n it_o be_v righteousness_n wherein_o consist_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o cleanse_n ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o must_v transform_v we_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n will_v we_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a fortune_n it_o be_v righteousness_n that_o will_v make_v we_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o conquest_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o abound_a in_o good_a work_n that_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a towards_o god_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o we_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v we_o ambitious_a of_o honour_n let_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v virtue_n only_o that_o be_v true_o honourable_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o so_o noble_a a_o relation_n for_o this_o ally_n we_o to_o god_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v they_o only_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v rule_v and_o animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n these_o be_v they_o in_o a_o word_n who_o have_v overcome_v and_o will_v one_o day_n sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n even_o as_o he_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_v set_v down_o with_o his_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n rev._n 3.21_o good_a god_n how_o absurd_a and_o perverse_a all_o our_o desire_n and_o project_n be_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o hug_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o cherish_v those_o vice_n who_o fatal_a wound_n be_v ever_o big_a with_o numerous_a and_o intolerable_a plague_n we_o fear_v death_n and_o will_v get_v rid_v of_o this_o fear_n not_o by_o disarm_v but_o sharpen_v its_o sting_n not_o by_o subdue_a but_o forget_v it_o we_o love_v wealth_n and_o treasure_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v temporal_a not_o eternal_a we_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o but_o we_o seek_v not_o that_o which_o come_v from_o god_n only_o we_o be_v fond_a of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o wander_v from_o those_o path_n of_o wisdom_n which_o alone_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o for_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v this_o christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v man_n true_o free_a not_o the_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o no_o man_n but_o to_o no_o sin_n not_o the_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v we_o true_o great_a and_o true_o glorious_a for_o this_o alone_a render_v we_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o easie_n to_o our_o self_n benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n and_o delightsome_a at_o home_n it_o be_v christian_n liberty_n make_v we_o true_o prosperous_a true_o fortunate_a because_o it_o make_v we_o true_o happy_a fill_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v we_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n iu._n of_o liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o original_a sin_n whatever_o difficulty_n the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n real_o be_v involve_v in_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o some_o to_o be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o concern_v i_o who_o be_o no_o further_o oblige_v to_o consider_v it_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v much_o dispute_n about_o original_a sin_n there_o be_v little_a or_o none_o about_o original_a corruption_n the_o reality_n of_o this_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v though_o the_o gild_n the_o sinfulness_n or_o immorality_n of_o it_o be_v controvert_v and_o though_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n concern_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o eternity_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o make_v but_o that_o it_o incite_v and_o instigate_v we_o to_o actual_a sin_n and_o be_v the_o seed-plot_n of_o human_a folly_n and_o wickedness_n all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o strong_a propension_n in_o our_o nature_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n that_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n wherein_o consist_v righteousness_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v that_o we_o have_v appetite_n which_o clash_n with_o and_o oppose_v the_o command_n of_o god_n not_o only_a when_o they_o threaten_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o confession_n and_o martyrdom_n but_o also_o when_o they_o only_o prune_v its_o luxuriancy_n and_o extravagance_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o desire_v sensitive_a pleasure_n but_o even_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o hurry_v and_o transport_v we_o beyond_o the_o bound_n that_o reason_n and_o religion_n set_v we_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o aversion_n for_o pain_n and_o toil_n and_o death_n but_o to_o that_o excess_n that_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o renounce_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o carnal_a ease_n and_o temporal_a safety_n and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o reveal_v truth_n so_o prone_a to_o terminate_v our_o thought_n on_o and_o confine_v our_o desire_n within_o this_o visible_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o