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
have_v nothing_o of_o internal_a purity_n or_o solid_a righteousness_n in_o it_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o jew_z and_o gentile_n be_v alike_o wicked_a only_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o aggravation_n in_o it_o above_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o lie_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a world_n our_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n advance_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n that_o doctrine_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o dispel_v these_o error_n and_o rescue_v mankind_n from_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o assertion_n of_o one_o only_a true_a god_n with_o a_o bright_a and_o full_a revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n second_o a_o account_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o the_o worship_n he_o delight_v in_o which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a one_o together_o with_o suitable_a mean_n and_o motive_n in_o which_o last_o be_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o man_n supreme_a happiness_n three_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n through_o who_o we_o have_v access_n with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n through_o who_o we_o have_v obtain_v from_o the_o father_n grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o adoption_n and_o through_o who_o last_o all_o our_o oblation_n and_o performance_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o design_n of_o this_o glorious_a manifestation_n be_v to_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o live_a god_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n these_o than_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v the_o gentile_a and_o jewish_a world_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o must_v illuminate_v we_o at_o this_o day_n these_o dispel_v all_o destructive_a error_n that_o lead_v we_o to_o vice_n or_o misery_n these_o point_n out_o our_o supreme_a felicity_n and_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o these_o open_a and_o enlarge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n enable_v it_o to_o distinguish_v and_o judge_v with_o a_o unerring_a exactness_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o substantial_a and_o superficial_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a good_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o soul_n whatever_o light_n we_o pretend_v to_o at_o this_o day_n we_o be_v well_o ground_v and_o establish_v in_o these_o truth_n i_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o our_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n and_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o notwithstanding_o our_o pretend_v to_o believe_v a_o life_n to_o come_v i_o say_v i_o be_o afraid_a that_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n we_o do_v general_o err_v in_o two_o main_a point_n namely_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n we_o be_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n for_o who_o that_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o ease_n the_o softness_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o frothiness_n and_o the_o freedom_n the_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o conversation_n will_v not_o conclude_v that_o either_o we_o have_v renounce_v our_o religion_n or_o form_n to_o ourselves_o too_o complaisant_a and_o indulgent_a a_o notion_n of_o it_o for_o be_v this_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n be_v this_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o world_n can_v this_o be_v the_o deportment_n of_o man_n to_o who_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n be_v crucify_a can_v such_o a_o life_n as_o this_o be_v flow_v from_o those_o divine_a fountain_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_v who_o again_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o passion_n we_o discover_v for_o superiority_n and_o precedence_n our_o thirst_n of_o power_n our_o ravenous_a desire_n of_o wealth_n and_o not_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v mistake_v our_o main_a end_n that_o we_o set_v a_o wrong_a value_n upon_o thing_n and_o that_o whatever_o we_o talk_v of_o a_o eternity_n we_o look_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o most_o valuable_a good_a for_o can_v such_o a_o tender_a concern_v for_o such_o a_o eager_a pursuit_n after_o temporal_a thing_n flow_v from_o nay_o consist_v with_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o heaven_n whoever_o then_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a must_v careful_o avoid_v both_o these_o error_n he_o must_v never_o think_v that_o religion_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o affection_n or_o that_o the_o bend_v and_o vigour_n of_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v point_v towards_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o air_n of_o our_o deportment_n and_o conversation_n be_v earthy_a sensual_a and_o vain_a conform_v even_o to_o a_o pagan_a pride_n and_o show_v of_o life_n next_o he_o must_v never_o cherish_v in_o himself_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n he_o must_v never_o look_v upon_o himself_o other_o than_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o it_o he_o must_v never_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o he_o must_v never_o form_v vain_a design_n and_o project_n about_o it_o nor_o look_v upon_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o only_o as_o instrument_n of_o virtue_n or_o short_a repast_n and_o refreshment_n in_o our_o journey_n and_o because_o all_o our_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n of_o temporal_a thing_n do_v general_o arise_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o peculiar_a sin_n to_o which_o our_o constitution_n betray_v we_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o all_o our_o natural_a propension_n and_o infirmity_n be_v no_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o illumination_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o address_v ourselves_o hearty_o to_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o disease_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o or_o to_o the_o rectify_v any_o inclination_n till_o we_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v irregular_a and_o dangerous_a 2._o the_o second_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o feed_v and_o nourish_v corroborate_v and_o improve_v the_o mind_n of_o man._n now_o the_o property_n of_o bodily_a strength_n be_v such_o as_o these_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o baffle_v and_o repel_v injury_n to_o bear_v toil_n and_o travel_n to_o perform_v difficult_a work_n with_o speed_n and_o ease_n and_o final_o it_o prolong_v life_n to_o a_o much_o further_a date_n than_o weak_a and_o crazy_a constitution_n can_v arrive_v at_o and_o of_o all_o these_o we_o find_v some_o resemblance_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n but_o as_o much_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a as_o the_o spirit_n be_v above_o the_o body_n those_o truth_n than_o be_v indeed_o illuminate_v which_o enable_v we_o to_o vanquish_v temptation_n to_o endure_v with_o constancy_n and_o patience_n the_o toil_v and_o hardship_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n with_o zeal_n and_o vigour_n and_o which_o last_o render_v we_o firm_a steady_a and_o immortal_a and_o these_o be_v the_o glorious_a effect_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n hence_o be_v the_o gospel_n call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v of_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n ephesian_n 6.11_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o safety_n and_o success_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v that_o man_n be_v say_v to_o live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o righteousness_n be_v call_v everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o to_o teach_v we_o plain_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o steady_a and_o unalterable_a nothing_o durable_a nothing_o eternal_a but_o god_n divine_a truth_n and_o those_o that_o be_v form_v and_o model_v by_o they_o there_o be_v truth_n indeed_o which_o be_v mere_o barren_a and_o vnactive_a which_o amuse_n and_o suspend_v the_o
serve_v he_o who_o angel_n serve_v to_o who_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n do_v bow_n and_o obey_v it_o be_v the_o high_a prerogative_n we_o can_v derive_v from_o grace_n or_o nature_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o serve_v he_o his_o divine_a perfection_n transcend_v the_o conception_n of_o inferior_a creature_n and_o can_v be_v know_v contemplate_v and_o adore_v by_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v make_v but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n such_o as_o be_v endue_v not_o only_o with_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o with_o a_o far_o bright_a that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v indeed_o our_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o must_v be_v our_o utmost_a ambition_n this_o alone_a make_v we_o considerable_a who_o be_v in_o all_o other_o respect_n but_o mean_v and_o contemptible_a for_o we_o draw_v but_o a_o precarious_a and_o dependent_a breath_n and_o the_o world_n we_o inhabit_v be_v a_o dark_a and_o tempestuous_a one_o full_a of_o folly_n and_o misery_n but_o even_o this_o will_v serve_v for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o further_o contend_v for_o for_o be_v indigent_a and_o needy_a stand_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o selfsufficiency_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o we_o can_v find_v within_o we_o we_o must_v seek_v without_o we_o some_o all-sufficient_a good_a we_o must_v find_v out_o something_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o and_o repose_v ourselves_o upon_o and_o this_o will_v be_v our_o god_n this_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o adore_v and_o what_o shall_v this_o be_v shall_v we_o serve_v evil_a spirit_n these_o be_v our_o avow_a and_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o they_o may_v devour_v shall_v we_o serve_v the_o good_a this_o be_v to_o dishonour_v our_o nature_n to_o serve_v our_o fellow-creature_n and_o fellow-servant_n beside_o that_o such_o will_v never_o sacrilegious_o usurp_v their_o maker_n honour_n nor_o admit_v that_o service_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o shall_v we_o then_o serve_v man_n alas_o the_o breath_n of_o great_a one_o be_v in_o their_o nostril_n their_o life_n be_v but_o a_o vapour_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o restless_a noise_n and_o motion_n and_o than_o it_o vanish_v they_o die_v and_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o project_n perish_v what_o then_o shall_v we_o at_o length_n be_v reduce_v to_o serve_v our_o lust_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o pagan_a idolatry_n stock_n and_o stone_n indeed_o can_v not_o help_v or_o reward_v their_o votary_n but_o our_o lust_n like_o wild_a and_o savage_a tyrant_n destroy_v where_o they_o rule_v and_o oppress_v and_o overwhelm_v we_o with_o ruin_n and_o mischief_n while_o we_o servy_o court_v and_o flatter_v they_o i_o have_v not_o do_v yet_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o honour_n to_o serve_v god_n but_o these_o with_o some_o be_v cold_a and_o lifeless_a topic_n i_o will_v now_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v our_o interest_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o too_o lay_v aside_o at_o present_a as_o i_o promise_v the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o the_o joy_n spring_v from_o it_o to_o make_v good_a this_o assertion_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a brief_o to_o examine_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o design_n or_o end_v and_o second_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o service_n if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v evident_o our_o own_o advantage_n and_o happiness_n the_o lust_n or_o the_o humour_n the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o man_n may_v put_v he_o upon_o invade_v our_o liberty_n or_o purchase_v and_o contract_n with_o we_o for_o our_o servitude_n but_o god_n be_v all-sufficient_a to_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n when_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v by_o we_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v his_o protection_n and_o bounty_n when_o he_o oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o perfect_v our_o nature_n and_o purify_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a pleasure_n when_o he_o enjoin_v we_o prayer_n it_o be_v because_o it_o do_v exalt_v and_o enlarge_v our_o mind_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o blessing_n it_o obtain_v when_o he_o prescribe_v we_o self-resignation_n it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v choose_v for_o we_o and_o manage_v our_o affair_n better_a than_o we_o can_v our_o self_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o service_n to_o serve_v god_n what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o love_v what_o be_v infinite_o lovely_a to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o to_o repose_v our_o confidence_n in_o that_o be_v who_o goodness_n be_v as_o boundless_a as_o his_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n it_o be_v to_o pursue_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n to_o act_v consonant_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o enlighten_v reason_n how_o wise_o have_v our_o church_n in_o one_o of_o she_o collect_v express_v her_o notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n service_n who_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n the_o devil_n maintain_v his_o dominion_n over_o we_o by_o infatuate_a our_o understanding_n by_o enfeeble_v and_o fetter_n our_o will_n by_o delude_v and_o corrupt_v our_o affection_n but_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a the_o more_o clear_a and_o impartial_a our_o understanding_n the_o more_o free_a and_o absolute_a our_o will_n the_o more_o unbiased_a and_o rational_a our_o affection_n the_o fit_a be_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n nay_o indeed_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o at_o all_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v unless_o our_o soul_n be_v thus_o qualify_v therefore_o be_v the_o service_n of_o god_n call_v a_o rational_a service_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sincere_a milk_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o be_v real_a and_o solid_a good_n such_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o might_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o protection_n and_o conduct_v of_o providence_n and_o all_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n but_o in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n all_o be_v cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o under_o a_o pompous_a show_n of_o good_a the_o present_n be_v vanity_n and_o the_o future_a repentance_n but_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o do_v not_o relieve_v but_o increase_v the_o sinner_n misery_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n service_n and_o by_o the_o concession_n i_o make_v my_o objector_n about_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o head_n i_o be_o restrain_v from_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o more_o glorious_a effect_n of_o it_o yet_o some_o there_o be_v very_o great_a and_o good_a one_o that_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o objection_n which_o i_o will_v but_o just_a mention_n the_o first_o be_v rest._n while_o religion_n regulate_v the_o disorder_n and_o reduce_v the_o extravagance_n of_o our_o affection_n it_o do_v in_o effect_n lay_v a_o storm_n and_o compose_v a_o mutiny_n in_o our_o bosom_n whilst_o it_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o true_a value_n that_o be_v at_o least_o the_o comparative_a worthlesness_n of_o worldly_a thing_n it_o extinguish_v the_o trouble_n which_o present_a disappointment_n and_o loss_n and_o prevent_v those_o fear_n which_o the_o prospect_n of_o future_a change_n and_o revolution_n be_v wont_a to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v true_o enlighten_v and_o have_v no_o ambition_n but_o for_o immortality_n and_o glory_n who_o humility_n with_o reference_n to_o these_o temporal_a thing_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o this_o soul_n have_v enter_v already_o into_o its_o rest._n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n matth._n 11.28_o 29._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v that_o be_v all_o you_o that_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o your_o own_o care_n and_o fear_n that_o be_v fatigue_v and_o toil_v in_o the_o design_n and_o project_n of_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n i_o need_v not_o i_o think_v here_o show_v that_o the_o more_o we_o fear_v and_o serve_v god_n the_o more_o we_o love_v and_o admire_v he_o the_o more_o clear_a be_v the_o understanding_n and_o the_o more_o pure_a the_o heart_n for_o the_o more_o we_o converse_v with_o solid_a and_o eternal_a good_a the_o more_o insignificant_a and_o trifle_a will_n temporal_a
