divine_a joy_n to_o see_v those_o church_n raise_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o adorn_v with_o a_o more_o splendid_a magnificency_n than_o their_o first_o founder_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n increase_v and_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n more_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n be_v build_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o cost_n be_v spare_v nothing_o be_v think_v too_o good_a for_o this_o sacred_a use_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n do_v seem_v to_o rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o bestow_v their_o good_n to_o this_o holy_a purpose_n and_o their_o profuse_a liberality_n be_v speak_v of_o with_o honour_n and_o approbation_n gaudentium_fw-la st._n jerom._n ad_fw-la nepotian_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la clerici_fw-la ad_fw-la demetr_v epist_n 12._o ad_fw-la gaudentium_fw-la it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o father_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v these_o expensive_a building_n but_o than_o it_o be_v only_o comparative_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o lay_v out_o upon_o these_o structure_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o bestow_v on_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o have_v such_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o adorn_v church_n that_o they_o starve_v the_o poor_a and_o do_v not_o provide_v a_o competent_a allowance_n for_o those_o who_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_v to_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o holy_a duty_n and_o a_o devout_a comportment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o filial_a regard_n to_o all_o those_o devout_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n enjoin_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n that_o so_o we_o who_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a may_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n will_v permit_v resemble_v that_o hide_a dignity_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n be_v glorify_v and_o worship_n our_o god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n sermon_n vi._n 1_o thes_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o several_a truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a connection_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o exact_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o those_o which_o go_v immediate_o before_o do_v bear_v some_o relation_n for_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n concern_v our_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a we_o must_v careful_o examine_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o which_o seem_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v real_o so_o we_o must_v reject_v the_o one_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v take_v quite_o different_a measure_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a which_o either_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o we_o have_v any_o probable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v be_v so_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n there_o be_v indeed_o another_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o syriac_a version_n render_v they_o abstain_v from_o every_o kind_n of_o evil_n but_o since_o this_o word_n be_v not_o so_o render_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n from_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n to_o translate_v it_o so_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n to_o follow_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o render_v it_o as_o in_o my_o text_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o rather_o â—â—_o phil._n 4._o â—â—_o because_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n the_o word_n thus_o understand_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o the_o direct_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o my_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v what_o those_o action_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o word_n 1._o absolute_o and_o 2._o as_o they_o bear_v a_o respect_n and_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n first_o take_v absolute_o they_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o action_n which_o either_o real_o be_v or_o have_v the_o blush_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil._n second_o if_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o neighbour_n they_o import_v that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o our_o brother_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n absolute_o and_o then_o they_o import_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n ii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o iii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o into_o sin_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o it_o may_v appear_v of_o never_o so_o little_a concernment_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o in_o the_o small_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o because_o every_o such_o transgression_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o god_n anger_n and_o by_o consequence_n render_v we_o liable_a to_o everlasting_a punishment_n let_v we_o therefore_o careful_o avoid_v even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o eye_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o offend_v with_o our_o tongue_n remember_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n every_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o and_o that_o in_o god_n book_n all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v record_v some_o sin_n be_v indeed_o of_o a_o deep_a dye_n than_o other_o and_o do_v admit_v of_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n sin_n commit_v wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o be_v more_o hateful_a to_o god_n be_v the_o conscience_n more_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o soul_n than_o those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o temptation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v sin_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v small_a or_o little_a or_o as_o the_o papist_n speak_v venial_a for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o wilful_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3.4_o 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o whoever_o wilful_o offend_v god_n just_o incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n nay_o even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o of_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n unto_o we_o than_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n imply_v a_o great_a gild_n a_o small_a injury_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v we_o be_v resent_v more_o heinous_o than_o when_o we_o sustain_v a_o great_a damage_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o least_o sin_n wilful_o commit_v and_o obstinate_o persevere_v in_o will_v deprive_v we_o utter_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n how_o vain_a and_o dangerous_a then_o be_v that_o know_a distinction_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o papist_n into_o sin_n venial_a and_o sin_n mortal_a i._n e._n as_o they_o explain_v it_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o do_v deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n and_o such_o as_o only_o deserve_v some_o temporary_a punishment_n especial_o since_o under_o the_o head_n of_o venial_a sin_n
they_o rank_v the_o gross_a enormity_n so_o that_o even_o murder_n shall_v become_v a_o venial_a sin_n if_o commit_v to_o maintain_v a_o man_n honour_n or_o under_o pretence_n of_o return_v some_o trivial_a affront_n a_o box_n on_o the_o ear_n have_v be_v make_v by_o some_o jesuitical_a casuist_n a_o justifiable_a provocation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o neighbour_n though_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o express_a term_n determine_v the_o quite_o contrary_a so_o plain_o do_v these_o man_n make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o distinction_n but_o 2._o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a and_o justifiable_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o whosoever_o do_v any_o action_n without_o that_o persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o do_n which_o be_v here_o call_v faith_n he_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o our_o duty_n to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o have_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o lawful_a convenient_a and_o most_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o by_o consequence_n most_o please_v unto_o god_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n in_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o he_o who_o thus_o act_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o perform_v what_o he_o sincere_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n will_v be_v more_o excusable_a when_o he_o do_v amiss_o than_o that_o man_n who_o think_v he_o act_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o his_o own_o knowledge_n though_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o no_o action_n be_v good_a without_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o perform_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o resolve_v upon_o a_o action_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o commit_v a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n though_o the_o action_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v lawful_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o our_o conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o sustain_v the_o part_n of_o a_o judge_n as_o well_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o accuser_n and_o suppose_v our_o conscience_n due_o inform_v whilst_o we_o follow_v its_o determination_n we_o can_v do_v amiss_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o be_v hereby_o excuse_v from_o perform_v a_o know_v and_o absolute_o necessary_a duty_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n which_o be_v require_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o will_v administer_v fuel_n to_o such_o perplexity_n and_o scruple_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o will_v render_v christ_n easy_a yoke_n far_o more_o burdensome_a than_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish-law_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v by_o a_o unquestionable_a authority_n to_o perform_v a_o action_n which_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o not_o to_o be_v too_o nice_a in_o weigh_v every_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prefer_v our_o submission_n to_o a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o our_o lawful_a governor_n before_o the_o trivial_a