the_o tender_a sorrow_n of_o contrition_n the_o delight_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n the_o adoration_n and_o self-depressions_a of_o a_o profound_a humility_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o vow_n of_o a_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o and_o holy_a zeal_n and_o indignation_n against_o sin_n how_o do_v these_o thing_n mellow_a and_o enrich_v the_o soul_n how_o do_v they_o raise_v it_o high_o and_o high_o above_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n how_o do_v they_o renew_v it_o daily_o and_o make_v it_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n natural_o beget_v a_o habit_n and_o habit_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n ripen_v and_o confirm_v by_o custom_n how_o natural_o then_o must_v prayer_n fortify_v the_o mind_n ripen_v good_a disposition_n or_o add_v strength_n and_o perfection_n to_o good_a habit_n since_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o repeat_v exercise_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o prayer_n give_v we_o a_o frequent_a opportunity_n of_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o otherwise_o be_v so_o often_o oblige_v to_o do_v if_o second_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o prevalence_n of_o prayer_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v further_a reason_n yet_o to_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o increase_v our_o spiritual_a strength_n what_o will_v god_n deny_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n he_o may_v deny_v he_o temporal_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o good_a for_o he_o he_o may_v refuse_v to_o remove_v a_o temptation_n because_o this_o be_v often_o a_o occasion_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o servant_n reward_v but_o he_o will_v never_o refuse_v he_o grace_n to_o conquer_v it_o he_o will_v no_o more_o deny_v his_o spirit_n to_o one_o that_o earnest_o and_o sincere_o beg_v it_o than_o the_o natural_a parent_n will_v bread_n to_o his_o hungry_a and_o crave_v child_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o grace_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o bread_n to_o the_o natural_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a than_o any_o instinct_n in_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o zealous_o solicitous_a for_o the_o holiness_n and_o immortality_n of_o his_o child_n then_o earthly_a parent_n can_v be_v for_o a_o sickly_a perish_v life_n of_o they_o thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o prayer_n contribute_v wonderful_o to_o the_o strengthen_v and_o establish_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o goodness_n but_o then_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o must_v have_v these_o two_o qualification_n it_o must_v be_v frequent_a and_o incessant_o importunate_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v frequent_a i_o will_v have_v this_o rule_n comply_v with_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v even_o in_o our_o state_v regular_a and_o solemn_a address_n to_o god_n but_o because_o business_n and_o several_a obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o to_o the_o world_n do_v often_o press_v hard_a upon_o we_o therefore_o must_v i_o give_v the_o same_o counsel_n here_o which_o i_o do_v before_o under_o the_o head_n of_o meditation_n that_o be_v to_o have_v always_o ready_a and_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n several_a text_n of_o scripture_n contain_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a truth_n in_o the_o most_o pierce_a and_o move_a language_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o form_v these_o on_o a_o sudden_a into_o ejaculation_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n may_v mount_v up_o into_o heaven_n amid_o the_o ardour_n and_o transport_v of_o desire_n and_o praise_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o manoah_n sacrifice_n 2._o prayer_n must_v be_v incessant_o importunate_a importunate_n it_o will_v be_v if_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v as_o it_o ought_v that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v disengage_v from_o this_o world_n and_o possess_v entire_o with_o the_o belief_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o a_o better_a if_o it_o be_v humble_v in_o itself_o disclaim_v all_o strength_n and_o merit_n of_o its_o own_o and_o rest_v whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n i_o add_v incessant_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n luke_n 11.8_o and_o 18.5_o and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n 5.17_o and_o whoever_o consider_v human_a nature_n well_o and_o remember_v how_o soon_o pious_a motion_n vanish_v and_o how_o little_a they_o effect_v will_v discern_v a_o plain_a reason_n both_o for_o vehemence_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n for_o vehemence_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v deep_o impress_v by_o pious_a passion_n for_o perseverance_n that_o such_o impression_n may_v not_o be_v effaced_a and_o obliterated_a nor_o let_v any_o one_o fancy_n that_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v have_v not_o a_o better_a influence_n upon_o god_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o ourselves_o it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v void_a of_o the_o painfulness_n and_o defect_n of_o human_a passion_n but_o not_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a one_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o god_n be_v a_o inflexible_a inexorable_a deity_n and_o incapable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o incessant_a importunity_n of_o his_o poor_a creature_n woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o the_o softness_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v not_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o little_a resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o man._n if_o in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v not_o abound_v in_o goodness_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n more_o easy_o to_o be_v move_v and_o excite_v than_o those_o human_a passion_n that_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o they_o next_o to_o conversation_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n the_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n do_v wonderful_o contribute_v to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o virtue_n how_o do_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o such_o as_o deserve_v our_o esteem_n and_o affection_n settle_v and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n when_o they_o concur_v with_o we_o how_o do_v their_o knowledge_n enlighten_v we_o their_o reason_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o their_o example_n inflame_v we_o with_o emulation_n a_o pious_a friendship_n render_v religion_n itself_o more_o engage_v it_o sanctify_v our_o very_a diversion_n and_o recreation_n and_o make_v they_o minister_v to_o virtue_n it_o mind_v we_o when_o we_o be_v forgetful_a support_v and_o encourage_v we_o when_o we_o faint_v and_o tire_v reprove_v and_o correct_v we_o when_o we_o give_v back_o and_o recall_v we_o into_o the_o right_a path_n when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o it_o this_o be_v or_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o conversation_n the_o end_n and_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n we_o shall_v be_v often_o talk_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n communicate_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o fear_n our_o hope_n our_o improvement_n and_o defect_n we_o shall_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o comfort_n and_o support_v one_o another_o our_o discourse_n shall_v always_o minister_v new_a warmth_n or_o new_a strength_n to_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o love_n but_o among_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o one_o do_v so_o much_o corroborate_v and_o nourish_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n how_o many_o wise_a and_o impartial_a reflection_n do_v the_o preparation_n for_o it_o occasion_n what_o unfeigned_a humility_n and_o what_o a_o profound_a awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n do_v a_o previous_a self-examination_n beget_v in_o we_o what_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n do_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n enkindle_v what_o firmness_n and_o resolution_n do_v we_o derive_v from_o fresh_a vow_n and_o repeat_v engagement_n and_o these_o offer_v up_o with_o so_o much_o solemnity_n and_o how_o much_o final_o be_v the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n improve_v by_o that_o spiritual_a pleasure_n which_o the_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n work_v in_o we_o by_o that_o awe_n and_o holy_a fear_n which_o the_o whole_a action_n leave_v behind_o on_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o zeal_n vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o for_o the_o time_n follow_v not_o to_o mention_v here_o how_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n oblige_v we_o to_o a_o most_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n here_o in_o a_o word_n we_o prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n as_o we_o will_v do_v in_o death_n and_o judgement_n here_o we_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n renounce_v the_o world_n and_o flesh_n
