meditation_n read_v administration_n of_o our_o calling_n as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v in_o the_o body_n of_o that_o forequoted_a epistle_n but_o perhaps_o there_o will_v a_o question_n arise_v concern_v some_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o lay_v a_o constraint_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o seem_o religious_a motion_n of_o many_o man_n be_v mere_o violent_a and_o their_o devotion_n be_v pure_o force_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o but_o i_o affirm_v and_o i_o think_v have_v confirm_v it_o that_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n be_v perfect_o free_a and_o unconstrained_a this_o be_v premise_v now_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v of_o affliction_n i_o confess_v god_n do_v ordinary_o use_v they_o as_o mean_n to_o make_v good_a man_n better_o and_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o to_o make_v bad_a man_n good_a these_o may_v be_v as_o weight_n to_o hasten_v and_o speed_v the_o soul_n motion_n towards_o god_n but_o they_o do_v not_o principal_o beget_v such_o motion_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o of_o temporal_a prosperity_n common_o call_v mercy_n and_o blessing_n of_o promise_n and_o reward_v propound_v i_o confess_v they_o may_v be_v as_o oil_n to_o the_o wheel_n and_o aught_o to_o quicken_v and_o encourage_v to_o the_o study_n of_o true_a and_o powerful_a godliness_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o spring_n of_o the_o soul_n motion_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o as_o dew_n upon_o the_o grass_n to_o refresh_v and_o fructify_v the_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v the_o root_n which_o proper_o give_v life_n and_o growth_n second_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o constraint_n and_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o the_o godly_a soul_n in_o its_o holy_a and_o most_o excellent_a motion_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 14._o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o and_o again_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o it_o hold_v good_a that_o grace_n be_v a_o most_o free_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n for_o the_o constraint_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o oppose_v to_o freedom_n of_o soul_n but_o to_o not_o act_v now_o although_o the_o soul_n so_o principled_a and_o spirit_v can_v but_o act_n yet_o it_o act_v free_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o nature_n though_o they_o be_v do_v necessary_o yet_o be_v they_o do_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n imaginable_a the_o water_n flow_v and_o the_o fire_n burn_v necessary_o yet_o free_o religion_n be_v a_o new_a nature_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o religious_a soul_n be_v touch_v effectual_o wiâ—h_v the_o sense_n and_o impress_v with_o the_o influence_n of_o divine_a goodness_n fullness_n and_o perfection_n be_v carry_v indeed_o necessary_o towards_o god_n as_o its_o proper_a centre_n and_o yet_o its_o motion_n be_v pure_a free_a generous_a and_o with_o the_o great_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n conceivable_a the_o necessity_n that_o lie_v upon_o paul_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o external_a violence_n that_o be_v do_v to_o he_o much_o less_o of_o bodily_a necessity_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o many_o man_n serve_v their_o own_o belly_n in_o that_o great_a function_n more_o than_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o though_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n necessary_o yet_o do_v he_o preach_v free_o and_o willing_o as_o he_o oft_o profess_v the_o godly_a soul_n can_v but_o love_n god_n as_o his_o chief_a good_a yet_o he_o delight_v in_o this_o necessity_n under_o which_o he_o lie_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a that_o he_o find_v his_o heart_n frame_v and_o enlarge_v to_o love_v he_o i_o say_v enlarge_v because_o god_n be_v such_o a_o object_n as_o do_v not_o contract_n and_o pinch_v and_o straiten_v the_o soul_n as_o all_o create_a object_n do_v but_o ennoble_v ampliate_v and_o enlarge_v it_o the_o sinful_a soul_n the_o more_o it_o let_v out_o and_o lay_v out_o and_o spend_v itself_o upon_o the_o creature_n the_o more_o it_o be_v straighten_a and_o contract_v and_o the_o native_a freedom_n of_o it_o be_v enslave_v debase_v and_o destroy_v but_o grace_n do_v establish_v and_o ennoble_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o iâ—s_n primitive_a perfection_n so_o that_o a_o godly_a soul_n be_v never_o more_o large_a more_o at_o rest_n more_o at_o i_o berty_n thâ—â—_n when_o it_o find_v itself_o deliver_v from_o all_o self_n confine_v creature-loves_a and_o lust_n and_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a influence_n and_o constraint_n of_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n by_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o free_a and_o generous_a spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n we_o may_v learn_v what_o to_o think_v of_o the_o force_a devotion_n of_o many_o press_a soldier_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n militant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n and_o distance_n between_o the_o press_v and_o the_o impress_v christian_a though_o indeed_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o will_n can_v be_v destroy_v yet_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o principle_n many_o man_n devotion_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v wring_v out_o of_o they_o and_o their_o obedience_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v constrain_v i_o shall_v explain_v it_o brief_o in_o two_o or_o three_o particular_n 1._o man_n force_v themselves_o many_o time_n to_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v beside_o yea_o and_o against_o their_o nature_n and_o genius_n i_o need_v not_o instance_n in_o a_o overly_o conformity_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o some_o external_a duty_n which_o they_o force_v themselves_o to_o perform_v as_o to_o hear_v pray_v give_v alm_n or_o the_o like_a in_o all_o which_o the_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a obedience_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi may_v be_v more_o popular_a and_o specious_a than_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a obedience_n of_o a_o freeborn_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o go_v on_o hunt_v and_o catch_v of_o venison_n may_v denominate_v a_o good_a and_o dutiful_a son_n esau_n may_v indeed_o be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o his_o father_n as_o jacob_n but_o god_n be_v not_o such_o a_o father_n as_o isaac_n who_o affection_n be_v bribe_v with_o fat_a morsel_n he_o feed_v not_o upon_o the_o pain_n of_o his_o child_n nor_o drink_v the_o sweat_n of_o their_o browâ—_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o a_o unprincipled_a christian_a that_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o slave_n may_v also_o force_v himself_o to_o imitate_v the_o more_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o act_v over_o the_o very_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o a_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o read_v of_o a_o semblance_n of_o joy_n and_o zeal_n which_o be_v find_v in_o some_o who_o yet_o our_o saviour_n reckon_v no_o better_a than_o stony_a ground_n mark_n 4._o 16._o and_o of_o great_a ecstasy_n in_o some_o who_o yet_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v may_v come_v to_o nothing_o heb._n 6._o 5._o and_o what_o appearance_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a grace_n of_o patience_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n many_o of_o the_o sour_a sort_n of_o monastical_a papist_n and_o our_o mâ—ngrel_n breed_v of_o papist_n the_o quaker_n do_v make_v at_o this_o day_n all_o man_n know_v nay_o some_o of_o these_o last_o sort_n do_v seem_v to_o themselves_o i_o believe_v to_o act_v over_o the_o temper_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n rejoice_v with_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n act._n 5._o 41._o and_o keep_v a_o catalogue_n of_o their_o stripe_n with_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 24._o and_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n that_o they_o think_v themselves_o not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n nay_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o lay_v claim_n to_o that_o grace_n of_o grace_n self-denial_n which_o they_o have_v force_v themselves_o to_o act_v over_o so_o artificial_o that_o even_o a_o wise_a man_n may_v almost_o be_v deceive_v into_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o they_o but_o that_o we_o know_v that_o while_o they_o profess_v it_o they_o destroy_v it_o for_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o self-denial_n to_o magnify_v and_o boast_v itself_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a to_o a_o wise_a observer_n that_o these_o man_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o counterfeit_a self-denial_n do_v in_o truth_n endeavour_v most_o of_o all_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o erect_v a_o idol_n of_o self-supremacy_n in_o themselves_o and_o do_v real_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o selfsufficiency_n
