while_n enslave_v and_o defile_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o very_a liberty_n they_o boast_v of_o in_o their_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o themselves_o open_o spring_v from_o their_o secret_a servitude_n to_o some_o vile_a passion_n or_o other_o nor_o yet_o can_v i_o be_v so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o grant_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o either_o do_v or_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o liberty_n they_o pretend_v to_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o regulate_v and_o govern_v all_o their_o outward_a action_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n they_o too_o often_o throw_v off_o the_o disguise_n which_o either_o hypocrisy_n or_o enmity_n to_o religion_n make_v they_o put_v on_o and_o prove_v too_o plain_o to_o the_o world_n that_o when_o they_o lay_v restraint_n on_o themselves_o in_o this_o or_o that_o sin_n it_o be_v only_a to_o indulge_v themselves_o the_o more_o free_o and_o secure_o in_o other_o second_o my_o next_o remark_n be_v that_o it_o be_v gross_a stupidity_n or_o impudence_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n and_o another_o world_n when_o the_o belief_n of_o both_o be_v so_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o this_o the_o frame_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o world_n require_v both_o without_o these_o selfishness_n must_v undoubted_o be_v the_o predominant_a principle_n this_o will_v breed_v unreasonable_a desire_n and_o these_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n so_o that_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n will_v indeed_o be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o our_o enmity_n against_o one_o another_o will_v not_o be_v extinguish_v by_o civil_a society_n but_o only_o conceal_v and_o restrain_v till_o a_o fit_a occasion_n for_o its_o break_n out_o shall_v present_v itself_o law_n will_v want_v that_o force_n commonwealth_n that_o bond_n or_o cement_n conversation_n that_o confidence_n and_o our_o possession_n that_o security_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v they_o blessing_n to_o we_o §_o 3._o a_o three_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v that_o relation_n which_o it_o create_v between_o god_n and_o we_o we_o be_v no_o long_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v separate_v and_o sanctify_a devote_a and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n thus_o st._n peter_n 1_o epist_n 2.9_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n god_n be_v our_o god_n we_o be_v his_o people_n he_o be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o be_v his_o child_n we_o be_v ingraff_v into_o his_o family_n the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v his_o dear_o belove_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n be_v our_o advocate_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o intercessor_n for_o we_o his_o spirit_n reside_v with_o we_o to_o comfort_v and_o assist_v we_o his_o angel_n guard_v we_o and_o minister_v to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v no_o long_o the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n how_o do_v the_o apostle_n triumph_n on_o this_o argument_n heb._n 12.18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n for_o you_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v and_o that_o burn_v with_o fire_n nor_o unto_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n and_o tempest_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o word_n which_o voice_n they_o who_o hear_v entreat_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o which_o be_v command_v and_o if_o so_o much_o as_o a_o beast_n touch_v the_o mountain_n it_o shall_v be_v stone_v or_o thrust_v through_o with_o a_o dart_n and_o so_o terrible_a be_v the_o sight_n that_o moses_n say_v i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v but_o you_o be_v come_v unto_o mount_n zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v better_a thing_n then_o that_o of_o abel_n and_o thus_o again_o 1_o cor._n 3.2_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephus_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n what_o dignity_n and_o eminence_n do_v this_o adoption_n raise_v we_o to_o what_o blessedness_n flow_v from_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n what_o can_v we_o want_v or_o what_o can_v we_o fear_v when_o we_o have_v so_o mighty_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n when_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n be_v employ_v to_o promote_v and_o secure_v our_o happiness_n now_o sure_a we_o may_v rejoice_v now_o we_o may_v glory_v and_o triumph_n for_o certain_o all_o thing_n must_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a but_o as_o fall_v angel_n envy_v the_o happiness_n of_o new_a create_v man_n so_o do_v apostate_n and_o debauch_a man_n envy_v that_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o one_o of_o these_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v hold_v sir_n you_o run_v too_o fast_o these_o glorious_a