in_o the_o exercise_n of_o truth_n justice_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o where_o be_v the_o ill_a influence_n of_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n more_o notorious_a than_o here_o for_o these_o render_v we_o impatient_a and_o insatiable_a in_o our_o desire_n violent_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o extravagant_a and_o excessive_a in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v few_o and_o finite_a and_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v such_o inordinate_a appetite_n we_o stand_v in_o one_o another_o light_n in_o one_o another_o way_n to_o profit_v and_o pleasure_n or_o too_o often_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o produce_v a_o thousand_o miserable_a consequence_n according_o we_o daily_o see_v that_o these_o passion_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o envy_n and_o emulation_n avarice_n ambition_n strife_n and_o contention_n hypocrisy_n and_o corruption_n lewdness_n luxury_n and_o prodigality_n but_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o honour_n truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o generosity_n and_o charity_n to_o obviate_v therefore_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o these_o vicious_a principle_n religion_n aim_v at_o implant_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o a_o benign_a and_o beneficent_a nature_n oppose_v against_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n hope_n against_o selfishness_n charity_n and_o against_o sensuality_n faith_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o different_a tendency_n of_o these_o different_a principle_n may_v be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a i_o will_v brief_o compare_v the_o effect_n they_o have_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o neighbour_n selfishness_n make_v man_n look_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o make_v for_o he_o alone_o and_o upon_o all_o as_o his_o enemy_n who_o do_v any_o way_n interfere_v with_o or_o obstruct_v his_o design_n it_o seal_v up_o all_o our_o treasure_n confine_n all_o our_o care_n and_o thought_n to_o our_o private_a interest_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n employ_v all_o our_o part_n power_n and_o wealth_n and_o all_o our_o time_n too_o in_o pursuit_n of_o our_o particular_a advantage_n sensuality_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o abandon_v the_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o country_n his_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o station_n that_o he_o may_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o some_o sottish_a and_o dishonourable_a vice_n it_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o refuse_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a assistance_n to_o any_o public_a or_o neighbourly_a good_a work_n and_o even_o a_o decent_a nay_o sometime_o a_o necessary_a allowance_n to_o his_o family_n that_o he_o may_v waste_v and_o lavish_a out_o his_o fortune_n upon_o some_o vile_a and_o expensive_a lust_n in_o a_o word_n it_o make_v he_o incapable_a of_o the_o fatigue_n of_o civil_a business_n and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o hardship_n and_o hazard_n of_o war_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o imitate_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o vriah_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v court_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n even_o of_o allow_a pleasure_n nor_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o tenderness_n and_o caress_n of_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n while_o joab_n and_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o on_o the_o contrary_a dissolve_v and_o melt_v down_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o uncleanness_n and_o luxury_n the_o shame_n and_o burden_n of_o his_o country_n and_o his_o family_n at_o a_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o country_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o prince_n and_o people_n defend_v it_o by_o their_o toil_n and_o blood_n what_o shall_v i_o mention_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o visible_a among_o we_o as_o deplorable_a do_v not_o this_o wherever_o it_o reign_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o bribery_n and_o corruption_n falshood_n treachery_n and_o cowardice_n worse_o can_v be_v say_v on_o it_o and_o more_o need_v not_o for_o what_o society_n can_v thrive_v or_o which_o way_n can_v credit_v and_o reputation_n be_v support_v what_o treasure_n what_o counsel_n what_o army_n what_o conduct_v can_v save_v a_o people_n where_o these_o vice_n prevail_v let_v we_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n cashier_v and_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n entertain_v in_o their_o room_n what_o a_o bless_a change_n will_v this_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n how_o soon_o will_v honour_v and_o integrity_n truth_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o public_a spirit_n revive_v how_o serviceable_a and_o eminent_a will_v these_o render_v every_o man_n in_o his_o charge_n these_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o great_a and_o brave_a action_n these_o these_o alone_a can_v render_v our_o duty_n dear_a to_o we_o than_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n these_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v good_a work_n without_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o return_v they_o will_v make_v we_o these_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o reasonable_a to_o sacrifice_v fortune_n life_n every_o thing_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o public_a good_a demand_v it_o of_o we_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o heaven_n be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a good_a will_v make_v we_o easy_o surmount_v the_o consideration_n of_o expense_n difficulty_n or_o hazard_n in_o such_o attempt_v as_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v please_v he_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o compassionate_a to_o his_o evil_n and_o want_n tender_a to_o his_o infirmity_n and_o zealous_a of_o his_o good_a as_o of_o our_o own_o how_o happy_a then_o will_v these_o principle_n make_v the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o be_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v these_o and_o to_o discountenance_v and_o suppress_v the_o contrary_a one_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v make_v two_o remark_n on_o this_o last_o paragraph_n first_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o it_o that_o solid_a virtue_n can_v be_v graff_v on_o no_o stock_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n that_o universal_a righteousness_n can_v be_v raise_v on_o none_o but_o gospel_n principles_n who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 5._o i_o do_v not_o oppose_v this_o proposition_n against_o jew_n or_o gentile_n god_n vouchsafe_v in_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n such_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o such_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o to_o these_o be_v the_o righteousness_n hereof_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o moses_n but_o suppose_v it_o against_o the_o bold_a pretension_n of_o libertin_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n honour_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o mouth_n be_v a_o vain_a beast_n and_o the_o natural_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o over_o their_o own_o action_n to_o square_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v only_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o supplant_v the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a as_o arrogant_a alas_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o liberty_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o do_v they_o but_o once_o admit_v purity_n of_o heart_n into_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o discern_v what_o stranger_n they_o be_v to_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o body_n who_o reject_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n who_o either_o believe_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o much_o about_o we_o and_o how_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v selfish_a and_o sensual_a and_o dote_v upon_o this_o world_n who_o expect_v no_o better_o who_o believe_v no_o other_o take_v away_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o can_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o any_o action_n that_o shall_v cross_v his_o temporal_a interest_n or_o his_o pleasure_n what_o shall_v reward_v his_o espouse_v virtue_n when_o it_o have_v no_o dowry_n but_o loss_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n what_o shall_v curb_v he_o in_o the_o career_n of_o a_o lust_n when_o he_o may_v commit_v it_o not_o only_o with_o impunity_n but_o as_o the_o world_n sometime_o go_v with_o honour_n and_o preferment_n too_o though_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o these_o may_v possible_o restrain_v their_o outward_a action_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o the_o
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 joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n and_o now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o perfect_a man_n long_o for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o rapture_n if_o god_n be_v for_o i_o who_o can_v be_v against_o i_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n who_o shall_v separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o on_o if_o any_o one_o will_v see_v the_o perfect_a man_n describe_v in_o few_o word_n he_o need_v but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o rom._n 6.22_o but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n chap._n ii_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n countenance_v by_o all_o side_n after_o i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v warrant_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n i_o see_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o solicitous_a whether_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o clash_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o men._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o examine_v not_o so_o much_o the_o expression_n and_o word_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o all_o party_n about_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o well_o enough_o agree_v in_o it_o at_o the_o bottom_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o notwithstanding_o several_a incidental_a dispute_n they_o shall_v yet_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a since_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n do_v easy_o teach_v we_o what_o sort_n of_o perfection_n human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o what_o can_v or_o can_v not_o actual_o be_v attain_v by_o man._n the_o pelagian_o do_v not_o contend_v for_o a_o angelical_a perfection_n nor_o st._n austin_n deny_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o suitable_a to_o man_n the_o one_o can_v not_o be_v so_o far_o a_o stranger_n to_o human_a nature_n as_o to_o exempt_v it_o in_o reality_n from_o those_o error_n and_o defect_n which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n complain_v of_o and_o labour_n against_o nor_o be_v st._n austin_n so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o not_o to_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a and_o that_o such_o be_v influence_v and_o act_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o a_o fervent_a love_n and_o well_o ground_a hope_n the_o dispute_n between_o they_o then_o concern_v perfection_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o this_o whether_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a this_o be_v in_o reality_n acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n nor_o whether_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o defect_n for_o this_o too_o both_o side_n can_v not_o but_o be_v sensible_a of_o but_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o grace_n what_o to_o nature_n and_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o definition_n or_o essence_n of_o perfection_n but_o to_o the_o source_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o second_o whether_o those_o irregular_a motion_n defect_n and_o error_n to_o which_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a be_v to_o be_v account_v sin_n or_o not_o neither_o the_o one_o side_n nor_o the_o other_o then_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v discern_v do_v in_o truth_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o human_a perfection_n each_o place_v it_o in_o habitual_a righteousness_n the_o one_o contend_v for_o no_o more_o nor_o do_v the_o other_o contend_v for_o less_o in_o the_o perfect_a man._n and_o when_o the_o one_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o sin_n he_o do_v not_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o defect_n and_o while_o the_o other_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v without_o sin_n they_o do_v not_o by_o sin_n understand_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o such_o disorder_n opposition_n to_o or_o deviation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o pelagian_a himself_n must_v needs_o own_o to_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a man._n the_o dispute_v then_o be_v not_o what_o man_n may_v or_o may_v not_o attain_v to_o for_o both_o side_n agree_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o habitual_a righteousness_n both_o side_n allow_v he_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o frailty_n but_o one_o side_n will_v have_v these_o frailty_n account_v sin_n and_o the_o other_o will_v not_o numerous_n indeed_o have_v be_v the_o controversy_n between_o the_o popish_a and_o reform_a church_n about_o precept_n and_o counsel_n mortal_a and_o venial_a sin_n the_o possibility_n of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o suchlike_a but_o after_o all_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o height_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v arrive_v what_o those_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n be_v to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a it_o be_v i_o think_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v about_o this_o nor_o do_v it_o much_o concern_v my_o present_a purpose_n in_o what_o sense_n or_o on_o what_o account_n papist_n think_v some_o sin_n venial_a and_o protestant_n deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o since_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o exempt_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o infirmity_n nor_o assert_v any_o other_o height_n or_o perfection_n then_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o consummate_a and_o well_o establish_a habit_n of_o virtue_n some_o man_n may_v and_o do_v talk_v very_o extravagant_o but_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o sober_a and_o pious_a man_n shall_v run_v in_o with_o they_o such_o when_o they_o talk_v of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n must_v sure_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gracious_a and_o equitable_a sense_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n assert_n of_o every_o sincere_a christian_a when_o they_o talk_v of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o transcendent_a perfection_n in_o monkery_n they_o must_v sure_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o poverty_n chastity_n and_o obedience_n be_v heroic_a instance_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o that_o a_o ascetic_a discipline_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o effectual_a way_n to_o a_o consummate_v habit_n of_o righteousness_n final_o by_o the_o distinction_n of_o precept_n and_o counsel_n such_o can_v never_o intend_v sure_o more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o some_o thing_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n too_o other_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n for_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o i_o to_o comprehend_v that_o any_o man_n who_o judgement_n be_v not_o enslave_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o party_n shall_v deny_v either_o of_o these_o two_o truth_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n be_v indifferent_a 2._o that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v more_o than_o love_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v and_o his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o instance_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v not_o comprise_v within_o the_o latitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o these_o word_n but_o whatever_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n st._n austin_n 121._o austin_n quaecunque_fw-la non_fw-la jubentur_fw-la sed_fw-la speciali_fw-la consilio_fw-la monentur_fw-la tum_fw-la recté_fw-fr fiunt_fw-la cum_fw-la referuntur_fw-la ad_fw-la deligendum_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o proximum_fw-la propter_fw-la deum_fw-la aug._n euch._n cap._n 121._o can_v never_o understand_v any_o merit_n or_o excellence_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o counsel_n not_o precept_n unless_o they_o flow_v from_o and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o cassian_n ibid._n cassian_n ac_fw-la proinde_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la qualitates_fw-la statutas_fw-la videmus_fw-la &_o tempora_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la sic_fw-la observata_fw-la sanctificant_fw-la ut_fw-la omissa_fw-la non_fw-la polluant_fw-la media_fw-la esse_fw-la manifestum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la puta_fw-la naptias_fw-la agriculturam_fw-la divitias_fw-la solitudinis_fw-la remotionem_fw-la etc._n etc._n cassian_n colla._n patr._n talem_fw-la igitur_fw-la definitionem_fw-la supra_fw-la jejunii_fw-la etc._n etc._n nec_fw-la in_o ipso_fw-la spei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la terminum_fw-la defigamus_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la per_fw-la ipsum_fw-la ad_fw-la puritatem_fw-la cordis_n &_o apostolicam_fw-la charitatem_fw-la pervenire_fw-la possimus_fw-la ibid._n excellent_a monk_n resolve_v all_o the_o value_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o consist_v in_o their_o tendency_n to_o promote_v apostolical_a purity_n and_o charity_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n nazian_n nazianzen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d greg._n
nazian_n think_v it_o very_o extravagant_a to_o pretend_v to_o be_v perfect_a than_o the_o rule_n and_o exacter_n than_o the_o law_n the_o quaker_n have_v make_v much_o noise_n and_o stir_v about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n and_o have_v reflect_v very_o severe_o on_o other_o as_o subvert_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n but_o with_o what_o justice_n will_v easy_o appear_v when_o i_o have_v represent_v their_o sense_n which_o i_o will_v do_v very_o impartial_o and_o in_o as_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n as_o i_o can_v mr._n w._n p._n etc._n p._n a_o key_n open_v etc._n etc._n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o infallible_a and_o perfect_a as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v indeed_o true_a but_o it_o be_v mere_a trifle_n for_o this_o be_v a_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n which_o no_o man_n deny_v who_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o whoever_o follow_v his_o guidance_n must_v be_v in_o the_o right_n unless_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n he_o urge_v it_o be_v true_a a_o great_a number_n of_o scripture_n to_o show_v they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n that_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n from_o sin_n though_o not_o in_o fullness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n but_o this_o be_v too_o dark_a and_o short_a a_o hint_n to_o infer_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o party_n from_o it_o mr._n ed._n burrough_n etc._n burrough_n principle_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o full_a we_o believe_v say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o may_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o christ_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o without_o sin_n and_o may_v have_v victory_n over_o all_o temptation_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o believe_v every_o saint_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n aught_o to_o press_v after_o perfection_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o temptation_n upon_o earth_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o that_o faithful_o wait_v for_o it_o shall_v obtain_v it_o and_o shall_v be_v present_v without_o sin_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n and_o such_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o remember_v no_o more_o for_o they_o cease_v to_o commit_v sin_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n if_o by_o sin_n here_o he_o mean_v as_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v deliberate_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o establish_v church_n whether_o protestant_n or_o popish_a teach_v otherwise_o mr._n barclay_n 8._o barclay_n apol._n thes_n 8._o go_v very_o methodical_o to_o work_v and_o first_o set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n then_o confute_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o he_o answer_v their_o objection_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o last_o establish_v his_o own_o doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o perfection_n which_o he_o assert_n he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o impossibility_n of_o sin_v but_o a_o possibility_n of_o not_o sin_v and_o that_o his_o perfect_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o daily_a growth_n and_o improvement_n when_o to_o this_o i_o have_v add_v that_o he_o speak_v all_o along_o of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v wilful_a sin_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o description_n of_o it_o for_o he_o call_v it_o iniquity_n wickedness_n impurity_n the_o service_n of_o satan_n and_o attribute_n such_o effect_n to_o it_o as_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v add_v to_o render_v his_o sense_n clear_a i_o can_v ready_o subscribe_v to_o he_o for_o i_o know_v no_o such_o doctrine_n in_o our_o church_n as_o those_o which_o he_o there_o oppose_v namely_o that_o the_o regenerate_v be_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v impure_a and_o sinful_a but_o then_o he_o either_o mistake_v the_o main_a point_n in_o debate_n or_o prudent_o decline_v it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o good_a man_n may_v live_v in_o mortal_a or_o wilful_a sin_n but_o whether_o good_a man_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v indeed_o sin_n though_o not_o imputable_a under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whether_o the_o quaker_n be_v not_o in_o this_o point_n pelagian_n i_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v because_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v