slight_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o which_o we_o do_v by_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o gild_n that_o will_v sink_v down_o the_o obstinate_a sinner_n into_o the_o low_a hell_n and_o render_v his_o condition_n more_o intolerable_a that_o that_o of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 2._o the_o second_o effect_n of_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o gospel_n truth_n be_v that_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o he_o that_o beelieve_v how_o short_a be_v time_n compare_v to_o eternity_n how_o false_a how_o empty_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o heaven_n how_o insignificant_a the_o esteem_n or_o love_n of_o man_n to_o that_o of_o god_n how_o worthless_a be_v all_o our_o worldly_a hope_n and_o pretension_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n now_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v once_o possess_v thorough_o with_o these_o notion_n what_o will_v it_o not_o do_v what_o will_v it_o not_o suffer_v rather_o than_o fall_v short_a of_o or_o forfeit_v its_o crown_n in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v content_v nay_o in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o abound_v in_o joy_n whilst_o it_o hold_v fast_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o its_o hope_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n here_o begin_v that_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o true_a epicureism_n that_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o alone_o be_v true_a honour_n and_o fortitude_n but_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v these_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o lively_a faith_n therefore_o my_o 2._o second_o rule_n or_o if_o you_o please_v another_o branch_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n shall_v be_v this_o they_o that_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o must_v frequent_o and_o serious_o ponder_v they_o till_o they_o have_v imprint_v in_o themselves_o as_o clear_v distinct_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o will_v soon_o mortify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n corrrect_v our_o false_a opinion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o baffle_v all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o confidence_n of_o lust_n a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o faith_n that_o import_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o natural_a the_o most_o full_a and_o enlarge_v notion_n of_o its_o object_n a_o faith_n that_o not_o only_a look_n upon_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n as_o true_a but_o behold_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n as_o present_v and_o so_o represent_v and_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n that_o they_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o great_a and_o move_a consideration_n this_o faith_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o it_o behold_v he_o and_o walk_n before_o he_o as_o present_v it_o see_v he_o array_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o all_o his_o majesty_n in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n in_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o one_o and_o attraction_n of_o the_o other_o and_o look_v upon_o both_o as_o at_o the_o door_n it_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v a_o mediator_n but_o take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o lie_v through_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o into_o which_o we_o be_v translate_v by_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o contemplate_v this_o mediator_n in_o all_o the_o several_a step_n of_o condescension_n and_o humiliation_n in_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o transport_v of_o his_o passion_n in_o all_o the_o melancholy_a scene_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o cheerful_a one_o of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o set_v we_o free_a 3._o we_o must_v not_o stop_v in_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n we_o must_v meditate_v divine_a truth_n till_o they_o have_v fire_v our_o soul_n till_o they_o have_v enkindle_v our_o affection_n till_o we_o be_v possess_v by_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n of_o jesus_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o heaven_n till_o all_o our_o other_o desire_n and_o passion_n be_v convert_v into_o and_o swallow_v up_o of_o love_n till_o god_n become_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v in_o he_o we_o glory_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rejoice_v o_o love_n how_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o thou_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v impregnate_n and_o animate_v faith_n itself_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v surmount_v the_o difficulty_n of_o duty_n and_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v cast_v out_o fear_v and_o make_v religion_n full_a of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o do_v make_v we_o watchful_a against_o temptation_n and_o impatient_a under_o the_o interruption_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o make_v we_o dis-relish_a the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v they_o even_o in_o this_o world_n who_o attain_v it_o but_o one_o caution_n i_o must_v here_o add_v that_o our_o love_n must_v not_o be_v a_o flesh_n a_o bit_n but_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o settle_a affection_n a_o affection_n that_o have_v the_o warmth_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o habit._n we_o must_v therefore_o by_o repeat_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n daily_o nourish_v this_o flame_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v out_o 4._o we_o must_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o we_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n the_o struggle_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n the_o gild_n and_o vexation_n the_o shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n its_o ill_a influence_n on_o our_o present_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n on_o our_o peace_n and_o hope_n be_v proper_a topic_n to_o effect_v this_o a_o thorough_a hatred_n of_o sin_n once_o settle_v and_o root_v in_o we_o will_v produce_v that_o sorrow_n that_o indignation_n that_o watchfulness_n that_o zeal_n which_o will_v remove_v we_o far_o enough_o not_o only_o from_o the_o sin_n but_o also_o from_o the_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o it_o and_o place_v we_o almost_o without_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o relapse_n to_o this_o former_a rule_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o other_o that_o when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n whatever_o difficulty_n he_o find_v in_o his_o way_n whatever_o baffle_v he_o meet_v with_o he_o must_v never_o quit_v the_o desgn_n of_o virtue_n and_o life_n he_o must_v never_o give_v over_o fight_v till_o he_o conquer_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o he_o must_v either_o conquer_v or_o die_v but_o this_o belong_v rather_o to_o perseverance_n in_o virtue_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o but_o just_a mention_n it_o 5._o it_o will_v not_o be_v imprudent_a in_o this_o moral_a as_o in_o physical_a cure_n to_o observe_v diligent_o and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v seed_n of_o generosity_n and_o honour_n the_o turpitude_n and_o shame_n of_o sin_n the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o such_o like_a be_v fit_a topic_n to_o dwell_v upon_o where_o fear_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v there_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o so_o whatever_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v argument_n in_o the_o gospel_n adapt_v to_o it_o which_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o prevalent_a as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a 6._o last_o we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o increase_v and_o cherish_v his_o influence_n we_o must_v ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v i._n e._n we_o must_v pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o travel_v with_o patience_n and_o with_o importunity_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o when_o we_o have_v it_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v it_o by_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o quench_v it_o by_o security_n or_o negligence_n by_o sensual_a freedom_n and_o presumption_n but_o we_o must_v cherish_v every_o motion_n improve_v every_o
another_o since_o otherwise_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n will_v be_v extreme_o maim_v and_o incomplete_a i_o will_v insist_v therefore_o no_o long_o on_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n perfect_a and_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o further_a proof_n that_o my_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v true_o scriptural_a i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o the_o utmost_a height_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n exhort_v we_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o steady_a habit_n of_o holiness_n that_o the_o bright_a character_n it_o give_v of_o the_o perfect_a man_n the_o lovely_a description_n it_o make_v we_o of_o the_o perfect_a state_n be_v all_o make_v up_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o confess_v property_n of_o a_o ripe_a habit._n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n that_o i_o know_v of_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n every_o man_n experience_n instruct_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a philosophy_n of_o it_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v we_o exert_v ourselves_o with_o desire_n and_o earnestness_n with_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n that_o it_o render_v we_o fix_v in_o our_o choice_n and_o constant_a in_o our_o action_n and_o almost_o as_o averse_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o as_o we_o be_v to_o those_o which_o be_v distasteful_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o in_o a_o word_n it_o so_o entire_o and_o absolute_o possess_v the_o man_n that_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v nor_o the_o empire_n of_o it_o to_o be_v shake_v off_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v remove_v and_o extirpate_v without_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o difficulty_n imaginable_a all_o this_o be_v a_o confess_v and_o almost_o palpable_a truth_n in_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o ascribe_v the_o same_o force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o habit_n of_o virtue_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o strength_n easiness_n and_o pleasure_n which_o belong_v natural_o to_o these_o habit_n receive_v no_o small_a accession_n from_o the_o supernatural_a energy_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o will_v therefore_o in_o few_o word_n show_v how_o that_o state_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o scripture_n invite_v we_o to_o as_o our_o perfection_n direct_o answer_v this_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o a_o habit._n be_v habit_n in_o general_n a_o second_o nature_n this_o state_n of_o righteousness_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a man_n eph._n 4.24_o the_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o do_v it_o consequent_o rule_n and_o govern_v man_n hear_v how_o st._n paul_n express_v this_o power_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n in_o himself_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ_n nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o this_o be_v a_o constant_a effect_n of_o habit_n and_o be_v equal_o discernible_a in_o those_o of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n that_o they_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o man_n they_o possess_v rom._n 6.16_o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n shall_v i_o go_v on_o to_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n the_o first_o be_v a_o great_a aversion_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o or_o obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n towards_o temptation_n and_o sin_n he_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o glory_v in_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o what_o before_o he_o court_v with_o fondness_n and_o passion_n he_o now_o shun_v with_o fear_n and_o vigilance_n in_o brief_a the_o scripture_n describe_v such_o a_o one_o as_o possess_v with_o a_o utter_a hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n and_o as_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o virtue_n and_o his_o god_n thus_o psal_n 119.163_o i_o hate_v and_o abhor_v lie_v but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o verse_n 128._o therefore_o i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n and_o this_o be_v a_o genuine_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o integrity_n or_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_n the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o and_o indeed_o every_o where_o a_o hatred_n a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o evil_n be_v account_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n psal_n 37.10_o you_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n hate_v evil_a