no_o other_o than_o the_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o that_o this_o make_v we_o selfish_a and_o sordid_a proud_a and_o ambitious_a false_a subtle_a and_o contentious_a to_o the_o endless_a disturbance_n of_o mankind_n and_o ourselves_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o this_o be_v the_o corruption_n we_o labour_v under_o all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o do_v a_o controversy_n arise_v about_o this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o appeal_v any_o further_a for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o than_o to_o one_o own_o experience_n this_o will_v tell_v every_o one_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o fact_n and_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v consult_v it_o will_v tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v so_o for_o what_o other_o than_o this_o can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n who_o enter_v the_o world_n with_o a_o soul_n so_o dark_a and_o destitute_a of_o divine_a light_n so_o deep_o immerce_v and_o plunge_v into_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o tender_o and_o intimate_o affect_v by_o bodily_a sensation_n and_o with_o a_o body_n so_o adapt_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o fasten_v to_o it_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o interest_n convenience_n and_o necessity_n this_o account_n of_o original_a corruption_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o of_o it_o rom._n 7._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o with_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n on_o which_o he_o build_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n joh._n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n have_v thus_o brief_o explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o original_a sin_n i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o far_o this_o distemper_n of_o nature_n be_v curable_a 2._o which_o way_n this_o cure_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v as_o to_o the_o first_o enquiry_n i_o will_v
matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o perfect_a upon_o earth_n be_v not_o without_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n and_o such_o infirmity_n as_o discover_v themselves_o in_o actual_a slip_v and_o error_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o these_o be_v to_o be_v account_v sin_n i_o must_v confess_v if_o we_o strict_o follow_v the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v rather_o call_v they_o by_o some_o other_o name_n for_o this_o do_v so_o general_o understand_v by_o sin_n a_o deliberate_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o produce_v many_o text_n wherein_o the_o word_n sin_n be_v use_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n as_o to_o legal_a pollution_n i_o have_v not_o much_o consider_v the_o matter_n but_o as_o to_o moral_a one_o i_o be_o in_o some_o degree_n confident_a that_o the_o word_n sin_n do_v general_o signify_v such_o a_o transgression_n as_o by_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v punishable_a with_o death_n and_o rare_o do_v it_o occur_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n i_o say_v rare_o for_o if_o i_o be_v not_o much_o mistake_v the_o scripture_n do_v sometime_o call_v those_o infirmity_n i_o be_o now_o talk_v of_o sin_n but_o what_o if_o it_o do_v not_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o every_o deviation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o it_o have_v any_o concurrence_n of_o the_o will_n in_o it_o be_v in_o strict_a speak_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o the_o scripture_n do_v frequent_o give_v we_o such_o description_n and_o character_n and_o such_o name_n of_o these_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n as_o do_v oblige_v we_o both_o to_o strive_v and_o watch_v against_o they_o and_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o it_o call_v they_o spot_n error_n defect_n slip_v and_o the_o like_a but_o what_o be_v last_o most_o to_o my_o purpose_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o distinction_n of_o sin_n into_o mortal_a and_o venial_a or_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n have_v its_o foundation_n in_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n numerous_n be_v the_o text_n cite_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o he_o that_o will_v deal_v fair_o must_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v most_o of_o they_o improper_o and_o impertinent_o urge_v as_o relate_v either_o to_o fall_v into_o temporal_a calamity_n or_o to_o mortal_a not_o venial_a sin_n or_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n or_o to_o a_o comparative_a impurity_n i_o mean_v the_o impurity_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n a_o form_n of_o expression_n frequent_a in_o job_n i_o will_v therefore_o content_v myself_o to_o cite_v three_o or_o four_o which_o seem_v not_o liable_a to_o these_o exception_n deut_n 32.4_o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o their_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n they_o be_v a_o perverse_a and_o crooked_a generation_n here_o two_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v point_v out_o to_o we_o plain_o first_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o without_o their_o spot_n second_o that_o these_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o