inferior_a nature_n all_o which_o be_v i_o think_v comprise_v by_o solomon_n in_o very_a few_o word_n prov._n 24.13_o 14._o my_o son_n say_v he_o eat_v thou_o honey_n because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o the_o honey_n comb_n which_o be_v sweet_a to_o thy_o taste_n so_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o wisdom_n be_v unto_o thy_o soul_n when_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reward_n and_o thy_o expectation_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o solomon_n here_o as_o be_v very_o usual_a with_o inspire_a writer_n do_v compare_v spiritual_a with_o corporeal_a thing_n or_o illustrates_n the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o what_o honey_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o wisdom_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o recommend_v the_o former_a from_o two_o incomparable_a property_n its_o minister_a to_o health_n and_o pleasure_n he_o recommend_v the_o latter_a from_o advantage_n which_o bear_v indeed_o some_o resemblance_n but_o be_v as_o much_o superior_a to_o these_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n my_o son_n eat_v thou_o honey_n because_o it_o be_v good_a i._n e._n because_o it_o both_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v all_o noxious_a humour_n and_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o body_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_v because_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o taste_n which_o be_v the_o second_o excellence_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o food_n namely_o its_o pleasantness_n and_o proper_o urge_v to_o invite_v the_o eater_n then_o proceed_v to_o complete_a the_o comparison_n he_o add_v so_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o thy_o soul_n when_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o i._n e._n it_o shall_v minister_v to_o the_o purification_n strength_n and_o delight_n of_o thy_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o though_o the_o parallel_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o further_o between_o honey_n and_o wisdom_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a for_o that_o reason_n to_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v than_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reward_n and_o thy_o expectation_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o wisdom_n do_v not_o only_o perfect_a and_o entertain_v our_o mind_n but_o also_o it_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o those_o reward_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o it_o prepare_v and_o fit_v we_o here_o than_o we_o have_v from_o solomon_n the_o true_a property_n of_o true_a wisdom_n by_o these_o we_o may_v pronounce_v safe_o of_o all_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n distinguish_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a and_o fix_v the_o true_a estimate_n of_o each_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sort_n of_o truth_n who_o knowledge_n do_v not_o promote_v but_o obstruct_v these_o great_a end_n these_o we_o be_v to_o despise_v and_o slight_v to_o shun_v and_o hate_v but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o knowledge_n that_o do_v neither_o oppose_v or_o hinder_v nor_o yet_o contribute_v to_o these_o end_n unless_o accidental_o and_o very_o remote_o for_o this_o we_o may_v have_v some_o but_o no_o very_o great_a regard_n or_o esteem_v but_o whatever_o knowledge_n that_o be_v which_o be_v attend_v by_o these_o fruit_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o search_v for_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n this_o be_v that_o which_o when_o we_o have_v find_v it_o we_o be_v to_o value_v above_o the_o gold_n of_o ophir_n the_o topaz_n and_o the_o carbuncle_n and_o all_o precious_a stone_n the_o distinguish_a character_n then_o of_o illuminate_v truth_n be_v four_o 1._o they_o purify_v we_o 2._o they_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v we_o 3._o they_o entertain_v and_o delight_n we_o 4._o they_o procure_v we_o a_o glorious_a reward_n 1._o they_o purify_v we_o this_o be_v a_o property_n which_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n frequent_o attribute_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o clean_a psal_n 119._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o hope_v that_o they_o purify_v the_o heart_n 1_o joh._n 3.3_o act_n 15._o and_o this_o sure_a be_v the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o perfect_a the_o soul_n of_o man._n it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n as_o with_o the_o body_n it_o must_v be_v first_o cleanse_v from_o hurtful_a humour_n before_o it_o can_v be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v purge_v of_o its_o error_n and_o vice_n ere_o it_o can_v be_v enrich_v with_o divine_a virtue_n and_o attain_v that_o liberty_n and_o strength_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a greatness_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n the_o first_o step_n towards_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o relinquish_a our_o vice_n for_o we_o must_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a ere_o we_o can_v learn_v to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o first_o step_v towards_o the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n be_v the_o dispel_v those_o error_n which_o deceive_v and_o mislead_v the_o mind_n and_o pervert_v life_n what_o these_o be_v in_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_a and_o what_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o discern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v be_v natural_o prone_a to_o religious_a worship_n not_o only_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o wonderful_a mechanism_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o event_n strange_a sudden_a and_o unaccountable_a but_o also_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o impotence_n and_o obnoxiousness_n incline_v he_o to_o the_o belief_n and_o prompt_v he_o to_o seek_v the_o patronage_n of_o a_o invisible_a all-sufficient_a power_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v ever_o prone_a to_o propose_v to_o he_o some_o great_a some_o sovereign_a good_a in_o which_o he_o may_v acquiesce_v and_o by_o which_o he_o may_v secure_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v against_o the_o indigence_n and_o poverty_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n the_o disaster_n and_o the_o misery_n to_o which_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v expose_v these_o be_v two_o thing_n of_o that_o importance_n that_o no_o man_n can_v err_v in_o they_o but_o the_o error_n must_v prove_v fatal_a to_o his_o repose_n he_o that_o set_v up_o to_o himself_o for_o his_o ultimate_a end_n a_o empty_a and_o uncertain_a good_a instead_o of_o a_o solid_a and_o eternal_a one_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o miserable_o delude_v and_o disappoint_v as_o he_o must_v who_o set_v up_o to_o himself_o a_o false_a god_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a or_o go_v about_o to_o endear_v and_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o true_a by_o a_o false_a and_o superstitious_a worship_n now_o in_o these_o point_n the_o jew_z and_o gentile_n be_v miserable_o though_o not_o equal_o mistake_v the_o gentile_a worship_v devil_n instead_o of_o god_n their_o mystery_n be_v either_o sensual_a or_o cruel_a their_o religion_n do_v often_o encourage_v sin_n than_o virtue_n and_o as_o to_o their_o sovereign_a good_a their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o pleasure_n upon_o the_o ease_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v either_o none_o or_o very_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a prospect_n beyond_o the_o grave_a all_o beyond_o it_o be_v a_o unknown_a region_n full_a of_o fable_n and_o idle_a phantom_n the_o jew_n though_o they_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o general_o preserve_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a and_o live_a god_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o free_a from_o very_o deplorable_a error_n relate_v to_o these_o point_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v turn_v the_o true_a god_n into_o a_o idol_n and_o to_o have_v entertain_v some_o notion_n of_o he_o very_o repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o a_o respecter_n of_o person_n as_o fond_a and_o partial_a to_o their_o nation_n and_o as_o delight_v with_o a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o external_a observance_n and_o this_o can_v not_o but_o have_v a_o very_a sad_a influence_n upon_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o real_o have_v the_o holiness_n which_o be_v true_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v neglect_v and_o abolish_v and_o sadducism_n or_o pharisaism_n i._n e._n sensuality_n or_o hypocrisy_n introduce_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_a end_n or_o supreme_a good_a the_o sadducee_n deny_v the_o resurrection_n angel_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v entertain_v any_o design_n above_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n and_o though_o the_o pharisee_n acknowledge_v angel_n and_o a_o resurrection_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o discern_v that_o they_o have_v a_o real_a value_n for_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o honour_n power_n and_o wealth_n of_o this_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o they_o can_v upon_o their_o principle_n satisfy_v themselves_o in_o a_o religion_n which_o