and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n resolve_v to_o practise_v himself_o what_o he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o psal_n 101.2.3_o i_o will_v behave_v myself_o wise_o in_o a_o perfect_a way_n o_o when_o will_v thou_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n i_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o turn_v aside_o it_o shall_v not_o cleave_v to_o i_o and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v otherwise_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o abhorrence_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o habit_n which_o confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o one_o must_v confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o other_o too_o 2._o the_o next_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n be_v that_o the_o action_n which_o flow_v from_o it_o be_v if_o we_o meet_v not_o with_o violent_a opposition_n perform_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n what_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a and_o habit_n be_v a_o second_o nature_n when_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o vice_n have_v once_o root_v themselves_o in_o the_o soul_n what_o can_v be_v more_o natural_a then_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o one_o and_o shun_v the_o other_o since_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o embrace_v and_o enjoy_v what_o we_o love_v and_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o what_o we_o detest_v this_o therefore_o be_v one_o constant_a character_n of_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n be_v every_o where_o say_v to_o accompany_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n when_o it_o be_v once_o grow_v up_o to_o strength_n and_o maturity_n the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n prov._n 3.17_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 4.18_o and_o to_o he_o that_o love_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a man_n delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n psal_n 1.2_o nor_o do_v he_o delight_v less_o in_o action_n then_o meditation_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o much_o as_o knowledge_n and_o abound_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o good_a work_n as_o he_o increase_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consonant_a to_o this_o property_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v that_o in_o psalm_n 19_o and_o 119._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o we_o hear_v the_o psalmist_n express_v a_o kind_n of_o inconceiveable_a joy_n and_o transport_v in_o the_o meditation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n so_o the_o first_o christian_n who_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o devotion_n faith_n and_o charity_n be_v say_v act._n 2.46_o to_o have_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v a_o delightful_a description_n we_o have_v of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 6.10_o as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n 3._o vigour_n and_o activity_n or_o much_o earnestness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o three_o property_n of_o a_o habit._n it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v intent_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v even_o a_o habitual_a passion_n if_o this_o expression_n may_v be_v allow_v i_o a_o inclination_n which_o have_v gather_v strength_n and_o authority_n from_o custom_n will_v exert_v itself_o with_o some_o warmth_n and_o briskness_n now_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o
with_o the_o other_o one_o will_v think_v now_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o further_o needful_a to_o establish_v the_o consolation_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o god_n out_o of_o regard_n no_o doubt_n to_o the_o vast_a importance_n and_o happy_a influence_n of_o assurance_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o another_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o third_z and_o last_o namely_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o spirit_n as_o it_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o examination_n so_o it_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v our_o sentence_n by_o its_o suffrage_n fortify_v our_o assurance_n and_o increase_v our_o joy_n all_o this_o the_o scripture_n express_o teach_v we_o for_o the_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n the_o seal_n of_o our_o redemption_n eph._n 1.13_o 14._o eph._n 4.30_o 31._o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o 2_o cor._n 5._o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a place_n may_v relate_v more_o immediate_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v conspicuous_a in_o miracle_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v accompany_v all_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n mark_v 16_o 17._o yet_o be_v there_o text_n enough_o which_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v impart_v to_o believer_n through_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v one_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o comfort_v we_o and_o be_v a_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a favour_n thus_o rom._n 15.13_o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o for_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v here_o demand_v what_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o powerful_a energy_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n shed_v abroad_o and_o increase_a the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o tribulation_n work_v patience_n patience_z experience_n and_o experience_n hope_n and_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o obsignation_n the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n happy_a be_v he_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o he_o have_v attain_v the_o maturity_n of_o perfection_n and_o pleasure_n i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v go_v in_o with_o some_o of_o the_o father_n who_o think_v that_o such_o as_o these_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v apply_v to_o such_o those_o word_n rev._n 20.6_o bless_a and_o holy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n on_o such_o the_o second_o death_n have_v no_o power_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o consider_v assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o present_a time_n but_o 2._o assurance_n may_v regard_v the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o it_o conduce_v very_o little_o less_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v persevere_v in_o a_o good_a state_n then_o that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o one_o let_v we_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n examine_v what_o ground_n the_o perfect_a man_n may_v have_v for_o such_o a_o persuasion_n now_o these_o be_v likewise_o three_o first_o the_o propension_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o perfect_a man._n second_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o three_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n 1._o the_o favour_n of_o god_n i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v be_v ever_o ready_a to_o assist_v the_o perfect_a man_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o his_o ear_n be_v always_o open_a to_o their_o prayer_n that_o they_o be_v the_o dear_a object_n of_o his_o delight_n and_o love_n reason_n and_o scripture_n both_o do_v abundant_o attest_v this_o and_o the_o repeat_v promise_n of_o god_n to_o good_a man_n encourage_v they_o to_o hope_v from_o god_n whatever_o belove_a child_n may_v from_o a_o tender_a and_o kind_a father_n be_v not_o this_o enough_o then_o to_o inspire_v the_o perfect_a man_n with_o great_a and_o confident_a hope_n he_o know_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v a_o immutable_a god_n free_a from_o all_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o therefore_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o presumptino_n and_o obstinacy_n habitual_a neglect_n or_o wickedness_n can_v tempt_v he_o to_o recall_v his_o gift_n or_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o favour_n he_o know_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o he_o be_v able_a but_o he_o know_v also_o that_o he_o have_v a_o powerful_a intercessor_n at_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n who_o can_v but_o prevail_v nor_o be_v this_o all_o yet_o he_o have_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n that_o plead_v for_o he_o with_o god_n there_o be_v his_o tear_n which_o be_v bottle_a up_o there_o be_v his_o prayer_n and_o alm_n which_o be_v go_v up_o for_o a_o memorial_n before_o god_n there_o be_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v wherein_o all_o his_o pious_a discourse_n be_v register_v and_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o can_v forget_v his_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o soon_o quit_v the_o bosom_n that_o it_o so_o long_o reside_v in_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o that_o person_n with_o who_o it_o have_v enter_v into_o so_o close_a a_o union_n that_o it_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v inanimate_v or_o incorporate_v with_o he_o and_o become_v essential_a to_o his_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v grieve_v when_o he_o be_v force_v and_o compel_v to_o retire_v 2._o the_o second_o ground_n of_o aslurance_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o divine_a assistance_n the_o good_a man_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n will_v never_o refuse_v the_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o can_v be_v too_o difficult_a for_o these_o providence_n can_v prevent_v a_o temptation_n or_o remove_v it_o the_o spirit_n can_v support_v he_o under_o it_o and_o enable_v he_o to_o vanquish_v it_o nay_o it_o can_v enable_v he_o to_o extract_v new_a strength_n and_o vigour_n from_o it_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o assertion_n have_v be_v illustrious_o prove_v by_o the_o victory_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n who_o have_v triumph_v over_o unite_a force_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n though_o then_o the_o conscience_n of_o human_a frailty_n may_v awaken_v in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n fear_v and_o caution_n the_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n can_v but_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o holy_a confidence_n the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o subtlety_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v just_o create_v a_o solicitude_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n but_o when_o they_o consider_v themselves_o encompass_v with_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o despond_v 3._o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n be_v a_o three_o ground_n of_o a_o good_a man_n confidence_n he_o know_v that_o nothing_o but_o cry_v provocation_n can_v quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o oblige_v god_n to_o desert_n he_o and_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o this_o be_v that_o he_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n be_v not_o only_o repugnant_a to_o his_o principle_n but_o to_o the_o very_a bend_v of_o his_o nature_n to_o all_o the_o inclination_n and_o passion_n of_o his_o soul_n i_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n can_v he_o ever_o wilful_o dishonour_v and_o disobey_v god_n who_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v do_v so_o long_o can_v he_o forsake_v and_o betray_v his_o saviour_n who_o have_v long_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o he_o who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n as_o
liberty_n the_o constancy_n and_o uniformity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o both_o strength_n and_o passion_n be_v general_o owe_v to_o a_o tender_a and_o enlighten_v conscience_n for_o while_o the_o conscience_n preserve_v a_o quick_a and_o nice_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v their_o proper_a force_n and_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o we_o these_o than_o be_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o meditation_n the_o eucharist_n psalmody_n and_o suchlike_a if_o they_o do_v not_o add_v life_n and_o light_n to_o the_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v not_o augment_v our_o strength_n nor_o exalt_v our_o passion_n if_o they_o do_v not_o increase_v our_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quicken_v and_o excite_v devout_a purpose_n if_o they_o do_v not_o engage_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n by_o holy_a joy_n and_o heavenly_a pleasure_n if_o i_o say_v they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o promote_v these_o thing_n we_o reap_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o from_o they_o or_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o do_v but_o though_o the_o end_v i_o have_v mention_v be_v of_o this_o great_a use_n to_o all_o and_o consequent_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v at_o they_o yet_o may_v the_o different_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o different_a christian_n render_v one_o of_o these_o end_v more_o necessary_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o to_o intend_v and_o pursue_v that_o for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n temper_n be_v such_o that_o his_o passion_n do_v soon_o kindle_v and_o soon_o die_v again_o that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o form_n wise_a and_o great_a project_n and_o as_o unapt_a to_o accomplish_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o aim_v especial_o at_o the_o increase_n of_o strength_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o man_n temper_n be_v cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a slow_a and_o heavy_a it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v particular_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o awaken_n and_o exciting_a devout_a affection_n in_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o excellent_a purpose_n do_v often_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n so_o steadiness_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n do_v seldom_o effect_v any_o great_a matter_n when_o it_o want_v life_n and_o passion_n to_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n again_o if_o one_o past_a life_n have_v be_v very_o sinful_a or_o the_o present_n be_v not_o very_o fruitful_a it_o will_v behoove_v such_o a_o one_o to_o increase_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o add_v more_o light_a and_o life_n to_o its_o conviction_n that_o by_o a_o daily_a repetition_n of_o contrition_n and_o compunction_n he_o may_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n or_o by_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o his_o follow_a life_n repair_v the_o barrenness_n of_o that_o past_a have_v thus_o in_o few_o word_n both_o make_v out_o the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o three_o end_n i_o propose_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o show_v in_o what_o case_n he_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v more_o immediate_o at_o one_o than_o another_o i_o will_v now_o inquire_v and_o that_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v how_o these_o three_o end_n may_v be_v scure_v