of_o the_o wicked_a in_o comparison_n with_o who_o wilful_a and_o perverse_a transgression_n the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v elsewhere_o pronounce_v blameless_a without_o offence_n without_o spot_n psal_n 19.12_o 13._o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n keep_v back_o also_o thy_o servant_n from_o presumptuous_a sin_n let_v they_o not_o have_v dominion_n over_o i_o then_o shall_v i_o be_v upright_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v innocent_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n here_o again_o the_o psalmist_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o place_n uprightness_n in_o freedom_n from_o deliberate_a or_o mortal_a sin_n and_o to_o admit_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o transgression_n into_o which_o even_o upright_a man_n slip_v sometime_o nor_o do_v the_o psalmist_n here_o only_o assert_v venial_a sin_n but_o he_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o suggest_v the_o spring_n and_o source_n of_o they_o namely_o some_o secret_a disposition_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o folly_n and_o error_n which_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o cleanse_v and_o free_v he_o from_o more_o and_o more_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n the_o word_n fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o original_a but_o something_o of_o that_o kind_n must_v be_v supply_v to_o render_v the_o sense_n entire_a in_o our_o language_n the_o word_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 20.9_o seem_v to_o relate_v to_o this_o corruption_n lurk_v in_o we_o and_o never_o utter_o to_o be_v extirpate_v who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o my_o sin_n for_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v apply_v to_o mortal_a sin_n every_o one_o see_v that_o it_o will_v contradict_v a_o hundred_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n to_o righteous_a man_n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n last_o james_n 3.2_o we_o be_v tell_v plain_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o sinner_n only_o but_o righteous_a and_o upright_a man_n have_v their_o defect_n and_o slip_v and_o according_o there_o be_v not_o any_o life_n which_o we_o have_v the_o history_n of_o in_o scripture_n how_o excellent_a soever_o the_o person_n be_v but_o we_o meet_v with_o some_o of_o these_o record_v as_o will_v appear_v from_o those_o several_a instance_n i_o shall_v produce_v when_o i_o come_v to_o describe_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o sin_n and_o certain_o when_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o my_o sin_n be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o my_o head_n he_o that_o shall_v interpret_v this_o place_n of_o mortal_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n will_v both_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n which_o acquit_v he_o except_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n and_o high_o wrong_v the_o memory_n of_o david_n make_v he_o a_o prodigy_n of_o wickedness_n instead_o of_o a_o saint_n nor_o do_v that_o make_v any_o thing_n against_o i_o which_o he_o add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n my_o heart_n fail_v i_o or_o that_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n my_o iniquity_n have_v take_v hold_v upon_o i_o so_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o look_v up_o for_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o psalmist_n here_o have_v regard_n only_o to_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n exclusive_o of_o other_o no_o he_o reckon_v all_o together_o and_o so_o discern_v the_o one_o aggravate_v by_o the_o other_o and_o the_o gild_n of_o all_o together_o very_o far_o enhanse_v nor_o do_v i_o second_o interess_n myself_o here_o in_o that_o dispute_n between_o protestant_n and_o papist_n whether_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v not_o damnable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n though_o not_o impute_v under_o the_o covevenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o do_v i_o last_o examine_v what_o a_o vast_a heap_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n may_v amount_v to_o though_o the_o gild_a of_o this_o or_o that_o alone_o be_v not_o so_o fatal_a i_o have_v then_o i_o think_v prove_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n have_v show_v both_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o best_a man_n have_v their_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n and_o that_o these_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v sin_n i_o think_v it_o superfluous_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o consist_v with_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n since_o it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o that_o i_o know_v of_o deny_v and_o may_v be_v easy_o enough_o make_v out_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o be_o now_o to_o inquire_v s._n 2._o what_o these_o sin_n be_v and_o how_o distinguish_v from_o mortal_a or_o damnable_a one_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v distinguish_v human_a action_n under_o which_o i_o comprise_v both_o internal_a and_o external_n into_o three_o sort_n voluntary_a involuntary_a and_o mixt._n §_o 1._o there_o be_v action_n proper_o and_o true_o voluntary_a such_o be_v those_o deliberate_a transgression_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o