privilege_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o embryo_n and_o all_o your_o happiness_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o reversion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o big_a word_n you_o must_v grant_v i_o that_o you_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n that_o you_o be_v to_o undergo_v hardship_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o the_o thin_a diet_n of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n and_o so_o i_o think_v i_o may_v take_v you_o down_o from_o heir_n of_o god_n to_o servant_n at_o the_o best_a well_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o we_o yet_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a contend_v about_o those_o pleasure_n that_o be_v but_o in_o the_o bud_n i_o will_v for_o once_o quit_v all_o that_o preference_n both_o as_o to_o nobility_n and_o pleasure_n which_o adoption_n and_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n give_v a_o godly_a man_n above_o a_o sinner_n and_o i_o will_v take_v the_o state_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o be_v as_o the_o objector_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v suppose_v he_o to_o be_v under_o age_n till_o he_o come_v to_o another_o life_n and_o to_o differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n whilst_o he_o be_v so_o though_o he_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o yet_o after_o all_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n it_o will_v be_v no_o contemptible_a fruit_n no_o small_a commendation_n of_o liberty_n that_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n be_v plain_a for_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o he_o who_o make_v and_o still_o uphold_v the_o world_n shall_v govern_v it_o aught_o we_o not_o to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n who_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o immense_a beneficence_n invest_v he_o with_o a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o who_o shall_v we_o honour_v with_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_n what_o we_o have_v but_o to_o he_o from_o who_o we_o receive_v all_o who_o praise_n shall_v we_o show_v forth_o but_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n who_o shall_v we_o obey_v and_o adore_v but_o he_o who_o have_v translate_v we_o out_o of_o bondage_n into_o liberty_n out_o of_o the_o servitude_n of_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n have_v redeem_v we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n from_o that_o wrath_n to_o which_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_o subject_v we_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o shall_v prove_v it_o not_o only_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o honour_n and_o our_o happiness_n to_o serve_v god_n even_o on_o the_o supposition_n on_o which_o the_o objection_n proceed_v and_o which_o i_o at_o present_a grant_n 1._o it_o be_v our_o honour_n to_o
inferior_a nature_n all_o which_o be_v i_o think_v comprise_v by_o solomon_n in_o very_a few_o word_n prov._n 24.13_o 14._o my_o son_n say_v he_o eat_v thou_o honey_n because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o the_o honey_n comb_n which_o be_v sweet_a to_o thy_o taste_n so_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o wisdom_n be_v unto_o thy_o soul_n when_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reward_n and_o thy_o expectation_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o solomon_n here_o as_o be_v very_o usual_a with_o inspire_a writer_n do_v compare_v spiritual_a with_o corporeal_a thing_n or_o illustrates_n the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o what_o honey_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o wisdom_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o recommend_v the_o former_a from_o two_o incomparable_a property_n its_o minister_a to_o health_n and_o pleasure_n he_o recommend_v the_o latter_a from_o advantage_n which_o bear_v indeed_o some_o resemblance_n but_o be_v as_o much_o superior_a to_o these_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n my_o son_n eat_v thou_o honey_n because_o it_o be_v good_a i._n e._n because_o it_o both_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v all_o noxious_a humour_n and_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o body_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_v because_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o taste_n which_o be_v the_o second_o excellence_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o food_n namely_o its_o pleasantness_n and_o proper_o urge_v to_o invite_v the_o eater_n then_o proceed_v to_o complete_a the_o comparison_n he_o add_v so_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o thy_o soul_n when_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o i._n e._n it_o shall_v minister_v to_o the_o purification_n strength_n and_o delight_n of_o thy_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o though_o the_o parallel_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o further_o between_o honey_n and_o wisdom_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a