doubt_n of_o a_o unsettle_a and_o waver_a conscience_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n be_v certain_o a_o grievous_a sin_n whereas_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o the_o perform_n of_o it_o with_o that_o questionable_a circumstance_n be_v so_o or_o no_o and_o therefore_o common_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o rather_o to_o venture_v upon_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n we_o be_v not_o so_o full_o satisfy_v in_o than_o on_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n which_o be_v certain_o a_o sin_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v manifest_o evil_a rather_o than_o from_o those_o which_o have_v only_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o thus_o a_o common_a soldier_n be_v oblige_v to_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o his_o superior_a officer_n a_o servant_n of_o his_o master_n without_o play_v the_o casuist_n and_o nice_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o hand_n which_o be_v to_o execute_v what_o the_o head_n command_v and_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o land_n they_o ought_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n will_v be_v answerable_a for_o all_o the_o lesser_a defect_n whilst_o there_o will_v be_v great_a allowance_n make_v to_o that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n peace_n and_o charity_n not_o only_o sacrifice_n his_o own_o private_a opinion_n but_o square_n his_o action_n in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n so_o as_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n but_o 3._o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o such_o action_n as_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o unto_o sin_n and_o avoid_v as_o far_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o incentives_n unto_o evil_a for_o he_o that_o will_v the_o cause_n will_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n which_o follow_v thereupon_o he_o that_o expose_v himself_o to_o temptation_n be_v blame-worthy_a though_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o nor_o be_v overpower_a thereby_o it_o be_v the_o business_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a be_v by_o reflect_v on_o its_o past_a action_n to_o collect_v from_o thence_o what_o will_v be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o avoid_v not_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o least_o degree_n but_o also_o all_o those_o which_o be_v the_o inlet_n and_o inducement_n to_o it_o the_o true_a spiritual_a warrior_n will_v not_o have_v any_o parley_n with_o his_o enemy_n he_o stand_v continual_o on_o his_o guard_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o make_v the_o least_o approach_n towards_o he_o well_o know_v that_o he_o be_v only_o then_o secure_a when_o his_o enemy_n have_v not_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o hurt_v he_o and_o that_o the_o first_o step_n towards_o his_o ruin_n be_v to_o be_v secure_a 30.6_o psal_n 30.6_o and_o to_o fancy_n he_o stand_v so_o fast_o that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v move_v it_o will_v be_v therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n for_o every_o one_o to_o consider_v what_o sin_n he_o be_v most_o addict_v to_o what_o vice_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o his_o temper_n and_o constitution_n how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v betray_v into_o these_o sin_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o they_o and_o let_v he_o take_v up_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n 101.3_o psal_n 101.3_o i_o will_v remove_v far_o from_o i_o all_o such_o object_n and_o example_n show_n and_o appearance_n as_o may_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o i_o and_o betray_v i_o into_o sin_n thus_o for_o example_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o of_o a_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v be_v angry_a let_v he_o endeavour_v to_o subdue_v and_o keep_v under_o his_o passion_n when_o first_o raise_v and_o throw_v these_o coal_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v retain_v they_o long_a theâ—e_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v anger_n maintain_v and_o encourage_v turn_n natural_o either_o into_o fury_n or_o malice_n and_o when_o once_o it_o degenerate_v into_o either_o of_o these_o devilish_a temper_n of_o mind_n who_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o that_o spark_n which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v suppress_v will_v be_v ungovernable_a when_o blow_v up_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n either_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o such_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o not_o to_o be_v angry_a at_o all_o or_o to_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o hereby_o prevent_v its_o be_v criminal_a and_o sinful_a if_o he_o find_v himself_o addict_v to_o uncleanness_n and_o lust_n let_v he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o
thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o so_o that_o though_o his_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o high_a or_o great_a so_o gay_a and_o splendid_a as_o other_o man_n nay_o though_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o cross_n and_o affliction_n yet_o he_o rest_v very_o well_o content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o it_o because_o he_o know_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o he_o 2._o by_o give_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o take_v the_o comfort_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v and_o lay_v down_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o prudent_a rule_n and_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v do_v so_o and_o teach_v we_o that_o golden_a rule_n of_o moderation_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o which_o render_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n blessing_n indeed_o for_o it_o be_v the_o general_a unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o keep_v a_o mean_a either_o their_o desire_n be_v too_o profuse_a and_o lavish_a or_o else_o too_o narrow_a and_o bind_v up_o how_o many_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o to_o who_o god_n have_v indulge_v health_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o all_o that_o their_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o power_n to_o eat_v thereof_o so_o that_o they_o reap_v no_o other_o benefit_n by_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n save_v the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o their_o eye_n and_o whilst_o they_o abound_v in_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n labour_n under_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o attend_v the_o extreme_a want_n and_o poverty_n nay_o they_o be_v the_o poor_a for_o god_n liberality_n towards_o they_o and_o as_o their_o riches_n increase_v so_o their_o desire_n increase_n with_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o common_a be_v it_o to_o see_v man_n drown_v their_o part_n as_o well_o as_o fortune_n and_o render_v themselves_o so_o stupid_a and_o sottish_a that_o even_o their_o vice_n grow_v nauseous_a to_o they_o now_o religion_n by_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v give_v we_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v the_o world_n so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o to_o extract_v the_o sweet_n out_o of_o all_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n without_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o that_o sting_n which_o excess_n and_o debauchery_n leave_v behind_o they_o it_o make_v our_o pleasure_n durable_a and_o last_a by_o teach_v we_o the_o rational_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o deny_v we_o nothing_o which_o be_v please_v and_o divert_v but_o what_o be_v also_o extravagant_a and_o brutish_a it_o also_o 3._o free_v we_o from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o sour_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n root_a out_o all_o irregular_a passion_n such_o as_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o calm_a and_o even_a temper_n divert_v our_o affection_n from_o thing_n below_o and_o set_v they_o on_o thing_n above_o it_o stifle_v the_o first_o rise_v of_o our_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o lead_v our_o life_n peaceable_o sober_o and_o moderate_o consider_v that_o we_o live_v under_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o all-seeing_a god_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v restrain_v the_o violence_n and_o impetuousness_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o establish_v we_o in_o a_o just_a empire_n over_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o inferior_a faculty_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o reason_n the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v produce_v in_o we_o a_o love_n to_o all_o mankind_n as_o well_o enemy_n as_o friend_n and_o from_o hence_o will_v proceed_v the_o most_o generous_a and_o comprehensive_a charity_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n will_v keep_v we_o meek_a and_o humble_a and_o inclinable_a to_o forgive_v other_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o whereas_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o 20._o isa_n 57_o 20._o be_v continual_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n nay_o he_o be_v frequent_o rack_v with_o contrary_a passion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o what_o be_v the_o description_n of_o catiline_n alieni_fw-la appetens_fw-la svi_fw-la profusus_fw-la may_v be_v the_o character_n of_o many_o a_o wicked_a man_n he_o be_v covetous_a but_o yet_o a_o lover_n of_o expensive_a vice_n ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o yet_o too_o proud_a to_o court_v popular_a applause_n quarrelsome_a and_o revengeful_a but_o fearful_a and_o cowardly_a withal_o thus_o different_a passion_n render_v his_o life_n uneasy_a to_o he_o and_o contrary_a vice_n like_o the_o poet_n description_n of_o the_o four_o wind_n blow_v in_o a_o storm_n rage_n all_o at_o once_o and_o shipwreck_n the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o as_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o good_a man_n be_v calm_a so_o be_v his_o conscience_n clear_a he_o have_v none_o of_o those_o lash_n and_o gird_n which_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o every_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v already_o account_v with_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n and_o since_o his_o mind_n can_v charge_v he_o with_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o dread_n of_o death_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o take_v away_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o most_o prosperous_a condition_n for_o when_o man_n live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o