man_n commit_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o direct_a remonstrance_n of_o conscience_n he_o know_v the_o action_n be_v forbid_v he_o see_v the_o turpitude_n and_o obliquity_n of_o it_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o punishment_n denounce_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o he_o venture_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v plain_o mortal_a damnable_a sin_n and_o i_o can_v think_v that_o any_o circumstance_n or_o pretence_n whatever_o can_v render_v it_o venial_a and_o therefore_o i_o must_v be_v pardon_v if_o i_o can_v be_v of_o their_o opinion_n who_o suppose_v that_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o reluctancy_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o length_n and_o force_n of_o a_o temptation_n can_v so_o soften_v and_o mitigate_v a_o voluntary_a transgression_n as_o to_o diminish_v it_o into_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o matter_n some_o can_v but_o think_v those_o transgression_n venial_a which_o be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o so_o
inadvertency_n in_o complete_a act_n of_o cry_a sin_n second_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n for_o inadvertency_n if_o we_o have_v any_o misgiving_n within_o or_o warning_n without_o concern_v that_o particular_a sin_n into_o which_o we_o fall_v afterward_o much_o less_o if_o we_o cherish_v ill_a motion_n till_o they_o grow_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o and_o last_o of_o all_o if_o we_o repeat_v the_o same_o sin_n frequent_o and_o contemptuous_o and_o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o sin_n through_o surprise_n who_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o way_n of_o temptation_n even_o though_o he_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n 3_o as_o to_o those_o moral_a defect_n which_o flow_v from_o natural_a infirmity_n they_o will_v not_o destroy_v we_o if_o the_o infirmity_n itself_o be_v pardonable_a there_o be_v infirmity_n which_o we_o acquire_v infirmity_n which_o grow_v strong_a by_o indulgence_n infirmity_n which_o continue_v mere_o because_o we_o do_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o subdue_v they_o our_o moral_a defect_n must_v not_o flow_v from_o these_o kind_n of_o infirmity_n but_o from_o such_o as_o consider_v human_a nature_n and_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a utter_o to_o root_v out_o these_o moral_a defect_n will_v do_v we_o no_o harm_n if_o first_o we_o take_v care_n to_o settle_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n that_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o they_o second_o if_o we_o watch_v and_o fight_v against_o our_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v our_o appetite_n even_o our_o natural_a appetite_n within_o strict_a and_o narrow_a bound_n three_o if_o we_o wash_v off_o the_o stain_n of_o our_o slip_v and_o defect_n by_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o upon_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v here_o give_v of_o venial_a sin_n repentance_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o i_o require_v in_o they_o something_o of_o voluntary_a something_o of_o freedom_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o action_n sinful_a though_o not_o to_o prove_v the_o heart_n corrupt_v or_o wicked_a and_o because_o the_o degree_n of_o voluntary_a and_o involuntary_a be_v not_o so_o easy_o distinguishable_a from_o one_o another_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o best_a security_n against_o any_o ill_a consequence_n of_o our_o defect_n and_o frailty_n be_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o therefore_o i_o wonder_v not_o if_o david_n charge_v himself_o more_o severe_o than_o god_n do_v my_o sin_n be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o my_o head_n this_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o become_v the_o humility_n and_o solicitude_n of_o a_o penitent_a that_o become_v the_o reflection_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o perfect_a man_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o alloy_n of_o human_a performance_n the_o slip_n and_o defect_n the_o interruption_n neglect_v and_o deviation_n of_o the_o best_a life_n chap._n vi_o of_o liberty_n as_o it_o import_v freedom_n or_o deliverance_n from_o mortal_a sin_n here_o i_o will_v enquiry_n into_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o mortal_a sin_n be_v or_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v which_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n 2._o how_o far_o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v be_v set_v free_a or_o deliver_v from_o this_o kind_n of_o sin_n or_o how_o remote_a he_o be_v from_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o 3._o which_o way_n this_o liberty_n may_v be_v best_a attain_v s._n 1._o the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a be_v to_z state_z the_o notion_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o mortal_a wilful_a presumptuous_a or_o deliberate_a sin_n for_o these_o in_o writer_n be_v equivalent_a term_n and_o promiscuous_o use_v to_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n sin_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 3.4_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o full_a definition_n too_o of_o sin_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o moral_a action_n it_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a