furtherance_n or_o prejudice_n of_o this_o great_a end_n therefore_o these_o by_o way_n of_o assumption_n under_o the_o two_o general_a proposition_n be_v intrinsical_o and_o natural_o good_a or_o bad_a and_o be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o those_o that_o be_v make_v so_o only_o by_o arbitrary_a constitution_n though_o yet_o in_o one_o respect_v these_o be_v arbitranry_n too_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o depend_v upon_o such_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v itself_o arbitrary_a and_o which_o if_o god_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n change_n the_o relation_n of_o action_n to_o the_o great_a end_n may_v change_v too_o that_o which_o now_o natural_o make_v for_o the_o common_a advantage_n may_v as_o natural_o make_v against_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o which_o be_v now_o good_a may_v have_v be_v then_o evil_a but_o still_o the_o two_o great_a hinge_n of_o morality_n stand_v as_o fix_v and_o as_o unvariable_a as_o the_o two_o pole_n whatever_o be_v natural_o conducive_a to_o the_o common_a interest_n be_v good_a and_o whatever_o have_v a_o contrary_a influence_n be_v evil_a these_o be_v proposition_n of_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a verity_n and_o which_o god_n can_v no_o more_o cancel_v or_o disannul_v than_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o 14._o so_o that_o now_o to_o analyze_v the_o immorality_n of_o any_o action_n into_o its_o last_o principle_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o such_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v the_o immediate_a answer_n be_v because_o it_o be_v sin_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o it_o be_v sin_n the_o immediate_a answer_n be_v because_o it_o be_v forbid_v if_o why_o forbid_v because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o fit_a to_o be_v forbid_v if_o why_o fit_a because_o natural_o apt_a to_o prejudice_v the_o common_a interest_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o the_o natural_a aptness_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o prejudice_v the_o common_a interest_n shall_v make_v it_o fit_a to_o be_v forbid_v the_o answer_n be_v because_o the_o common_a interest_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v regard_v and_o prosecute_v if_o far_a a_o reason_n be_v demand_v of_o this_o there_o can_v no_o other_o be_v give_v but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a end_n and_o consequent_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o prosecute_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o pure_o for_o itself_o 15._o so_o that_o now_o the_o last_o law_n whereof_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n be_v this_o great_a and_o supreme_a law_n concern_v the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o every_o sin_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o direct_o or_o indirect_o a_o transgression_n of_o this_o law._n those_o against_o any_o moral_a precept_n direct_o and_o those_o against_o a_o precept_n mere_o positive_a indirect_o because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a that_o the_o supreme_a authority_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o let_v the_o instance_n wherein_o obedience_n be_v require_v be_v in_o itself_o never_o so_o indifferent_a 16._o if_o it_o be_v now_o object_v that_o according_a to_o these_o measure_n there_o will_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o moral_a and_o physical_a evil_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a distinction_n between_o malum_fw-la turpe_fw-la and_o malum_fw-la noxium_fw-la the_o one_o as_o oppose_v to_o bonum_fw-la utile_fw-la and_o the_o other_o as_o oppose_v to_o bonum_fw-la honestum_fw-la i_o answer_v that_o i_o know_v of_o no_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o of_o the_o end_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v what_o we_o call_v bonum_fw-la jucundum_fw-la good_a of_o the_o mean_n be_v what_o we_o call_v utile_fw-la evil_n of_o the_o end_n there_o be_v proper_o none_o but_o that_o only_o be_v evil_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o it_o indeed_o the_o old_a master_n of_o morality_n discourse_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a as_o of_o absolute_a nature_n and_o according_o nothing_o so_o common_a among_o they_o as_o to_o talk_v of_o essential_a rectitude_n and_o essential_a turpitude_n but_o i_o think_v it_o great_a accuracy_n to_o say_v that_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n be_v relative_n thing_n that_o bonum_fw-la honestum_fw-la be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v true_o utile_a and_o that_o malum_fw-la turpe_fw-la be_v that_o which_o be_v natural_o against_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o community_n and_o herein_o i_o assert_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o latin_a philosophy_n and_o eloquence_n profess_o contend_v for_o throughout_o the_o whole_a three_o book_n of_o his_o office_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o evade_n the_o objection_n i_o free_o own_o its_o charge_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o moral_a and_o physical_a evil_n any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o physical_a evil_n extend_v to_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o obstruct_v happiness_n whereas_o moral_a evil_n be_v appropriate_v to_o action_n that_o do_v so_o sect_n iii_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n which_o brief_o treat_v of_o formal_a sin_n with_o the_o requisite_n necessary_a to_o its_o constitution_n where_o also_o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n be_v positive_a or_o privative_a 1._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o discourse_n where_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o formal_a sin_n that_o be_v of_o sin_n consider_v not_o abstract_o for_o the_o mere_a act_n of_o obliquity_n but_o concrete_o with_o such_o a_o special_a dependence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o will_v as_o serve_v to_o render_v the_o agent_n guilty_a or_o obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n 2._o and_o here_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o although_o material_a sin_n do_v neither_o in_o its_o notion_n nor_o in_o its_o existence_n include_v formal_a sin_n yet_o formal_a sin_n do_v always_o include_v the_o other_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n without_o formal_a sin_n yet_o the_o latter_a always_o suppose_v the_o former_a and_o as_o st._n john_n say_v whosoever_o 4._o commit_v sin_n transgress_v also_o the_o law._n 3._o but_o that_o which_o formal_a sin_n add_v over_o and_o above_o to_o material_a and_o under_o who_o respect_n we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o connotation_n of_o that_o special_a dependence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o will_n which_o derive_v guilt_n upon_o the_o agent_n so_o that_o for_o a_o definition_n of_o formal_a sin_n we_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o