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
another_o since_o otherwise_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n will_v be_v extreme_o maim_v and_o incomplete_a i_o will_v insist_v therefore_o no_o long_o on_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n perfect_a and_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o further_a proof_n that_o my_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v true_o scriptural_a i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o the_o utmost_a height_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n exhort_v we_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o steady_a habit_n of_o holiness_n that_o the_o bright_a character_n it_o give_v of_o the_o perfect_a man_n the_o lovely_a description_n it_o make_v we_o of_o the_o perfect_a state_n be_v all_o make_v up_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o confess_v property_n of_o a_o ripe_a habit._n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n that_o i_o know_v of_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n every_o man_n experience_n instruct_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a philosophy_n of_o it_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v we_o exert_v ourselves_o with_o desire_n and_o earnestness_n with_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n that_o it_o render_v we_o fix_v in_o our_o choice_n and_o constant_a in_o our_o action_n and_o almost_o as_o averse_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o as_o we_o be_v to_o those_o which_o be_v distasteful_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o in_o a_o word_n it_o so_o entire_o and_o absolute_o possess_v the_o man_n that_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v nor_o the_o empire_n of_o it_o to_o be_v shake_v off_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v remove_v and_o extirpate_v without_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o difficulty_n imaginable_a all_o this_o be_v a_o confess_v and_o almost_o palpable_a truth_n in_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o ascribe_v the_o same_o force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o habit_n of_o virtue_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o strength_n easiness_n and_o pleasure_n which_o belong_v natural_o to_o these_o habit_n receive_v no_o small_a accession_n from_o the_o supernatural_a energy_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o will_v therefore_o in_o few_o word_n show_v how_o that_o state_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o scripture_n invite_v we_o to_o as_o our_o perfection_n direct_o answer_v this_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o a_o habit._n be_v habit_n in_o general_n a_o second_o nature_n this_o state_n of_o righteousness_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a man_n eph._n 4.24_o the_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o do_v it_o consequent_o rule_n and_o govern_v man_n hear_v how_o st._n paul_n express_v this_o power_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n in_o himself_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ_n nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o this_o be_v a_o constant_a effect_n of_o habit_n and_o be_v equal_o discernible_a in_o those_o of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n that_o they_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o man_n they_o possess_v rom._n 6.16_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 shall_v i_o go_v on_o to_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n the_o first_o be_v a_o great_a aversion_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o or_o obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n towards_o temptation_n and_o sin_n he_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o glory_v in_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o what_o before_o he_o court_v with_o fondness_n and_o passion_n he_o now_o shun_v with_o fear_n and_o vigilance_n in_o brief_a the_o scripture_n describe_v such_o a_o one_o as_o possess_v with_o a_o utter_a hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n and_o as_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o virtue_n and_o his_o god_n thus_o psal_n 119.163_o i_o hate_v and_o abhor_v lie_v but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o verse_n 128._o therefore_o i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n and_o this_o be_v a_o genuine_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o integrity_n or_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_n the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o and_o indeed_o every_o where_o a_o hatred_n a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o evil_n be_v account_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n psal_n 37.10_o you_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n hate_v evil_a and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n resolve_v to_o practise_v himself_o what_o he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o psal_n 101.2.3_o i_o will_v behave_v myself_o wise_o in_o a_o perfect_a way_n o_o when_o will_v thou_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n i_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o turn_v aside_o it_o shall_v not_o cleave_v to_o i_o and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v otherwise_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o abhorrence_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o habit_n which_o confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o one_o must_v confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o other_o too_o 2._o the_o next_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n be_v that_o the_o action_n which_o flow_v from_o it_o be_v if_o we_o meet_v not_o with_o violent_a opposition_n perform_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n what_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a and_o habit_n be_v a_o second_o nature_n when_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o vice_n have_v once_o root_v themselves_o in_o the_o soul_n what_o can_v be_v more_o natural_a then_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o one_o and_o shun_v the_o other_o since_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o embrace_v and_o enjoy_v what_o we_o love_v and_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o what_o we_o detest_v this_o therefore_o be_v one_o constant_a character_n of_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n be_v every_o where_o say_v to_o accompany_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n when_o it_o be_v once_o grow_v up_o to_o strength_n and_o maturity_n the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n prov._n 3.17_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 4.18_o and_o to_o he_o that_o love_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a man_n delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n psal_n 1.2_o nor_o do_v he_o delight_v less_o in_o action_n then_o meditation_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o much_o as_o knowledge_n and_o abound_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o good_a work_n as_o he_o increase_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consonant_a to_o this_o property_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v that_o in_o psalm_n 19_o and_o 119._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o we_o hear_v the_o psalmist_n express_v a_o kind_n of_o inconceiveable_a joy_n and_o transport_v in_o the_o meditation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n so_o the_o first_o christian_n who_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o devotion_n faith_n and_o charity_n be_v say_v act._n 2.46_o to_o have_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v a_o delightful_a description_n we_o have_v of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 6.10_o as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n 3._o vigour_n and_o activity_n or_o much_o earnestness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o three_o property_n of_o a_o habit._n it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v intent_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v even_o a_o habitual_a passion_n if_o this_o expression_n may_v be_v allow_v i_o a_o inclination_n which_o have_v gather_v strength_n and_o authority_n from_o custom_n will_v exert_v itself_o with_o some_o warmth_n and_o briskness_n now_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o
slight_a and_o insignificant_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v attend_v by_o no_o mischievous_a connsequence_n nor_o to_o offer_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n nor_o injustice_n to_o man._n but_o i_o doubt_v this_o notion_n of_o venial_a sin_n have_v no_o solidity_n in_o it_o for_o either_o man_n perform_v such_o action_n deliberate_o or_o indeliberate_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a now_o if_o we_o perform_v any_o action_n deliberate_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a we_o never_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o little_a sin_n much_o less_o a_o venial_a one_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a the_o first_o notion_n that_o every_o man_n have_v of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o and_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o then_o to_o do_v that_o deliberate_o which_o we_o know_v will_v provoke_v god_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o fearless_a and_o irreligious_a heart_n a_o heart_n destitute_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o heaven_n but_o if_o a_o man_n transgress_v in_o a_o trifle_a instance_n indeliberate_o this_o alter_v the_o case_n for_o the_o matter_n not_o be_v of_o importance_n enough_o to_o excite_v the_o intention_n and_o application_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v consequent_o no_o malignity_n of_o the_o will_n in_o a_o action_n where_o there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n of_o the_o judgement_n i_o can_v but_o think_v this_o may_v very_o well_o pass_v for_o a_o human_a infirmity_n for_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o can_v be_v here_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o man_n be_v incogitancy_n or_o inadvertency_n and_o that_o too_o as_o excusable_a a_o one_o as_o can_v be_v last_o where_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o action_n be_v very_o trifle_v and_o inconsiderable_a and_o draw_v after_o it_o no_o ill_a consequence_n either_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o man_n judge_v it_o no_o sin_n i_o can_v think_v it_o iâ—_n any_o to_o he_o though_o by_o a_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a construction_n it_o may_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o some_o divine_a prohibition_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o schoolman_n be_v good_a enough_o here_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o law_n but_o not_o against_o it_o or_o it_o be_v against_o the_o letter_n but_o not_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o with_o eternal_a misery_n or_o that_o it_o can_v become_v a_o man_n of_o sense_n serious_o to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n for_o they_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o shall_v provoke_v god_n if_o pass_v through_o a_o field_n of_o my_o neighbour_n corn_n or_o pease_n i_o shall_v pull_v off_o a_o ear_n or_o cod_n or_o pass_v through_o his_o orchard_n shall_v eat_v a_o apple_n the_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o law_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o entertain_v such_o trifle_a weak_a and_o superstitious_a fancy_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o very_o much_o perplex_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o good_a people_n that_o be_v a_o idle_a word_n and_o jest_a concern_v both_o which_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o such_o be_v miserable_o mistake_v and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o unless_o unreasonable_a and_o superstitious_a scruple_n make_v they_o so_o this_o i_o say_v on_o supposition_n that_o by_o idle_a word_n they_o mean_v only_o such_o talk_n as_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o by_o jest_a only_o that_o which_o be_v innocent_a and_o divertive_a by_o a_o idle_a word_n matt._n 12._o our_o saviour_n plain_o mean_v a_o blasphemous_a word_n