already_o consider_v two_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o mr._n barclay_n state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o can_v so_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o one_o be_v that_o he_o express_v himself_o so_o injudicious_o about_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o perfect_a man_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o forget_v the_o difference_n the_o scripture_n make_v between_o babe_n and_o full_a grow_v man_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o place_n perfection_n so_o low_a in_o reference_n to_o positive_a righteousness_n or_o virtue_n as_o if_o it_o consist_v in_o negative_a only_o or_o cease_v from_o sin_n the_o other_o be_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o peremptory_o affirm_v a_o state_n of_o impeccability_n attainable_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o he_o seem_v incline_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o imagine_v it_o countenance_v by_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v consider_v that_o whatever_o impeccability_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o text_n it_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n but_o to_o all_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o observe_v upon_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o these_o man_n place_n perfection_n especial_o in_o refrain_v from_o sin_n i_o advance_v high_a and_o place_v it_o in_o a_o well-setled_n habit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v as_o little_o dissatisfy_v with_o i_o for_o this_o as_o i_o be_o with_o they_o for_o assert_v the_o perfect_a man_n free_v from_o sin_n for_o as_o mr._n barclay_n express_v himself_o i_o think_v he_o have_v in_o reality_n no_o adversary_n but_o antinomian_o and_o ranter_n as_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v magnify_v by_o mystical_a writer_n some_o of_o they_o have_v only_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o figurative_a and_o unintelligible_a term_n those_o of_o they_o which_o write_v with_o more_o life_n and_o heat_n than_o other_o man_n ordinary_o do_v recommend_v nothing_o but_o that_o holiness_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o be_v consummate_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o fix_v and_o unite_v man_n to_o his_o sovereign_a good_a that_o be_v god_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v not_o differ_v with_o these_o there_o be_v i_o confess_v almost_o innumerable_a say_n of_o the_o father_n which_o sufficient_o testify_v how_o little_a friend_n they_o be_v to_o perfection_n in_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o general_o embrace_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o primitive_a spirit_n breathe_v nothing_o but_o humility_n it_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o all_o self-confidence_n and_o arrogance_n to_o supererogation_n and_o merit_n and_o it_o invite_v man_n earnest_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sin_n and_o slip_v of_o life_n and_o on_o that_o opposition_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o body_n maintain_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o in_o the_o best_a men._n this_o consideration_n force_v the_o bishop_n of_o condome_n to_o that_o plain_a and_o honest_a confession_n itaque_fw-la justitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la licet_fw-la per_fw-la charitatis_fw-la infusionem_fw-la sit_fw-la vera_fw-la etc._n etc._n though_o our_o righteousness_n because_o of_o that_o love_n which_o the_o spirit_n shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o real_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o absolute_a and_o consummate_a because_o of_o the_o opposition_n of_o concupiscence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v perpetual_o bewail_v the_o error_n of_o life_n wherefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v humble_o to_o confess_v with_o st._n austin_n that_o our_o righteousness_n in_o this_o life_n consist_v rather_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n then_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o concern_v not_o i_o i_o never_o dream_n of_o any_o man_n pass_v the_o course_n of_o life_n without_o sin_n nor_o do_v i_o contend_v for_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o st._n austin_n call_v absolute_a which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o increase_n and_o
several_a particular_a deduction_n to_o lay_v every_o man_n state_n as_o plain_o open_a to_o his_o view_n as_o i_o can_v one_a then_o from_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v give_v of_o perfection_n it_o appear_v that_o if_o a_o man_n life_n be_v very_o vneven_a unconstant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o if_o he_o be_v to_o day_n a_o saint_n and_o to_o morrow_n a_o sinner_n if_o he_o yield_v to_o day_n to_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o morrow_n to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v perfect_a so_o far_o that_o there_o be_v not_o ground_n enough_o to_o conclude_v he_o sincere_a or_o real_a though_o imperfect_a convert_n the_o only_a certain_a proof_n of_o regeneration_n be_v victory_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n over-cometh_a the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o i'faith_o though_o it_o be_v true_a be_v not_o present_o save_v and_o justify_v till_o it_o have_v subdue_v the_o will_n and_o captivate_v the_o heart_n i._n e._n till_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o corn_n in_o the_o parable_n which_o though_o it_o shoot_v up_o yet_o have_v it_o not_o depth_n of_o earth_n nor_o root_n enough_o and_o therefore_o be_v wither_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n regret_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o excellent_a passion_n but_o till_o it_o have_v subdue_v our_o corruption_n change_v our_o affection_n and_o purify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o that_o save_v repentance_n in_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o we_o may_v have_v some_o sudden_a heat_n and_o passion_n for_o virtue_n but_o if_o they_o be_v too_o short_a live_v to_o implant_v it_o in_o we_o this_o be_v not_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o animate_v and_o impregnate_v the_o new_a creature_n mention_v gal._n 5.6_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n last_o we_o may_v have_v good_a purpose_n intention_n nay_o resolution_n but_o if_o these_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o obtain_v a_o conquest_n over_o our_o corruption_n if_o they_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n we_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v demonstrate_v we_o righteous_a or_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o crown_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n to_o how_o little_a purpose_n controversy_n have_v be_v multiply_v about_o the_o justification_n of_o man._n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o god_n to_o justify_v we_o i_o e._n to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o account_v we_o righteous_a and_o his_o child_n and_o another_o for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o former_a it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v account_v righteous_a by_o god_n till_o he_o real_o be_v so_o and_o when_o the_o man_n be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n then_o be_v he_o certain_o justify_v and_o not_o till_o then_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o except_o antinomian_o and_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o lie_v in_o the_o form_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n they_o that_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n do_v not_o i_o suppose_v imagine_v that_o the_o work_n be_v holy_a before_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o for_o as_o be_v the_o fountain_n such_o will_v be_v its_o stream_n as_o be_v the_o tree_n such_o will_v be_v its_o fruit_n what_o absurdity_n then_o be_v there_o in_o admit_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v before_o they_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n if_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o good_a work_n till_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o change_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o who_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v that_o the_o man_n be_v thorough_o change_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a grace_n but_o also_o that_o this_o grace_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v opportunity_n will_v exert_v and_o express_v itself_o in_o good_a work_n and_o they_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o work_v by_o love_n be_v a_o historical_a unanimate_v faith_n and_o if_o so_o how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o comprise_v in_o that_o holiness_n which_o justify_v not_o only_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o of_o the_o action_n but_o here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o consider_v whether_o that_o thorough_a change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sinner_n which_o be_v call_v holiness_n be_v now_o effect_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o not_o rather_o gradual_o and_o in_o time_n for_o this_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o draw_v off_o from_o speculation_n and_o theory_n to_o more_o useful_a and_o practical_a thought_n and_o discourse_n about_o it_o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o dazzle_a light_n by_o surprise_v miracle_n by_o exuberant_a influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o extraordinary_a thing_n sanctification_n as_o in_o the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o family_n act._n 16._o may_v be_v begin_v and_o finish_v in_o the_o same_o hour_n but_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v rare_o so_o with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n our_o vice_n be_v not_o so_o sudden_o subdue_v nor_o our_o virtue_n so_o sudden_o implant_v our_o conviction_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o conversion_n be_v seldom_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a as_o they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v infuse_v in_o the_o same_o plenty_n and_o power_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o them_o and_o if_o so_o than_o these_o thing_n will_v follow_v 1._o though_o in_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n be_v convert_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n ingraft_v by_o baptism_n into_o christ_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o earnest_a of_o their_o justification_n or_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o their_o future_a glory_n we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o justify_v but_o also_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o before_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o any_o other_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n than_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o to_o christ_n by_o that_o solemn_a rite_n of_o baptism_n but_o at_o this_o day_n when_o conversion_n be_v not_o effect_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n do_v mutual_o cherish_v one_o another_o when_o righteousness_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o into_o victory_n but_o by_o long_a labour_n and_o travel_v i_o see_v not_o why_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n may_v not_o be_v pronounce_v joint_o and_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n have_v be_v much_o ridicule_v and_o expose_v as_o absurd_a by_o some_o man_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o habit_n to_o be_v acquire_v by_o length_n of_o time_n and_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n than_o a_o infuse_v habit_n be_v a_o very_a odd_a expression_n but_o why_o god_n can_v produce_v in_o we_o those_o strong_a disposition_n to_o virtue_n in_o a_o moment_n which_o be_v natural_o produce_v by_o time_n or_o why_o we_o may_v not_o ascribe_v as_o much_o efficacy_n to_o infuse_v grace_n as_o philosopher_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o repeat_v act_n i_o can_v see_v nor_o can_v i_o see_v why_o such_o disposition_n when_o infuse_v may_v not_o be_v call_v habit_n if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o property_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o that_o such_o excellent_a disposition_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v too_o plain_a from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n to_o need_v a_o proof_n but_o whether_o such_o change_n be_v ordinary_o effect_v so_o sudden_o at_o this_o day_n we_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o doubt_v nay_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o if_o so_o the_o infusion_n of_o habit_n can_v be_v so_o proper_o insist_v on_o now_o as_o then_o and_o we_o may_v be_v more_o subject_a to_o make_v unwarrantable_a inference_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o bright_a and_o miraculous_a day_n 3._o as_o our_o progress_n to_o sanctification_n must_v be_v slow_a than_o former_o as_o it_o must_v be_v long_o before_o
with_o the_o other_o one_o will_v think_v now_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o further_o needful_a to_o establish_v the_o consolation_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o god_n out_o of_o regard_n no_o doubt_n to_o the_o vast_a importance_n and_o happy_a influence_n of_o assurance_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o another_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o third_z and_o last_o namely_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o spirit_n as_o it_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o examination_n so_o it_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v our_o sentence_n by_o its_o suffrage_n fortify_v our_o assurance_n and_o increase_v our_o joy_n all_o this_o the_o scripture_n express_o teach_v we_o for_o the_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n the_o seal_n of_o our_o redemption_n eph._n 1.13_o 14._o eph._n 4.30_o 31._o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o 2_o cor._n 5._o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a place_n may_v relate_v more_o immediate_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v conspicuous_a in_o miracle_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v accompany_v all_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n mark_v 16_o 17._o yet_o be_v there_o text_n enough_o which_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v impart_v to_o believer_n through_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v one_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o comfort_v we_o and_o be_v a_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a favour_n thus_o rom._n 15.13_o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o for_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v here_o demand_v what_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o powerful_a energy_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n shed_v abroad_o and_o increase_a the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o tribulation_n work_v patience_n patience_z experience_n and_o experience_n hope_n and_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o obsignation_n the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n happy_a be_v he_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o he_o have_v attain_v the_o maturity_n of_o perfection_n and_o pleasure_n i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v go_v in_o with_o some_o of_o the_o father_n who_o think_v that_o such_o as_o these_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v apply_v to_o such_o those_o word_n rev._n 20.6_o bless_a and_o holy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n on_o such_o the_o second_o death_n have_v no_o power_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o consider_v assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o present_a time_n but_o 2._o assurance_n may_v regard_v the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o it_o conduce_v very_o little_o less_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v persevere_v in_o a_o good_a state_n then_o that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o one_o let_v we_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n examine_v what_o ground_n the_o perfect_a man_n may_v have_v for_o such_o a_o persuasion_n now_o these_o be_v likewise_o three_o first_o the_o propension_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o perfect_a man._n second_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o three_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n 1._o the_o favour_n of_o god_n i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v be_v ever_o ready_a to_o assist_v the_o perfect_a man_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o his_o ear_n be_v always_o open_a to_o their_o prayer_n that_o they_o be_v the_o dear_a object_n of_o his_o delight_n and_o love_n reason_n and_o scripture_n both_o do_v abundant_o attest_v this_o and_o the_o repeat_v promise_n of_o god_n to_o good_a man_n encourage_v they_o to_o hope_v from_o god_n whatever_o belove_a child_n may_v from_o a_o tender_a and_o kind_a father_n be_v not_o this_o enough_o then_o to_o inspire_v the_o perfect_a man_n with_o great_a and_o confident_a hope_n he_o know_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v a_o immutable_a god_n free_a from_o all_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o therefore_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o presumptino_n and_o obstinacy_n habitual_a neglect_n or_o wickedness_n can_v tempt_v he_o to_o recall_v his_o gift_n or_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o favour_n he_o know_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o he_o be_v able_a but_o he_o know_v also_o that_o he_o have_v a_o powerful_a intercessor_n at_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n who_o can_v but_o prevail_v nor_o be_v this_o all_o yet_o he_o have_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n that_o plead_v for_o he_o with_o god_n there_o be_v his_o tear_n which_o be_v bottle_a up_o there_o be_v his_o prayer_n and_o alm_n which_o be_v go_v up_o for_o a_o memorial_n before_o god_n there_o be_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v wherein_o all_o his_o pious_a discourse_n be_v register_v and_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o can_v forget_v his_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o soon_o quit_v the_o bosom_n that_o it_o so_o long_o reside_v in_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o that_o person_n with_o who_o it_o have_v enter_v into_o so_o close_a a_o union_n that_o it_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v inanimate_v or_o incorporate_v with_o he_o and_o become_v essential_a to_o his_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v grieve_v when_o he_o be_v force_v and_o compel_v to_o retire_v 2._o the_o second_o ground_n of_o aslurance_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o divine_a assistance_n the_o good_a man_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n will_v never_o refuse_v the_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o can_v be_v too_o difficult_a for_o these_o providence_n can_v prevent_v a_o temptation_n or_o remove_v it_o the_o spirit_n can_v support_v he_o under_o it_o and_o enable_v he_o to_o vanquish_v it_o nay_o it_o can_v enable_v he_o to_o extract_v new_a strength_n and_o vigour_n from_o it_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o assertion_n have_v be_v illustrious_o prove_v by_o the_o victory_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n who_o have_v triumph_v over_o unite_a force_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n though_o then_o the_o conscience_n of_o human_a frailty_n may_v awaken_v in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n fear_v and_o caution_n the_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n can_v but_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o holy_a confidence_n the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o subtlety_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v just_o create_v a_o solicitude_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n but_o when_o they_o consider_v themselves_o encompass_v with_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o despond_v 3._o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n be_v a_o three_o ground_n of_o a_o good_a man_n confidence_n he_o know_v that_o nothing_o but_o cry_v provocation_n can_v quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o oblige_v god_n to_o desert_n he_o and_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o this_o be_v that_o he_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n be_v not_o only_o repugnant_a to_o his_o principle_n but_o to_o the_o very_a bend_v of_o his_o nature_n to_o all_o the_o inclination_n and_o passion_n of_o his_o soul_n i_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n can_v he_o ever_o wilful_o dishonour_v and_o disobey_v god_n who_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v do_v so_o long_o can_v he_o forsake_v and_o betray_v his_o saviour_n who_o have_v long_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o he_o who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n as_o
