into_o mere_a brute_n have_v this_o mental_a and_o intellectual_a love_n to_o goodness_n that_o be_v they_o approve_v and_o like_o it_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_v practice_v it_o also_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o prevalent_a bias_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v likewise_o that_o the_o same_o may_v approve_v and_o respect_v good_a man_n they_o may_v reverence_v and_o love_v they_o for_o their_o charity_n humility_n justice_n and_o temperance_n though_o themselves_o be_v person_n of_o the_o contrary_a character_n yea_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a and_o ardent_a affection_n for_o those_o that_o be_v eminent_o pious_a and_o devout_a though_o they_o be_v very_o irreligious_a themselves_o the_o conscience_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n may_v produce_v this_o in_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o vile_a inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o good_a mark_n of_o godliness_n our_o love_n to_o god_n &_o goodness_n will_v not_o stead_v we_o except_o it_o be_v prevalent_a and_o as_o the_o love_n describe_v may_v be_v natural_a and_o a_o mere_a animal_n man_n may_v arrive_v unto_o it_o so_o 2._o he_o may_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a zeal_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o love_n hot_a temper_n be_v eager_a where_o they_o take_v either_o kindness_n or_o displeasure_n the_o natural_a man_n that_o have_v a_o animal_n love_v to_o religion_n may_v be_v violent_a in_o speak_v and_o act_v for_o thing_n appertain_v to_o it_o if_o his_o temper_n be_v devotional_a and_o passionate_a he_o become_v a_o mighty_a zealot_n and_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o the_o fame_n of_o his_o godliness_n his_o natural_a fire_n move_v this_o way_n and_o make_v a_o mighty_a blaze_n ahab_n be_v very_o zealous_a &_o it_o be_v like_a it_o be_v not_o only_o his_o own_o interest_n that_o make_v he_o so_o 2_o king_n 10._o 16._o the_o pharirisee_n be_v zealous_a people_n and_o certain_o their_o zeal_n be_v not_o always_o personate_v and_o put_v on_o but_o real_a though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o many_o thing_n deceive_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o tradition_n and_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o be_v so_o st._n paul_n while_o a_o persecutor_n be_v zealous_a against_o the_o disciple_n and_o he_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o that_o name_n and_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o those_o zealous_a murderer_n that_o shall_v kill_v his_o saint_n shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o it_o john_n 16._o 2._o so_o that_o all_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o feign_v and_o act_v of_o a_o part_n nor_o have_v it_o always_o evil_a object_n the_o pharisee_n be_v zealous_a against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n zeal_n and_o that_o in_o earnest_n and_o for_o religion_n may_v be_v in_o bad_a man_n but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v common_o about_o opinion_n or_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o appertain_v to_o first_o table_n duty_n while_o usual_o the_o same_o man_n be_v very_o cold_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o and_o when_o zeal_n be_v partial_a and_o spend_v about_o the_o little_a thing_n that_o tend_v not_o to_o the_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n or_o the_o perfect_a of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a animal_n fervour_n and_o no_o divine_a fire_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n the_o seeker_n that_o shall_v not_o enter_v may_v grow_v up_o to_o another_o height_n that_o look_v glerious_o and_o seem_v to_o speak_v mighty_a thing_n as_o 3._o he_o may_v have_v great_a comfort_n in_o religious_a meditation_n and_o that_o even_o to_o rapturous_a excess_n he_o may_v take_v these_o for_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o earnest_n of_o glory_n and_o be_v lift_v up_o on_o high_a by_o they_o and_o enable_v to_o speak_v in_o wonderful_a ravish_a strain_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o evil_a man_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o for_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o who_o complexion_n incline_v they_o to_o devotion_n be_v common_o much_o under_o the_o power_n of_o melancholy_n and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o be_v most_o very_a varius_fw-la in_o their_o temper_n fometimes_o merry_a and_o pleasant_a to_o excess_n and_o then_o plunge_v as_o deep_a into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o sadness_n and_o dejection_n one_o while_o the_o sweet_a humour_n enliven_v the_o imagination_n and_o present_v it_o with_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a and_o then_o the_o black_a blood_n succeed_v which_o beget_v cloud_n and_o darkness_n and_o fill_v the_o fancy_n with_o thing_n frightful_a and_o uncomfortable_a and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o but_o feel_v such_o variety_n in_o a_o degree_n in_o themselves_o now_o while_o the_o sweet_a blood_n and_o humour_n prevail_v the_o person_n who_o complexion_n incline_v he_o to_o religion_n and_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o degree_n new_o discourse_v of_o though_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n be_v full_a of_o inward_a delight_n and_o satisfactionâ—_n and_o fancy_n at_o this_o turn_n that_o he_o be_v much_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o sure_a heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n which_o must_v needs_o excite_v in_o he_o many_o luscious_a and_o pleasant_a thought_n and_o these_o further_o warm_v his_o imagination_n which_o by_o new_a and_o take_v suggestion_n still_o raise_v the_o affection_n more_o and_o so_o the_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v transport_v beyond_o himself_o and_o speak_v like_o one_o drop_v from_o the_o cloud_n his_o tongue_n flow_v with_o light_n and_o glory_n and_o communion_n and_o revelation_n and_o income_n and_o then_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o this_o and_o that_o god_n be_v in_o he_o of_o a_o truth_n in_o a_o special_a way_n of_o manifestation_n and_o vouchsafement_n but_o when_o melancholic_a vapour_n prevail_v again_o the_o imagination_n be_v overcast_v and_o the_o fancy_n possess_v by_o dismal_a and_o uncomfortable_a thought_n and_o the_o man_n who_o head_n be_v but_o just_a before_o among_o the_o cloud_n be_v now_o grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n he_o think_v all_o be_v lose_v and_o his_o condition_n miserable_a he_o be_v a_o castaway_n and_o undo_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n as_o to_o divine_a favour_n he_o be_v just_a where_o he_o be_v before_o or_o rather_o in_o a_o better_a state_n since_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v humble_v with_o reason_n then_o to_o be_v lift_v up_o without_o it_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o do_v mere_a naturalpassion_n and_o imagination_n produce_v when_o they_o be_v tincture_v and_o heighten_v by_o religious_a melancholy_n to_o deny_v one_o self_n and_o to_o overcome_v one_o passion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o a_o sober_a virtue_n be_v much_o more_o divine_a than_o all_o this_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o i_o be_o far_o from_o deny_v it_o that_o holy_a man_n feel_v those_o joy_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v no_o fancy_n and_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o great_a peace_n psal._n 119._o 165._o and_o joy_n in_o believe_v rom._n 15._o 13._o and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n that_o pass_v all_o understanding_n phil._n 4._o 7._o but_o then_o these_o divine_a vouchsafement_n be_v not_o rapturous_a or_o ecstatical_a they_o be_v no_o sudden_a flash_n that_o be_v go_v in_o a_o moment_n leave_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o region_n of_o sorrow_n and_o despair_n but_o sober_a last_a comfort_n that_o be_v the_o reward_n be_v and_o result_v of_o virtue_n the_o rejoice_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o those_o rare_a soul_n who_o have_v overcome_v the_o evil_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n or_o be_v vigorous_o press_v on_o towards_o the_o mark_n phil._n 3._o 14._o but_o for_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n i_o have_v mention_v while_o the_o evil_a inclination_n and_o habit_n be_v indulge_v whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v all_o the_o sweet_n they_o talk_v of_o be_v but_o the_o imagery_n of_o dream_n and_o the_o pleasant_a delusion_n of_o their_o fancy_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v how_o far_o the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n may_v go_v in_o imperfect_a strive_v and_o now_o i_o must_v expect_v to_o hear_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v very_o severe_a uncomfortable_a doctrine_n and_o if_o one_o that_o shall_v eventual_o be_v shut_v out_o may_v do_v all_o this_o what_o shall_v become_v