sin_n through_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o bless_a advantage_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v above_o natural_a that_o it_o contain_v a_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o upon_o these_o term_n natural_a religion_n indeed_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o be_v just_o too_o and_o it_o can_v never_o assure_v we_o what_o bound_n god_n will_v set_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o when_o justice_n and_o when_o mercy_n shall_v take_v place_n what_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o uncertainty_n consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o best_a life_n be_v ever_o natural_o apt_a to_o beget_v despondency_n melancholy_a and_o sometime_o a_o superstitious_a dread_n of_o god_n the_o second_o ground_n of_o assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a state_n be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o particular_a case_n thus_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o believe_v and_o repent_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o examination_n of_o himself_o may_v be_v thorough_o assure_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o repent_v be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o only_o exhort_v we_o to_o enter_v upon_o this_o examination_n but_o also_o assert_v that_o assurance_n joy_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o it_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o it_o be_v true_a man_n do_v often_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o their_o state_n then_o they_o ought_v but_o whence_o proceed_v this_o even_o from_o too_o partial_a or_o superficial_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o correct_v this_o error_n be_v a_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a search_n into_o ourselves_o for_o if_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v something_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o he_o deceive_v himself_o but_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o gal._n 6.3_o 4._o but_o it_o be_v object_v against_o all_o this_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deceitful_a that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o make_v a_o thorough_a discovery_n of_o it_o we_o often_o think_v ourselves_o sincere_a when_o the_o success_n of_o the_o next_o temptation_n give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o call_v this_o sincerity_n into_o question_n such_o be_v the_o contradiction_n composition_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o often_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o inward_a conviction_n and_o frequent_o fail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o design_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v think_v very_o well_o ground_v and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o the_o levity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n how_o can_v we_o safe_o frame_v any_o right_a opinion_n of_o our_o self_n from_o those_o affection_n and_o purpose_n which_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n concern_v our_o progress_n or_o perfection_n too_o hasty_o we_o be_v not_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o a_o war_n by_o the_o success_n of_o one_o or_o two_o engagement_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o assurance_n be_v to_o advance_v slow_o and_o gradual_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o abatement_n of_o the_o enemy_n force_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o examine_v and_o prove_v our_o own_o heart_n second_o a_o sincere_a christian_a but_o especial_o one_o of_o a_o mature_a virtue_n may_v easy_o discern_v his_o spiritual_a state_n by_o the_o inward_a moving_n and_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o he_o attend_v to_o they_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a what_o impression_n divine_a truth_n make_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a whether_o his_o faith_n stand_v firm_a against_o the_o shock_n of_o all_o carnal_a objection_n whether_o he_o earnest_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n as_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n whether_o he_o thirst_v after_o the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o after_o that_o of_o sensible_a thing_n be_v it_o possible_a the_o soul_n shall_v bewail_v its_o heaviness_n and_o dryness_n which_o the_o best_a be_v liable_a to_o at_o some_o season_n or_o other_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v carry_v upward_o frequent_o on_o the_o wing_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n that_o it_o shall_v maintain_v a_o familiar_a and_o constant_a conversation_n with_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v long_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o world_n of_o trouble_n and_o this_o body_n of_o death_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o region_n of_o peace_n of_o life_n and_o righteousness_n be_v it_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o affection_n the_o long_n and_o earning_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o that_o the_o good_a man_n the_o perfect_a man_n who_o often_o enter_v into_o his_o closet_n and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o it_o can_v be_v in_o a_o word_n can_v the_o reluctance_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v disarm_v weaken_a and_o reduce_v can_v the_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v very_o eager_a the_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n brisk_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o contempt_n of_o worldly_a thing_n be_v real_a and_o thorough_o settle_v and_o yet_o the_o man_n be_v insensible_a of_o all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v but_o if_o we_o fall_v these_o affection_n in_o we_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v at_o least_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n three_o the_o sure_a test_n of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v our_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o tree_n by_o its_o fruit_n be_v our_o master_n own_o rule_n and_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v we_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o then_o we_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n if_o we_o be_v modest_a and_o grateful_a in_o the_o success_n patient_n and_o resigned_n calm_a and_o serene_a under_o the_o cross_n and_o trouble_v of_o life_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o punctual_a but_o honourable_a in_o our_o deal_n if_o we_o be_v vigorous_a and_o generous_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o true_a but_o meek_a gentle_a and_o oblige_v in_o our_o word_n if_o we_o retrench_v not_o only_o the_o sinful_a but_o something_o from_o the_o innocent_a liberty_n and_o gratification_n of_o sense_n to_o give_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o faith_n if_o final_o we_o never_o be_v ashamed_a of_o virtue_n nor_o flatter_v compliment_n nor_o wink_v at_o vice_n if_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v with_o death_n with_o comfort_n and_o retain_v life_n with_o some_o degree_n of_o indifference_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v in_o we_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o state_n for_o good_a work_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v abound_v in_o the_o one_o without_o be_v possess_v
all_o our_o sinful_a or_o vain_a desire_n devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n and_o learn_v to_o expect_v happiness_n from_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o merit_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o cross_n so_o profound_a be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o institution_n that_o it_o evident_o speak_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o proclaim_v the_o too_o common_a neglect_n of_o it_o in_o most_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n a_o in-excusable_a sin_n and_o folly_n 3._o a_o three_o end_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o raise_n and_o keep_v up_o holy_a and_o devout_a affection_n i_o know_v not_o why_o passion_n be_v so_o common_o undervalue_v and_o disparage_v in_o religion_n unless_o they_o who_o thus_o treat_v it_o mean_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o a_o short-lived_a and_o superficial_a commotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o leave_v no_o print_n or_o relish_v behind_o it_o and_o be_v present_o succeed_v by_o sin_n and_o folly_n holy_a passion_n be_v the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o state_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v thorough_o move_v and_o affect_v and_o therefore_o to_o form_n to_o one_o self_a religion_n destitute_a of_o passion_n be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o content_v one_o self_n with_o one_o that_o be_v lazy_a lukewarm_a and_o lifeless_a and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o temper_n very_o unapt_a to_o be_v move_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v how_o even_o these_o can_v be_v wrought_v up_o to_o a_o resolution_n or_o that_o resolution_n be_v support_v and_o continue_v without_o their_o be_v affect_v so_o thorough_o as_o to_o feel_v either_o a_o real_a passion_n or_o something_o very_o near_o approach_v one_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v easy_o elevate_v and_o transport_v into_o holy_a passion_n and_o i_o find_v that_o all_o those_o virtue_n or_o rather_o act_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v describe_v to_o the_o life_n and_o which_o be_v by_o all_o judge_v most_o perfect_a and_o lovely_a have_v most_o of_o passion_n in_o they_o how_o warm_a and_o passionate_a be_v the_o love_n of_o david_n for_o his_o god_n what_o flame_n what_o vehemence_n of_o desire_n be_v he_o move_v by_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 42.1_o 2._o as_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n what_o awful_a concussion_n and_o agitation_n of_o spirit_n do_v he_o feel_v when_o he_o thus_o describe_v his_o fear_n my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n psal_n 119.120_o what_o affliction_n of_o soul_n what_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o repentance_n of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o weep_v bitter_o of_o mary_n magdalen_n or_o whoever_o