no_o evil_a to_o himself_o nor_o provoke_v any_o unnecessary_a danger_n his_o virtue_n effectual_o do_v that_o which_o atheism_n attempt_v in_o vain_a dispel_v the_o terror_n of_o a_o invisible_a power_n he_o need_v not_o drown_v the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n by_o wine_n or_o noise_n or_o the_o toil_n of_o life_n it_o speak_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v kind_a and_o oblige_a it_o be_v his_o comforter_n not_o his_o persecutor_n and_o as_o to_o this_o world_n he_o reap_v that_o satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n from_o the_o moderation_n of_o his_o affection_n which_o ambition_n and_o avarice_n do_v in_o vain_a promise_n themselves_o from_o preferment_n or_o the_o increase_n of_o wealth_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o state_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n exempt_a from_o evil_a it_o must_v be_v that_o of_o the_o perfect_a man._n but_o he_o know_v the_o world_n too_o well_o to_o flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o indolence_n or_o a_o undisturbed_a tranquillity_n here_o below_o and_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v delude_v by_o vain_a hope_n as_o from_o be_v scare_v by_o vain_a fear_n or_o torture_v and_o distend_v by_o vain_a desire_n he_o know_v the_o world_n have_v its_o evil_n and_o that_o they_o can_v whole_o be_v avoid_v he_o know_v it_o and_o dare_v behold_v they_o with_o open_a eye_n survey_v their_o force_n and_o feel_v and_o try_v their_o edge_n and_o then_o when_o he_o have_v collect_v his_o own_o strength_n and_o call_v in_o the_o aid_n of_o heaven_n he_o shrink_v not_o nor_o despond_v but_o meet_v evil_a with_o that_o courage_n and_o bear_v it_o with_o that_o evenness_n of_o mind_n that_o he_o seem_v even_o in_o his_o affliction_n near_o to_o indolence_n than_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n in_o his_o prosperity_n so_o that_o i_o can_v forbear_v profess_v there_o appear_v so_o much_o beauty_n so_o much_o loveliness_n in_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_n of_o life_n that_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o be_v there_o no_o other_o i_o shall_v admire_v and_o prefer_v his_o virtue_n above_o any_o possession_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o compare_v the_o saint_n and_o sinner_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o but_o very_o brief_o the_o wise_a man_n eye_n say_v solomon_n eccles_n 2.14_o be_v in_o his_o head_n but_o the_o fool_n walk_v in_o darkness_n the_o wise_a man_n see_v that_o he_o have_v enemy_n i_o mean_v evil_n and_o therefore_o he_o inform_v himself_o well_o of_o their_o strength_n observe_v their_o motion_n and_o prepare_v for_o the_o encounter_n but_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o sinner_n life_n and_o his_o most_o admire_a quality_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o evil_a till_o it_o crush_v he_o with_o its_o weight_n but_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o fool_n enough_o to_o arrive_v at_o this_o degree_n of_o brutality_n then_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o report_n of_o the_o most_o distant_a evil_n or_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a reach_v his_o ear_n how_o it_o fill_v his_o imagination_n how_o it_o shake_v his_o heart_n and_o how_o it_o embitter_v his_o pleasure_n and_o to_o what_o poor_a and_o despicable_a art_n to_o what_o base_a and_o dishonourable_a shift_n do_v his_o fear_n force_v he_o when_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n we_o discover_v nothing_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n but_o a_o beautiful_a mixture_n of_o humility_n and_o faith_n devotion_n and_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n in_o god_n he_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n psal_n 112._o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o to_o those_o who_o have_v opportunity_n and_o sense_n to_o observe_v it_o render_v he_o both_o more_o belove_v and_o revere_v last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a man_n actual_o under_o the_o weight_n and_o pressure_n of_o evil_a how_o much_o unlike_a be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o one_o in_o reality_n to_o that_o of_o the_o other_o even_o while_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n be_v the_o same_o what_o cheerfulness_n what_o courage_n what_o resignation_n what_o hope_v adorn_v the_o one_o what_o instruction_n to_o all_o what_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o relation_n do_v his_o deportment_n afford_v and_o how_o do_v it_o inspire_v and_o warm_v the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o with_o a_o esteem_n for_o and_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o himself_o what_o charm_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o those_o gracious_a speech_n that_o proceed_v at_o this_o time_n out_o of_o a_o good_a man_n mouth_n i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thou_o of_o very_a faithfulness_n have_v cause_v i_o to_o be_v afflict_v god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o suchlike_a and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n in_o secret_a before_o god_n how_o often_o do_v he_o reflect_v on_o the_o gracious_a and_o wise_a end_n of_o divine_a chastisement_n and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o with_o desire_n and_o thirst_n meditate_v on_o that_o fullness_n of_o joy_n which_o expect_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n now_o on_o the_o voluptuary_n on_o the_o ambitious_a on_o the_o covetous_a or_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o sinner_n under_o disgrace_n poverty_n sickness_n or_o any_o such_o calamity_n what_o a_o mean_a and_o despicable_a figure_n do_v such_o a_o one_o make_v what_o impatience_n what_o despondency_n what_o gild_n what_o pusillanimity_n do_v every_o word_n every_o action_n betray_v or_o it_o may_v be_v his_o insolence_n be_v turn_v into_o crouch_v and_o fawn_v his_o rudeness_n and_o violence_n into_o artifice_n and_o cunning_a and_o his_o irreligion_n into_o superstition_n various_a indeed_o be_v the_o humour_n and_o very_o different_a the_o carriage_n of_o these_o unhappy_a man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o all_o be_v but_o misery_n in_o a_o different_a dress_n gild_n and_o baseness_n under_o a_o different_a appearance_n here_o i_o may_v further_o remark_n that_o that_o faith_n which_o produce_v patience_n in_o adversity_n produce_v likewise_o security_n and_o confidence_n in_o prosperity_n i_o will_v lay_v i_o down_o may_n every_o good_a may_v say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o sleep_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o thou_o lord_n shall_v make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n and_o sure_o the_o one_o be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o ease_n of_o human_a life_n as_o the_o other_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o if_o pleasure_n be_v suppose_v to_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o indolence_n the_o perfect_a man_n have_v without_o controversy_n a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o it_o than_o any_o other_o can_v pretend_v to_o but_o let_v we_o take_v pleasure_n to_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a calm_a but_o a_o gentle_a breeze_n not_o to_o consist_v in_o mere_a rest_n and_o quiet_v but_o a_o delightful_a motion_n not_o in_o the_o mere_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o in_o the_o transport_v of_o it_o or_o some_o thing_n near_o approach_v it_o perfection_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o this_o change_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o pleasure_n how_o many_o pleasure_n have_v the_o wise_a man_n which_o depend_v not_o on_o fortune_n but_o himself_o i_o mean_v his_o diligence_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o which_o the_o sinner_n be_v a_o utter_a stranger_n what_o pleasure_n what_o triumph_n be_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n when_o he_o glory_n in_o god_n and_o make_v his_o boast_n of_o he_o all_o day_n long_o when_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n when_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n transport_v by_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o strengthen_v and_o exalt_v by_o the_o mighty_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n he_o maintain_v a_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n all_o communion_n with_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o joy_n of_o love_n and_o assurance_n and_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o heaven_n in_o it_o let_v the_o most_o fortunate_a and_o the_o wise_a epicurean_a too_o ransack_v all_o the_o storehouse_n and_o treasure_n of_o nature_n let_v he_o muster_v together_o all_o his_o legion_n of_o pleasure_n and_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v consolidate_n and_o incorporate_v they_o all_o and_o after_o all_o be_v put_v into_o the_o scale_n against_o this_o alone_a they_o will_v prove_v light_a than_o vanity_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o care_n the_o delight_n the_o love_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o fountain_n of_o
and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o we_o must_v watch_v and_o pray_v and_o contend_v labour_n and_o persevere_v and_o that_o long_a too_o ere_o we_o can_v attain_v it_o and_o whoever_o fancy_n himself_o rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n on_o a_o sudden_a will_v find_v himself_o as_o sudden_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n again_o if_o he_o do_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o fortify_v his_o resolution_n to_o cherish_v the_o newborn_a flame_n and_o to_o guard_v and_o improve_v his_o virtue_n 3_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o the_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o maturity_n of_o it_o my_o colour_n be_v too_o bright_a my_o stroke_n too_o bold_a and_o the_o form_n i_o have_v give_v it_o too_o divine_a for_o you_o describe_v it_o will_v one_o say_v as_o if_o man_n now_o grow_v perfect_a have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v already_o enter_v into_o rest_n and_o do_v actual_o sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o heavenly_a place_n as_o if_o in_o a_o word_n virtue_n be_v no_o long_o his_o task_n but_o pleasure_n as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rejoice_v continual_o nothing_o further_a to_o press_v after_o nothing_o to_o combat_n nothing_o to_o contend_v with_o whereas_o the_o father_n general_o and_o all_o judicious_a modern_a writer_n seem_v to_o place_n perfection_n in_o nothing_o high_a then_o in_o a_o perpetual_a progress_n towards_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o life_n as_o a_o perpetual_a warfare_n and_o utter_o deny_v any_o such_o height_n or_o eminence_n as_o be_v raise_v above_o cloud_n and_o storm_n above_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o say_v which_o will_v clear_v my_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o dispel_v all_o objection_n first_o i_o have_v describe_v the_o last_o stage_n of_o the_o christian_n spiritual_a progress_n which_o i_o call_v a_o state_n of_o zeal_n and_o in_o which_o i_o suppose_v the_o christian_n to_o commence_v perfect_a this_o i_o say_v i_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o the_o same_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v second_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v any_o where_n to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v any_o state_n in_o this_o life_n raise_v above_o trial_n and_o temptation_n alas_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n will_v find_v it_o work_v enough_o to_o make_v good_a the_o ground_n he_o have_v gain_v and_o maintain_v the_o conquest_n he_o have_v win_v much_o watchfulness_n and_o labour_n much_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o many_o other_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o perseverance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n three_o as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o and_o indeed_o ever_o do_v perfection_n be_v a_o state_n we_o arrive_v at_o very_o late_a and_o all_o the_o way_n to_o it_o full_a of_o labour_n and_o travel_v full_a of_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o life_n of_o man_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a warfare_n but_o four_o i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n affirm_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v incapable_a of_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o unfold_v my_o sense_n more_o full_o afterward_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v forbear_v observe_v here_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o a_o perfect_a christian_a for_o suppose_v grace_n to_o be_v always_o increase_v and_o the_o very_a maturity_n of_o virtue_n to_o admit_v of_o degree_n yet_o the_o mark_n and_o distinction_n of_o such_o different_a degree_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o delicate_a that_o the_o advances_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v scarce_o perceptible_a to_o himself_o without_o the_o close_a and_o strict_a enquiry_n much_o less_o can_v they_o fall_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o the_o first_o change_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n from_o a_o aversion_n for_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o a_o sincere_a though_o not_o a_o perfect_a love_n of_o both_o be_v very_o palpable_a so_o again_o the_o change_n from_o a_o state_n of_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n to_o one_o of_o strength_n of_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n to_o one_o of_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o fear_n and_o doubt_n to_o one_o of_o confidence_n and_o pleasure_n be_v little_o less_o evident_a and_o sensible_a but_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o growth_n afterward_o the_o improvement_n whatever_o they_o be_v of_o a_o mature_a state_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n not_o consist_v in_o a_o change_n but_o addition_n and_o that_o make_v insensible_o here_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o order_n to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o mind_n need_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a examination_n of_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o virtue_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o make_v good_a his_o post_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o he_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o if_o he_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o perfection_n shall_v i_o insist_v particular_o on_o every_o one_o of_o the_o mean_n or_o instrument_n of_o perfection_n it_o will_v lead_v i_o through_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o moral_a righteousness_n for_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v all_o afford_v mutual_a support_n and_o nourishment_n to_o one_o another_o and_o mutual_o minister_v to_o their_o own_o growth_n and_o strength_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o to_o mention_v meditation_n psalmody_n conversation_n discipline_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o almost_o all_o christian_a grace_n as_o repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n but_o this_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n i_o purpose_v therefore_o here_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o few_o general_n observation_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o direction_n in_o the_o use_n of_o gospel_n means_n point_v out_o the_o end_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o utmost_a benefit_n from_o they_o these_o observation_n be_v 1._o the_o practice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o improve_v and_o strengthen_v both_o 2._o the_o two_o general_a and_o immediate_a instrument_n as_o of_o conversion_n so_o of_o perfection_n too_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n 3._o the_o natural_a and_o immediate_a fruit_n of_o meditation_n prayer_n eucharist_n psalmody_n and_o good_a conversation_n be_v the_o quicken_a and_o enliven_a the_o conscience_n the_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n and_o the_o raise_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n 4._o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o subdue_a the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n 5._o last_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n than_o other_o i_o will_v very_o brief_o illustrate_v each_o of_o these_o observation_n and_o suggest_v from_o they_o such_o rule_n as_o i_o shall_v judge_v most_o serviceable_a to_o promote_v perfection_n §_o 1._o the_o practice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o improve_v and_o strengthen_v both_o this_o be_v a_o proposition_n almost_o self-evident_a for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o single_a act_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o natural_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o a_o habit_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n give_v a_o man_n great_a boldness_n towards_o god_n mingle_v joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o all_o his_o address_n to_o he_o purify_v and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a joh._n 8.31.3_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n mat._n 13.12_o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o undoubted_o it_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o such_o a_o solitude_n or_o retirement_n as_o cut_v off_o the_o opportunity_n of_o many_o virtue_n which_o may_v be_v daily_o practise_v in_o a_o more_o public_a and_o active_a life_n the_o true_a
so_o direct_o suit_v to_o a_o devout_a mind_n that_o it_o present_o enter_v it_o moves_z and_o actuate_v it_o inspire_v and_o inform_v it_o with_o the_o very_a passion_n it_o describe_v and_o though_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o move_v in_o this_o duty_n yet_o all_o i_o believe_v be_v more_o or_o less_o move_v it_o be_v very_o much_o the_o business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o of_o prophetic_a education_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n practise_v it_o frequent_o it_o be_v ever_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religious_a joy_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o pious_a retirement_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o heart_n the_o esteem_n of_o it_o be_v revive_v in_o our_o day_n i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o will_v add_v much_o to_o the_o warmth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o devotion_n it_o will_v contribute_v to_o introduce_v religion_n into_o our_o family_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v into_o our_o very_a recreation_n and_o friendship_n and_o this_o mind_n i_o that_o as_o i_o have_v under_o every_o forego_n head_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n so_o i_o shall_v not_o forget_v it_o here_o this_o have_v a_o lively_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o always_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o gentle_a heat_n and_o do_v we_o but_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o discourse_n about_o another_o world_n do_v we_o mingle_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o feast_n and_o joy_n of_o life_n do_v we_o retire_v to_o our_o country-house_n to_o contemplate_v the_o variety_n and_o riches_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o bounty_n in_o those_o natural_a scene_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o country_n afford_v and_o do_v we_o now_o and_o then_o invite_v our_o friend_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o offer_v up_o halelujah_n to_o god_n on_o this_o account_n what_o brightness_n and_o serenity_n what_o calm_a and_o pleasure_n will_v this_o diffuse_v through_o all_o our_o soul_n through_o all_o our_o day_n to_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v touch_v the_o exciting_a holy_a passion_n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o observation_n form_v upon_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n jam._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n that_o religion_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o nature_n and_o that_o devout_a passion_n will_v soon_o shoot_v up_o when_o they_o be_v engraft_v upon_o a_o natural_a stock_n with_o which_o i_o will_v join_v this_o other_o that_o since_o we_o be_v most_o affect_v by_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v most_o particular_a circumstantiate_v and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o imprint_v themselves_o more_o easy_o and_o deep_o on_o our_o imagination_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o shall_v recommend_v the_o read_n the_o life_n of_o saint_n and_o excellent_a person_n be_v they_o not_o general_o write_v so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o more_o of_o judgement_n in_o the_o pious_a who_o have_v employ_v their_o pen_n on_o this_o argument_n §_o 4._o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o subdue_a the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n by_o discipline_n i_o here_o understand_v whatever_o voluntary_a rigour_n we_o impose_v on_o our_o self_n or_o whatever_o voluntary_a restraint_n we_o lie_v upon_o our_o allow_a enjoyment_n and_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o both_o i_o do_v not_o exclude_v any_o other_o which_o may_v be_v involve_v in_o these_o or_o result_v from_o they_o now_o of_o what_o importance_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v i_o need_v not_o show_v for_o since_o all_o sin_n be_v distinguish_v in_o scripture_n into_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o two_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a end_n which_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a have_v ever_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n this_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o the_o example_n of_o david_n psal_n 131._o lord_n i_o be_o not_o high_a mind_v i_o have_v no_o proud_a look_n i_o do_v not_o exercise_v myself_o in_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o but_o i_o refrain_v my_o soul_n and_o keep_v it_o low_o like_a as_o a_o child_n that_o be_v wean_v from_o his_o mother_n yea_o my_o soul_n be_v even_o as_o a_o wean_a child_n and_o from_o that_o other_o of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n whoever_o thus_o mortify_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n whoever_o thus_o bring_v under_o the_o body_n will_v soon_o find_v himself_o true_o set_v free_a and_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o fortune_n he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o advance_v on_o swift_o towards_o perfection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o to_o attain_v these_o bless_a end_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o need_v ensnare_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o perpetual_a bond_n of_o monastic_a vow_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o be_v to_o expose_v ourselves_o by_o any_o ridiculous_a or_o fantastic_a observance_n there_o be_v i_o say_v no_o need_n of_o this_o for_o we_o may_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v fit_a retrench_v our_o pleasure_n abate_v of_o the_o show_n and_o figure_n of_o life_n we_o may_v renounce_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o who_o can_v so_o well_o pretend_v either_o to_o authority_n or_o discretion_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v in_o some_o circumstance_n without_o become_a fool_n for_o christ_n that_o be_v without_o that_o tameness_n that_o condescension_n that_o diminution_n of_o ourselves_o which_o will_n never_o comport_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v still_o the_o more_o room_n for_o mortification_n and_o for_o a_o near_o and_o more_o eminent_a imitation_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n provide_v still_o we_o decline_v all_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o when_o we_o practice_v any_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o self-denial_n we_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o justify_v it_o to_o religious_a and_o judicious_a person_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o some_o excellent_a end_n fast_v indeed_o be_v plain_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o obligation_n to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o frequency_n and_o measure_n be_v not_o the_o same_o on_o all_o yet_o all_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o practice_v it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a prudence_n will_v permit_v and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o fast_v shall_v general_o consist_v rather_o in_o abstinence_n from_o please_a meat_n than_o from_o all_o not_o the_o food_n which_o nourish_v our_o strength_n but_o that_o which_o gratify_v the_o palate_n minister_a most_o direct_o to_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n for_o the_o better_a regulation_n of_o voluntary_a discipline_n i_o propose_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n three_o thing_n 1._o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o under_o any_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a tie_n in_o any_o instance_n of_o self-denial_n there_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o enjoy_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o renounce_v it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o excellence_n of_o religion_n to_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v as_o how_o to_o suffer_v want_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o all_o voluntary_a austerity_n be_v in_o order_n to_o give_v we_o a_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o ourselves_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o prosperous_a life_n and_o last_o i_o very_o much_o doubt_n when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v long_a and_o constant_o accustom_v himself_o to_o any_o rigour_n whether_o it_o continue_v to_o have_v much_o of_o mortification_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o so_o effectual_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a liberty_n as_o it_o will_v if_o we_o do_v return_v to_o it_o but_o now_o and_o then_o as_o we_o see_v occasion_n 2._o we_o must_v not_o multiply_v unnecessary_a severity_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v think_v