irregular_a action_n or_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n so_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n as_o to_o make_v the_o agent_n liable_a to_o punishment_n this_o be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o st._n john_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v sin_n that_o â—_o be_v so_o as_o to_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o sin_n which_o upon_o confession_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v and_o consequent_o not_o of_o material_a for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o guilt_n there_o can_v be_v no_o remission_n but_o of_o formal_a sin_n 4._o from_o this_o general_a notion_n of_o formal_a sin_n proceed_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o that_o special_a dependence_n be_v that_o make_v a_o irregular_a action_n formal_o a_o sin_n and_o here_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n suppose_v that_o not_o every_o dependence_n of_o a_o action_n upon_o the_o will_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o imputable_a and_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o otherwise_o the_o action_n of_o infant_n fool_n and_o madman_n will_v be_v imputable_a for_o these_o as_o indeed_o all_o action_n have_v some_o dependence_n upon_o the_o will_n at_o least_o as_o a_o physical_a principle_n 5._o to_o be_v positive_a therefore_o that_o a_o irregular_a action_n may_v so_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_v as_o to_o derive_v guilt_n upon_o the_o agent_n it_o be_v necessary_a first_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_v as_o from_o a_o free_a principle_n free_v not_o only_o in_o opposition_n to_o coaction_n for_o so_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o will_v be_v free_a but_o in_o opposition_n to_o necessity_n or_o determination_n to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o contradiction_n that_o be_v in_o one_o word_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o imputableness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o it_o be_v avoidable_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o common_a say_n of_o st._n austin_n nemo_fw-la peccat_fw-la that_o be_v formaliter_fw-la in_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la vitare_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la and_o great_a reason_n the_o father_n have_v to_o say_v so_o for_o he_o that_o can_v avoid_v transgress_v the_o law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o capable_a of_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o what_o be_v impossible_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o it_o certain_o he_o can_v moral_o and_o formal_o break_v it_o a_o thing_n which_o the_o
the_o measure_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a sense_n that_o the_o bare_a do_v a_o irregular_a act_n or_o the_o bare_a have_v a_o irregular_a propension_n shall_v be_v punishable_a at_o all_o much_o more_o with_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o every_o dependence_n of_o a_o action_n upon_o the_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o render_v it_o imputable_a that_o be_v if_o every_o material_a be_v also_o a_o formal_a sin_n this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v very_o unjust_a because_o such_o irregular_a act_n be_v no_o more_o a_o man_n be_v own_o than_o those_o commit_v by_o another_o man._n 8._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n do_v not_o proceed_v by_o such_o measure_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o his_o severe_a dispensation_n the_o law._n for_o when_o he_o forbid_v murder_n with_o such_o strictness_n and_o severity_n as_o to_o order_v the_o murderer_n sect_n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o explicit_a consideration_n of_o material_a sin_n and_o what_o it_o add_v to_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o evil_n 1._o after_o our_o distinction_n of_o sin_n into_o material_a and_o formal_a and_o our_o justification_n of_o that_o distinction_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a and_o explicit_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o material_a sin_n that_o it_o be_v a_o irregular_a act_n in_o general_a be_v intimate_v before_o but_o to_o speculate_v its_o nature_n more_o thorough_o we_o must_v set_v it_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o define_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o action_n irregular_a and_o the_o account_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v ground_v upon_o that_o definition_n of_o st._n john_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law._n so_o that_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o irregularity_n of_o a_o action_n and_o be_v more_o explicit_o the_o material_a part_n of_o sin_n 2._o thus_o far_o in_o general_n but_o now_o to_o make_v transgression_n of_o the_o law_n full_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o material_a sin_n so_o as_o to_o extend_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o it_o it_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o law_n and_o upon_o the_o right_n state_v of_o this_o will_v depend_v the_o whole_a theory_n of_o material_a sin_n 3._o by_o law_n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o which_o be_v positive_a that_o be_v any_o rule_n of_o action_n prescribe_v to_o we_o by_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o prescribe_v any_o action_n so_o prescribe_v be_v it_o otherwise_o never_o so_o indifferent_a for_o the_o matter_n put_v on_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prescriber_n and_o every_o transgression_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n be_v sin._n 4._o but_o the_o transgression_n of_o law_n in_o this_o narrow_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o comprehend_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o material_a sin_n for_o although_o positive_a law_n create_v the_o first_o difference_n in_o some_o thing_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o in_o all_o for_o have_v god_n never_o make_v any_o positive_a law_n yet_o the_o do_v of_o some_o action_n will_v have_v be_v sin_n nay_o there_o be_v sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n as_o may_v be_v probable_o collect_v from_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n there_o must_v be_v therefore_o some_o other_o law_n beside_o positive_a law._n 5._o by_o law_n therefore_o 2_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o his_o passage_n through_o it_o this_o be_v twofold_a for_o one_a by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v understand_v that_o original_a stock_n of_o rational_a tendency_n or_o practical_a sentiment_n which_o prevent_v all_o discourse_n and_o reason_v about_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o answer_v to_o speculative_a principle_n for_o as_o the_o animal_n and_o sensitive_a nature_n be_v not_o only_o furnish_v with_o sense_n and_o perception_n but_o also_o with_o certain_a connatural_a instinct_n and_o