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chafe_v they_o into_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o heavenly_a warmth_n diffuse_v from_o they_o and_o inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o divine_a affection_n wherefore_o let_v we_o frequent_o revolve_v such_o thought_n as_o these_o in_o our_o mind_n o_o my_o soul_n how_o infinite_o be_v thou_o oblige_v to_o love_v thy_o god_n who_o have_v be_v such_o a_o tender_a friend_n and_o liberal_a benefactor_n to_o thou_o who_o love_v thou_o before_o ever_o thou_o be_v capable_a of_o think_v a_o thought_n of_o love_n towards_o he_o yea_o and_o when_o thou_o do_v most_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v from_o his_o favour_n for_o ever_o and_o who_o have_v no_o other_o aim_n in_o love_v thou_o but_o to_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o make_v thou_o happy_a and_o think_v nothing_o too_o good_a for_o thou_o
that_o can_v either_o promote_v or_o complete_a thy_o happiness_n but_o be_v so_o importunate_o concern_v for_o thou_o as_o to_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v thou_o not_o to_o reject_v his_o favour_n and_o can_v thou_o be_v cold_a and_o insensible_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o prevail_a endearment_n suppose_v that_o thy_o fellow-creature_n have_v do_v for_o thou_o but_o a_o thousand_o part_n of_o what_o thy_o god_n have_v do_v and_o thou_o have_v repay_v his_o kindness_n with_o nothing_o but_o affront_v and_o indignity_n will_v thou_o not_o call_v thyself_o a_o thousand_o ungrateful_a wretch_n and_o acknowledge_v thyself_o infinite_o unworthy_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o be_v it_o less_o criminal_a to_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o god_n than_o to_o thy_o fellow-creature_n suppose_v thou_o have_v a_o friend_n that_o begin_v to_o love_v thou_o as_o soon_o as_o thou_o be_v bear_v and_o have_v persist_v to_o love_v thou_o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v offer_v he_o a_o thousand_o provocation_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o have_v do_v thou_o all_o the_o good_a he_o be_v able_a and_o constant_o repay_v thy_o injury_n with_o favour_n will_v not_o thy_o conscience_n fly_v in_o thy_o face_n and_o all_o that_o be_v humane_a in_o thou_o upbraid_v thy_o monstrous_a baseness_n and_o have_v not_o thy_o god_n oblige_v thou_o infinite_o more_o than_o the_o best_a friend_n in_o the_o world_n how_o then_o can_v thou_o excuse_v thy_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n to_o he_o consider_v o_o my_o soul_n the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a world_n be_v upon_o thou_o angel_n and_o saint_n be_v look_v down_o from_o their_o throne_n of_o glory_n to_o see_v how_o thou_o will_v acquit_v thyself_o under_o all_o these_o mighty_a obligation_n which_o if_o any_o mortal_a friend_n have_v lay_v they_o upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v have_v so_o ill_o requite_v he_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v hiss_v at_o thou_o for_o a_o monster_n of_o ingratitude_n and_o be_v it_o less_o infamous_a to_o be_v a_o ungrateful_a wretch_n towards_o god_n than_o towards_o a_o mortal_a friend_n with_o what_o confidence_n then_o will_v thou_o lift_v up_o thy_o head_n among_o those_o bless_a spirit_n who_o have_v be_v spectator_n of_o thy_o action_n who_o have_v see_v thy_o foul_a ingratitude_n towards_o thy_o best_a friend_n and_o must_v therefore_o brand_v thou_o for_o a_o inglorious_a wretch_n abandon_v of_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o modesty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o if_o after_o you_o have_v press_v you_o soul_n with_o all_o this_o mighty_a weight_n of_o love_n you_o shall_v be_v still_o to_o learn_v to_o re-love_n the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o i_o know_v no_o other_o expedient_a but_o to_o send_v you_o to_o the_o brute_n to_o be_v their_o scholar_n to_o call_v for_o your_o spaniel_n and_o bid_v they_o teach_v you_o and_o by_o their_o kind_n return_v of_o your_o favour_n instruct_v your_o cold_a ungrateful_a heart_n to_o make_v proportionate_a return_v of_o love_n to_o your_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n thus_o let_v we_o frequent_o argue_v with_o ourselves_o and_o repeat_v these_o consideration_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o obligation_n they_o can_v fail_v of_o warm_v and_o affect_v our_o heart_n 3_o dly_z let_v we_o endeavour_v so_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o moderate_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o world_n love_v not_o the_o world_n say_v st._n john_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o epist._n two_o 15_o that_o be_v if_o we_o inordinate_o love_v and_o dote_v upon_o the_o world_n if_o we_o suffer_v its_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n to_o creep_v into_o to_o hamper_v and_o inveigle_v our_o affection_n into_o a_o excessive_a delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o they_o that_o will_v so_o forestall_v and_o prepossess_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o room_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v so_o soak_v and_o moisten_v with_o sensual_a desire_n and_o complacency_n that_o the_o pure_a flame_n of_o divine_a love_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o or_o kindle_v upon_o they_o for_o whilst_o we_o immoderate_o dote_v upon_o the_o world_n that_o will_v so_o engross_v our_o thought_n so_o perpetual_o importune_v our_o desire_n that_o no_o friend_n from_o heaven_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o come_v at_o we_o no_o good_a thought_n or_o consideration_n that_o come_v to_o court_v and_o woo_v our_o soul_n for_o god_n will_v ever_o find_v admittance_n to_o they_o or_o if_o now_o and_o then_o they_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o and_o force_v themselves_o into_o our_o mind_n the_o world_n will_v be_v so_o buisy_n about_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v long_o at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o they_o but_o whilst_o they_o be_v address_v to_o we_o and_o importune_v our_o affection_n we_o shall_v feel_v a_o thousand_o rival_n thought_n swarm_v and_o buzz_v about_o we_o and_o this_o will_v be_v hold_v that_o pull_v the_o other_o clasp_v itself_o about_o we_o and_o woo_v we_o not_o to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o and_o though_o between_o these_o competitor_n for_o our_o love_n our_o heart_n may_v now_o and_o then_o be_v a_o little_a waver_a and_o irresolute_a yet_o our_o fond_a partiality_n to_o the_o world_n will_v so_o vehement_o incline_v and_o bias_n we_o that_o we_o shall_v soon_o reject_v those_o divine_a thought_n that_o will_v so_o fain_o court_v we_o to_o a_o contrary_a affection_n wherefore_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v acquire_v this_o noble_a and_o heavenly_a virtue_n of_o divine_a love_n we_o must_v endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o wean_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o world_n to_o rescue_v ourselves_o from_o under_o its_o tyranny_n and_o dominion_n into_o our_o own_o power_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o dispose_v of_o our_o time_n our_o thought_n and_o heart_n as_o shall_v seem_v to_o we_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a for_o till_o we_o have_v recover_v our_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n into_o our_o own_o disposal_n how_o can_v we_o resign_v they_o to_o god_n before_o we_o can_v give_v he_o ourselves_o we_o must_v be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v enthral_v to_o the_o world_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v become_v hearty_a lover_n of_o god_n we_o must_v labour_v so_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o get_v such_o a_o sovereignty_n over_o our_o earthly_a desire_n and_o affection_n as_o that_o whensoever_o we_o be_v mind_v to_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o off_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o intrude_v upon_o we_o to_o mingle_v themselves_o with_o our_o contemplation_n and_o divert_v our_o eye_n from_o the_o endear_n prospect_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o loveliness_n and_o then_o our_o thought_n will_v stay_v and_o dwell_v upon_o this_o ravish_a theme_n like_o bee_n upon_o a_o sweet_a flower_n and_o never_o rise_v till_o they_o have_v extract_v thence_o the_o honey_n of_o canaan_n the_o delicious_a sweet_n of_o heavenly_a love_n and_o complacency_n then_o we_o shall_v muse_v on_o till_o the_o fire_n burn_v and_o never_o take_v off_o our_o eye_n from_o god_n till_o we_o have_v gaze_v ourselves_o into_o captivity_n to_o his_o love_n and_o beauty_n 4_o thly_a if_o we_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n we_o must_v endeavour_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o reconcile_v our_o mind_n and_o temper_n to_o it_o for_o whilst_o our_o mind_n be_v averse_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o justice_n purity_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n of_o his_o love_n and_o benevolence_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o hearty_a complacencey_n in_o he_o we_o may_v admire_v his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o be_v sometime_o move_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o into_o mighty_a transport_v of_o sensitive_a passion_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o a_o fix_a and_o permanent_a delight_n in_o he_o till_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o nature_n for_o all_o true_a and_o constant_a love_n be_v found_v in_o a_o likeness_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o till_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n godlike_a till_o we_o be_v pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a just_a as_o he_o be_v just_a good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a we_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a love_n nay_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o we_o be_v under_o a_o