if_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o every_o idle_a word_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o context_n for_o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o blasphemy_n which_o the_o jew_n belch_v out_o against_o his_o miracle_n or_o if_o our_o lord_n here_o on_o this_o occasion_n advance_v a_o general_a doctrine_n then_o by_o a_o idle_a word_n we_o must_v understand_v a_o wicked_a one_o proceed_v from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o naughty_a heart_n and_o tend_v as_o direct_o to_o promote_v impiety_n as_o gracious_a and_o wholesome_a discourse_n do_v to_o promote_v edification_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o ver_fw-la 25._o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n and_o a_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n bring_v forth_o evil_a thing_n and_o ver_fw-la 37._o for_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o jest_a eph._n 5.4_o the_o apostle_n understand_v the_o modish_a raillery_n of_o the_o greek_n which_o be_v general_o make_v up_o of_o profaneness_n and_o wantonness_n or_o brisk_a and_o sharp_a irony_n this_o be_v plain_a both_o from_o the_o company_n we_o find_v it_o in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d filthiness_n and_o foolish_a speak_v and_o from_o the_o character_n give_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o other_o two_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v give_v the_o most_o infamous_a and_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n rom._n 1.28_o thing_n not_o convenient_a be_v a_o diminutive_a expression_n imply_v such_o thing_n as_o contain_v much_o turpitude_n and_o wickedness_n in_o they_o beza_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o note_n read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o place_n foolish_a speak_v or_o not_z and_z jest_a which_o as_o he_o observe_v make_v jest_a the_o same_o thing_n with_o foolish_a speak_v or_o buffonery_n and_o justify_v that_o jest_a which_o consist_v in_o a_o pleasant_a and_o divertive_a facetiousness_n from_o 1_o king_n 18.27_o 2_o king_n 3.23_o isa_n 14.11_o 2._o some_o think_v that_o the_o mere_a reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n of_o conscience_n against_o sin_n be_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o this_o have_v receive_v no_o small_a countenance_n from_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o rom._n 7._o as_o make_v holiness_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o vicissitude_n of_o desire_n and_o action_n repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o but_o at_o this_o rate_n no_o man_n sin_n will_v be_v damn_v but_o he_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o when_o one_o heart_n do_v condemn_v one_o god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o acquit_v one_o which_o agree_v very_o ill_a with_o st._n john_n 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 joh._n 3.21_o no_o man_n unless_o arrive_v at_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a without_o reluctancy_n for_o his_o conscience_n will_v forbid_v he_o as_o long_o as_o it_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o tenderness_n in_o it_o and_o restrain_v he_o as_o far_o as_o it_o have_v power_n and_o as_o to_o rom._n 7._o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o consider_v and_o i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n as_o rom._n 8._o do_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v free_a st._n austin_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o understand_v that_o chapter_n at_o first_o as_o the_o pelagean_n do_v for_o a_o person_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o find_v himself_o constrain_v afterward_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o st._n paul_n himself_o i_o will_v not_o examine_v the_o solidity_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o i_o that_o his_o change_n of_o opinion_n do_v religion_n no_o harm_n for_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v a_o state_n of_o holiness_n to_o consist_v with_o act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o conscience_n that_o he_o will_v not_o excuse_v so_o much_o as_o rebellious_a motion_n and_o appetite_n if_o consent_v to_o all_o that_o he_o contend_v for_o in_o a_o good_a man_n from_o this_o chapter_n be_v that_o lapse_v nature_n will_v sometime_o exert_v itself_o even_o in_o the_o best_a man_n in_o disorderly_a and_o distemper_a appetite_n 3._o other_o last_o will_v have_v those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o fall_v either_o overpower_a by_o the_o strength_n or_o weary_v out_o by_o the_o assiduity_n or_o length_n of_o a_o temptation_n pass_v for_o infirmity_n but_o this_o opinion_n have_v as_o little_a ground_n as_o the_o two_o former_a i_o can_v find_v no_o scripture_n that_o countenance_n this_o notion_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o of_o great_a reputation_n who_o have_v promote_v it_o but_o i_o think_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n make_v against_o it_o 1_o cor._n
so_o direct_o suit_v to_o a_o devout_a mind_n that_o it_o present_o enter_v it_o moves_z and_o actuate_v it_o inspire_v and_o inform_v it_o with_o the_o very_a passion_n it_o describe_v and_o though_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o move_v in_o this_o duty_n yet_o all_o i_o believe_v be_v more_o or_o less_o move_v it_o be_v very_o much_o the_o business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o of_o prophetic_a education_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n practise_v it_o frequent_o it_o be_v ever_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religious_a joy_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o pious_a retirement_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o heart_n the_o esteem_n of_o it_o be_v revive_v in_o our_o day_n i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o will_v add_v much_o to_o the_o warmth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o devotion_n it_o will_v contribute_v to_o introduce_v religion_n into_o our_o family_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v into_o our_o very_a recreation_n and_o friendship_n and_o this_o mind_n i_o that_o as_o i_o have_v under_o every_o forego_n head_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n so_o i_o shall_v not_o forget_v it_o here_o this_o have_v a_o lively_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o always_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o gentle_a heat_n and_o do_v we_o but_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o discourse_n about_o another_o world_n do_v we_o mingle_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o feast_n and_o joy_n of_o life_n do_v we_o retire_v to_o our_o country-house_n to_o contemplate_v the_o variety_n and_o riches_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o bounty_n in_o those_o natural_a scene_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o country_n afford_v and_o do_v we_o now_o and_o then_o invite_v our_o friend_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o offer_v up_o halelujah_n to_o god_n on_o this_o account_n what_o brightness_n and_o serenity_n what_o calm_a and_o pleasure_n will_v this_o diffuse_v through_o all_o our_o soul_n through_o all_o our_o day_n to_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v touch_v the_o exciting_a holy_a passion_n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o observation_n form_v upon_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n jam._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n that_o religion_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o nature_n and_o that_o devout_a passion_n will_v soon_o shoot_v up_o when_o they_o be_v engraft_v upon_o a_o natural_a stock_n with_o which_o i_o will_v join_v this_o other_o that_o since_o we_o be_v most_o affect_v by_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v most_o particular_a circumstantiate_v and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o imprint_v themselves_o more_o easy_o and_o deep_o on_o our_o imagination_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o shall_v recommend_v the_o read_n the_o life_n of_o saint_n and_o excellent_a person_n be_v they_o not_o general_o write_v so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o more_o of_o judgement_n in_o the_o pious_a who_o have_v employ_v their_o pen_n on_o this_o argument_n §_o 4._o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o subdue_a the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n by_o discipline_n i_o here_o understand_v whatever_o voluntary_a rigour_n we_o impose_v on_o our_o self_n or_o whatever_o voluntary_a restraint_n we_o lie_v upon_o our_o allow_a enjoyment_n and_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o both_o i_o do_v not_o exclude_v any_o other_o which_o may_v be_v involve_v in_o these_o or_o result_v from_o they_o now_o of_o what_o importance_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v i_o need_v not_o show_v for_o since_o all_o sin_n be_v distinguish_v in_o scripture_n into_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o two_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a end_n which_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a have_v ever_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n this_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o the_o example_n of_o david_n psal_n 131._o lord_n i_o be_o not_o high_a mind_v i_o have_v no_o proud_a look_n i_o do_v not_o exercise_v myself_o in_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o but_o i_o refrain_v my_o soul_n and_o keep_v it_o low_o like_a as_o a_o child_n that_o be_v wean_v from_o his_o mother_n yea_o my_o soul_n be_v even_o as_o a_o wean_a child_n and_o from_o that_o other_o of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n whoever_o thus_o mortify_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n whoever_o thus_o bring_v under_o the_o body_n will_v soon_o find_v himself_o true_o set_v free_a and_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o fortune_n he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o advance_v on_o swift_o towards_o perfection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o to_o attain_v these_o bless_a end_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o need_v ensnare_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o perpetual_a bond_n of_o monastic_a vow_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o be_v to_o expose_v ourselves_o by_o any_o ridiculous_a or_o fantastic_a observance_n there_o be_v i_o say_v no_o need_n of_o this_o for_o we_o may_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v fit_a retrench_v our_o pleasure_n abate_v of_o the_o show_n and_o figure_n of_o life_n we_o may_v renounce_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o who_o can_v so_o well_o pretend_v either_o to_o authority_n or_o discretion_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v in_o some_o circumstance_n without_o become_a fool_n for_o christ_n that_o be_v without_o that_o tameness_n that_o condescension_n that_o diminution_n of_o ourselves_o which_o will_n never_o comport_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v still_o the_o more_o room_n for_o mortification_n and_o for_o a_o near_o and_o more_o eminent_a imitation_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n provide_v still_o we_o decline_v all_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o when_o we_o practice_v any_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o self-denial_n we_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o justify_v it_o to_o religious_a and_o judicious_a person_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o some_o excellent_a end_n fast_v indeed_o be_v plain_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o obligation_n to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o frequency_n and_o measure_n be_v not_o the_o same_o on_o all_o yet_o all_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o practice_v it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a prudence_n will_v permit_v and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o fast_v shall_v general_o consist_v rather_o in_o abstinence_n from_o please_a meat_n than_o from_o all_o not_o the_o food_n which_o nourish_v our_o strength_n but_o that_o which_o gratify_v the_o palate_n minister_a most_o direct_o to_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n for_o the_o better_a regulation_n of_o voluntary_a discipline_n i_o propose_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n three_o thing_n 1._o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o under_o any_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a tie_n in_o any_o instance_n of_o self-denial_n there_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o enjoy_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o renounce_v it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o excellence_n of_o religion_n to_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v as_o how_o to_o suffer_v want_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o all_o voluntary_a austerity_n be_v in_o order_n to_o give_v we_o a_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o ourselves_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o prosperous_a life_n and_o last_o i_o very_o much_o doubt_n when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v long_a and_o constant_o accustom_v himself_o to_o any_o rigour_n whether_o it_o continue_v to_o have_v much_o of_o mortification_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o so_o effectual_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a liberty_n as_o it_o will_v if_o we_o do_v return_v to_o it_o but_o now_o and_o then_o as_o we_o see_v occasion_n 2._o we_o must_v not_o multiply_v unnecessary_a severity_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v think_v