gild_n the_o dread_a of_o punishment_n will_v follow_v they_o tantum_fw-la metuunt_fw-la quantum_fw-la nocent_a say_v seneca_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o future_a torment_n will_v make_v they_o all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a unto_o bondage_n it_o make_v the_o knee_n of_o a_o belshazar_n smite_v together_o when_o he_o see_v the_o handwriting_n upon_o the_o wall_n and_o it_o will_v damp_n the_o mirth_n of_o the_o most_o atheistical_a epicure_n if_o he_o know_v a_o naked_a sword_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n ready_a to_o drop_v down_o upon_o he_o man_n may_v talk_v big_a when_o their_o blood_n be_v hot_a and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o a_o debauch_n laugh_v at_o those_o superstitious_a fool_n who_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o bugbear_n of_o hell-torment_n but_o this_o be_v seldom_o the_o subject_a of_o a_o morning_n think_v do_v but_o use_v they_o as_o you_o do_v other_o madman_n and_o keep_v they_o for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o they_o will_v soon_o regain_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o be_v void_a of_o fear_n the_o wicked_a flee_v when_o no_o man_n pursue_v 28.1_o prov._n 28.1_o but_o the_o righteous_a be_v as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n he_o only_o be_v prepare_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o terror_n of_o a_o eternity_n and_o cheerful_o resign_v up_o his_o breath_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o he_o look_v upon_o death_n that_o king_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a as_o a_o messenger_n of_o peace_n who_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o prison_n of_o his_o body_n and_o open_v the_o gate_n for_o he_o into_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n of_o this_o happy_a and_o easy_a departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n we_o have_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o who_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o their_o grave_n with_o the_o same_o quiet_a and_o composedness_n of_o mind_n they_o use_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o their_o bed_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n 4.8_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n say_v s_o paul_n â—_o 1_o sam._n â—_o 2_o â—_o who_o ox_n or_o who_o ass_n have_v i_o take_v say_v samuel_n who_o have_v i_o defraud_v or_o at_o who_o hand_n have_v i_o receive_v a_o bribe_n nay_o even_o wicked_a man_n covet_v that_o happiness_n which_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o obtain_v o_o let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a 23.10_o numb_a 23.10_o and_o let_v my_o latter_a end_n be_v like_o he_o be_v balaam_n wish_n but_o here_o i_o expect_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o i_o have_v conceal_v the_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o vicious_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o therefore_o very_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o it_o enjoin_v the_o unwelcome_a duty_n of_o mortification_n self-denial_n and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n that_o the_o
labour_n of_o prove_v to_o you_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o have_v be_v the_o usage_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o of_o those_o who_o example_n be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v be_v eminent_a for_o virtue_n and_o morality_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o that_o he_o use_v constant_o to_o call_v himself_o to_o a_o account_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n i_o common_a with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n among_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v all_o those_o who_o write_v upon_o practical_a subject_n press_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o shall_v i_o instance_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n basil_n gregory_n and_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a moralist_n want_v in_o the_o recommendation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o their_o own_o example_n that_o precept_n of_o pythagoras_n in_o his_o golden_a verse_n be_v general_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ask_v thyself_o say_v he_o every_o night_n what_o sin_n have_v i_o commit_v this_o day_n what_o good_a have_v i_o do_v what_o good_a have_v i_o leave_v undo_v which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v seneca_n tell_v we_o quotidie_fw-la apud_fw-la i_o causam_fw-la dico_fw-la i_o every_o day_n pass_v judgement_n upon_o my_o own_o action_n when_o i_o be_o in_o bed_n and_o the_o light_n be_v take_v away_o i_o run_v over_o all_o my_o word_n and_o deed_n i_o consider_v how_o i_o have_v spend_v that_o day_n i_o omit_v nothing_o which_o i_o can_v recollect_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a to_o reflect_v on_o my_o own_o fail_n when_o i_o can_v say_v to_o myself_o this_o be_v not_o well_o do_v but_o do_v so_o no_o more_o he_o also_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o friend_n sixtus_n the_o philosopher_n who_o due_o thus_o examine_v himself_o before_o he_o go_v to_o rest_v what_o disease_n of_o thy_o soul_n or_o what_o vice_n have_v thou_o cure_v this_o day_n what_o sin_n have_v thou_o subdue_v be_v thou_o a_o better_a man_n to_o day_n than_o thou_o be_v yesterday_o if_o so_o thou_o have_v live_v to_o some_o purpose_n but_o if_o not_o thou_o have_v but_o consume_v and_o lose_v thy_o time_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o divine_a plato_n when_o he_o see_v any_o man_n do_v a_o wicked_a or_o unbecoming_a action_n use_v to_o ask_v himself_o this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v i_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n if_o this_o sin_n look_v so_o ill_a in_o that_o man_n be_v it_o not_o worse_o in_o i_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o let_v i_o be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o may_v easy_o heap_v up_o many_o like_a instance_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a who_o omit_v or_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v this_o for_o grant_v and_o proceed_v second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o 1._o when_o we_o design_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n let_v we_o first_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n from_o every_o thing_n which_o will_v take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o task_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n for_o since_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v wide_o different_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o attend_v on_o the_o one_o whilst_o our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o other_o and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o two_o opposite_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o keep_v our_o apprehensive_a faculty_n intent_n both_o on_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o we_o have_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a thought_n and_o affection_n let_v we_o beseech_v god_n from_o who_o be_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o impartial_o to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n assist_v our_o memory_n and_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o sin_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o our_o conscience_n and_o teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o which_o either_o we_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o which_o we_o have_v forget_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o they_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v with_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o to_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n have_v thus_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o and_o i._o the_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v ourselves_o about_o this_o duty_n ii_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_o perform_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o examine_v themselves_o daily_o and_o this_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o since_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v one_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o before_o he_o will_v seal_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o daily_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o shall_v we_o defer_v it_o till_o a_o far_a time_n many_o of_o they_o will_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n but_o that_o general_a confession_n of_o they_o 19.12_o psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o call_v those_o sin_n secret_a which_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o only_o because_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o discover_v they_o what_o time_n of_o the_o day_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o employment_n every_o man_n prudence_n must_v determine_v this_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o exigency_n of_o his_o affair_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a even_o in_o this_o case_n 11.6_o eccles_n 11.6_o to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o morning_n what_o temptation_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o day_n what_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o make_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o we_o will_v resist_v the_o one_o and_o embrace_v the_o other_o and_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_v in_o the_o evening_n how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n or_o else_o shameful_o give_v up_o his_o cause_n and_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o prevail_a temptation_n but_o beside_o this_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n that_o those_o person_n who_o all_o the_o week_n long_o be_v cumber_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n employ_v in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o body_n may_v have_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o how_o can_v man_n employ_v this_o day_n better_o i_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v upon_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o recollect_v themselves_o how_o they_o have_v spend_v the_o week_n past_a what_o sin_v they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a action_n they_o have_v perform_v what_o progress_n they_o have_v make_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o consider_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o follow_a week_n and_o in_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o walk_v more_o strict_o and_o more_o