prevalent_a repugnancy_n and_o antipathy_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n wherefore_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a lover_n of_o god_n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n that_o be_v found_v in_o his_o bless_a nature_n which_o if_o we_o do_v and_o persist_v in_o our_o resolution_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o will_v by_o degree_n render_v they_o first_o tolerable_a then_o easy_a then_o delightful_a then_o natural_a to_o we_o and_o when_o once_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nature_n be_v thus_o transcribe_v and_o copy_v into_o we_o when_o our_o heart_n and_o his_o stand_n bend_v the_o same_o way_n and_o be_v for_o the_o main_a alike_o incline_v and_o dispose_v then_o we_o be_v prepare_v for_o divine_a love_n make_v proper_a and_o convenient_a fuel_n to_o receive_v that_o heavenly_a flame_n for_o as_o when_o god_n see_v himself_o in_o we_o his_o goodness_n purity_n and_o holiness_n stamp_v and_o impress_v upon_o our_o nature_n he_o be_v incline_v by_o his_o own_o self-love_n to_o be_v please_v with_o and_o take_v complacency_n in_o we_o so_o when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v our_o self_n in_o god_n to_o see_v all_o that_o in_o he_o for_o which_o we_o value_v ourselves_o and_o to_o see_v it_o all_o in_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n in_o he_o which_o be_v yet_o so_o imperfect_a in_o ourselves_o our_o own_o self-love_n will_v endear_v he_o to_o we_o and_o wing_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o active_a vigorous_a love_n to_o he_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v love_v god_n let_v we_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o godlike_a virtue_n till_o by_o accustom_v ourselves_o thereunto_o we_o have_v conquer_v our_o own_o repugnancy_n and_o antipathy_n to_o his_o bless_a nature_n and_o then_o our_o heart_n will_v stand_v open_a to_o his_o love_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v it_o enter_v into_o we_o and_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n like_o a_o sprightful_a and_o active_a flame_n till_o it_o have_v all_o inflame_v they_o with_o love_n and_o convert_v they_o into_o its_o own_o substance_n 5_o thly_a and_o last_o if_o we_o will_v acquire_v this_o heavenly_a virtue_n to_o all_o the_o forego_n direction_n we_o must_v add_v constant_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o grace_n we_o can_v love_v he_o but_o if_o we_o do_v all_o and_o then_o implore_v and_o supplicate_v his_o assistance_n we_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o truth_n itself_o can_v give_v we_o if_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o hearty_a mind_n to_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v both_o do_v our_o own_o part_n towards_o it_o and_o earnest_o implore_v he_o to_o do_v he_o for_o so_o when_o we_o petition_n for_o our_o daily_a bread_n we_o do_v not_o say_v our_o prayer_n and_o then_o sit_v down_o with_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o bosom_n expect_v that_o bread_n shall_v drop_v from_o heaven_n into_o our_o mouth_n but_o we_o present_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o some_o honest_a employment_n and_o therein_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o same_o course_n we_o shall_v take_v if_o we_o desire_v to_o love_n god_n with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n as_o we_o desire_v food_n we_o shall_v pray_v and_o endeavour_v and_o endeavour_v and_o pray_v we_o shall_v be_v diligent_a in_o do_v what_o be_v in_o our_o power_n and_o be_v importunate_a with_o god_n to_o do_v what_o be_v only_o in_o he_o and_o certain_o do_v we_o but_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o this_o heavenly_a virtue_n this_o soul_n and_o queen_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n we_o shall_v count_v no_o prayer_n no_o tear_n no_o endeavour_n too_o much_o to_o purchase_v and_o obtain_v it_o do_v we_o but_o consider_v how_o useful_a and_o delightful_a it_o be_v how_o at_o once_o it_o entice_v and_o inlivens_fw-la man_n what_o a_o powerful_a bias_n it_o clap_v upon_o their_o heart_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o with_o what_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n it_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o turn_v their_o toil_n into_o recreation_n how_o it_o clear_v and_o smooth_v their_o countenance_n revive_v and_o elevate_v their_o heart_n do_v man_n i_o say_v but_o consider_v this_o they_o will_v give_v neither_o themselves_o nor_o heaven_n rest_v till_o they_o feel_v their_o cold_a and_o slugish_a soul_n inspire_v and_o animate_v with_o it_o wherefore_o to_o all_o our_o endeavour_n after_o it_o let_v we_o join_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v kindle_v our_o stupid_a heart_n and_o touch_v our_o cold_a affection_n with_o a_o outstretch_a ray_n from_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v conquer_v our_o repugnance_n to_o he_o and_o represent_v his_o love_n and_o beauty_n to_o our_o soul_n in_o such_o affect_v and_o attractive_a form_n as_o may_v not_o fail_v to_o captivate_v our_o heart_n and_o subdue_v our_o obstinate_a will_n that_o have_v so_o long_o hold_v out_o against_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o battery_n of_o his_o endear_n goodness_n and_o if_o we_o thus_o pray_v and_o thus_o endeavour_v and_o persevere_v in_o both_o we_o shall_v at_o length_n most_o certain_o feel_v this_o heavenly_a grace_n spring_v up_o within_o we_o and_o grow_v on_o to_o maturity_n by_o insensible_a degree_n till_o at_o last_o it_o have_v get_v a_o entire_a possession_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o subdue_v all_o our_o power_n and_o affection_n to_o its_o sweet_a and_o bless_a empire_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v feel_v ourselves_o act_v in_o religion_n by_o a_o new_a soul_n and_o carry_v on_o through_o all_o its_o weary_a stage_n with_o a_o unspeakable_a life_n and_o vigour_n then_o all_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v naturalize_v to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v do_v god_n will_n upon_o earth_n with_o almost_o the_o same_o cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o our_o bless_a brethren_n in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v to_o who_o be_v honour_n etc._n etc._n psalm_n xi_o 7_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n by_o righteousness_n here_o some_o expositor_n understand_v the_o righteousness_n of_o punishment_n because_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o wicked_a he_o shall_v rain_v snare_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o follow_v why_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n but_o consider_v the_o whole_a i_o rather_o believe_v that_o by_o righteousness_n here_o be_v mean_v righteousness_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o it_o seem_v more_o probable_a that_o the_o text_n be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o two_o former_a verse_n than_o of_o that_o immediate_o forego_v but_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v assert_v be_v this_o the_o lord_n try_v the_o righteous_a but_o the_o wicked_a and_o he_o that_o love_v violence_n his_o soul_n hate_v upon_o the_o wicked_a he_o shall_v rain_v snare_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a for_o though_o sometime_o he_o afflict_v the_o righteous_a yet_o it_o be_v only_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v they_o and_o to_o render_v their_o virtue_n more_o exemplary_a and_o illustrious_a but_o as_o for_o the_o wicked_a when_o he_o rain_v down_o punishment_n on_o they_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o just_a hatred_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v thus_o different_o affect_v towards_o these_o different_a person_n be_v because_o of_o the_o different_a affection_n he_o bear_v towards_o their_o contrary_a qualification_n he_o love_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o make_v he_o chasten_v they_o in_o love_n and_o for_o kind_n and_o merciful_a end_n and_o purpose_n but_o he_o hate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o make_v he_o proceed_v against_o they_o with_o so_o much_o wrath_n and_o severity_n so_o that_o by_o righteousness_n here_o he_o mean_v that_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v inherent_a in_o righteous_a person_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v he_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o benevolent_a aspect_n which_o latter_a word_n be_v only_o a_o full_a exemplification_n of_o the_o former_a plain_o show_v that_o by_o the_o righteousness_n mention_v in_o they_o be_v mean_v the_o righteousness_n of_o righteous_a person_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v the_o righteousness_n of_o punishment_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o manner_n by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o single_a virtue_n
love_v what_o he_o love_v and_o hate_v what_o he_o hate_v these_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a indication_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o than_o the_o most_o ravish_a effect_n of_o sensitive_a passion_n for_o though_o our_o heart_n be_v melt_v into_o a_o transport_n and_o fondness_n to_o he_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o practice_n be_v incomplyant_a to_o his_o will_n and_o law_n he_o will_v look_v upon_o we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o hypocrite_n and_o enemy_n and_o esteem_v all_o our_o sensitive_a fondness_n towards_o he_o but_o as_o the_o base_a flattery_n of_o judas_n who_o kiss_v he_o and_o then_o betray_v he_o 3_o lie_n hence_o i_o infer_v what_o the_o great_a reason_n be_v why_o god_n do_v so_o strict_o enjoin_v we_o to_o love_v he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o command_n whatsoever_o so_o often_o repeat_v in_o scripture_n as_o this_o of_o love_a god_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n what_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o love_v he_o o_o love_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o his_o saint_n take_v heed_n therefore_o to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n these_o and_o a_o world_n of_o other_o reiterated_a injunction_n of_o love_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o sacred_a page_n but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v do_v god_n need_v our_o love_n that_o he_o so_o importunate_o call_v for_o it_o or_o do_v it_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o happiness_n to_o see_v himself_o belove_v by_o all_o this_o great_a world_n of_o being_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o which_o he_o have_v endue_v with_o the_o capacity_n of_o love_v he_o no_o no_o though_o doubtless_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v give_v he_o be_v our_o love_n yet_o he_o be_v too_o happy_a in_o himself_o to_o need_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o for_o he_o be_v a_o bottomless_a fountain_n of_o happiness_n circumscribe_v all_o those_o bliss_n that_o he_o can_v need_v or_o desire_v within_o the_o boundless_a circle_n of_o his_o own_o