impression_n whereby_o animal_n be_v direct_v and_o incline_v to_o sensitive_a good_a so_o for_o the_o guardianship_n and_o security_n of_o virtue_n against_o the_o danger_n either_o of_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertence_n god_n have_v furnish_v the_o rational_a nature_n not_o only_o with_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_v but_o with_o certain_a common_a principle_n and_o notion_n whereby_o it_o be_v incline_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o reasonable_a life_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o that_o which_o man_n general_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n 6._o or_o else_o 2_o by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v understand_v a_o power_n which_o a_o rational_a creature_n have_v of_o find_v out_o by_o discourse_v from_o first_o principle_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o of_o reflect_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o moral_a anticipation_n and_o impression_n which_o he_o before_o entertain_v though_o he_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o ground_n 7._o these_o two_o make_v up_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n but_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o law._n for_o if_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v take_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o a_o stock_n of_o moral_a anticipation_n implant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o will_v be_v but_o another_o branch_n of_o positive_a law._n for_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o light_n of_o scripture_n be_v but_o different_a mode_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v the_o ultimate_a reason_n into_o which_o the_o morality_n of_o every_o action_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v 8._o but_o if_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v take_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n for_o a_o power_n which_o a_o rational_a creature_n have_v of_o find_v out_o by_o discourse_n what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v this_o will_n of_o necessity_n lead_v we_o high_o namely_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a antecedent_n and_o independent_a aptness_n or_o quality_n in_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o positive_a law_n whether_o that_o of_o internal_a or_o external_a revelation_n or_o both_o 9_o we_o be_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o resolve_v these_o antecedent_n aptness_n of_o thing_n into_o their_o proper_a ground_n or_o to_o assign_v what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o action_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v which_o when_o we_o have_v do_v we_o be_v advance_v as_o high_a as_o we_o can_v go_v and_o have_v find_v out_o that_o supreme_a eternal_a and_o irreversible_a law_n which_o prescribe_v measure_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v the_o last_o reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n 10._o that_o therefore_o which_o make_v a_o action_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o general_n but_o its_o respective_a tendency_n to_o prompt_v or_o hinder_v the_o attainment_n of_o some_o certain_a end_n or_o other_o which_o that_o governor_n propose_v for_o all_o action_n be_v for_o some_o end_n and_o not_o the_o end_v it_o self_n its_o aptness_n to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v must_v be_v found_v upon_o its_o serviceableness_n or_o disserviceableness_n to_o some_o end_n so_o much_o in_o general_n 11._o i_o further_o consider_v that_o this_o end_n must_v be_v that_o which_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o the_o best_a and_o great_a for_o no_o other_o be_v worthy_a of_o god._n now_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o better_a or_o great_a than_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a sisteme_a of_o thing_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o prosecute_v to_o the_o utmost_a both_o by_o god_n and_o all_o other_o intelligent_a being_n 12._o and_o hence_o arise_v this_o first_o and_o great_a canon_n or_o law_n that_o whatever_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o common_a interest_n be_v good_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v command_v and_o whatever_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o disinterest_n of_o the_o public_a be_v evil_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v forbid_v this_o be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o morality_n the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a standard_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o nature_n 13._o and_o because_o there_o be_v some_o action_n in_o specie_fw-la which_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o present_a system_a both_o of_o the_o material_a and_o intellectual_a world_n have_v such_o a_o natural_a connexion_n with_o the_o
patron_n of_o physical_a predetermination_n will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v 6._o but_o when_o i_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o imputableness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o it_o be_v free_o exert_v i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o immediate_a freeness_n for_o certain_o those_o root_a and_o confirm_v sinner_n who_o have_v by_o long_o use_v reduce_v themselves_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v be_v never_o the_o more_o excusable_a for_o the_o impotence_n they_o have_v contract_v if_o there_o be_v liberty_n in_o the_o principle_n it_o be_v sufficient_a 7._o the_o next_o requisite_a and_o that_o which_o give_v the_o last_o and_o finish_v stroke_n to_o formal_a sin_n be_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_v sufficient_o instruct_v by_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n sin_n formal_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o avoid_v that_o action_n which_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o he_o also_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n at_o least_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n so_o to_o do_v that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o exert_v that_o power_n and_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o he_o know_v that_o he_o commit_v it_o that_o be_v he_o must_v have_v or_o at_o least_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o have_v both_o notitia_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o notitia_fw-la facti_fw-la 8._o the_o former_a of_o these_o depend_v upon_o that_o common_a principle_n that_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v till_o they_o be_v publish_v according_a to_o that_o know_a maxim_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n leges_fw-la constituuntur_fw-la cum_fw-la promulgantur_fw-la and_o that_o of_o the_o civilian_n leges_fw-la quae_fw-la constringunt_fw-la hominum_fw-la vitas_fw-la intelligi_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la debent_fw-la and_o the_o latter_a also_o depend_v