that_o woman_n in_o luk._n 7._o be_v when_o she_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n when_o he_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n psal_n 6.6_o nor_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o assurance_n less_o sensible_a and_o vehement_a than_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n when_o the_o first_o christian_n rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o hope_n full_a of_o glory_n shall_v i_o here_o add_v that_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n that_o vehement_a desire_n of_o make_v some_o reparation_n for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n that_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a character_n of_o perfection_n itself_o shall_v i_o call_v these_o passion_n i_o must_v not_o for_o though_o they_o have_v the_o heat_n and_o agitation_n of_o passion_n they_o have_v in_o they_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadiness_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o those_o other_o excellent_a affection_n of_o soul_n which_o i_o before_o name_v can_v be_v render_v natural_a and_o habitual_a the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o this_o undoubted_o the_o perfect_a i_o doubt_v mortality_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o such_o height_n but_o the_o more_o frequent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o more_o vehement_a and_o fervent_a the_o better_a certain_o for_o great_a be_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o holy_a passion_n the_o flame_n of_o love_n refine_v our_o nature_n and_o purify_v it_o from_o all_o its_o dross_n the_o tear_n of_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n extinguish_v all_o our_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o agitation_n of_o fear_n preserve_v the_o chastity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o our_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v animate_v by_o holy_a passion_n that_o the_o more_o frequent_a and_o natural_a these_o grow_v the_o more_o perfect_a we_o be_v that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v sensible_o and_o thorough_o affect_v by_o divine_a truth_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v attain_v to_o this_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o great_a and_o important_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a truth_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o affect_v we_o and_o that_o thorough_o unless_o lust_n or_o infidelity_n have_v render_v we_o stupid_a and_o impenetrable_a and_o that_o gospel_n truth_n be_v such_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o let_v the_o conviction_n be_v full_a the_o representation_n lively_a and_o the_o truth_n will_v do_v its_o work_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o such_o circumstance_n and_o such_o sensible_a notion_n of_o a_o object_n as_o may_v strike_v the_o imagination_n for_o want_v of_o close_a and_o particular_a application_n when_o divine_a truth_n do_v not_o move_v we_o this_o now_o do_v not_o only_o call_v we_o to_o the_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o the_o most_o affect_v subject_n the_o majesty_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n but_o it_o show_v also_o how_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o meditation_n that_o they_o prove_v not_o cold_a and_o sluggish_a let_v the_o object_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o sensible_a image_n or_o resemblance_n let_v it_o be_v clad_v with_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n let_v it_o be_v make_v as_o particular_a as_o it_o can_v by_o fix_v its_o eye_n upon_o we_o and_o point_v its_o motion_n towards_o we_o but_o above_o all_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o strong_a prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n very_o apt_a to_o move_v the_o passion_n the_o mind_n have_v disengage_v itself_o from_o all_o earthly_a and_o bodily_a affection_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o impression_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o draw_v near_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o shed_v a_o awful_a reverence_n upon_o it_o it_o have_v a_o clear_a calm_a and_o more_o serious_a view_n of_o divine_a thing_n then_o when_o it_o be_v obscure_v and_o disturb_v by_o worldly_a object_n in_o a_o word_n meditation_n be_v in_o this_o exercise_n render_v more_o solemn_a and_o more_o particular_a and_o when_o the_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o dilate_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o till_o the_o strength_n of_o desire_n the_o vehemence_n of_o holy_a love_n transcend_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o mortal_a nature_n we_o faint_v under_o the_o passion_n that_o we_o can_v bear_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o holy_a rite_n wonderful_o adapt_v to_o raise_v excellent_a passion_n here_o christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o crucify_a among_o we_o we_o see_v his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n pour_v forth_o here_o with_o a_o devout_a joy_n we_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o those_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o ill_o prepare_v it_o must_v have_v very_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n grace_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o a_o crow_v of_o holy_a passion_n spring_v up_o in_o it_o at_o this_o sacrament_n hymn_n and_o psalm_n have_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o natural_a magic_n a_o peculiar_a force_n and_o operation_n upon_o a_o pious_a mind_n divine_a poetry_n have_v a_o noble_a elevation_n of_o thought_n it_o do_v not_o devise_v and_o counterfeit_v passion_n but_o only_o vent_v those_o which_o it_o feel_v and_o these_o be_v pure_a and_o lovely_a kindle_v from_o above_o therefore_o be_v all_o its_o character_n natural_a its_o description_n lively_a its_o language_n move_v and_o powerful_a and_o all_o be_v
so_o direct_o suit_v to_o a_o devout_a mind_n that_o it_o present_o enter_v it_o moves_z and_o actuate_v it_o inspire_v and_o inform_v it_o with_o the_o very_a passion_n it_o describe_v and_o though_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o move_v in_o this_o duty_n yet_o all_o i_o believe_v be_v more_o or_o less_o move_v it_o be_v very_o much_o the_o business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o of_o prophetic_a education_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n practise_v it_o frequent_o it_o be_v ever_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religious_a joy_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o pious_a retirement_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o heart_n the_o esteem_n of_o it_o be_v revive_v in_o our_o day_n i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o will_v add_v much_o to_o the_o warmth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o devotion_n it_o will_v contribute_v to_o introduce_v religion_n into_o our_o family_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v into_o our_o very_a recreation_n and_o friendship_n and_o this_o mind_n i_o that_o as_o i_o have_v under_o every_o forego_n head_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n so_o i_o shall_v not_o forget_v it_o here_o this_o have_v a_o lively_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o always_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o gentle_a heat_n and_o do_v we_o but_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o discourse_n about_o another_o world_n do_v we_o mingle_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o feast_n and_o joy_n of_o life_n do_v we_o retire_v to_o our_o country-house_n to_o contemplate_v the_o variety_n and_o riches_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o bounty_n in_o those_o natural_a scene_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o country_n afford_v and_o do_v we_o now_o and_o then_o invite_v our_o friend_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o offer_v up_o halelujah_n to_o god_n on_o this_o account_n what_o brightness_n and_o serenity_n what_o calm_a and_o pleasure_n will_v this_o diffuse_v through_o all_o our_o soul_n through_o all_o our_o day_n to_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v touch_v the_o exciting_a holy_a passion_n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o observation_n form_v upon_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n jam._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n that_o religion_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o nature_n and_o that_o devout_a passion_n will_v soon_o shoot_v up_o when_o they_o be_v engraft_v upon_o a_o natural_a stock_n with_o which_o i_o will_v join_v this_o other_o that_o since_o we_o be_v most_o affect_v by_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v most_o particular_a circumstantiate_v and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o imprint_v themselves_o more_o easy_o and_o deep_o on_o our_o imagination_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o shall_v recommend_v the_o read_n the_o life_n of_o saint_n and_o excellent_a person_n be_v they_o not_o general_o write_v so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o more_o of_o judgement_n in_o the_o pious_a who_o have_v employ_v their_o pen_n on_o this_o argument_n §_o 4._o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o subdue_a the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n by_o discipline_n i_o here_o understand_v whatever_o voluntary_a rigour_n we_o impose_v on_o our_o self_n or_o whatever_o voluntary_a restraint_n we_o lie_v upon_o our_o allow_a enjoyment_n and_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o both_o i_o do_v not_o exclude_v any_o other_o which_o may_v be_v involve_v in_o these_o or_o result_v from_o they_o