be_v or_o do_v he_o court_v our_o love_n mere_o that_o he_o may_v glory_v in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o lover_n and_o pride_n himself_o in_o those_o infinite_a flame_n that_o concentre_v in_o he_o no_o nor_o this_o neither_o for_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o glorious_a in_o himself_o that_o no_o act_n of_o we_o can_v either_o add_v to_o or_o subtract_v from_o his_o glory_n which_o amid_o all_o the_o hallelujah_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o all_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n shine_v with_o the_o same_o unvaried_a splendour_n and_o brightness_n and_o be_v neither_o diminish_v by_o our_o hatred_n nor_o improve_v by_o our_o love_n well_o then_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n what_o be_v it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o thing_n be_v infinite_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o lovely_a in_o himself_o shall_v be_v belove_v and_o that_o all_o our_o affection_n shall_v be_v unite_v in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o being_n and_o well-being_n and_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o reasonable_a faculty_n can_v but_o desire_v that_o we_o shall_v act_v reasonable_o and_o love_v that_o best_a which_o best_o deserve_v to_o be_v belove_v but_o be_v there_o not_o some_o particular_a end_n for_o which_o god_n do_v so_o earnest_o crave_v and_o exact_v our_o love_n yes_o doubtless_o there_o be_v and_o such_o as_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a of_o he_o that_o have_v propose_v it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o a_o be_v infinite_o wise_a shall_v ever_o act_v without_o end_n or_o aim_n but_o god_n be_v infinite_o happy_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o propose_v any_o end_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n because_o that_o will_v imply_v that_o he_o want_v or_o desire_v some_o good_a that_o he_o have_v not_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a but_o then_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a as_o well_o as_o happy_a we_o can_v imagine_v what_o other_o end_v he_o shall_v have_v of_o his_o action_n but_o only_o to_o do_v good_a to_o his_o creature_n and_o promote_v their_o happiness_n and_o consequent_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o he_o do_v so_o importunate_o demand_v our_o love_n be_v not_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o but_o to_o do_v good_a to_o we_o for_o our_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o god_n as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o xuj_o 2_o and_o though_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n yet_o job_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v no_o gain_n at_o all_o to_o god_n that_o we_o make_v our_o way_n perfect_a job_n xxii_o 3_o but_o though_o it_o be_v none_o to_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a gain_n to_o ourselves_o and_o that_o be_v the_o end_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o he_o require_v it_o for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n love_n be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a and_o fruitful_a now_o god_n require_v we_o to_o obey_v he_o for_o our_o own_o good_a he_o have_v enjoin_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o he_o require_v we_o to_o love_v he_o that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o more_o entire_o and_o perfect_o obey_v he_o and_o thereby_o more_o speedy_o arrive_v to_o that_o happiness_n for_o which_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v design_v we_o so_o that_o all_o the_o profit_n both_o of_o our_o love_n and_o obedience_n accrue_v to_o ourselves_o it_o be_v we_o only_o that_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o virtue_n we_o only_o that_o be_v exalt_v by_o those_o homage_n that_o we_o render_v to_o our_o maker_n for_o he_o be_v as_o happy_a without_o our_o love_n as_o he_o be_v with_o it_o and_o all_o those_o unite_a flame_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n that_o meet_v and_o concentre_v in_o he_o add_v not_o one_o spark_n to_o the_o infinite_a element_n of_o his_o happiness_n which_o be_v not_o infinite_a can_v it_o admit_v of_o increase_n but_o the_o lover_n themselves_o be_v glorify_v by_o their_o love_n and_o because_o they_o be_v so_o god_n require_v and_o exact_v it_o for_o our_o love_n be_v the_o great_a soul_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o our_o obedience_n the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n the_o profit_n of_o both_o must_v necessary_o redound_v to_o ourselves_o and_o it_o be_v we_o only_o that_o must_v be_v enrich_v and_o glorify_v by_o they_o for_o this_o reason_n therefore_o god_n require_v our_o love_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o live_a principle_n to_o obedience_n and_o that_o be_v so_o it_o may_v accelerate_v our_o happiness_n for_o he_o who_o love_n of_o god_n be_v but_o arrive_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o reign_a principle_n of_o obedience_n so_o as_o that_o his_o obedience_n proceed_v more_o from_o his_o love_n than_o from_o any_o other_o passion_n do_v already_o border_n on_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o be_v within_o the_o confine_n of_o perfection_n for_o as_o for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v all_o act_v by_o pure_a love_n which_o make_v their_o obedience_n pure_a and_o perfect_a they_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o by_o their_o sight_n be_v all_o inflame_v with_o love_n to_o he_o and_o by_o their_o love_n be_v wing_v with_o everlasting_a vigour_n and_o readiness_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o all_o their_o aversation_n to_o his_o heavenly_a will_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o perfect_a love_n they_o not_o only_o obey_v without_o murmur_a but_o with_o infinite_a ravishment_n and_o pleasure_n and_o never_o feel_v themselves_o more_o in_o heaven_n than_o while_o they_o be_v serve_v praise_v and_o adore_v he_o this_o be_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o those_o heavenly_a lover_n and_o to_o this_o we_o be_v approach_v with_o full_a speed_n while_o we_o obey_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n for_o love_n will_v carry_v we_o on_o with_o wind_n and_o tide_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o perfection_n to_o another_o and_o whilst_o poor_a slavish_a soul_n that_o be_v act_v main_o by_o their_o fear_n be_v feign_v to_o tug_v at_o the_o oar_n and_o yet_o creep_v on_o but_o slow_o and_o by_o insensible_a degree_n we_o shall_v run_v forward_o with_o ease_n and_o speed_n and_o get_v more_o ground_n at_o one_o stroke_n than_o they_o can_v in_o twenty_o for_o in_o one_o good_a action_n perform_v out_o of_o love_n there_o be_v more_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n than_o in_o a_o hundred_o of_o those_o whereunto_o we_o be_v drag_v by_o our_o own_o fear_n and_o terror_n because_o as_o the_o degree_n of_o evil_a so_o the_o degree_n of_o good_a in_o all_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n
and_o such_o like_a instinct_n and_o propension_n there_o be_v find_v in_o human_a nature_n which_o be_v well_o manage_v and_o improve_v by_o our_o reason_n prove_v excellent_a instrument_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o do_v very_o much_o facilitate_v and_o further_o our_o practice_n of_o they_o for_o this_o our_o natural_a self-love_n be_v guide_v by_o our_o reason_n do_v strong_o incline_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a agent_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v we_o the_o great_a good_a if_o we_o please_v he_o and_o the_o great_a hurt_v if_o we_o affront_v and_o provoke_v he_o so_o that_o as_o we_o love_v our_o self_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o use_v all_o reasonable_a way_n to_o endear_v and_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o he_o thus_o our_o natural_a desire_n of_o good_a if_o conduct_v by_o our_o reason_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o do_v the_o best_a action_n since_o from_o these_o the_o great_a good_a will_n necessary_o redound_v to_o we_o and_o our_o love_n of_o truth_n by_o good_a management_n may_v be_v easy_o improve_v into_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n and_o a_o universal_a abhorrence_n of_o vice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o notorious_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o be_v in_o it_o thus_o also_o by_o the_o bias_n of_o our_o natural_a commiseration_n we_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o charity_n and_o beneficence_n and_o universal_a love_n and_o by_o its_o own_o innate_a gratitude_n our_o nature_n be_v propense_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o be_v our_o sovereign_a benefactor_n to_o honour_n and_o obey_v our_o parent_n and_o do_v all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a friendship_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o thus_o by_o our_o natural_a affectation_n of_o praise_n we_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o do_v praiseworthy_a thing_n and_o consequent_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o all_o those_o amiable_a virtue_n which_o by_o common_a consent_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o grace_n and_o ornament_n of_o human_a nature_n thus_o by_o all_o those_o instinct_n that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n chief_o have_v he_o implant_v they_o in_o we_o because_o they_o be_v excellent_a instrument_n of_o religion_n have_v in_o they_o such_o a_o natural_a aptitude_n and_o proneness_n to_o facilitate_v our_o duty_n by_o incline_v we_o to_o it_o and_o to_o far_o we_o in_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o instinct_n but_o may_v be_v improve_v into_o vice_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n so_o good_a but_o what_o may_v be_v pervert_v to_o very_o bad_a purpose_n and_o if_o man_n will_v abuse_v themselves_o and_o wilful_o deboach_v the_o instinct_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o their_o folly_n and_o they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n of_o it_o but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o propension_n in_o human_a nature_n but_o what_o be_v much_o more_o improvable_a into_o virtue_n than_o into_o vice_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o use_v themselves_o well_o and_o as_o it_o become_v reasonable_a creature_n to_o do_v they_o will_v doubtless_o find_v themselves_o very_o much_o farther_v in_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o