our_o way_n as_o to_o turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o 2_o tim_n iii_o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o this_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n ver._n 1._o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n periolous_a time_n shall_v come_v because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n and_o all_o which_o he_o comprehend_v under_o one_o character_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o time_n will_v be_v so_o perilous_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o wicked_a person_n shall_v conceal_v their_o crime_n under_o a_o form_n and_o show_v of_o godliness_n be_v they_o profess_o and_o open_o wicked_a there_o be_v some_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o their_o impudence_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tax_v or_o upbraid_v with_o hypocrisy_n be_v they_o covetous_a proud_a blasphemer_n without_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n than_o all_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v and_o detect_v they_o 55.12_o psal_n 55.12_o and_o from_o a_o open_a enemy_n i_o will_v have_v hide_v myself_o say_v david_n shelf_n and_o quicksand_n that_o have_v light_n always_o burn_v to_o discover_v they_o by_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o avoid_v and_o we_o be_v forewarn_v against_o the_o dog_n that_o bark_v first_o but_o these_o deceiver_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v have_v a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a outside_n though_o they_o be_v foul_a within_o these_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o be_v great_a professor_n of_o religion_n they_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o great_a sin_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a company_n and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o observe_v the_o caution_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n iii_o how_o we_o may_v discover_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o else_o only_a the_o form_n of_o it_o iu._n and_o last_o how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o godliness_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o devout_a and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o according_a to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o describe_v it_o more_o full_o and_o express_o 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_a love_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a whereby_o we_o be_v incite_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a towards_o man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o word_n be_v imply_v our_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o be_v express_v by_o st._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o paul_n by_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v mean_v a_o outward_a resemblance_n a_o colourable_a show_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o godliness_n when_o a_o man_n put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n act_n and_o mimic_n it_o so_o well_o as_o to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o judge_v according_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a holy_a and_o religious_a man_n though_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v nothing_o less_o he_o may_v not_o only_o deceive_v other_o but_o delude_v himself_o also_o and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o form_n must_v be_v like_o the_o pattern_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o form_n at_o all_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o picture_n or_o statue_n be_v such_o a_o man_n picture_n or_o statue_n unless_o it_o bear_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o his_o look_n and_o person_n thus_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n must_v be_v such_o a_o show_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o hue_n and_o complexion_n with_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o it_o though_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o imply_v that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o internal_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o action_n which_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v as_o st._n 8.12_o 1_o tiâ—â—_n 41_o 8.12_o paul_n say_v a_o example_n of_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v he_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o a_o man_n have_v charity_n in_o conversation_n faith_n and_o purity_n in_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o in_o himself_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o and_o godly_a towards_o his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n then_o be_v his_o soul_n and_o body_n entire_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n then_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o work_v mighty_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n of_o god_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o reduce_v the_o most_o stiffnecked_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n in_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o leave_v their_o belove_a sin_n and_o bosom_n vice_n and_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o subdue_a the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o unruly_a passion_n such_o as_o pride_n envy_n malice_n and_o revenge_n those_o sin_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o and_o in_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o men._n the_o lion_n become_v a_o lamb_n and_o the_o serpent_n a_o dove_n a_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n whole_o spiritual_a and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o child_n of_o god_n he_o aim_v at_o new_a end_n act_n by_o new_a principle_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v his_o life_n by_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o those_o hypocrite_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n be_v without_o here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v defective_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o show_v 2._o that_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v forewarn_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o for_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o his_o servant_n can_v put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n nay_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o true_a gospel_n with_o such_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a efficacy_n
mankind_n be_v general_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v more_o influence_v by_o education_n and_o custom_n than_o reason_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n yet_o it_o go_v against_o the_o grain_n to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n for_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o mankind_n that_o which_o render_v one_o man_n more_o excellent_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n give_v the_o superiority_n for_o whoever_o be_v mistake_v must_v acknowledge_v his_o defect_n in_o wisdom_n or_o prudence_n at_o least_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a and_o that_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o fool_n which_o be_v the_o great_a reproach_n and_o imputation_n can_v be_v cast_v upon_o a_o man._n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o amid_o the_o hurry_n of_o worldly_a business_n and_o the_o many_o emergency_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o folly_n and_o oversight_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v few_o man_n willing_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o it_o be_v grace_n alone_o which_o by_o render_v we_o true_o humble_a can_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o miserable_a and_o indigent_a condition_n 3.17_o rev._n 3.17_o and_o how_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a we_o be_v these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v encounter_v withal_o by_o that_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o reprove_v his_o neighbour_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discourage_v any_o wise_a man_n from_o venture_v upon_o this_o province_n be_v he_o influence_v only_o by_o prudential_a principle_n and_o temporal_a inducement_n but_o since_o god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v iii_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o encouragement_n to_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v such_o as_o these_o consider_v 1._o that_o much_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 2._o much_o goodwill_n redound_v to_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o we_o ourselves_o shall_v reap_v much_o benefit_n thereby_o 4._o we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o mischief_n which_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o 1._o by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v bring_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o prevent_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v out_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n looseness_n and_o debauchery_n which_o of_o late_a year_n be_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v our_o ruin_n be_v vigorous_o and_o courageous_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o the_o stream_n and_o by_o show_v our_o open_a detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o if_o possible_a to_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o prevail_a vice_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o when_o the_o calamity_n be_v grow_v public_a there_o be_v no_o stand_a neuter_n he_o that_o be_v not_o active_a and_o zealous_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o discourage_v vice_n and_o profaneness_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n against_o virtue_n and_o religion_n for_o when_o man_n who_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o expect_v salvation_n through_o his_o merit_n shall_v sit_v still_o and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o jest_n and_o drollery_n of_o profane_a man_n his_o gospel_n ridicule_v his_o holy_a name_n dishonour_v and_o not_o be_v move_v and_o transport_v against_o such_o blasphemous_a discourse_n when_o they_o shall_v show_v no_o open_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n at_o unjust_a unrighteous_a or_o wicked_a action_n they_o give_v these_o impious_a wretch_n too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n with_o their_o mouth_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o fool_n 10.1_o psal_n 10.1_o as_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a true_a sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o a_o supreme_a be_v as_o themselves_o for_o what_o generous_a man_n can_v be_v content_v to_o sit_v still_o and_o hear_v his_o best_a friend_n reproach_v and_o speak_v ill_o off_o what_o dutiful_a son_n can_v endure_v that_o any_o aspersion_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o his_o father_n that_o his_o word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v