nobleness_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a spirit_n command_v inward_a veneration_n and_o have_v a_o large_a empire_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n knowledge_n be_v a_o beam_n of_o the_o celestial_a light_n and_o virtue_n a_o branch_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n great_a excellency_n in_o themselves_o and_o true_a accomplishment_n of_o humane_a na_n ure_n in_o both_o your_o lordship_n have_v outdo_v your_o few_o year_n and_o give_v a_o pattern_n to_o young_a nobleman_n how_o to_o employ_v their_o youth_n honourable_o and_o become_o to_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o quality_n and_o family_n and_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o glory_n but_o my_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o perfection_n beyond_o these_o or_o more_o proper_o it_o be_v the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v religion_n this_o make_v honourable_a in_o both_o world_n and_o enter_v those_o that_o be_v true_o possess_v of_o it_o among_o the_o nobility_n of_o god_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o lordship_n have_v take_v care_n to_o season_v your_o active_a and_o considerate_a youth_n with_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o best_a accomplishment_n such_o a_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n to_o our_o maker_n be_v most_o just_a in_o itself_o most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v most_o comfortable_a to_o the_o person_n that_o make_v the_o offer_n your_o lordship_n be_v by_o the_o bounty_n of_o providence_n encircle_v with_o all_o circumstance_n of_o earthly_a felicity_n piety_n and_o a_o religious_a life_n will_v procure_v the_o divine_a favour_n bless_v all_o your_o enjoyment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o assure_v infinite_o better_o in_o another_o there_o dwell_v our_o happiness_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o way_n to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o little_a book_n with_o which_o i_o here_o humble_o present_v your_o lordship_n if_o it_o may_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o your_o service_n in_o these_o high_a concern_v it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n jos._n glanvil_n the_o preface_n this_o discourse_n be_v first_o print_v about_o six_o year_n ago_o since_o which_o time_n it_o have_v the_o fortune_n of_o a_o steal_a edition_n in_o scotland_n the_o occasion_n of_o its_o publication_n be_v this_o i_o be_v desire_v to_o preach_v at_o a_o neighbour-city_n recollect_v the_o last_o sermon_n i_o have_v deliver_v to_o my_o own_o people_n and_o make_v use_v of_o that_o some_o of_o the_o hearer_n that_o think_v themselves_o fit_a judge_n misapprehend_v my_o meaning_n in_o divers_a thing_n and_o past_a sentence_n upon_o their_o own_o mistake_n as_o i_o this_o induce_v i_o to_o transcribe_v it_o out_o of_o my_o memory_n which_o i_o do_v while_o it_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o my_o mind_n exact_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n though_o possible_o with_o some_o small_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o word_n and_o with_o some_o addition_n at_o the_o end_n the_o copy_n be_v accidental_o see_v by_o a_o near_a relation_n who_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v publish_v which_o i_o permit_v and_o do_v it_o now_o again_o at_o my_o bookseller_n instance_n luke_n 12._o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a the_o way_n of_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n our_o saviour_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o certainty_n of_o its_o principle_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o duty_n the_o greatness_n of_o its_o end_n the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o mean_n the_o glory_n of_o its_o reward_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o punishment_n i_o say_v when_o i_o consider_v these_o and_o then_o look_v upon_o man_n as_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n apprehensive_a of_o duty_n and_o interest_n and_o apt_a to_o be_v move_v by_o hope_n and_o fear_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_n and_o be_v astonish_v to_o think_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o man_n shall_v final_o miscarry_v and_o be_v undo_v it_o be_v possible_a some_o such_o consideration_n may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o question_n propound_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o forego_v the_o text._n lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v god_n be_v love_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v his_o and_o man_n a_o noble_a sort_n he_o be_v the_o lover_n of_o man_n and_o thou_o be_v redeemer_n of_o man_n and_o though_o man_n have_v offend_v yet_o god_n be_v propense_a to_o pardon_v and_o in_o thou_o he_o be_v reconcile_v he_o be_v desirous_a of_o our_o happiness_n and_o thou_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o offer_v and_o promote_v it_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v powerful_a and_o ready_a to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n we_o be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o we_o seek_v it_o and_o lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v the_o text_n be_v christ_n return_n to_o the_o question_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v three_o thing_n ay_o a_o answer_v imply_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n two_o a_o duty_n express_v strive_v to_o enter_v iii_o a_o consideration_n to_o engage_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o duty_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o gate_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o entrance_n and_o all_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v religion_n by_o the_o straightness_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n we_o be_v to_o encounter_v by_o strive_v earnest_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n by_o seek_v a_o imperfect_a strive_n and_o from_o the_o word_n thus_o brief_o explain_v these_o proposition_n offer_v themselves_o to_o onr_a consideration_n i._o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n the_o gate_n be_v straight_o ii_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v by_o strive_v strive_v to_o enter_v iii_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o strive_v that_o will_v not_o procure_v a_o entrance_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o in_o order_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o it_o i_o premise_v this_o negative_a consideration_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o understanding_n religion_n be_v a_o plain_a thing_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v no_o deep_a subtlety_n or_o high-strained_a notion_n it_o be_v no_o gild_a fancy_n or_o elaborate_a exercise_n of_o the_o brain_n it_o be_v not_o place_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o imagination_n nor_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystical_a clothing_n but_o it_o be_v obvious_a and_o familiar_a easy_a and_o intelligible_a first_o preach_v by_o fisherman_n and_o mechanic_n without_o pomp_n of_o speech_n or_o height_n of_o speculation_n addreft_v to_o babe_n and_o plebeian_n head_n and_o intend_v to_o govern_v the_o will_n of_o the_o honest_a and_o sincere_a and_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o notional_a and_o curious_a so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o mount_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n to_o fetch_v religion_n from_o the_o star_n nor_o go_v down_o to_o the_o deep_a to_o fetch_v it_o up_o from_o thence_o for_o it_o be_v with_o we_o and_o before_o we_o as_o open_a as_o the_o day_n and_o as_o familiar_a as_o the_o light_n the_o great_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v clothe_v in_o sunbeam_n and_o be_v as_o visible_a to_o the_o common_a eye_n as_o to_o the_o eagle_n upon_o the_o high_a perch_n it_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o wit_n or_o subtlety_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n nor_o will_v it_o require_v much_o study_n or_o learned_a retirement_n to_o understand_v the_o religion_n we_o must_v practice_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a to_o the_o very_a heathen_a rom._n 1._o 19_o the_o law_n be_v light_a say_v solomon_n prov._n 6._o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o single_a pass_a glance_n on_o the_o eye_n but_o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o know_v he_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o our_o duty_n be_v set_v up_o in_o open_a place_n and_o shine_v upon_o by_o a_o clear_a beam_n it_o be_v write_v of_o old_a upon_o the_o plain_a table_n of_o habakkuk_n hab._n 2._o 2._o so_o that_o the_o run_a eye_n may_v see_v and_o read_v and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o h._n jesus_n like_o himself_o