whatever_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o morality_n neither_o whatever_o can_v be_v comprehend_v within_o this_o definition_n can_v have_v in_o it_o the_o entire_a and_o complete_a notion_n of_o sin_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o it_o can_v be_v sin_n in_o a_o strict_a proper_a and_o adequate_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n hence_o st._n john_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n tell_v we_o that_o whosoer_n sin_v transgress_v a_o law_n and_o st._n paul_n rom._n 4.15_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n sin_n then_o must_v always_o suppose_v a_o law_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o vice_n nor_o virtue_n righteousness_n nor_o wickedness_n for_o these_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o violation_n or_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o habit_n and_o state_n result_v from_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o two_o thing_n more_o must_v be_v remark_v to_o render_v this_o definition_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o sin_n clear_a and_o full_a first_o the_o law_n must_v be_v sufficient_o reveal_v second_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o must_v be_v true_o voluntary_a 1._o by_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n every_o one_o understand_v that_o the_o law_n must_v be_v so_o publish_v to_o the_o man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o that_o the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n render_v evident_a to_o he_o if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o any_o rule_n or_o precept_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o will_v be_v so_o too_o and_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v evident_a as_o its_o authority_n the_o law_n that_o be_v pen_v in_o dark_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n be_v proper_o speak_v no_o law_n at_o all_o since_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v not_o sufficient_o make_v know_v by_o it_o whatever_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v forbear_v or_o do_v by_o we_o must_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v never_o be_v necessary_a man_n through_o weakness_n or_o design_n may_v enact_v law_n that_o be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o letter_n a_o crowd_n of_o dubious_a delphic_a sentence_n but_o god_n can_v never_o do_v so_o because_o this_o be_v repugnant_a both_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o law_n too_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n not_o a_o snare_n it_o be_v to_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lamp_n to_o our_o path_n not_o like_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la to_o betray_v we_o into_o brake_n and_o precipice_n and_o ruin_n and_o death_n 2._o transgression_n must_v be_v a_o voluntary_a one_o and_o this_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o a_o knowledge_n of_o law_n 2._o a_o consent_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o first_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v here_o in_o few_o word_n be_v that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n excuse_v a_o transgression_n when_o it_o be_v itself_o excusable_a but_o if_o the_o ignorance_n itself_o be_v criminal_a the_o effect_n of_o it_o must_v be_v so_o too_o we_o must_v never_o think_v of_o excuse_v our_o sin_n by_o allege_v a_o ignorance_n into_o which_o not_o our_o own_o incapacity_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a cause_n but_o neglect_v or_o contempt_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o some_o other_o vicious_a lust_n or_o passion_n have_v betray_v we_o second_o as_o to_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will._n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o demonstrate_v any_o action_n sinful_a or_o virtuous_a without_o this_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v no_o partner_n in_o the_o sin_n and_o by_o consequence_n can_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o whatever_o we_o can_v help_v be_v our_o misfortune_n not_o our_o fault_n action_n mere_o natural_a or_o mere_o force_v can_v neither_o be_v good_a nor_o evil_a the_o concurrence_n of_o reason_n and_o choice_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o morality_n of_o a_o action_n all_o this_o be_v plain_o teach_v we_o by_o st._n james_n 1.14_o 15._o but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n which_o word_n do_v certain_o imply_v that_o the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o sin_n be_v within_o ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v our_o natural_a corruption_n that_o entice_v