and_o promote_v one_a of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o full_a and_o lively_a conviction_n of_o it_o to_o promote_v this_o the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a be_v meditation_n no_o man_n who_o diligent_o search_v and_o study_v the_o book_n of_o god_n can_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o duty_n not_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o book_n reveal_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o clear_a and_o full_a term_n it_o give_v we_o such_o infallible_a character_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n as_o render_v our_o ignorance_n or_o error_n inexcusable_a it_o point_v out_o the_o great_a end_n of_o life_n so_o plain_o and_o conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o such_o general_a and_o unerring_a rule_n that_o there_o be_v no_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v so_o perplex_v and_o ravel_v our_o duty_n but_o that_o a_o honest_a man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o may_v easy_o discover_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v light_n because_o it_o do_v distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n and_o like_o a_o lamp_n do_v manifest_v the_o path_n which_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v and_o disperse_v that_o mist_n and_o darkness_n with_o which_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n have_v cover_v it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a have_v such_o a_o value_n and_o the_o wicked_a such_o a_o aversion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n joh._n 3.20_o 21._o nor_o can_v he_o that_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o any_o more_o than_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o light_n ransack_v all_o the_o recess_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o trace_n all_o its_o affection_n back_o to_o their_o first_o spring_n and_o source_n it_o lay_v open_v all_o its_o desire_n and_o project_n and_o strip_v its_o most_o secret_a purpose_n of_o all_o their_o disguise_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_v sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v the_o conscience_n quick_a and_o sensible_a we_o must_v be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o this_o command_n with_o that_o authority_n instruct_v with_o that_o clearness_n persuade_v with_o that_o force_n reprove_v with_o that_o purity_n prudence_n and_o charity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v it_o it_o describe_v righteousness_n and_o sin_n in_o such_o true_a and_o lively_a colour_n proclaim_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o such_o powerful_a and_o move_a language_n that_o it_o rouse_v even_o the_o dead_a in_o sin_n penetrate_v and_o wound_v the_o stupid_a and_o obdurate_a to_o meditation_n we_o must_v add_v prayer_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a and_o essential_a mean_n to_o refresh_v and_o renew_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o to_o improve_v those_o impression_n which_o meditation_n have_v make_v upon_o it_o we_o can_v easy_o put_v up_o petition_n to_o god_n with_o confidence_n unless_o we_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o for_o our_o heart_n will_v misgive_v we_o and_o our_o very_a petition_n will_v reproach_v we_o and_o the_o mere_a thought_n of_o enter_v more_o immediate_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o careful_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o action_n for_o god_n be_v not_o only_o omniscient_a but_o just_a and_o holy_a too_o we_o can_v no_o more_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o any_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o fondness_n or_o negligence_n than_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o search_v out_o and_o discover_v our_o own_o heart_n psal_n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a and_o if_o we_o do_v this_o sincere_o god_n will_v undoubted_o grant_v our_o request_n and_o will_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o all_o our_o present_a defect_n and_o infirmity_n and_o show_v we_o how_o far_o short_a we_o come_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n which_o many_o eminent_a saint_n actual_o arrive_v at_o upon_o earth_n and_o we_o way_n be_v sure_a that_o light_n which_o break_v in_o upon_o our_o mind_n with_o this_o brightness_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o latent_fw-la corruption_n to_o continue_v undiscovered_a nor_o permit_v we_o to_o forget_v the_o stain_n and_o ruin_n which_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o conversation_n be_v another_o way_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o by_o which_o conscience_n
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
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 will_v easy_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o pardon_v it_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o its_o eternity_n a_o mistake_a notion_n and_o groundless_a fancy_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o indignation_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o that_o well_o understand_v both_o these_o the_o deformity_n and_o tendency_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o holiness_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v but_o discern_v a_o irreconcilable_a opposition_n between_o they_o and_o be_v convince_v that_o be_v there_o no_o tribunal_n erect_v for_o the_o sinner_n yet_o will_v sin_n be_v its_o own_o punishment_n and_o that_o a_o intolerable_a hell_n consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n a_o exclusion_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a issue_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o 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
scripture_n itself_o frequent_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o not_o without_o reason_n because_o the_o devil_n sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n error_n and_o these_o too_o fatal_a and_o destructive_a one_o be_v frequent_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o every_o party_n nay_o every_o single_a author_n lay_v the_o stress_n of_o salvation_n on_o their_o peculiar_a and_o distinguish_a opinion_n belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n or_o word_n on_o this_o occasion_n when_o the_o peace_n and_o purity_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o rectitude_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n have_v so_o close_a and_o necessary_a a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n we_o imbibe_n that_o we_o hereby_o either_o secure_v or_o forfeit_v they_o who_o see_v not_o unless_o he_o be_v stupid_a and_o infatuate_v that_o great_a care_n and_o solicitude_n be_v necessary_a here_o than_o in_o any_o matter_n whatever_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o equal_a moment_n bad_a money_n or_o bad_a ware_n instead_o of_o good_a a_o ill_a title_n or_o conveyance_n instead_o of_o a_o firm_a and_o clear_a one_o may_v impoverish_v we_o bad_a drug_n instead_o of_o good_a may_v infect_v the_o body_n and_o destroy_v the_o health_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o impoverish_v and_o infect_v the_o mind_n prevent_v the_o life_n and_o damn_v the_o man_n to_o all_o eternity_n the_o example_n of_o the_o berean_o be_v never_o forget_v and_o indeed_o never_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o this_o occasion_n we_o must_v admit_v nothing_o hasty_o assent_n to_o nothing_o without_o examine_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v credulity_n precipitation_n and_o confidence_n be_v irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o use_v great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o enlarge_v and_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v almost_o infinite_a and_o it_o fare_v with_o those_o that_o study_v they_o as_o with_o a_o traveller_n when_o he_o ascend_v a_o rise_a ground_n every_o new_a step_n almost_o enlarge_v his_o horizon_n and_o present_v new_a country_n new_a pleasure_n to_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v our_o own_o negligence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o daily_o extend_v the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n if_o our_o view_n of_o thing_n grow_v not_o more_o distinct_a and_o clear_a and_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o more_o firm_a and_o steady_a this_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o this_o be_v to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n open_v eph._n 1.17_o this_o be_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n col._n 1.9_o this_o be_v final_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o col._n 3.16_o and_o of_o what_o importance_n this_o be_v be_v manifest_a from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v namely_o that_o illumination_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o credulous_a and_o ill-grounded_a in_o a_o slight_a and_o superficial_a or_o a_o confuse_a and_o obscure_a or_o imperfect_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o in_o a_o clear_a distinct_a firm_a and_o well_o establish_v one_o and_o the_o acquire_v such_o a_o one_o demand_n a_o very_a diligent_a and_o a_o indefatigable_a study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o numerous_a great_a and_o beautiful_a idea_n and_o these_o clear_a and_o distinct_a to_o have_v they_o engrave_v in_o the_o memory_n in_o deep_a and_o last_a character_n to_o have_v they_o lodge_v and_o dispose_v in_o that_o order_n as_o to_o be_v able_a in_o a_o instant_a to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o to_o discern_v and_o demonstrate_v plain_o the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o one_o upon_o another_o and_o the_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o each_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o labour_n the_o fruit_n of_o a_o regular_a and_o assiduous_a search_n after_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o capacity_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v up_o to_o this_o they_o must_v come_v as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v but_o if_o such_o a_o search_n as_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o penetrate_v the_o depth_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o yet_o certain_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o extract_v their_o force_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o derive_v purity_n and_o nourishment_n from_o they_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n imply_v in_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o 3._o we_o must_v make_v frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n on_o the_o truth_n we_o do_v know_v this_o again_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n as_o it_o be_v before_o settle_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o every_o knowledge_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o suffice_v for_o illumination_n but_o a_o vital_a and_o operative_a one_o that_o be_v a_o well_o ground_v clear_a distinct_a and_o well-digested_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o constant_a daily_a and_o devout_a meditation_n be_v necessary_a to_o illumination_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o transcient_a and_o perfunctory_a reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o a_o fleet_a ramble_a irregular_a and_o desultory_a meditation_n of_o they_o that_o will_v possess_v we_o with_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o imprint_v a_o truth_n in_o lively_a notion_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o digest_v it_o into_o nourishment_n and_o strength_n and_o make_v it_o mix_v itself_o with_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o all_o our_o action_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o dwell_v upon_o it_o with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o excellent_a and_o elevate_a soul_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a have_v be_v daily_o nay_o almost_o hourly_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v passionate_o devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o and_o delight_v more_o in_o it_o than_o in_o treasure_n or_o honour_n than_o in_o the_o most_o profitable_a employment_n or_o engage_v diversion_n of_o life_n it_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n on_o god_n on_o jesus_n the_o world_n and_o our_o self_n that_o can_v alone_o acquaint_v we_o thorough_o with_o each_o it_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n on_o death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o can_v make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o rule_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o illumination_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v without_o labour_n and_o travel_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o will_v never_o bestow_v but_o upon_o those_o who_o ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v divine_a bounty_n and_o human_a industry_n do_v here_o very_a well_o accord_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n general_o join_v they_o together_o and_o it_o be_v boldness_n and_o impiety_n in_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o divide_v they_o prov._n 2.4_o 5_o 6._o if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v thou_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n give_v wisdom_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n come_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n nor_o will_v any_o one_o sure_o think_v it_o much_o to_o devote_v his_o time_n and_o labour_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v more_o just_o challenge_v or_o better_o deserve_v both_o can_v pleasure_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o flow_v from_o wisdom_n that_o be_v either_o pure_a great_a or_o last_v can_v business_n what_o business_n can_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o what_o secure_v our_o salvation_n our_o eternity_n wisdom_n then_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v understanding_n prov._n 4.7_o for_o without_o this_o the_o most_o desirable_a possession_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v but_o cheat_n and_o illusion_n mischief_n and_o snare_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o 3._o that_o we_o act_v conformable_a to_o those_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o more_o spiritual_a we_o grow_v the_o fit_a we_o be_v for_o the_o residence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o his_o influence_n the_o more_o we_o subdue_v all_o inordinate_a affection_n the_o