creature_n that_o god_n give_v we_o and_o love_v they_o in_o their_o degree_n for_o the_o animal_n life_n may_v have_v its_o moderate_a gratification_n god_n make_v all_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o be_v and_o now_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o religion_n command_v we_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o col._n 3._o 2._o not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 15._o to_o be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o phil._n 4._o 6._o to_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o to_o morrow_n mat._n 6._o 34._o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o expression_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o the_o chief_a and_o first_o place_n and_o avoid_v the_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o worldly_a love_n and_o cares_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o burry_n of_o business_n and_o those_o passion_n that_o earthly_a engagement_n excite_v we_o consider_v not_o thing_n as_o we_o shall_v and_o so_o many_o time_n perceive_v not_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o permission_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o restraint_n where_o the_o allow_v measure_n end_n and_o the_o forbid_a degree_n commence_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o that_o care_n that_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n providence_n and_o cark_n and_o between_o that_o love_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o lawful_a and_o that_o which_o be_v extravagant_a and_o inordinate_a i_o say_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o hurry_n we_o be_v in_o amid_o business_n and_o worldly_a delight_n we_o many_o time_n perceive_v not_o our_o bound_n and_o so_o slide_v easy_o into_o earthly-mindedness_a and_o anxiety_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o who_o be_v engage_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n and_o who_o need_v it_o so_o much_o who_o converse_v so_o much_o with_o it_o and_o about_o it_o and_o who_o time_n and_o endeavour_n be_v so_o unavoidable_o take_v up_o by_o it_o i_o say_v it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o in_o such_o circumstance_n to_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n gal._n 6._o 14._o and_o to_o all_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o it_o to_o live_v above_o it_o and_o to_o settle_v our_o chief_a delight_n and_o care_n on_o thing_n at_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o which_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o our_o corrupt_a appetite_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o relish_v enjoyment_n of_o flesh_n which_o sense_n never_o see_v nor_o feel_v and_o which_o the_o imagination_n itself_o can_v never_o grasp_v this_o no_o doubt_n be_v hard_a exercise_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o on_o this_o account_n also_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a thus_o of_o the_o first_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o ii_o that_o those_o difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v by_o strive_v which_o import_v both_o the_o encouragement_n and_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o may_v be_v vanquish_v and_o how_o i._n that_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v subdue_v be_v clear_o enough_o employ_v in_o the_o precept_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v command_v to_o strive_v if_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o overcome_v god_n do_v not_o put_v his_o creature_n upon_o fruitless_a undertake_n he_o never_o require_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v therefore_o when_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v entreat_v for_o that_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a nation_n he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o prophet_n pray_v for_o they_o jer._n 7._o 16._o pray_v not_o for_o this_o people_n for_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o he_o will_v not_o be_v petition_v for_o that_o which_o he_o be_v determine_v not_o to_o grant_v he_o put_v not_o his_o creature_n upon_o any_o vain_a expectation_n and_o endeavour_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v they_o deceive_v themselves_o by_o fond_a dependence_n when_o one_o make_v this_o profession_n to_o our_o saviour_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o whithersoever_o thou_o go_v christ_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v expect_v from_o he_o no_o worldly_a honour_n or_o preferment_n no_o power_n or_o sensual_a pleasure_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o ordinary_a accommodation_n of_o life_n the_o fox_n have_v holes_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n luk._n 9_o 5_o 8._o he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o man_n that_o likely_a may_v look_v for_o these_o upon_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o jewish_a sense_n one_o that_o shall_v at_o last_o whatever_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v at_o present_a appear_v as_o a_o mighty_a and_o triumphant_a temporal_a monarch_n i_o say_v our_o saviour_n will_v not_o have_v the_o man_n follow_v he_o for_o that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o to_o bestow_v upon_o he_o since_o than_o that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o put_v we_o upon_o fruitless_a labour_n have_v command_v we_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o entrance_n may_v be_v procure_v into_o the_o gate_n by_o strive_v and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v the_o next_o thing_n in_o my_o method_n be_v to_o show_v how_o the_o manner_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o text_n and_o express_v in_o the_o proposition_n viz._n by_o strive_v and_o by_o this_o be_v mean_v a_o resolute_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n that_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o happiness_n they_o be_v three_o faith_n prayer_n and_o active_a endeavour_n 1._o faith_n be_v a_o chief_a instrument_n for_o the_o overcome_a the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o testimony_n divine_a faith_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o encouragement_n and_o mean_n for_o a_o victory_n over_o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n be_v these_o that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n that_o he_o will_v assist_v our_o weak_a endeavous_a by_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v reward_v we_o if_o we_o strive_v as_o we_o ought_v with_o immortal_a happiness_n in_o a_o world_n of_o endless_a glory_n by_o our_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v reconcile_v we_o be_v secure_v from_o those_o fear_n that_o may_v discourage_v our_o approach_n and_o endeavour_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o assistance_n all_o the_o objection_n against_o our_o strive_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o the_o disproportionate_a smallness_n of_o our_o strength_n be_v answer_v and_o from_o our_o believe_a eternal_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n we_o have_v a_o mighty_a motive_n to_o engage_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o contest_v with_o all_o difficulty_n that_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o it_o what_o satisfaction_n be_v there_o say_v the_o believer_n in_o the_o gratification_n of_o my_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o sense_n in_o comparison_n with_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o interest_n in_o his_o son_n what_o difficulty_n in_o my_o duty_n too_o great_a for_o divine_a aid_n what_o pain_n be_v we_o to_o undergo_v in_o the_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a way_n that_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o will_v not_o compensate_a what_o be_v it_o to_o deny_v a_o base_a inclination_n that_o will_v undo_v i_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o make_v and_o redeem_v i_o and_o to_o despise_v the_o little_a thing_n of_o present_a sense_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n trift_v pleasure_n for_o hallelujab_n what_o be_v it_o for_o i_o to_o set_v vigorous_o upon_o those_o passion_n that_o degrade_v my_o noble_a nature_n and_o make_v i_o a_o slave_n and_o a_o beast_n and_o will_v make_v i_o more_o vile_a and_o more_o miserable_a when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n to_o assist_v i_o why_o shall_v my_o noble_a faculty_n that_o be_v design_v for_o glorious_a end_n be_v lead_v into_o infamous_a practice_n by_o base_a usage_n and_o dishonourable_a custom_n what_o be_v the_o example_n of_o a_o wicked_a sensual_a wretched_a world_n to_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o all_o the_o army_n of_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o martyr_n what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v love_v more_o than_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o flesh_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v more_o of_o our_o time_n and_o care_n than_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o soul_n such_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o a_o mind_n that_o faith_n have_v awaken_v and_o by_o they_o it_o be_v prepare_v for_o vigorous_a strive_v so_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o and_o necessary_a to_o the_o other_o
be_v far_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o mere_a nature_n psal._n 147._o 10._o but_o be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o expression_n of_o grace_n in_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o so_o that_o a_o sincere_a and_o lowly-minded_n christian_a that_o talk_v of_o no_o immediate_a income_n or_o communication_n and_o perhaps_o dare_v not_o out_o of_o reverence_n trust_v to_o his_o own_o present_a conception_n in_o a_o work_n so_o solemn_a but_o use_v the_o help_n of_o some_o pious_a form_n of_o word_n suitable_a to_o his_o desire_n and_o want_n who_o be_v due_o sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o overcome_v they_o and_o be_v true_o and_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o the_o divine_a aid_n in_o order_n to_o it_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v assist_v by_o it_o while_o the_o other_o do_v all_o by_o mere_a nature_n and_o imitation_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v those_o spiritual_a aid_n which_o he_o never_o hearty_o desire_v nor_o intend_v to_o use_v this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o and_o safe_o say_v but_o for_o the_o controversy_n between_o form_n and_o conceive_a prayer_n which_o of_o they_o be_v absolute_o best_a i_o determine_v nothing_o of_o it_o here_o and_o indeed_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v alike_o indifferent_a and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o accept_v as_o they_o partake_v more_o or_o less_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n viz._n of_o faith_n humility_n and_o holy_a desire_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o a_o man_n may_v have_v these_o