for_o that_o reason_n to_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v than_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reward_n and_o thy_o expectation_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o wisdom_n do_v not_o only_o perfect_a and_o entertain_v our_o mind_n but_o also_o it_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o those_o reward_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o it_o prepare_v and_o fit_v we_o here_o than_o we_o have_v from_o solomon_n the_o true_a property_n of_o true_a wisdom_n by_o these_o we_o may_v pronounce_v safe_o of_o all_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n distinguish_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a and_o fix_v the_o true_a estimate_n of_o each_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sort_n of_o truth_n who_o knowledge_n do_v not_o promote_v but_o obstruct_v these_o great_a end_n these_o we_o be_v to_o despise_v and_o slight_v to_o shun_v and_o hate_v but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o knowledge_n that_o do_v neither_o oppose_v or_o hinder_v nor_o yet_o contribute_v to_o these_o end_n unless_o accidental_o and_o very_o remote_o for_o this_o we_o may_v have_v some_o but_o no_o very_o great_a regard_n or_o esteem_v but_o whatever_o knowledge_n that_o be_v which_o be_v attend_v by_o these_o fruit_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o search_v for_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n this_o be_v that_o which_o when_o we_o have_v find_v it_o we_o be_v to_o value_v above_o the_o gold_n of_o ophir_n the_o topaz_n and_o the_o carbuncle_n and_o all_o precious_a stone_n the_o distinguish_a character_n then_o of_o illuminate_v truth_n be_v four_o 1._o they_o purify_v we_o 2._o they_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v we_o 3._o they_o entertain_v and_o delight_n we_o 4._o they_o procure_v we_o a_o glorious_a reward_n 1._o they_o purify_v we_o this_o be_v a_o property_n which_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n frequent_o attribute_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o clean_a psal_n 119._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o hope_v that_o they_o purify_v the_o heart_n 1_o joh._n 3.3_o act_n 15._o and_o this_o sure_a be_v the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o perfect_a the_o soul_n of_o man._n it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n as_o with_o the_o body_n it_o must_v be_v first_o cleanse_v from_o hurtful_a humour_n before_o it_o can_v be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v purge_v of_o its_o error_n and_o vice_n ere_o it_o can_v be_v enrich_v with_o divine_a virtue_n and_o attain_v that_o liberty_n and_o strength_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a greatness_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n the_o first_o step_n towards_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o relinquish_a our_o vice_n for_o we_o must_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a ere_o we_o can_v learn_v to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o first_o step_v towards_o the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n be_v the_o dispel_v those_o error_n which_o deceive_v and_o mislead_v the_o mind_n and_o pervert_v life_n what_o these_o be_v in_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_a and_o what_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o discern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v be_v natural_o prone_a to_o religious_a worship_n not_o only_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o wonderful_a mechanism_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o event_n strange_a sudden_a and_o unaccountable_a but_o also_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o impotence_n and_o obnoxiousness_n incline_v he_o to_o the_o belief_n and_o prompt_v he_o to_o seek_v the_o patronage_n of_o a_o invisible_a all-sufficient_a power_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v ever_o prone_a to_o propose_v to_o he_o some_o great_a some_o sovereign_a good_a in_o which_o he_o may_v acquiesce_v and_o by_o which_o he_o may_v secure_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v against_o the_o indigence_n and_o poverty_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n the_o disaster_n and_o the_o misery_n to_o which_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v expose_v these_o be_v two_o thing_n of_o that_o importance_n that_o no_o man_n can_v err_v in_o they_o but_o the_o error_n must_v prove_v fatal_a to_o his_o repose_n he_o that_o set_v up_o to_o himself_o for_o his_o ultimate_a end_n a_o empty_a and_o uncertain_a good_a instead_o of_o a_o solid_a and_o eternal_a one_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o miserable_o delude_v and_o disappoint_v as_o he_o must_v who_o set_v up_o to_o himself_o a_o false_a god_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a or_o go_v about_o to_o endear_v and_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o true_a by_o a_o false_a and_o superstitious_a worship_n now_o in_o these_o point_n the_o jew_z and_o gentile_n be_v