ridicule_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o resent_v the_o affront_n much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o be_v zealous_a when_o we_o hear_v profane_a wretch_n set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o with_o one_o breath_n of_o his_o displeasure_n can_v reduce_v they_o into_o nothing_o or_o into_o a_o condition_n worse_o than_o nothing_o if_o good_a man_n will_v resent_v this_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n and_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o man_n may_v be_v private_o wicked_a but_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o public_o profane_a there_o may_v be_v many_o ill_a man_n but_o there_o will_v be_v very_o few_o ill_a example_n vice_n will_v be_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o keen_a weapon_n and_o most_o prevail_a argument_n fashionableness_n and_o imitation_n 12.3_o dan._n 12.3_o and_o if_o those_o who_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o firmament_n certain_o those_o who_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v other_o from_o be_v wicked_a shall_v not_o miss_v of_o a_o due_a reward_n 2._o our_o neighbour_n will_v receive_v much_o benefit_n by_o a_o friendly_a admonition_n for_o though_o at_o first_o reproof_n will_v be_v unwelcome_a and_o troublesome_a and_o he_o may_v be_v rather_o enrage_v than_o amend_v by_o it_o yet_o by_o degree_n a_o gentle_a reproof_n will_v make_v its_o way_n and_o gain_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o be_v reform_v he_o will_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o quiet_v of_o mind_n in_o this_o life_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o who_o can_v be_v just_o sensible_a what_o inestimable_a benefit_n he_o confer_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n and_o what_o apparent_a danger_n he_o deliver_v he_o from_o by_o be_v instrumental_a in_o his_o reformation_n and_o yet_o think_v any_o pain_n too_o great_a to_o bring_v about_o this_o excellent_a work_n for_o shall_v wicked_a man_n take_v more_o pain_n to_o pervert_v and_o ruin_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o good_a man_n shall_v to_o save_v they_o alive_a shall_v the_o drunkard_n and_o lascivious_a person_n be_v more_o diligent_a to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n than_o the_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o those_o vice_n this_o will_v be_v to_o dishonour_v our_o christian_a profession_n and_o public_o to_o own_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o faithful_a servant_n than_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o make_v it_o his_o chief_a business_n to_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n 16.8_o john_n 16.8_o he_o come_v upon_o this_o errand_n live_v a_o laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v turn_v sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o promote_v virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reprove_v our_o neighbour_n be_v therefore_o the_o high_a instance_n of_o charity_n since_o hereby_o we_o design_v he_o the_o great_a good_a imaginable_a the_o happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o rather_o prevail_v upon_o to_o attempt_v since_o 3._o by_o reprove_v other_o we_o may_v reap_v much_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o ourselves_o first_o hereby_o we_o shall_v provide_v ourselves_o a_o friend_n to_o do_v the_o samekind_a office_n for_o we_o for_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o recriminate_a and_o when_o they_o be_v touch_v to_o the_o quick_a themselves_o they_o think_v to_o extenuate_v their_o crime_n by_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o who_o reprove_v they_o and_o since_o we_o be_v all_o weak_a and_o infirm_a creature_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o man_n a_o most_o excellent_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o such_o recrimination_n we_o may_v hence_o discover_v our_o most_o secret_a fault_n and_o form_v a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o amend_v they_o for_o 2._o it_o will_v make_v we_o ashamed_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n which_o
apostle_n advice_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a 4.8_o phil._n 4.8_o but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o action_n still_o remain_v indifferent_a for_o those_o action_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v necessary_a by_o some_o circumstance_n limit_v and_o bound_v they_o and_o if_o my_o indifferent_a action_n be_v annex_v to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n or_o determine_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n i_o be_o no_o long_o at_o liberty_n which_o way_n to_o act_n nor_o will_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o my_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o best_a casuist_n have_v lay_v down_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o where_o they_o fall_v short_a our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o director_n hereby_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o do_v not_o live_v themselves_o up_o to_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n suit_v their_o action_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o thing_n and_o comport_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v best_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o have_v have_v leisure_n and_o part_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v thing_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o dissent_v from_o we_o our_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v we_o that_o freedom_n which_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v my_o advice_n be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a 5.1_o gal._n 5.1_o least_o by_o any_o mean_a and_o undue_a compliance_n we_o shall_v confirm_v the_o erroneous_a shake_v the_o faithful_a encourage_v the_o adversary_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o but_o of_o other_o let_v we_o have_v compassion_n 22._o jud._n 22._o make_v a_o difference_n those_o who_o be_v indeed_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a information_n be_v scrupulous_a in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o give_v they_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o disgust_v they_o either_o by_o our_o word_n or_o action_n but_o endeavour_v to_o win_v they_o over_o by_o all_o the_o lawful_a art_n and_o endearment_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n and_o if_o we_o must_v still_o differ_v in_o small_a matter_n let_v we_o love_v as_o brethren_n if_o we_o can_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o opinion_n yet_o let_v we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n amen_o and_o amen_o sermon_n vii_o eccles_n v._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil._n the_o design_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o approach_v with_o humble_a reverence_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o a_o become_a decency_n and_o devotion_n to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n with_o â—ouls_n affect_v with_o awful_a and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n with_o open_a ear_n and_o obedient_a heart_n dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o keep_v thy_o foot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n prepare_v and_o fit_v thyself_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n compose_v thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o body_n to_o a_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o duty_n thou_o be_v about_o and_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o expression_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n of_o pluck_v off_o their_o shoe_n when_o they_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o solemn_a respect_n or_o tread_v on_o consecrate_a ground_n and_o of_o wash_v their_o foot_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o palace_n of_o their_o king_n or_o the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n of_o these_o custom_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 3.5_o exod._n 3.5_o when_o god_n appear_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n he_o command_v he_o to_o put_v his_o shoe_n from_o off_o his_o foot_n because_o the_o place_n whereon_o he_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n say_v unto_o joshua_n 5.15_o josh_n 5.15_o lose_v the_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a loose_v or_o pluck_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v a_o ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o we_o a_o token_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o therefore_o they_o wash_v and_o make_v clean_o their_o foot_n when_o they_o go_v into_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n to_o denote_v that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reverent_a demeanour_n of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v there_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o how_o we_o must_v comport_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v present_o add_v and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i.e._n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o attentive_a ear_n and_o a_o obedient_a heart_n along_o with_o thou_o with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v than_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n think_v though_o very_o foolish_o to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v he_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o they_o though_o they_o lead_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o such_o man_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o impure_a heart_n such_o as_o those_o who_o think_v that_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n will_v atone_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o enlargement_n upon_o they_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n ii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o be_v worship_v he_o iii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n 1._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o our_o edify_v and_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v prepare_a and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v it_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n 29.13_o isay_n 29.13_o if_o whilst_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o will_v our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o if_o whilst_o we_o be_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a element_n we_o cherish_v and_o harbour_v sinful_a and_o impure_a thought_n