discover_v their_o father_n nakedness_n if_o we_o do_v real_o value_v ourselves_o by_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o soul_n themselves_o by_o what_o they_o possess_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v right_o prefer_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n before_o the_o gratification_n of_o the_o animal_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v prefer_v patience_n before_o prosperity_n faith_n in_o god_n before_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n spiritual_a purity_n before_o temporal_a pleasure_n or_o preferment_n humility_n before_o honour_n the_o denial_n of_o ourselves_o before_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n image_n before_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o own_o name_n a_o opportunity_n of_o exercise_v gracious_a disposition_n before_o the_o exercise_v of_o any_o temporal_a power_n or_o secular_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o display_v of_o the_o beauty_n glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n before_o health_n wealth_n liberty_n livelihood_n and_o life_n itself_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v more_o indifferent_o affect_v towards_o any_o condition_n whether_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n and_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o one_o nor_o weary_a of_o the_o other_o if_o we_o do_v very_o value_v they_o only_o by_o the_o tendency_n that_o they_o have_v to_o further_a religion_n and_o advance_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o soul_n this_o will_v certain_o make_v man_n more_o sincere_o studious_a to_o reap_v god_n end_n in_o afflict_v they_o and_o less_o longing_n to_o see_v the_o end_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o as_o for_o treachery_n plotting_n invasion_n usurpation_n rebellion_n and_o that_o tumultuous_a zeal_n for_o relaxation_n which_o this_o impatience_n of_o oppression_n and_o fondness_n of_o deliverance_n do_v so_o often_o grow_v up_o into_o i_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v nothing_o like_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o the_o effectual_a heal_n of_o they_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o weary_a of_o oppression_n though_o it_o be_v by_o sinful_a man_n as_o it_o be_v abhorrent_n from_o deliverance_n if_o it_o be_v by_o sinful_a mean_n may_v 1._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o i_o not_o be_v allow_v to_o allude_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o say_v whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o this_o zeal_n contention_n and_o faction_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n be_v not_o this_o the_o same_o which_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v do_v strive_v and_o struggle_v by_o right_n and_o by_o wrong_a to_o redeem_v himself_o from_o whatsoever_o be_v grievous_a and_o gall_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n may_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o if_o religion_n do_v but_o display_v itself_o aright_o in_o the_o powerful_a act_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o humility_n it_o will_v quench_v this_o scald_a zeal_n and_o calm_v these_o tempestuous_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v man_n rather_o content_a to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o the_o adversary_n though_o the_o flesh_n shall_v by_o he_o be_v destroy_v so_o by_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o divine_a life_n advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n oh_o how_o dear_a and_o precious_a be_v the_o possession_n and_o practice_n of_o faith_n patitnce_n humility_n and_o self-denial_n to_o a_o godly_a soul_n in_o comparison_n of_o all_o the_o joy_n and_o toy_n treasure_n pleasure_n ease_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o safety_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o flesh_n how_o much_o more_o then_o when_o these_o must_v be_v accomplish_v by_o wicked_a mean_n and_o purchase_v at_o the_o rate_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o because_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o often_o allege_v to_o defend_v and_o patronize_v these_o strange_a fervour_n and_o frenzy_n let_v i_o here_o brief_o record_v to_o all_o that_o shall_v read_v these_o line_n the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o propagate_a his_o own_o kingdom_n it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o christ_n be_v infinite_o studious_a to_o promote_v his_o own_o kingdom_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n but_o i_o no_o where_o read_v that_o he_o ever_o attempt_v it_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n by_o violent_a opposition_n or_o crafty_a insinuation_n nay_o he_o reckon_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v then_o true_o promote_v when_o these_o tumultuous_a impatient_a imperious_a proud_a lust_n of_o man_n be_v mortify_v nothing_o have_v be_v more_o easy_a with_o he_o consider_v his_o miraculous_a power_n infalsible_a 29._o mat._n 11._o 29._o wisdom_n and_o the_o mighty_a interest_n and_o party_n which_o he_o can_v by_o these_o have_v make_v for_o himself_o in_o the_o world_n than_o to_o have_v raise_v his_o own_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o roman_a and_o to_o have_v quite_o shuffle_v caesar_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o indeed_o nothing_o more_o impossible_a consider_v the_o perfect_a innocency_n and_o infinite_a sacredness_n of_o his_o temper_n nor_o any_o thing_n more_o contradictious_a consider_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o he_o profess_v not_o be_v secular_a and_o so_o not_o be_v maintain_v by_o fight_v but_o if_o you_o will_v 37._o john_n 18._o 16._o ver_fw-la 37._o know_v in_o what_o sense_n he_o be_v a_o king_n he_o himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v it_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o pilate_n thou_o say_v that_o i_o be_o a_o king_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n so_o than_o it_o seem_v where_o ever_o there_o be_v truth_n and_o holiness_n predominant_a there_o be_v christ_n real_o enthrone_v and_o actual_o triumphant_a where_o religion_n do_v vital_o inform_v animate_v and_o actuate_v man_n soul_n it_o do_v make_v they_o right_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o thrive_a of_o party_n the_o strengthen_n of_o faction_n the_o advancement_n of_o any_o particular_a interest_n though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o never_o so_o evangelical_n a_o complexion_n nor_o yet_o the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o more_o reform_a profession_n of_o it_o though_o these_o latter_a will_v be_v a_o great_a external_a honour_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v most_o proper_o and_o happy_o propagate_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v faith_n patience_n humility_n self_n denial_n contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o pregnant_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a pure_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o sincere_a benignity_n to_o man_n here_o and_o there_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n christ_n regnant_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o power_n and_o triumph_v of_o it_o and_o may_v not_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v most_o conspicuous_o in_o a_o persecute_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o certain_o be_v a_o high_a instance_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n record_v of_o he_o who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o 23._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 23._o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o the_o same_o divine_a principle_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o our_o soul_n will_v instruct_v we_o to_o the_o same_o behaviour_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n give_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n not_o render_v evil_a 9_o 1._o pet._n 3._o 9_o sore_o evil_a or_o rail_v for_o rail_v but_o contrariwise_o blessing_n etc._n etc._n how_o vain_o do_v man_n dream_v that_o they_o serve_v the_o interest_n and_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n by_o fierce_a and_o rage_a endeavour_n to_o cast_v off_o every_o yoke_n that_o gall_v they_o and_o kick_v against_o every_o thorn_n that_o prick_v they_o when_o indeed_o they_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o do_v under_o a_o fine_a cloak_n gratify_v the_o mere_a animal_n life_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o self-love_n which_o be_v as_o covetous_a of_o freedom_n from_o all_o retrenchment_n and_o confinement_n as_o religion_n itself_o can_v be_v it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o when_o the_o church_n have_v rest_v they_o be_v edify_v and_o multiply_v but_o when_o they_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o 19_o act_n 9_o 31._o 1_o pet._n 4._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 12._o 19_o be_v then_o glorify_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o that_o most_o noble_a and_o heroical_a passage_n of_o he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n most_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o rather_o glory_n in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v upon_o i_o second_o religion_n will_v not_o fail_v right_o to_o dispose_v the_o
he_o have_v appoint_v call_v qualify_v instruct_v for_o the_o open_n explain_v interpret_n &_o apply_v of_o they_o so_o that_o they_o be_v call_v scribe_n instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n steward_n over_o the_o household_n of_o god_n to_o give_v unto_o every_o one_o his_o portion_n these_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n god_n have_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o these_o thing_n have_v god_n do_v for_o we_o from_o without_o we_o he_o have_v set_v up_o a_o light_n chalk_v out_o our_o way_n and_o appoint_v we_o guide_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v the_o many_o enticement_n and_o motive_n which_o we_o call_v mercy_n or_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o many_o affâ—ightments_n of_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n which_o god_n have_v add_v to_o the_o promise_n &_o threaten_n of_o his_o word_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n but_o all_o these_o be_v too_o little_a too_o weak_a of_o themselves_o to_o bring_v back_o a_o straggle_a soul_n or_o to_o produce_v a_o live_a principle_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o it_o therefore_o 2._o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n from_o within_o he_o do_v not_o only_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o son_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o in_o it_o he_o do_v not_o only_o make_v discovery_n â—o_o it_o but_o lâ—vely_a impression_n upon_o it_o he_o do_v not_o only_o appoint_v and_o point_n out_o the_o way_n of_o life_n but_o breathe_v in_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n he_o have_v not_o only_o provide_v a_o saviour_n a_o redeemer_n but_o he_o also_o draw_v the_o soul_n unto_o he_o john_n 6._o 44._o he_o have_v not_o only_o appoint_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o he_o himself_o impregnate_v their_o word_n and_o clothes_n their_o doctrine_n with_o his_o own_o power_n use_v their_o ministry_n as_o a_o instrument_n whereby_o to_o teach_v so_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n john_n 6._o 45._o minister_n can_v only_o discover_v and_o as_o it_o be_v enlighten_v the_o object_n but_o god_n enlighten_v the_o faculty_n he_o give_v the_o see_a eye_n and_o do_v actual_o enable_v it_o to_o discern_v therefore_o the_o work_n of_o convert_v a_o soul_n be_v still_o ascribe_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n he_o beget_v we_o