more_o needful_a than_o real_o be_v i_o observe_v here_o that_o as_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o nature_n very_o considerable_a infirmity_n so_o be_v there_o as_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o fortune_n very_o considerable_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o master_v of_o both_o these_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v stand_v in_o less_o need_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o arbitrary_a austerity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n too_o trifle_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o yet_o do_v prove_v sufficient_a to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o most_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o many_o passion_n and_o indecency_n nay_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n be_v sometime_o feed_v by_o temptation_n of_o very_a little_a moment_n now_o to_o surmount_v these_o temptation_n and_o to_o frame_v and_o accommodate_v the_o mind_n to_o bear_v the_o little_a shock_n and_o justle_v which_o we_o daily_o meet_v with_o without_o any_o discomposure_n or_o displeasure_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o life_n and_o the_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o pride_n of_o one_o and_o the_o stupidity_n of_o another_o one_o while_o to_o encounter_v rudeness_n another_o while_o neglect_v without_o be_v move_v by_o either_o to_o submit_v to_o noise_n disorder_n and_o the_o distraction_n of_o many_o little_a affair_n when_o one_o be_v natural_o a_o lover_n of_o quietness_n and_o order_n or_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v intent_n upon_o thing_n of_o importance_n in_o one_o word_n to_o digest_v the_o perpetual_a disappointment_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o both_o in_o business_n and_o pleasure_n and_o in_o all_o the_o little_a project_n which_o not_o the_o elegant_a and_o ingenious_a only_o but_o people_n of_o all_o station_n and_o all_o capacity_n pursue_v to_o suffer_v all_o the_o humour_n and_o folly_n the_o error_n artifices_fw-la indecency_n and_o fault_n of_o those_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o with_o that_o temper_n we_o ought_v that_o be_v with_o a_o calmness_n which_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o unconcernment_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o a_o just_a dominion_n over_o our_o own_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o great_a height_n and_o to_o train_v ourselves_o up_o to_o it_o daily_o with_o much_o patience_n vigilence_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o best_a discipline_n though_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v hereby_o to_o exclude_v all_o voluntary_a imposition_n for_o in_o order_n to_o master_n the_o evil_n which_o we_o can_v avoid_v it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n now_o and_o then_o to_o form_v the_o mind_n by_o voluntary_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n of_o our_o own_o choose_n 3._o last_o we_o must_v ever_o have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o loose_v the_o substance_n for_o the_o shadow_n not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o neglect_v the_o end_n be_v much_o take_v up_o in_o discipline_n without_o produce_v any_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v take_v much_o pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n travel_v much_o without_o make_v any_o progress_n but_o much_o more_o must_v we_o take_v care_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o the_o discipline_n we_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o do_v not_o produce_v any_o ill_a fruit._n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v careful_o observe_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o keep_v to_o that_o moderation_n which_o spiritual_a prudence_n require_v neither_o expose_v nor_o entangle_v ourselves_o nor_o discourage_v other_o by_o excess_n and_o extravagancy_n 2._o that_o our_o self-denial_n never_o betray_v we_o into_o pride_n or_o vncharitableness_n for_o if_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o overrate_v ourselves_o and_o despise_v other_o this_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o christian_a discipline_n which_o be_v the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n 3._o that_o we_o ever_o preserve_v nay_o increase_v the_o sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o whatever_o make_v we_o sour_a and_o morose_n or_o peevish_a and_o unsociable_a make_v we_o certain_o so_o much_o worse_o and_o instead_o of_o beget_v in_o we_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v we_o a_o very_a strong_a tincture_n of_o a_o devilish_a one_o athanasius_n therefore_o in_o the_o life_n of_o anthony_n the_o hermit_n observe_v among_o other_o his_o great_a virtue_n that_o after_o thirty_o year_n spend_v in_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o retire_a and_o solitary_a life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o his_o friend_n with_o a_o sullen_a or_o savage_a but_o with_o a_o oblige_a sociable_a air_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o but_o little_a reason_n why_o the_o look_n shall_v be_v lower_v and_o contract_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o charity_n goodness_n and_o pleasure_n a_o serene_a open_a countenance_n and_o a_o cheerful_a grave_a deportment_n do_v best_a suit_n the_o tranquillity_n purity_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a mind_n §_o 5._o last_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n than_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o enter_v into_o a_o examination_n of_o the_o advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v in_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o life_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n the_o settle_v this_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v one_o main_a design_n of_o my_o last_o book_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o have_v here_o to_o do_v be_v but_o to_o make_v one_o plain_a inference_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v advance_v in_o this_o chapter_n if_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o a_o frequent_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o mean_n here_o insist_v on_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v our_o life_n if_o we_o can_v into_o such_o a_o method_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v this_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o and_o close_o since_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o holy_a conversation_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o quicken_v the_o conscience_n excite_v our_o passion_n and_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a so_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o bestow_v on_o these_o for_o they_o who_o mind_n and_o time_n be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o world_n have_v very_o little_a leisure_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o be_v very_o little_o dispose_v to_o they_o and_o as_o ill_o qualify_v for_o they_o as_o to_o conversation_n as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v in_o it_o any_o relish_n of_o piety_n unless_o between_o such_o as_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o close_a and_o strict_a friendship_n but_o the_o worldly_a man_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o true_a friendship_n it_o be_v too_o sacred_a too_o delicate_a a_o thing_n for_o a_o mind_n devote_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o regard_n to_o interest_n to_o some_o outward_a form_n and_o decency_n the_o gratification_n of_o some_o natural_a inclination_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o diversion_n and_o enjoyment_n may_v invite_v he_o to_o more_o familiarity_n with_o some_o than_o other_o but_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o such_o combination_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o friendship_n a_o sincere_a and_o undesigning_a passion_n increase_v by_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o obligation_n and_o support_v and_o strengthen_v by_o virtue_n and_o honour_n as_o to_o prayer_n man_n of_o business_n do_v i_o doubt_v often_o read_v or_o say_v prayer_n than_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o grovel_n perpetual_o here_o upon_o earth_n that_o be_v incessant_o solicitous_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o enter_v abrupt_o upon_o this_o duty_n without_o any_o preparation_n shall_v immediate_o take_v fire_n be_v fill_v with_o heavenly_a vigour_n and_o be_v transport_v with_o earnest_n and_o impatient_a desire_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n ah_o how_o hard_a be_v it_o for_o he_o who_o hunger_n and_n thirst_v perpetual_o after_o the_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n too_o if_o such_o mind_n as_o these_o retain_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n some_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o gratitude_n towards_o he_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o and_o may_v this_o avail_v they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v last_o as_o to_o meditation_n how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o such_o who_o mind_n and_o body_n be_v fatigue_v and_o harrass_v by_o worldly_a business_n shall_v be_v much_o incline_v to_o it_o or_o
well_o prepare_v for_o it_o how_o shall_v these_o man_n form_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o exalt_a virtue_n of_o devout_a and_o heavenly_a passion_n what_o conception_n can_v they_o have_v of_o the_o power_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n or_o purity_n of_o heart_n or_o the_o diffusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n what_o idea_n can_v they_o entertain_v of_o a_o heaven_n or_o of_o angelical_a pleasure_n and_o beatitude_n in_o a_o word_n the_o religion_n of_o man_n intent_n upon_o this_o world_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o any_o which_o too_o often_o they_o do_v not_o consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n in_o abstain_v from_o wickedness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o civil_a cal_n and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o high_a obligation_n i_o determine_v not_o good_a god_n what_o a_o mercy_n it_o be_v to_o these_o poor_a creature_n that_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o their_o country_n as_o well_o as_o a_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o dedicate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n but_o have_v i_o not_o often_o teach_v that_o purity_n of_o intention_n convert_v the_o work_n of_o a_o secular_a call_v into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o have_v so_o it_o be_v universal_o teach_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o retract_v it_o but_o ah_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o worldly_a man_n to_o maintain_v this_o purity_n of_o intention_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o mind_n eat_v up_o by_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o this_o world_n to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n though_o therefore_o i_o can_v retract_v this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o long_o i_o live_v the_o more_o reason_n do_v i_o see_v for_o qualify_a and_o guard_v it_o with_o this_o caution_n let_v no_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v much_o less_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v perfect_a take_v sanctuary_n in_o purity_n of_o intention_n while_o he_o suffer_v the_o work_n of_o his_o secular_a call_v to_o engross_v his_o soul_n and_o entire_o usurp_v his_o time_n if_o secular_a work_n exclude_v and_o thrust_v out_o of_o door_n such_o as_o be_v proper_o religious_a it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n shall_v be_v maintain_v how_o any_o wise_a thought_n or_o heavenly_a desire_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o such_o man_n or_o how_o final_o those_o who_o have_v utter_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v retain_v any_o true_a value_n for_o those_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v against_o a_o life_n of_o business_n may_v with_o equal_a or_o great_a force_n be_v urge_v against_o a_o life_n of_o pleasure_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o they_o call_v innocent_a pleasure_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o entangle_v and_o ensnare_v the_o mind_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o leave_n in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a relish_n which_o continue_v long_o after_o the_o hurry_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o business_n be_v over_o but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o will_v not_o have_v what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v extend_v further_o than_o i_o design_v it_o to_o raise_v scruple_n in_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o too_o eager_a application_n of_o the_o earthy_a to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n chap._n vii_o of_o motive_n to_o perfection_n innumerable_a be_v the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o any_o one_o that_o reflect_v serious_o on_o this_o argument_n a_o hearty_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n be_v the_o best_a proof_n of_o sincerity_n the_o near_a approach_n to_o perfection_n be_v the_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o utmost_a security_n this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o great_a be_v the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o a_o exalt_a virtue_n great_a the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o a_o very_a happy_a influence_n it_o have_v even_o upon_o our_o temporal_a affair_n and_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o wise_a mind_n sanctify_a affection_n and_o a_o regular_a life_n beside_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v boundless_a and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o i_o demand_v not_o a_o lazy_a feeble_a or_o unsteady_a virtue_n but_o a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a one_o a_o warm_a and_o active_a such_o as_o a_o true_a faith_n great_a hope_n and_o a_o passionate_a love_n do_v natural_o excite_v we_o to_o to_o all_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o press_v on_o and_o advance_v desirous_a to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o more_o and_o more_o plentiful_o if_o we_o be_v not_o backward_o or_o negligent_a ourselves_o but_o these_o and_o many_o other_o enforcement_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o perfection_n shall_v i_o enlarge_v on_o they_o will_v swell_v this_o treatise_n to_o a_o intolerable_a bulk_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o four_o chapter_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n do_v contain_v such_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o excite_v in_o any_o one_o that_o read_v they_o a_o most_o vehement_a desire_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o here_o therefore_o all_o that_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v be_v to_o put_v my_o reader_n in_o mind_n of_o another_o life_n in_o the_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o which_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n this_o be_v a_o motive_n that_o must_v never_o be_v out_o of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n which_o i_o will_v but_o just_a mention_n 1._o without_o another_o life_n we_o can_v never_o form_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a virtue_n sociable_a and_o civil_a virtue_n may_v be_v support_v by_o temporal_a motive_n and_o frame_v and_o model_v by_o worldly_a conveniency_n but_o a_o divine_a virtue_n must_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o divine_a life_n upon_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v plain_a the_o mean_n must_v always_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o end_n where_o therefore_o the_o end_n be_v a_o imperfect_a temporal_a good_a there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o imperfect_a unfinished_a virtue_n to_o attain_v it_o but_o where_o the_o the_o end_n be_v heavenly_a and_o immortal_a the_o virtue_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o too_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a to_o be_v find_v in_o action_n will_v be_v their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o temporal_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v any_o high_a degree_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n purity_n of_o heart_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v true_o virtue_n than_o what_o we_o can_v prove_v true_o necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o good_a or_o guard_v we_o against_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o life_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v what_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a kind_n of_o virtue_n will_v be_v produce_v from_o this_o ground_n 2._o without_o another_o life_n all_o other_o motive_n to_o perfection_n will_v be_v insufficient_a for_o though_o general_o speak_v such_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o neither_o the_o common_a good_a of_o civil_a society_n nor_o the_o more_o particular_a good_a of_o private_a man_n can_v be_v provide_v for_o or_o secure_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o sociable_a and_o political_a virtue_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o only_o in_o many_o extraordinary_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reward_n at_o all_o for_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o reserve_v for_o it_o in_o another_o world_n but_o also_o in_o most_o case_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a pleasure_n that_o do_v infinite_o outweigh_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n man_n will_v see_v no_o obligation_n to_o perfection_n for_o what_o shall_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o or_o above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o body_n if_o when_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o for_o ever_o and_o certain_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o soar_v very_o high_a nor_o shall_v we_o ever_o arrive_v at_o any_o excellence_n or_o perfection_n in_o any_o action_n if_o we_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n 3._o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v alone_o a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o perfection_n who_o will_v refuse_v to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o