dii_o charior_fw-la est_fw-la illis_fw-la homo_fw-la quam_fw-la sibi_fw-la which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v commit_v thyself_o and_o all_o thy_o concern_v to_o divine_a providence_n let_v he_o determine_v what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o thou_o what_o be_v most_o requisite_a in_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o affair_n for_o god_n love_v man_n better_a than_o man_n love_v himself_o and_o do_v he_o good_a oftentimes_o against_o his_o will_n and_o though_o he_o deny_v he_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o his_o fleshly_a appetite_n and_o desire_n to_o his_o carnal_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n yet_o he_o give_v he_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v more_o wholesome_a and_o more_o profitable_a to_o he_o thus_o a_o careful_a physician_n prescribe_v safe_a and_o beneficial_a though_o unpalatable_a medicine_n to_o his_o disease_a patient_n and_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o mankind_n merciful_o and_o bountiful_o and_o frequent_o deny_v his_o request_n and_o prayer_n out_o of_o kindness_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v furnish_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o safe_a and_o more_o convenient_a for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o useful_a lesson_n and_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o st._n paul_n experience_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o two_o precede_a verse_n lest_o say_v he_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v i_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o st._n paul_n prayer_n wherein_o god_n instead_o of_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o pray_v for_o promise_v to_o give_v he_o his_o grace_n to_o endure_v it_o which_o will_v be_v far_o more_o commodious_a and_o advantageous_a to_o he_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v discourse_v with_o the_o great_a profit_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v i._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v his_o grace_n ii_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o unto_o he_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v thy_o request_n in_o exempt_n thou_o from_o thy_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n but_o lest_o thou_o shall_v be_v oppress_v by_o they_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o what_o be_v more_o expedient_a for_o thou_o to_o wit_n my_o grace_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v viz._n his_o grace_n which_o take_v in_o the_o general_n denote_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n renew_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o continual_o strengthen_v and_o guide_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will._n now_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n proceed_v diversity_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v gratia_n gratis_o data_fw-la or_o the_o miraculous_a unction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o to_o one_o be_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o speak_n with_o tongue_n to_o a_o three_o prophesy_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n mean_v in_o the_o text_n 10.12_o 1_o cor._n 10.12_o for_o this_o be_v communicate_v to_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a man_n to_o balaâ—â—_n and_o saul_n and_o caiphas_n and_o judas_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o tempt_a st._n paul_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text._n and_o those_o excellent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n with_o which_o this_o apostle_n be_v furnish_v tend_v to_o puff_n he_o up_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o buffet_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o uphold_v and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o be_v what_o the_o schoolman_n call_v gratia_n gratum_fw-la faciens_fw-la or_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n such_o as_o be_v all_o the_o save_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n charity_n purity_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o gracious_a habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o wherein_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n do_v true_o consist_v 1.6_o eph._n 1.6_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o render_v we_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n eternal_a life_n unto_o we_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v best_a describe_v by_o its_o effect_n 6.23_o rom._n 6.23_o which_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o 2.27_o 1_o joh._n 2.27_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o renew_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n govern_v our_o perverse_a will_n and_o affection_n counsel_n and_o action_n god_n holy_a spirit_n lead_v guide_a and_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n 8.14_o rom._n 8.14_o this_o unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n our_o head_n comfort_n we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n and_o distress_n whether_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n 45.8_o joh._n 15.26_o psal_n 45.8_o and_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n and_o last_o it_o help_v we_o in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o support_v we_o in_o time_n of_o the_o great_a distress_n and_o extremity_n it_o keep_v we_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n when_o we_o consider_v our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o transgression_n or_o from_o question_v his_o providence_n because_o of_o our_o misery_n and_o from_o backslide_n and_o fall_a off_o from_o christ_n for_o fear_n of_o danger_n or_o any_o other_o worldly_a respect_n in_o short_a it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n 4.13_o phil._n 4.13_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2._o observable_a in_o the_o text._n the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o this_o grace_n it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o undergo_v whatsoever_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 5.23_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o for_o since_o that_o god_n who_o give_v this_o grace_n be_v in_o himself_o all-sufficient_a therefore_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o give_v it_o god_n grace_n sanctify_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o body_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n it_o cheer_v we_o in_o adversity_n it_o restrain_v we_o in_o prosperity_n not_o suffer_v we_o either_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o the_o one_o or_o to_o droop_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o fortify_v our_o soul_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o batteries_n 6.12_o eph._n 6.12_o when_o we_o be_v afflict_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o suffering_n here_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o or_o if_o we_o abound_v in_o blessing_n or_o in_o gift_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a it_o tell_v we_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o to_o what_o end_n they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o hide_v these_o talent_n in_o a_o napkin_n or_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o wantonness_n but_o promote_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n though_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n without_o present_a return_v or_o apparent_a success_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n forbear_v to_o give_v we_o those_o good_a thing_n we_o ask_v for_o that_o he_o may_v try_v our_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o since_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o expedient_a to_o grant_v they_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v the_o determination_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n again_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o person_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o he_o shine_v
the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a 17.9_o jer._n 17.9_o who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o text_n though_o primary_o intend_v to_o denote_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v what_o other_o man_n think_v or_o what_o opinion_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o thing_n hereafter_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o those_o which_o go_v before_o yet_o they_o may_v well_o serve_v to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o difficulty_n of_o give_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o present_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o what_o the_o true_a bent_n and_o tendency_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n be_v for_o we_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o bosom_n sin_n and_o those_o darling_n delight_v which_o either_o custom_n or_o inclination_n have_v endear_v to_o we_o that_o we_o think_v we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o caress_n they_o and_o though_o our_o affection_n be_v draw_v out_o after_o the_o most_o extravagant_a manner_n after_o they_o yet_o we_o clothe_v they_o with_o such_o plausible_a and_o specious_a pretence_n as_o make_v the_o most_o criminal_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o appear_v at_o least_o to_o we_o harmless_a and_o lawful_a who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o the_o most_o intense_a and_o zealous_a affection_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o low_a and_o subordinate_a degree_n and_o yet_o how_o difficult_a a_o task_n will_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o most_o sordid_a and_o miserable_a worlding_n that_o his_o affection_n be_v not_o place_v on_o thing_n above_o but_o on_o thing_n below_o and_o though_o he_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o see_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o able_a to_o turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a and_o to_o discover_v it_o in_o himself_o so_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n do_v it_o require_v to_o range_v over_o all_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o those_o crooked_a path_n which_o sin_n and_o error_n have_v make_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o diligence_n require_v to_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o must_v needs_o call_v for_o our_o utmost_a care_n to_o manage_v they_o aright_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v the_o more_o need_n to_o consider_v iii_o the_o motive_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n i._n e._n our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o do_v depend_v upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o 1._o by_o keep_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o manage_v our_o affair_n with_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o extravagant_a action_n which_o man_n commit_v proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a deliberation_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o action_n or_o a_o discreet_a execute_n what_o their_o