again_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 3._o he_o draw_v the_o soul_n before_o it_o can_v run_v after_o he_o cant._n 1._o 4._o christ_n apprehend_v the_o soul_n lay_v powerful_a bold_a of_o it_o phil._n 3._o 12._o god_n give_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n a_o new_a heart_n he_o cause_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n ezek._n 36._o 26_o 27._o he_o put_v his_o law_n into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n jer._n 31._o 33._o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o quotation_n of_o the_o same_o value_n but_o yet_o methinks_v we_o be_v not_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v god_n who_o enlighten_v the_o faculty_n as_o to_o the_o learning_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n also_o he_o teach_v the_o grammar_n and_o the_o rhetoric_n as_o well_o as_o the_o divinity_n he_o instruct_v even_o the_o husbandman_n to_o discretion_n in_o his_o affair_n of_o husbandry_n and_o teach_v he_o to_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o thresh_v etc._n etc._n isa_n 28._o 26._o not_o only_o the_o gift_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n but_o indeed_o every_o good_a gift_n come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1._o 17._o god_n do_v from_o within_o give_v that_o capacity_n illumination_n of_o the_o faculty_n ingenuity_n whereby_o we_o comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o grace_n john_n 1._o 9_o therefore_o we_o may_v conceive_v of_o the_o original_a of_o religion_n in_o a_o more_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n still_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o give_v of_o god_n as_o itself_o be_v something_o of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o say_v to_o give_v as_o to_o be_v the_o life_n of_o man._n as_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n so_o very_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n stand_v in_o its_o conjunction_n with_o god_n by_o a_o spiritual_a union_n of_o will_n and_o affection_n god_n do_v not_o enlighten_v man_n mind_n as_o the_o sun_n enlighten_v the_o world_n by_o shine_v unto_o they_o and_o round_o about_o they_o but_o by_o shine_v into_o they_o by_o enlighten_v the_o faculty_n as_o i_o say_v before_o yea_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o by_o shine_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o he_o set_v up_o a_o candle_n which_o be_v his_o own_o light_n within_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n see_v god_n in_o his_o own_o light_n and_o love_v he_o with_o the_o love_n that_o he_o have_v shed_v abroad_o in_o it_o and_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o reflection_n of_o that_o divine_a image_n life_n and_o light_n and_o love_n which_o from_o god_n be_v stamp_v and_o imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o true_a christian_n god_n be_v say_v to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o sun_n enlighten_v you_o see_v so_o he_o draw_v the_o soul_n too_o but_o not_o ab_fw-la extra_fw-la only_o as_o one_o man_n draw_v another_o with_o a_o cord_n as_o jupiter_n in_o homer_n draw_v man_n up_o to_o heaven_n by_o a_o chain_n and_o mahomet_n his_o disciple_n by_o a_o lock_n of_o hair_n but_o he_o draw_v the_o soul_n as_o the_o sun_n draw_v up_o earthly_a vapour_n by_o infuse_v its_o virtue_n and_o power_n into_o they_o or_o as_o the_o loadstone_n draw_v the_o iron_n by_o the_o powerful_a insinuation_n of_o his_o grace_n god_n do_v not_o so_o much_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o discovery_n as_o by_o way_n of_o impression_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o indeed_o not_o so_o much_o by_o impression_n neither_o as_o by_o a_o mystical_a and_o wonderful_a way_n of_o implantation_n religion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o something_o from_o god_n as_o something_o of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n allow_v we_o to_o speak_v it_o be_v therefore_o call_v his_o image_n col._n 3._o 10._o and_o good_a man_n be_v say_v to_o live_v according_a to_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 6._o but_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o high_a enough_o it_o be_v not_o only_o call_v his_o image_n but_o even_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o something_a of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n a_o infant-christ_n as_o one_o call_v it_o allude_v to_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 4._o 19_o where_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v christ_n himself_o until_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o true_a religion_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o christ_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n and_o st._n paul_n do_v express_v it_o yea_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v thus_o to_o express_v his_o relation_n to_o the_o godly_a soul_n â—sa_fw-la 57_o 15._o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n and_o again_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 16._o as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o pure_a religion_n be_v a_o beam_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n lumen_fw-la de_fw-la lumine_fw-la it_o be_v a_o drop_n of_o that_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n the_o breath_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n a_o pure_a influence_n flow_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o almighty_a the_o brightness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n the_o unspotted_a mirror_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n more_o beautiful_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o above_o all_o the_o order_n of_o star_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o light_n she_o be_v find_v before_o it_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n speak_v chap._n 7._o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n heb._n 1._o 3._o may_v in_o a_o sense_n be_v true_o affirm_v of_o religion_n in_o the_o abstract_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o effulgency_n or_o beam_a forth_o of_o divine_a glory_n for_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o beauty_n shine_v forth_o in_o one_o godly_a soul_n than_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v but_o a_o dark_a
clear_a and_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o god_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v story_v of_o one_o of_o the_o persian_a king_n enshrine_v themselves_o in_o a_o temple_n of_o their_o own_o but_o what_o speak_v i_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o unclean_a spirit_n of_o self-adoration_n to_o be_v find_v among_o many_o christian_n yea_o and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n too_o witness_v that_o whole_a brood_n those_o man_n who_o while_o they_o hang_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n freewill_n do_v rob_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n some_o of_o these_o have_v impudent_o give_v a_o short_a but_o unsavoury_a answer_n to_o the_o apostle_n question_n in_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o who_o make_v you_o to_o differ_v from_o a_o other_o ego_fw-la i_o ipsum_fw-la discerno_fw-la i_o make_v myself_o to_o differ_v these_o man_n while_o they_o pretend_v to_o high_a attainment_n do_v discover_v a_o low_a and_o most_o ignoble_a spirit_n to_o fasten_v and_o feed_v upon_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o low_a and_o degenerate_a spirit_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n not_o to_o be_v its_o own_o not_o to_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o itself_o or_o any_o way_n distinct_a from_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n and_o fountain_n of_o light_n and_o grace_n holy_a paul_n be_v all_o along_o in_o a_o different_a strain_n as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 10._o ay_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o what_o a_o fair_a and_o honourable_a character_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v of_o holy_a david_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n now_o you_o may_v also_o find_v a_o description_n of_o these_o man_n too_o in_o scripture_n not_o much_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o in_o phrase_n but_o very_o much_o in_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o proud_a prince_n of_o tyrus_n ezek._n 28._o 2._o they_o set_v their_o heart_n as_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n but_o we_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v not_o dare_v to_o take_v any_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n if_o we_o conform_v to_o god_n image_n we_o shall_v not_o set_v up_o our_o own_o this_o self-glorying_a in_o the_o predominancy_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a religion_n as_o fire_n be_v with_o water_n for_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o shining_n forth_o of_o god_n into_o the_o soul_n the_o reflection_n of_o a_o beauty_n and_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o it_o give_v all_o therefore_o unto_o god_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v keep_v back_o be_v sacrilegious_o purloin_v from_o he_o glory_n we_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o in_o selfpenury_n and_o nothingness_n the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v of_o god_n do_v we_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v by_o that_o light_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o we_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o love_n whereby_o we_o love_v he_o he_o first_o shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n if_o our_o soul_n be_v beautiful_a it_o be_v with_o his_o brightness_n the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o essential_a holiness_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 12._o partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n if_o we_o be_v real_o and_o true_o full_a we_o receive_v it_o of_o his_o fullness_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 3._o 19_o fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o be_v in_o any_o godlike_a disposition_n like_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v by_o his_o spread_n of_o his_o image_n in_o we_o and_o over_o we_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o wicked_a and_o unwarrantable_a but_o utter_o impossible_a for_o a_o godly_a soul_n to_o exalt_v himself_o against_o god_n for_o grace_n to_o advance_v itself_o against_o divine_a glory_n for_o grace_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o