and_o allure_v we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o consent_n to_o its_o enticement_n that_o give_v be_v to_o sin_n and_o defile_v we_o with_o gild_n from_o all_o this_o now_o put_v together_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v what_o sort_n of_o a_o description_n we_o be_v to_o form_v of_o mortal_a sin_n it_o be_v such_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v vicious_a in_o its_o original_a deliberate_a in_o its_o commission_n and_o mischievous_a in_o its_o tendency_n or_o effect_n the_o heart_n be_v corrupt_v and_o mislead_v by_o some_o lust_n or_o other_o and_o so_o consent_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n a_o law_n of_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n or_o if_o the_o sin_n consist_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o positive_a law_n it_o must_v yet_o imply_v in_o it_o some_o moral_a obliquity_n in_o the_o will_n or_o in_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o action_n or_o both_o so_o that_o presumptuous_a or_o mortal_a sin_n call_v it_o by_o what_o name_n we_o will_v be_v a_o deliberate_a transgression_n of_o a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o injury_n of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n such_o be_v those_o sin_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n exhort_v those_o who_o will_v repent_v to_o cease_v from_o and_o such_o be_v those_o we_o have_v a_o catalogue_n of_o eph._n 5._o gal._n 5._o and_o elsewhere_o now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v these_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n witchcraft_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o suchlike_a these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o which_o as_o of_o so_o many_o member_n the_o body_n of_o sin_n consist_v these_o constitute_v the_o old_a man_n these_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n ungodliness_n wickedness_n iniquity_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n worldly_a lust_n and_o suchlike_a these_o and_o the_o like_a sin_n have_v as_o i_o say_v in_o they_o very_o apparent_a symptom_n of_o malignity_n and_o mortality_n they_o be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a lust_n prevail_v over_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o they_o imply_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n injustice_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o defilement_n and_o pollution_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o plain_a indication_n of_o such_o a_o gild_n as_o exclude_v a_o man_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o both_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o influence_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o care_n it_o take_v to_o fortify_v the_o heart_n against_o all_o infection_n from_o the_o constant_a representation_n it_o make_v we_o of_o the_o shamefulness_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o sin_n even_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n further_o necessary_a to_o the_o explication_n of_o deliberate_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n unless_o it_o be_v here_o fit_a to_o add_v that_o it_o be_v mortal_a though_o it_o proceed_v no_o further_o than_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o into_o action_n to_o render_v it_o fatal_a and_o damnable_a this_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o must_v be_v entire_a sincere_a and_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o can_v no_o more_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o heart_n than_o of_o our_o action_n but_o also_o from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v fornication_n adultery_n theft_n etc._n etc._n and_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v the_o adultery_n of_o the_o heart_n damnable_a as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n mat._n 5.28_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n already_o with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n s._n 2._o i_o be_o next_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o perfect_a man_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o sin_n i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o stop_v at_o any_o general_n or_o preliminary_a observation_n as_o that_o abstinence_n from_o sin_n regard_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n alike_o and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o mutilate_v and_o maim_v religion_n and_o to_o dishonour_n god_n while_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o single_a commandment_n be_v a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n whatever_o observance_n we_o may_v pay_v all_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v now_o if_o thou_o commit_v no_o adultery_n yet_o if_o thou_o kill_v thou_o be_v become_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n jam._n 2.11_o that_o the_o restraint_n man_n be_v to_o lay_v upon_o himself_o relate_v no_o less_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 5.10_o that_o to_o begin_v well_o will_v avail_v we_o little_a unless_o we_o finish_v well_o too_o universality_n sincerity_n and_o perseverance_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v essential_a and_o indispensable_a property_n of_o save_v justify_v faith_n these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v but_o just_a mention_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o point_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o resolve_v 1._o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o mortal_a sin_n be_v the_o first_o and_o low_a step_n this_o be_v indispensable_a to_o sincerity_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v not_o sin_n reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n 6.12_o and_o the_o advance_v thus_o far_o do_v i_o acknowledge_v constitute_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o in_o scripture_n man_n be_v denominate_v righteous_a or_o wicked_a not_o from_o single_a act_n of_o vice_n or_o virtue_n but_o from_o the_o prevalence_n and_o dominion_n from_o the_o habit_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n rom._n 6.16_o but_o then_o i_o must_v here_o add_v two_o