reason_n tell_v they_o be_v fit_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v either_o they_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o headstrong_a passion_n or_o bias_v by_o some_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o these_o betray_v they_o into_o indiscreet_a absurd_a and_o sinful_a word_n and_o action_n now_o he_o that_o be_v accustom_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n consider_v well_o and_o deliberate_o every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n before_o he_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o execution_n he_o weigh_v first_o his_o own_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o then_o inquire_v both_o into_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o avoid_v those_o rock_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o split_n i._n e._n rashness_n in_o set_v upon_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o skill_n to_o perform_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o too_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n on_o the_o other_o the_o first_o of_o these_o produce_v shame_n and_o disappointment_n when_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o not_o able_a to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o too_o bold_a and_o dare_a design_n the_o second_o deprive_v he_o of_o many_o valuable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o require_v only_o the_o pain_n of_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o possess_v himself_o of_o they_o and_o in_o truth_n since_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v the_o stream_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o heart_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n wise_o and_o prudent_o can_v go_v far_o astray_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n all_o our_o vital_a operation_n will_v savour_v of_o that_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n 2._o a_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v produce_v peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n by_o free_v we_o from_o those_o rage_a passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n from_o proud_a malicious_a and_o envious_a thought_n which_o disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o quiet_n and_o render_v our_o life_n uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o a_o very_a true_a observation_n that_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o by_o consequence_n happiness_n in_o this_o life_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o contentedness_n and_o satisfaction_n with_o that_o condition_n the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v allot_v we_o and_o a_o discreet_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v make_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n a_o sound_a mind_n in_o a_o sound_a body_n be_v the_o wise_a wish_n of_o a_o heathen_a poet_n for_o that_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o envy_n or_o malice_n or_o solicitous_a care_n or_o pride_n will_v be_v uneasy_a on_o a_o throne_n and_o miserable_a amid_o the_o most_o plentiful_a affluence_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n but_o he_o who_o have_v obtain_v the_o art_n of_o govern_v his_o thought_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_v mind_n amid_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o this_o world_n and_o remain_v content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o his_o condition_n without_o cast_v either_o a_o envious_a eye_n on_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v above_o he_o or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mean_a condition_n than_o himself_o from_o hence_o will_v flow_v 3._o peace_n of_o conscience_n 3.21_o 1_o joh._n 3.21_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o to_o set_v a_o strict_a and_o diligent_a watch_n over_o his_o thought_n will_v be_v from_o thence_o assure_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o towards_o god_n and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o this_o will_v produce_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n which_o the_o oracle_n give_v croesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o know_v thyself_o for_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o chief_a ingredient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n these_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o it_o be_v influence_n on_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o 1._o god_n have_v make_v the_o keep_v our_o heart_n one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prudential_a council_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n but_o a_o positive_a command_n god_n expect_v we_o shall_v comply_v with_o it_o and_o yield_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v imagine_v that_o
thought_n be_v not_o sinful_a unless_o immediate_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o commit_v murder_n or_o adultery_n unless_o it_o be_v actual_o put_v in_o execution_n which_o we_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o among_o we_o who_o maintain_v this_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n their_o thought_n be_v so_o free_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o act_n so_o cunning_o as_o to_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n 55.21_o psal_n 55.21_o if_o they_o can_v but_o speak_v word_n smooth_a than_o oil_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o solicitous_a how_o their_o heart_n stand_v affect_v but_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v 2.15_o rom._n 2.15_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o loud_a word_n and_o most_o public_a action_n in_o god_n book_n not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v write_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v not_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o contrive_v beforehand_o how_o we_o may_v fulfil_v our_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o desire_n solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 9_o prov._n 2.4_o 9_o a_o foolish_a thought_n and_o that_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a device_n or_o thought_n god_n will_v condemn_v 12.2_o prov._n 12.2_o and_o st._n john_n affirm_v 3.15_o 1_o joh._n 3.15_o that_o whosoever_o hate_v his_o brother_n or_o retain_v any_o rancour_n or_o malice_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v a_o murderer_n now_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a intention_n of_o those_o person_n who_o fail_v in_o their_o obedience_n only_o for_o want_n of_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o so_o on_o the_o other_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v sinful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o we_o have_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n to_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n abraham_n only_o intend_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n isaac_n 11.17_o heb._n 11.17_o and_o this_o holy_a purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 18.12_o gen._n 18.12_o and_o when_o sarah_n disbelieved_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o deride_v it_o in_o her_o heart_n she_o be_v say_v to_o laugh_v within_o herself_o and_o god_n resent_v the_o provocation_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o a_o wicked_a thought_n be_v put_v into_o execution_n and_o break_v out_o into_o a_o wicked_a act_n 1.15_o jam._n 1.15_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o sin_n it_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o heinous_a nature_n and_o deep_a dye_n than_o when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o embryo_n or_o in_o the_o birth_n yet_o in_o many_o respect_v our_o thought_n may_v be_v more_o wicked_a than_o either_o our_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v for_o 1._o our_o thought_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o our_o action_n there_o must_v be_v many_o preparatory_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n many_o thought_n twist_v together_o to_o produce_v one_o deliberate_a sinful_a action_n how_o many_o plotting_n and_o contriving_n desire_n and_o hope_n wish_n and_o complacency_n must_v go_v before_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o evil_a deed_n there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o scheme_n erect_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o mean_n and_o method_n must_v be_v resolve_v on_o the_o instrument_n must_v be_v choose_v and_o the_o thing_n frequent_o act_v over_o in_o our_o thought_n before_o any_o notorious_a sinful_a action_n can_v be_v commit_v 2._o the_o same_o sin_n may_v be_v act_v over_o a_o thousand_o time_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o can_v only_o be_v once_o perform_v in_o the_o outward_a action_n we_o may_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o recall_v the_o sin_n we_o have_v former_o commit_v in_o represent_v they_o in_o our_o fancy_n and_o re-acting_a they_o over_o in_o our_o imagination_n and_o hereby_o draw_v down_o a_o fresh_a gild_n upon_o ourselves_o nay_o 3._o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n by_o contrive_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v real_o act_v thus_o the_o covetous_a man_n may_v rob_v his_o neighbour_n of_o his_o wealth_n though_o he_o never_o obtain_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a may_v murder_v his_o enemy_n when_o out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloodthirsty_a may_v imagine_v all_o mankind_n to_o have_v but_o one_o neck_n and_o then_o cut_v it_o off_o 14.1_o psal_n 14.1_o and_o the_o atheist_n may_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o fancy_v he_o exclude_v out_o of_o the_o world_n from_o these_o and_o such_o other_o consideration_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o think_v as_o we_o please_v but_o that_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n nay_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n that_o no_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v good_a or_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o unessayed_v heart_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v perform_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n they_o be_v only_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la counterfeit_a virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o that_o if_o we_o give_v our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n i._n e._n a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n all_o those_o good_a deed_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o 2._o the_o keep_v of_o our_o heart_n be_v conducive_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n because_o the_o maintain_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n depend_v on_o it_o now_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v maintain_v by_o