that_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o he_o may_v want_v they_o that_o take_v the_o other_o way_n and_o think_v himself_o in_o a_o dispensation_n much_o above_o it_o so_o that_o my_o business_n be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o one_o of_o these_o way_n of_o devotion_n against_o the_o other_o but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o height_n and_o vehemency_n of_o many_o warm_a people_n in_o their_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o supernatural_a or_o divine_a and_o consequent_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v no_o mark_n of_o godliness_n which_o i_o hope_v no_o one_o think_v i_o speak_v to_o discredit_v those_o pious_a ardour_n that_o be_v feel_v by_o real_o devout_a soul_n when_o a_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n do_v even_o sometime_o transport_v they_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o design_n any_o thing_n so_o impious_a my_o aim_n be_v only_o to_o note_v that_o there_o be_v complexional_a heat_n raise_v many_o time_n by_o fancy_n and_o self-admiration_n that_o look_v like_o these_o in_o person_n who_o real_o have_v little_a of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o they_o thus_o far_o also_o those_o may_v go_v that_o shall_v not_o enter_v i_o add_v iii_o a_o man_n may_v endeavour_v somewhat_o and_o strive_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o yet_o his_o work_n may_v miscarry_v and_o himself_o with_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o evil_a man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o vileness_n and_o that_o even_o to_o anguish_n and_o torment_n the_o gentile_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o 14._o which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o conscience_n often_o sting_n and_o disquiet_v the_o vile_a sinner_n and_o sometime_o extort_v from_o they_o lamentable_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o earnest_a declamation_n against_o they_o they_o may_v weep_v bitter_o at_o their_o remembrance_n and_o be_v under_o great_a heaviness_n and_o dejection_n upon_o their_o occasion_n they_o may_v speak_v vehement_o against_o sin_n themselves_o and_o love_n to_o have_v other_o to_o handle_v it_o severe_o all_o this_o bad_a man_n may_v do_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o natural_a fear_n and_o self_n love_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o feature_n judgement_n and_o now_o such_o conviction_n will_v natural_o beget_v some_o endeavour_n a_o convince_a understanding_n will_v have_v some_o influence_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o mind_n in_o the_o unregenerate_a may_v lust_n against_o the_o flesh_n as_o that_o do_v against_o it_o so_o that_o 2._o such_o a_o mere_a animal_n man_n may_v promise_v and_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_v in_o some_o pretty_a considerable_a measure_n but_o then_o he_o go_v not_o on_o with_o full_a resolution_n but_o waver_v and_o stop_v and_o turn_v about_o again_o and_o let_v the_o law_n of_o the_o member_n that_o of_o death_n and_o sin_n to_o prevail_v over_o he_o his_o endeavour_n be_v remiss_a and_o consequent_o ineffectual_a it_o make_v no_o conquest_n and_o will_v not_o signify_v he_o sin_v on_o though_o with_o some_o regret_n and_o his_o very_a unwillingness_n to_o sin_n while_o he_o commit_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v that_o it_o aggravate_v his_o fault_n it_o argue_v that_o he_o sin_n against_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n and_o that_o sin_n be_v strong_a and_o reign_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7._o make_v such_o a_o description_n seem_o of_o himself_o as_o one_o may_v think_v conclude_v he_o under_o this_o state_n he_o say_v vers_fw-la 8._o that_o sin_n wrought_v in_o he_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n vers_fw-la 9_o that_o sin_n revive_v and_o he_o die_v vers_fw-la 14._o that_o he_o be_v carnal_a and_o again_o sell_v under_o sin_n vers_fw-la 20._o that_o sin_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o wrought_v that_o which_o he_o will_v not_o vers_n 23._o that_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n lead_v he_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o vers_fw-la 25._o that_o he_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v so_o and_o st._n paul_n a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v in_o this_o state_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o seek_v and_o feeble_a endeavour_n that_o overcome_v no_o difficulty_n may_v yet_o procure_v a_o entrance_n and_o he_o that_o be_v come_v hitherto_o viz._n to_o endeavour_n be_v safe_a enough_o though_o he_o do_v not_o conquer_v this_o objection_n press_v not_o only_o against_o this_o head_n but_o against_o my_o whole_a discourse_n and_o the_o text_n itself_o therefore_o to_o answer_v it_o i_o say_v that_o the_o st._n paul_n here_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o himself_o he_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o a_o convince_a but_o unregenerate_a man_n though_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n a_o figure_n that_o be_v ordinary_a with_o this_o apostle_n and_o frequent_a enough_o in_o common_a speech_n thus_o we_o say_v i_o be_o thus_o and_o thus_o and_o do_v so_o and_o so_o when_o we_o be_v describe_v a_o state_n or_o action_n in_o which_o perhaps_o we_o in_o person_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o this_o sense_n the_o best_a expositor_n understand_v these_o expression_n and_o those_o excellent_a divine_n of_o our_o own_o bishop_n tailor_n and_o dr._n hammond_n and_o other_o have_v note_v to_o we_o that_o this_o description_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n give_v elsewhere_o by_o this_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n rom._n 6._o 11._o free_a from_o sin_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n rom._n 6._o 18._o that_o he_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v he_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n rom._n 8._o 2._o that_o he_o overcome_v the_o world_n joh._n 5._o 4._o he_o sin_v not_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 6._o he_o have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n gal._n 5._o 24._o which_o character_n of_o a_o true_o regenerate_v person_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o abovecited_a out_o of_o rom._n 7._o it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v as_o contrary_v as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o speak_v and_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o describe_v the_o two_o contrary_a state_n for_o can_v the_o regenerate_a be_v full_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v crucify_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n one_o in_o who_o sin_n revive_v while_o he_o die_v and_o yet_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n carnal_a and_o yet_o not_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n sell_v under_o sin_n and_o yet_o free_a from_o sin_n have_v sin_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o a_o captive_a to_o sin_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n consist_v to_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v so_o and_o
it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o to_o twist_v such_o contradiction_n into_o orthodox_n paradox_n be_v pretty_a thing_n to_o please_v fool_n and_o child_n but_o wise_a man_n care_v not_o for_o riddle_n that_o be_v not_o sense_n for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v it_o clear_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o mistake_a chapter_n relate_v the_o feeble_a impotent_a condition_n of_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v and_o strive_v a_o little_a but_o not_o to_o purpose_n and_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o comprise_v under_o that_o description_n though_o we_o may_v be_v never_o so_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o may_v endeavour_v some_o small_a matter_n but_o without_o success_n we_o be_v yet_o under_o that_o evil_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o that_o danger_n for_o he_o that_o strive_v in_o earnest_n conquer_v at_o last_o and_o advance_v still_o though_o all_o the_o work_n be_v not_o do_v at_o once_o so_o that_o if_o we_o endeavour_v and_o gain_v nothing_o our_o endeavour_n be_v peccant_a and_o want_v faith_n or_o prayer_n for_o divine_a aid_n or_o constancy_n or_o vigour_n and_o so_o though_o we_o may_v seek_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v but_o 3_o a_o imperfect_a striver_n may_v overcome_v sin_n in_o some_o instance_n and_o yet_o in_o that_o do_v no_o great_a matter_n neither_o if_o he_o lie_v down_o and_o go_v no_o further_a there_o be_v some_o sin_n we_o outgrow_a by_o age_n or_o be_v indispose_v to_o they_o by_o bodily_a infirmity_n or_o divert_v by_o occasion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v by_o other_o sin_n and_o some_o be_v contrary_a to_o worldly_a interest_n to_o our_o credit_n or_o health_n or_o profit_n and_o when_o we_o have_v in_o any_o great_a degree_n be_v hurt_v by_o they_o in_o these_o we_o fall_v out_o with_o those_o sin_n and_o cease_v from_o they_o and_o so_o by_o resolution_n and_o disuse_n we_o master_v they_o at_o last_o full_o which_o if_o we_o go_v on_o and_o attempt_v upon_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v something_o but_o when_o we_o stop_v short_a in_o these_o petty_a victory_n our_o general_a state_n be_v not_o alter_v he_o that_o conquer_v some_o evil_a appetite_n be_v yet_o a_o slave_n to_o other_o and_o though_o he_o have_v prevail_v over_o some_o difficulty_n yet_o the_o main_a one_o be_v yet_o behind_o thus_o the_o imperfect_a striver_n master_n