but_o such_o a_o digestion_n of_o they_o by_o serious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n as_o may_v in_o a_o manner_n incorporate_v they_o with_o we_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v when_o to_o signify_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n it_o use_v these_o word_n for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o intimate_v that_o no_o law_n no_o principle_n can_v ever_o influence_n we_o till_o they_o be_v deep_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o wind_v up_o all_o there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v we_o only_o as_o pisga_n top_n do_v moses_n to_o show_v we_o canaan_n but_o not_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o it_o there_o be_v again_z a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v we_o only_o as_o the_o talon_n do_v the_o wicked_a servant_n not_o to_o procure_v reward_n but_o punishment_n and_o final_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o like_o the_o talent_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o good_a steward_n enrich_v we_o first_o and_o recommend_v we_o afterward_o to_o high_a trust_n and_o dignity_n which_o improve_v and_o perfect_v our_o nature_n first_o and_o then_o put_v we_o into_o possession_n of_o such_o blessing_n as_o only_a nature_n thus_o improve_v and_o perfect_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o knowledge_n must_v not_o be_v a_o slight_a superficial_a and_o undigested_a one_o it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o obscure_a a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a one_o this_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n which_o will_v bring_v forth_o those_o excellent_a fruit_n which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v from_o true_a illumination_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o have_v all_o the_o quite_o contrary_a character_n even_o such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o describe_v at_o large_a that_o this_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o will_v give_v himself_o leave_v to_o make_v any_o reflection_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n for_o how_o do_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n prevail_v amid_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o have_v the_o devil_n erect_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n reign_v where_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v preach_v whence_o be_v this_o be_v man_n ignorant_a of_o those_o truth_n which_o make_v up_o the_o systeme_n of_o true_a wisdom_n this_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v scarce_o of_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n much_o less_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o this_o be_v because_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o its_o clearness_n certainty_n and_o digestion_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n have_v dispatch_v the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o show_v both_o what_o truth_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o i_o be_o next_o to_o treat_v 1._o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o s._n 1._o as_o to_o the_o fruit_n of_o illumination_n i_o have_v the_o less_o need_n to_o insist_v upon_o they_o because_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v on_o this_o head_n have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n anticipate_v all_o the_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n and_o illuminate_a knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o sufficient_o declare_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o true_a illumination_n i_o will_v therefore_o be_v very_o short_a on_o this_o head_n and_o only_o just_a mention_n two_o advantage_n of_o illumination_n as_o the_o use_n of_o light_n be_v especial_o twofold_a to_o delight_n and_o guide_v we_o so_o do_v we_o reap_v two_o benefit_n from_o illumination_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o immediate_a one_o be_v that_o it_o set_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a life_n right_a that_o it_o fix_v our_o affection_n on_o their_o proper_a and_o natural_a object_n and_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o true_a end_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o understanding_n constant_o and_o necessary_o influence_n and_o determine_v the_o will._n expeperience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o fatal_a liberty_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v too_o often_o independent_a of_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n that_o we_o pursue_v false_a pleasure_n and_o a_o false_a interest_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a and_o in_o plain_a opposition_n to_o our_o judgement_n too_o at_o least_o to_o a_o sedate_n and_o calm_a one_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o we_o consist_v of_o two_o different_a and_o repugnant_a principle_n a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n and_o be_v solicit_v by_o two_o different_a world_n a_o temporal_a and_o a_o eternal_a one_o but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o illumination_n in_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v continual_o exciting_a in_o we_o wise_a desire_n and_o excellent_a purpose_n it_o be_v always_o allure_a and_o invite_v we_o towards_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o restrain_v and_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o death_n it_o alarm_n disquiet_n disturb_v and_o persecute_v we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o err_v and_o wander_v from_o the_o path_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n the_o great_a work_n of_o illumination_n be_v to_o be_v always_o represent_v the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o beatitude_n and_o glory_n of_o virtue_n and_o remonstrate_v the_o evil_n and_o dishonour_v the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o vice_n so_o that_o a_o man_n will_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n who_o have_v this_o light_n within_o he_o till_o it_o be_v either_o extinguish_v or_o obey_v 2._o this_o light_n within_o we_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v and_o comply_v with_o not_o mud-died_n and_o disturb_v if_o it_o be_v not_o quench_v and_o extinguish_v by_o wilful_a sin_n or_o unpardonable_a oscitancy_n and_o remissness_n if_o in_o a_o word_n its_o influence_n be_v not_o interrupt_v disperse_v all_o our_o fear_n as_o well_o as_o error_n create_v a_o unspeakable_a tranquillity_n in_o the_o soul_n spread_v over_o we_o a_o calm_a and_o glorious_a sky_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o we_o and_o about_o we_o look_v gay_a and_o verdant_a and_o beautiful_a the_o dissipation_n of_o pagan_a darkness_n and_o all_o participation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o deliverance_n from_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o wrath_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o jesus_n the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n good_a god_n what_o surprise_v what_o ravish_v theme_n be_v these_o for_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o enlighten_v soul_n to_o dwell_v upon_o bless_a and_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o enjoy_v this_o pleasure_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o we_o may_v i_o be_o now_o to_o discourse_n s._n 2._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n now_o whatever_o advice_n can_v relate_v to_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o two_o head_n 1._o what_o qualification_n do_v render_v man_n capable_a of_o illumination_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v that_o one_o due_o qualify_v be_v to_o do_v in_o pursuit_n of_o it_o §_o 1._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o illumination_n one_o man_n be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o several_a way_n by_o his_o estate_n or_o fortune_n by_o natural_a or_o acquire_v endowment_n and_o by_o moral_a disposition_n and_o each_o of_o these_o may_v have_v some_o though_o a_o very_a different_a influence_n upon_o human_a perfection_n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o only_o the_o essence_n and_o integrity_n of_o perfection_n then_o be_v there_o two_o or_o three_o moral_a qualification_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o this_o but_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o largeness_n of_o its_o stature_n the_o symmetry_n of_o its_o feature_n the_o lustre_n of_o its_o complexion_n and_o the_o elegance_n of_o its_o dress_n then_o may_v we_o allow_v something_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o fortune_n to_o nature_n and_o a_o liberal_a education_n this_o be_v a_o observation_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v for_o though_o every_o man_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o perfection_n that_o be_v habitual_a holiness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n yet_o be_v not_o every_o man_n capable_a of_o be_v equal_o perfect_a because_o of_o that_o accidental_a variety_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v and_o
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