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v easy_o furnish_v i_o with_o invincible_a argument_n nor_o will_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n ever_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v keep_v the_o field_n so_o long_o as_o it_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o weak_a and_o decay_a piety_n by_o the_o fondness_n of_o man_n for_o themselves_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o frailty_n and_o by_o many_o mistake_a text_n but_o that_o this_o matter_n may_v if_o possible_a be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n 1._o i_o here_o distinguish_v between_o inordinate_a and_o natural_a affection_n by_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o mean_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a by_o natural_a its_o propension_n to_o the_o body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v invest_v the_o desire_n of_o its_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n for_o this_o end_n now_o when_o religion_n enjoin_v repugnance_n to_o the_o former_a appetite_n the_o obedience_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v no_o reluctancy_n in_o it_o but_o when_o it_o enjoin_v thing_n as_o sometime_o occasional_o it_o do_v which_o thwart_a and_o cross_v the_o latter_a here_o the_o obedience_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o conflict_n for_o our_o natural_a appetite_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v never_o be_v put_v off_o till_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v this_o be_v so_o clear_a it_o need_v not_o be_v illustrate_v by_o instance_n or_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o though_o good_a man_n have_v practise_v temperance_n chastity_n charity_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o this_o kind_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n too_o yet_o have_v nature_n shrink_v and_o startle_v at_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n though_o even_o here_o too_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o some_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o above_o what_o human_a nature_n ever_o seem_v capable_a of_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o suppose_v that_o nature_n be_v so_o change_v but_o that_o the_o inclination_n to_o sinful_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o any_o other_o forbid_a object_n will_v soon_o revive_v again_o even_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n unless_o he_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o and_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o disorderly_a desire_n not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o irregular_a motion_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o soul_n when_o strip_v of_o a_o mortal_a body_n or_o clothe_v with_o a_o immortal_a one_o till_o then_o the_o conjunction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v ever_o render_v the_o poor_a soul_n obnoxious_a to_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n and_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o the_o body_n do_v so_o easy_o pass_v those_o bound_n that_o divide_v they_o from_o sinful_a one_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o contemplation_n devotion_n good_a work_n or_o engage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o just_a and_o honest_a design_n or_o amuse_v by_o some_o innocent_a recreation_n for_o in_o these_o case_n the_o body_n be_v either_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a it_o be_v innocent_o busy_v and_o divert_v from_o those_o object_n to_o which_o it_o have_v too_o too_o impetuous_a a_o tendency_n i_o have_v now_o i_o think_v sufficient_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a liberty_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o guard_v it_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o will_v serve_v for_o so_o many_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o its_o attainment_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n these_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o four_o head_n 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v great_a happiness_n 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n 3._o it_o give_v we_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n 4._o the_o great_a and_o last_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n these_o be_v all_o comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 6.2.1_o 22_o 23._o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v death_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n aim_v at_o and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.17_o 18._o unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o i_o will_v here_o insist_v on_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o chapter_n demand_v it_o but_o also_o to_o prevent_v the_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o tedious_a repetition_n of_o they_o hereafter_o under_o every_o distinct_a branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n §_o 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o therefore_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a we_o need_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o depravity_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o feebleness_n and_o impotence_n of_o the_o will._n the_o understanding_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v incapable_a of_o discern_v the_o certainty_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n which_o now_o flow_v from_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o incomparable_o great_a which_o will_v one_o day_n flow_v from_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o fruition_n of_o they_o his_o affection_n which_o if_o fix_v and_o bend_v on_o virtue_n have_v be_v incentives_n as_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o noble_a and_o worthy_a action_n be_v biased_a and_o pervert_v do_v now_o hurry_v he_o on_o to_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a one_o and_o by_o these_o the_o mind_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o chance_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o render_v sensible_a of_o its_o happiness_n and_o duty_n be_v overpower_a and_o oppress_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n if_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o thus_o consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n and_o impotence_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o sinner_n act_v as_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infatuate_v when_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v mere_o whole_o body_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o none_o but_o one_o result_v from_o and_o dissolve_v with_o its_o temperament_n and_o contexture_n one_o design_v to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o to_o contrive_v minister_v to_o and_o partake_v in_o its_o sensuality_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v little_a expectation_n of_o another_o world_n who_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n only_o in_o this_o and_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a all_o sinner_n be_v not_o equal_o stupid_a or_o obdurate_a but_o even_o in_o those_o in_o who_o some_o spark_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n remain_v unextinguished_a how_o be_v the_o weak_a desire_n of_o virtue_n baffle_v and_o overpower_a by_o the_o much_o strong_a passion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n do_v they_o not_o find_v themselves_o reduce_v to_o that_o wretched_a state_n of_o bondage_n wherein_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o be_v present_a with_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o disease_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o not_o only_o extinguish_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o obliterate_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v
a_o gracious_a master_n and_o thus_o the_o child_n do_v with_o respectful_a love_n meet_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n which_o sometime_o raise_v some_o one_o happy_a mortal_a above_o the_o common_a size_n and_o height_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o sure_o diminish_v but_o increase_v the_o affection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o friend_n that_o enjoy_v he_o again_o the_o nature_n of_o enjoyment_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o various_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n one_o way_n we_o enjoy_v truth_n and_o another_o goodness_n one_o way_n beauty_n and_o another_o harmony_n and_o so_o on_o these_o thing_n consider_v i_o see_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o make_v god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o fruition_n either_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o to_o any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o his_o glory_n or_o to_o exalt_v our_o self_n to_o a_o height_n we_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o i_o easy_o see_v that_o we_o who_o love_n and_o adore_v god_n here_o shall_v when_o we_o enter_v into_o his_o presence_n admire_v and_o love_v he_o infinite_o more_o for_o god_n be_v infinite_o amiable_a the_o more_o we_o contemplate_v the_o more_o clear_o we_o discern_v his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o beauty_n the_o more_o must_v our_o soul_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o passion_n for_o he_o and_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o the_o most_o gracious_a return_v of_o our_o love_n and_o express_v his_o affection_n for_o we_o in_o such_o condescension_n in_o such_o communication_n of_o himself_o as_o will_v transport_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o create_v being_n be_v capable_a of_o will_v not_o god_n that_o shed_v abroad_o his_o love_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n here_o full_o satisfy_v it_o hereafter_o will_v not_o god_n who_o fill_v we_o here_o with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o inconceivable_a way_n communicate_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o ravish_a and_o ecstatick_a manner_n to_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v behold_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o encircle_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o love_n and_o glory_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o beatific_a vision_n will_v be_v the_o supreme_a pleasure_n of_o heaven_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v to_o exclude_v those_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n god_n will_v be_v there_o not_o only_o all_o but_o in_o all_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o reflect_v in_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n nay_o in_o all_o the_o various_a treasure_n of_o that_o happy_a place_n but_o in_o far_o more_o bright_a and_o lovely_a charcter_n than_o in_o his_o work_n here_o below_o this_o be_v a_o state_n now_o that_o answer_v all_o end_n and_o satisfy_v all_o appetite_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o various_a never_o so_o boundless_a temporal_a good_a nay_o a_o state_n accumulate_v with_o all_o temporal_a good_n have_v still_o something_o defective_a something_o empty_a in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n with_o hear_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o labour_n man_n can_v utter_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o temporal_a thing_n yet_o that_o one_o think_v of_o solomon_n that_o he_o must_v leave_v they_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n of_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o which_o complete_v heaven_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a be_v heaven_n to_o have_v a_o end_n that_o end_n will_v make_v it_o none_o that_o death_n will_v be_v as_o much_o more_o intolerable_a than_o this_o here_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v above_o those_o of_o earth_n for_o the_o terror_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o will_v be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o happiness_n which_o it_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o to_o die_v in_o paradise_n amid_o a_o crowd_n of_o satisfaction_n how_o much_o more_o intolerable_a be_v this_o than_o to_o die_v in_o those_o accurse_a region_n that_o breed_v continual_o briar_n and_o bramble_n care_n and_o sorrow_n and_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o one_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o heaven_n be_v it_o believe_v be_v such_o a_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n such_o a_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o none_o can_v resist_v do_v i_o believe_v this_o have_v i_o hear_v one_o say_v i_o will_v quit_v my_o trade_n and_o all_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o this_o world_n and_o whole_o apply_v myself_o to_o get_v that_o other_o you_o talk_v of_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o go_v thus_o far_o but_o this_o show_v what_o the_o natural_a influence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v general_o owe_v to_o infidelity_n where_o it_o be_v frustrate_v and_o defeat_v what_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v do_v what_o proof_n what_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o he_o who_o reject_v christianity_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n he_o that_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v general_o believe_v by_o the_o gentile_a world_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o much_o obscure_v but_o never_o extinguish_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o many_o fabulous_a and_o superstitious_a fancy_n so_o strong_a be_v the_o tradition_n or_o reason_n or_o rather_o both_o on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v the_o jew_n universal_o embrace_v it_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o several_a shadow_n and_o type_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n do_v confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o even_o from_o enoch_n noah_n and_o all_o their_o pious_a ancestor_n nor_o must_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o sadducee_n among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o epicurean_o among_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o this_o argument_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v found_v in_o tradition_n and_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o inconsiderable_a compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a or_o pagan_a world_n but_o also_o desertor_n and_o apostate_n from_o the_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n receive_v to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o proceed_v from_o the_o gentile_a and_o jew_n to_o the_o christian_a be_v christianity_n entertain_v as_o it_o ought_v the_o very_a supposal_n of_o any_o doubt_n concern_v a_o life_n to_o come_v will_v be_v impertinent_a here_o we_o have_v numerous_a demonstratition_n of_o it_o not_o only_o the_o fortune_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v often_o very_o calamitous_a but_o even_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o nature_n of_o it_o do_v plain_o evince_v a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o to_o what_o end_n can_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n by_o abstraction_n and_o meditation_n be_v enjoin_v if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o come_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o renovation_n or_o regeneration_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o life_n to_o come_v one_o will_v think_v '_o the_o common_a end_n of_o this_o natural_a life_n may_v be_v well_o enough_o secure_v upon_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o reason_n and_o human_a law_n what_o shall_v i_o here_o add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n from_o both_o which_o we_o may_v derive_v many_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o though_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o it_o appear_v as_o much_o above_o our_o merit_n as_o it_o be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n yet_o when_o 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not_o be_v understand_v