our_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o so_o then_o what_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o impure_a desire_n and_o affection_n reek_v with_o lust_n or_o anger_n or_o revenge_n he_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o delight_n to_o dwell_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a heart_n 57.15_o isa_n 57.15_o and_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v infect_v with_o envy_n malice_n pride_n or_o lust_n we_o shall_v grieve_v he_o and_o he_o will_v depart_v from_o we_o and_o then_o the_o devil_n those_o impure_a spirit_n will_v take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o will_v become_v a_o cage_n of_o these_o unclean_a bird_n a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o these_o legion_n to_o dwell_v in_o 3._o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o preparation_n we_o have_v make_v for_o it_o in_o this_o our_o life_n here_o be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n a_o small_a span_n of_o time_n allot_v we_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o divine_a quality_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o welcome_a guest_n at_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o well-grounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o employment_n here_o to_o restrain_v our_o passion_n moderate_a our_o affection_n inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o holy_a meditation_n these_o be_v qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v we_o relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o life_n for_o we_o may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n hope_v to_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n with_o precious_a stone_n and_o diamond_n or_o our_o thirst_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o stately_a building_n or_o goodly_a apparel_n as_o that_o a_o malicious_a envious_a lustful_a or_o covetous_a person_n whilst_o he_o continue_v so_o shall_v take_v delight_n in_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o in_o sing_v praise_n and_o hallelujah_n unto_o god_n so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o
not_o all_o the_o presumptuous_a sin_n you_o ever_o commit_v in_o your_o life-time_n begin_v in_o your_o heart_n be_v they_o not_o forge_v and_o contrive_v there_o and_o how_o can_v you_o tell_v but_o that_o the_o allowance_n of_o one_o wicked_a thought_n may_v be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o most_o villainous_a act_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o wicked_a all_o of_o a_o sudden_a the_o sinner_n at_o first_o be_v timorous_a and_o bashful_a and_o go_v on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n many_o a_o man_n there_o be_v who_o think_v it_o can_v be_v no_o heinous_a offence_n to_o cast_v a_o covetous_a eye_n on_o other_o man_n good_n or_o a_o wanton_a look_v on_o his_o neighbour_n wife_n and_o yet_o whosoever_o do_v not_o restrain_v these_o evil_a affection_n of_o his_o mind_n will_v soon_o lie_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a temptation_n to_o commit_v the_o grosser_n act_n of_o theft_n and_o adultery_n for_o if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o shall_v soon_o come_v to_o think_v every_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o and_o wicked_a thought_n harbour_v and_o encourage_v will_v produce_v wicked_a action_n have_v david_n at_o first_o suppress_v his_o lustful_a thought_n after_o the_o wife_n of_o vriah_n he_o have_v never_o add_v the_o murder_n of_o the_o husband_n to_o adultery_n with_o the_o wife_n but_o when_o once_o he_o give_v way_n to_o sinful_a thought_n this_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n this_o holy_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o great_a king_n be_v bear_v down_o the_o stream_n of_o his_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o commit_v the_o vile_a act_n of_o the_o most_o presumptuous_a sin_n consider_v therefore_o with_o thyself_o that_o though_o a_o vain_a and_o wicked_a thought_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n when_o it_o enter_v into_o our_o mind_n without_o our_o consent_n and_o approbation_n yet_o we_o shall_v very_o much_o increase_v the_o gild_n when_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o it_o and_o it_o may_v prove_v very_o dangerous_a to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n 4._o if_o sinful_a thought_n still_o press_v into_o our_o mind_n divert_v they_o to_o some_o holy_a meditation_n and_o take_v this_o hint_n of_o bend_v your_o thought_n to_o the_o contrary_a duty_n thus_o if_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o plot_n and_o contrive_v the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n make_v this_o the_o occasion_n of_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v your_o resolution_n against_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o very_a sin_n of_o consider_v its_o evil_a nature_n and_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o hereby_o increase_v your_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sinful_a pleasure_n which_o you_o have_v former_o enjoy_v represent_v to_o your_o fancy_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o renew_v your_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o your_o disobedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o put_v you_o upon_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v you_o may_v live_v more_o upright_o and_o unblamable_o be_v you_o perplex_v and_o trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a thought_n fall_v present_o on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o the_o curious_a operation_n of_o his_o hand_n consider_v this_o stupendous_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n the_o infinite_a variety_n and_o yet_o exact_a order_n and_o due_a subordination_n of_o being_n contain_v in_o it_o ask_v thyself_o what_o power_n it_o be_v which_o first_o create_v it_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o preserve_v it_o which_o have_v furnish_v irrational_a creature_n with_o unerring_a instinct_n that_o teach_v the_o bird_n to_o build_v its_o nest_n the_o spider_n to_o weave_v its_o web_n look_v into_o the_o curious_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o that_o lesser_a world_n thy_o own_o body_n 139.14_o psal_n 139.14_o and_o behold_v there_o how_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o thou_o be_v make_v and_o by_o such_o contemplation_n as_o these_o affect_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o god_n power_n and_o majesty_n be_v you_o tempt_v to_o envy_n the_o prosperity_n of_o your_o neighbour_n consider_v how_o many_o gift_n of_o god_n bounty_n you_o have_v receive_v how_o much_o you_o enjoy_v more_o than_o you_o deserve_v and_o how_o unthankful_a and_o ungrateful_a you_o have_v be_v for_o those_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v already_o give_v into_o your_o hand_n be_v you_o give_v to_o lustful_a thought_n turn_v this_o strange_a fire_n into_o a_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n do_v presumptuous_a thought_n rise_v up_o in_o your_o heart_n consider_v your_o former_a sin_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n against_o god_n and_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o exercise_v your_o humility_n be_v you_o overwhelm_v with_o despair_n call_v to_o mind_n god_n gracious_a promise_n and_o admire_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n who_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o atone_v for_o your_o sin_n and_o to_o accomplish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o still_o make_v you_o the_o proffer_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n by_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o you_o will_v imitate_v your_o heavenly_a father_n in_o draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o occasion_n of_o promote_a your_o eternal_a welfare_n nay_o if_o you_o thus_o resist_v the_o devil_n he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 4.7_o james_n 4.7_o his_o assault_n will_v be_v neither_o so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o furious_a when_o he_o find_v they_o serve_v only_o to_o exercise_v your_o grace_n and_o make_v you_o more_o watchful_a 5._o season_n thy_o heart_n every_o morning_n with_o some_o holy_a meditation_n dedicate_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o thy_o thought_n unto_o god_n how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o o_o god_n say_v the_o psalmist_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o 18._o psal_n 139.17_o 18._o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand_n when_o i_o wake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o the_o constant_a and_o serious_a meditation_n on_o those_o great_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o certainty_n of_o death_n the_o terror_n of_o judgement_n if_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o morning_n meditation_n will_v be_v a_o spring_n and_o source_n of_o good_a thought_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o produce_v in_o our_o mind_n suitable_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o constant_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o will_v be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n 119.115_o psal_n 119.115_o and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n it_o will_v both_o inform_v our_o judgement_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n 6._o and_o last_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o enable_v we_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o govern_v our_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o though_o this_o duty_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o because_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o perform_v he_o have_v promise_v 42.3_o isa_n 42.3_o that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o that_o he_o will_v encourage_v every_o effort_n that_o we_o make_v towards_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n his_o grace_n be_v never_o deny_v to_o any_o one_o who_o do_v but_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o render_v himself_o capable_a of_o receive_v of_o it_o 6.38_o luk._n 6.38_o to_o he_o that_o ask_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v not_o only_o what_o he_o pray_v for_o but_o also_o the_o large_a effusion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o often_o prevent_v our_o prayer_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v than_o we_o be_v either_o to_o desire_v or_o receive_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o these_o help_n and_o assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n immediate_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n imaginable_a to_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o much_o pain_n and_o industry_n but_o what_o design_n which_o be_v either_o great_a and_o glorious_a useful_a and_o honourable_a can_v be_v compass_v