communication_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o god_n be_v then_o glorify_v when_o the_o soul_n in_o holy_a and_o gracious_a disposition_n become_v like_a unto_o he_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o grace_n shall_v be_v a_o shadow_n to_o obscure_v divine_a glory_n when_o itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o as_o it_o come_v from_o god_n but_o a_o beam_n of_o glory_n and_o as_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o reflection_n of_o it_o to_o conclude_v then_o be_v you_o persuade_v that_o a_o man_n have_v so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o self_n denial_n and_o self-nothingness_a and_o no_o more_o he_o be_v so_o far_o of_o god_n as_o he_o love_v he_o honour_v he_o imitate_v hâ—m_n and_o life_n to_o he_o and_o no_o further_o 3._o by_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o original_a of_o religion_n we_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o original_a of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o here_o according_a to_o the_o method_n wherein_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o original_a of_o religion_n i_o may_v show_v you_o how_o the_o original_n of_o sin_n from_o without_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n that_o first_o usher_v it_o into_o the_o world_n and_o cease_v not_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o it_o continual_o as_o also_o of_o man_n who_o be_v his_o instrument_n and_o that_o it_o do_v in_o a_o sense_n spring_n from_o many_o occasion_n without_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o improper_o say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n the_o inward_a cause_n be_v the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n that_o unclean_a spirit_n that_o devilish_a nature_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o pernicious_a devil_n in_o the_o world_n to_o man._n it_o be_v a_o old_a say_n homo_fw-la homini_fw-la daemon_n one_o man_n be_v a_o devil_n to_o another_o which_o though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o say_v homo_fw-la sibi_fw-la daemon_n man_n be_v a_o devil_n to_o himself_o take_v the_o spirit_n and_o principle_n of_o apostasy_n that_o rebellious_a nature_n for_o the_o devil_n which_o indeed_o do_v best_a deserve_v that_o name_n but_o yet_o if_o we_o inquire_v more_o strict_o into_o the_o original_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o monster_n we_o shall_v best_o know_v what_o to_o say_v of_o it_o and_o how_o to_o describe_v it_o by_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o religion_n sin_n then_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o degeneration_n from_o a_o holy_a state_n a_o apostasy_n from_o a_o holy_a god_n religion_n be_v a_o participation_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n be_v a_o straggle_a off_o from_o he_o therefore_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v define_v by_o negative_n a_o departure_n from_o god_n a_o forsake_v of_o he_o a_o live_n in_o the_o world_n without_o he_o etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n fall_v off_o from_o god_n do_v describe_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o sâ—n_n but_o then_o as_o it_o sink_v into_o itself_o or_o settle_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o fasten_v upon_o the_o creature_n or_o any_o thing_n therein_o so_o it_o become_v specify_v and_o be_v call_v pride_n covetousness_n ambition_n and_o by_o many_o other_o name_n all_o soul_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n be_v original_o form_v into_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n and_o when_o they_o express_v the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a then_o be_v they_o call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o those_o impure_a spirit_n that_o do_v lapse_n and_o slide_v from_o god_n may_v be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o implant_v themselves_o into_o a_o other_o stock_n by_o their_o own_o low_a and_o earthly_a life_n and_o be_v no_o more_o own_v for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n john_n 10._o 44._o by_o which_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o low_a and_o base_a original_n of_o sin_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o vile_a as_o that_o which_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o perfect_a fall_v off_o from_o glory_n itself_o by_o this_o you_o may_v also_o by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o unholy_a soul_n we_o need_v not_o call_v for_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o paint_v out_o the_o wretched_a state_n of_o sinful_a soul_n sin_n itself_o be_v hell_n and_o death_n and_o misery_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v a_o departure_n from_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n itself_o i_o mean_v from_o god_n in_o conjunction_n with_o who_o the_o happiness_n and_o blessedness_n and_o heaven_n of_o a_o soul_n do_v consist_v avoid_v it_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v avoid_v be_v miserable_a
that_o they_o feed_v upon_o now_o you_o may_v know_v this_o artificial_a religion_n by_o this_o these_o man_n can_v vary_v it_o alter_v it_o enlarge_v it_o straiten_v it_o and_o new_a mould_n it_o at_o pleasure_n according_a to_o what_o they_o see_v in_o other_o or_o according_a to_o what_o themselves_o like_o best_a one_o while_o act_v over_o the_o joy_n and_o confidence_n of_o some_o christian_n anon_o the_o humiliation_n and_o brokenness_n of_o other_o but_o this_o fanciful_a religion_n proceed_v indeed_o from_o nothing_o but_o low_a and_o carnal_a conceit_n of_o god_n and_o heaven_n be_v of_o a_o flit_a and_o vanish_v nature_n but_o true_a christian_n be_v genâ—â—y_a yet_o powerful_o move_v by_o the_o natural_a force_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o god_n and_o do_v move_v on_o stedy_o and_o constant_o in_o their_o way_n to_o he_o and_o pursuit_n of_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n in_o good_a man_n spread_v itself_o upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o sweet_o derive_v itself_o through_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o make_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v a_o consistent_a and_o thrive_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o not_o be_v act_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o imagination_n but_o upon_o the_o high_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o evenness_n of_o its_o motion_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o its_o nature_n for_o a_o good_a man_n though_o indeed_o he_o can_v go_v on_o always_o with_o like_a speed_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o his_o way_n yet_o be_v not_o will_v at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o it_o by_o this_o same_o nature_n of_o true_a religion_n you_o may_v examine_v all_o those_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a religion_n that_o spring_n from_o a_o natural_a belief_n of_o a_o deity_n from_o conviction_n observation_n fleshly_a and_o low_a apprehension_n of_o heaven_n book-learning_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n as_o the_o prophet_n call_v they_o and_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o fancy_n and_o swim_v in_o the_o brain_n who_o effect_n be_v but_o to_o gild_v the_o outward_a man_n or_o at_o best_o but_o to_o move_v the_o soul_n by_o a_o external_a force_n in_o a_o unnatural_a inconstant_a and_o transient_a manner_n in_o a_o word_n all_o these_o pretender_n to_o religion_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v water_n but_o they_o have_v no_o well_o as_o there_o be_v other_o deep_a man_n principled_a indeed_o with_o learning_n policy_n ingenuity_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o with_o true_a goodness_n who_o the_o apostle_n call_v wells_n but_o without_o water_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 7._o but_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o godlike_a soul_n have_v in_o itself_o a_o principle_n of_o pure_a religion_n the_o water_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o eternal_a life_n chap._n iii_o contain_v the_o first_o property_n mention_v of_o true_a religion_n viz._n the_o freeness_n and_o unconstrainedness_n of_o it_o this_o discover_v in_o several_a outward_a act_n of_o morality_n and_o worship_n as_o also_o in_o the_o more_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o freedom_n consider_v as_o to_o its_o author_n in_o which_o be_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o command_n of_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v a_o godly_a soul_n second_o consider_v as_o to_o its_o object_n two_o cautionary_a concession_n first_o that_o some_o thing_n without_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v motive_n how_o far_o affliction_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o second_o that_o there_o be_v a_o constraint_n lie_v upon_o the_o godly_a soul_n which_o yet_o take_v not_o away_o its_o freedom_n a_o enquiry_n into_o force_a devotion_n and_o first_o into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o viz._n man_n themselves_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o threefold_a account_n other_o man_n or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n second_o into_o the_o property_n of_o it_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dry_a and_o spiritless_a needy_a and_o penurious_a uneven_a and_o not_o permanent_a i_o proceed_v now_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o property_n of_o it_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ed_z under_o this_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n not_o to_o squeeze_v the_o phrase_n any_o further_a than_o it_o will_v natural_o afford_v discourse_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o three_o property_n of_o true_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n spring_v up_o viz._n the_o freeness_n activity_n and_o permanency_n or_o perseverance_n of_o it_o the_o first_o proselyte_n of_o it_o couch_v under_o this_o phrase_n be_v that_o be_v be_v free_a and_o unconstrained_a religion_n be_v a_o principle_n and_o it_o flow_v and_o act_n free_o in_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o fountain_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o its_o mighty_a power_n make_v the_o people_n a_o willing_a people_n psal_n 110._o 3._o and_o the_o soul_n in_o who_o it_o be_v true_o seat_v to_o become_v a_o freewill_n offer_v unto_o god_n alexander_n the_o great_a subdue_v the_o world_n with_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o make_v man_n rather_o his_o tributary_n and_o servant_n