upon_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n though_o somewhat_o more_o remote_o for_o without_o this_o the_o law_n with_o relation_n to_o that_o particular_a instance_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v proper_o know_v for_o although_o i_o know_v such_o a_o species_n of_o action_n suppose_v adultery_n to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o if_o i_o know_v not_o that_o by_o such_o a_o particular_a instance_n i_o commit_v it_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v that_o this_o my_o action_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o suppose_v this_o my_o ignorance_n invincible_a be_o whole_o excusable_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n 20._o of_o abimelech_n when_o he_o take_v abraham_n wife_n 9_o so_o that_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o formal_a sin_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v one_a that_o the_o transgressor_n have_v a_o power_n either_o immediate_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o not_o do_v that_o action_n which_o be_v a_o transgression_n 2_o that_o he_o either_o do_v or_o may_v know_v that_o act_n to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o likewise_o that_o he_o know_v when_o he_o commit_v it_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v the_o rise_n progress_n and_o maturity_n of_o sin_n i_o have_v present_v to_o view_v both_o the_o imperfect_a embryo_n and_o the_o full_a proportion_a and_o animate_v monster_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o comprise_v in_o that_o compendious_a description_n of_o st._n james_n lust_n when_o it_o be_v conceive_v 15._o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n 10._o there_o be_v one_o thing_n behind_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n in_o common_a which_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v and_o that_o be_v whether_o its_o nature_n be_v positive_a or_o privative_a the_o latter_a be_v general_o hold_v both_o by_o metaphysitian_n moralist_n and_o divine_n but_o upon_o what_o sufficient_a ground_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o understand_v the_o formal_a part_n of_o sin_n without_o all_o question_n be_v positive_a as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o for_o it_o denote_v only_o that_o special_a dependence_n which_o a_o irregular_a act_n have_v upon_o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a substance_n of_o the_o act_n both_o in_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n and_o consequent_o alike_o positive_a 11._o all_o the_o controversy_n therefore_o remain_v concern_v the_o material_a part_n of_o sin_n whether_o that_o be_v positive_a or_o privative_a and_o this_o too_o not_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o mere_a act_n for_o that_o without_o question_n be_v positive_a but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o irregularity_n of_o it_o 12._o here_o than_o i_o consider_v that_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n measure_v the_o irregularity_n of_o a_o action_n be_v not_o only_o its_o aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n but_o its_o cross_n or_o go_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o only_a its_o not_o promote_a but_o its_o oppose_a or_o at_o least_o its_o natural_a aptness_n to_o oppose_v the_o great_a and_o best_a of_o end_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o a_o irregularity_n as_o a_o contra-regularity_n and_o therefore_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n be_v not_o privative_o but_o contrary_o oppose_v and_o consequent_o both_o positive_a for_o contrary_n be_v always_o so_o 13._o for_o as_o to_o be_v in_o pain_n be_v not_o privative_o but_o contrary_o oppose_v to_o be_v happy_a for_o pain_n be_v something_o more_o than_o want_v of_o happiness_n so_o that_o action_n which_o cause_v pain_n or_o misery_n be_v not_o privative_o but_o contrary_o oppose_v to_o that_o which_o be_v effective_a of_o happiness_n and_o consequent_o be_v as_o positive_a as_o the_o other_o 14._o those_o sin_n which_o bid_v the_o fair_a for_o privation_n be_v sin_n of_o omission_n but_o even_o these_o if_o we_o consider_v their_o nature_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v also_o positive_a for_o to_o speak_v proper_o their_o irregularity_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o not_o do_v or_o the_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v but_o in_o the_o willing_a not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o to_o will_v the_o not_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o positive_a as_o the_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v not_o contradictory_o or_o privative_o but_o contrary_o oppose_v to_o it_o the_o sin_n therefore_o of_o omission_n be_v as_o positive_a as_o those_o of_o commission_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o the_o positiveness_n of_o sin_n of_o commission_n lie_v both_o in_o the_o habitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o in_o the_o execute_a act_n too_o whereas_o the_o positiveness_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v in_o the_o habitude_n of_o the_o will_v only_o 15._o and_o what_o be_v here_o determine_v concern_v moral_a evil_n will_n i_o suppose_v hold_v equal_o true_a in_o all_o evil_a except_o only_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_a that_o be_v who_o evil_a be_v not_o its_o noxiousness_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o only_o the_o want_n of_o some_o constituent_a perfection_n due_a to_o its_o self_n according_a to_o that_o distinction_n mention_v by_o suarez_n in_o his_o disputation_n de_fw-fr malo_n of_o malum_fw-la in_o se_fw-la and_o malum_fw-la alteri_fw-la this_o indeed_o do_v import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o privation_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o mistake_n to_o those_o who_o first_o think_v moral_a evil_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o privation_n only_o for_o absolute_a evil_n do_v so_o and_o they_o as_o i_o intimate_v above_o take_v moral_a evil_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o absolute_a nature_n 16._o many_o thing_n i_o know_v may_v be_v and_o be_v common_o object_v against_o the_o positiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o i_o can_v think_v but_o of_o one_o that_o be_v worth_a consider_v which_o be_v that_o if_o sin_n be_v positive_a it_o will_v be_v a_o real_a entity_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o be_v press_v with_o a_o double_a absurdity_n one_a that_o god_n will_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o entity_n 2_o that_o it_o will_v be_v good_a goodness_n be_v a_o necessary_a affection_n of_o ens._n 17._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v one_a that_o i_o not_o only_o free_o acknowledge_v but_o contend_v that_o sin_n be_v a_o real_a entity_n but_o then_o i_o distinguish_v of_o entity_n there_o be_v physical_a and_o there_o be_v moral_a entitys_n by_o the_o latter_a which_o alone_o need_v explication_n i_o understand_v certain_a mode_n of_o determination_n superad_v to_o physical_a thing_n or_o motion_n by_o intelligent_a being_n in_o order_n either_o to_o the_o interest_n or_o disinterest_n of_o the_o universe_n 18._o this_o be_v premise_v i_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n by_o deny_v that_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n god_n indeed_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o physical_a being_n and_o motion_n but_o not_o of_o those_o mode_n of_o
faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o a_o little_a concern_v 40._o it_o will_v follow_v 2_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v persecute_v or_o have_v any_o external_a violence_n do_v he_o for_o his_o religion_n suppose_v that_o by_o overt_a act_n he_o give_v no_o disturbance_n to_o the_o public_a for_o since_o god_n have_v require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n why_o shall_v man_n 41._o it_o will_v follow_v 3_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o very_a height_n and_o extremity_n of_o folly_n and_o disingenuity_n of_o folly_n because_o it_o cross_n and_o defeat_v the_o excellent_a end_n of_o man_n which_o be_v to_o live_v happy_o and_o commodious_o and_o of_o disingenuity_n because_o it_o be_v commit_v against_o he_o who_o when_o he_o may_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supreme_a dominion_n have_v impose_v upon_o we_o arbitrary_a law_n as_o that_o give_v to_o adam_n or_o hard_o and_o severe_a one_o as_o that_o to_o abraham_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o make_v nothing_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o what_o upon_o other_o account_n will_v have_v be_v most_o advisable_a to_o be_v do_v this_o certain_o will_v render_v sin_n exceed_v sinful_a and_o leave_v the_o sinner_n without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o excuse_n we_o common_o derive_v the_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n but_o without_o question_n his_o goodness_n will_v supply_v we_o with_o as_o many_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o it_o will_v be_v true_a to_o say_v as_o be_v his_o majesty_n so_o be_v his_o mercy_n 42._o last_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o perform_v this_o rational_a will_n of_o god_n with_o angelical_a alacrity_n and_o constancy_n partly_o for_o its_o own_o excellency_n as_o it_o be_v a_o persuance_n of_o our_o interest_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o gratitude_n and_o generosity_n to_o god_n for_o give_v we_o such_o excellent_a law_n in_o keep_v of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a reward_n for_o not_o only_o the_o end_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v happiness_n but_o even_o her_o very_a way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o 17._o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n quintilian_n i_o remember_v inquire_v why_o former_a age_n afford_v better_a orator_n than_o the_o latter_a resolve_v the_o problem_n into_o this_o because_o there_o be_v then_o great_a encouragement_n and_o reward_n and_o if_o great_a encouragement_n will_v make_v good_a orator_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o make_v good_a man_n let_v we_o then_o make_v it_o our_o daily_a endeavour_n as_o we_o do_v our_o daily_a prayer_n that_o this_o excellent_a will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v here_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o more_o we_o do_v so_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n a_o discourse_n concern_v perseverance_n in_o holiness_n a_o discourse_n concern_v perseverance_n in_o holiness_n 1._o all_z that_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n for_o the_o full_a discharge_v of_o this_o subject_n will_v be_v absolve_v in_o these_o three_o consideration_n one_a that_o man_n have_v one_o way_n or_o other_o sufficient_a power_n to_o persevere_v in_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n if_o he_o will_v otherwise_o all_o exhortation_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a 2_o that_o it_o be_v also_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n otherwise_o they_o will_v all_o be_v superfluous_a and_o last_o by_o show_v he_o what_o vast_a encouragement_n what_o infinite_a engagement_n he_o have_v to_o stand_v 2._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o man_n have_v one_o way_n or_o other_o sufficient_a power_n to_o persevere_v in_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n if_o he_o will._n where_o by_o perseverance_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o continued_o uniform_a equal_a course_n of_o obedience_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o interrupt_v with_o the_o least_o act_n of_o sin_n for_o this_o be_v a_o perfection_n not_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o under_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o mortality_n but_o only_o such_o a_o constancy_n of_o obedience_n as_o exclude_v all_o contrary_a habit_n and_o likewise_o all_o such_o act_n of_o sin_n as_o be_v say_v direct_o to_o waste_v the_o conscience_n those_o i_o mean_v which_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o clear_a and_o express_v dictate_v either_o of_o natural_a reason_n or_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o withal_o to_o complete_a the_o character_n such_o a_o obedience_n as_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o sedulous_a care_n and_o hearty_a endeavour_n to_o correct_v and_o subdue_v even_o those_o pittiable_a infirmity_n which_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o put_v off_o in_o this_o state_n but_o will_v always_o adhere_v like_o spot_n to_o the_o bright_a star_n in_o the_o firmament_n this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o disposition_n of_o soul_n which_o with_o more_o compendiousness_n we_o usual_o call_v sincerity_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o perfect_a and_o sinless_a obedience_n now_o that_o man_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o persevere_v in_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n as_o be_v here_o describe_v not_o to_o call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o argument_n seem_v to_o i_o evident_o demonstrable_a from_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o state_n above_o mention_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n upon_o the_o fulfil_n of_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n depend_v i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o we_o persevere_v uninterrupted_o even_a in_o this_o state_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n after_o a_o interruption_n of_o a_o salvable_a state_n to_o recover_v into_o it_o again_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o case_n of_o david_n st._n peter_n and_o many_o other_o but_o that_o we_o be_v find_v final_o in_o this_o state_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o they_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v shall_v he_o die_v well_o then_o if_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o