miserable_o though_o not_o equal_o mistake_v the_o gentile_a worship_v devil_n instead_o of_o god_n their_o mystery_n be_v either_o sensual_a or_o cruel_a their_o religion_n do_v often_o encourage_v sin_n than_o virtue_n and_o as_o to_o their_o sovereign_a good_a their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o pleasure_n upon_o the_o ease_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v either_o none_o or_o very_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a prospect_n beyond_o the_o grave_a all_o beyond_o it_o be_v a_o unknown_a region_n full_a of_o fable_n and_o idle_a phantom_n the_o jew_n though_o they_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o general_o preserve_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a and_o live_a god_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o free_a from_o very_o deplorable_a error_n relate_v to_o these_o point_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v turn_v the_o true_a god_n into_o a_o idol_n and_o to_o have_v entertain_v some_o notion_n of_o he_o very_o repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o a_o respecter_n of_o person_n as_o fond_a and_o partial_a to_o their_o nation_n and_o as_o delight_v with_o a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o external_a observance_n and_o this_o can_v not_o but_o have_v a_o very_a sad_a influence_n upon_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o real_o have_v the_o holiness_n which_o be_v true_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v neglect_v and_o abolish_v and_o sadducism_n or_o pharisaism_n i._n e._n sensuality_n or_o hypocrisy_n introduce_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_a end_n or_o supreme_a good_a the_o sadducee_n deny_v the_o resurrection_n angel_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v entertain_v any_o design_n above_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n and_o though_o the_o pharisee_n acknowledge_v angel_n and_o a_o resurrection_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o discern_v that_o they_o have_v a_o real_a value_n for_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o honour_n power_n and_o wealth_n of_o this_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o they_o can_v upon_o their_o principle_n satisfy_v themselves_o in_o a_o religion_n which_o
serve_v he_o who_o angel_n serve_v to_o who_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n do_v bow_n and_o obey_v it_o be_v the_o high_a prerogative_n we_o can_v derive_v from_o grace_n or_o nature_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o serve_v he_o his_o divine_a perfection_n transcend_v the_o conception_n of_o inferior_a creature_n and_o can_v be_v know_v contemplate_v and_o adore_v by_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v make_v but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n such_o as_o be_v endue_v not_o only_o with_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o with_o a_o far_o bright_a that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v indeed_o our_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o must_v be_v our_o utmost_a ambition_n this_o alone_a make_v we_o considerable_a who_o be_v in_o all_o other_o respect_n but_o mean_v and_o contemptible_a for_o we_o draw_v but_o a_o precarious_a and_o dependent_a breath_n and_o the_o world_n we_o inhabit_v be_v a_o dark_a and_o tempestuous_a one_o full_a of_o folly_n and_o misery_n but_o even_o this_o will_v serve_v for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o further_o contend_v for_o for_o be_v indigent_a and_o needy_a stand_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o selfsufficiency_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o we_o can_v find_v within_o we_o we_o must_v seek_v without_o we_o some_o all-sufficient_a good_a we_o must_v find_v out_o something_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o and_o repose_v ourselves_o upon_o and_o this_o will_v be_v our_o god_n this_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o adore_v and_o what_o shall_v this_o be_v shall_v we_o serve_v evil_a spirit_n these_o be_v our_o avow_a and_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o they_o may_v devour_v shall_v we_o serve_v the_o good_a this_o be_v to_o dishonour_v our_o nature_n to_o serve_v our_o fellow-creature_n and_o fellow-servant_n beside_o that_o such_o will_v never_o sacrilegious_o usurp_v their_o maker_n honour_n nor_o admit_v that_o service_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o shall_v we_o then_o serve_v man_n alas_o the_o breath_n of_o great_a one_o be_v in_o their_o nostril_n their_o life_n be_v but_o a_o vapour_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o restless_a noise_n and_o motion_n and_o than_o it_o vanish_v they_o die_v and_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o project_n perish_v what_o then_o shall_v we_o at_o length_n be_v reduce_v to_o serve_v our_o lust_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o pagan_a idolatry_n stock_n and_o stone_n indeed_o can_v not_o help_v or_o reward_v their_o votary_n but_o our_o lust_n like_o wild_a and_o savage_a tyrant_n destroy_v