it_o may_v be_v his_o beastly_a appetite_n to_o intemperate_a drink_n but_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o love_n and_o riches_n and_o vain_a pleasure_n he_o cease_v from_o open_a debauchery_n but_o entertain_v spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o his_o heart_n he_o will_v not_o swear_v but_o will_v backbite_v and_o rail_v he_o will_v not_o be_v drink_v but_o will_v damn_v a_o man_n for_o not_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n he_o will_v not_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n but_o will_v defraud_v his_o neighbour_n now_o these_o half_a conquest_n when_o we_o rest_v in_o they_o be_v as_o good_a as_o none_o at_o all_o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v regard_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n say_v the_o kingly_a prophet_n psal._n 119._o 6._o it_o be_v shameful_a to_o give_v off_o when_o our_o work_n be_v but_o half_o do_v what_o we_o do_v cast_v the_o great_a reproach_n upon_o we_o for_o what_o we_o omit_v to_o cease_v to_o be_v profane_a be_v something_o as_o a_o passage_n but_o nothing_o for_o a_o end_n we_o be_v not_o saint_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v civil_a it_o be_v not_o only_o gross_a sin_n that_o be_v to_o be_v overcome_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n not_o only_o of_o the_o great_a and_o capital_a but_o of_o the_o small_a if_o they_o be_v indulge_v the_o pharisee_n applaud_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o the_o extortioner_n adulterer_n and_o unjust_a nor_o like_o the_o publican_n that_o come_v to_o pray_v with_o he_o luk._n 18._o 11._o and_o yet_o he_o go_v away_o never_o the_o more_o justify_v the_o unwise_a virgin_n be_v no_o profligate_v liver_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o he_o that_o will_v enter_v must_v strive_v against_o every_o corrupt_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n a_o less_o leak_n will_v sink_v a_o ship_n as_o well_o as_o a_o great_a if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v of_o it_o a_o consumption_n will_v kill_v as_o well_o as_o the_o plague_n yea_o sometime_o the_o less_o disease_n may_v in_o the_o event_n prove_v more_o deadly_a than_o the_o great_a for_o small_a distemper_n may_v be_v neglect_v till_o they_o become_v incurable_a when_o as_o the_o great_a one_o awaken_v we_o to_o speedy_a care_n for_o a_o remedy_n a_o small_a hurt_n in_o the_o finger_n slight_v may_v prove_v a_o gangreen_n when_o a_o great_a wound_n in_o the_o head_n by_o seasonable_a application_n be_v cure_v it_o be_v unsafe_a then_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o foul_a and_o great_a those_o we_o account_v little_a one_o may_v prove_v as_o fatal_a yea_o they_o be_v sometime_o more_o dangerous_a for_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o none_o at_o all_o or_o venial_a infirmity_n that_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a favour_n we_o excuse_v and_o make_v apology_n for_o they_o and_o fancy_n that_o hear_v and_o prayer_n and_o confession_n be_v atonement_n enough_o for_o these_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o less_o notorious_a vice_n have_v ruin_v as_o many_o as_o the_o great_a abomination_n hell_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o drunkard_n and_o swearer_n and_o sabbath-breaker_n no_o the_o demure_a pharisee_fw-mi the_o plausible_a hypocrite_n and_o formal_a professor_n have_v their_o place_n also_o in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n the_o great_a impiety_n do_v often_o startle_v and_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o beget_v strong_a conviction_n and_o so_o sometime_o excite_v resolution_n and_o vigorous_a strive_n while_o man_n hug_v themselves_o in_o their_o lesser_a sin_n and_o carry_v they_o unrepented_a of_o to_o their_o grave_n the_o sum_n be_v we_o may_v overcome_v some_o sin_n and_o turn_v from_o the_o grosser_n sort_n of_o wickedness_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o subdue_v the_o rest_n we_o be_v still_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o unregeneracy_n and_o death_n and_o though_o we_o thus_o seek_v we_o shall_v not_o enter_v 4._o a_o man_n may_v perform_v many_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o with_o relish_n and_o delight_n and_o yet_o miscarry_v as_o 1._o he_o may_v be_v earnest_a and_o swift_a to_o hear_v and_o follow_v sermon_n constant_o from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o be_v exceed_o please_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o evil_a man_n and_o in_o a_o bad_a state_n herod_n hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o mark_v 6._o 20._o and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n receive_v it_o joyful_o mat._n 13._o 20._o zeal_n for_o hear_v do_v not_o always_o arise_v from_o a_o conscientious_a desire_n to_o learn_v in_o order_n to_o practice_v but_o sometime_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o itch_n after_o novelty_n and_o notion_n or_o a_o ambition_n to_o be_v fame_v for_o godliness_n or_o the_o importunity_n of_o natural_a conscience_n that_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v except_o we_o do_v something_o or_o a_o desire_n to_o get_v matter_n to_o feed_v our_o opinion_n or_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o pious_a discourse_n i_o say_v earnestness_n to_o hear_v ariseth_z very_o often_o from_o some_o of_o these_o and_o when_o it_o do_v so_o we_o gain_v but_o little_a by_o it_o yea_o we_o be_v dangerous_o tempt_v to_o take_v this_o for_o a_o infallible_a token_n of_o our_o saintship_n and_o so_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o ear_n and_o to_o disturb_v every_o body_n with_o the_o abundance_n of_o our_o dispute_n and_o talk_n while_o we_o neglect_v our_o own_o spirit_n and_o let_v our_o unmortified_a affection_n and_o inclination_n rest_v in_o quiet_a under_o the_o shadow_n of_o these_o specious_a service_n so_o that_o when_o a_o great_a affection_n to_o hear_v seize_v upon_o a_o evil_a man_n it_o be_v odds_o but_o it_o do_v he_o hurt_v it_o puff_v he_o up_o in_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o godliness_n and_o make_v he_o pragmatical_a troublesome_a and_o censorious_a he_o turn_v his_o food_n into_o poison_n among_o bad_a man_n those_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a that_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o be_v godly_a and_o such_o be_v those_o that_o have_v itch_a ear_n under_o the_o power_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n thus_o a_o earnest_n diligent_a hearer_n may_v be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o seek_v and_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o so_o may_v 2._o he_o that_o fast_n much_o and_o severe_o the_o jew_n be_v exceed_o give_v to_o fast_v and_o they_o be_v very_o severe_a in_o it_o they_o abstain_v from_o all_o
of_o the_o generality_n of_o religious_a man_n that_o never_o do_v so_o mtch_v and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v short_a what_o will_v be_v available_a who_o then_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o measure_n of_o religion_n and_o happiness_n ourselves_o but_o to_o take_v those_o that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o except_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n we_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 5._o 20._o now_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v thing_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o that_o be_v equal_a to_o all_o the_o particular_n i_o have_v mention_v yea_o they_o go_v beyond_o many_o of_o our_o glorious_a professor_n who_o yet_o think_v themselves_o in_o a_o high_a form_n of_o godliness_n they_o believe_v their_o religion_n firm_o and_o pray_v frequent_o and_o fervent_o and_o fast_v severe_o they_o be_v exact_a and_o exceed_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n and_o hate_v scandalous_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o be_v very_o punctual_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n supererrogated_a and_o go_v beyond_o what_o be_v command_v such_o zealous_a people_n be_v they_o and_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o conversation_n and_o custom_n of_o other_o jew_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o suppose_v great_a holiness_n and_o purity_n these_o be_v height_n to_o which_o the_o pharisee_n arrive_v and_o a_o good_a christian_a must_v exceed_v all_o this_o and_o he_o that_o live_v in_o a_o sober_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o self_n government_n and_o humble_a submission_n to_o god_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n and_o charity_n to_o his_o neighbour_n he_o do_v real_o exceed_v it_o and_o shall_v enter_v when_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o pharisaic_a righteousness_n must_v be_v exceed_v the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o every_o thing_n the_o pharisee_n do_v be_v necessary_a but_o we_o must_v do_v that_o which_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o be_v better_a and_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n viz._n that_o whereas_o they_o place_v their_o religion_n in_o strict_a fast_n a_o nice_a observation_n of_o festival_n in_o loud_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o zeal_n to_o get_v proselyte_n we_o shall_v place_v we_o in_o sincere_a subjection_n of_o our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o law_n in_o amend_v the_o fault_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o life_n in_o subdue_a our_o passion_n and_o cast_v out_o the_o habit_n of_o evil_a these_o be_v much_o beyond_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o fanatic_a pharisee_fw-mi not_o in_o show_n and_o pomp_n