clear_a do_v the_o understanding_n grow_v and_o the_o more_o absolute_a its_o authority_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v comply_v with_o and_o obey_v while_o it_o render_v we_o more_o like_a god_n render_v we_o more_o dear_a to_o he_o too_o and_o one_o favour_n if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n qualify_v we_o for_o another_o whoever_o shall_v observe_v the_o scripture_n will_v find_v that_o holiness_n and_o illumination_n advance_v with_o equal_a step_n and_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o maturity_n that_o as_o we_o pass_v on_o from_o the_o infancy_n to_o the_o manhood_n of_o virtue_n so_o do_v we_o from_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o wisdom_n to_o the_o height_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lust_n obscure_v and_o eclipse_n the_o light_n within_o sin_n deprave_v and_o corrupt_v our_o principle_n and_o while_o we_o renounce_v our_o virtue_n we_o quench_v or_o chase_v away_o the_o spirit_n into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n wisdom_n shall_v not_o enter_v nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o wisd_v 1.4_o 5._o 4._o we_o must_v frequent_o and_o constant_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o illumination_n of_o his_o grace_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v from_o above_o and_o if_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a thing_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n from_o what_o fountain_n but_o from_o he_o can_v we_o expect_v illumination_n the_o rapture_n of_o poet_n the_o wisdom_n of_o lawgiver_n the_o noble_a piece_n of_o philosophy_n and_o indeed_o all_o heroic_a and_o extraordinary_a performance_n be_v by_o the_o pagan_n themselves_o general_o attribute_v to_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n ascribe_v a_o transcendent_a skill_n even_o in_o art_n and_o trade_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o illumination_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o new_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v essential_a part_n of_o sanctity_n and_o therefore_o must_v proceed_v from_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n we_o must_v therefore_o constant_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o illumination_n we_o must_v earnest_o pray_v in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n will_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n eph._n 1.17_o this_o dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o expectation_n of_o his_o blessing_n on_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n put_v the_o mind_n into_o the_o best_a disposition_n and_o frame_n to_o attain_v it_o because_o it_o natural_o free_v and_o disengage_v it_o from_o those_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la and_o distraction_n which_o otherwise_o entangle_v and_o disturb_v it_o and_o render_v it_o uncapable_a of_o raise_v sedate_n and_o coherent_a thought_n but_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v repeat_v and_o express_v promise_v make_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v never_o fail_v of_o success_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v add_v if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n or_o as_o it_o be_v luk._n 11._o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o mat._n 7.7_o 11._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1.5_o nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o every_o good_a man_n have_v these_o promise_n verify_v to_o he_o there_o be_v sudden_a suggestion_n unexpected_a manifestation_n extraordinary_a elevation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v account_v for_o but_o by_o a_o divine_a principle_n nor_o do_v this_o doctrine_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n or_o irradiation_n in_o the_o least_o diminish_v the_o power_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v supersede_n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v now_o reveal_v any_o new_a truth_n of_o general_a use_n or_o importance_n since_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n will_v on_o this_o supposal_n be_v but_o a_o defective_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o first_o the_o spirit_n may_v assist_v we_o in_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n second_o the_o spirit_n may_v help_v we_o to_o form_v clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o general_a knowledge_n of_o and_o to_o fix_v and_o imprint_v they_o in_o more_o last_a as_o well_o as_o more_o legible_a character_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o it_o may_v recall_v to_o our_o remembrance_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v obliterated_a and_o forget_v or_o final_o it_o may_v produce_v in_o we_o a_o more_o earnest_a and_o steady_a application_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n three_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o spirit_n may_v not_o vouchsafe_v we_o particular_a impulse_n direction_n and_o intimation_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n and_o sudden_a emergency_n where_o holy_a writ_n afford_v we_o no_o light_n and_o human_a prudence_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o this_o detract_v or_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o than_o i_o conceive_v be_v what_o the_o spirit_n do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o illumination_n but_o how_o it_o do_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o i_o doubt_v possible_a to_o be_v determine_v nor_o ought_v our_o ignorance_n of_o this_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a illumination_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o understand_v and_o remember_v and_o exercise_v a_o freedom_n or_o liberty_n of_o will_n in_o our_o choice_n resolution_n and_o action_n but_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o do_v this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n that_o do_v hitherto_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v whole_o surpass_v and_o transcend_v our_o philosophy_n i_o will_v here_o close_v this_o chapter_n with_o a_o prayer_n of_o fulgentius_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 4._o after_o he_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o the_o fetch_v up_o himself_o a_o master_n doctor_n or_o dictator_n to_o his_o brethren_n he_o break_v out_o into_o these_o devout_a and_o pious_a word_n i_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v that_o our_o true_a master_n and_o doctor_n christ_n jesus_n either_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o by_o the_o conversation_n of_o my_o brethren_n or_o joint-disciple_n or_o else_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o delightful_a instruction_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n in_o which_o without_o the_o element_n of_o letter_n or_o the_o sound_n of_o speech_n truth_n speak_v with_o so_o much_o the_o sweet_a as_o the_o still_a and_o soft_a voice_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o teach_v i_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v so_o propose_v and_o so_o assert_v that_o in_o all_o my_o exposition_n and_o assertion_n i_o may_v be_v ever_o find_v conformable_a and_o obedient_a and_o firm_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v for_o it_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o enlighten_v confirm_v and_o aid_n i_o that_o i_o may_v always_o obey_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n by_o truth_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o those_o many_o more_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o from_o who_o i_o have_v receive_v the_o few_o i_o know_v of_o truth_n i_o beg_v through_o prevent_v and_o assist_v grace_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o what_o ever_o i_o yet_o know_v not_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v steadfast_a in_o those_o truth_n which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o rectify_v in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n i_o be_o mistake_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o those_o truth_n wherein_o i_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o those_o opinion_n that_o be_v erroneous_a or_o hurtful_a i_o beg_v last_o that_o truth_n may_v ever_o find_v both_o in_o my_o thought_n and_o speech_n all_o that_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o its_o gift_n and_o that_o it_o will_v always_o cause_v i_o to_o utter_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o itself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o
and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o utter_o to_o extinguish_v all_o conscience_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o attempt_n in_o which_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v never_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o most_o dare_a sinner_n can_v have_v prove_v successful_a have_v not_o the_o scripture_n tell_v i_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v past_a feeling_n eph._n 4.19_o of_o a_o fear_a conscience_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a when_o they_o have_v commit_v iniquity_n neither_o can_v they_o blush_v jer._n 6.15_o who_o call_v good_a evil_a and_o evil_a good_a that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a isa_n 5.20_o such_o sinner_n there_o be_v then_o but_o what_o do_v this_o amount_v to_o what_o can_v their_o sense_n or_o example_n weigh_v i_o be_o sure_a these_o poor_a wretch_n be_v as_o far_o distant_a from_o any_o true_a happiness_n as_o from_o true_a sense_n and_o deserve_v our_o pity_n not_o imitation_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a conscience_n depend_v upon_o opinion_n but_o what_o if_o this_o opinion_n depend_v upon_o sense_n and_o truth_n what_o if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n in_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n be_v these_o man_n of_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o a_o hell_n be_v no_o common_a or_o ordinary_a fear_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o scratch_n or_o wound_v in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o baâ—â—e_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o preferment_n or_o a_o disappointment_n in_o that_o of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v not_o the_o loss_n or_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o estate_n in_o part_n or_o whole_a it_o be_v not_o a_o blot_n upon_o our_o reputation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o child_n a_o brother_n or_o what_o be_v more_o unless_o he_o be_v such_o a_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o fear_n but_o misery_n pure_a and_o unallay_v complicate_v accumulate_v misery_n misery_n unalterable_a incurable_a and_o last_v as_o long_o as_o eternity_n methinks_v before_o one_o shall_v venture_v on_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v threaten_v with_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o and_o much_o more_o before_o one_o shall_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o hell_n be_v false_a and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n a_o mere_a bugbear_n nay_o i_o protest_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o importance_n i_o think_v one_o shall_v scarce_o trust_v to_o a_o demonstration_n unless_o it_o have_v pass_v the_o test_n of_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o impartial_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o stand_v the_o shock_n and_o trial_n of_o many_o age_n but_o alas_o after_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o wit_n and_o lust_n what_o have_v ever_o yet_o be_v produce_v that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o undergo_v the_o examination_n even_o of_o a_o honest_a man_n what_o argument_n have_v yet_o be_v start_v against_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o work_v upon_o any_o who_o be_v true_o serious_a in_o the_o point_n and_o if_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v why_o not_o a_o hell_n revelation_n be_v plain_a and_o reason_n can_v find_v no_o inconsistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n human_a law_n punish_v a_o single_a offence_n sometime_o with_o death_n or_o banishment_n with_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o by_o this_o and_o divers_a other_o way_n extend_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o criminal_a to_o his_o posterity_n that_o be_v make_v it_o as_o eternal_a as_o they_o can_v and_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o repeat_v provocation_n of_o a_o impenitent_a life_n the_o neglect_v of_o that_o great_a salvation_n wrought_v by_o the_o blood_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n and_o all_o this_o wilful_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o solicitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o defiance_n of_o mercy_n and_o chastisement_n shall_v it_o i_o say_v be_v think_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o punish_v this_o by_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n when_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v in_o vain_a try_v all_o imaginable_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v a_o sinner_n what_o have_v he_o to_o complain_v of_o if_o god_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n sin_n as_o it_o alienates_v our_o affection_n from_o god_n here_o so_o must_v it_o certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o favour_n hereafter_o and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o wretched_a creature_n who_o be_v banish_v for_o ever_o to_o those_o black_a and_o dismal_a region_n which_o no_o ray_n no_o influence_n of_o divine_a goodness_n can_v ever_o reach_v where_o shall_v those_o unhappy_a creature_n dwell_v which_o shall_v be_v chase_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n or_o which_o rather_o can_v never_o approach_v either_o but_o in_o that_o outward_a darkness_n which_o be_v part_v from_o the_o world_n of_o the_o bless_a by_o a_o unpassable_a gulf_n ah_o then_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o do_v wretched_a man_n gain_v by_o grow_v impudent_a in_o wickedness_n alas_o the_o more_o insensible_a man_n be_v of_o the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o desperate_a their_o state_n the_o more_o incurable_a their_o disease_n and_o the_o near_o they_o to_o death_n and_o destruction_n my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o bless_a advantage_n to_o stand_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o damnation_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a victory_n to_o have_v defeat_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o heroic_a achievement_n to_o be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v all_o true_a sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o become_v impregnable_a impenetrable_a to_o all_o argument_n to_o all_o motive_n which_o either_o the_o tender_a love_n or_o the_o profound_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o man_n can_v attack_v we_o by_o 2._o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o those_o very_a man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v obdurate_a and_o insensible_a do_v suffer_v some_o though_o rare_a return_n of_o anxiety_n and_o fear_n why_o else_o be_v they_o such_o avow_a enemy_n to_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n to_o all_o serious_a and_o calm_a reflection_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v up_o with_o a_o most_o trifle_a and_o contemptible_a business_n or_o diversion_n nay_o tire_v with_o a_o dull_a and_o tasteless_a repetition_n of_o a_o folly_n they_o choose_v to_o repeat_v it_o to_o their_o life_n end_v rather_o than_o be_v alone_o and_o thoughtful_a what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v something_o within_o which_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o awaken_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o brightness_n in_o divine_a truth_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v fill_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n this_o height_n of_o wickedness_n then_o at_o best_a be_v a_o state_n fit_v only_o for_o fortunate_a sinner_n who_o can_v roll_n and_o tumble_v from_o folly_n to_o folly_n from_o one_o impertinence_n or_o extravagance_n to_o another_o endless_o and_o yet_o what_o become_v of_o these_o poor_a thing_n when_o a_o disaster_n when_o a_o disease_n nay_o but_o a_o wakeful_a hour_n by_o night_n force_v they_o to_o retire_v into_o themselves_o 3._o a_o sinner_n do_v not_o soon_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n of_o insensibility_n it_o cost_v he_o very_o dear_a to_o grow_v impudent_a in_o his_o lust_n many_o a_o pang_n many_o a_o torment_n have_v he_o suffer_v first_o often_o have_v he_o feel_v the_o wound_n of_o conscience_n often_o have_v he_o tremble_v and_o shrink_v at_o the_o menace_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v no_o more_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n than_o the_o body_n to_o excess_n but_o by_o pass_v through_o many_o painful_a and_o sickly_a fit_n many_o uneasy_a pang_n and_o qualm_n and_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o endure_v so_o much_o in_o order_n to_o be_v damn_v be_v it_o not_o a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o more_o than_o vulgar_a wisdom_n to_o purchase_v misery_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o a_o crown_n a_o never-fading_a crown_n this_o with_o they_o be_v a_o undertake_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v expose_v and_o lash_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o spite_n and_o confidence_n but_o to_o suffer_v as_o it_o be_v repeat_v martyrdom_n to_o gain_v a_o hell_n this_o be_v what_o they_o think_v become_v man_n of_o their_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
this_o chapter_n be_v grow_v much_o too_o big_a already_o and_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v on_o nothing_o more_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o whatever_o advice_n will_v secure_v the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o liberty_n will_v consequent_o secure_v the_o whole_a i_o will_v therefore_o close_v this_o chapter_n here_o with_o a_o brief_a exhortation_n to_o endeavour_v after_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n how_o many_o and_o powerful_a motive_n have_v we_o to_o it_o will_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n let_v we_o dam_v up_o the_o source_n of_o they_o which_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n let_v we_o disarm_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o this_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o perfect_v and_o accomplish_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o excellent_a quality_n it_o be_v righteousness_n wherein_o consist_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o cleanse_n ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o must_v transform_v we_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n will_v we_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a fortune_n it_o be_v righteousness_n that_o will_v make_v we_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o conquest_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o abound_a in_o good_a work_n that_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a towards_o god_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o we_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v we_o ambitious_a of_o honour_n let_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v virtue_n only_o that_o be_v true_o honourable_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o so_o noble_a a_o relation_n for_o this_o ally_n we_o to_o god_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v they_o only_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v rule_v and_o animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n these_o be_v they_o in_o a_o word_n who_o have_v overcome_v and_o will_v one_o day_n sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n even_o as_o he_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_v set_v down_o with_o his_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n rev._n 3.21_o good_a god_n how_o absurd_a and_o perverse_a all_o our_o desire_n and_o project_n be_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o hug_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o cherish_v those_o vice_n who_o fatal_a wound_n be_v ever_o big_a with_o numerous_a and_o intolerable_a plague_n we_o fear_v death_n and_o will_v get_v rid_v of_o this_o fear_n not_o by_o disarm_v but_o sharpen_v its_o sting_n not_o by_o subdue_a but_o forget_v it_o we_o love_v wealth_n and_o treasure_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v temporal_a not_o eternal_a we_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o but_o we_o seek_v not_o that_o which_o come_v from_o god_n only_o we_o be_v fond_a of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o wander_v from_o those_o path_n of_o wisdom_n which_o alone_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o for_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v this_o christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v man_n true_o free_a not_o the_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o no_o man_n but_o to_o no_o sin_n not_o the_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v we_o true_o great_a and_o true_o glorious_a for_o this_o alone_a render_v we_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o easie_n to_o our_o self_n benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n and_o delightsome_a at_o home_n it_o be_v christian_n liberty_n make_v we_o true_o prosperous_a true_o fortunate_a because_o it_o make_v we_o true_o happy_a fill_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v we_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n iu._n of_o liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o original_a sin_n whatever_o difficulty_n the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n real_o be_v involve_v in_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o some_o to_o be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o concern_v i_o who_o be_o no_o further_o oblige_v to_o consider_v it_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v much_o dispute_n about_o original_a sin_n there_o be_v little_a or_o none_o about_o original_a corruption_n the_o reality_n of_o this_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v though_o the_o gild_n the_o sinfulness_n or_o immorality_n of_o it_o be_v controvert_v and_o though_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n concern_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o eternity_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o make_v but_o that_o it_o incite_v and_o instigate_v we_o to_o actual_a sin_n and_o be_v the_o seed-plot_n of_o human_a folly_n and_o wickedness_n all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o strong_a propension_n in_o our_o nature_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n that_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n wherein_o consist_v righteousness_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v that_o we_o have_v appetite_n which_o clash_n with_o and_o oppose_v the_o command_n of_o god_n not_o only_a when_o they_o threaten_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o confession_n and_o martyrdom_n but_o also_o when_o they_o only_o prune_v its_o luxuriancy_n and_o extravagance_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o desire_v sensitive_a pleasure_n but_o even_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o hurry_v and_o transport_v we_o beyond_o the_o bound_n that_o reason_n and_o religion_n set_v we_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o aversion_n for_o pain_n and_o toil_n and_o death_n but_o to_o that_o excess_n that_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o renounce_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o carnal_a ease_n and_o temporal_a safety_n and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o reveal_v truth_n so_o prone_a to_o terminate_v our_o thought_n on_o and_o confine_v our_o desire_n within_o this_o visible_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o no_o other_o than_o the_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o that_o this_o make_v we_o selfish_a and_o sordid_a proud_a and_o ambitious_a false_a subtle_a and_o contentious_a to_o the_o endless_a disturbance_n of_o mankind_n and_o ourselves_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o this_o be_v the_o corruption_n we_o labour_v under_o all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o do_v a_o controversy_n arise_v about_o this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o appeal_v any_o further_a for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o than_o to_o one_o own_o experience_n this_o will_v tell_v every_o one_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o fact_n and_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v consult_v it_o will_v tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v so_o for_o what_o other_o than_o this_o can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n who_o enter_v the_o world_n with_o a_o soul_n so_o dark_a and_o destitute_a of_o divine_a light_n so_o deep_o immerce_v and_o plunge_v into_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o tender_o and_o intimate_o affect_v by_o bodily_a sensation_n and_o with_o a_o body_n so_o adapt_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o fasten_v to_o it_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o interest_n convenience_n and_o necessity_n this_o account_n of_o original_a corruption_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o of_o it_o rom._n 7._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o with_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n on_o which_o he_o build_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n joh._n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n have_v thus_o brief_o explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o original_a sin_n i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o far_o this_o distemper_n of_o nature_n be_v curable_a 2._o which_o way_n this_o cure_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v as_o to_o the_o first_o enquiry_n i_o will_v