natural_a instinct_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v within_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a advantage_n on_o virtue_n side_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o aid_v and_o assist_v with_o all_o the_o instinct_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o like_o obedient_a handmaid_n be_v most_o ready_o incline_v to_o execute_v its_o command_n and_o minister_v to_o its_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o religion_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v burdensome_a and_o grievous_a to_o we_o when_o the_o propension_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v so_o fair_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o it_o be_v help_v forward_o and_o promote_v by_o all_o their_o unite_a force_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v difficult_a indeed_o for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v against_o the_o grain_n but_o to_o act_v according_a to_o nature_n to_o follow_v our_o own_o propension_n and_o to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o by_o natural_a instinct_n be_v doubtless_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n 4_o lie_n another_o thing_n that_o make_v those_o virtue_n which_o god_n command_v to_o be_v easy_a be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v all_o so_o inseparable_o connect_v to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o mutual_o promote_v and_o help_v forward_o each_o other_o for_o all_o the_o virtue_n be_v so_o mutual_o concatenate_v that_o the_o stir_v of_o any_o one_o link_n move_v the_o whole_a chain_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n natural_o inflame_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o love_n of_o he_o and_o then_o the_o love_n of_o he_o insensible_o transform_v she_o into_o the_o image_n of_o his_o belove_a goodness_n for_o he_o that_o love_v god_n must_v needs_o be_v enamour_a with_o that_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o his_o love_n and_o while_o he_o be_v ravish_v with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o good_a will_n the_o undeservedness_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o clemency_n of_o his_o pardon_n a_o heavenly_a spirit_n steal_v into_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o love_v and_o become_v like_o god_n so_o both_o at_o once_o that_o like_o a_o wedg_n of_o steel_n he_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o fire_n that_o heat_v he_o and_o be_v all_o inflame_a and_o enlighten_v at_o the_o same_o moment_n and_o as_o he_o burn_v with_o love_n so_o he_o resemble_v the_o goodness_n that_o set_v he_o on_o fire_n and_o become_v pure_a as_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a as_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a as_o that_o heavenly_a original_a be_v which_o he_o copy_n and_o transcribe_n thus_o wheresoever_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v it_o have_v all_o the_o godlike_a virtue_n attend_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o link_n in_o the_o heavenly_a chain_n whensoever_o it_o move_v it_o communicate_v motion_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o that_o hearty_o love_v god_n will_v love_v those_o who_o god_n love_v and_o so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v draw_v brotherly-charity_n after_o it_o and_o he_o who_o love_v those_o who_o god_n love_v will_v be_v just_a and_o righteous_a in_o his_o deal_n and_o deportment_n towards_o they_o and_o so_o brotherly-charity_n will_v draw_v righteousness_n after_o it_o and_o he_o that_o demean_v himself_o just_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o will_v neither_o undervalue_v they_o nor_o overvalue_v himself_o and_o so_o righteousness_n will_v draw_v humility_n after_o it_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o overvalue_v himself_o be_v fair_o dispose_v to_o be_v sober_a in_o all_o his_o passion_n and_o so_o humility_n draw_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o meekness_n after_o it_o thus_o one_o virtue_n smoothen_v the_o way_n to_o another_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o near_a neighbourhood_n between_o these_o heavenly_a sister_n that_o when_o we_o be_v arrive_v at_o one_o we_o pass_v insensible_o to_o the_o next_o and_o so_o on_o by_o degree_n till_o we_o be_v go_v round_o with_o they_o all_o for_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o immediate_a dependence_n of_o every_o virtue_n upon_o every_o one_o virtue_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v all_o virtue_n in_o every_o moment_n that_o he_o have_v one_o for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v charitable_a and_o yet_o not_o present_o humble_a as_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o yet_o not_o immediate_o temperate_a yet_o there_o be_v so_o near_o a_o dependence_n between_o they_o that_o one_o always_o dispose_v the_o mind_n for_o another_o this_o virtue_n always_o make_v way_n for_o its_o next_o neighbour_n and_o that_o for_o its_o next_o and_o so_o on_o all_o around_o the_o whole_a circle_n of_o virtue_n thus_o humility_n natural_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o meekness_n meekness_n to_o charity_n charity_n to_o justice_n justice_z to_z devotion_n which_o be_v give_v god_n his_o due_a and_o devotion_n to_o heavenly-mindedness_a and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o all_o along_o there_o be_v a_o gentle_a and_o easy_a transition_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o now_o this_o must_v needs_o mighty_o facilitate_v the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v so_o near_o confederate_v to_o each_o other_o and_o so_o do_v natural_o contribute_v to_o each_o other_o assistance_n for_o whereas_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o there_o will_v still_o be_v the_o same_o difficulty_n in_o practise_v the_o second_o virtue_n as_o there_o be_v in_o practise_v the_o first_o and_o in_o practise_v the_o three_o as_o there_o be_v in_o practise_v
between_o our_o love_n of_o and_o obedience_n to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a connection_n so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o soon_o be_v man_n without_o risibility_n as_o lover_n of_o god_n without_o sincere_a submission_n to_o his_o will._n for_o lover_n have_v one_o will_v and_o one_o soul_n they_o conspire_v in_o the_o same_o design_n and_o drive_v at_o the_o same_o interest_n their_o affection_n be_v perfect_a vnizon_n and_o do_v in_o the_o same_o like_v and_o dislike_v resound_v and_o echo_v to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o love_v there_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a agreement_n between_o they_o that_o they_o seem_v mutual_o to_o lend_v and_o borrow_v will_n and_o soul_n with_o one_o another_o and_o so_o if_o we_o love_v god_n there_o will_v be_v a_o sweet_a harmony_n between_o our_o will_n and_o he_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o we_o love_v he_o for_o if_o we_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v love_v to_o please_v he_o by_o comply_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o his_o heavenly_a will_n and_o rejoice_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v be_v acceptable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o certain_o endear_v we_o to_o his_o most_o tender_a affection_n whilst_o therefore_o we_o live_v in_o wilful_a disobedience_n and_o opposition_n to_o his_o heavenly_a will_n all_o our_o pretence_n of_o love_n to_o he_o be_v rank_a dissimulation_n and_o like_o the_o kiss_v of_o judas_n be_v only_o preface_v to_o our_o succeed_a treason_n and_o rebellion_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n consist_v and_o what_o be_v its_o essential_a property_n by_o a_o serious_a review_n of_o which_o you_o may_v easy_o conclude_v whether_o in_o reality_n you_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n or_o no._n 2._o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o love_n be_v matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o we_o for_o answer_v to_o which_o we_o 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perfect_a and_o indeed_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o that_o perfection_n whereunto_o we_o must_v aspire_v and_o we_o be_v still_o bind_v to_o be_v grow_v on_o till_o we_o be_v infinite_o holy_a which_o because_o our_o finite_a nature_n can_v never_o arrive_v to_o in_o any_o period_n of_o duration_n therefore_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v grow_v on_o eternal_o so_o that_o this_o law_n have_v prescribe_v no_o limit_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o virtue_n have_v thereby_o cut_v out_o work_n enough_o to_o employ_v our_o faculty_n for_o ever_o not_o that_o we_o be_v sinner_n against_o this_o law_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v short_a or_o defective_a of_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n for_o it_o require_v of_o we_o no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v within_o our_o present_a possibility_n and_o our_o possibility_n increase_v together_o with_o our_o improvement_n when_o we_o have_v but_o one_o degree_n 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within_o his_o power_n in_o the_o different_a period_n of_o his_o growth_n and_o progress_n that_o he_o be_v actual_o and_o immediate_o oblige_v to_o and_o while_o he_o continue_v defective_a in_o it_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n of_o perfection_n so_o that_o in_o short_a this_o law_n require_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o respect_n as_o good_a in_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o our_o christian_a progress_n as_o at_o present_a it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o any_o attainment_n that_o be_v within_o our_o power_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o violate_v its_o righteous_a obligation_n it_o be_v true_a this_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o do_v no_o flesh_n can_v be_v save_v since_o there_o never_o be_v any_o mere_a man_n but_o may_v have_v possible_o be_v better_a than_o he_o be_v have_v he_o be_v so_o diligent_a as_o to_o improve_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o his_o power_n the_o proper_a sanction_n therefore_o of_o this_o law_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v actual_o do_v all_o the_o good_a and_o acquire_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v at_o present_a within_o our_o power_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o lose_v some_o degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n