remark_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n one_a we_o must_v not_o presume_v too_o soon_o of_o victory_n over_o a_o habitual_a sin_n a_o evil_a habit_n be_v not_o soon_o break_v off_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o resolve_v when_o we_o have_v set_v ourselves_o free_a from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o sometime_o the_o temptation_n do_v not_o present_v itself_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a or_o not_o with_o the_o same_o advantage_n sometime_o one_o vice_n restrain_v we_o from_o another_o sometime_o worldly_a consideration_n or_o some_o little_a change_n in_o our_o temper_n without_o any_o thorough_a change_n in_o our_o mind_n put_v we_o out_o of_o humour_n for_o a_o little_a while_n with_o a_o darling_n sin_n and_o sometime_o the_o force_n and_o clearness_n of_o conviction_n produce_v some_o pious_a fit_n which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o utter_o vanquish_v a_o lust_n do_v yet_o force_v it_o to_o give_v way_n and_o retreat_n for_o a_o while_n and_o interrupt_v that_o love_n which_o they_o do_v not_o extinguish_v all_o this_o may_v be_v and_o the_o work_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v nor_o our_o liberty_n yet_o gain_v if_o therefore_o we_o fall_v though_o but_o now_o and_o then_o and_o though_o at_o some_o distance_n of_o time_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o its_o power_n and_o our_o safety_n nay_o though_o we_o restrain_v ourselves_o from_o the_o outward_a commission_n of_o it_o if_o yet_o we_o feel_v a_o strong_a propension_n to_o it_o if_o we_o discern_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o take_v fire_n on_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v fond_a of_o approach_v as_o near_o it_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v please_v with_o those_o indulgency_n which_o be_v very_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o it_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o our_o conquest_n be_v not_o yet_o entire_a nay_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o can_v be_v on_o good_a ground_n assure_v that_o we_o be_v master_n of_o ourselves_o till_o we_o have_v a_o settle_a aversion_n for_o the_o sin_n which_o before_o we_o dote_v on_o and_o shun_v the_o occasion_n which_o before_o
we_o what_o endeavour_n what_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o gain_v a_o incorruptible_a crown_n see_v with_o what_o eagerness_n the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n press_v towards_o the_o mark_n see_v with_o what_o courage_n nay_o joy_n too_o they_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o generous_a be_v their_o alm_n so_o that_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o their_o poverty_n what_o plainness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n what_o grace_n and_o warmth_n what_o peace_n and_o joy_n show_v itself_o in_o their_o conversation_n what_o modesty_n what_o humility_n in_o their_o garb_n deportment_n and_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o life_n how_o frequent_a how_o fervent_a and_o how_o long_o too_o be_v their_o prayer_n and_o retirement_n in_o one_o word_n the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n discover_v itself_o in_o all_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o life_n do_v as_o evident_o distinguish_v a_o christian_n from_o a_o jew_n or_o pagan_a as_o their_o faith_n how_o lovely_a be_v religion_n then_o how_o full_a its_o joy_n how_o strong_a its_o confidence_n then_o do_v christian_n true_o overcome_v the_o world_n then_o do_v they_o live_v above_o the_o body_n then_o be_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n more_o delightful_a than_o the_o ease_n or_o honour_n the_o pride_n or_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n then_o do_v they_o true_o through_o the_o spirit_n wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v our_o life_n with_o they_o and_o then_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a attainment_n if_o we_o can_v let_v we_o put_v our_o virtue_n in_o the_o scale_n against_o they_o and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o modesty_n the_o inequality_n will_v put_v we_o out_o of_o countenance_n we_o shall_v blush_v at_o our_o vanity_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o expect_v the_o same_o crown_n the_o same_o kingdom_n with_o they_o but_o as_o too_o lax_n a_o notion_n of_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v too_o much_o indifference_n and_o unconcernment_n so_o will_v it_o be_v say_v too_o exalt_v a_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v despair_n which_o be_v a_o second_o and_o no_o less_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n §_o 2._o many_o there_o be_v who_o form_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o slip_v and_o defect_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n conceive_v perfection_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a imaginary_a notion_n they_o believe_v indeed_o that_o consider_v how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v he_o shall_v be_v exact_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v frequent_o press_v and_o exhort_v to_o perfection_n but_o that_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n be_v too_o too_o difficult_a for_o mortal_a man_n to_o attain_v in_o this_o life_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o must_v oppose_v these_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v