now_o of_o what_o importance_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v i_o need_v not_o show_v for_o since_o all_o sin_n be_v distinguish_v in_o scripture_n into_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o two_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a end_n which_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a have_v ever_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n this_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o the_o example_n of_o david_n psal_n 131._o lord_n i_o be_o not_o high_a mind_v i_o have_v no_o proud_a look_n i_o do_v not_o exercise_v myself_o in_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o but_o i_o refrain_v my_o soul_n and_o keep_v it_o low_o like_a as_o a_o child_n that_o be_v wean_v from_o his_o mother_n yea_o my_o soul_n be_v even_o as_o a_o wean_a child_n and_o from_o that_o other_o of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n whoever_o thus_o mortify_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n whoever_o thus_o bring_v under_o the_o body_n will_v soon_o find_v himself_o true_o set_v free_a and_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o fortune_n he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o advance_v on_o swift_o towards_o perfection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o to_o attain_v these_o bless_a end_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o need_v ensnare_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o perpetual_a bond_n of_o monastic_a vow_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o be_v to_o expose_v ourselves_o by_o any_o ridiculous_a or_o fantastic_a observance_n there_o be_v i_o say_v no_o need_n of_o this_o for_o we_o may_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v fit_a retrench_v our_o pleasure_n abate_v of_o the_o show_n and_o figure_n of_o life_n we_o may_v renounce_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o who_o can_v so_o well_o pretend_v either_o to_o authority_n or_o discretion_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v in_o some_o circumstance_n without_o become_a fool_n for_o christ_n that_o be_v without_o that_o tameness_n that_o condescension_n that_o diminution_n of_o ourselves_o which_o will_n never_o comport_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v still_o the_o more_o room_n for_o mortification_n and_o for_o a_o near_o and_o more_o eminent_a imitation_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n provide_v still_o we_o decline_v all_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o when_o we_o practice_v any_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o self-denial_n we_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o justify_v it_o to_o religious_a and_o judicious_a person_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o some_o excellent_a end_n fast_v indeed_o be_v plain_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o obligation_n to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o frequency_n and_o measure_n be_v not_o the_o same_o on_o all_o yet_o all_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o practice_v it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a prudence_n will_v permit_v and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o fast_v shall_v general_o consist_v rather_o in_o abstinence_n from_o please_a meat_n than_o from_o all_o not_o the_o food_n which_o nourish_v our_o strength_n but_o that_o which_o gratify_v the_o palate_n minister_a most_o direct_o to_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n for_o the_o better_a regulation_n of_o voluntary_a discipline_n i_o propose_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n three_o thing_n 1._o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o under_o any_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a tie_n in_o any_o instance_n of_o self-denial_n there_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o enjoy_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o renounce_v it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o excellence_n of_o religion_n to_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v as_o how_o to_o suffer_v want_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o all_o voluntary_a austerity_n be_v in_o order_n to_o give_v we_o a_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o ourselves_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o prosperous_a life_n and_o last_o i_o very_o much_o doubt_n when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v long_a and_o constant_o accustom_v himself_o to_o any_o rigour_n whether_o it_o continue_v to_o have_v much_o of_o mortification_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o so_o effectual_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a liberty_n as_o it_o will_v if_o we_o do_v return_v to_o it_o but_o now_o and_o then_o as_o we_o see_v occasion_n 2._o we_o must_v not_o multiply_v unnecessary_a severity_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v think_v
more_o needful_a than_o real_o be_v i_o observe_v here_o that_o as_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o nature_n very_o considerable_a infirmity_n so_o be_v there_o as_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o fortune_n very_o considerable_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o master_v of_o both_o these_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v stand_v in_o less_o need_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o arbitrary_a austerity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n too_o trifle_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o yet_o do_v prove_v sufficient_a to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o most_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o many_o passion_n and_o indecency_n nay_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n be_v sometime_o feed_v by_o temptation_n of_o very_a little_a moment_n now_o to_o surmount_v these_o temptation_n and_o to_o frame_v and_o accommodate_v the_o mind_n to_o bear_v the_o little_a shock_n and_o justle_v which_o we_o daily_o meet_v with_o without_o any_o discomposure_n or_o displeasure_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o life_n and_o the_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o pride_n of_o one_o and_o the_o stupidity_n of_o another_o one_o while_o to_o encounter_v rudeness_n another_o while_o neglect_v without_o be_v move_v by_o either_o to_o submit_v to_o noise_n disorder_n and_o the_o distraction_n of_o many_o little_a affair_n when_o one_o be_v natural_o a_o lover_n of_o quietness_n and_o order_n or_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v intent_n upon_o thing_n of_o importance_n in_o one_o word_n to_o digest_v the_o perpetual_a disappointment_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o both_o in_o business_n and_o pleasure_n and_o in_o all_o the_o little_a project_n which_o not_o the_o elegant_a and_o ingenious_a only_o but_o people_n of_o all_o station_n and_o all_o capacity_n pursue_v to_o suffer_v all_o the_o humour_n and_o folly_n the_o error_n artifices_fw-la indecency_n and_o fault_n of_o those_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o with_o that_o temper_n we_o ought_v that_o be_v with_o a_o calmness_n which_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o unconcernment_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o a_o just_a dominion_n over_o our_o own_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o great_a height_n and_o to_o train_v ourselves_o up_o to_o it_o daily_o with_o much_o patience_n vigilence_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o best_a discipline_n though_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v hereby_o to_o exclude_v all_o voluntary_a imposition_n for_o in_o order_n to_o master_n the_o evil_n which_o we_o can_v avoid_v it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n now_o and_o then_o to_o form_v the_o mind_n by_o voluntary_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n of_o our_o own_o choose_n 3._o last_o we_o must_v ever_o have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o loose_v the_o substance_n for_o the_o shadow_n not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o neglect_v the_o end_n be_v much_o take_v up_o in_o discipline_n without_o produce_v any_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v take_v much_o pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n travel_v much_o without_o make_v any_o progress_n but_o much_o more_o must_v we_o take_v care_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o the_o discipline_n we_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o do_v not_o produce_v any_o ill_a fruit._n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v careful_o observe_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o keep_v to_o that_o moderation_n which_o spiritual_a prudence_n require_v neither_o expose_v nor_o entangle_v ourselves_o nor_o discourage_v other_o by_o excess_n and_o extravagancy_n 2._o that_o our_o self-denial_n never_o betray_v we_o into_o pride_n or_o vncharitableness_n for_o if_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o overrate_v ourselves_o and_o despise_v other_o this_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o christian_a discipline_n which_o be_v the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n 3._o that_o we_o ever_o preserve_v nay_o increase_v the_o sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o whatever_o make_v we_o sour_a and_o morose_n or_o peevish_a and_o unsociable_a make_v we_o certain_o so_o much_o worse_o and_o instead_o of_o beget_v in_o we_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v we_o a_o very_a strong_a tincture_n of_o a_o devilish_a one_o athanasius_n therefore_o in_o the_o life_n of_o anthony_n the_o hermit_n observe_v among_o other_o his_o great_a virtue_n that_o after_o thirty_o