than_o his_o lover_n and_o friend_n but_o the_o great_a god_n the_o king_n of_o soul_n obtain_v a_o amicable_a conquest_n over_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect_a and_o over-power_n they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o love_v to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o do_v willing_o and_o ready_o obey_v he_o without_o dissimulation_n or_o constraint_n without_o mercinariness_n or_o morosity_n in_o which_o they_o be_v unlike_a to_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n who_o be_v keep_v in_o their_o duty_n by_o fear_n and_o force_n not_o from_o a_o pure_a kindness_n and_o benevolence_n of_o mind_n to_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o present_a yoke_n be_v always_o grievous_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o propagation_n of_o this_o people_n be_v call_v their_o flow_v unto_o the_o lord_n isa_n 2._o 2._o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v be_v establish_v and_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o and_o again_o jer._n 31._o 12._o they_o shall_v flow_v together_o to_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o this_o people_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v a_o hearty_a and_o willing_a frame_n eph._n 6._o 6_o 7._o and_o elsewhere_o often_o now_o this_o willingness_n or_o freeness_n of_o godly_a soul_n may_v be_v explain_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o consideration_n both_o of_o their_o outward_a and_o inward_a act_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o service_n which_o the_o true_a christian_a do_v perform_v he_o be_v free_o carry_v out_o towards_o they_o without_o any_o constraint_n or_o force_n if_o he_o keep_v himself_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o place_n and_o age_n and_o company_n wherein_o he_o live_v and_o converse_v it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o restraint_n which_o be_v upon_o he_o mere_o from_o without_o he_o but_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o holy_a temperance_n plant_v in_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o that_o preserve_v he_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o he_o be_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o sin_n as_o a_o horse_n by_o a_o bridle_n but_o by_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a change_n make_v in_o his_o nature_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o he_o employ_v himself_o in_o any_o external_a act_n of_o moral_a or_o institute_v duty_n he_o do_v it_o free_o not_o as_o of_o necessity_n or_o by_o constraint_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o act_n of_o charity_n the_o godly_a man_n give_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o kindness_n to_o his_o brother_n and_o so_o cheerful_o not_o grudge_o or_o of_o necessity_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 7._o a_o alm_n may_v be_v wring_v out_o of_o a_o miser_n but_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o liberal_a soul_n as_o a_o stream_n from_o its_o fountain_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v a_o deviser_n of_o liberal_a thing_n and_o one_o that_o stand_v upon_o liberality_n as_o those_o last_o word_n of_o isa_n 32._o 8._o be_v render_v by_o the_o dutch_a translator_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o righteousness_n oâ—_n temperance_n he_o be_v not_o overrule_v by_o power_n or_o compel_v by_o law_n but_o indeed_o act_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v write_v and_o engrave_v upon_o his_o mind_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o act_n of_o worship_n whether_o moral_a or_o institute_v in_o all_o these_o he_o be_v also_o free_a as_o to_o any_o constraint_n prayer_n be_v not_o his_o task_n or_o a_o piece_n of_o penance_n but_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a cry_n of_o the_o new_a bear_v soul_n neither_o do_v he_o take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o policy_n
to_o be_v esteem_v 2_o kin._n â—0_n 16._o be_v indeed_o rather_o fury_n than_o zeal_n and_o proceed_v more_o from_o his_o own_o fiery_a spirit_n than_o from_o that_o spirit_n of_o fire_n or_o spirit_n of_o burn_a which_o be_v of_o god_n isa_n 4._o 4._o but_o common_o this_o force_a devotion_n be_v jejune_n and_o dry_a void_a of_o zeal_n and_o warmth_n drive_v on_o heavy_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n as_o pharaoh_n do_v in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n when_o his_o chariot_n wheel_n be_v take_v off_o exod._n 14._o god_n draw_v the_o soul_n from_o within_o as_o a_o principle_n do_v indeed_o cause_v that_o soul_n to_o run_v after_o he_o cant._n 1._o 4._o but_o you_o know_v the_o motion_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v draw_v by_o external_a force_n be_v common_o heavy_a slow_a and_o languid_a 2._o this_o force_a religion_n be_v penurious_a and_o needy_a something_n the_o slavish_a spirit_a christian_n must_v do_v to_o appease_v a_o angry_a god_n or_o to_o allay_v a_o storm_a conscience_n as_o i_o hâ—nâ—ed_v before_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o gâ—ndge_n god_n so_o much_o of_o his_o time_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o find_v fault_n that_o sabbath_n come_v so_o thick_a and_o last_v so_o long_o and_o that_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v sâ—_n often_o so_o he_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n amoâ—_n 8._o 5._o when_o will_v the_o sabbath_n be_v past_a and_o the_o new_a moon_n go_v but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v very_o liberal_a and_o expensive_a too_o and_o run_v out_o much_o into_o the_o branch_n of_o external_a duty_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o many_o tree_n that_o bear_v no_o fâ—uit_n for_o so_o do_v the_o base_a spirit_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o often_o fast_v and_o long_o pray_v be_v record_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o not_o with_o approbation_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n by_o which_o you_o must_v take_v measure_n and_o make_v estimate_n of_o your_o religion_n but_o in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o grand_a duty_n of_o mortification_n self_n denial_n and_o resignation_n here_o this_o force_a religion_n be_v always_o very_o stingy_a and_o penurious_a in_o the_o duty_n that_o do_v near_o touch_v upon_o their_o belove_a lâ—sts_n they_o will_v be_v as_o strict_a with_o god_n as_o may_v be_v they_o will_v break_v with_o he_o for_o a_o small_a matter_n god_n must_v have_v no_o more_o than_o his_o due_n as_o they_o blasphemous_o phrase_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o slothful_a servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n lo_o there_o thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o self_n and_o the_o world_n sure_o may_v be_v allow_v the_o rest_n they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o all_o for_o christ_n matth._n 19_o 22._o be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o let_v i_o escape_v thither_o and_o take_v up_o my_o abode_n there_o say_z lot_z gen._n 19_o they_o will_v not_o give_v up_o themselves_o entire_o unto_o god_n the_o lord_n pardon_v i_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n cry_v naaman_n so_o they_o in_o this_o or_o that_o let_v god_n hold_v i_o excuse_v the_o slavish_a spirit_v christian_n be_v never_o more_o shrink_v up_o within_o himself_o than_o when_o he_o be_v to_o converse_v with_o god_n indeed_o but_o the_o godly_a soul_n be_v never_o free_a large_a glad_a than_o when_o he_o do_v most_o intimate_o and_o familiar_o converse_v with_o god_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v free_a as_o to_o liberty_n be_v free_a also_o as_o to_o liberality_n and_o expense_n and_o thatnot_v only_o in_o external_a but_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a obedience_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o give_v himself_o whole_o up_o to_o god_n know_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o keep_v no_o reserve_n for_o himself_o or_o for_o the_o creature_n 3._o this_o force_a religion_n be_v uneven_a as_o depend_v upon_o inconstant_a cause_n as_o land-flood_n that_o have_v no_o spring_n within_o themselves_o vary_v their_o motion_n be_v swift_a and_o slow_a high_a and_o low_a according_a as_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o rain_n even_o so_o these_o man_n motion_n in_o religion_n depend_v upon_o fancy_n for_o the_o most_o part_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o fickle_a and_o flit_a have_v no_o constancy_n nor_o consistency_n in_o they_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o best_a man_n can_v always_o keep_v one_o pace_n nor_o their_o life_n be_v always_o of_o one_o piece_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o willing_o quite_o out_o of_o the_o call_n or_o compass_v of_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o also_o touch_v upon_o former_o therefore_o 4._o the_o force_a religion_n be_v not_o permanent_a the_o meteor_n i_o will_v down_o again_o and_o be_v choke_v in_o the_o earth_n whence_o they_o arise_v take_v away_o the_o weight_n and_o the_o motion_n cease_v take_v away_o 〈◊〉_d and_o joashâ—lands_n â—lands_z 〈◊〉_d yeâ—â—_n run_v backward_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v more_o unto_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o property_n of_o religion_n viz._n its_o performance_n chap._n iu._n the_o active_a and_o vigorous_a nature_n of_o true_a religion_n prove_v by_o many_o scriptural_a phrase_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a importance_n more_o particular_o explain_v in_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o soulâ—_n continual_a care_n and_o study_v to_o be_v good_a second_o in_o its_o care_n to_o do_v good_a three_o in_o its_o powerful_a and_o incessant_a long_n after_o the_o most_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o all_o which_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o be_v either_o more_o obscure_o intimate_v or_o open_o assign_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o property_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d spring_v up_o or_o leap_v up_o wherein_o the_o activity_n and_o vigorousuass_n of_o it_o be_v describe_v religion_n though_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o water_n yet_o be_v no_o stand_a pool_n of_o water_n but_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o and_o here_o the_o proposition_n that_o i_o shall_v go_v upon_o be_v that_o true_a religion_n be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a it_o be_v no_o lazy_a and_o languid_a thing_n but_o full_a