a_o heavenly_a influence_n they_o natural_o shoot_v up_o into_o good_a work_n virtue_n have_v a_o celestial_a original_a and_o a_o celestial_a tendency_n from_o god_n it_o come_v and_o towards_o god_n it_o move_v and_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o amiable_a and_o pleasant_a virtue_n be_v all_o beauty_n all_o harmony_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v view_v and_o review_v consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o it_o with_o delight_n it_o procure_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n it_o make_v our_o affair_n natural_o run_v smooth_o and_o calm_o on_o and_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o courage_n cheerfulness_n and_o good_a hope_n in_o one_o word_n diversion_n and_o amusement_n give_v we_o a_o fanciful_a pleasure_n a_o animal_n sensitive_a life_n a_o short_a and_o mean_a one_o sin_n a_o deceitful_a false_a and_o fatal_a one_o only_a virtue_n a_o pure_a a_o rational_a a_o glorious_a and_o last_a one_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v here_o the_o loveliness_n of_o holiness_n be_v a_o subject_n which_o ever_o and_o anon_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o engage_v in_o 2._o i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v that_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n remove_v the_o impediment_n of_o virtue_n this_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v out_o by_o examine_v what_o influence_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o three_o great_a principle_n or_o source_n of_o wickedness_n have_v upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n 1._o the_o first_o part_n be_v that_o which_o contain_v those_o duty_n that_o more_o immediate_o relate_v to_o ourselves_o these_o be_v especial_o two_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n by_o sobriety_n i_o mean_v a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o thing_n or_o such_o a_o state_n of_o mind_n as_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o by_o temperance_n i_o mean_v the_o moderation_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o enjoyment_n even_o in_o lawful_a and_o allow_v instance_n from_o these_o proceed_v vigilance_n industry_n prudence_n fortitude_n or_o patience_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o what_o be_v best_a without_o these_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v either_o devotion_n towards_o god_n or_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man._n nay_o nothing_o good_a or_o great_a can_v be_v accomplish_v without_o they_o since_o without_o they_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v for_o either_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n or_o the_o protection_n and_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n only_o the_o pure_a and_o chaste_a soul_n be_v a_o fit_a temple_n for_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o none_o or_o at_o lest_o none_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v it_o shall_v but_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a but_o now_o how_o repugnant_a to_o how_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o virtue_n be_v that_o infatuation_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o debauchery_n of_o affection_n wherein_o sin_n consist_v how_o incapable_a either_o of_o sobriety_n or_o temperance_n do_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n render_v we_o what_o a_o false_a estimate_n of_o thing_n do_v they_o cause_v we_o to_o form_n how_o insatiable_a do_v they_o render_v we_o in_o our_o desire_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o false_a and_o empty_a appearance_n of_o good_a and_o how_o imperious_o do_v they_o precipitate_v we_o into_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o pollution_n and_o dishonour_n of_o our_o nature_n on_o the_o contrary_a let_v man_n be_v but_o once_o enlighten_v by_o faith_n let_v he_o but_o once_o come_v to_o believe_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n that_o heaven_n be_v his_o country_n and_o that_o to_o do_v good_a work_n be_v to_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n in_o it_o let_v he_o i_o say_v but_o once_o believe_v this_o and_o then_o how_o sober_a how_o temperate_a how_o wise_a how_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a will_v he_o grow_v and_o this_o he_o will_v soon_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v if_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o vicious_a principle_n and_o vicious_a custom_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v undeceive_v and_o disabused_a and_o the_o affection_n disengage_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v calm_o and_o to_o desire_v and_o enjoy_v with_o a_o moderation_n suit_v to_o just_a and_o sober_a notion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v to_o think_v and_o act_v as_o a_o man._n a_o second_o part_n of_o holiness_n regard_v god_n as_o its_o immediate_a object_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o in_o dependence_n and_o self-resignation_n in_o contemplation_n and_o devotion_n as_o to_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o whoever_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o any_o sin_n must_v be_v a_o enemy_n or_o at_o least_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o the_o infidel_n know_v no_o god_n and_o the_o wicked_a will_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o approach_z one_o their_o gild_n or_o their_o aversion_n keep_v they_o from_o it_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o all_o the_o several_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o he_o and_o set_v up_o other_o god_n in_o his_o room_n hence_o the_o covetous_a be_v pronounce_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n col._n 3.5_o and_o the_o luxurious_a and_o unclean_a be_v say_v to_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n and_o to_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n phil._n 3.19_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o poor_a man_n discern_v that_o he_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o false_a good_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v in_o all_o his_o expectation_n by_o the_o world_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n be_v his_o proper_a and_o his_o sovereign_a good_a how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o turn_v his_o desire_n and_o hope_n from_o the_o creature_n upon_o the_o creator_n how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o contemplate_v his_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n to_o thirst_v impatient_o for_o his_o favour_n and_o dread_v his_o displeasure_n and_o such_o a_o man_n will_v certain_o make_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o great_a part_n at_o least_o of_o the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o life_n with_o this_o he_o will_v begin_v and_o with_o this_o he_o will_v end_v the_o day_n nor_o will_v he_o rest_v here_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v ever_o and_o anon_o mount_v towards_o heaven_n in_o ejaculation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v scarce_o any_o action_n any_o event_n that_o will_v not_o excite_v he_o to_o praise_n and_o adore_v god_n or_o engage_v he_o in_o some_o wise_a reflection_n on_o his_o attribute_n but_o all_o this_o will_v the_o loose_a and_o atheistical_a say_v may_v be_v well_o spare_v it_o be_v only_o a_o vain_a and_o idle_a amusement_n war_n and_o peace_n business_n and_o trade_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o it_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n may_v stand_v and_o flourish_v and_o sensible_a man_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o happy_a without_o it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v religion_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a virtue_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n law_n will_v want_v the_o better_a part_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o they_o be_v not_o enforce_v by_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n the_o wise_a counsel_n will_v have_v no_o effect_n do_v not_o virtue_n and_o religion_n help_v to_o execute_v they_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v dissolve_v and_o burst_v to_o piece_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v and_o hold_v in_o by_o these_o bond_n and_o wickedness_n will_v reduce_v the_o world_n to_o one_o great_a solitude_n and_o ruin_n be_v it_o not_o temper_v and_o restrain_v not_o only_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o example_n but_o by_o the_o supplication_n and_o intercession_n too_o of_o devout_a men._n final_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n fit_a for_o none_o to_o make_v but_o the_o sottish_a and_o the_o ignorant_a man_n of_o desperate_a confidence_n and_o little_a knowledge_n for_o who_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o consider_v by_o what_o motive_n mankind_n have_v ever_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v most_o strong_o affect_v by_o what_o principle_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v how_o great_a a_o interest_n even_o superstition_n have_v have_v either_o in_o the_o civilise_n and_o reform_v barbarous_a nation_n or_o the_o martial_a success_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o monarchy_n and_o the_o like_a whoever_o i_o say_v be_v able_a to_o reflect_v though_o but_o slight_o on_o these_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o demand_v what_o the_o use_n of_o religion_n be_v or_o to_o imagine_v it_o possible_a to_o root_v up_o its_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n the_o three_o part_n of_o holiness_n regard_v our_o neighbour_n and_o consist_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
not_o be_v understand_v to_o proceed_v in_o it_o with_o a_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o regenerate_v in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o perfect_a for_o the_o strength_n of_o original_a sin_n can_v but_o be_v very_o different_a in_o new_a convert_v or_o babe_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o such_o as_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o think_v i_o may_v on_o good_a ground_n resolve_v that_o original_a sin_n in_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o reduce_v and_o master_v as_o to_o give_v he_o but_o very_o rare_a and_o slight_a disturbance_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a change_n that_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o he_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o sinner_n into_o a_o saint_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 2_o cor._n 5.17_o and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v this_o new_a nature_n without_o new_a propension_n and_o inclination_n not_o only_o different_a from_o but_o repugnant_a to_o our_o former_a original_a and_o corrupt_a one_o or_o at_o least_o we_o must_v suppose_v this_o new_a creation_n so_o far_o to_o have_v reform_v and_o correct_v the_o man_n that_o original_a corruption_n have_v lose_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n which_o before_o it_o have_v this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a yet_o if_o we_o observe_v never_o so_o slight_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o great_a change_n first_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o excellent_a person_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o unfeigned_a and_o habitual_a sorrow_n for_o and_o detestation_n of_o all_o sin_n i_o hate_v say_v the_o psalmist_n every_o false_a way_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a be_v the_o strength_n and_o heat_v of_o corrupt_a propension_n with_o the_o tear_n and_o aversion_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_n how_o tame_a be_v the_o body_n how_o pure_a the_o mind_n when_o the_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o firm_a and_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n when_o he_o dissolve_v in_o the_o pious_a tenderness_n of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n next_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o a_o steady_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n with_o enlighten_v eye_n he_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o admire_v the_o solidity_n the_o weight_n and_o duration_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n he_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o seek_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o have_v set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o his_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o must_v we_o not_o now_o suppose_v such_o a_o one_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v from_o all_o corrupt_a affection_n when_o the_o very_a bend_v of_o his_o soul_n be_v quite_o another_o way_n must_v we_o not_o suppose_v the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o deprave_a nature_n overpowr_v and_o subdue_v by_o these_o heavenly_a affection_n how_o mortify_v must_v such_o a_o man_n be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o body_n how_o feeble_a be_v the_o opposition_n that_o inferior_a nature_n can_v raise_v against_o a_o mind_n invest_v with_o so_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o endow_v with_o light_n and_o strength_n from_o above_o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v not_o only_o crucify_v the_o inordinate_a and_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o have_v also_o obtain_v a_o great_a mastery_n even_o over_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o it_o how_o else_o can_v it_o be_v that_o his_o desire_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o heaven_n that_o he_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n from_o thence_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o groan_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o corruptible_a tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o above_o the_o body_n may_v certain_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n above_o even_o the_o most_o natural_a appetite_n he_o that_o have_v set_v himself_o free_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n even_o from_o his_o aversion_n to_o death_n and_o in_o his_o affection_n at_o least_o very_a much_o loosen_v the_o bond_n