year_n spend_v in_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o retire_a and_o solitary_a life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o his_o friend_n with_o a_o sullen_a or_o savage_a but_o with_o a_o oblige_a sociable_a air_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o but_o little_a reason_n why_o the_o look_n shall_v be_v lower_v and_o contract_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o charity_n goodness_n and_o pleasure_n a_o serene_a open_a countenance_n and_o a_o cheerful_a grave_a deportment_n do_v best_a suit_n the_o tranquillity_n purity_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a mind_n §_o 5._o last_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n than_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o enter_v into_o a_o examination_n of_o the_o advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v in_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o life_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n the_o settle_v this_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v one_o main_a design_n of_o my_o last_o book_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o have_v here_o to_o do_v be_v but_o to_o make_v one_o plain_a inference_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v advance_v in_o this_o chapter_n if_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o a_o frequent_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o mean_n here_o insist_v on_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v our_o life_n if_o we_o can_v into_o such_o a_o method_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v this_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o and_o close_o since_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o holy_a conversation_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o quicken_v the_o conscience_n excite_v our_o passion_n and_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a so_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o bestow_v on_o these_o for_o they_o who_o mind_n and_o time_n be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o world_n have_v very_o little_a leisure_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o be_v very_o little_o dispose_v to_o they_o and_o as_o ill_o qualify_v for_o they_o as_o to_o conversation_n as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v in_o it_o any_o relish_n of_o piety_n unless_o between_o such_o as_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o close_a and_o strict_a friendship_n but_o the_o worldly_a man_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o true_a friendship_n it_o be_v too_o sacred_a too_o delicate_a a_o thing_n for_o a_o mind_n devote_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o regard_n to_o interest_n to_o some_o outward_a form_n and_o decency_n the_o gratification_n of_o some_o natural_a inclination_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o diversion_n and_o enjoyment_n may_v invite_v he_o to_o more_o familiarity_n with_o some_o than_o other_o but_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o such_o combination_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o friendship_n a_o sincere_a and_o undesigning_a passion_n increase_v by_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o obligation_n and_o support_v and_o strengthen_v by_o virtue_n and_o honour_n as_o to_o prayer_n man_n of_o business_n do_v i_o doubt_v often_o read_v or_o say_v prayer_n than_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o grovel_n perpetual_o here_o upon_o earth_n that_o be_v incessant_o solicitous_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o enter_v abrupt_o upon_o this_o duty_n without_o any_o preparation_n shall_v immediate_o take_v fire_n be_v fill_v with_o heavenly_a vigour_n and_o be_v transport_v with_o earnest_n and_o impatient_a desire_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n ah_o how_o hard_a be_v it_o for_o he_o who_o hunger_n and_n thirst_v perpetual_o after_o the_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n too_o if_o such_o mind_n as_o these_o retain_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n some_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o gratitude_n towards_o he_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o and_o may_v this_o avail_v they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v last_o as_o to_o meditation_n how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o such_o who_o mind_n and_o body_n be_v fatigue_v and_o harrass_v by_o worldly_a business_n shall_v be_v much_o incline_v to_o it_o or_o
good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o firm_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o a_o spectator_n and_o will_v very_o sudden_o come_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n and_o rewarder_n of_o his_o suffering_n how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o to_o he_o who_o have_v a_o eternal_a joy_n a_o eternal_a crown_n always_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o a_o life_n to_o come_v can_v make_v a_o man_n rejoice_v even_o in_o suffer_v evil_a how_o much_o more_o in_o do_v good_a if_o it_o enable_v he_o to_o conquer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o church_n trial_n and_o affliction_n how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o enable_v he_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o virtue_n in_o the_o day_n of_o its_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n how_o free_o will_v a_o man_n give_v to_o the_o distress_a member_n of_o christ_n who_o believe_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n himself_o stand_v by_o and_o receive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o place_v it_o to_o his_o own_o account_n to_o be_v repay_v a_o thousand-fold_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o easy_o will_v a_o man_n allay_v the_o storm_n of_o passion_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o weapon_n of_o revenge_n and_o anger_n with_o indignation_n against_o himself_o if_o his_o faith_n do_v but_o present_v he_o often_o with_o a_o view_n of_o that_o canaan_n which_o the_o meek_a in_o heart_n shall_v inherit_v for_o ever_o how_o importunate_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n who_o sense_n who_o soul_n who_o imagination_n be_v strike_v with_o a_o dread_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v from_o god_n and_o exclude_v from_o the_o joy_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o bless_a how_o fervent_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n who_o thought_n be_v daily_o swallow_v up_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o a_o eternity_n and_o who_o mind_n be_v as_o full_o possess_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o world_n as_o of_o the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o how_o natural_a final_o will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o to_o delight_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o a_o unfeigned_a humility_n to_o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o image_n of_o jesus_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o a_o little_a after_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n always_o before_o he_o but_o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v here_o object_v we_o discern_v not_o this_o efficacy_n you_o attribute_v to_o this_o motive_n the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n be_v the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v every_o where_o preach_v throughout_o christendom_n and_o yet_o man_n general_o seem_v to_o have_v as_o much_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v be_v there_o no_o other_o they_o practise_v no_o virtue_n but_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a and_o fashionable_a or_o none_o any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o most_o act_n thus_o there_o be_v many_o i_o hope_v very_o many_o who_o do_v otherwise_o and_o that_o all_o in_o general_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o want_n either_o of_o due_a consideration_n or_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n first_o from_o not_o considerate_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v it_o be_v the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v distant_a and_o invisible_a he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a that_o will_v derive_v any_o strength_n and_o virtue_n from_o this_o motive_n must_v supply_v this_o distance_n by_o devout_a and_o daily_a contemplation_n he_o must_v fetch_v the_o remore_n object_n of_o faith_n home_o to_o he_o he_o must_v render_v they_o as_o it_o be_v present_a he_o must_v see_v and_o feel_v they_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n of_o meditation_n which_o if_o he_o do_v then_o will_v his_o faith_n certain_o prove_v a_o vital_a and_o victorious_a principle_n then_o will_v no_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n be_v able_a to_o combat_v the_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o heaven_n nor_o any_o worldly_a evil_n or_o difficulty_n sustain_v for_o virtue_n be_v able_a to_o confront_v the_o terror_n of_o a_o hell_n a_o second_o reason_n why_o this_o motive_n do_v not_o operate_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v want_n of_o faith_n we_o doubt_v we_o waver_v we_o stagger_v or_o take_v thing_n upon_o trust_n assent_v very_o slight_o and_o superficial_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n and_o look_v upon_o good_a work_n rather_o as_o not_o injurious_a to_o this_o world_n then_o serviceable_a to_o a_o better_a and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n that_o the_o unbelieving_a christian_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o perfection_n and_o rest_n than_o that_o the_o unbelieving_a jew_n do_v not_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n