of_o life_n and_o power_n so_o i_o find_v it_o every_o where_o describe_v in_o scripture_n by_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o active_a lively_a vigorous_a operative_a spread_a powerful_a and_o sometime_o even_o by_o motion_n itself_o as_o sin_n be_v in_o scripture_n describe_v by_o death_n and_o darkness_n which_o be_v a_o cessation_n and_o privation_n of_o life_n and_o light_n and_o motion_n so_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o life_n which_o be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a by_o a_o angelical_a life_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o powerful_a yea_o a_o divine_a life_n ephes_n 4._o 18._o which_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v most_o lively_a and_o vivacious_a christ_n live_v in_o i_o gal._n 2._o 20._o and_o the_o production_n of_o this_o new_a nature_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v call_v a_o quicken_a ephes_n 2._o 1._o and_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o a_o pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n joâ—_n 5._o 24._o again_o as_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v describe_v by_o flesh_n which_o be_v sluggish_a and_o unactive_a so_o this_o holy_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v call_v spirit_n gal._n 5._o 17._o the_o spirit_n lusâ—eth_v against_o the_o flesh_n yea_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n rom._n 8._o 2._o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n how_o can_v the_o power_n and_o activity_n of_o any_o principle_n be_v more_o commend_v than_o by_o say_v it_o be_v life_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o have_v make_v i_o sometime_o to_o apply_v those_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o a_o description_n of_o every_o godly_a soul_n mic._n 3._o 8._o i_o be_o full_a of_o power_n and_o might_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o further_o the_o holy_a apostle_n seem_v to_o describe_v a_o godly_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n by_o activity_n and_o motion_n itself_o phil._n 3._o 12_o 13_o 14._o where_o he_o give_v this_o excellent_a character_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o lively_a description_n of_o his_o religious_a disposition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o activity_n and_o fervour_n i_o follow_v after_o that_o i_o may_v apprehend_v i_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v too_o much_o
and_o wickedness_n a_o gulf_n be_v fize_v and_o they_o that_o will_v pass_v from_o god_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o that_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v in_o any_o a_o real_a and_o predominant_a desire_n so_o to_o pass_v as_o i_o suppose_v i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o it_o denote_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o a_o godly_a soul_n shall_v fall_v from_o god_n and_o become_v a_o hater_n of_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o love_n and_o image_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o image_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o it_o be_v for_o lâ—zarus_n to_o quit_v abraham_n bosom_n for_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n the_o case_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o the_o former_a be_v the_o most_o real_a heaven_n and_o the_o latter_a the_o true_a hell_n true_a religion_n be_v that_o holy_a fire_n which_o be_v once_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n from_o heaven_n never_o go_v out_o whereof_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a resemblance_n it_o be_v as_o true_a in_o this_o respect_n of_o good_a man_n as_o it_o be_v of_o wicked_a man_n in_o a_o other_o their_o fire_n never_o go_v out_o and_o here_o now_o we_o be_v present_v with_o another_o great_a difference_n between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a religion_n all_o counterfeit_a religion_n will_v fade_v in_o time_n though_o never_o so_o specious_a and_o flourish_a all_o dew_n will_v pass_v away_o though_o some_o lie_v much_o long_o than_o other_o all_o land-flood_n will_v fail_v yea_o the_o flood_n of_o noah_n at_o length_n dry_v up_o though_o it_o be_v of_o many_o month_n duration_n but_o this_o well_o of_o water_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o here_o will_v never_o utter_o fail_v cold_a adversity_n can_v freeze_v it_o up_o scorch_v prosperity_n can_v dry_v it_o up_o the_o upper_a spring_n of_o uncreated_a grace_n and_o goodness_n will_v evermore_o feed_v those_o nether_a spring_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o creature_n though_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v away_o yet_o shall_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v he_o that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n will_v certain_o perform_v it_o eph._n 1._o 6._o where_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v beget_v a_o divine_a principle_n and_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o a_o soul_n there_o be_v the_o central_a force_n even_o of_o heaven_n itself_o still_o attract_v and_o carry_v the_o soul_n in_o its_o motion_n thitherward_o until_o it_o have_v lodge_v it_o in_o the_o very_a bosom_n and_o heart_n of_o god_n if_o any_o principle_n low_o than_o true_a religion_n do_v actuate_v a_o man_n it_o will_v certain_o waste_v and_o be_v exhaust_v though_o it_o may_v carry_v he_o swift_o in_o a_o rapid_a motion_n yet_o not_o in_o a_o steady_a though_o it_o may_v carry_v he_o high_a yet_o not_o quite_o through_o a_o meteor_n that_o be_v exhale_v from_o the_o earth_n by_o a_o foreign_a force_n though_o it_o may_v mount_v high_a in_o appearance_n and_o brave_a it_o in_o a_o blaze_n enough_o to_o be_v envy_v by_o the_o poor_a twinkle_a star_n and_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o ordinary_a spectator_n yet_o its_o fate_n be_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o shameful_o confess_v its_o base_a original_n that_o religion_n which_o man_n put_v on_o only_o for_o a_o cloak_n wâ—ll_n wear_v out_o and_o drop_n into_o rag_n if_o it_o be_v not_o present_o throw_v by_o as_o a_o garment_n out_o of_o fashion_n you_o have_v read_v of_o the_o seem_a righteousness_n of_o jehu_n found_v in_o ambition_n and_o cruelty_n the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o joash_n ground_v upon_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a education_n the_o zeal_n of_o soul_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o his_o fat_a sacrifice_n grow_v upon_o a_o root_n of_o superstition_n as_o samuel_n that_o man_n of_o god_n interpret_v it_o 1_o sam._n 15._o 22._o and_o you_o have_v see_v the_o shameful_a issue_n of_o all_o these_o dissembler_n and_o the_o stink_a snuff_n in_o which_o all_o this_o candlelight_n religion_n end_v very_o much_o unlike_o to_o that_o sun-light_n lustre_n of_o true_a and_o genuine_a goodness_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n according_a to_o that_o elegant_a description_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v of_o it_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o solomon_n who_o pen_n have_v as_o much_o adorn_v this_o great_a truth_n as_o his_o life_n have_v blot_v it_o prov._n 4._o 18._o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o may_v fair_o allege_v the_o frequent_a testimony_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n give_v concern_v such_o hypocritical_a and_o unprincipled_a professor_n that_o have_v no_o root_n they_o wither_v away_o in_o a_o scorch_a season_n that_o they_o be_v again_o entangle_v in_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o overcome_v that_o like_a dog_n they_o turn_v to_o their_o own_o vomit_n again_o and_o like_a sow_n wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n from_o which_o they_o have_v be_v wash_v 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 22._o together_o with_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o also_o the_o prophecy_n that_o be_v make_v concern_v they_o that_o that_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o luke_n 8._o 18._o that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o further_o for_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 9_o that_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n and_o of_o those_o self-seducer_n be_v the_o worst_a shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 13._o with_o other_o place_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o record_v many_o history_n of_o many_o man_n especial_o great_a man_n who_o have_v speedy_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v disdainful_o throw_v off_o that_o semblance_n of_o humility_n meekness_n self-denial_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o they_o have_v put_v on_o for_o a_o vizard_n during_o their_o probationarship_n for_o preferment_n the_o better_a to_o accomplish_v their_o selfish_a design_n and_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o some_o base_a end_n of_o their_o own_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v maintain_v a_o fair_a conformity_n to_o and_o correspondence_n with_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n he_o may_v continue_v fair_a and_o specious_a to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o life_n yea_o perhaps_o may_v go_v to_o his_o grave_n undiscovered_a either_o to_o himself_o or_o any_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o i_o believe_v many_o man_n have_v live_v and_o die_v pharisee_n have_v never_o apostatise_v from_o that_o righteousness_n which_o they_o profess_v but_o have_v persevere_v in_o their_o formality_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o last_o but_o yet_o although_o that_o counterfeit_a righteousness_n and_o religion_n may_v possible_o not_o fade_v away_o yet_o nevertheless_o be_v of_o a_o earthly_a and_o selfish_a constitution_n it_o be_v transitory_a and_o fade_a and_o if_o it_o be_v sound_o assault_v and_o batter_v with_o persecution_n and_o temptation_n no_o doubt_n will_v actual_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v pregnant_a and_o precious_a isa_n 40._o 31._o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v walk_v and_o no_o faint_a take_v encouragement_n from_o hence_o all_o you_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n go_v on_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n be_v the_o more_o lively_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o you_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o well_o of_o water_n shall_v spring_v up_o in_o you_o into_o everlasting_a life_n make_v this_o good_a use_n of_o this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n will_v god_n indeed_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v why_o then_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2._o 12._o will_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v with_o you_o will_v he_o not_o fail_v you_o nor_o forsake_v you_o till_o you_o have_v finish_v all_o your_o work_n why_o then_o be_v strong_a and_o of_o good_a courage_n and_o do_v as_o good_a david_n infer_v and_o argue_v 1_o chron._n 28._o 20._o have_v you_o this_o hope_n this_o firm_a ground_n of_o hope_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n why_o then_o purify_v yourselves_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a according_a to_o the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 3._o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o those_o man_n that_o say_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o godliness_n let_v they_o see_v and_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o that_o the_o more_o a_o godly_a soul_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o infinite_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n and_o care_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o the_o more_o be_v he_o wing_v with_o love_n and_o zeal_n with_o speed_n mount_v up_o thither_o daily_o where_o he_o belong_v to_o arrive_v they_o that_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n