to_o proceed_v in_o it_o with_o a_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o regenerate_v in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o perfect_a for_o the_o strength_n of_o original_a sin_n can_v but_o be_v very_o different_a in_o new_a convert_v or_o babe_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o such_o as_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o think_v i_o may_v on_o good_a ground_n resolve_v that_o original_a sin_n in_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o reduce_v and_o master_v as_o to_o give_v he_o but_o very_o rare_a and_o slight_a disturbance_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a change_n that_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o he_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o sinner_n into_o a_o saint_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 2_o cor._n 5.17_o and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v this_o new_a nature_n without_o new_a propension_n and_o inclination_n not_o only_o different_a from_o but_o repugnant_a to_o our_o former_a original_a and_o corrupt_a one_o or_o at_o least_o we_o must_v suppose_v this_o new_a creation_n so_o far_o to_o have_v reform_v and_o correct_v the_o man_n that_o original_a corruption_n have_v lose_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n which_o before_o it_o have_v this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a yet_o if_o we_o observe_v never_o so_o slight_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o great_a change_n first_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o excellent_a person_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o unfeigned_a and_o habitual_a sorrow_n for_o and_o detestation_n of_o all_o sin_n i_o hate_v say_v the_o psalmist_n every_o false_a way_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a be_v the_o strength_n and_o heat_v of_o corrupt_a propension_n with_o the_o tear_n and_o aversion_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_n how_o tame_a be_v the_o body_n how_o pure_a the_o mind_n when_o the_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o firm_a and_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n when_o he_o dissolve_v in_o the_o pious_a tenderness_n of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n next_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o a_o steady_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n with_o enlighten_v eye_n he_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o admire_v the_o solidity_n the_o weight_n and_o duration_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n he_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o seek_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o have_v set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o his_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o must_v we_o not_o now_o suppose_v such_o a_o one_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v from_o all_o corrupt_a affection_n when_o the_o very_a bend_v of_o his_o soul_n be_v quite_o another_o way_n must_v we_o not_o suppose_v the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o deprave_a nature_n overpowr_v and_o subdue_v by_o these_o heavenly_a affection_n how_o mortify_v must_v such_o a_o man_n be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o body_n how_o feeble_a be_v the_o opposition_n that_o inferior_a nature_n can_v raise_v against_o a_o mind_n invest_v with_o so_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o endow_v with_o light_n and_o strength_n from_o above_o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v not_o only_o crucify_v the_o inordinate_a and_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o have_v also_o obtain_v a_o great_a mastery_n even_o over_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o it_o how_o else_o can_v it_o be_v that_o his_o desire_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o heaven_n that_o he_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n from_o thence_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o groan_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o corruptible_a tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o above_o the_o body_n may_v certain_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n above_o even_o the_o most_o natural_a appetite_n he_o that_o have_v set_v himself_o free_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n even_o from_o his_o aversion_n to_o death_n and_o in_o his_o affection_n at_o least_o very_a much_o loosen_v the_o bond_n the_o knot_n that_o untie_v soul_n and_o body_n may_v certain_o very_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v much_o more_o above_o all_o covetous_a ambitious_a or_o wanton_a inclination_n these_o be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o freedom_n from_o original_a sin_n as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o 2_o but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o think_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n upon_o earth_n can_v so_o extinguish_v the_o spark_n of_o original_a corruption_n but_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o they_o will_v gather_v strength_n and_o revive_v again_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o we_o after_o baptism_n or_o regeneration_n be_v methinks_v a_o very_a needless_a one_o for_o if_o it_o be_v about_o the_o notion_n we_o ought_v to_o entertain_v of_o it_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v proper_o sin_n or_o not_o this_o be_v a_o contention_n about_o word_n for_o what_o signify_v it_o by_o what_o name_n we_o call_v this_o remainder_n of_o original_a pravity_n when_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o stain_v and_o gild_n of_o it_o be_v wash_v off_o and_o pardon_v but_o if_o it_o be_v about_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o controversy_n of_o some_o moment_n but_o a_o very_a foolish_a one_o on_o one_o side_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v it_o be_v to_o say_v a_o great_a many_o subtle_a and_o puzzle_v thing_n against_o a_o truth_n that_o every_o man_n feel_v and_o experiment_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o may_v thus_o describe_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o original_a sin_n he_o have_v mortify_v it_o though_o not_o utter_o extirpate_v it_o he_o have_v subdue_v it_o though_o not_o exterminate_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o sinful_a and_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o affection_n but_o also_o in_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n than_o other_o man_n from_o those_o infirmity_n and_o irregularity_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o struggle_n and_o ebullition_n of_o original_a sin_n not_o yet_o sufficient_o tame_v he_o have_v advance_v his_o victory_n very_o far_o even_o over_o his_o natural_a appetite_n he_o have_v no_o strong_a inclination_n for_o the_o body_n or_o for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o than_o such_o as_o become_v a_o man_n that_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o another_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n crucify_v to_o he_o and_o he_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n his_o sorrow_n and_o his_o joy_n his_o desire_n and_o his_o fear_n be_v the_o occasion_n never_o so_o just_a or_o lawful_a pass_v not_o the_o modest_a bound_n of_o a_o wise_a moderation_n he_o desire_v without_o impatience_n care_n and_o contrive_v hope_n and_o pursue_v without_o anxiety_n or_o solicitude_n he_o be_v cautious_a without_o fear_n and_o pusillanimity_n he_o be_v sad_a without_o dejection_n or_o despondency_n and_o pleasant_a without_o vanity_n all_o this_o indeed_o show_v he_o not_o only_o to_o have_v conquer_v sin_n and_o folly_n but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n also_o his_o natural_a propension_n to_o they_o but_o after_o all_o this_o happy_a creature_n must_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o body_n in_o the_o body_n who_o appetite_n will_v soon_o pass_v beyond_o their_o due_a bound_n if_o he_o be_v indulgent_a or_o careless_a he_o must_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v not_o immutable_o holy_a his_o understanding_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o bright_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v nor_o the_o bend_v of_o his_o affection_n so_o strong_o set_v upon_o good_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v and_o therefore_o he_o must_v be_v sober_a and_o vigilant_a and_o fear_v always_o thus_o have_v i_o state_v the_o cureableness_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n and_o as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v plain_o the_o countenance_n of_o scripture_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o i_o in_o the_o least_o clash_n with_o that_o clause_n in_o the_o nine_o article_n of_o our_o church_n
we_o court_v till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o take_v as_o much_o pleasure_n in_o the_o obedience_n as_o ever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 2_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o provoke_a nature_n so_o criminal_a in_o their_o birth_n and_o mischievous_a in_o their_o consequence_n that_o one_o single_a act_n or_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o these_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o habit_n of_o other_o such_o be_v murder_n idolatry_n perjury_n adultery_n these_o can_v be_v commit_v without_o renounce_v humanity_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n without_o resist_v the_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o must_v break_v through_o a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n and_o terror_n ere_o we_o can_v come_v at_o these_o sin_n we_o must_v commit_v many_o other_o in_o order_n to_o commit_v one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v deliberate_v long_o resolve_v desperate_o and_o in_o defiance_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n and_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o habit_n in_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o necessary_a preparative_a in_o these_o that_o be_v obduration_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o the_o unhappy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o set_v free_a when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o never_o repeat_v it_o again_o but_o then_o when_o he_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a reparation_n of_o the_o wrong_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o when_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n require_v it_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v oppress_v with_o shame_n and_o suffering_n when_o in_o one_o word_n a_o long_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n have_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n 2._o we_o must_v be_v free_a not_o only_o from_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a presumptuous_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a mortal_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o wound_v the_o conscience_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o renounce_v our_o hope_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n at_o least_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o habit_n but_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n death_n be_v the_o penalty_n the_o sanction_n of_o every_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n do_v not_o prohibit_v habit_n only_o but_o single_a act_n too_o nor_o be_v there_o indeed_o any_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v here_o but_o in_o one_o case_n which_o be_v if_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o in_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o here_o indeed_o much_o may_v be_v say_v and_o with_o much_o uncertainty_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n do_v not_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v minister_v to_o any_o good_a or_o necessary_a end_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o god_n in_o all_o other_o case_n every_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a for_o if_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o station_n but_o by_o repentance_n if_o he_o repent_v present_o he_o be_v safe_a but_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n if_o he_o repeat_v it_o he_o pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n widen_v the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n decline_v insensible_o into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o render_v his_o wound_n more_o and_o more_o incurable_a it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n i_o think_v here_o to_o consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n even_o of_o the_o same_o sin_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n because_o a_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o commit_v it_o at_o all_o if_o he_o do_v though_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n and_o with_o a_o divide_a soul_n though_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n seem_v not_o utter_o to_o have_v forsake_v he_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o the_o very_a minute_n it_o be_v finish_v and_o repentance_n and_o remorse_n take_v off_o the_o relish_n of_o the_o unhappy_a draught_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n damnable_a and_o nothing_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n can_v purge_v the_o gild_n 3._o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o only_o actual_o to_o abstain_v from_o mortal_a sin_n but_o to_o be_v advance_v so_o far_o in_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o to_o do_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o it_o must_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o his_o victory_n over_o ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v more_o confirm_v and_o absolute_a his_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o more_o deep_a and_o sensible_a more_o fix_v and_o last_a than_o that_o of_o a_o beginner_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o regenerate_v at_o first_o fear_v the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o degree_n he_o hate_v the_o sin_n itself_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o soul_n render_v he_o now_o incapable_a of_o find_v any_o pleasure_n in_o what_o he_o dote_v on_o before_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o temptation_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 4._o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n abstinence_n be_v not_o only_o more_o easy_a and_o steady_a but_o more_o entire_a and_o complete_a also_o than_o that_o of_o other_o he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o elevation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o expound_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o most_o enlarge_v sense_n and_o interpret_v they_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o refrain_v from_o action_n direct_o criminal_a but_o shun_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o labour_n to_o mortify_v all_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o his_o nature_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v whatever_o circumstance_n of_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o body_n he_o have_v crucify_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n too_o that_o pleasure_n that_o honour_n that_o power_n that_o profit_n which_o captives_z the_o sinner_n tempt_v and_o try_v and_o disquiet_v the_o novice_n be_v but_o a_o burden_n a_o trouble_n to_o he_o he_o find_v no_o gust_n no_o relish_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intemperance_n so_o far_o from_o wantonness_n so_o far_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n that_o can_v he_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n he_o will_v imitate_v the_o meanness_n the_o plainness_n the_o laboriousness_n the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n not_o only_o in_o disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o even_o in_o his_o outward_a state_n and_o deportment_n and_o will_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n he_o inquire_v not_o how_o far_o he_o may_v enjoy_v and_o be_v safe_a but_o how_o far_o he_o may_v deny_v himself_o and_o be_v wise_a he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v forbid_a satisfaction_n that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a and_o afraid_a to_o find_v too_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a action_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v this_o to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o forego_n chapter_n for_o it_o be_v what_o i_o have_v be_v do_v throughout_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a time_n and_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o what_o the_o best_a author_n have_v write_v who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o work_n or_o have_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a conversation_n let_v any_o one_o but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o st._n basil_n or_o any_o other_o after_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o now_o do_v the_o promote_a holiness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o far_o from_o have_v carry_v this_o matter_n too_o high_a i_o