if_o the_o word_n of_o life_n do_v not_o profit_v the_o christian_n when_o not_o believe_v by_o he_o then_o if_o it_o do_v not_o profit_v a_o pagan_a who_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o infidelity_n be_v in_o its_o measure_n and_o proportion_n true_a when_o apply_v to_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o pray_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n he_o must_v daily_o consider_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a stand_n the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o future_a immortality_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o demonstrastration_n of_o this_o contain_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n and_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o may_v add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o state_n and_o fortune_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n from_o all_o which_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o infer_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o another_o world_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o amount_n to_o this_o whoever_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o i_o shall_v i_o think_v have_v say_v almost_o hourly_o ponder_v the_o blessedness_n that_o attend_v perfection_n in_o another_o life_n he_o must_v ponder_v it_o serious_o that_o he_o may_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o it_o he_o must_v ponder_v it_o often_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o may_v be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a in_o his_o soul_n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o perfection_n what_o the_o several_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n be_v will_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o a_o very_a slight_a reflection_n either_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o perfection_n already_o lay_v down_o if_o we_o consider_v man_n who_o perfection_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o moral_a perfection_n relate_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o body_n no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n we_o find_v these_o three_o thing_n understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o improvement_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o human_a perfection_n must_v consequent_o consist_v and_o if_o we_o inquire_v wherein_o this_o improvement_n or_o accomplishment_n lie_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o obvious_a that_o it_o will_v not_o need_v any_o proof_n that_o illumination_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n liberty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o description_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o perfection_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o to_o constitute_v a_o firm_a habit_n of_o righteousness_n three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o 2._o the_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o passion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v it_o last_o not_o only_o a_o free_a but_o warm_a and_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o consist_v illumination_n in_o the_o second_o liberty_n and_o in_o the_o three_o zeal_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o man_n that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o treat_v in_o order_n of_o these_o three_o thing_n illumination_n liberty_n and_o zeal_n as_o so_o many_o essential_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n nor_o must_v i_o stop_v here_o but_o must_v to_o those_o three_o avoidable_a add_v humility_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o
the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a world_n he_o therefore_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o he_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v love_v fear_v not_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 10.28_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o rather_o fear_v he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n and_o st._n john_n give_v the_o same_o precept_n concern_v the_o world_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o back_n it_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o that_o be_v the_o world_n can_v at_o best_a but_o gratify_v for_o a_o moment_n the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o desire_v of_o a_o sensual_a fancy_n therefore_o love_v it_o not_o but_o love_v the_o father_n who_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o vital_a union_n betwixt_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v able_a to_o confer_v life_n and_o happiness_n on_o both_o to_o all_o eternity_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v amount_n to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o there_o be_v truth_n of_o very_a different_a kind_n truth_n that_o be_v of_o no_o use_n such_o be_v those_o which_o be_v either_o trifle_a or_o mere_o notional_a and_o can_v have_v no_o influence_n on_o human_a life_n truth_n that_o be_v of_o ill_a use_n such_o be_v those_o of_o which_o consist_v the_o art_n of_o sensuality_n avarice_n vanity_n and_o ambition_n these_o be_v to_o be_v detest_v the_o former_a to_o be_v contemn_v by_o all_o that_o seek_v after_o true_a wisdom_n again_o there_o be_v truth_n of_o a_o inferior_a use_n such_o as_o concern_v our_o fortune_n our_o relation_n our_o body_n and_o these_o may_v be_v allow_v their_o proper_a place_n and_o a_o reasonable_a value_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o concern_v the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n and_o strength_n and_o liberty_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o procure_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n which_o secure_v our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n these_o be_v illuminate_v truth_n these_o have_v a_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o inestimable_a excellence_n or_o usefulness_n and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v too_o dear_a to_o we_o 2._o since_o the_o great_a character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n do_v exact_o fit_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o be_v that_o systeme_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o be_v to_o study_v day_n and_o night_n this_o be_v that_o divine_a philosophy_n who_o principle_n and_o law_n we_o must_v incessant_o revolve_v and_o ponder_v it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o the_o psalmist_n bestow_v such_o glorious_a eulogy_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n psal_n 19_o and_o elsewhere_o that_o he_o magnify_v one_o while_o the_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o beauty_n another_o while_n the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o ever_o and_o anon_o enlarge_v himself_o upon_o the_o advantage_n the_o unspeakable_a advantage_n which_o reward_n the_o meditation_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o of_o all_o perfection_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a they_o be_v pure_a they_o endure_v for_o ever_o they_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n moreover_o by_o they_o thy_o servant_n be_v warn_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n that_o be_v by_o they_o we_o be_v preserve_v from_o all_o real_a evil_n and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o or_o entitle_v to_o all_o real_a good_n how_o well_o do_v st._n peter_n answer_n when_o our_o lord_n ask_v his_o disciple_n will_v you_o also_o go_v from_o i_o lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o how_o wise_o do_v st._n paul_n resolve_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o crucify_a for_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o after_o all_o as_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o beginning_n in_o different_a person_n may_v be_v very_o different_a as_o meet_v with_o a_o very_a different_a reception_n our_o conception_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a or_o confuse_a more_o lively_a or_o faint_a more_o perfect_a or_o maim_v and_o our_o assent_n may_v be_v strong_a or_o weak_a in_o some_o they_o may_v only_o float_v superficial_o in_o other_o they_o may_v penetrate_v deep_o and_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o influence_n and_o operation_n will_v be_v certain_o proportion_v to_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o reception_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o state_n of_o illumination_n to_o discourse_v 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o knowledge_n we_o must_v have_v of_o the_o former_a truth_n to_o show_v what_o sort_n of_o conception_n we_o must_v form_v of_o they_o what_o kind_n of_o assent_n we_o must_v pay_v they_o and_o what_o kind_n of_o consideration_n we_o must_v employ_v about_o they_o as_o i_o have_v therefore_o lay_v down_o the_o property_n of_o those_o truth_n so_o will_v i_o now_o lie_v down_o the_o property_n of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o illumination_n 1._o illuminate_v knowledge_n must_v be_v deep_o root_v this_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o that_o parble_n wherein_o he_o have_v observe_v to_o we_o that_o the_o seed_n which_o have_v not_o depth_n of_o earth_n as_o it_o soon_o spring_v up_o so_o it_o soon_o wither_a and_o dry_v away_o we_o often_o know_v or_o pretend_v to_o do_v so_o the_o rudiment_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o we_o embrace_v conclusion_n without_o examine_v the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n to_o any_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v not_o proper_o knowledge_n but_o opinion_n it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o credulity_n it_o be_v not_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n