where_o they_o rule_v and_o oppress_v and_o overwhelm_v we_o with_o ruin_n and_o mischief_n while_o we_o servy_o court_v and_o flatter_v they_o i_o have_v not_o do_v yet_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o honour_n to_o serve_v god_n but_o these_o with_o some_o be_v cold_a and_o lifeless_a topic_n i_o will_v now_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v our_o interest_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o too_o lay_v aside_o at_o present_a as_o i_o promise_v the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o the_o joy_n spring_v from_o it_o to_o make_v good_a this_o assertion_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a brief_o to_o examine_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o design_n or_o end_v and_o second_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o service_n if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v evident_o our_o own_o advantage_n and_o happiness_n the_o lust_n or_o the_o humour_n the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o man_n may_v put_v he_o upon_o invade_v our_o liberty_n or_o purchase_v and_o contract_n with_o we_o for_o our_o servitude_n but_o god_n be_v all-sufficient_a to_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n when_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v by_o we_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v his_o protection_n and_o bounty_n when_o he_o oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o perfect_v our_o nature_n and_o purify_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a pleasure_n when_o he_o enjoin_v we_o prayer_n it_o be_v because_o it_o do_v exalt_v and_o enlarge_v our_o mind_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o blessing_n it_o obtain_v when_o he_o prescribe_v we_o self-resignation_n it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v choose_v for_o we_o and_o manage_v our_o affair_n better_a than_o we_o can_v our_o self_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o service_n to_o serve_v god_n what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o love_v what_o be_v infinite_o lovely_a to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o to_o repose_v our_o confidence_n in_o that_o be_v who_o goodness_n be_v as_o boundless_a as_o his_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n it_o be_v to_o pursue_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n to_o act_v consonant_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o enlighten_v reason_n how_o wise_o have_v our_o church_n in_o one_o of_o she_o collect_v express_v her_o notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n service_n who_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n the_o devil_n maintain_v his_o dominion_n over_o we_o by_o infatuate_a our_o understanding_n by_o enfeeble_v and_o fetter_n our_o will_n by_o delude_v and_o corrupt_v our_o affection_n but_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a the_o more_o clear_a and_o impartial_a our_o understanding_n the_o more_o free_a and_o absolute_a our_o will_n the_o more_o unbiased_a and_o rational_a our_o affection_n the_o fit_a be_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n nay_o indeed_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o at_o all_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v unless_o our_o soul_n be_v thus_o qualify_v therefore_o be_v the_o service_n of_o god_n call_v a_o rational_a service_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sincere_a milk_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o be_v real_a and_o solid_a good_n such_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o might_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o protection_n and_o conduct_v of_o providence_n and_o all_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n but_o in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n all_o be_v cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o under_o a_o pompous_a show_n of_o good_a the_o present_n be_v vanity_n and_o the_o future_a repentance_n but_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o do_v not_o relieve_v but_o increase_v the_o sinner_n misery_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n service_n and_o by_o the_o concession_n i_o make_v my_o objector_n about_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o head_n i_o be_o restrain_v from_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o more_o glorious_a effect_n of_o it_o yet_o some_o there_o be_v very_o great_a and_o good_a one_o that_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o objection_n which_o i_o will_v but_o just_a mention_n the_o first_o be_v rest._n while_o religion_n regulate_v the_o disorder_n and_o reduce_v the_o extravagance_n of_o our_o affection_n it_o do_v in_o effect_n lay_v a_o storm_n and_o compose_v a_o mutiny_n in_o our_o bosom_n whilst_o it_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o true_a value_n that_o be_v at_o least_o the_o comparative_a worthlesness_n of_o worldly_a thing_n it_o extinguish_v the_o trouble_n which_o present_a disappointment_n and_o loss_n and_o prevent_v those_o fear_n which_o