which_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v have_v attain_v which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o natural_o follow_v upon_o all_o sinful_a defect_n for_o every_o sinful_a defect_n be_v a_o privation_n of_o some_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o goodness_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o happiness_n that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o privation_n of_o the_o one_o without_o a_o diminution_n of_o the_o other_o but_o beside_o those_o defect_n of_o happiness_n that_o be_v natural_o consequent_a to_o our_o defect_n of_o virtue_n the_o scripture_n plain_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n himself_o will_v subtract_v from_o our_o reward_n hereafter_o in_o proportion_n to_o our_o moral_a defect_n and_o nonimprovement_n in_o this_o life_n for_o he_o which_o sow_v spare_o say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v reap_v spare_o and_o he_o which_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v also_o bountiful_o 2_o cor._n ix_o 6_o and_o luke_n nineteeen_o our_o saviour_n by_o way_n of_o a_o parable_n do_v express_o teach_v we_o that_o our_o reward_n shall_v be_v apportion_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o improvement_n for_o there_o he_o represent_v himself_o as_o a_o master_n come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n among_o who_o he_o have_v entrust_v a_o stock_n of_o ten_o pound_n give_v every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o equal_a share_n the_o first_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n have_v improve_v his_o pound_n into_o ten_o and_o he_o be_v reward_v according_o with_o the_o government_n of_o ten_o city_n vers._n 16_o 17._o the_o other_o have_v be_v faithful_a though_o not_o altogether_o so_o diligent_a and_o by_o his_o one_o pound_n have_v gain_v five_o and_o proportionable_o be_v make_v lord_n of_o five_o city_n vers._n 18_o 19_o by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o so_o much_o as_o we_o come_v short_a of_o the_o utmost_a improvement_n in_o virtue_n so_o much_o will_v he_o subtract_v from_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o our_o reward_n so_o that_o in_o short_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n of_o perfection_n be_v this_o as_o thou_o will_v not_o incur_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o some_o degree_n of_o thy_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o life_n be_v sure_a to_o employ_v thy_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o improulng_v thyself_o in_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o religion_n but_o then_o 2_o lie_n there_o be_v the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n which_o only_o require_v the_o be_v and_o reality_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o we_o together_o with_o the_o proper_a act_n and_o
the_o same_o without_o the_o least_o addition_n or_o substraction_n and_o yet_o when_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o posture_n when_o he_o have_v no_o self-interest_n to_o serve_v upon_o we_o no_o motive_n but_o his_o own_o benignity_n to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o than_o do_v he_o begin_v to_o love_v we_o and_o to_o express_v the_o earning_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o bowel_n towards_o we_o and_o now_o how_o can_v we_o think_v of_o this_o and_o not_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o how_o can_v we_o any_o long_o avoid_v be_v captivate_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o generous_a kindness_n consider_v o_o my_o soul_n thy_o god_n gain_v nothing_o by_o all_o his_o love_n to_o thou_o but_o thou_o gain_v infinite_o by_o thy_o love_n to_o he_o by_o love_v he_o thou_o glorifie_v thyself_o and_o crown_v thy_o own_o desire_n with_o happiness_n but_o he_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n the_o better_a for_o love_v nor_o will_v he_o have_v be_v one_o jot_n the_o worse_a if_o he_o have_v never_o love_v thou_o at_o all_o and_o yet_o out_o of_o pure_a generous_a goodness_n he_o love_v thou_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o thou_o love_v thyself_o or_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o love_v he_o and_o can_v thou_o be_v such_o a_o wretched_a thing_n so_o lose_v to_o all_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o return_v he_o love_n for_o love_n 5_o thly_a he_o begin_v to_o love_v we_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a or_o too_o good_a for_o we_o consider_v how_o little_o we_o deserve_v his_o love_n how_o much_o we_o have_v deserve_v his_o hatred_n and_o how_o uncapable_a we_o be_v to_o make_v he_o any_o valuable_a requital_n it_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o ever_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o love_v we_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n but_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o begin_v to_o love_n but_o to_o be_v so_o liberal_a of_o his_o kindness_n to_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o just_a astonishment_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a kindness_n in_o he_o to_o create_v we_o what_o we_o be_v and_o make_v such_o a_o plentiful_a provision_n for_o our_o comfortable_a subsistence_n here_o for_o wheresoever_o we_o direct_v our_o eye_n whether_o we_o reflect_v they_o inward_o upon_o ourselves_o we_o behold_v his_o goodness_n to_o occupy_v and_o penetrate_v the_o root_n and_o centre_n of_o our_o being_n and_o discern_v the_o lively_a character_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o incomparable_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o whether_o we_o extend_v they_o abroad_o towards_o the_o thing_n about_o we_o we_o may_v perceive_v ourselves_o like_o fortunate_a island_n surround_v with_o a_o ocean_n of_o blessing_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o sustenance_n convenient_a for_o our_o use_n and_o pleasant_a for_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v it_o not_o wondrous_a love_n in_o he_o to_o make_v such_o liberal_a provision_n for_o such_o undeserving_a guest_n but_o this_o be_v the_o small_a part_n of_o his_o kindness_n for_o he_o have_v inspire_v we_o with_o immortal_a mind_n and_o stamp_v they_o with_o the_o most_o fair_a impress_n of_o his_o own_o divinity_n viz._n a_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o forward_a capacity_n of_o the_o high_a perfection_n and_o pure_a happiness_n and_o to_o fill_v and_o gratify_v these_o our_o noble_a faculty_n and_o capacity_n he_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o heaven_n of_o immortal_a joy_n and_o furnish_v it_o with_o all_o the_o delight_n that_o this_o our_o heavenborn_a mind_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o he_o have_v send_v his_o bless_a son_n from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n thither_o to_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o obtain_v and_o ratify_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o pardon_n thereby_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n without_o which_o we_o be_v incapable_a of_o ever_o enjoy_v that_o beatifical_a state_n and_o lest_o all_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a he_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n present_a by_o his_o providence_n to_o reclaim_v by_o his_o angel_n to_o solicit_v we_o and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o cooperate_v with_o our_o endeavour_n so_o extreme_o careful_a be_v he_o not_o to_o be_v defeat_v of_o his_o kind_a intention_n to_o make_v we_o everlasting_o happy_a o_o bless_a god_n to_o what_o a_o degree_n must_v thou_o love_v we_o who_o think_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n too_o dear_a and_o good_a for_o we_o that_o do_v not_o think_v thy_o son_n too_o good_a to_o redeem_v we_o thy_o spirit_n to_o sanctify_v thy_o everlasting_a heaven_n to_o crown_n and_o reward_v we_o and_o now_o can_v our_o heart_n hold_v when_o we_o think_v of_o this_o can_v we_o be_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o a_o vigorous_a 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be_v now_o liable_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n conquer_v their_o will_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v immediate_o commense_a into_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n for_o be_v free_v from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n from_o the_o importunity_n of_o their_o bodily_a passion_n and_o appetite_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o sensuality_n that_o do_v now_o continual_o solicit_v they_o they_o shall_v no_o long_o be_v liable_a to_o those_o irregularity_n of_o affection_n that_o do_v here_o disturb_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o action_n and_o affection_n be_v always_o regulate_v by_o their_o reason_n their_o conscience_n shall_v be_v no_o long_o bestorm_v with_o those_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n which_o nothing_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o but_o enjoy_v a_o 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ecstasy_n of_o joy_n and_o complacency_n for_o if_o those_o divine_a illapse_n those_o more_o immediate_a touch_v and_o sensation_n of_o god_n which_o good_a man_n do_v sometime_o experience_n in_o this_o life_n do_v so_o affect_v and_o ravish_v they_o that_o they_o be_v even_o force_v into_o triumph_n and_o exultation_n how_o will_v they_o be_v wrap_v and_o transport_v in_o that_o state_n of_o vision_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o so_o immediate_o and_o love_v he_o so_o vehement_o and_o their_o soul_n shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o entire_a globe_n of_o light_n and_o love_n all_o irradiate_v and_o inflame_v with_o the_o immediate_a effluvia_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n but_o alas_o as_o these_o joy_n be_v too_o big_a for_o mortal_a language_n to_o express_v so_o be_v they_o too_o strong_a for_o frail_a mortality_n to_o bear_v and_o if_o we_o but_o for_o one_o day_n or_o hour_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o love_v he_o as_o those_o glorify_a spirit_n do_v we_o shall_v questionless_a die_v with_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o pleasure_n and_o our_o glad_a heart_n be_v tickle_v with_o such_o insupportable_a joy_n by_o endeavour_v to_o enlarge_v themselves_o to_o make_v room_n for_o they_o all_o will_v quick_o stretch_v into_o a_o rupture_n but_o then_o as_o our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n shall_v terminate_v in_o the_o love_n of_o he_o so_o both_o together_o