this_o state_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v never_o become_v impossible_a to_o a_o man_n without_o his_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o since_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n much_o more_o of_o this_o great_a covenant_n of_o mercy_n to_o have_v a_o condition_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o in_o some_o circumstance_n and_o that_o without_o our_o fault_n may_v prove_v impossible_a 3._o the_o condition_n then_o of_o this_o new_a covenant_n must_v be_v as_o possible_a to_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o degeneracy_n now_o his_o lock_n be_v shave_v and_o his_o great_a strength_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v to_o he_o in_o his_o primitive_a might_n and_o vigour_n do_v this_o and_o live_v be_v equal_o common_a to_o both_o the_o only_a difference_n lie_v in_o the_o this_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v not_o in_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o performance_n or_o if_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o possibility_n the_o advantage_n ought_v to_o lie_v on_o this_o side_n this_o be_v as_o be_v hint_v before_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n 4._o well_o then_o if_o to_o be_v find_v final_o in_o the_o state_n above_o describe_v be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o if_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v it_o must_v not_o in_o any_o circumstance_n become_v impossible_a without_o our_o fault_n it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v also_o possible_a to_o persevere_v in_o it_o without_o interruption_n because_o otherwise_o we_o have_v not_o the_o disposal_n of_o our_o own_o life_n it_o will_v oftentimes_o prove_v impossible_a for_o we_o and_o that_o without_o our_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v final_o in_o that_o state_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n the_o short_a be_v to_o speak_v all_o in_o a_o word_n the_o possibility_n of_o be_v find_v in_o a_o salvable_a state_n can_v be_v sufficient_o secure_v without_o a_o possibility_n of_o always_o persevere_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v so_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v 5._o but_o now_o lest_o man_n upon_o a_o survey_n of_o his_o natural_a strength_n and_o of_o the_o auxiliarys_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n shall_v pronounce_v himself_o absolute_o impregnable_a and_o shall_v begin_v to_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v in_o
not_o so_o oblige_v will_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o one_o single_a proposition_n that_o every_o one_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v what_o be_v best_a the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o proposition_n appear_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o since_o that_o which_o be_v best_o be_v a_o superlative_a it_o necessary_o suppose_v the_o positive_a to_o be_v good_a and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o if_o we_o be_v then_o that_o which_o be_v only_o good_a will_v be_v evil_a it_o be_v short_a of_o what_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n 8._o this_o argument_n i_o take_v to_o be_v demonstrative_a and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o supererogation_n in_o i_o to_o allege_v any_o more_o but_o however_o for_o the_o clear_a eviction_n and_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o far_o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o counsel_n as_o 6._o well_o as_o command_n now_o if_o some_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o counsel_n only_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conclude_v two_o thing_n 1._o from_o their_o be_v counsel_v that_o they_o be_v good_a nothing_o be_v matter_n of_o counsel_n but_o what_o be_v so_o and_o second_o from_o their_o be_v only_o counsel_v that_o they_o do_v not_o oblige_v and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o good_a that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o 9_o it_o be_v far_a observable_a that_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o threefold_a will_n of_o god._n rom._n 12._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o will_n which_o be_v good_a that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a and_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a the_o first_o of_o these_o denote_v absolute_a duty_n the_o two_o last_o the_o various_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o heroic_a excellence_n thus_o for_o st._n paul_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v a_o act_n of_o strict_a duty_n which_o he_o can_v not_o leave_v undo_v without_o incur_v that_o woe_n which_o he_o annex_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o to_o preach_v without_o charge_v they_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o theophylact._n generosity_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n there_o be_v room_n for_o boast_v thus_o again_o for_o a_o jew_n to_o allot_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o his_o revenue_n every_o three_o year_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o act_n of_o express_a duty_n and_o in_o do_v of_o that_o he_o will_v but_o satisfy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o now_o if_o in_o his_o charitable_a contribution_n he_o shall_v exceed_v that_o proportion_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o excess_n so_o will_v the_o degree_n of_o his_o perfection_n be_v thus_o again_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o devotion_n daily_a prayer_n be_v general_o conclude_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o by_o some_o critic_n that_o it_o be_v twice_o perform_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n morning_n and_o evening_n but_o now_o if_o a_o more_o generous_o dispose_v christian_n shall_v add_v a_o three_o time_n or_o out_o of_o abundance_n of_o zeal_n shall_v come_v up_o to_o the_o psalmist_n resolution_n of_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o this_o will_v be_v a_o freewill_n offer_v well_o please_v and_o of_o sweet_a savour_n but_o not_o command_v 10._o from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o instance_n which_o if_o necessary_a i_o can_v easy_o produce_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a point_n but_o have_v a_o latitude_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o more_o and_o less_o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v room_n for_o voluntary_a oblation_n and_o act_n of_o heroic_a piety_n 11._o i_o know_v it_o be_v usual_o object_v here_o that_o what_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v thus_o heroical_o perform_v be_v inclusive_o enjoin_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o comprehensive_a word_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o conceive_v that_o all_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o that_o phrase_n will_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o