the_o knot_n that_o untie_v soul_n and_o body_n may_v certain_o very_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v much_o more_o above_o all_o covetous_a ambitious_a or_o wanton_a inclination_n these_o be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o freedom_n from_o original_a sin_n as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o 2_o but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o think_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n upon_o earth_n can_v so_o extinguish_v the_o spark_n of_o original_a corruption_n but_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o they_o will_v gather_v strength_n and_o revive_v again_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o we_o after_o baptism_n or_o regeneration_n be_v methinks_v a_o very_a needless_a one_o for_o if_o it_o be_v about_o the_o notion_n we_o ought_v to_o entertain_v of_o it_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v proper_o sin_n or_o not_o this_o be_v a_o contention_n about_o word_n for_o what_o signify_v it_o by_o what_o name_n we_o call_v this_o remainder_n of_o original_a pravity_n when_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o stain_v and_o gild_n of_o it_o be_v wash_v off_o and_o pardon_v but_o if_o it_o be_v about_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o controversy_n of_o some_o moment_n but_o a_o very_a foolish_a one_o on_o one_o side_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v it_o be_v to_o say_v a_o great_a many_o subtle_a and_o puzzle_v thing_n against_o a_o truth_n that_o every_o man_n feel_v and_o experiment_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o may_v thus_o describe_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o original_a sin_n he_o have_v mortify_v it_o though_o not_o utter_o extirpate_v it_o he_o have_v subdue_v it_o though_o not_o exterminate_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o sinful_a and_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o affection_n but_o also_o in_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n than_o other_o man_n from_o those_o infirmity_n and_o irregularity_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o struggle_n and_o ebullition_n of_o original_a sin_n not_o yet_o sufficient_o tame_v he_o have_v advance_v his_o victory_n very_o far_o even_o over_o his_o natural_a appetite_n he_o have_v no_o strong_a inclination_n for_o the_o body_n or_o for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o than_o such_o as_o become_v a_o man_n that_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o another_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n crucify_v to_o he_o and_o he_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n his_o sorrow_n and_o his_o joy_n his_o desire_n and_o his_o fear_n be_v the_o occasion_n never_o so_o just_a or_o lawful_a pass_v not_o the_o modest_a bound_n of_o a_o wise_a moderation_n he_o desire_v without_o impatience_n care_n and_o contrive_v hope_n and_o pursue_v without_o anxiety_n or_o solicitude_n he_o be_v cautious_a without_o fear_n and_o pusillanimity_n he_o be_v sad_a without_o dejection_n or_o despondency_n and_o pleasant_a without_o vanity_n all_o this_o indeed_o show_v he_o not_o only_o to_o have_v conquer_v sin_n and_o folly_n but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n also_o his_o natural_a propension_n to_o they_o but_o after_o all_o this_o happy_a creature_n must_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o body_n in_o the_o body_n who_o appetite_n will_v soon_o pass_v beyond_o their_o due_a bound_n if_o he_o be_v indulgent_a or_o careless_a he_o must_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v not_o immutable_o holy_a his_o understanding_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o bright_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v nor_o the_o bend_v of_o his_o affection_n so_o strong_o set_v upon_o good_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v and_o therefore_o he_o must_v be_v sober_a and_o vigilant_a and_o fear_v always_o thus_o have_v i_o state_v the_o cureableness_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n and_o as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v plain_o the_o countenance_n of_o scripture_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o i_o in_o the_o least_o clash_n with_o that_o clause_n in_o the_o nine_o article_n of_o our_o church_n
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
venial_a sin_n be_v very_o far_o indeliberate_v in_o its_o beginning_n and_o if_o not_o indulge_v almost_o harmless_a in_o its_o effect_n deficiency_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o one_o malignity_n of_o the_o other_o in_o the_o one_o we_o see_v more_o of_o frailty_n in_o the_o other_o more_o of_o wickedness_n in_o the_o one_o something_o near_o ally_v to_o necessity_n in_o the_o other_o to_o presumption_n the_o one_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o perfection_n the_o other_o of_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n the_o one_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o letter_n the_o other_o to_o the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o the_o law_n the_o one_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o god_n command_n take_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n the_o other_o a_o violation_n of_o they_o in_o a_o rigorous_a one_o that_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o st._n austin_n st._n jerome_n and_o other_o who_o impugned_a the_o sinless_a perfection_n of_o the_o pelagian_o be_v very_o plain_a 1._o from_o the_o distinction_n they_o make_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d crimen_fw-la and_o peccatum_fw-la i._n e._n between_o wickedness_n and_o defect_n between_o crime_n and_o fault_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o sense_n wherein_o they_o use_v those_o word_n and_o next_o from_o those_o very_a clear_a and_o lively_a description_n of_o venial_a sin_n which_o occur_v frequent_o in_o st._n austin_n after_o who_o it_o be_v well_o know_v other_o write_v such_o be_v that_o 689._o that_o fit_a ut_fw-la per_fw-la ignorantiam_fw-la vel_fw-la infirmitatem_fw-la non_fw-la exertis_fw-la adversus_fw-la eam_fw-la totis_fw-la viribus_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la eidem_fw-la ad_fw-la illicita_fw-la etiam_fw-la nonnulla_fw-la cedamus_fw-la tanto_fw-la magis_fw-la &_o crebrius_fw-la quanto_fw-la deteriores_fw-la tanto_fw-la minus_fw-la &_o rarius_fw-la quanto_fw-la meliores_fw-la sumus_fw-la tom._n 7._o de_fw-fr peccat_fw-la rem_fw-la p._n 689._o through_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n for_o want_v of_o exert_v our_o utmost_a strength_n against_o concupiscence_n we_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o it_o to_o some_o unlawful_a thing_n and_o the_o worse_o we_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o the_o often_o but_o the_o better_a we_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o and_o the_o seldomer_n do_v we_o give_v way_n to_o it_o and_o thus_o 201._o thus_o hoc_fw-la &_o nos_fw-la dicimus_fw-la posse_fw-la hominem_fw-la non_fw-la peccare_fw-la si_fw-la velit_fw-la pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la pro_fw-la loco_fw-la pro_fw-la imbecillitate_fw-la corporea_fw-la quamdiu_fw-la intentus_fw-la est_fw-la animus_fw-la quamdiu_fw-la chorda_fw-la nullo_n vitio_fw-la laxatur_fw-la in_o cythera_n dial._n 3._o adv_n pelag_n p._n 201._o st._n jerome_n impute_v venial_a sin_n to_o our_o not_o make_v use_n of_o our_o utmost_a strength_n and_o diligence_n i_o may_v content_v myself_o with_o have_v give_v this_o general_a description_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n do_v i_o not_o know_v how_o ill_o a_o talon_n some_o have_v at_o application_n of_o general_n to_o any_o particular_a case_n and_o how_o little_a satisfactory_a such_o account_n be_v to_o the_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o therefore_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a on_o this_o argument_n in_o venial_a sin_n then_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v consider_v 1._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o commit_v it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o matter_n i_o conceive_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o venial_a sin_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o cry_a provoke_a nature_n as_o in_o adultery_n idolatry_n murder_n for_o in_o these_o the_o injustice_n and_o wickedness_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v palpable_a and_o formidable_a and_o can_v never_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v be_v extenuate_v by_o any_o circumstance_n into_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n must_v not_o be_v a_o detestable_a and_o cry_a provocation_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o extend_v this_o to_o the_o first_o tendency_n and_o disposition_n even_o towards_o such_o sin_n thus_o though_o adultery_n can_v be_v a_o venial_a sin_n yet_o the_o first_o sally_n of_o the_o desire_n the_o first_o glance_n and_o wander_n of_o the_o eye_n may_z and_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o first_o motion_n towards_o any_o other_o sin_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o venial_a sin_n that_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o commit_v it_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o ignorance_n frailty_n or_o surprise_v 1._o from_o ignorance_n by_o ignorance_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v utter_o invincible_a but_o that_o which_o have_v some_o defect_n some_o frailty_n some_o degree_n of_o negligence_n it_o it_o of_o this_o kind_n i_o take_v those_o error_n to_o be_v against_o which_o david_n pray_v psal_n 19.12_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n he_o that_o consider_v human_a nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o education_n the_o influence_n of_o prejudices_fw-la which_o we_o suck_v in_o betimes_o and_o suchlike_a will_v easy_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o error_n when_o we_o have_v use_v a_o moral_a diligence_n in_o examine_v our_o life_n and_o try_v our_o own_o heart_n yet_o consider_v the_o vast_a variety_n of_o duty_n we_o be_v to_o run_v through_o no_o humble_a man_n can_v be_v confident_a that_o he_o have_v omit_v nothing_o that_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o nothing_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 20.9_o 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 and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 4.4_o for_o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o hereby_o justify_v but_o he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v mistake_v and_o error_n which_o may_v indeed_o have_v be_v prevent_v or_o remove_v by_o the_o strict_a impartiality_n and_o the_o strict_a diligence_n but_o alas_o how_o often_o do_v good_a man_n fall_v short_a of_o both_o these_o how_o common_a be_v it_o for_o good_a man_n to_o be_v too_o far_o transport_v by_o the_o best_a of_o principle_n even_o zeal_n how_o often_o do_v good_a man_n mix_v their_o error_n in_o reproof_n and_o reprehension_n and_o in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o they_o discern_v it_o not_o 2._o surprise_v and_o inadvertency_n be_v another_o thing_n that_o render_v sin_n venial_a the_o multitude_n of_o affair_n and_o temptation_n the_o suddenness_n and_o unexpectedness_n of_o some_o unusual_a temptation_n or_o something_o of_o this_o kind_n may_v betray_v a_o good_a man_n into_o some_o slip_v or_o error_n in_o word_n or_o deed._n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o sarah_n when_o she_o say_v i_o laugh_v not_o of_o jonah_n when_o he_o reply_v upon_o god_n i_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a jon._n 3_o of_o david_n when_o he_o pronounce_v rash_o do_v thou_o and_o zibah_n divide_v the_o land_n 2_o sam._n 16.4_o of_o saul_n and_o barnabas_n when_o they_o break_v out_o into_o heat_n and_o anger_n but_o that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n in_o the_o beginning_n become_v i_o doubt_v a_o deliberate_a one_o in_o the_o end_n when_o they_o part_v from_o one_o another_o some_o extend_v this_o circumstance_n of_o surprise_n to_o excuse_v sin_n which_o imply_v notorious_a wickedness_n and_o be_v of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n but_o i_o think_v very_o erroneous_o it_o be_v true_a these_o sin_n of_o surprise_n whatever_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v be_v general_o conceive_v to_o be_v much_o extenuate_v through_o want_n of_o opportunity_n to_o summon_v our_o strength_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mature_a and_o sober_a deliberation_n especial_o where_o the_o temptation_n be_v not_o only_o sudden_a but_o violent_a too_o for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o soldier_n of_o christ_n take_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o ambush_n or_o blow_v up_o with_o a_o mine_n seem_v to_o be_v lose_v and_o defeat_v before_o he_o discern_v his_o danger_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v then_o but_o this_o suddenness_n of_o a_o temptation_n do_v very_o much_o diminish_v the_o gild_n of_o a_o sin_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v too_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o do_v abate_v and_o take_v off_o from_o this_o excuse_n as_o first_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o direct_a wickedness_n that_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o deep_a die_n than_o ordinary_a on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o mischievous_a consequence_n shall_v make_v its_o approach_n so_o silent_o and_o so_o sudden_o that_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o it_o indiscernable_o second_o the_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o shun_v not_o only_o every_o evil_a but_o every_o