but_o a_o easy_a customary_a assent_n and_o this_o be_v overthrow_v by_o every_o temptation_n deface_v or_o much_o blur_v by_o every_o atheistical_a suggestion_n or_o profane_a objection_n do_v the_o world_n or_o our_o lust_n tempt_v we_o as_o the_o devil_n do_v our_o first_o parent_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v how_o easy_o be_v that_o faith_n shake_v which_o be_v no_o better_o found_v how_o easy_o be_v a_o man_n induce_v to_o hope_n that_o sin_n be_v not_o very_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a that_o god_n 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knowledge_n which_o have_v no_o deep_a root_n be_v subject_a to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o ever_o blast_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v little_o more_o than_o credulity_n do_v very_o seldom_o stand_v against_o any_o very_a rude_a shock_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o duty_n be_v full_o and_o clear_o expound_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o especial_o we_o must_v seek_v they_o when_o i_o say_v this_o i_o reject_v no_o collateral_a argugument_n i_o refuse_v no_o foreign_a aid_n which_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o confirm_v and_o fortify_v our_o belief_n of_o gospel_n truth_n the_o faith_n of_o st._n thomas_n do_v in_o part_n at_o least_o depend_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v joh._n 20.29_o and_o so_o do_v that_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o
disturb_v and_o indispose_v the_o body_n many_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o distract_v and_o clog_v the_o mind_n from_o both_o which_o because_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v utter_o free_a in_o this_o world_n therefore_o our_o devotion_n will_v never_o be_v so_o constant_a and_o uniform_a but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v its_o interruption_n and_o allay_v and_o dulness_n and_o lifelessness_n will_v sometime_o seize_v upon_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n but_o then_o if_o this_o spiritual_a deadness_n in_o religious_a exercise_n be_v fix_v constant_a and_o habitual_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o true_a principle_n of_o grace_n within_o which_o shall_v never_o or_o very_o rare_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o sincerity_n and_o fervency_n of_o our_o devotion_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o that_o man_n who_o be_v general_o slight_a and_o superficial_a in_o his_o confession_n shall_v have_v a_o true_a compunction_n and_o sincere_a contrition_n for_o sin_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o be_v general_o indifferent_a formal_a and_o cold_a in_o his_o petition_n shall_v have_v a_o just_a sense_n either_o of_o his_o want_n or_o danger_n or_o a_o true_a value_n for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n be_v deadness_n in_o duty_n be_v either_o general_n or_o rare_a common_a or_o accidental_a if_o it_o befall_v we_o common_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a heart_n if_o rare_o it_o be_v not_o but_o if_o the_o return_v of_o life_n and_o deadness_n in_o duty_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o unconstant_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o prevail_v most_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o state_n also_o of_o such_o a_o man_n be_v very_o dubious_a 2._o duty_n must_v never_o be_v destitute_a of_o sincerity_n though_o it_o may_v of_o pleasure_n and_o transport_v it_o must_v never_o be_v without_o seriousness_n and_o concernment_n though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o defective_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o ardency_n thus_o in_o prayer_n the_o tenderness_n and_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n dissolve_v in_o love_n and_o sorrow_n be_v a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n much_o above_o what_o the_o penitent_a common_o arrive_v at_o but_o a_o aversion_n for_o sin_n a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v be_v what_o he_o must_v not_o want_v so_o again_o joy_n and_o transport_n the_o ardour_n and_o exultancy_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o clear_a understanding_n a_o assure_a conscience_n a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o love_n and_o a_o strict_a life_n whoever_o therefore_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o one_o will_v general_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o other_o too_o but_o every_o christian_a that_o be_v true_o such_o must_v have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o want_n a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o please_v god_n a_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o a_o steady_a dependence_n upon_o it_o through_o christ_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o unite_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o lip_n in_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o make_v we_o in_o earnest_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n we_o perform_v and_o careful_a to_o intend_v the_o main_a end_n of_o they_o 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v general_o offer_v up_o with_o the_o tender_a and_o most_o exalt_a passion_n and_o a_o holy_a pleasure_n mingle_v itself_o in_o every_o part_n of_o his_o office_n his_o petition_n and_o praise_n his_o confession_n deprecation_n and_o confidence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o expression_n of_o warm_a and_o delightful_a passion_n and_o how_o can_v we_o well_o conceive_v it_o otherwise_o must_v not_o those_o praise_n and_o magnificate_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n and_o transport_n which_o flow_v from_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n from_o a_o long_a experience_n of_o his_o love_n and_o from_o the_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n can_v those_o deprecation_n and_o confidence_n want_v a_o heavenly_a calm_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n which_o rest_n upon_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n the_o promise_n of_o a_o immutable_a god_n and_o the_o pledge_n of_o his_o spirit_n can_v those_o confession_n want_v contrition_n that_o have_v all_o the_o tenderness_n that_o holy_a zeal_n and_o the_o humble_a reflection_n can_v inspire_v they_o with_o which_o be_v power_v forth_o by_o a_o soul_n enlighten_v purify_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n by_o a_o soul_n consequent_o that_o have_v the_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n of_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o that_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n can_v final_o those_o petition_n want_v desire_n and_o flame_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o 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devotion_n of_o a_o soul_n disengage_v as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o body_n retire_v from_o the_o world_n collect_v within_o itself_o raise_v by_o daily_a contemplation_n and_o accustom_a to_o converse_v with_o heaven_n flow_v natural_o and_o easy_o those_o great_a idea_n which_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n composure_n present_a to_o the_o mind_n inflame_v the_o desire_n awaken_v all_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n without_o any_o labour_n of_o imagination_n or_o artifice_n of_o word_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o my_o next_o business_n be_v to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o quit_v it_o and_o become_v sincere_a and_o zealous_a only_o i_o must_v first_o take_v notice_n by_o the_o way_n that_o beside_o idleness_n and_o lukewarmness_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o three_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o unfruitfulness_n which_o deserve_v never_o to_o be_v slight_v that_o be_v fickleness_n vnsteadiness_n or_o inconstancy_n many_o there_o be_v who_o often_o purpose_n project_n and_o resolve_v great_a matter_n but_o never_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n what_o they_o build_v one_o day_n they_o throw_v down_o another_o they_o put_v on_o as_o many_o various_a moral_a form_n as_o proteus_n in_o the_o poet_n do_v natural_a one_o sometime_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a of_o zeal_n at_o other_o time_n nothing_o but_o coldness_n and_o bare_a form_n sometime_o they_o be_v in_o the_o camp_n of_o virtue_n sometime_o in_o that_o of_o vice_n in_o a_o word_n they_o halt_v like_o the_o israelite_n between_o god_n and_o baal_n and_o be_v divide_v and_o distract_v between_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n between_o the_o check_n and_o incitement_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o some_o foolish_a inclination_n on_o the_o other_o this_o state_n i_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n too_o very_o often_o nor_o shall_v i_o forget_v it_o here_o but_o shall_v propose_v such_o a_o method_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o formality_n as_o may_v be_v also_o of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o all_o such_o as_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o true_o and_o thorough_o change_v but_o be_v only_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o only_o not_o altogether_o so_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o other_o this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v and_o 1._o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o lukewarmness_n and_o all_o abortive_a attempt_n after_o virtue_n flow_v 2._o i_o will_v show_v the_o folly_n gild_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o laodicean_n state_n §_o 1._o of_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v general_o four_n 1._o man_n find_v themselves_o under_o great_a difficulty_n in_o come_v up_o to_o