first_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o that_o which_o be_v partial_a and_o divide_v and_o second_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_v he_o as_o admits_z of_o nothing_o into_o competition_n with_o he_o and_o thus_o far_o reach_v the_o boundary_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o love_n god_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o degree_n shall_v keep_v his_o commandment_n but_o beyond_o this_o there_o be_v high_a degree_n which_o because_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o without_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a when_o attain_v so_o that_o in_o this_o precept_n of_o love_a god_n as_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o two_o person_n to_o love_n god_n sincere_o and_o with_o their_o whole_a soul_n and_o yet_o in_o different_a measure_n which_o be_v observe_v even_o among_o the_o angel_n the_o seraphin_n have_v their_o name_n from_o their_o excess_n of_o love_n nay_o for_o the_o same_o person_n always_o to_o love_n god_n sincere_o and_o yet_o at_o some_o time_n to_o exceed_v himself_o and_o with_o his_o saviour_n who_o to_o be_v sure_a never_o fail_v of_o necessary_a duty_n to_o pray_v yet_o more_o earnest_o 12._o there_o be_v another_o objection_n yet_o behind_o which_o i_o think_v myself_o concern_v to_o answer_v as_o well_o in_o my_o own_o defence_n as_o that_o of_o my_o argument_n some_o perhaps_o may_v be_v so_o weak_a to_o imagine_v that_o by_o assert_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o heroic_a piety_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v command_v i_o too_o much_o favour_v the_o doctrine_n of_o supererogation_n but_o i_o consider_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v command_v be_v a_o ambiguous_a expression_n and_o may_v denote_v either_o that_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n and_o more_o or_o that_o though_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o duty_n in_o many_o instance_n and_o consequent_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v conclude_v under_o sin_n yet_o in_o some_o other_o he_o may_v exceed_v it_o by_o press_v forward_o to_o some_o degree_n of_o excellency_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o i_o do_v not_o assert_v the_o former_a of_o these_o but_o the_o latter_a and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a degree_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o under_o pain_n of_o sin_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o who_o arrive_v so_o far_o do_v according_a to_o the_o latter_a notion_n of_o the_o phrase_n do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v command_v 13._o have_v in_o the_o forego_n period_n state_v the_o notion_n of_o heroic_a piety_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o my_o three_o and_o last_o undertake_n which_o be_v to_o offer_v some_o persuasive_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o first_o then_o i_o consider_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o man_n the_o improvement_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o part_n of_o he_o wherein_o he_o resemble_v his_o maker_n the_o pursuance_n of_o his_o best_a and_o last_o end_n and_o consequent_o his_o happiness_n and_o will_v a_o man_n set_v bound_n to_o his_o happiness_n will_v he_o be_v no_o more_o happy_a than_o he_o be_v command_v no_o more_o than_o what_o will_v just_o serve_v to_o secure_v he_o from_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n be_v not_o happiness_n desirable_a for_o it_o self_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o misery_n why_o then_o do_v we_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o with_o dangerous_a physic_n weigh_v it_o by_o grain_n and_o scruple_n and_o nice_a proportion_n why_o do_v we_o drink_v so_o moderate_o of_o the_o river_n of_o paradise_n so_o spare_o of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n be_v we_o afraid_a of_o make_v too_o nigh_o advance_v to_o the_o state_n of_o angel_n of_o become_v too_o like_o god_n of_o antedate_v heaven_n be_v we_o afraid_a our_o happiness_n will_v flow_v in_o too_o thick_a upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o tide_n but_o sink_v under_o the_o too_o powerful_a enjoyment_n hereafter_o indeed_o when_o we_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a brightness_n shall_v flash_v too_o strong_a upon_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o our_o happiness_n begin_v to_o be_v lessen_v by_o its_o greatness_n we_o may_v then_o with_o the_o angel_n that_o attend_v the_o throne_n veil_v our_o face_n and_o divert_v some_o
proposition_n in_o the_o understanding_n before_o there_o be_v any_o misapplication_n in_o the_o will_n and_o it_o be_v through_o the_o swim_n of_o the_o head_n that_o the_o foot_n slip_v and_o lose_v their_o station_n and_o yet_o the_o sinner_n be_v no_o way_n excusable_a for_o this_o his_o deception_n because_o it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o that_o which_o he_o habitual_o know_v and_o he_o may_v have_v attend_v better_a and_o it_o be_v his_o fault_n that_o he_o do_v not_o 9_o and_o it_o be_v the_o recover_a and_o awake_v up_o into_o this_o conviction_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n when_o a_o man_n by_o the_o aid_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o use_n of_o due_a attention_n resume_v his_o interrupt_a judgement_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n he_o than_o come_v again_o to_o himself_o form_n new_a resolution_n never_o to_o commit_v it_o and_o return_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a 119._o so_o great_a reason_n have_v the_o psalmist_n to_o pray_v o_o grant_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v live_v the_o prayer_n o_o my_o god_n who_o be_v pure_a light_n and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o who_o be_v pure_a love_n and_o hate_v nothing_o but_o sin_n and_o hate_v that_o infinite_o give_v i_o a_o heart_n after_o thy_o own_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v also_o abhor_v it_o without_o measure_n and_o without_o end_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v those_o two_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n inspire_v i_o with_o that_o charity_n which_o seek_v not_o her_o own_o that_o i_o may_v ever_o propose_v and_o follow_v that_o great_a and_o excellent_a end_n which_o thou_o propose_v that_o i_o may_v ever_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o best_a and_o never_o for_o any_o self-advantage_n disturb_v the_o order_n of_o thy_o creation_n o_o let_v i_o never_o so_o far_o abuse_v those_o faculty_n thou_o have_v give_v i_o as_o to_o thwart_v the_o design_n of_o thy_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o to_o interrupt_v that_o harmony_n wherein_o thou_o so_o delight_v but_o let_v all_o my_o design_n be_v generous_a unselvish_a and_o sincere_a so_o as_o chief_o to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o creation_n at_o who_o very_a material_a beauty_n the_o morning_n star_n sing_v