appearance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o a_o sincere_a man_n who_o do_v indeed_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n shall_v swallow_v a_o camel_n he_o that_o preserve_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n as_o he_o will_v have_v a_o aversion_n for_o small_a sin_n so_o will_v he_o have_v a_o horror_n for_o great_a one_o three_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v possess_v and_o awe_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o a_o slight_a and_o transient_a but_o a_o deep_a and_o last_a one_o the_o psalmist_n be_v not_o content_a to_o say_v i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judment_n but_o to_o express_v how_o thorough_o this_o fear_n have_v seize_v he_o he_o add_v my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o psal_n 119._o and_o certain_o this_o fear_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o impenetrable_a armour_n which_o extinguish_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o suddenness_n or_o the_o briskness_n of_o a_o temptation_n unless_o we_o first_o lie_v aside_o this_o shield_n four_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v always_o on_o our_o watch_n and_o guard_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o relax_v our_o discipline_n if_o we_o live_v secure_a and_o careless_a if_o we_o rash_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o danger_n our_o sin_n then_o will_v be_v but_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o folly_n and_o therefore_o one_o error_n can_v be_v a_o excuse_n or_o a_o apology_n for_o another_o i_o think_v therefore_o the_o apology_n of_o surprise_n shall_v be_v confine_v and_o limit_v to_o slight_a offence_n it_o can_v proper_o have_v room_n in_o great_a one_o or_o if_o it_o have_v it_o may_v be_v urge_v in_o mitigation_n of_o our_o punishment_n but_o never_o i_o doubt_v for_o total_a impunity_n 3._o last_o venial_a sin_n have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o disadvantageous_a circumstance_n of_o our_o state_n here_o come_v in_o the_o failure_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o duty_n if_o these_o can_v be_v proper_o reckon_v for_o sin_n i_o say_v if_o they_o can_v for_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o love_n by_o that_o law_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n therefore_o whatsoever_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o absolute_a degree_n of_o love_n be_v a_o sin_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n whatever_o be_v short_a of_o perfection_n will_v be_v sin_n we_o must_v love_v nothing_o better_o than_o god_n nothing_o equal_a to_o he_o this_o will_v constitute_v we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sincerity_n what_o be_v further_o require_v be_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o pursue_v after_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a degree_n of_o love_n but_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o attain_v they_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o our_o fall_a short_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v proper_o reckon_v among_o sin_n when_o they_o spring_v from_o defect_n of_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n and_o if_o these_o defect_n be_v such_o as_o can_v consist_v with_o sincerity_n then_o be_v the_o imperfection_n or_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o virtue_n pardonable_a and_o then_o only_o here_o again_o fall_v in_o omission_n wander_a thought_n dulness_n and_o heaviness_n in_o duty_n the_o short_a titillation_n of_o some_o irregular_a fancy_n forgetfulness_n slight_a and_o short_a fit_n of_o envy_n discontent_n anger_n ambition_n gaiety_n of_o mind_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o disciple_n fall_v asleep_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v pray_v mat._n 26._o and_o david_n pray_v quicken_v thou_o i_o psal_n 119._o thus_o his_o soul_n too_o be_v often_o cast_v down_o and_o disquiet_v within_o he_o psal_n 42._o 2_o chron._n 30.18_o 19_o job_n curse_a the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n in_o short_a our_o nature_n be_v human_a not_o angelical_a and_o our_o state_n be_v full_a of_o variety_n of_o accident_n that_o they_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o discompose_v the_o mind_n and_o divert_v it_o from_o its_o great_a end_n the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o a_o unlucky_a constitution_n or_o a_o distemper_n the_o multitude_n or_o confusion_n of_o affair_n the_o violence_n or_o the_o length_n of_o trial_n the_o ease_n and_o flattery_n of_o prosperity_n the_o weariness_n of_o the_o body_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n the_o incommodiousness_n of_o fortune_n roughness_n of_o conversation_n these_o and_o a_o thousand_o other_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v defect_n and_o failure_n in_o our_o obedience_n short_a disorder_n in_o our_o affection_n and_o such_o emotion_n and_o eruption_n as_o abundant_o prove_v the_o best_a to_o be_v but_o man_n and_o the_o high_a perfection_n if_o it_o be_v but_o human_a to_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a i_o think_v i_o have_v now_o omit_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o form_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n my_o next_o business_n therefore_o be_v to_o consider_v s._n 3._o how_o far_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o venial_a sin_n aught_o to_o be_v extend_v there_o be_v great_a affinity_n between_o venial_a and_o original_a sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a man_n liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o consist_v in_o much_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o same_o method_n so_o that_o i_o may_v well_o enough_o dismiss_v this_o subject_a and_o pass_v on_o to_o mortal_a sin_n but_o reflect_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o sin_n and_o yet_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o think_v well_o of_o ourselves_o i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o guard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o venial_a sin_n by_o some_o few_o rule_n which_o may_v at_o once_o serve_v to_o secure_v our_o sincerity_n and_o point_n out_o the_o perfection_n we_o be_v to_o aspire_v to_o one_a then_o if_o we_o will_v prevent_v any_o fatal_a event_n of_o sin_n flow_v from_o ignorance_n we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o our_o ignorance_n itself_o be_v not_o criminal_a and_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v if_o our_o heart_n be_v sincere_o dispose_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o if_o we_o use_v moral_a diligence_n to_o know_v it_o if_o we_o be_v impartial_a humble_a and_o honest_a and_o have_v that_o concern_v for_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n proportionable_a to_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o the_o ignorance_n that_o arise_v from_o natural_a incapacity_n or_o want_v of_o sufficient_a revelation_n be_v invincible_a and_o therefore_o innocent_a joh._n 9.41_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o if_o you_o be_v blind_a you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v and_o 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n this_o rule_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n in_o general_n and_o more_o legible_a and_o conspicuous_a line_n of_o duty_n both_o which_o notwithstanding_o there_o may_v be_v room_n for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n to_o enter_v where_o mortal_a one_o can_v there_o may_v be_v imperfect_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o latent_fw-la prejudices_fw-la there_o may_v be_v instance_n of_o duty_n of_o a_o slight_a moment_n there_o may_v be_v several_a circumstance_n and_o small_a emergency_n that_o may_v either_o be_v without_o the_o aim_n or_o escape_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o moral_a search_n that_o be_v of_o a_o human_a one_o which_o though_o it_o be_v without_o hypocrisy_n be_v yet_o not_o without_o more_o or_o less_o frailty_n as_o to_o perfection_n it_o differ_v in_o this_o as_o it_o do_v in_o other_o case_n from_o sincerity_n only_o in_o the_o degree_n by_o which_o it_o be_v advance_v above_o it_o he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v search_v for_o wisdom_n as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n his_o delight_n must_v be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n must_v be_v meditate_v day_n and_o night_n his_o thirst_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v more_o eager_a and_o impatient_a his_o diligence_n more_o wakeful_a more_o circumspect_a more_o particular_a more_o steady_a and_o constant_a than_o that_o of_o the_o beginner_n or_o of_o one_o who_o be_v no_o far_o advance_v than_o such_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o sincerity_n will_v carry_v he_o 2_o sin_n that_o be_v occasion_v by_o surprise_n and_o inadvertency_n will_v not_o prove_v destructive_a if_o the_o inadvertency_n itself_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n innocent_a that_o be_v first_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o
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
often_o repeat_v breed_v a_o kind_n of_o indifference_n or_o lukewarmness_n and_o soon_o pass_v into_o coldness_n and_o insensibleness_n and_o this_o often_o end_v in_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o a_o utter_a aversion_n for_o religion_n 2_o we_o must_v endeavour_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o compensate_a the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o make_v up_o by_o charity_n what_o we_o have_v defalce_v from_o devotion_n or_o to_o supply_v by_o short_a ejaculation_n what_o we_o have_v be_v force_v to_o retrench_v from_o fix_a and_o regular_a office_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o that_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n either_o of_o improvement_n or_o do_v good_a will_v i_o believe_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o god_n will_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o choice_n he_o can_v do_v better_a than_o follow_v god_n 3_o a_o single_a omission_n must_v never_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a motive_n from_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n necessity_n or_o charity_n be_v the_o only_a just_a and_o proper_a apology_n for_o it_o instrumental_a or_o positive_a duty_n may_v give_v way_n to_o moral_a one_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o in_o moral_a duty_n the_o less_o may_v give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a but_o duty_n must_v never_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n nor_o religion_n to_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n have_v thus_o brief_o give_v a_o account_n what_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o so_o settle_v the_o notion_n of_o idleness_n that_o neither_o the_o careless_a nor_o the_o scrupulous_a can_v easy_o mistake_v their_o case_n i_o will_v now_o propose_v such_o considetation_n as_o i_o judge_v most_o