but_o in_o real_a worth_n and_o divine_a esteem_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v discourage_v because_o they_o that_o do_v so_o much_o be_v cast_v out_o since_o though_o we_o find_v not_o those_o heat_n and_o specious_a thing_n in_o ourselves_o which_o we_o observe_v in_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v more_o meek_a and_o modest_a and_o patient_a and_o charitable_a and_o humble_a and_o just_a our_o case_n be_v better_a and_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n when_o they_o be_v but_o the_o form_n and_o we_o who_o they_o account_v alien_n and_o enemy_n shall_v enter_v while_o they_o the_o presume_a friend_n and_o domestics_n shall_v be_v shut_v out_o but_o 2._o i_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v again_o object_v against_o this_o severity_n of_o discourse_n that_o our_o saviour_n say_v mat._n 11._o 20._o that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n be_v light_a which_o place_n seem_v to_o cross_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v about_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v such_o a_o appearance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o more_o for_o the_o word_n look_v as_o cross_v to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a author_n concern_v the_o straightness_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o narrowness_n of_o the_o way_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v from_o those_o infallible_a say_n therefore_o to_o remove_v the_o semblance_n of_o contrariety_n which_o the_o object_v text_n seem_v to_o have_v to_o those_o other_o and_o to_o my_o discourse_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a the_o word_n we_o read_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v very_o good_a excellent_a gracious_a and_o the_o meaning_n i_o suppose_v be_v that_o his_o precept_n have_v a_o native_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v congruous_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o apt_a instrument_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o which_o sense_n this_o expression_n have_v no_o antipathy_n to_o the_o text_n or_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v add_v my_o burden_n be_v light_a i_o think_v by_o this_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o his_o command_n be_v not_o of_o that_o burdensome_a nature_n that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v those_o be_v very_o cumbersome_a and_o have_v nothing_o in_o their_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a whereas_o his_o religion_n have_v no_o expensive_a troublesome_a rite_n appendant_a to_o it_o nor_o do_v it_o require_v any_o thing_n but_o our_o observation_n of_o those_o law_n which_o eternal_a reason_n oblige_v we_o to_o and_o which_o of_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v choose_v to_o live_v under_o be_v we_o free_v from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o interest_n of_o flesh._n so_o that_o neither_o do_v this_o objection_n signify_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o scope_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o now_o i_o descend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v to_o add_v will_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o general_n 1._o inference_n and_o 2._o plain_a advice_n in_o order_n to_o practice_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o inference_n and_o corollary_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o 1._o we_o may_v collect_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v see_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n to_o overcome_v evil_a inclination_n and_o the_o prevail_a influence_n of_o sense_n and_o passion_n and_o evil_a custom_n and_o example_n and_o worldly_a affection_n and_o therefore_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n consist_v in_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o these_o this_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o old_a man_n eph._n 4.22_o the_o image_n of_o the_o earthy_a 1_o cor._n 15._o flesh_n gal._n 5._o 17._o death_n rom._n 7.24_o darkness_n joh._n 3._o 19_o and_o old_a leven_a 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 7._o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o state_n of_o sincere_a strive_v against_o they_o which_o if_o it_o keep_v on_o end_v in_o victory_n and_o this_o be_v call_v conversion_n act_v 3._o 19_o and_o renovation_n while_o it_o be_v in_o its_o first_o motion_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a 1_o cor._n 15._o 20._o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o 16._o light_n ephes._n 5._o 8._o and_o life_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o when_o it_o be_v arrive_v to_o more_o compleatness_n and_o perfection_n for_o our_o full_a understanding_n this_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o grace_n be_v take_v 1_o for_o divine_a favour_n 2._o for_o christian_a virtue_n as_o it_o signify_v divine_a favour_n so_o it_o be_v use_v 1._o for_o those_o help_n and_o aid_v god_n afford_v we_o viz._n the_o gospel_n joh._n 1._o 17._o and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 9_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n by_o baptism_n viz._n we_o be_v entitle_v to_o divine_a help_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o regeneration_n for_o we_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o importence_n and_o weakness_n and_o destitution_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n this_o be_v the_o world_n of_o mere_a nature_n but_o then_o in_o baptism_n we_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v be_v put_v under_o its_o influence_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o its_o aid_n and_o so_o be_v moral_o bear_v again_o not_o that_o this_o regeneration_n alone_o will_v save_v we_o without_o our_o endeavour_n it_o import_v only_o a_o external_a relation_n and_o right_a to_o privilege_n and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v powerful_o assist_v in_o our_o strive_n if_o we_o use_v they_o but_o then_o 2._o grace_n as_o it_o signify_v divine_a favour_n
imply_v his_o special_a love_n and_o kindness_n such_o as_o he_o vouchsase_v to_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a man_n so_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n a_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n be_v a_o condition_n assist_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o all_o baptize_v person_n be_v in_o that_o but_o if_o they_o use_v not_o those_o help_n they_o be_v not_o in_o god_n special_a favour_n and_o so_o not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o when_o those_o assistance_n be_v due_o employ_v and_o join_v with_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n than_o the_o person_n so_o use_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n also_o and_o in_o god_n special_a love_n and_o favour_n thus_o of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n as_o take_v for_o divine_a favour_n 2._o the_o word_n be_v also_o use_v for_o christian_a virtue_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o and_o virtue_n be_v call_v grace_n because_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v divine_a favour_n and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v a_o virtuous_a man_n which_o suppose_v divine_a aid_n and_o entitle_v to_o divine_a love_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v take_v a_o occasion_n thus_o brief_o to_o state_n because_o there_o be_v ofttimes_o much_o confusion_n in_o man_n discourse_n about_o grace_n and_o nature_n from_o which_o much_o trouble_n and_o many_o controversy_n have_v arisen_a and_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v also_o in_o these_o brief_a hint_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o office_n of_o baptism_n may_v be_v understand_v clear_o and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o sound_a and_o true_a notwithstanding_o the_o petty_a exception_n of_o confident_a dissenter_n ii_o i_o may_v infer_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o perfect_v humane_a nature_n the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n consist_v in_o the_o subjection_n and_o subordination_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v enlighten_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o those_o of_o reason_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o integrity_n in_o which_o we_o be_v first_o make_v and_o we_o lose_v it_o by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o inferior_a power_n which_o have_v usurp_v the_o government_n of_o we_o ever_o since_o here_o be_v the_o imperfection_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n now_o religion_n design_n to_o remove_v and_o cure_v these_o and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o our_o first_o and_o happy_a state_n it_o be_v business_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v our_o look_n and_o our_o language_n or_o to_o model_n our_o action_n and_o gesture_n into_o a_o devout_a appearance_n not_o only_o to_o restrain_v the_o practice_n of_o open_a profaneness_n and_o villainy_n nor_o to_o comfort_v we_o with_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_v we_o we_o know_v not_o why_o but_o to_o cure_v our_o ill_a nature_n to_o govern_v our_o passsion_n to_o moderate_v our_o desire_n to_o throw_v out_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o uncharitable_a surmisal_n with_o the_o other_o spiritual_a sort_n of_o wickedness_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o sin_n or_o imperfection_n and_o so_o to_o render_v we_o fit_a object_n of_o his_o delight_n and_o love_n so_o that_o whatever_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o