the_o prospect_n of_o future_a change_n and_o revolution_n be_v wont_a to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v true_o enlighten_v and_o have_v no_o ambition_n but_o for_o immortality_n and_o glory_n who_o humility_n with_o reference_n to_o these_o temporal_a thing_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o this_o soul_n have_v enter_v already_o into_o its_o rest._n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n matth._n 11.28_o 29._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v that_o be_v all_o you_o that_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o your_o own_o care_n and_o fear_n that_o be_v fatigue_v and_o toil_v in_o the_o design_n and_o project_n of_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n i_o need_v not_o i_o think_v here_o show_v that_o the_o more_o we_o fear_v and_o serve_v god_n the_o more_o we_o love_v and_o admire_v he_o the_o more_o clear_a be_v the_o understanding_n and_o the_o more_o pure_a the_o heart_n for_o the_o more_o we_o converse_v with_o solid_a and_o eternal_a good_a the_o more_o insignificant_a and_o trifle_a will_n temporal_a
dismiss_v from_o the_o pilgrimage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o corruptible_a tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o do_v i_o last_o doubt_n but_o that_o this_o love_n be_v often_o sensible_o transport_v it_o be_v a_o fire_n within_o that_o strive_v to_o break_v out_o and_o exert_v itself_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o rich_a and_o mighty_a cordial_n that_o raise_v nature_n above_o itself_o and_o make_v it_o all_o purity_n all_o glory_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o extent_n or_o compass_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n virtue_n and_o the_o sum_n total_a be_v in_o some_o he_o must_v excel_v because_o natural_a and_o easy_a in_o other_o because_o necessary_a universal_a one_o he_o can_v want_v they_o be_v essential_a to_o christianity_n other_o of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n he_o may_v unless_o his_o circumstance_n exact_v they_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o diminutton_n of_o his_o perfection_n patience_n fortitude_n moderation_n vigilance_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o virtue_n of_o earth_n not_o heaven_n and_o yet_o none_o think_v the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n imperfect_a because_o not_o endow_v with_o habit_n which_o they_o do_v not_o want_v above_o all_o he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v abound_v in_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o heroic_a nature_n faith_n love_n and_o humility_n for_o these_o be_v they_o which_o most_o effectual_o exalt_v man_n above_o himself_o and_o above_o the_o world_n which_o inflame_v he_o with_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o prosecute_a this_o glorious_a design_n i_o be_o next_o to_o inquire_v §_o 2._o to_o what_o height_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o virtue_n the_o perfect_a man_n may_v advance_v i_o have_v in_o part_n anticipate_v this_o enquiry_n already_o yet_o can_v forbear_v add_v here_o two_o observation_n first_o that_o reason_n and_o scripture_n seem_v to_o press_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o endless_a progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o yet_o second_o that_o both_o seem_v to_o propose_v to_o we_o such_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n as_o attainable_a beyond_o which_o we_o can_v go_v that_o so_o the_o beginner_n may_v not_o despair_v of_o perfection_n nor_o the_o perfect_a abate_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o vigilance_n and_o their_o industry_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o excellence_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v such_o a_o height_n above_o which_o there_o be_v no_o room_n to_o soar_v if_o apply_v to_o man_n and_o this_o world_n be_v sure_o but_o a_o imaginary_a notion_n to_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o perfection_n be_v to_o forget_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o state_n no_o sagacity_n of_o judgement_n no_o strength_n of_o resolution_n no_o felicity_n of_o circumstance_n can_v ever_o advance_v we_o to_o this_o height_n such_o a_o perfection_n as_o this_o that_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o increase_n belong_v i_o believe_v to_o god_n alone_o or_o if_o we_o may_v allow_v it_o to_o angel_n we_o must_v certain_o deny_v it_o to_o man_n in_o who_o one_o will_v think_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n can_v never_o be_v so_o entre_o subdue_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o place_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n or_o render_v his_o victory_n more_o entire_a and_o complete_a and_o in_o who_o one_o will_v think_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v never_o reside_v in_o that_o measure_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o to_o be_v add_v to_o his_o fullness_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v study_v the_o systeme_n of_o divine_a faith_n how_o we_o shall_v daily_o