together_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shout_v for_o joy_n holy_a father_n it_o be_v thy_o will_n that_o this_o thy_o great_a family_n shall_v be_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a and_o the_o better_a part_n of_o it_o thy_o angel_n strict_o conform_v to_o it_o o_o let_v this_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v here_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o grant_v that_o every_o member_n of_o this_o great_a body_n may_v so_o study_v the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a that_o thou_o may_v once_o more_o review_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n and_o with_o a_o fatherly_a complacency_n pronounce_v they_o good_a grant_v this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n thy_o son_n jesus_n amen_n ii_o give_v i_o wisdom_n that_o sit_v by_o thy_o throne_n and_o reject_v i_o not_o from_o among_o thy_o child_n that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v with_o thou_o from_o the_o beginning_n which_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n and_o be_v present_a when_o thou_o make_v the_o world_n and_o know_v what_o be_v acceptable_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o right_n in_o thy_o commandment_n o_o send_v she_o out_o of_o thy_o holy_a heaven_n and_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o glory_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o i_o that_o i_o may_v know_v and_o thorough_o consider_v what_o a_o evil_a it_o be_v to_o affront_v thy_o authority_n to_o break_v through_o the_o bound_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v to_o rebel_v against_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a part_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o to_o oppose_v that_o which_o thou_o love_v and_o which_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o lovely_a o_o let_v thy_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o i_o let_v my_o loin_n be_v always_o gird_v and_o this_o my_o light_n always_o burn_v that_o i_o may_v never_o be_v deceive_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n nor_o seek_v death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o my_o life_n thy_o word_n have_v i_o hide_v within_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o o_o grant_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v live_v keep_v i_o beseech_v thou_o this_o conviction_n still_o fresh_a and_o full_o awake_v in_o i_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o evil_n that_o so_o the_o fear_n of_o none_o may_v ever_o drive_v i_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o thy_o soul_n hate_v consider_v and_o hear_v i_o o_o lord_n my_o god_n lighten_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o sleep_v not_o in_o death_n amen_n amen_n a_o idea_n of_o happiness_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n inquire_v wherein_o the_o great_a happiness_n attainable_a by_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v consist_v sollicitis_fw-la vitam_fw-la consumimus_fw-la annis_fw-la torquemurque_fw-la metu_fw-la caecaque_fw-la cupidine_fw-la rerum_fw-la aeternisque_fw-la senes_fw-la curis_fw-la dum_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la aevum_fw-la perdimus_fw-la &_o nullo_n votorum_fw-la sine_fw-la beati_fw-la victuros_fw-la agimus_fw-la semper_fw-la nec_fw-la vivimus_fw-la unquam_fw-la manilius_n lib._n 4._o oxford_z print_v at_o the_o theater_n 1687._o a_o idea_n of_o happiness_n etc._n etc._n sir_n 1._o though_o you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o assign_v i_o the_o task_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n have_v warrant_v i_o to_o disobey_v you_o yet_o since_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o experimental_a knowledge_n which_o i_o have_v of_o happiness_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o delight_n which_o i_o take_v in_o your_o virtuous_a and_o endear_n friendship_n i_o think_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o idea_n of_o that_o whereof_o you_o have_v give_v i_o the_o possession_n 2._o you_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o i_o wherein_o the_o great_a happiness_n attainable_a by_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v consist_v and_o here_o though_o i_o see_v myself_o engage_v in_o a_o work_n already_o too_o difficult_a for_o i_o yet_o i_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o enlarge_v it_o for_o since_o the_o great_a happiness_n or_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la of_o this_o life_n be_v a_o species_n of_o happiness_n in_o general_n and_o since_o it_o be_v call_v great_a not_o because_o absolute_o perfect_a and_o complete_a but_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o come_v near_a to_o that_o which_o indeed_o be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a first_o to_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o happiness_n in_o general_n and_o then_o to_o define_v wherein_o that_o happiness_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a before_o i_o can_v proceed_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o your_o question_n 3._o by_o happiness_n in_o the_o most_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n i_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o good._n the_o least_o degree_n of_o good_a have_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o happiness_n as_o the_o great_a have_v to_o the_o great_a and_o consequent_o as_o many_o way_n as_o a_o man_n enjoy_v any_o good_a so_o many_o way_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v happy_a neither_o will_v the_o mixture_n of_o evil_n make_v he_o forfeit_v his_o right_n to_o this_o title_n unless_o it_o either_o equal_v the_o good_a he_o enjoy_v or_o exceed_v it_o and_o then_o indeed_o it_o do_v but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o strictness_n of_o speak_v upon_o the_o whole_a account_n the_o man_n enjoy_v no_o good_a at_o all_o for_o if_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_n be_v equal-balanced_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a to_o that_o man_n either_o to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o good_a to_o determine_v his_o choice_n so_o that_o he_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o that_o condition_n than_o he_o can_v before_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o much_o less_o if_o the_o evil_n exceed_v the_o good_a for_o than_o he_o be_v not_o only_o not_o happy_a but_o absolute_o and_o pure_o miserable_a for_o after_o a_o exact_a commensuration_n suppose_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a all_o that_o remain_v over_o of_o the_o evil_n be_v pure_a and_o simple_a misery_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o come_v to_o this_o whatever_o some_o man_n metaphysic_n may_v persuade_v they_o i_o be_o very_a well_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o be_v but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o the_o good_a do_v never_o so_o little_o outweigh_v the_o evil_a that_o overplus_n of_o good_a be_v as_o