holiness_n in_o the_o true_a genuine_a and_o gospel_n notion_n of_o it_o have_v endeavour_v to_o enlarge_v the_o way_n and_o widen_v the_o gate_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o have_v therefore_o form_v to_o themselves_o more_o soft_a and_o pliant_a notion_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n such_o as_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o accommodate_v either_o to_o their_o particular_a inclination_n or_o to_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n than_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o among_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o some_o regard_n for_o religion_n humility_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n self-denial_n abstinence_n and_o mortification_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v visible_a in_o their_o practice_n that_o we_o seem_v to_o have_v almost_o lose_v the_o notion_n of_o they_o and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v so_o universal_o practise_v that_o though_o we_o know_v that_o these_o in_o st._n john_n be_v the_o name_n of_o vice_n we_o scarce_o know_v what_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v we_o have_v confound_v the_o mere_n and_o bound_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o such_o be_v the_o freedom_n i_o will_v now_o say_v of_o those_o who_o profess_v debauchery_n but_o christianity_n that_o if_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o determine_v what_o excess_n be_v and_o in_o a_o word_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o christ_n do_v yet_o live_v as_o if_o all_o the_o business_n of_o life_n be_v to_o get_v and_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o heart_n be_v lowly_a his_o fortune_n mean_a and_o his_o appearance_n humble_a do_v yet_o lay_v out_o their_o time_n their_o labour_n their_o wealth_n on_o this_o one_o design_n to_o make_v such_o a_o show_n such_o a_o figure_n in_o the_o world_n as_o may_v render_v they_o the_o gaze_v and_o envy_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o as_o our_o indulgence_n to_o ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o pride_n and_o vanitfy_v of_o life_n and_o the_o ease_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n be_v very_o great_a so_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v our_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n very_o little_a faint_a and_o remiss_a conversation_n have_v very_o little_a savour_n very_o little_a grace_n in_o it_o and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v resolute_a and_o industrious_a to_o awe_v or_o shame_n vice_n abroad_o that_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o countenance_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v observe_v to_o pay_v any_o particular_a respect_n to_o religion_n or_o virtue_n in_o company_n the_o government_n of_o our_o family_n be_v so_o lax_n and_o easy_a that_o it_o savour_v more_o of_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n than_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o these_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o do_v general_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o they_o sit_v before_o he_o as_o his_o people_n and_o delight_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n when_o god_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 33.31_o that_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n we_o have_v but_o a_o odd_a character_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o these_o people_n of_o who_o god_n say_v yet_o they_o seek_v i_o daily_o and_o delight_n to_o know_v my_o way_n nay_o further_o they_o delight_v in_o approach_v to_o god_n isa_n 58.2_o now_o though_o such_o as_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o may_v not_o be_v guilty_a to_o this_o degree_n so_o as_o to_o be_v chargeable_a with_o open_a wickedness_n yet_o i_o be_o very_o much_o afraid_a that_o even_o in_o this_o duty_n they_o but_o promote_v the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n they_o put_v upon_o themselves_o and_o make_v their_o diligence_n in_o this_o point_n minister_v to_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n in_o their_o laodicean_n state_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o such_o as_o these_o do_v more_o general_o aim_v at_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o ear_n than_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o preacher_n now_o as_o god_n do_v of_o ezekiel_n and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o very_a pleasant_a voice_n ezek._n 33.32_o the_o music_n of_o the_o voice_n the_o gracefulness_n of_o delivery_n a_o flow_n of_o word_n the_o surprise_n of_o novelty_n and_o notion_n the_o beauty_n of_o sentence_n and_o the_o sparkle_v of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n or_o a_o appearance_n of_o learning_n these_o be_v i_o doubt_v too_o aften_o the_o thing_n that_o draw_v together_o and_o charm_v a_o auditory_a and_o so_o all_o be_v please_v but_o none_o convert_v or_o edify_v for_o who_o sweat_v or_o blush_n who_o tremble_v or_o grow_v pale_a at_o these_o sermon_n who_o go_v away_o from_o they_o wound_v or_o strike_v through_o serious_a and_o pensive_a full_a of_o pious_a fear_n and_o devout_a desire_n 2._o a_o laodicean_n state_n spring_v from_o sloth_n and_o pusillanimity_n or_o the_o want_n of_o a_o thorough_a and_o wellgrounded_n resolution_n this_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o israelite_n fluctuation_n and_o uncertainty_n they_o be_v indeed_o desirous_a of_o a_o canaan_n but_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o tedious_a march_n hazardous_a encounter_n and_o the_o hardship_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v and_o such_o like_a they_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o willing_a to_o have_v prefer_v the_o dishonour_n and_o servitude_n of_o egypt_n with_o security_n and_o fullness_n before_o a_o canaan_n on_o these_o thames_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v this_o day_n with_o christian_n of_o a_o laodicean_n spirit_n and_o a_o doubtful_a stagger_a allegiance_n a_o heaven_n they_o will_v have_v but_o will_v not_o purchase_v it_o at_o too_o dear_a a_o raâ—e_n they_o will_v be_v account_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o share_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o suffering_n but_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o his_o suffering_n but_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n in_o any_o sense_n and_o follow_v he_o but_o alas_o israel_n may_v as_o well_o have_v gain_v their_o liberty_n without_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n or_o a_o canaan_n without_o travel_n and_o hardship_n and_o blood_n as_o these_o virtue_n and_o heaven_n without_o watchfulness_n and_o industry_n we_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v to-support_a and_o increase_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n without_o food_n or_o exercise_n as_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n without_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n we_o may_v as_o soon_o conquer_v our_o enemy_n without_o discipline_n expense_n and_o blow_n as_o master_v our_o corruption_n and_o become_v virtuous_a without_o spiritual_a watchfulness_n travel_n or_o contention_n there_o be_v indeed_o force_v and_o efficacy_n enough_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n if_o we_o will_v but_o frequent_o and_o serious_o read_v and_o meditate_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o conquer_v our_o corruption_n and_o strengthen_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n if_o we_o do_v but_o earnest_o and_o frequent_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o cherish_v and_o improve_v it_o when_o obtain_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v be_v undoubted_o proper_a and_o suitable_a powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o the_o attainment_n preservation_n and_o increase_v of_o holiness_n and_o all_o his_o ordinance_n have_v a_o divine_a virtue_n and_o energy_n in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v but_o due_o and_o conscienscious_o make_v use_n of_o but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o watch_v if_o we_o do_v not_o meditate_v if_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v if_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o a_o vain_a and_o trifle_a conversation_n if_o we_o indulge_v the_o body_n all_o the_o ease_n it_o be_v incline_v to_o and_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o no_o duty_n practise_v no_o discipline_n that_o we_o have_v any_o reluctancy_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o our_o virtue_n be_v crazy_a and_o sickly_a if_o our_o performance_n be_v cold_a and_o unedifying_a our_o faith_n weak_a our_o affection_n low_a and_o grovel_v our_o life_n unsteady_a and_o unprofitable_a our_o religion_n destitute_a of_o true_a pleasure_n and_o our_o latter_a end_n of_o any_o rational_a comfort_n or_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n it_o be_v natural_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o sluggard_n shall_v be_v like_o his_o field_n prov._n 24.30_o i_o go_v by_o the_o field_n of_o the_o slothful_a and_o by_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o man_n
most_o sanctify_a nature_n and_o some_o venial_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o other_o may_v still_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n beside_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v or_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n seem_v to_o make_v way_n for_o more_o so_o that_o after_o all_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v as_o well_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o righteousness_n as_o his_o fortune_n be_v like_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o mean_v the_o day_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o attain_v it_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o section_n will_v all_o serve_v here_o therefore_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o offer_v of_o this_o sort_n only_o if_o i_o forget_v to_o pay_v that_o deference_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o just_o deserve_v i_o do_v it_o now_o and_o do_v earnest_o persuade_v my_o reader_n to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o only_o think_v this_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v a_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o but_o also_o high_o conducive_a to_o true_a perfection_n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o public_a ordinance_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n do_v mutual_o inflame_v and_o enkindle_v one_o another_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n seize_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o final_o that_o if_o the_o office_n of_o our_o liturgy_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o much_o indispose_v and_o very_o poor_o qualify_v for_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n chap._n x._o of_o zeal_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o good_a work_n and_o now_o let_v not_o any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o advance_v the_o illumination_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o knock_v off_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o raise_v he_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v above_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o life_n to_o scatter_v those_o lazy_a fog_n and_o mist_n which_o hang_v upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o enrich_v he_o with_o heroic_a virtue_n let_v no_o man_n i_o say_v fancy_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v all_o this_o that_o after_o all_o my_o perfect_a man_n may_v sit_v down_o like_o a_o epicurean_a god_n and_o enjoy_v himself_o may_v talk_v fine_o of_o solitary_a shade_n and_o garden_n and_o spend_v a_o precious_a life_n fit_v for_o the_o noble_a design_n in_o a_o sluggish_a retirement_n no_o no_o as_o virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o human_a life_n so_o be_v action_n the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o zeal_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o action_n which_o i_o require_v in_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n according_o the_o scripture_n describe_v this_o great_a this_o happy_a man_n as_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n such_o a_o one_o be_v moses_n mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o egyptian_n such_o a_o one_o be_v st._n stephen_n as_o full_a of_o a_o divine_a ardour_n and_o irresistible_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n as_o of_o a_o irresistible_a wisdom_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o excellent_a cornelius_n a_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o have_v transfuse_v and_o derive_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o bosom_n throughout_o his_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o friend_n too_o one_o that_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v instance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o all_o other_o the_o victory_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o charity_n the_o constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o hope_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n need_v i_o here_o distinguish_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o faction_n the_o cruelty_n of_o superstition_n from_o the_o wakeful_a and_o indefatigable_a activity_n