make_v we_o some_o way_n or_o other_o real_o better_a better_a in_o our_o self_n and_o better_a in_o all_o relation_n as_o father_n and_o child_n and_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o subject_n and_o governor_n and_o neighbour_n and_o friend_n be_v not_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n and_o where_o we_o see_v not_o this_o effect_n of_o religion_n let_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o high_a and_o glorious_a in_o his_o profession_n we_o may_v yet_o conclude_v that_o either_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o good_a or_o that_o he_o only_o pretend_v and_o real_o have_v it_o not_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o great_a certainty_n viz._n that_o christian_a religion_n aim_v at_o the_o better_n and_o perfect_v of_o our_o nature_n for_o the_o thing_n it_o command_v relate_v either_o to_o worship_n or_o virtue_n the_o instance_n of_o external_a worship_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n both_o which_o be_v high_a act_n of_o gratitude_n and_o justice_n and_o they_o fit_v we_o for_o divine_a blessing_n and_o keep_v we_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o prepare_v we_o for_o union_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a thus_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n tend_v to_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o inward_a do_v infinite_o the_o same_o these_o be_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v faith_n in_o god_n support_v and_o relieve_v we_o in_o all_o affliction_n and_o distress_n the_o love_n of_o he_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o solace_n to_o we_o in_o all_o loss_n and_o disappointment_n since_o he_o be_v a_o object_n most_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o one_o that_o can_v be_v lose_v except_o we_o wilful_o thrust_v he_o from_o we_o fear_v of_o god_n have_v no_o torment_n it_o be_v no_o slavish_a dread_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o power_n but_o a_o reverence_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o a_o lothness_n to_o offend_v he_o and_o this_o dispose_v we_o also_o for_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n ps._n 85.9_o and_o this_o it_o do_v by_o congruity_n and_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v say_v likewise_o of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o they_o will_v make_v those_o happy_a that_o practise_v they_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v positive_o enjoin_v or_o not_o and_o though_o no_o express_a reward_n have_v be_v annex_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v other_o two_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o christianity_n require_v which_o be_v institute_v and_o positive_a &_o respect_n christ_n our_o lord_n they_o be_v the_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n both_o which_o be_v holy_a rite_n of_o high_a signification_n and_o seal_v of_o a_o excellent_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o assure_v we_o of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o divine_a favour_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o more_o firm_o oblige_v we_o to_o holy_a obedience_n and_o dependence_n the_o only_a way_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a whence_o we_o see_v brief_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o worship_n which_o christianity_n bind_v upon_o we_o tend_v to_o our_o perfection_n and_o felicity_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n that_o it_o command_v do_v the_o same_o both_o those_o that_o respect_v we_o in_o a_o personal_a capacity_n and_o those_o other_o that_o relate_v to_o we_o as_o member_n of_o society_n thus_o humility_n recommend_v mat._n 5._o 3._o meekness_n blessed_v ver_fw-la 5._o purity_n ver_n 8._o be_v virtue_n that_o accomplish_v our_o particular_a person_n and_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o ourselves_o for_o of_o pride_n come_v conteution_n prov._n 13._o 10._o and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o trouble_n arise_v from_o stomach_n and_o self-will_n which_o humility_n cure_v meekness_n also_o take_v away_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o numerous_a mischief_n we_o run_v into_o through_o the_o rage_n and_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a beauty_n and_o ornament_n since_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o due_a order_n and_o government_n of_o our_o faculty_n purity_n which_o comprehend_v temperance_n of_o all_o sort_n free_v we_o from_o the_o torment_a importunity_n of_o those_o desire_n that_o drag_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o expose_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o temptation_n and_o make_v we_o exceed_o miserable_a beside_o which_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o render_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o christian_a virtue_n do_v not_o only_o accomplish_v and_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o our_o particular_a person_n but_o they_o do_v the_o same_o in_o our_o public_a capacity_n the_o more_o public_a capacity_n also_o they_o dispose_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n without_o murmur_v and_o complain_v and_o thereby_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v secure_v and_o all_o good_a thing_n else_o in_o that_o but_o there_o be_v other_o virtue_n that_o christianity_n enjoin_v which_o have_v a_o more_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o as_o justice_z mat_n 7._o 12._o charity_n 1_o cor._n 13._o loyalty_n rom._n 13._o and_o all_o
other_o public_a virtue_n may_v i_o think_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o where_o there_o be_v no_o justice_n every_o man_n prey_v upon_o another_o and_o no_o man_n property_n be_v safe_a where_o charity_n be_v want_v jealousy_n hatred_n envy_v backbiting_n and_o cruelty_n abound_v which_o render_v the_o world_n deplorable_o unhappy_a where_o there_o be_v not_o loyalty_n and_o conscionable_a submission_n to_o governor_n the_o public_a be_v upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o commotion_n involve_v in_o infinite_a misery_n and_o disaster_n so_o that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n proper_a instrument_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o they_o have_v be_v method_n of_o felicity_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n though_o they_o have_v never_o be_v require_v by_o so_o great_a and_o so_o sacred_a a_o authority_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v because_o i_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o recommend_v the_o excellency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o i_o have_v do_v it_o but_o only_o in_o brief_a hint_n because_o it_o arise_v but_o upon_o a_o corollary_n from_o my_o main_a subject_n and_o from_o this_o i_o infer_v further_o iii_o that_o christanity_n be_v the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o morality_n they_o both_o tend_v to_o the_o real_a better_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a till_o christ_n jesus_n come_v he_o confirm_v and_o enforce_v all_o those_o precept_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o clear_v they_o from_o many_o corruption_n that_o be_v grow_v upon_o they_o through_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n the_o gloss_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o false_a conceit_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o he_o enforce_v they_o anew_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o knowledge_n he_o give_v of_o divine_a aid_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o be_v understand_v before_o yea_o he_o enlarge_v they_o in_o some_o instance_n such_o as_o love_a enemy_n and_o forgive_a injury_n thus_o christ_n jesus_n teach_v morality_n viz._n the_o way_n of_o live_v like_o man_n and_o the_o 5._o chapture_n of_o matthew_n be_v a_o excellent_a lecture_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o that_o to_o disparage_v morality_n be_v to_o disgrace_n christianity_n itself_o and_o to_o vilify_v one_o of_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o all_o religion_n and_o all_o duty_n respect_v either_o god_n our_o neighbour_n or_o ourselves_o &_o the_o duty_n that_o relate_v to_o these_o two_o last_o be_v acknowledge_v moral_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n st._n james_n count_v these_o morality_n of_o visit_v the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a to_o be_v the_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a jam._n 1._o 17._o and_o the_o prophet_n micah_n intimate_v that_o those_o moral_a virtue_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n be_v some_o of_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o micah_n 6._o 8._o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v sum_v up_o in_o these_o two_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o our_o self_n math._n 22._o 13_o which_o latter_o contain_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n teach_v according_a to_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 11_o there_o be_v no_o godliness_n without_o morality_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n reckon_v up_o gal._n 5._o 22._o be_v moral_a virtue_n and_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n 2_o pet_n 3._o 18._o virtue_n be_v partly_o understand_v for_o one_o branch_n of_o what_o be_v call_v grace_n in_o we_o be_v moral_a virtue_n produce_v by_o divine_a aid_n christian_a principle_n and_o encouragement_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o duty_n that_o relate_v immediate_o to_o god_n also_o by_o which_o we_o see_v how_o ignorant_o and_o dangerous_o those_o people_n