it_o 1._o the_o beginning_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o the_o near_a we_o approach_v to_o perfection_n the_o easy_a as_o well_o as_o pleasant_a be_v religion_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o a_o exalt_a virtue_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v startle_v at_o those_o which_o will_v encounter_v he_o in_o his_o first_o entrance_n upon_o religion_n and_o yet_o these_o must_v be_v conquer_v 2._o the_o avoid_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o plung_v we_o into_o worse_a we_o be_v necessary_o under_o this_o dilemma_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v mortify_v and_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o propose_v to_o gratify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n we_o can_v do_v so_o without_o offer_v much_o violence_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o if_o such_o be_v the_o war_n and_o opposition_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o a_o true_a and_o well_o settle_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n but_o by_o the_o reduction_n and_o mortification_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o than_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o resolve_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v for_o those_o appeal_v which_o atheist_n themselves_o make_v to_o reason_n proclaim_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o ruling_n and_o noble_a part_n of_o he_o beside_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o more_o vital_a the_o more_o tender_a and_o sensible_a part_n of_o we_o and_o consequent_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o must_v render_v we_o far_o more_o miserable_a than_o any_o hardship_n or_o difficulty_n virtue_n can_v impose_v upon_o the_o body_n 3._o whatever_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n they_o will_v soon_o vanish_v if_o we_o often_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o peace_n and_o joy_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n but_o shame_n and_o remorse_n of_o sin_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o follow_v his_o lust_n unless_o he_o die_v as_o much_o a_o brute_n as_o he_o live_v that_o heaven_n be_v a_o cheap_a purchase_n whatever_o it_o cost_v we_o but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n a_o very_a dear_a one_o how_o easy_o soever_o we_o come_v by_o it_o and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o master_n there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o who_o we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o will_v not_o we_o must_v either_o undergo_v the_o hardship_n and_o discipline_n of_o virtue_n or_o the_o eternal_a plague_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n last_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perfection_n have_v both_o be_v beget_v and_o cherish_v by_o those_o wild_a scheme_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o flame_a indeed_o but_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n but_o i_o have_v here_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n no_o fantastic_a or_o enthusiastic_a perfection_n i_o have_v advance_v no_o height_n of_o virtue_n but_o what_o many_o do_v i_o hope_v at_o this_o day_n actual_o feel_v and_o experiment_n in_o themselves_o none_o i_o be_o sure_a but_o what_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n actual_o attain_v and_o practice_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o we_o be_v of_o christ_n their_o life_n be_v as_o bright_a a_o rule_n as_o their_o doctrine_n and_o by_o their_o own_o action_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o power_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n bound_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o other_o and_o not_o move_v they_o with_o their_o finger_n they_o do_v not_o like_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n magnify_v temperance_n and_o modesty_n at_o the_o table_n and_o carnivals_n of_o prince_n nor_o commend_v the_o pleasure_n of_o wisdom_n in_o in_o the_o garden_n of_o epicurus_n but_o they_o live_v as_o they_o teach_v unspotted_a by_o the_o pleasure_n unbroken_v by_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n modest_a serene_a equal_a and_o heavenly_a mind_v in_o honour_n or_o dishonour_v want_v or_o abundance_n liberty_n or_o prison_n life_n or_o death_n let_v we_o then_o no_o long_o object_n or_o dispute_v but_o with_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v follower_n of_o those_o who_o have_v inherit_v the_o promise_n be_v encompass_v with_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_v and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n heb._n 12.1_o 2._o i_o have_v do_v with_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o soften_v or_o shun_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o conquer_v they_o §_o 3._o there_o be_v other_o who_o will_v look_v upon_o this_o set_n up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n as_o a_o design_n against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o mankind_n what_o say_v such_o a_o one_o shall_v i_o let_v go_v my_o present_a pleasure_n out_o of_o my_o hand_n to_o hunt_v after_o i_o know_v not_o what_o and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o shall_v i_o quit_v pleasure_n thaâ—_n be_v every_o where_o obvious_a for_o such_o as_o have_v no_o be_v it_o may_v be_v but_o in_o speculation_n or_o at_o least_o be_v