shall_v terminate_v in_o our_o resemblance_n of_o his_o perfection_n for_o have_v so_o immediate_a a_o prospect_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o be_v so_o infinite_o enamour_v with_o they_o with_o what_o inexpressible_a vigour_n must_v we_o imitate_v and_o transcribe_v they_o and_o our_o imitation_n be_v invigorate_v with_o such_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o such_o a_o vehement_a love_n can_v fail_v of_o produce_v the_o describe_v resemblance_n so_o that_o the_o more_o we_o know_v god_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o and_o the_o more_o we_o know_v and_o love_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v 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shine_v about_o and_o inflame_v we_o shall_v shine_v into_o we_o and_o become_v our_o own_o and_o those_o amiable_a idea_n of_o he_o which_o be_v impress_v upon_o our_o understanding_n shall_v stamp_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n with_o their_o own_o resemblance_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v 1_o john_n iii._o 2_o for_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v lord_n how_o must_v our_o soul_n be_v enlarge_v and_o widen_v to_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v all_o those_o mighty_a joy_n that_o must_v necessary_o spring_v from_o our_o fruition_n of_o thou_o and_o to_o what_o a_o degree_n of_o happiness_n shall_v we_o be_v advance_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v entertain_v with_o all_o the_o delight_n that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o infinite_a good_a can_v afford_v we_o and_o have_v heart_n great_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o
apollo_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o love_v god_n from_o those_o corporeal_a passion_n be_v very_o unsafe_a and_o dangerous_a and_o we_o may_v almost_o as_o certain_o judge_v of_o the_o hunger_n of_o our_o soul_n after_o righteousness_n by_o the_o hunger_n of_o our_o body_n after_o bread_n as_o of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o our_o bodily_a ravishment_n and_o passion_n for_o bodily_a passion_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n some_o temper_n be_v so_o soft_a and_o impressive_a that_o the_o most_o frivolous_a fancy_n will_v affect_v they_o other_o so_o hard_a and_o sturdy_a that_o the_o great_a reason_n will_v hardly_o move_v they_o and_o consequent_o person_n of_o this_o temper_n though_o they_o shall_v love_v god_n much_o more_o than_o the_o other_o and_o have_v a_o much_o high_a esteem_n of_o and_o more_o rational_a complacency_n in_o his_o divine_a perfection_n yet_o will_v have_v much_o less_o of_o corporeal_a passion_n intermingle_v with_o it_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o even_o this_o sensitive_a passion_n when_o prudent_o manage_v may_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o a_o rational_a love_n for_o the_o passion_n be_v soft_a and_o easy_a and_o apt_a to_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v natural_o intend_v and_o quicken_v they_o and_o render_v they_o more_o vigorous_a and_o active_a and_o we_o have_v very_o much_o cause_n to_o bless_v god_n even_o for_o that_o sensitive_a joy_n and_o complacency_n which_o accompany_v our_o love_n to_o he_o since_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v many_o time_n excite_v by_o his_o own_o bless_a spirit_n to_o quicken_v and_o invigorate_v our_o rational_a affection_n and_o render_v it_o more_o active_a and_o vivacious_a but_o that_o which_o i_o aim_v at_o be_v only_o this_o if_o possible_a to_o beat_v man_n off_o from_o measure_v the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n by_o any_o corporeal_a passion_n 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like_o the_o sunbeam_n through_o a_o burning-glass_n have_v kindle_v his_o affection_n and_o make_v he_o love_v with_o infinite_a reason_n so_o that_o it_o be_v his_o understanding_n that_o inamour_n his_o will_n and_o that_o which_o make_v he_o a_o lover_n of_o god_n be_v the_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o reason_n how_o much_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v belove_v he_o have_v serious_o consider_v how_o lovely_a god_n be_v in_o himself_o how_o kind_a and_o love_a unto_o all_o his_o creation_n and_o what_o particular_a obligation_n god_n have_v lay_v upon_o he_o to_o return_v he_o love_n for_o love_n and_o this_o give_v fire_n to_o his_o love_n and_o affect_v his_o will_n with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n and_o though_o perhaps_o he_o may_v not_o feel_v those_o passionate_a soothe_n and_o expansion_n of_o heart_n which_o sensitive_a joy_n be_v wont_a to_o produce_v yet_o he_o find_v himself_o high_o please_v with_o god_n and_o his_o will_n acquiesce_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o perfection_n with_o a_o calm_a and_o even_a complacency_n and_o thus_o his_o will_n be_v inflame_v with_o the_o pure_a light_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o his_o love_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o warm_a reflection_n of_o his_o reason_n thus_o psal._n cxvi_o 1_o i_o love_v the_o lord_n say_v david_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o to_o enumerate_v the_o vast_a and_o important_a reason_n why_o he_o love_v he_o because_o he_o have_v incline_v his_o ear_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n viij_o 3_o if_o any_o man_n love_n god_n the_o same_o i._n e._n god_n be_v know_v of_o he_o intimate_v that_o all_o true_a love_n of_o god_n be_v found_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o 3_o dly_z the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o fix_a as_o well_o as_o rational_a complacency_n in_o he_o by_o which_o i_o distinguish_v this_o heavenly_a affection_n from_o those_o short_a and_o transitory_a fit_n of_o love_n that_o like_a flash_n of_o lightning_n come_v and_o go_v appear_v and_o vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n for_o thus_o upon_o some_o affect_a providence_n or_o passionate_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o be_v chafe_v into_o a_o amorous_a fit_a and_o touch_v with_o very_o tender_a resentment_n of_o the_o loveliness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n so_o that_o at_o present_a they_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o rapture_n of_o affection_n and_o with_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n to_o be_v wondrous_o sick_a of_o love_n but_o alas_o it_o common_o prove_v but_o a_o sudden_a qualm_n that_o after_o a_o pang_n or_o two_o go_v over_o and_o so_o they_o be_v well_o again_o immediate_o for_o upon_o their_o next_o encounter_n with_o temptation_n or_o intermixture_n with_o secular_a affair_n their_o hot_a love_n begin_v to_o languish_v and_o quick_o die_v into_o a_o cold_a indifferency_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o obligation_n that_o they_o have_v to_o the_o contrary_a their_o fickle_a heart_n unwind_v again_o and_o by_o degree_n decline_v and_o sink_v into_o their_o old_a habitual_a aversation_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o that_o which_o at_o first_o look_v like_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o they_o be_v only_o a_o sudden_a blush_v of_o passion_n and_o not_o the_o true_a complexion_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o love_n god_n upon_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o consideration_n it_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o extinguish_v this_o than_o any_o virtue_n whatsoever_o because_o of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v found_v in_o the_o great_a reason_n and_o accompany_v with_o the_o strong_a pleasure_n for_o love_n itself_o consist_v in_o delight_n and_o complacency_n where_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a there_o be_v not_o only_o infinite_a reason_n to_o love_n but_o infinite_a occasion_n of_o pleasure_n and_o complacency_n when_o therefore_o our_o love_n of_o god_n be_v back_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o sweeten_v with_o so_o much_o pleasure_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v extinguish_v it_o without_o do_v the_o great_a violence_n to_o ourselves_o for_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o one_o of_o the_o hard_a moral_a change_n that_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o a_o rational_a creature_n be_v from_o a_o lover_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n for_o wheresoever_o this_o heavenly_a affection_n be_v it_o sweeten_v and_o endear_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o appendent_a pleasure_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o a_o sufficient_a counter-charm_n against_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o when_o once_o it_o be_v kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n like_o a_o subtle_a flame_n it_o will_v by_v degree_n insinuate_v far_o and_o far_o till_o it_o have_v eat_v into_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o its_o own_o substance_n wherefore_o this_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v upon_o that_o he_o who_o can_v sudden_o or_o easy_o entertain_v a_o aversation_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n do_v never_o true_o love_n for_o love_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n be_v strong_a as_o death_n and_o many_o water_n can_v quench_v it_o cant._n viij_o 6_o 7._o wheresoever_o it_o light_v it_o cling_v and_o can_v never_o be_v tear_v away_o again_o without_o violent_a spasm_n and_o convulsion_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o passion_n we_o may_v have_v for_o god_n we_o can_v never_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v hearty_a love_n till_o it_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o our_o soul_n till_o our_o will_n be_v habitual_o please_v with_o god_n and_o do_v entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o love_n and_o loveliness_n with_o a_o constant_a complacency_n and_o delight_n and_o then_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o call_v it_o love_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o nativity_n of_o this_o heavenly_a flame_n within_o we_o 4_o