reflect_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v give_v god_n the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o repeat_v proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n without_o increase_v our_o strength_n and_o assurance_n and_o love_n must_v natural_o increase_v with_o these_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n acknowledge_v himself_o not_o yet_o perfect_a resolve_n that_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o will_v press_v on_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3.13_o 14._o and_o st._n austin_n resolve_v plenissima_fw-la charitas_fw-la quam_fw-la diu_fw-la hîc_fw-la homo_fw-la vivit_fw-la est_fw-la in_o nemine_fw-la a_o absolute_a plenitude_n of_o charity_n be_v in_o no_o mortal_a upon_o earth_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o come_v to_o fact_n and_o practice_n one_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v arrive_v at_o that_o state_n wherein_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o climb_v high_a but_o rather_o to_o make_v good_a the_o ground_n they_o have_v gain_v what_o can_v render_v st._n paul_n victory_n over_o the_o body_n more_o complete_a who_o assure_v we_o i_o be_o crucify_v with_o christ_n and_o again_o i_o be_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o what_o can_v render_v the_o authority_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o mind_n more_o absolute_a or_o its_o grace_n more_o consummate_a and_o entire_a who_o can_v say_v with_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o i_o who_o live_v but_o christ_n who_o live_v in_o i_o what_o will_v you_o have_v add_v to_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o make_v he_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v but_o to_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o make_v he_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n as_o to_o those_o word_n of_o he_o phil._n 3.13_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o etc._n etc._n they_o relate_v to_o his_o trial_n and_o performance_n to_o his_o peril_n and_o conflict_n not_o to_o his_o attainment_n he_o do_v not_o here_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v perfect_a though_o that_o may_v well_o enough_o have_v become_v his_o modesty_n and_o humility_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o already_o at_o his_o goal_n a_o conqueror_n and_o crown_v there_o be_v much_o yet_o behind_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v pass_v through_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v not_o as_o though_o i_o be_v already_o perfect_a as_o to_o st._n austin_n i_o be_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o he_o speak_v comparative_o and_o do_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n live_v be_v as_o perfect_a in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o will_v be_v in_o another_o which_o no_o man_n sure_o can_v ever_o doubt_v if_o we_o consult_v reason_n will_v it_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o every_o be_v have_v its_o bound_n set_v it_o so_o have_v every_o perfection_n too_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stature_n as_o of_o the_o natural_a so_o of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n beyond_o which_o it_o can_v grow_v that_o as_o to_o grace_n no_o more_o can_v be_v infuse_v than_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o otherwise_o like_v too_o rich_a a_o cordial_n it_o will_v not_o strengthen_v but_o fire_n our_o nature_n or_o like_o too_o dazzle_v a_o light_n it_o will_v not_o assist_v but_o oppress_v our_o faculty_n and_o do_v not_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o master_n countenance_v this_o matth._n 25.2_o wherein_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n give_v to_o one_o five_o talent_n to_o another_o two_o to_o another_o one_o to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n by_o which_o one_o will_v think_v our_o lord_n insinuate_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v usual_o distribute_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o he_o who_o improve_v his_o two_o talent_n into_o four_o arrive_v at_o his_o proper_a perfection_n as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o improve_v his_o five_o into_o ten_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o man_n body_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o height_n or_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o same_o capacity_n reflect_v on_o all_o this_o together_o i_o can_v but_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o some_o have_v actual_o arrive_v at_o that_o strength_n of_o faith_n at_o that_o ardour_n of_o love_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o considerable_a accession_n in_o this_o life_n but_o yet_o new_a occasion_n may_v still_o demand_v new_a virtue_n which_o be_v indeed_o before_o contain_v and_o include_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o not_o otherwise_o than_o as_o fruit_n and_o tree_n be_v in_o their_o seed_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o original_a corruption_n may_v still_o be_v lurk_v in_o the_o