likely_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o and_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v the_o best_a guard_n and_o preservative_n against_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v every_o one_o lay_v to_o heart_n be_v that_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o damnable_a sin_n idleness_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n both_o in_o our_o creation_n and_o redemption_n as_o to_o our_o creation_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o create_v not_o any_o thing_n but_o for_o some_o excellent_a end_n shall_v create_v man_n for_o none_o or_o for_o a_o silly_a one_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o active_a and_o vivacious_a principle_n our_o rational_a faculty_n capacitate_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o do_v good_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a pleasure_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n who_o can_v think_v now_o that_o our_o wise_a creator_n light_v this_o candle_n within_o we_o that_o we_o may_v oppress_v and_o stifle_v it_o by_o negligence_n and_o idleness_n that_o he_o contrive_v and_o destine_v such_o a_o mind_n to_o squander_v and_o fool_n away_o its_o talent_n in_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n as_o to_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v evident_a both_o what_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o opposite_a idleness_n be_v to_o it_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n aim_v at_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o eph._n 2.10_o how_o little_a then_o can_v a_o useless_a and_o bar_a life_n answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n what_o a_o miserable_a return_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o how_o utter_o must_v it_o disappoint_v all_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o what_o need_v i_o argue_v further_o the_o truth_n i_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o express_a and_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o idleness_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n reckon_v among_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n what_o mean_v the_o sentence_n against_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.7_o but_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o idle_a and_o the_o sluggish_a the_o indignation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enkindle_v against_o the_o barrenness_n of_o tree_n but_o men._n what_o can_v be_v plain_o than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o perish_v because_o he_o have_v not_o improve_v his_o talon_n matt._n 25.38_o and_o how_o frequent_o do_v the_o apostle_n declare_v himself_o against_o the_o idle_a and_o disorderly_a and_o all_o this_o proceed_v upon_o plain_a and_o necessary_a ground_n our_o lord_n be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o refrain_v from_o do_v evil_a but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a we_o can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o intention_n of_o divine_a precept_n by_o negative_a righteousness_n when_o god_n prohibit_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n when_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v evil_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prescribe_v the_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o word_n idleness_n be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o faith_n hope_n charity_n to_o fear_v vigilance_n mortification_n and_o therefore_o certain_o must_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n these_o be_v all_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n but_o idleness_n enfeeble_v and_o dis-spirit_n manacle_n and_o fetter_n we_o these_o be_v pure_a strict_a and_o self-denying_a principle_n but_o idleness_n be_v soft_a and_o indulgent_a these_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n but_o idleness_n be_v far_o from_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a it_o pomper_v the_o body_n and_o effeminate_v and_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n and_o final_o whatever_o innocence_n or_o inoffensiveness_n it_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o only_o terminate_v in_o sin_n but_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o it_o from_o stupidity_n and_o ignorance_n from_o vanity_n and_o levity_n from_o softness_n and_o sensuality_n from_o some_o prevail_a lust_n or_o other_o 2._o next_o after_o the_o nature_n the_o consequence_n of_o idleness_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o just_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o tragical_a accusation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o dishonour_n and_o poverty_n and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n but_o at_o present_a i_o view_v it_o only_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v with_o a_o half_a face_n and_o that_o the_o much_o less_o deform_v of_o the_o two_o i_o consider_v it_o here_o as_o pretend_v to_o innocence_n and_o flatter_v itself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o yet_o even_o thus_o suppose_v it_o as_o harmless_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o still_o these_o will_v be_v the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o will_v rob_v religion_n and_o the_o world_n of_o the_o service_n due_a to_o both_o it_o will_v bereave_v we_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n and_o send_v we_o down_o at_o last_o to_o a_o curse_a eternity_n for_o where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v maintain_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o human_a society_n that_o shall_v relieve_v and_o redress_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o demonstrate_v its_o divinity_n as_o effectual_o as_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n can_v do_v where_o be_v the_o bright_a example_n that_o shall_v convert_v the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o inflame_v the_o believe_a part_n with_o a_o generous_a emulation_n certain_o the_o lazy_a christian_a the_o slothful_a servant_n can_v pretend_v to_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n as_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n if_o true_a and_o last_a if_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v from_o what_o fountain_n it_o must_v be_v draw_v nothing_o but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n can_v procure_v our_o peace_n nothing_o but_o purity_n of_o heart_n our_o pleasure_n but_o ah_o how_o far_o be_v the_o idle_a and_o unactive_a from_o these_o virtue_n i'faith_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o they_o victory_n and_o triumph_n devotion_n alms_n and_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o they_o but_o what_o a_o stranger_n to_o these_o be_v the_o drone_n and_o sluggard_n then_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n he_o that_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vast_a solitude_n and_o wilderness_n behind_o he_o
case_n of_o herod_n he_o have_v yield_v no_o doubt_n to_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o the_o baptist_n reason_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v back_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o his_o herodias_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n who_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v under_o the_o ascendant_n of_o some_o silly_a or_o vile_a lust_n or_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o spoil_v the_o taste_n of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o diminish_v the_o price_n of_o canaan_n without_o doubt_n man_n will_v apply_v themselves_o more_o vigorous_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o not_o too_o fond_a of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o they_o will_v certain_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n more_o earnest_o and_o make_v a_o better_a provision_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o other_o world_n be_v they_o not_o too_o much_o take_v with_o this_o and_o therefore_o too_o apt_a to_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v they_o only_a who_o conquer_v be_v crown_v they_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o the_o world_n can_v reap_v nothing_o from_o these_o but_o corruption_n these_o kind_n of_o christian_n though_o peradventure_o they_o be_v not_o slave_n to_o any_o infamous_a and_o scandalous_a lust_n be_v yet_o entangle_v by_o some_o other_o not_o muchless_a injurious_a though_o not_o to_o reputation_n yet_o to_o purity_n of_o heart_n they_o be_v captive_v to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n though_o their_o chain_n seem_v better_o polish_v and_o of_o a_o fine_a metal_n they_o can_v mount_v upward_o they_o can_v conquer_v be_v retard_v and_o keep_v under_o if_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o their_o own_o softness_n and_o weakness_n and_o yet_o why_o shall_v i_o doubt_v but_o these_o be_v conquer_v by_o temptation_n the_o more_o innocent_a the_o object_n of_o any_o one_o passion_n be_v general_o the_o more_o fatal_a because_o we_o be_v the_o more_o apt_a to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o lukewarmness_n be_v thus_o point_v out_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o namely_o in_o form_v just_a and_o correct_v notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o in_o perfect_v and_o complete_n our_o reformation_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o aversion_n and_o dread_a of_o this_o state_n of_o lukewarmness_n by_o show_v 1._o the_o folly_n 2._o the_o gild_n and_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o folly_n how_o reasonable_o may_v i_o here_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o lukewarm_a in_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n to_o the_o israelite_n how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o 1_o king_n 18.21_o if_o you_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o your_o safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o god_n then_o serve_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n but_o if_o you_o think_v this_o depend_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n then_o serve_v these_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o stable_a treasure_n then_o strive_v sincere_o and_o vigorous_o to_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n respect_n and_o pomp_n and_o state_n be_v the_o proper_a portion_n and_o sovereign_a good_a of_o man_n then_o devote_v and_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o to_o these_o for_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v that_o life_n which_o will_v neither_o procure_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o another_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o listen_v only_o so_o much_o to_o conscience_n as_o to_o damp_n and_o chill_a our_o pleasure_n and_o so_o much_o to_o pleasure_n as_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o repose_n of_o conscience_n but_o indeed_o as_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n be_v rather_o a_o irony_n than_o any_o real_a doubt_n whether_o baal_n or_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n rather_o a_o scornful_a derision_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n than_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o deliberate_v whether_o idolatry_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o will_v seem_v to_o you_o to_o carry_v no_o other_o sound_n in_o they_o the_o disparity_n be_v so_o vast_a between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n between_o religion_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n or_o ambition_n between_o those_o hope_n and_o enjoyment_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o one_o and_o those_o we_o can_v fancy_v in_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v what_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v or_o to_o which_o side_n we_o be_v to_o adhere_v nay_o in_o this_o we_o be_v more_o criminal_a than_o the_o israelite_n be_v self-condemned_a the_o israelite_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whether_o the_o lord_n or_o baal_n be_v god_n they_o doubt_v under_o who_o protection_n they_o may_v thrive_v best_a but_o at_o this_o day_n whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n know_v very_o well_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o whatever_o passion_n we_o have_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o