not_o be_v understand_v to_o proceed_v in_o it_o with_o a_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o regenerate_v in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o perfect_a for_o the_o strength_n of_o original_a sin_n can_v but_o be_v very_o different_a in_o new_a convert_v or_o babe_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o such_o as_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o think_v i_o may_v on_o good_a ground_n resolve_v that_o original_a sin_n in_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o reduce_v and_o master_v as_o to_o give_v he_o but_o very_o rare_a and_o slight_a disturbance_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a change_n that_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o he_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o sinner_n into_o a_o saint_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 2_o cor._n 5.17_o and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v this_o new_a nature_n without_o new_a propension_n and_o inclination_n not_o only_o different_a from_o but_o repugnant_a to_o our_o former_a original_a and_o corrupt_a one_o or_o at_o least_o we_o must_v suppose_v this_o new_a creation_n so_o far_o to_o have_v reform_v and_o correct_v the_o man_n that_o original_a corruption_n have_v lose_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n which_o before_o it_o have_v this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a yet_o if_o we_o observe_v never_o so_o slight_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o great_a change_n first_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o excellent_a person_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o unfeigned_a and_o habitual_a sorrow_n for_o and_o detestation_n of_o all_o sin_n i_o hate_v say_v the_o psalmist_n every_o false_a way_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a be_v the_o strength_n and_o heat_v of_o corrupt_a propension_n with_o the_o tear_n and_o aversion_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_n how_o tame_a be_v the_o body_n how_o pure_a the_o mind_n when_o the_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o firm_a and_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n when_o he_o dissolve_v in_o the_o pious_a tenderness_n of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n next_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o a_o steady_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n with_o enlighten_v eye_n he_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o admire_v the_o solidity_n the_o weight_n and_o duration_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n he_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o seek_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o have_v set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o his_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o must_v we_o not_o now_o suppose_v such_o a_o one_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v from_o all_o corrupt_a affection_n when_o the_o very_a bend_v of_o his_o soul_n be_v quite_o another_o way_n must_v we_o not_o suppose_v the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o deprave_a nature_n overpowr_v and_o subdue_v by_o these_o heavenly_a affection_n how_o mortify_v must_v such_o a_o man_n be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o body_n how_o feeble_a be_v the_o opposition_n that_o inferior_a nature_n can_v raise_v against_o a_o mind_n invest_v with_o so_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o endow_v with_o light_n and_o strength_n from_o above_o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v not_o only_o crucify_v the_o inordinate_a and_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o have_v also_o obtain_v a_o great_a mastery_n even_o over_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o it_o how_o else_o can_v it_o be_v that_o his_o desire_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o heaven_n that_o he_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n from_o thence_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o groan_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o corruptible_a tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o above_o the_o body_n may_v certain_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n above_o even_o the_o most_o natural_a appetite_n he_o that_o have_v set_v himself_o free_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n even_o from_o his_o aversion_n to_o death_n and_o in_o his_o affection_n at_o least_o very_a much_o loosen_v the_o bond_n the_o knot_n that_o untie_v soul_n and_o body_n may_v certain_o very_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v much_o more_o above_o all_o covetous_a ambitious_a or_o wanton_a inclination_n these_o be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o freedom_n from_o original_a sin_n as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o 2_o but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o think_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n upon_o earth_n can_v so_o extinguish_v the_o spark_n of_o original_a corruption_n but_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o they_o will_v gather_v strength_n and_o revive_v again_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o we_o after_o baptism_n or_o regeneration_n be_v methinks_v a_o very_a needless_a one_o for_o if_o it_o be_v about_o the_o notion_n we_o ought_v to_o entertain_v of_o it_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v proper_o sin_n or_o not_o this_o be_v a_o contention_n about_o word_n for_o what_o signify_v it_o by_o what_o name_n we_o call_v this_o remainder_n of_o original_a pravity_n when_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o stain_v and_o gild_n of_o it_o be_v wash_v off_o and_o pardon_v but_o if_o it_o be_v about_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o controversy_n of_o some_o moment_n but_o a_o very_a foolish_a one_o on_o one_o side_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v it_o be_v to_o say_v a_o great_a many_o subtle_a and_o puzzle_v thing_n against_o a_o truth_n that_o every_o man_n feel_v and_o experiment_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o may_v thus_o describe_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o original_a sin_n he_o have_v mortify_v it_o though_o not_o utter_o extirpate_v it_o he_o have_v subdue_v it_o though_o not_o exterminate_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o sinful_a and_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o affection_n but_o also_o in_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n than_o other_o man_n from_o those_o infirmity_n and_o irregularity_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o struggle_n and_o ebullition_n of_o original_a sin_n not_o yet_o sufficient_o tame_v he_o have_v advance_v his_o victory_n very_o far_o even_o over_o his_o natural_a appetite_n he_o have_v no_o strong_a inclination_n for_o the_o body_n or_o for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o than_o such_o as_o become_v a_o man_n that_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o another_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n crucify_v to_o he_o and_o he_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n his_o sorrow_n and_o his_o joy_n his_o desire_n and_o his_o fear_n be_v the_o occasion_n never_o so_o just_a or_o lawful_a pass_v not_o the_o modest_a bound_n of_o a_o wise_a moderation_n he_o desire_v without_o impatience_n care_n and_o contrive_v hope_n and_o pursue_v without_o anxiety_n or_o solicitude_n he_o be_v cautious_a without_o fear_n and_o pusillanimity_n he_o be_v sad_a without_o dejection_n or_o despondency_n and_o pleasant_a without_o vanity_n all_o this_o indeed_o show_v he_o not_o only_o to_o have_v conquer_v sin_n and_o folly_n but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n also_o his_o natural_a propension_n to_o they_o but_o after_o all_o this_o happy_a creature_n must_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o body_n in_o the_o body_n who_o appetite_n will_v soon_o pass_v beyond_o their_o due_a bound_n if_o he_o be_v indulgent_a or_o careless_a he_o must_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v not_o immutable_o holy_a his_o understanding_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o bright_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v nor_o the_o bend_v of_o his_o affection_n so_o strong_o set_v upon_o good_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v and_o therefore_o he_o must_v be_v sober_a and_o vigilant_a and_o fear_v always_o thus_o have_v i_o state_v the_o cureableness_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n and_o as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v plain_o the_o countenance_n of_o scripture_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o i_o in_o the_o least_o clash_n with_o that_o clause_n in_o the_o nine_o article_n of_o our_o church_n
through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v nor_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o multiply_v no_o more_o instance_n of_o restraint_n of_o this_o or_o the_o like_a nature_n thus_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v affect_v towards_o praise_n and_o reputation_n interest_n and_o power_n beauty_n strength_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v neither_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o they_o nor_o enjoy_v they_o with_o too_o much_o gust_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o this_o be_v that_o disposition_n which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o suit_n best_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a sort_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v either_o temptation_n or_o blessing_n instrument_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n 3_o the_o scripture_n regulate_v and_o bound_v our_o natural_a and_o necessary_a appetite_n not_o so_o much_o by_o nice_o define_v the_o exact_a degree_n and_o measure_n within_o which_o nature_n must_v be_v strict_o contain_v as_o by_o exalt_a example_n of_o and_o exhortation_n to_o a_o spiritual_a pure_a and_o heavenly_a disposition_n thus_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o stream_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o to_o call_v off_o his_o disciple_n from_o it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n mark_v 3.34_o 35._o and_o he_o look_v round_o about_o on_o they_o which_o sit_v about_o he_o and_o say_v behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o same_o be_v my_o brother_n and_o my_o sister_n and_o mother_n to_o which_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o may_v join_v those_o of_o st._n paul_n henceforth_o know_v we_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o now_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o 2_o cor._n 5.16_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v defer_v his_o follow_v he_o till_o he_o have_v bury_v his_o father_n matt._n 8._o â—1_n and_o to_o he_o who_o beg_v leave_v to_o go_v and_o bid_v farewell_n first_o to_o his_o relation_n and_o domestic_n luke_n 9.61_o do_v plain_o countenance_v the_o doctrine_n i_o here_o advance_v and_o so_o do_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o so_o often_o cite_v by_o i_o not_o that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o account_v our_o natural_a affection_n vicious_a and_o impure_a for_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n to_o be_v without_o they_o rom._n 1.31_o not_o that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o diminish_v or_o abate_v much_o less_o to_o cancel_v the_o duty_n flow_v from_o they_o no_o they_o only_o prune_v the_o luxuriancy_n of_o untaught_a nature_n and_o correct_v the_o fondness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o animal_n inclination_n our_o natural_a affection_n may_v entangle_v and_o enslave_v we_o as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a and_o irregular_a one_o if_o we_o lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o they_o religion_n indeed_o make_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n but_o without_o it_o they_o easy_o betray_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o folly_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o doubt_v not_o lest_z under_o pretence_n of_o satisfy_v our_o most_o natural_a and_o importunate_a appetite_n we_o shall_v be_v ensnare_v into_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o entangle_v in_o the_o care_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v we_o to_o take_v think_v for_o to_o morrow_n even_o for_o the_o necessary_n of_o to_o morrow_n what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v drink_v and_o where-withal_a we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v matt._n 6._o these_o be_v the_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o scripture_n which_o if_o any_o man_n observe_v he_o will_v soon_o discern_v himself_o as_o far_o purify_v and_o free_v from_o original_a corruption_n as_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v §_o 2_o he_o must_v fortify_v and_o invigorate_v the_o mind_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v two_o way_n first_o by_o possess_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o by_o withdraw_v it_o often_o from_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o former_a branch_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a since_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o have_v before_o be_v describe_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n not_o only_o of_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v we_o but_o also_o of_o grace_n to_o strengthen_v we_o of_o the_o former_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o exert_v all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n we_o have_v of_o the_o latter_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o our_o natural_a force_n never_o can_v effect_v it_o can_v be_v here_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o grieve_v and_o quench_v it_o this_o will_v demand_v a_o peculiar_a treatise_n i_o will_v here_o only_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o repair_v in_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o fall_n to_o rectify_v nature_n to_o improve_v our_o faculty_n and_o to_o imprint_v in_o we_o the_o divine_a image_n that_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o careful_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n obtain_v and_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o negligence_n and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n grieve_v and_o extinguish_v it_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o here_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o illumination_n and_o will_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o imbibe_v do_v effectual_o raise_v we_o above_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o set_v we_o free_a from_o the_o power_n and_o prevalence_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n be_v we_o but_o once_o persuade_v that_o we_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n that_o all_o carnal_a gratification_n do_v war_n against_o the_o soul_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v proper_o ourselves_o and_o that_o our_o first_o care_n be_v to_o be_v for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v himself_o our_o sovereign_n good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o inferior_a good_a that_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o he_o that_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a mediator_n who_o once_o die_v for_o we_o and_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o a_o kingdom_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o all_o meek_a faithful_a and_o holy_a soul_n be_v we_o i_o say_v but_o once_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o these_o truth_n with_o what_o vigour_n will_v they_o impregnate_n our_o mind_n how_o clear_a will_v be_v the_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n how_o uncontrollable_a the_o authority_n of_o reason_n how_o strong_a the_o instinct_n and_o propension_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o righteousness_n and_o virtue_n these_o will_v alienate_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o turn_v the_o bend_v of_o it_o another_o way_n these_o will_v inspire_v it_o with_o other_o desire_n and_o hope_n and_o make_v it_o form_n different_a project_n from_o what_o it_o have_v before_o old_a thing_n be_v do_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o particular_a rule_n be_v that_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o retire_v frequent_o from_o the_o commerce_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o body_n whether_o the_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v open_a to_o the_o mind_n new_a scene_n of_o sensuality_n which_o it_o think_v not_o of_o and_o so_o call_v it_o down_o from_o the_o serenity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o contemplative_a life_n to_o participate_v the_o turbulent_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n immerse_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v deep_a into_o the_o body_n i_o pretend_v not_o to_o judge_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o too_o too_o intimate_a conjunction_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o body_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o it_o do_v very_o much_o debase_v it_o it_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o world_n we_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n we_o talk_v of_o the_o world_n we_o think_v of_o the_o
often_o repeat_v breed_v a_o kind_n of_o indifference_n or_o lukewarmness_n and_o soon_o pass_v into_o coldness_n and_o insensibleness_n and_o this_o often_o end_v in_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o a_o utter_a aversion_n for_o religion_n 2_o we_o must_v endeavour_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o compensate_a the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o make_v up_o by_o charity_n what_o we_o have_v defalce_v from_o devotion_n or_o to_o supply_v by_o short_a ejaculation_n what_o we_o have_v be_v force_v to_o retrench_v from_o fix_a and_o regular_a office_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o that_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n either_o of_o improvement_n or_o do_v good_a will_v i_o believe_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o god_n will_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o choice_n he_o can_v do_v better_a than_o follow_v god_n 3_o a_o single_a omission_n must_v never_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a motive_n from_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n necessity_n or_o charity_n be_v the_o only_a just_a and_o proper_a apology_n for_o it_o instrumental_a or_o positive_a duty_n may_v give_v way_n to_o moral_a one_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o in_o moral_a duty_n the_o less_o may_v give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a but_o duty_n must_v never_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n nor_o religion_n to_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n have_v thus_o brief_o give_v a_o account_n what_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o so_o settle_v the_o notion_n of_o idleness_n that_o neither_o the_o careless_a nor_o the_o scrupulous_a can_v easy_o mistake_v their_o case_n i_o will_v now_o propose_v such_o considetation_n as_o i_o judge_v most_o likely_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o and_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v the_o best_a guard_n and_o preservative_n against_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v every_o one_o lay_v to_o heart_n be_v that_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o damnable_a sin_n idleness_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n both_o in_o our_o creation_n and_o redemption_n as_o to_o our_o creation_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o create_v not_o any_o thing_n but_o for_o some_o excellent_a end_n shall_v create_v man_n for_o none_o or_o for_o a_o silly_a one_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o active_a and_o vivacious_a principle_n our_o rational_a faculty_n capacitate_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o do_v good_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a pleasure_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n who_o can_v think_v now_o that_o our_o wise_a creator_n light_v this_o candle_n within_o we_o that_o we_o may_v oppress_v and_o stifle_v it_o by_o negligence_n and_o idleness_n that_o he_o contrive_v and_o destine_v such_o a_o mind_n to_o squander_v and_o fool_n away_o its_o talent_n in_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n as_o to_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v evident_a both_o what_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o opposite_a idleness_n be_v to_o it_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n aim_v at_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o eph._n 2.10_o how_o little_a then_o can_v a_o useless_a and_o bar_a life_n answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n what_o a_o miserable_a return_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o how_o utter_o must_v it_o disappoint_v all_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o what_o need_v i_o argue_v further_o the_o truth_n i_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o express_a and_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o idleness_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n reckon_v among_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n what_o mean_v the_o sentence_n against_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.7_o but_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o idle_a and_o the_o sluggish_a the_o indignation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enkindle_v against_o the_o barrenness_n of_o tree_n but_o men._n what_o can_v be_v plain_o than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o perish_v because_o he_o have_v not_o improve_v his_o talon_n matt._n 25.38_o and_o how_o frequent_o do_v the_o apostle_n declare_v himself_o against_o the_o idle_a and_o disorderly_a and_o all_o this_o proceed_v upon_o plain_a and_o necessary_a ground_n our_o lord_n be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o refrain_v from_o do_v evil_a but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a we_o can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o intention_n of_o divine_a precept_n by_o negative_a righteousness_n when_o god_n prohibit_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n when_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v evil_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prescribe_v the_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o word_n idleness_n be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o faith_n hope_n charity_n to_o fear_v vigilance_n mortification_n and_o therefore_o certain_o must_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n these_o be_v all_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n but_o idleness_n enfeeble_v and_o dis-spirit_n manacle_n and_o fetter_n we_o these_o be_v pure_a strict_a and_o self-denying_a principle_n but_o idleness_n be_v soft_a and_o indulgent_a these_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n but_o idleness_n be_v far_o from_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a it_o pomper_v the_o body_n and_o effeminate_v and_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n and_o final_o whatever_o innocence_n or_o inoffensiveness_n it_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o only_o terminate_v in_o sin_n but_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o it_o from_o stupidity_n and_o ignorance_n from_o vanity_n and_o levity_n from_o softness_n and_o sensuality_n from_o some_o prevail_a lust_n or_o other_o 2._o next_o after_o the_o nature_n the_o consequence_n of_o idleness_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o just_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o tragical_a accusation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o dishonour_n and_o poverty_n and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n but_o at_o present_a i_o view_v it_o only_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v with_o a_o half_a face_n and_o that_o the_o much_o less_o deform_v of_o the_o two_o i_o consider_v it_o here_o as_o pretend_v to_o innocence_n and_o flatter_v itself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o yet_o even_o thus_o suppose_v it_o as_o harmless_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o still_o these_o will_v be_v the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o will_v rob_v religion_n and_o the_o world_n of_o the_o service_n due_a to_o both_o it_o will_v bereave_v we_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n and_o send_v we_o down_o at_o last_o to_o a_o curse_a eternity_n for_o where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v maintain_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o human_a society_n that_o shall_v relieve_v and_o redress_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o demonstrate_v its_o divinity_n as_o effectual_o as_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n can_v do_v where_o be_v the_o bright_a example_n that_o shall_v convert_v the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o inflame_v the_o believe_a part_n with_o a_o generous_a emulation_n certain_o the_o lazy_a christian_a the_o slothful_a servant_n can_v pretend_v to_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n as_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n if_o true_a and_o last_a if_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v from_o what_o fountain_n it_o must_v be_v draw_v nothing_o but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n can_v procure_v our_o peace_n nothing_o but_o purity_n of_o heart_n our_o pleasure_n but_o ah_o how_o far_o be_v the_o idle_a and_o unactive_a from_o these_o virtue_n i'faith_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o they_o victory_n and_o triumph_n devotion_n alms_n and_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o they_o but_o what_o a_o stranger_n to_o these_o be_v the_o drone_n and_o sluggard_n then_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n he_o that_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vast_a solitude_n and_o wilderness_n behind_o he_o