god_n why_o it_o render_v up_o its_o whole_a self_n unto_o he_o faith_n be_v a_o give_v grace_n as_o well_o as_o a_o receive_n it_o give_v up_o the_o soul_n back_o to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o take_v christ_n into_o the_o soul_n it_o suck_v in_o strength_n and_o grace_n from_o god_n and_o reciprocal_o spend_v the_o same_o and_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o he_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o godly_a soul_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o cessation_n and_o rest_n the_o soul_n itself_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o active_a be_v the_o happiness_n of_o it_o the_o very_a rest_n of_o it_o must_v also_o be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a where_o there_o be_v communion_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v quick_a and_o lively_a return_n reciprocation_n reflection_n and_o correspondency_n the_o drawing_n of_o god_n be_v answer_v with_o the_o soul_n run_v cant._n 1._o 41._o the_o motion_n of_o christ_n finger_n beget_v a_o motion_n in_o the_o christian_n soul_n cant._n 5._o 4._o my_o belove_a put_v in_o his_o hand_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n and_o my_o bowel_n be_v move_v for_o he_o these_o be_v the_o divine_a and_o harmoneous_a response_n which_o be_v make_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o godly_a soul_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n oh_o shake_v of_o that_o lazy_a and_o drowsy_a spirit_n which_o have_v so_o benumb_v many_o in_o this_o cold_a and_o stupid_a age_n of_o the_o world_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n if_o your_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o spiritual_a kind_n of_o sleep_n youâ—_n heaven_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o pleasant_a kind_n of_o dream_n communion_n with_o god_n speak_v something_o divine_a active_a vigorous_a the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o cessation_n from_o evil_n reformation_n of_o sin_n or_o die_v thereunto_o mortification_n be_v but_o one_o part_n of_o regeneration_n it_o be_v the_o conceit_n and_o i_o doubt_v the_o deceit_n of_o many_o nominal_a christian_n that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v up_o a_o indifferent_a even_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n free_a from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n from_o day_n to_o day_n they_o be_v happy_a enough_o their_o utmost_a ambition_n be_v to_o be_v innocent_a and_o harmless_a this_o indeed_o be_v necessary_a and_o praise_v worthy_a but_o sure_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o soul_n lie_v high_a thus_o happy_a be_v all_o the_o creature_n that_o keep_v in_o the_o station_n and_o keep_v up_o the_o order_n prescribe_v they_o of_o god_n thus_o happy_a be_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n run_v his_o race_n continual_o and_o never_o depart_v from_o the_o office_n which_o be_v assign_v to_o it_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o high_a kind_n of_o happiness_n viz._n communion_n with_o god_n which_o be_v when_o the_o faculty_n thereof_o be_v awaken_v refine_a and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v reciprocal_o act_v and_o spend_v themselves_o upon_o he_o long_v to_o be_v perfect_o swallow_v up_o in_o he_o and_o to_o be_v all_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a to_o drink_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o become_v one_o with_o his_o maker_n this_o be_v that_o true_o noble_a and_o divine_a life_n which_o be_v here_o call_v communion_n with_o god_n which_o the_o hie-spirited_a and_o generous_a soul_n labour_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o to_o be_v grow_v up_o into_o and_o perfect_v in_o keep_v yourselves_o with_o david_n from_o your_o iniquity_n it_o be_v something_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v somewhat_o high_a than_o this_o a_o more_o excellent_a attainment_n a_o more_o divine_a accomplishment_n go_v on_o therefore_o with_o the_o same_o david_n and_o aspire_v after_o this_o pure_a and_o blissful_a state_n this_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n wait_v for_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o you_o and_o in_o you_o more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n as_o he_o do_v psal_n 130._o 6._o this_o inference_n be_v only_o of_o instruction_n but_o the_o sweetness_n and_o needfulness_n of_o the_o subject_n almost_o prevail_v with_o i_o to_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n but_o that_o i_o will_v not_o prevent_v myself_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o way_n of_o improve_n this_o doctrine_n which_o shall_v be_v by_o way_n of_o conviction_n or_o reprehension_n 1._o our_o fellowship_n be_v it_o reprove_v they_o that_o can_v take_v up_o with_o a_o shall_v be_v a_o heaven_n to_o come_v i_o be_o now_o speak_v not_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n who_o very_a soul_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o imprison_v in_o their_o sense_n for_o these_o man_n either_o think_v of_o no_o heaven_n at_o all_o or_o else_o they_o place_v their_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o themselves_o or_o of_o the_o creature_n nor_o yet_o do_v i_o speak_v to_o those_o man_n who_o be_v persuade_v of_o a_o future_a state_n do_v indeed_o wish_v for_o a_o heaven_n to_o come_v but_o than_o it_o be_v a_o poor_a kind_n of_o low_a and_o earthly_a heaven_n consist_v in_o case_n rest_z safety_n freedom_n from_o trouble_n or_o torment_n which_o be_v the_o best_a happiness_n which_o most_o man_n understand_v the_o high_a heaven_n that_o any_o carnal_a mind_n can_v see_v or_o soar_v up_o to_o but_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o a_o better_a and_o fine_a sort_n of_o soul_n than_o these_o that_o be_v very_o possess_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a heaven_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v yea_o they_o be_v so_o overpower_v with_o the_o foresight_n of_o it_o as_o that_o they_o do_v earnest_o expect_v and_o wish_v for_o it_o yea_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o do_v sustain_v and_o strengthen_v their_o heart_n under_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o persecution_n of_o this_o present_a world_n they_o be_v so_o very_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o of_o their_o own_o title_n to_o it_o too_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o abide_v this_o long_a and_o disconsolate_a night_n of_o dimness_n and_o anguish_n and_o frightfulness_n mere_o in_o expectation_n of_o the_o dawn_n of_o that_o day_n that_o clear_a and_o bright_a day_n of_o their_o glorious_a and_o everlasting_a redemption_n and_o herein_o i_o be_o far_o from_o blame_v they_o nay_o i_o must_v needs_o commend_v their_o magnanimous_a faith_n and_o self-denial_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o dwell_v too_o much_o upon_o heaven_n as_o a_o future_a state_n and_o comfort_v themselves_o only_o in_o a_o happiness_n to_o come_v not_o long_v and_o labour_v to_o find_v a_o heaven_n open_v within_o themselves_o a_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n bring_v into_o themselves_o they_o be_v too_o well_o content_a with_o a_o certain_a reversion_n and_o do_v not_o eager_o enough_o endeavour_v a_o present_a possession_n to_o be_v actual_o enstate_v in_o so_o much_o of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o soul_n as_o may_v fall_v to_o their_o share_n even_o in_o this_o low_a world_n this_o slothful_a temper_n and_o inactivity_n i_o do_v condemn_v wherever_o it_o be_v find_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v in_o my_o own_o soul_n every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n by_o a_o natural_a principle_n thirst_v after_o its_o proper_a rest_n and_o a_o happiness_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v content_a though_o it_o may_v be_v constrain_v to_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o its_o centre_n but_o be_v still_o carry_v out_o towards_o its_o own_o perfection_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v a_o godly_a soul_n who_o be_v god_n only_o new_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n be_v content_a with_o a_o state_n of_o imperfection_n why_o shall_v not_o he_o as_o eager_o coveâ—_n and_o as_o earnest_o pursue_v the_o most_o intimate_a and_o close_a communion_n and_o conjunction_n with_o his_o god_n as_o they_o do_v with_o their_o respective_a centre_n can_v any_o earthly_a sensual_a man_n be_v content_a with_o a_o inheritance_n in_o reversion_n so_o as_o to_o suspend_v his_o mind_v and_o follow_v of_o the_o world_n till_o hereafter_o can_v any_o ambitious_a spirit_n who_o place_v his_o main_a happiness_n and_o contentment_n in_o popular_a estimation_n and_o worldly_a greatness_n be_v content_a to_o stand_v gaze_v at_o preferment_n will_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o sit_v still_o and_o wait_v till_o this_o drop_n into_o his_o mouth_n no_o no_o there_o be_v a_o rage_a thirst_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v at_o rest_n but_o be_v still_o awaken_n and_o provoke_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n till_o they_o arise_v and_o fetch_v in_o water_n to_o quench_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v of_o man_n