the_o nature_n of_o love_n in_o general_n the_o property_n whereof_o when_o it_o be_v determine_v on_o a_o person_n be_v chief_o these_o four_o 1._o benevolence_n to_o the_o person_n belove_v 2._o desire_v of_o enjoy_v he_o 3._o imitation_n of_o his_o perfection_n 4._o conformity_n to_o his_o will._n 1._o benevolence_n be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o our_o love_n of_o god_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v wish_v of_o any_o additional_a good_a or_o happiness_n to_o god_n which_o yet_o he_o want_v for_o that_o be_v extravagance_n to_o wish_v that_o a_o be_v who_o be_v infinite_o happy_a shall_v be_v more_o happy_a than_o he_o be_v since_o his_o happiness_n will_v not_o be_v infinite_a if_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o addition_n or_o increase_n by_o our_o benevolence_n to_o god_n therefore_o i_o only_o mean_v our_o hearty_a desire_n that_o he_o may_v be_v please_v by_o ourselves_o and_o other_o that_o all_o his_o creation_n may_v conspire_v to_o serve_v and_o glorify_v he_o in_o that_o method_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o that_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v upon_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o hearty_a wish_n of_o every_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o see_v himself_o defeat_v of_o his_o wish_n by_o the_o wicked_a life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n when_o he_o consider_v how_o god_n be_v offend_v every_o day_n how_o his_o authority_n be_v affront_v his_o law_n trample_v on_o his_o name_n vilify_v and_o blaspheme_v by_o bold_a and_o insolent_a sinner_n he_o can_v forbear_v grieve_v at_o it_o to_o see_v he_o his_o soul_n love_v load_v with_o so_o many_o indignity_n and_o dishonour_n for_o thus_o do_v david_n that_o great_a lover_n of_o god_n river_n of_o tear_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal._n cxix_o 136_o so_o that_o what_o the_o brave_a portia_n say_v to_o her_o dear_a brutus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o can_v every_o lover_n of_o god_n say_v lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o sympathize_v in_o all_o thy_o pleasure_n and_o displeasure_n when_o thou_o be_v please_v i_o rejoice_v and_o when_o thou_o be_v offend_v i_o be_o grieve_v 2_o lie_n another_o property_n of_o divine_a love_n be_v a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o enjoy_n god_n for_o so_o when_o we_o love_v a_o friend_n we_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o he_o as_o we_o be_v able_a that_o be_v we_o will_v fain_o be_v more_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o he_o we_o will_v love_v he_o more_o and_o be_v more_o belove_v by_o he_o and_o resemble_v he_o in_o all_o those_o amiable_a quality_n for_o which_o we_o love_v and_o admire_v he_o and_o thus_o if_o we_o have_v choose_v god_n for_o our_o friend_n we_o shall_v still_o be_v breathe_v after_o a_o more_o intimate_a fruition_n of_o he_o our_o thought_n will_v be_v often_o employ_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v perpetual_o long_v after_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o and_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o we_o shall_v never_o think_v we_o love_v he_o sufficient_o and_o never_o think_v we_o can_v do_v enough_o to_o endear_v ourselves_o to_o his_o favour_n but_o shall_v always_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o both_o want_n of_o love_n to_o he_o and_o want_v of_o desert_n to_o be_v belove_v by_o he_o we_o shall_v incessant_o covet_v more_o and_o more_o to_o resemble_v he_o in_o those_o adorable_a perfection_n for_o which_o we_o love_v he_o that_o so_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o love_v we_o as_o we_o have_v to_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v earnest_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o vehement_o wish_v that_o all_o those_o amiable_a character_n of_o purity_n and_o justice_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n for_o which_o we_o do_v admire_v and_o love_v he_o be_v more_o fair_o imprint_v on_o our_o own_o nature_n that_o so_o by_o partake_v of_o these_o perfection_n we_o may_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o godlike_a till_o we_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o most_o perfect_a resemblance_n and_o conformity_n of_o nature_n with_o he_o thus_o to_o enjoy_v god_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o every_o true_a and_o hearty_a lover_n of_o he_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o only_a enjoyment_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o for_o we_o can_v enjoy_v god_n essence_n because_o we_o can_v possess_v it_o it_o be_v neither_o communicate_v nor_o communicable_a and_o therefore_o all_o that_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o can_v include_v be_v to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o be_v belove_v by_o he_o and_o to_o resemble_v he_o in_o those_o charm_a beauty_n of_o purity_n and_o goodness_n which_o render_v he_o so_o infinite_o lovely_a and_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o every_o faithful_a lover_n of_o he_o thus_o to_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v he_o 3_o lie_n imitation_n of_o his_o perfection_n be_v another_o essential_a property_n of_o love_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a to_o the_o former_a for_o if_o we_o love_v god_n it_o be_v either_o for_o the_o good_a he_o do_v we_o or_o for_o the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o his_o nature_n if_o we_o love_v he_o for_o the_o good_a he_o do_v we_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v a_o lovely_a thing_n to_o do_v good_a and_o this_o must_v strange_o incline_v we_o to_o imitate_v he_o in_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v able_a if_o we_o love_v he_o for_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o desire_v to_o be_v like_o he_o because_o whatsoever_o we_o esteem_v lovely_a in_o another_o we_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o out_o of_o love_n to_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o what_o be_v lovely_a in_o another_o that_o must_v needs_o engage_v we_o to_o imitate_v he_o since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o partake_v of_o another_o excellency_n but_o only_a by_o a_o constant_a imitation_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v love_v god_n for_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o not_o heary_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v hearty_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o transcribe_v it_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a imitation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o good_a reason_n we_o love_v god_n for_o it_o must_v necessary_o terminate_v in_o our_o imitation_n of_o those_o amiable_a action_n or_o perfection_n for_o which_o we_o love_v he_o and_o therefore_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o love_n god_n while_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o he_o love_v he_o be_v plain_o to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o baffle_v his_o own_o pretension_n for_o to_o say_v that_o i_o love_v god_n for_o do_v good_a or_o for_o be_v just_a holy_a and_o benevolent_a while_o i_o take_v no_o care_n to_o do_v good_a myself_o but_o take_v pleasure_n in_o impurity_n injustice_n or_o vncharitableness_n be_v to_o say_v that_o i_o love_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o plain_o declare_v i_o do_v not_o love_v if_o therefore_o we_o hearty_o love_v god_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v visible_a in_o our_o imitation_n of_o he_o for_o unless_o we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a all_o our_o pretension_n of_o love_n to_o he_o be_v cheat_n and_o fulsome_a hypocrisy_n 4_o thly_a and_o last_o compliance_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v another_o essential_a character_n and_o property_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o for_o if_o we_o sincere_o love_v a_o person_n we_o must_v needs_o desire_v to_o please_v he_o that_o so_o thereby_o we_o may_v endear_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o real_o desire_v to_o please_v he_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o his_o will_n in_o whatsoever_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o hence_o the_o scripture_n make_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n essential_a to_o our_o love_n of_o he_o for_o this_o say_v st._n john_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n v_o 3_o and_o this_o be_v love_n that_o we_o walk_v after_o his_o commandment_n 2_o epist._n vi_o if_o you_o love_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n keep_v my_o commandment_n joh._n fourteen_o 15_o that_o be_v give_v i_o this_o token_n that_o you_o love_v i_o for_o without_o this_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o you_o have_v any_o real_a kindness_n for_o i_o whatsoever_o pretension_n you_o may_v make_v for_o so_o vers._n 23._o he_o add_v if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o commandment_n intimate_v that_o
much_o in_o discover_v his_o loveliness_n as_o in_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o in_o raise_v our_o gross_a and_o carnal_a affection_n to_o a_o love_n proportionate_a to_o those_o discovery_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o create_v we_o so_o much_o toil_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o perfection_n but_o when_o once_o we_o be_v arrive_v into_o the_o bless_a region_n of_o immortality_n our_o affection_n be_v perfect_o subdue_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o dreined_a and_o clarify_v from_o all_o its_o gross_a and_o carnal_a love_n will_v as_o natural_o flame_n out_o more_o and_o more_o towards_o god_n upon_o every_o new_a discovery_n of_o his_o beauty_n as_o fire_n do_v when_o more_o combustible_a fuel_n be_v lay_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o without_o any_o toil_n or_o difficulty_n the_o more_o we_o know_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v love_v and_o so_o more_o and_o more_o for_o ever_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v know_v what_o measure_v of_o love_n to_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o by_o this_o law_n of_o perfection_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a viz._n that_o to_o all_o eternity_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o always_o to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o more_o as_o our_o ability_n increase_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o comprehensive_a law_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n mar._n 12.30_o that_o be_v thou_o shall_v employ_v thy_o faculty_n thy_o mind_n thy_o will_n and_o thy_o affection_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o thy_o strength_n and_o power_n in_o love_v delight_v and_o take_v complacency_n in_o the_o goodness_n beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o 2_o lie_v what_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o