case_n of_o herod_n he_o have_v yield_v no_o doubt_n to_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o the_o baptist_n reason_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v back_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o his_o herodias_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n who_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v under_o the_o ascendant_n of_o some_o silly_a or_o vile_a lust_n or_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o spoil_v the_o taste_n of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o diminish_v the_o price_n of_o canaan_n without_o doubt_n man_n will_v apply_v themselves_o more_o vigorous_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o not_o too_o fond_a of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o they_o will_v certain_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n more_o earnest_o and_o make_v a_o better_a provision_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o other_o world_n be_v they_o not_o too_o much_o take_v with_o this_o and_o therefore_o too_o apt_a to_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v they_o only_a who_o conquer_v be_v crown_v they_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o the_o world_n can_v reap_v nothing_o from_o these_o but_o corruption_n these_o kind_n of_o christian_n though_o peradventure_o they_o be_v not_o slave_n to_o any_o infamous_a and_o scandalous_a lust_n be_v yet_o entangle_v by_o some_o other_o not_o muchless_a injurious_a though_o not_o to_o reputation_n yet_o to_o purity_n of_o heart_n they_o be_v captive_v to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n though_o their_o chain_n seem_v better_o polish_v and_o of_o a_o fine_a metal_n they_o can_v mount_v upward_o they_o can_v conquer_v be_v retard_v and_o keep_v under_o if_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o their_o own_o softness_n and_o weakness_n and_o yet_o why_o shall_v i_o doubt_v but_o these_o be_v conquer_v by_o temptation_n the_o more_o innocent_a the_o object_n of_o any_o one_o passion_n be_v general_o the_o more_o fatal_a because_o we_o be_v the_o more_o apt_a to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o lukewarmness_n be_v thus_o point_v out_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o namely_o in_o form_v just_a and_o correct_v notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o in_o perfect_v and_o complete_n our_o reformation_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o aversion_n and_o dread_a of_o this_o state_n of_o lukewarmness_n by_o show_v 1._o the_o folly_n 2._o the_o gild_n and_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o folly_n how_o reasonable_o may_v i_o here_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o lukewarm_a in_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n to_o the_o israelite_n how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o 1_o king_n 18.21_o if_o you_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o your_o safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o god_n then_o serve_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n but_o if_o you_o think_v this_o depend_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n then_o serve_v these_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o stable_a treasure_n then_o strive_v sincere_o and_o vigorous_o to_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n respect_n and_o pomp_n and_o state_n be_v the_o proper_a portion_n and_o sovereign_a good_a of_o man_n then_o devote_v and_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o to_o these_o for_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v that_o life_n which_o will_v neither_o procure_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o another_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o listen_v only_o so_o much_o to_o conscience_n as_o to_o damp_n and_o chill_a our_o pleasure_n and_o so_o much_o to_o pleasure_n as_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o repose_n of_o conscience_n but_o indeed_o as_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n be_v rather_o a_o irony_n than_o any_o real_a doubt_n whether_o baal_n or_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n rather_o a_o scornful_a derision_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n than_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o deliberate_v whether_o idolatry_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o will_v seem_v to_o you_o to_o carry_v no_o other_o sound_n in_o they_o the_o disparity_n be_v so_o vast_a between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n between_o religion_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n or_o ambition_n between_o those_o hope_n and_o enjoyment_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o one_o and_o those_o we_o can_v fancy_v in_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v what_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v or_o to_o which_o side_n we_o be_v to_o adhere_v nay_o in_o this_o we_o be_v more_o criminal_a than_o the_o israelite_n be_v self-condemned_a the_o israelite_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whether_o the_o lord_n or_o baal_n be_v god_n they_o doubt_v under_o who_o protection_n they_o may_v thrive_v best_a but_o at_o this_o day_n whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n know_v very_o well_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o whatever_o passion_n we_o have_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o whatever_o spiritual_a idolatry_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o corrupt_v as_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o in_o reality_n any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o wealth_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n know_v that_o it_o make_v its_o self_n wing_n and_o fly_v away_o whilst_o on_o greatness_n and_o power_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o empty_a and_o toilsome_a pageantry_n and_o often_o the_o subject_a of_o misery_n and_o dismal_a tragedy_n not_o incident_a to_o a_o low_a state_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o pleasure_n we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a and_o short_a and_o intermix_v with_o fear_n and_o shame_n and_o torment_n we_o know_v that_o nothing_o here_o below_o be_v able_a to_o free_v our_o state_n and_o fortune_n from_o calamity_n our_o mind_n from_o gild_n the_o body_n from_o death_n much_o less_o the_o whole_a man_n from_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n in_o one_o word_n we_o know_v that_o what_o we_o admire_v be_v vanity_n and_o what_o we_o worship_v be_v indeed_o a_o idol_n this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o this_o topick_n for_o since_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o competition_n with_o god_n in_o our_o opinion_n though_o it_o often_o rival_n he_o in_o our_o affection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o impute_v the_o halt_n of_o a_o laodicean_n christian_n to_o any_o persuasion_n of_o omnipotence_n or_o alsufficiency_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o dote_v on_o serve_v and_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o other_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v general_o this_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n and_o our_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o provocation_n to_o god_n nor_o conserquent_o prejudice_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o blend_v and_o compound_v religion_n and_o sensuality_n and_o stand_v divide_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o halt_v in_o our_o service_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v this_o i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o 1._o religion_n have_v no_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o the_o lukewarm_a himself_o the_o gospel_n work_v no_o thorough_a change_n in_o he_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convert_v into_o a_o saint_n nor_o human_a nature_n perfect_v by_o participation_n of_o a_o divine_a one_o 2._o the_o laodicean_n can_v never_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n any_o gift_n any_o sacrifice_n worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o render_v he_o any_o service_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n but_o alas_o these_o man_n be_v almost_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n a_o few_o faint_a and_o irresolute_a wish_n formal_a and_o customary_a prayer_n niggardly_a and_o grumble_a alm_n and_o a_o attendance_n upon_o god_n word_n rather_o out_o of_o spiritual_a wantonness_n than_o devotion_n these_o be_v the_o offering_n
most_o sanctify_a nature_n and_o some_o venial_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o other_o may_v still_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n beside_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v or_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n seem_v to_o make_v way_n for_o more_o so_o that_o after_o all_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v as_o well_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o righteousness_n as_o his_o fortune_n be_v like_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o mean_v the_o day_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o attain_v it_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o section_n will_v all_o serve_v here_o therefore_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o offer_v of_o this_o sort_n only_o if_o i_o forget_v to_o pay_v that_o deference_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o just_o deserve_v i_o do_v it_o now_o and_o do_v earnest_o persuade_v my_o reader_n to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o only_o think_v this_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v a_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o but_o also_o high_o conducive_a to_o true_a perfection_n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o public_a ordinance_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n do_v mutual_o inflame_v and_o enkindle_v one_o another_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n seize_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o final_o that_o if_o the_o office_n of_o our_o liturgy_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o much_o indispose_v and_o very_o poor_o qualify_v for_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n chap._n x._o of_o zeal_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o good_a work_n and_o now_o let_v not_o any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o advance_v the_o illumination_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o knock_v off_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o raise_v he_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v above_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o life_n to_o scatter_v those_o lazy_a fog_n and_o mist_n which_o hang_v upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o enrich_v he_o with_o heroic_a virtue_n let_v no_o man_n i_o say_v fancy_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v all_o this_o that_o after_o all_o my_o perfect_a man_n may_v sit_v down_o like_o a_o epicurean_a god_n and_o enjoy_v himself_o may_v talk_v fine_o of_o solitary_a shade_n and_o garden_n and_o spend_v a_o precious_a life_n fit_v for_o the_o noble_a design_n in_o a_o sluggish_a retirement_n no_o no_o as_o virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o human_a life_n so_o be_v action_n the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o zeal_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o action_n which_o i_o require_v in_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n according_o the_o scripture_n describe_v this_o great_a this_o happy_a man_n as_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n such_o a_o one_o be_v moses_n mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o egyptian_n such_o a_o one_o be_v st._n stephen_n as_o full_a of_o a_o divine_a ardour_n and_o irresistible_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n as_o of_o a_o irresistible_a wisdom_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o excellent_a cornelius_n a_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o have_v transfuse_v and_o derive_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o bosom_n throughout_o his_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o friend_n too_o one_o that_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v instance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o all_o other_o the_o victory_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o charity_n the_o constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o hope_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n need_v i_o here_o distinguish_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o faction_n the_o cruelty_n of_o superstition_n from_o the_o wakeful_a and_o indefatigable_a activity_n of_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n from_o the_o unruly_a heat_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o from_o the_o implacable_a fury_n of_o revenge_n it_o need_v not_o no_o foolish_a no_o false_a fantastic_a earthly_a or_o devilish_a principle_n can_v counterfeit_v a_o divine_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o shine_v with_o such_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n with_o such_o a_o heavenly_a majesty_n and_o sweetness_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v imitate_v it_o it_o be_v always_o pursue_v good_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n it_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o it_o contend_v as_o earnest_o too_o to_o root_v out_o wickedness_n and_o implant_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o eager_a for_o the_o article_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o unconcern_v for_o catholic_n once_o when_o it_o press_v for_o reformation_n it_o begin_v at_o home_n and_o set_v a_o bright_a example_n of_o what_o it_o will_v recommend_v to_o other_o it_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a under_o its_o own_o affront_v but_o warm_a and_o bold_a against_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n though_o love_n fill_v its_o sail_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n give_v it_o ballast_n and_o it_o have_v no_o heat_n but_o what_o be_v temper_v and_o refract_v by_o charity_n and_o humility_n need_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n fix_v or_o state_n the_o various_a degree_n of_o zeal_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ardent_a thirst_n of_o promote_a the_o divine_a glory_n by_o the_o best_a work_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o more_o excellent_a the_o work_n and_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v the_o more_o perfect_a the_o more_o exalt_v the_o zeal_n that_o perform_v it_o when_o like_o mary_n we_o quit_v the_o cumber_n and_o distraction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o choose_v religion_n for_o our_o portion_n then_o do_v we_o love_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n when_o with_o the_o disciple_n we_o can_v say_v lord_n we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v so_o when_o we_o be_v continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n when_o if_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n church_n require_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v nothing_o our_o own_o when_o we_o be_v prepare_v if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o to_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n when_o nothing_o be_v dear_a nothing_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o god_n and_o holiness_n then_o have_v we_o reach_v the_o height_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o word_n zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n make_v perfect_a in_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v see_v it_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n we_o must_v contemplate_v it_o in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o heroick_n love_n how_o boundless_a be_v his_o love_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o how_o transcendent_a when_o a_o world_n of_o enemy_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o how_o indefatigable_a be_v his_o zeal_n how_o wakeful_a how_o meek_a how_o humble_a how_o firm_a and_o resolve_v his_o labour_n and_o travel_n his_o self-denial_n prayer_n and_o tear_n his_o silence_n and_o patience_n his_o agony_n and_o blood_n and_o charitable_a prayer_n pour_v out_o with_o it_o for_o his_o persecutor_n instruct_v we_o full_o what_o divine_a love_n what_o divine_a zeal_n be_v and_o now_o even_o at_o this_o time_n love_n reign_v in_o he_o as_o he_o reign_v in_o heaven_n love_n be_v still_o the_o predominant_a the_o darling_n passion_n of_o his_o soul_n worthy_a be_v thou_o o_o jesus_n to_o receive_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o dominion_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o thy_o father_n on_o his_o throne_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n because_o thou_o have_v love_v because_o thou_o have_v be_v zealous_a unto_o death_n because_o thou_o have_v overcome_v some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o have_v follow_v thy_o bright_a example_n though_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n first_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n next_o those_o belove_v and_o admire_v prince_n who_o have_v govern_v their_o kingdom_n in_o righteousness_n to_o who_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v far_o dear_a than_o pleasure_n than_o empire_n than_o absolute_a power_n or_o that_o ominous_a blaze_n that_o be_v now_o call_v glory_n and_o next_o follow_v hold_v this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o angel_n they_o must_v marshal_v the_o field_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o end_n