that_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v live_v in_o god_n act._n 17._o 28._o yet_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o most_o man_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v elsewhere_o do_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n have_v their_o heart_n stake_v down_o to_o one_o creature_n or_o other_o and_o so_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o honourable_a character_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v of_o godly_a man_n our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v wrap_v up_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o a_o humble_a request_n and_o earnest_a expostulation_n reckon_v not_o upon_o any_o happiness_n below_o this_o communion_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o a_o christian_a may_v take_v to_o be_v comfort_n but_o only_o one_o this_o one_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o take_v to_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o life_n i_o design_v not_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o natural_a or_o civil_a ornament_n or_o accomplishment_n much_o less_o to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o any_o of_o those_o endowment_n or_o employment_n which_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n spiritual_a common_o call_v gift_n and_o duty_n but_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a wonder_n of_o the_o world_n to_o i_o to_o see_v such_o a_o noble_a and_o intelligent_a be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v attending_z to_z and_o pursue_v after_o thing_n either_o extrinsical_a or_o inferior_a to_o itself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n careless_o forget_v or_o wilful_o reject_v its_o main_a happiness_n principal_a end_n and_o proper_a perfection_n as_o for_o those_o sensual_a person_n those_o mere_a animal_n who_o soul_n be_v incarnate_a in_o their_o sense_n and_o seem_v to_o perform_v no_o high_a office_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o beast_n that_o be_v to_o carry_v about_o their_o body_n who_o value_v themselves_o by_o their_o body_n or_o which_o be_v base_a by_o the_o apparel_n that_o clothes_v they_o or_o the_o estate_n that_o feed_v they_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o trouble_v myself_o about_o they_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v chastise_v by_o seneca_n or_o plutarch_n or_o indeed_o any_o ordinary_a philosopher_n i_o shall_v rather_o apply_v myself_o a_o little_a to_o a_o sort_n of_o high_a spirit_v people_n who_o by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d dâ—-scension_a of_o charity_n we_o call_v christian_n who_o value_v themselves_o by_o external_a profession_n privilege_n performance_n may_v indeed_o be_v say_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o scrupulous_a and_o curious_a but_o no_o less_o mistake_v than_o the_o former_a for_o if_o the_o grosser_n sort_n of_o sensualist_n do_v deny_v and_o profess_o abjure_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o fine_a sort_n of_o hypocrite_n do_v more_o cunning_o bribe_v they_o each_o method_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o cheat_n and_o both_o party_n will_v be_v alike_o miserable_a save_v that_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v somewhat_o more_o torment_v in_o â—issing_v of_o a_o happiness_n which_o he_o lâ—â—ked_v and_o hope_v for_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o my_o present_a discourse_n to_o speak_v so_o high_o and_o honourable_o of_o these_o external_o of_o christianity_n nor_o to_o press_v unto_o they_o so_o zealous_o as_o i_o do_v at_o all_o time_n when_o i_o have_v occasion_n for_o i_o do_v very_o value_v all_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n nay_o i_o know_v not_o any_o serious_a and_o true_o godly_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v of_o this_o same_o profession_n with_o i_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o think_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o pernicious_a cheat_n in_o the_o world_n for_o man_n to_o feed_v upon_o the_o dish_n instead_o of_o the_o meat_n to_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v only_o appoint_v to_o be_v mean_n to_o convey_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o this_o they_o perish_v thus_o they_o be_v every_o where_o describe_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o people_n rest_v in_o their_o privilege_n and_o performance_n boast_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o temple-service_n they_o make_v account_n of_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o flesh-pleasing_a heaven_n something_o distinct_a from_o they_o and_o reserve_v for_o they_o to_o be_v give_v they_o by_o way_n of_o reward_n for_o the_o righteousness_n which_o themselves_o have_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o freewill_n which_o freewill_n they_o say_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o man_n fall_n but_o they_o make_v it_o a_o cause_n of_o man_n rise_n for_o now_o he_o can_v purchase_v and_o merit_v a_o happiness_n which_o happiness_n be_v also_o more_o illustrious_a than_o that_o give_v of_o mere_a grace_n which_o righteousness_n if_o we_o look_v either_o into_o their_o own_o writing_n or_o god_n writing_n concern_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o external_a dispensation_n of_o it_o such_o a_o low_a and_o legal_a spirit_n be_v general_o find_v among_o the_o jew_n i_o wish_v the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o who_o be_v in_o profession_n and_o name_n evangelical_a be_v not_o find_v as_o true_o legal_a in_o spirit_n and_o temper_n as_o they_o be_v if_o we_o cry_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o they_o cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o confidence_n will_v as_o sure_o betray_v we_o into_o a_o final_a misery_n as_o they_o do_v true_o indeed_o prayer_n sacrament_n sermon_n be_v somewhat_o fine_a word_n than_o the_o old_a obsolete_a one_o the_o law_n sacrifice_n ceremony_n but_o alas_o they_o be_v but_o word_n at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o god_n no_o more_o fit_a to_o terminate_v our_o devotion_n and_o affection_n than_o these_o i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o christian_n be_v not_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n true_a christianity_n be_v not_o a_o notion_n but_o a_o nature_n that_o be_v not_o religion_n which_o be_v leap_v up_o in_o book_n or_o lay_v up_o in_o man_n brain_n but_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o new_a principle_n implant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o high_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n refine_n and_o spiritualize_v all_o the_o faculty_n thereof_o and_o render_v they_o as_o like_v to_o god_n himself_o as_o such_o a_o creature_n can_v resemble_v its_o creator_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n be_v clear_a that_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o soul_n true_o happy_a but_o what_o be_v wrought_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o must_v be_v somewhat_o more_o excellent_a than_o itself_o and_o that_o can_v be_v nothing_o less_o than_o something_o divine_a even_o the_o image_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n if_o you_o be_v christian_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n value_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o value_v not_o yourselves_o by_o these_o your_o happiness_n by_o these_o attend_v upon_o they_o all_o for_o the_o maintain_n and_o increase_n of_o real_a fellowship_n with_o god_n for_o though_o these_o be_v not_o it_o yet_o they_o aâ—â—_n the_o way_n wherein_o it_o please_v god_n 〈◊〉_d give_v it_o drink_v the_o sincere_a 〈…〉_o the_o word_n but_o let_v it_o be_v only_o 〈…〉_o holy_a design_n of_o grow_v thereby_o of_o grow_v up_o into_o god_n and_o a_o divine_a life_n away_o with_o those_o low_a and_o base_a thought_n of_o happiness_n the_o happiness_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v a_o high_a and_o excellent_a indeed_o a_o divine_a thing_n it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n common_a to_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n god_n be_v happy_a in_o himself_o alone_o and_o the_o soul_n can_v only_o be_v happy_a in_o he_o what_o contentment_n what_o real_a happiness_n christian_n can_v the_o rise_n of_o thy_o party_n in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o rise_n of_o thy_o name_n in_o the_o country_n bring_v thou_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o thyself_o harbour_v any_o carnal_a will_n self-interest_n that_o do_v rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a will_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n how_o be_v thou_o happy_a in_o thy_o prayer_n if_o thou_o cast_v sin_n out_o at_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o fountain_n of_o iniquity_n be_v spring_v up_o in_o thy_o heart_n what_o avail_v it_o towards_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n to_o be_v of_o the_o most_o orthodox_n opinion_n the_o honest_a society_n the_o fair_a profession_n the_o most_o popular_a and_o sanctimonious_a form_n or_o the_o most_o plansible_a performance_n either_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o feed_v upon_o some_o earthly_a trash_n or_o other_o which_o destroy_v the_o native_a power_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o and_o keep_v it_o under_o a_o perpetual_a languor_n even_o just_a so_o much_o as_o a_o silken_a stocking_n upon_o a_o gouty_a leg_n or_o a_o princely_a diadem_n upon_o a_o ache_a head_n avail_v towards_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o foundness_n and_o â—uâ—rasie_a of_o body_n let_v nothing_o limit_v year_n ambition_n but_o a_o state_n of_o godlike_a perfection_n let_v nothing_o set_v bound_n to_o your_o love_a and_o long_a soul_n but_o a_o real_a fruition_n of_o god_n himself_o nay_o let_v not_o that_o bind_v they_o neither_o but_o the_o more_o you_o enjoy_v see_v and_o cast_v the_o more_o let_v your_o love_n be_v strengthen_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o fire_n which_o the_o more_o it_o be_v feed_v the_o more_o hungry_a and_o devour_a it_o grow_v in_o a_o word_n let_v nothing_o satisfy_v you_o low_o than_o the_o high_a character_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o mortal_a maâ—_n to_o be_v man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n to_o have_v god_n dwell_v in_o you_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o fullness_n to_o have_v this_o real_a and_o excellent_a communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o finis_fw-la