whatever_o spiritual_a idolatry_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o corrupt_v as_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o in_o reality_n any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o wealth_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n know_v that_o it_o make_v its_o self_n wing_n and_o fly_v away_o whilst_o on_o greatness_n and_o power_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o empty_a and_o toilsome_a pageantry_n and_o often_o the_o subject_a of_o misery_n and_o dismal_a tragedy_n not_o incident_a to_o a_o low_a state_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o pleasure_n we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a and_o short_a and_o intermix_v with_o fear_n and_o shame_n and_o torment_n we_o know_v that_o nothing_o here_o below_o be_v able_a to_o free_v our_o state_n and_o fortune_n from_o calamity_n our_o mind_n from_o gild_n the_o body_n from_o death_n much_o less_o the_o whole_a man_n from_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n in_o one_o word_n we_o know_v that_o what_o we_o admire_v be_v vanity_n and_o what_o we_o worship_v be_v indeed_o a_o idol_n this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o this_o topick_n for_o since_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o competition_n with_o god_n in_o our_o opinion_n though_o it_o often_o rival_n he_o in_o our_o affection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o impute_v the_o halt_n of_o a_o laodicean_n christian_n to_o any_o persuasion_n of_o omnipotence_n or_o alsufficiency_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o dote_v on_o serve_v and_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o other_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v general_o this_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n and_o our_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o provocation_n to_o god_n nor_o conserquent_o prejudice_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o blend_v and_o compound_v religion_n and_o sensuality_n and_o stand_v divide_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o halt_v in_o our_o service_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v this_o i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o 1._o religion_n have_v no_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o the_o lukewarm_a himself_o the_o gospel_n work_v no_o thorough_a change_n in_o he_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convert_v into_o a_o saint_n nor_o human_a nature_n perfect_v by_o participation_n of_o a_o divine_a one_o 2._o the_o laodicean_n can_v never_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n any_o gift_n any_o sacrifice_n worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o render_v he_o any_o service_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n but_o alas_o these_o man_n be_v almost_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n a_o few_o faint_a and_o irresolute_a wish_n formal_a and_o customary_a prayer_n niggardly_a and_o grumble_a alm_n and_o a_o attendance_n upon_o god_n word_n rather_o out_o of_o spiritual_a wantonness_n than_o devotion_n these_o be_v the_o offering_n
for_o ever_o need_v i_o invite_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o humility_n need_v i_o guard_v he_o against_o spiritual_a pride_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a to_o attempt_v it_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o creature_n shall_v think_v himself_o so_o independent_a of_o his_o creator_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o pay_v he_o more_o service_n than_o be_v due_a to_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n shall_v set_v such_o a_o rate_n upon_o his_o own_o righteousness_n as_o to_o think_v it_o capable_a of_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a reward_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n can_v bestow_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a in_o a_o word_n that_o man_n poor_a frail_a sinful_a man_n man_z that_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a but_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n man_n deprave_v and_o corrupt_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o but_o a_o very_a ill_a husband_n of_o grace_n be_v it_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v proud_a towards_o god_n towards_o that_o glorious_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v who_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o lord_n the_o monarch_n and_o patron_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o as_o absurd_a as_o this_o be_v universal_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o humility_n true_a humility_n be_v a_o hard_a lesson_n and_o that_o very_o excellent_a person_n be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o vicious_a elation_n of_o mind_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o promote_v the_o one_o and_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o other_o i_o will_v propose_v these_o two_o or_o three_o consideration_n 1._o there_o never_o be_v mere_a man_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n 2._o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o do_v the_o utmost_a he_o can_v he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o his_o duty_n 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 1._o there_o never_o be_v mere_a man_n yet_o etc._n etc._n for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o will_v not_o fly_v to_o original_a corruption_n or_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n alas_o i_o need_v not_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1._o and_o 2._o lay_n the_o foundation_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o universal_a defection_n and_o depravation_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v altogether_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o and_o what_o sin_v he_o there_o charge_v the_o world_n with_o the_o catalogue_n he_o give_v we_o of_o they_o will_v inform_v we_o but_o be_v we_o no_o better_a than_o they_o i_o answer_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n have_v undoubted_o give_v a_o great_a check_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o since_o no_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v but_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o too_o must_v be_v conclude_v under_o sin_n and_o though_o our_o sin_n may_v not_o in_o the_o number_n or_o scandal_n of_o they_o equal_a they_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v too_o that_o every_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o provoke_v the_o more_o voluntary_a it_o be_v and_o the_o great_a the_o grace_n be_v which_o it_o resist_v and_o despise_v but_o what_o need_v i_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n what_o need_v i_o prove_v by_o argument_n and_o authority_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o live_v or_o will_v live_v without_o sin_n i_o mean_v mortal_a sin_n who_o ever_o yet_o look_v back_o diligent_o into_o his_o past_a life_n and_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o stain_n and_o deformity_n enough_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o legion_n of_o sin_n be_v range_v under_o those_o two_o banner_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n when_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n envy_n discontent_n murmur_a distrust_n pride_n covetousness_n ambition_n wilfulness_n contention_n forwardness_n passion_n dissimulation_n falsehood_n flattery_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o sin_n and_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o weakness_n and_o prepension_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o almost_o innumerable_a temptation_n to_o which_o we_o be_v expose_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o surprise_v to_o think_v that_o no_o flesh_n can_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o when_o ever_o i_o find_v any_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n as_o i_o do_v some_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o any_o deliberate_a wickedness_n i_o rather_o admire_v their_o ignorance_n and_o partiality_n than_o their_o innocence_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o to_o examine_v himself_o only_o concern_v the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v do_v but_o also_o concern_v the_o good_a which_o he_o have_v omit_v he_o must_v inquire_v how_o far_o he_o have_v fall_v short_a of_o that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v come_v up_o too_o and_o how_o far_o he_o have_v be_v want_v in_o those_o duty_n which_o a_o thorough_a zeal_n will_v have_v push_v he_o on_o too_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o let_v he_o be_v proud_a if_o he_o can_v 2._o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o do_v the_o utmost_a he_o can_v he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o his_o duty_n and_o strict_o speak_v can_v merit_v of_o he_o he_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o merit_n must_v be_v his_o own_o master_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n over_o his_o own_o action_n he_o must_v be_v free_a to_o dispose_v of_o his_o affection_n and_o service_n as_o he_o please_v for_o if_o he_o be_v antecedent_o bind_v if_o he_o have_v no_o liberty_n no_o freedom_n no_o right_a to_o dispose_v of_o himself_o or_o any_o thing_n he_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o be_v plain_a such_o a_o one_o can_v merit_v and_o this_o be_v the_o direct_a case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v the_o great_a lord_n the_o great_a proprietor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o that_o give_v alm_n do_v but_o restore_v a_o part_n of_o what_o god_n lend_v he_o he_o that_o take_v patient_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n or_o health_n or_o friend_n do_v but_o give_v back_o what_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o retain_v he_o be_v but_o tenant_n at_o will_n and_o have_v no_o right_n to_o any_o thing_n long_o than_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o continue_v it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o duty_n the_o case_n will_v be_v still_o plain_o if_o he_o adore_v and_o worship_n god_n there_o be_v infinite_a reason_n that_o he_o shall_v for_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o be_v and_o preservation_n if_o he_o love_v god_n never_o so_o much_o god_n have_v deserve_v much_o more_o than_o he_o can_v pay_v he_o not_o only_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n but_o even_o life_n itself_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o from_o this_o argument_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o creature_n to_o merit_v of_o its_o creator_n angel_n themselves_o never_o can_v for_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n concern_v they_o as_o concern_v man_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v or_o what_o have_v thou_o which_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o if_o thou_o have_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o boast_v as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4.7_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v adam_n in_o paradise_n for_o i_o demand_v have_v he_o keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n have_v he_o do_v this_o by_o divine_a grace_n or_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n '_o if_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o divine_n general_o hold_v then_o may_v we_o apply_v the_o expression_n of_o st._n austin_n to_o adam_n as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o one_o now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o when_o god_n reward_v the_o work_n of_o man_n he_o do_v only_o crown_v in_o he_o his_o own_o gift_n but_o suppose_v he_o have_v do_v this_o by_o his_o own_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o the_o endowment_n of_o nature_n as_o much_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o endowment_n of_o grace_n the_o one_o be_v natural_a the_o other_o supernatural_a gift_n both_o gift_n still_o though_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o come_v st._n paul_n to_o affirm_v to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n due_a not_o of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n rom._n 4.4_o i_o answer_v first_o god_n seem_v when_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o man_n to_o suspend_v or_o lay_v