of_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n from_o the_o unruly_a heat_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o from_o the_o implacable_a fury_n of_o revenge_n it_o need_v not_o no_o foolish_a no_o false_a fantastic_a earthly_a or_o devilish_a principle_n can_v counterfeit_v a_o divine_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o shine_v with_o such_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n with_o such_o a_o heavenly_a majesty_n and_o sweetness_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v imitate_v it_o it_o be_v always_o pursue_v good_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n it_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o it_o contend_v as_o earnest_o too_o to_o root_v out_o wickedness_n and_o implant_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o eager_a for_o the_o article_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o unconcern_v for_o catholic_n once_o when_o it_o press_v for_o reformation_n it_o begin_v at_o home_n and_o set_v a_o bright_a example_n of_o what_o it_o will_v recommend_v to_o other_o it_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a under_o its_o own_o affront_v but_o warm_a and_o bold_a against_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n though_o love_n fill_v its_o sail_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n give_v it_o ballast_n and_o it_o have_v no_o heat_n but_o what_o be_v temper_v and_o refract_v by_o charity_n and_o humility_n need_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n fix_v or_o state_n the_o various_a degree_n of_o zeal_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ardent_a thirst_n of_o promote_a the_o divine_a glory_n by_o the_o best_a work_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o more_o excellent_a the_o work_n and_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v the_o more_o perfect_a the_o more_o exalt_v the_o zeal_n that_o perform_v it_o when_o like_o mary_n we_o quit_v the_o cumber_n and_o distraction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o choose_v religion_n for_o our_o portion_n then_o do_v we_o love_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n when_o with_o the_o disciple_n we_o can_v say_v lord_n we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v so_o when_o we_o be_v continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n when_o if_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n church_n require_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v nothing_o our_o own_o when_o we_o be_v prepare_v if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o to_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n when_o nothing_o be_v dear_a nothing_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o god_n and_o holiness_n then_o have_v we_o reach_v the_o height_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o word_n zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n make_v perfect_a in_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v see_v it_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n we_o must_v contemplate_v it_o in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o heroick_n love_n how_o boundless_a be_v his_o love_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o how_o transcendent_a when_o a_o world_n of_o enemy_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o how_o indefatigable_a be_v his_o zeal_n how_o wakeful_a how_o meek_a how_o humble_a how_o firm_a and_o resolve_v his_o labour_n and_o travel_n his_o self-denial_n prayer_n and_o tear_n his_o silence_n and_o patience_n his_o agony_n and_o blood_n and_o charitable_a prayer_n pour_v out_o with_o it_o for_o his_o persecutor_n instruct_v we_o full_o what_o divine_a love_n what_o divine_a zeal_n be_v and_o now_o even_o at_o this_o time_n love_n reign_v in_o he_o as_o he_o reign_v in_o heaven_n love_n be_v still_o the_o predominant_a the_o darling_n passion_n of_o his_o soul_n worthy_a be_v thou_o o_o jesus_n to_o receive_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o dominion_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o thy_o father_n on_o his_o throne_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n because_o thou_o have_v love_v because_o thou_o have_v be_v zealous_a unto_o death_n because_o thou_o have_v overcome_v some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o have_v follow_v thy_o bright_a example_n though_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n first_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n next_o those_o belove_v and_o admire_v prince_n who_o have_v govern_v their_o kingdom_n in_o righteousness_n to_o who_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v far_o dear_a than_o pleasure_n than_o empire_n than_o absolute_a power_n or_o that_o ominous_a blaze_n that_o be_v now_o call_v glory_n and_o next_o follow_v hold_v this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o angel_n they_o must_v marshal_v the_o field_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o end_n
of_o all_o thing_n o_o my_o god_n may_v i_o at_o least_o be_v one_o to_o fill_v the_o train_n of_o this_o triumphant_a procession_n in_o that_o bless_a day_n when_o thou_o shall_v crown_v the_o zeal_n and_o patience_n of_o thy_o saint_n thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o zeal_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o kindle_v it_o in_o every_o breast_n by_o some_o few_o consideration_n which_o will_v at_o once_o evince_n the_o necessity_n and_o declare_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o 1._o our_o own_o security_n and_o happiness_n demand_v of_o we_o a_o zeal_n fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n 2._o it_o be_v indispensable_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o it_o minister_v most_o effectual_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1._o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o without_o this_o we_o reject_v on_o at_o least_o frustrate_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v for_o this_o christ_n die_v that_o he_o may_v purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o election_n god_n have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n eph._n 1.4_o which_o be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o eph._n 2.10_o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o good_a work_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o ver_fw-la mind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n god_n impart_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o for_o this_o end_n he_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v our_o nature_n we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n immediate_o aim_v at_o first_o godliness_n then_o life_n first_o virtue_n then_o glory_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o narrative_a of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o his_o apostle_n in_o almost_o innumerable_a place_n have_v with_o great_a power_n and_o great_a earnestness_n inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n that_o immortality_n and_o glory_n be_v the_o portion_n not_o of_o knowledge_n but_o patience_n and_o charity_n not_o of_o a_o orthodox_n belief_n and_o specious_a pretention_n but_o of_o righteousness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o incorruptible_a the_o never-fading_a crown_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n or_o if_o man_n will_v be_v judge_v by_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o the_o language_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o matter_n at_o all_o since_o faith_n itself_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o its_o work_n and_o as_o a_o happy_a eternity_n depend_v upon_o our_o zeal_n so_o nothing_o else_o can_v give_v we_o any_o comfortable_a any_o rational_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v zeal_n that_o be_v the_o only_a unquestionable_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o fruit_n which_o alone_o can_v evidence_n the_o life_n and_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n hereby_o we_o 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 yea_o a_o man_n may_v say_v thou_o have_v faith_n and_o i_o have_v work_n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n jam._n 2.18_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a do_v thou_o believe_v in_o jesus_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o deny_v thyself_o take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v do_v thou_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v why_o do_v thou_o not_o work_v out_o thy_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a why_o do_v thou_o not_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n that_o thou_o may_v lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o lie_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n nor_o be_v good_a work_v less_o necessary_a to_o prove_v our_o love_n than_o faith_n certain_o if_o we_o love_v holiness_n if_o we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n we_o shall_v never_o live_v in_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o strong_a passion_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o refuse_v to_o gratify_v a_o inclination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o fervent_a in_o we_o but_o its_o gratification_n will_v procure_v we_o eternal_a reward_n too_o certain_o if_o we_o love_v god_n we_o can_v but_o seek_v his_o glory_n we_o can_v but_o be_v desirous_a to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o if_o so_o do_v we_o know_v any_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o good_a work_n do_v we_o know_v any_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o more_o than_o zeal_n do_v we_o love_v the_o b._n jesus_n be_v not_o good_a work_v the_o very_a test_n of_o this_o love_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o commandment_n joh._n 14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 15.14_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n constrain_v we_o what_o to_o do_v to_o live_v not_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o that_o die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o 2_o cor._n 5.15_o what_o other_o return_v can_v we_o make_v to_o jesus_n what_o other_o way_n can_v we_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o himself_o need_v our_o ministry_n nor_o want_v our_o service_n and_o charity_n but_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o do_v it_o to_o one_o of_o these_o my_o little_a one_o you_o have_v do_v it_o to_o i_o matt._n 25.40_o 2._o our_o zeal_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o other_o do_v we_o regard_v our_o neighbour_n eternal_a interest_n it_o be_v zeal_n repress_n sin_n and_o propagate_v righteousness_n it_o be_v zeal_n defend_v the_o faith_n and_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o error_n it_o be_v zeal_n convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o build_v up_o the_o believer_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a quicken_v the_o lukewarm_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a and_o inflame_v the_o good_a with_o a_o holy_a emulation_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o baffle_v all_o objection_n refute_v all_o calumny_n and_o vanquish_v all_o opposition_n raise_v against_o religion_n and_o oppress_v its_o enemy_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n zeal_n and_o zeal_n alone_o that_o can_v make_v religion_n appear_v lovely_a and_o delightful_a and_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o it_o for_o this_o alone_a can_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n for_o it_o render_v virtue_n more_o conspicuous_a more_o take_v in_o life_n and_o example_n than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o precept_n and_o description_n of_o word_n nor_o be_v zeal_n less_o serviceable_a to_o the_o temporal_a that_o eternal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n when_o god_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o virtue_n too_o and_o when_o he_o form_v man_n he_o weave_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n into_o his_o very_a nature_n how_o necessary_a be_v justice_n to_o poor_a creature_n who_o lie_v so_o open_a to_o wrong_n and_o injury_n how_o indispensable_a be_v charity_n or_o generosity_n to_o these_o who_o be_v expose_v to_o so_o many_o accident_n to_o so_o many_o want_v to_o such_o a_o viscissitude_n of_o fortune_n and_o be_v all_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o folly_n and_o infirmity_n to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o fancy_n how_o strong_a must_v be_v our_o obligation_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n patience_n and_o gentleness_n in_o a_o word_n sin_n and_o misery_n abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n to_o balance_v the_o one_o and_o â—o_o relieve_v and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o other_o life_n will_v be_v intolerable_a so_o that_o reveal_v and_o natural_a religion_n do_v necessary_o terminate_v and_o centre_n in_o a_o zeal_n for_o good_a work_n as_o their_o ultimate_a end_n and_o utmost_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o rule_v of_o our_o saviour_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o be_v a_o abstract_n not_o only_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o of_o the_o code_n of_o nature_n too_o and_o this_o single_a principle_n if_o sincere_o pursue_v
will_v ferment_n and_o work_v we_o up_o to_o the_o noble_a height_n of_o zeal_n i_o may_v here_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a easy_o show_v that_o zeal_n have_v as_o happy_a a_o influence_n on_o the_o public_a as_o the_o private_a that_o this_o must_v animate_v that_o justice_n and_o mercy_n that_o support_v the_o throne_n that_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o honour_n integrity_n generosity_n and_o religion_n which_o support_v the_o state_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o without_o which_o all_o politic_a system_n must_v needs_o tend_v to_o a_o dissolution_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o three_o consideration_n natural_o appear_v 3._o viz._n that_o zeal_n minister_v most_o effectual_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o if_o zeal_n be_v in_o itself_o thus_o lovely_a thus_o necessary_a if_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o serviceable_a to_o the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a interest_n of_o man_n what_o a_o lovely_a what_o a_o agreeable_a notion_n of_o god_n shall_v we_o form_v from_o this_o one_o consideration_n of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o fountain_n of_o that_o light_n and_o heat_n of_o that_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compound_v and_o constitute_v he_o command_v and_o exact_v it_o he_o excite_v and_o encourage_v to_o it_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o ravish_a fruition_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v plant_v the_o seed_n of_o it_o in_o our_o nature_n and_o he_o cherish_v they_o by_o the_o bless_a and_o vigorous_a influence_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n how_o gracious_a be_v the_o divine_a nature_n how_o gracious_a be_v the_o divine_a government_n when_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o law_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v as_o brethren_n that_o we_o shall_v clothe_v the_o naked_a feed_v the_o hungry_a deliver_v the_o captive_a instruct_v the_o 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