god_n be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n which_o be_v the_o law_n by_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v for_o ever_o so_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o enquiry_n be_v this_o what_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o obedience_n to_o this_o law_n of_o sincerity_n now_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o our_o love_n of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o this_o law_n exact_v of_o we_o first_o it_o require_v the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o this_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o we_o that_o be_v it_o require_v not_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hate_v god_n or_o be_v indifferent_a between_o love_n and_o hatred_n in_o our_o affection_n to_o he_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v real_o cordial_o and_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o hence_o those_o eternal_a glory_n and_o beatitude_n in_o which_o our_o salvation_n do_v consist_v be_v say_v to_o be_v prepare_v by_o god_n for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o condition_n or_o qualification_n upon_o which_o our_o salvation_n do_v depend_v and_o consequent_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n and_o st._n james_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o ja._n 1.12_o and_o therefore_o since_o that_o law_n of_o sincerity_n contain_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o promise_n it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o our_o love_n to_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o since_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o nay_o so_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n be_v this_o excellent_a virtue_n that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o without_o this_o the_o most_o virtuous_a action_n whatsoever_o be_v insignificant_a cipher_n in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n for_o though_o say_v he_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o 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our_o love_n of_o he_o for_o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n joh._n 14.23_o and_o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n say_v st._n john_n that_o be_v his_o commandment_n in_o he_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_v that_o be_v in_o he_o it_o be_v real_a and_o cordial_a and_o sincere_a 1_o joh._n 2.5_o when_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o god_n have_v that_o power_n over_o we_o as_o together_o with_o the_o other_o motive_n of_o christianity_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n or_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n it_o be_v then_o perfect_v to_o that_o degree_n which_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n exact_v but_o before_o we_o dismiss_v this_o argument_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o therefore_o this_o law_n of_o sincerity_n require_v that_o some_o degree_n of_o true_a love_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v intermingle_v with_o the_o other_o part_n 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such_o a_o ardent_a degree_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o i_o doubt_v few_o good_a man_n arrive_v to_o in_o this_o life_n i_o know_v it_o be_v usual_o say_v by_o those_o that_o handle_v this_o argument_n that_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o which_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n oblige_v we_o but_o either_o this_o must_v be_v a_o mistake_n or_o no_o man_n can_v be_v good_a till_o he_o be_v so_o perfect_a a_o lover_n of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o need_v any_o other_o motive_n but_o that_o of_o his_o own_o love_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o obedience_n for_o man_n need_v no_o motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o choose_v what_o they_o love_v best_a and_o therefore_o if_o man_n love_v god_n above_o all_o they_o
will_v need_v no_o far_o motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o choose_v what_o he_o will_v and_o command_v against_o all_o persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o i_o love_v god_n above_o myself_o i_o shall_v certain_o choose_v his_o will_n before_o my_o own_o if_o i_o love_v he_o above_o all_o my_o pleasure_n i_o shall_v choose_v his_o pleasure_n before_o my_o own_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o propose_v motive_n to_o persuade_v i_o to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o like_v best_a and_o choose_v that_o which_o i_o love_v above_o all_o the_o world_n so_o that_o whilst_o a_o man_n have_v need_n of_o motive_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o choose_v god_n and_o prefer_v his_o will_n above_o all_o temptation_n it_o be_v apparent_a he_o love_v he_o not_o above_o all_o and_o consequent_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n can_v be_v a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o doubt_v the_o list_n of_o good_a man_n 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unsinning_a obedience_n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o law_n of_o perfection_n require_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o possibility_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o consider_v and_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o the_o other_o motive_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o and_o as_o close_o as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o then_o proceed_v upon_o the_o whole_a to_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o ability_n which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a and_o inculpable_a unless_o you_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v blame-worthy_a for_o not_o do_v more_o than_o he_o can_v but_o shall_v the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n exact_v thus_o much_o of_o we_o i_o doubt_v it_o will_v exclude_v the_o best_a of_o man_n out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o goodness_n and_o salvation_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o do_v always_o love_n and_o obey_v god_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o present_a possibility_n 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our_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n surprise_n or_o inadvertency_n we_o be_v accountable_a for_o they_o only_o to_o the_o law_n of_o perfection_n 4_o thly_a and_o last_o the_o law_n of_o sincerity_n require_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o god_n as_o together_o with_o those_o other_o motive_n make_v we_o not_o only_o sincere_a in_o our_o obedience_n but_o also_o careful_a to_o improve_v it_o to_o further_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o the_o former_a for_o if_o our_o love_n of_o god_n join_v with_o the_o other_o argument_n of_o religion_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v upon_o we_o as_o to_o win_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a consent_n to_o his_o heavenly_a will_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o industrious_o avoid_v the_o know_v and_o wilful_a violation_n of_o it_o but_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o correct_v those_o flaw_n and_o imperfection_n that_o be_v intermix_v with_o our_o obedience_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a when_o there_o be_v nothing_o 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of_o sincerity_n exact_v that_o will_v make_v we_o careful_a not_o only_o to_o avoid_v those_o know_v and_o wilful_a sin_n that_o divorce_n we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o also_o to_o endear_v ourselves_o more_o and_o more_o to_o he_o by_o correct_v even_o those_o small_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n that_o do_v still_o adhere_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o nature_n for_o this_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v hearty_o love_v god_n that_o do_v not_o more_o and_o more_o desire_n to_o be_v belove_v by_o he_o and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o belove_v by_o god_n that_o do_v not_o honest_o endeavour_v to_o render_v himself_o more_o and_o more_o lovely_a in_o his_o eye_n that_o be_v to_o reform_v all_o those_o sinful_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n which_o stain_n and_o blemish_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o soul_n whosoever_o therefore_o content_v himself_o with_o this_o not_o to_o be_v hate_v by_o god_n do_v never_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o whosoever_o desire_v more_o than_o this_o will_v as_o well_o be_v careful_a to_o correct_v those_o small_a imperfection_n which_o render_v he_o less_o belove_v of_o god_n as_o to_o avoid_v those_o know_v and_o wilful_a sin_n which_o do_v expose_v he_o to_o god_n hatred_n if_o therefore_o our_o religion_n do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n improve_v our_o nature_n if_o it_o do_v not_o render_v we_o more_o patient_a and_o humble_a more_o charitable_a and_o heavenly_a mind_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o it_o be_v not_o act_v by_o love_n for_o if_o after_o have_v a_o long_a while_n continue_v in_o a_o round_a of_o religious_a duty_n we_o still_o return_v to_o the_o same_o point_n and_o be_v in_o no_o degree_n better_o than_o we_o be_v when_o we_o first_o begin_v it_o be_v
heart_n and_o subdue_v our_o stubborn_a will_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o most_o righteous_a law_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v now_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o supreme_a minister_n and_o vicarous_a power_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o be_v continual_o employ_v even_o as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v whilst_o he_o abide_v upon_o earth_n in_o drive_v on_o the_o interest_n of_o righteousness_n for_o hitherto_o tend_v all_o his_o secret_a operation_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o suggest_v so_o many_o good_a thought_n and_o by_o repeat_v they_o thick_a upon_o we_o keep_v our_o mind_n so_o fix_v upon_o they_o that_o so_o if_o possible_a he_o may_v recollect_v our_o disperse_a mind_n that_o be_v continual_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o this_o infinite_a maze_n of_o sensual_a vanity_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o such_o motive_n of_o righteousness_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o excite_v they_o to_o wise_a and_o 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