of_o all_o thing_n o_o my_o god_n may_v i_o at_o least_o be_v one_o to_o fill_v the_o train_n of_o this_o triumphant_a procession_n in_o that_o bless_a day_n when_o thou_o shall_v crown_v the_o zeal_n and_o patience_n of_o thy_o saint_n thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o zeal_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o kindle_v it_o in_o every_o breast_n by_o some_o few_o consideration_n which_o will_v at_o once_o evince_n the_o necessity_n and_o declare_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o 1._o our_o own_o security_n and_o happiness_n demand_v of_o we_o a_o zeal_n fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n 2._o it_o be_v indispensable_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o it_o minister_v most_o effectual_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1._o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o without_o this_o we_o reject_v on_o at_o least_o frustrate_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v for_o this_o christ_n die_v that_o he_o may_v purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o election_n god_n have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n eph._n 1.4_o which_o be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o eph._n 2.10_o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o good_a work_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o ver_fw-la mind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n god_n impart_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o for_o this_o end_n he_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v our_o nature_n we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n immediate_o aim_v at_o first_o godliness_n then_o life_n first_o virtue_n then_o glory_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o narrative_a of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o his_o apostle_n in_o almost_o innumerable_a place_n have_v with_o great_a power_n and_o great_a earnestness_n inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n that_o immortality_n and_o glory_n be_v the_o portion_n not_o of_o knowledge_n but_o patience_n and_o charity_n not_o of_o a_o orthodox_n belief_n and_o specious_a pretention_n but_o of_o righteousness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o incorruptible_a the_o never-fading_a crown_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n or_o if_o man_n will_v be_v judge_v by_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o the_o language_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o matter_n at_o all_o since_o faith_n itself_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o its_o work_n and_o as_o a_o happy_a eternity_n depend_v upon_o our_o zeal_n so_o nothing_o else_o can_v give_v we_o any_o comfortable_a any_o rational_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v zeal_n that_o be_v the_o only_a unquestionable_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o fruit_n which_o alone_o can_v evidence_n the_o life_n and_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o yea_o a_o man_n may_v say_v thou_o have_v faith_n and_o i_o have_v work_n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n jam._n 2.18_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a do_v thou_o believe_v in_o jesus_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o deny_v thyself_o take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v do_v thou_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v why_o do_v thou_o not_o work_v out_o thy_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a why_o do_v thou_o not_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n that_o thou_o may_v lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o lie_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n nor_o be_v good_a work_v less_o necessary_a to_o prove_v our_o love_n than_o faith_n certain_o if_o we_o love_v holiness_n if_o we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n we_o shall_v never_o live_v in_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o strong_a passion_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o refuse_v to_o gratify_v a_o inclination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o fervent_a in_o we_o but_o its_o gratification_n will_v procure_v we_o eternal_a reward_n too_o certain_o if_o we_o love_v god_n we_o can_v but_o seek_v his_o glory_n we_o can_v but_o be_v desirous_a to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o if_o so_o do_v we_o know_v any_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o good_a work_n do_v we_o know_v any_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o more_o than_o zeal_n do_v we_o love_v the_o b._n jesus_n be_v not_o good_a work_v the_o very_a test_n of_o this_o love_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o commandment_n joh._n 14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 15.14_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n constrain_v we_o what_o to_o do_v to_o live_v not_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o that_o die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o 2_o cor._n 5.15_o what_o other_o return_v can_v we_o make_v to_o jesus_n what_o other_o way_n can_v we_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o himself_o need_v our_o ministry_n nor_o want_v our_o service_n and_o charity_n but_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o do_v it_o to_o one_o of_o these_o my_o little_a one_o you_o have_v do_v it_o to_o i_o matt._n 25.40_o 2._o our_o zeal_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o other_o do_v we_o regard_v our_o neighbour_n eternal_a interest_n it_o be_v zeal_n repress_n sin_n and_o propagate_v righteousness_n it_o be_v zeal_n defend_v the_o faith_n and_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o error_n it_o be_v zeal_n convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o build_v up_o the_o believer_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a quicken_v the_o lukewarm_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a and_o inflame_v the_o good_a with_o a_o holy_a emulation_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o baffle_v all_o objection_n refute_v all_o calumny_n and_o vanquish_v all_o opposition_n raise_v against_o religion_n and_o oppress_v its_o enemy_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n zeal_n and_o zeal_n alone_o that_o can_v make_v religion_n appear_v lovely_a and_o delightful_a and_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o it_o for_o this_o alone_a can_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n for_o it_o render_v virtue_n more_o conspicuous_a more_o take_v in_o life_n and_o example_n than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o precept_n and_o description_n of_o word_n nor_o be_v zeal_n less_o serviceable_a to_o the_o temporal_a that_o eternal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n when_o god_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o virtue_n too_o and_o when_o he_o form_v man_n he_o weave_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n into_o his_o very_a nature_n how_o necessary_a be_v justice_n to_o poor_a creature_n who_o lie_v so_o open_a to_o wrong_n and_o injury_n how_o indispensable_a be_v charity_n or_o generosity_n to_o these_o who_o be_v expose_v to_o so_o many_o accident_n to_o so_o many_o want_v to_o such_o a_o viscissitude_n of_o fortune_n and_o be_v all_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o folly_n and_o infirmity_n to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o fancy_n how_o strong_a must_v be_v our_o obligation_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n patience_n and_o gentleness_n in_o a_o word_n sin_n and_o misery_n abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n to_o balance_v the_o one_o and_o â—o_o relieve_v and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o other_o life_n will_v be_v intolerable_a so_o that_o reveal_v and_o natural_a religion_n do_v necessary_o terminate_v and_o centre_n in_o a_o zeal_n for_o good_a work_n as_o their_o ultimate_a end_n and_o utmost_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o rule_v of_o our_o saviour_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o be_v a_o abstract_n not_o only_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o of_o the_o code_n of_o nature_n too_o and_o this_o single_a principle_n if_o sincere_o pursue_v
aside_o the_o natural_a right_n which_o he_o have_v over_o he_o as_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o transact_v with_o he_o as_o free_v and_o master_n of_o himself_o but_o this_o be_v all_o infinite_a condescension_n second_o it_o seem_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o bereave_v man_n of_o the_o life_n and_o happiness_n he_o have_v once_o confer_v upon_o he_o unless_o he_o forfeit_v it_o by_o some_o demerit_n the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v how_o death_n which_o have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o it_o can_v have_v enter_v the_o world_n if_o sin_n have_v not_o enter_v it_o first_o in_o this_o sense_n unsinning_a obedience_n give_v a_o kind_n of_o right_a to_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v at_o first_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n last_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v once_o establish_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o sin_n forfeit_v life_n so_o obedience_n must_v give_v a_o right_a to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o penitent_n can_v not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o that_o commit_v no_o sin_n will_v need_v no_o pardon_n but_o then_o life_n itself_o and_o a_o ability_n to_o work_v righteousness_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o grace_n antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v whereof_o to_o boast_v comparative_o with_o respect_n to_o other_o who_o fall_v but_o not_o before_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v man_n have_v nothing_o to_o render_v to_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o which_o be_v no_o very_o good_a foundation_n for_o merit_n but_o suppose_v he_o absolute_a master_n of_o himself_o suppose_v he_o hold_v all_o thing_n independent_a of_o god_n can_v the_o service_n of_o a_o few_o day_n merit_v immortality_n and_o glory_n angelical_a perfection_n and_o a_o crown_n he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o vanity_n and_o presumption_n that_o dare_v affirm_v this_o 3._o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_n not_o his_o interest_n we_o promote_v by_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n be_v impotence_n and_o want_n the_o prince_n want_v the_o service_n and_o tribute_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o subject_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o rich_a need_v the_o ministry_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a support_n and_o maintenance_n from_o the_o rich._n and_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o imaginary_a as_o well_o as_o real_a want_v the_o luxury_n and_o pleasure_n of_o one_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o support_v by_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o other_o and_o the_o pomp_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v subsist_v but_o on_o the_o servitude_n of_o the_o other_o in_o these_o case_n therefore_o mutual_a want_n create_v mutual_a right_n and_o mutual_a merit_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o want_v or_o necessity_n nor_o be_v his_o glory_n or_o happiness_n capable_a of_o diminution_n or_o increase_n he_o be_v a_o monarch_n that_o need_v no_o tribute_n to_o support_v his_o grandeur_n nor_o any_o strength_n or_o power_n beside_o his_o own_o to_o guard_v his_o throne_n if_o we_o revolt_v or_o rebel_n we_o can_v injure_v he_o if_o we_o be_v loyal_a and_o obedient_a we_o can_v profit_v he_o he_o have_v all_o fullness_n all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a god_n but_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a though_o god_n have_v no_o want_n we_o have_v many_o and_o though_o his_o majesty_n and_o felicity_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o vicissitude_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o our_o service_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o our_o obedience_n be_v design_v to_o procure_v our_o own_o advantage_n we_o need_v we_o daily_o need_v his_o support_n and_o protection_n we_o depend_v entire_o on_o his_o favour_n and_o patronage_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n we_o derive_v all_o the_o stream_n of_o good_a by_o which_o we_o be_v refresh_v and_o improve_v to_o know_v and_o love_v he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o our_o happiness_n and_o security_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o our_o perfection_n and_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v he_o will_v be_v our_o heaven_n and_o those_o glimpse_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o we_o be_v vouchsafe_v through_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o pledge_n and_o foretaste_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a voice_n of_o scripture_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o will_v i_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o unto_o he_o thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n job_n 35.7_o 8._o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n though_o i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n that_o be_v the_o remove_n the_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n yet_o i_o easy_o foresee_v there_o may_v be_v some_o which_o will_v not_o be_v reduce_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o forego_n head_n for_o these_o therefore_o i_o reserve_v this_o place_n these_o be_v five_o 1._o too_o easy_a and_o loose_a a_o notion_n of_o religion_n 2._o a_o opinion_n that_o perfection_n be_v not_o attainable_a 3._o that_o religion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n 4._o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o than_o will_v consist_v with_o perfection_n 5._o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n §_o 1._o some_o seem_v to_o have_v entertain_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o moderation_n here_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o where_o else_o they_o look_v upon_o zeal_n as_o as_o a_o excess_n of_o righteousness_n and_o can_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o want_v degree_n of_o glory_n if_o they_o can_v but_o save_v their_o soul_n to_o which_o end_n they_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o perfection_n now_o i_o will_v beseech_v such_o serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n of_o no_o common_a importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n they_o form_n to_o themselves_o of_o religion_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v alter_v by_o their_o fancy_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v mock_v or_o impose_v on_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v sincere_o with_o ourselves_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o certain_o behoove_v we_o to_o do_v we_o must_v frame_v our_o idea_n of_o religion_n not_o from_o the_o opinion_n the_o manner_n or_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v not_o interpret_v these_o by_o our_o own_o inclination_n but_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o duty_n they_o prescribe_v by_o those_o description_n of_o they_o by_o those_o property_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o find_v there_o we_o must_v weigh_v the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o see_v how_o our_o platform_n or_o model_n of_o religion_n suit_n with_o it_o and_o if_o after_o we_o have_v do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o part_n vice_n and_o virtue_n it_o can_v but_o be_v safe_a for_o we_o to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o remember_v too_o that_o the_o repeat_v exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o diligence_n and_o that_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o indefatigable_a to_o vigilance_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v to_o patience_n to_o steadfastness_n and_o suchlike_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o easy_a lazy_a gentile_a religion_n that_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o fair_a and_o full_a comment_n on_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o never_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o a_o corrupt_a world_n but_o of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o the_o best_a age_n this_o this_o one_o thing_n alone_o will_v convince_v
never_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o any_o but_o some_o few_o rare_a and_o happy_a creature_n the_o favourite_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n pleasure_n that_o have_v matter_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o for_o such_o as_o i_o can_v no_o more_o grasp_v and_o relish_v than_o i_o can_v dream_n and_o vision_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v this_o pretty_a talk_n be_v all_o but_o stupid_a ignorance_n and_o gross_a mistake_v for_o 1._o as_o to_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a pleasure_n no_o man_n needs_o part_n with_o it_o i_o endeavour_v not_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o this_o but_o to_o refine_v and_o purify_v it_o and_o he_o that_o prefer_v either_o silly_a or_o vicious_a pleasure_n before_o religion_n be_v wretched_o mistake_v for_o 2._o perfect_a religion_n be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n have_v we_o but_o once_o arrive_v at_o true_a purity_n of_o heart_n what_o can_v be_v so_o full_a of_o pleasure_n as_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o delightful_a than_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n to_o a_o grateful_a soul_n allelujah_n to_o a_o soul_n snatch_v from_o the_o brink_n of_o destruction_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o its_o master_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o the_o melt_a tenderness_n of_o a_o holy_a contrition_n make_v up_o like_o mary_n magdalen_n of_o tear_n and_o kiss_n sorrow_n and_o love_n humility_n and_o glory_n confusion_n and_o confidence_n shame_n and_o joy_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o love_n the_o love_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v all_o love_n as_o god_n be_v love_n when_o he_o desire_v nothing_o in_o heaven_n nor_o on_o earth_n but_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v dung_n and_o dross_n to_o he_o in_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n 4._o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o transport_v than_o those_o of_o religion_n it_o be_v because_o our_o faith_n be_v weak_a our_o love_n imperfect_a and_o our_o life_n unsteady_a a_o constant_a and_o exalt_a pleasure_n be_v i_o grant_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n alone_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reign_v no_o where_o but_o where_o that_o zeal_n and_o love_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n reign_v too_o i_o have_v once_o propose_v to_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o here_o but_o this_o labour_n be_v prevent_v for_o they_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o chapter_n of_o zeal_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n last_o what_o be_v insinuate_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o numerous_a or_o obvious_a than_o those_o of_o religion_n be_v altogether_o a_o false_a and_o groundless_a fancy_n in_o every_o place_n and_o in_o every_o state_n do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n wait_v upon_o the_o perfect_a man._n they_o depend_v not_o like_o those_o of_o the_o body_n on_o a_o thousand_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n but_o only_o on_o god_n and_o our_o own_o integrity_n but_o this_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v i_o think_v for_o ever_o baffle_v sect._n 1_o chap._n 4._o these_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n be_v thus_o remove_v and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o happiness_n that_o result_v from_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o obligation_n to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n which_o obstruct_v his_o way_n to_o it_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o now_o leave_v to_o disappoint_v the_o success_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o somewhat_o too_o much_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n or_o somewhat_o too_o much_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n which_o i_o be_o next_o though_o but_o very_o brief_o to_o consider_v §_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o either_o for_o the_o matter_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o criminal_a enough_o to_o destroy_v our_o sincerity_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yet_o be_v it_o strong_a enough_o to_o abate_v our_o vigour_n hinder_v our_o perfection_n and_o bereave_v we_o of_o many_o degree_n of_o pleasure_n at_o present_a and_o glory_n hereafter_o the_o indication_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v too_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n too_o much_o exactness_n in_o the_o mode_n and_o custom_n of_o it_o too_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n pre-eminence_n and_o praise_n too_o much_o have_v and_o too_o much_o industry_n to_o grow_v rich_a to_o add_v house_n to_o house_n land_n to_o land_n and_o to_o clothe_v ourselves_o with_o thick_a and_o heavy_a clay_n too_o brisk_a a_o relish_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n too_o great_a a_o gaiety_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o success_n too_o much_o dejection_n upon_o the_o disaster_n and_o disappointment_n of_o it_o too_o much_o care_n and_o too_o much_o diligence_n a_o encumbr_n and_o embroil_v one_o self_n too_o far_o in_o worldly_a affair_n too_o much_o diversion_n too_o much_o ease_n these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o symptom_n of_o a_o mind_n taint_v with_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o sickness_n and_o death_n however_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o check_v the_o vigour_n and_o dilute_v the_o relish_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o the_o only_a way_n to_o overcome_v this_o defect_n and_o to_o captivate_v the_o mind_n entire_o to_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o reward_n of_o perfection_n the_o pleasure_n that_o will_v attend_v it_o in_o another_o life_n have_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n do_v this_o have_v he_o have_v as_o lively_a a_o notion_n and_o as_o true_a a_o estimate_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o eternity_n as_o he_o have_v of_o temporal_a one_o he_o will_v never_o have_v go_v away_o sorrowful_a when_o he_o be_v advise_v to_o have_v exchange_v the_o treasure_n of_o earth_n for_o those_o of_o heaven_n have_v the_o soul_n of_o martha_n be_v as_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o eternity_n as_o that_o of_o mary_n she_o will_v have_v make_v the_o same_o choice_n as_o she_o do_v they_o who_o often_o think_v how_o soon_o the_o fashion_n the_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o how_o much_o better_o their_o heavenly_a country_n be_v than_o their_o earthly_a how_o much_o more_o last_a and_o how_o much_o more_o glorious_a the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o city_n that_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n than_o this_o city_n of_o we_o which_o may_v be_v overthrow_v in_o a_o moment_n will_v neither_o weep_v nor_o rejoice_v with_o too_o much_o passion_n neither_o buy_v nor_o possess_v with_o too_o much_o application_n of_o mind_n in_o one_o word_n he_o that_o so_o often_o and_o devout_o think_v of_o that_o day_n wherein_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v and_o we_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o he_o come_v to_o love_v and_o long_a for_o it_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v no_o great_a taste_n of_o the_o honour_n or_o the_o pleasure_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o life_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v slothful_a or_o remiss_a but_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n whatever_o degree_n of_o affection_n he_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n they_o will_v all_o vanish_v he_o will_v have_v no_o emulation_n but_o for_o good_a work_n no_o ambition_n but_o for_o glory_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v eternal_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o will_v he_o lay_v out_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o this_o he_o will_v retrench_v his_o profit_n for_o this_o he_o will_v deny_v his_o pleasure_n for_o this_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v obscure_a mean_v and_o laborious_a for_o if_o the_o world_n be_v once_o crucify_v to_o he_o he_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o bear_v the_o be_v crucify_v to_o it_o §_o 5._o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o the_o flesh_n against_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o guard_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o struggle_v hearty_o we_o shall_v miscarry_v the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a say_v our_o saviour_n but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a without_o much_o care_n and_o much_o watchfulness_n the_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v relax_v the_o exultation_n of_o our_o spirit_n will_v flag_n and_o droop_v and_o we_o shall_v soon_o loose_v the_o relish_v there_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n against_o this_o frailty_n and_o fickleness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v two_o first_o godly_a fear_n and_o this_o the_o purity_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o strictness_n and_o the_o impartiality_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n the_o terror_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n the_o