talk_n that_o disparage_v morality_n as_o a_o dull_a lame_a thing_n of_o no_o account_n or_o reckon_n upon_o this_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v by_o too_o many_o neglect_a and_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o new_a godliness_n be_v lay_v in_o frequent_a hear_n and_o devout_a seraphic_a talk_n luscious_a fancy_n new_a light_n income_n manifestation_n sealing_n in-dwelling_n and_o such_o like_a thus_o antinomianism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o phanaticism_n have_v make_v their_o way_n by_o the_o disparagement_n of_o morality_n and_o man_n have_v learn_v to_o believe_v themselves_o the_o choose_v precious_a people_n while_o their_o heart_n have_v be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o bitterness_n and_o their_o hand_n of_o violence_n while_o they_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n rebel_v against_o the_o government_n destroy_v public_a peace_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v all_o into_o misery_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v this_o diabolical_a project_n of_o divide_v morality_n from_o religion_n that_o have_v give_v rise_n and_o occasion_n to_o all_o these_o villainy_n and_o while_o the_o practiser_n of_o such_o thing_n have_v assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o only_a godly_a godliness_n itself_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o disgrace_n by_o they_o and_o atheism_n encourage_v to_o show_v itself_o in_o open_a defiance_n to_o religion_n yea_o through_o the_o indiscretion_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o some_o preacher_n the_o phantastry_n and_o vain_a babble_n of_o other_o and_o the_o general_a disposition_n of_o the_o people_n to_o admire_v what_o make_v a_o great_a show_n and_o pretend_v to_o more_o than_o ordinary_a spirituality_n thing_n be_v in_o many_o place_n come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o those_o who_o teach_v christian_a virtue_n &_o religion_n in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n without_o senseless_a phrase_n and_o fanyastick_a affectation_n shall_v be_v reckon_v for_o dry_a moralist_n and_o such_o as_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n yea_o those_o people_n have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o gibberish_n and_o cant_v that_o they_o can_v understand_v plain_a sense_n and_o virtue_n be_v become_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o their_o ear_n that_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o speak_v of_o in_o a_o pulpit_n they_o count_v the_o preacher_n a_o broacher_n of_o new_a divinity_n and_o one_o that_o will_v teach_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o philosophy_n and_o he_o escape_v well_o if_o they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o that_o he_o will_v reconcile_v we_o to_o gentilism_n and_o heathen_a worship_n the_o danger_n and_o vanity_n of_o which_o ignorant_a humour_n the_o contempt_n of_o morality_n be_v apparent_a in_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o add_v no_o more_o concern_v it_o here_o but_o proceed_v to_o another_o inference_n which_o be_v iu_o that_o grace_n and_o the_o new_a nature_n make_v their_o way_n by_o degree_n on_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o difficulty_n will_v not_o be_v remove_v nor_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n fubdue_v all_o at_o once_o habit_n that_o grow_v by_o repeat_v act_n time_n and_o continuance_n will_v not_o be_v expel_v in_o a_o moment_n no_o man_n can_v become_v great_o evil_a or_o good_a on_o a_o sudden_a the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o to_o a_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4._o 18_o we_o do_v not_o jump_v from_o darkness_n into_o full_a light_n we_o be_v not_o full_o sanctify_v and_o convert_v in_o a_o instant_n the_o day_n begin_v in_o a_o insensible_a dawn_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n mat._n 13._o 31._o it_o do_v not_o start_v up_o present_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o a_o tree_n the_o divine_a birth_n begin_v like_o the_o natural_a in_o a_o imperfect_a embryo_n there_o be_v some_o seed_n of_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n that_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o our_o nature_n these_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n to_o conviction_n which_o proceed_v to_o purpose_n these_o to_o resolution_n and_o thence_o we_o pass_v to_o abstinence_n from_o all_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a duty_n and_o so_o at_o last_o by_o degrce_n to_o vigorous_a attempt_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n when_o grace_n be_v arrive_v to_o this_o eminent_a growth_n it_o be_v very_o visible_a as_o the_o plant_n be_v when_o it_o be_v above_o the_o ground_n but_o the_o beginning_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o ordinary_o perceive_v so_o that_o to_o catechise_v man_n about_o the_o punctual_a time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v a_o idle_a device_n and_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o vanity_n and_o lie_v who_o can_v tell_v the_o exact_a moment_n when_o the_o
the_o other_o hand_n we_o think_v ourselves_o well_o and_o do_v not_o always_o attempt_v forward_o our_o state_n be_v bad_a and_o our_o sin_n will_v be_v impute_v be_v our_o pretence_n what_o they_o will_v our_o faith_n be_v not_o sincere_a and_o will_v not_o stead_v we_o when_o we_o get_v to_o a_o certain_a pitch_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v that_o our_o state_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v mere_o animal_n and_o but_o a_o mode_n of_o complexion_n self-love_n and_o natural_a fear_n when_o we_o overcome_v some_o sin_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o spare_v and_o cherish_v other_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o our_o attempt_n upon_o any_o and_o that_o what_o we_o have_v do_v be_v not_o perform_v upon_o good_a and_o divine_a motive_n sincerty_n be_v discover_v by_o growth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a mark_n that_o i_o know_v of_o trial_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o presume_v though_o as_o we_o think_v we_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n if_o we_o go_v not_o on_o nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v we_o any_o to_o despair_v though_o our_o present_a attainment_n be_v but_o small_a if_o we_o be_v proceed_v the_o bud_n and_o tender_a blossom_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o the_o fair_a leaf_n of_o the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n be_v nothing_o in_o his_o esteem_n this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n we_o have_v from_o the_o gospel_n that_o imperfection_n will_v be_v accept_v where_o there_o be_v sincerity_n whereas_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o exact_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n no_o man_n can_v be_v make_v happy_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o who_o victory_n be_v absolute_a vii_o it_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o our_o discourse_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n consist_v viz._n in_o a_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n and_o a_o entire_a victory_n over_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n and_o external_a action_n of_o feign_a piety_n but_o all_o the_o fine_a thing_n of_o the_o animal_n religion_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n and_o they_o be_v the_o worst_a sort_n by_o the_o grosser_n form_n man_n hardly_o deceive_v other_o by_o these_o they_o effectual_o gull_v themselves_o so_o that_o many_o that_o vehement_o oppose_v form_n be_v the_o great_a formalist_n form_n of_o worship_n may_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whenas_o zeal_n against_o form_n may_v be_v a_o form_n itself_o whatever_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n and_o do_v not_o make_v we_o better_o that_o be_v a_o form_n at_o least_o to_o we_o there_o be_v spiritual_a form_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n and_o these_o be_v most_o deadly_a poison_n be_v worst_a in_o aqua_n vitæ_fw-la he_o that_o speak_v his_o prayer_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la with_o vehemence_n and_o lowdness_n if_o he_o strive_v not_o against_o his_o ill_a nature_n and_o self-will_n be_v as_o much_o a_o formalist_n as_o he_o that_o tell_v his_o prayer_n by_o his_o bead_n and_o understand_v not_o one_o word_n he_o say_v and_o those_o that_o run_v away_o from_o form_n in_o church_n meet_v more_o dangerous_a one_o in_o barn_n and_o private_a corner_n orthodox_n opinion_n devout_a phrase_n set_v look_n melt_a tone_n affect_a sigh_n and_o vehement_a rapture_n be_v often_o mere_a form_n of_o godliness_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o animal_n religion_n which_o itself_o be_v a_o form_n likewise_o o_o that_o the_o observer_n of_o so_o many_o mote_n in_o their_o brethren_n eye_n will_v learn_v to_o throw_v out_o the_o beam_n of_o their_o own_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o pretend_v itself_o to_o be_v no_o more_o be_v not_o so_o hurtful_a but_o the_o form_n that_o call_v themselves_o the_o power_n be_v deadly_a it_o be_v the_o formality_n and_o superstition_n of_o separatist_n that_o keep_v on_o the_o separation_n they_o contend_v for_o fancy_n and_o arbitrary_a trifle_n we_o for_o order_n and_o obedience_n the_o people_n be_v abuse_v by_o name_n and_o be_v fright_v by_o the_o shadow_n of_o superstition_n and_o formality_n they_o run_v into_o the_o worst_a formality_n and_o silly_a superstition_n in_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n rom._n 14._o 17._o neither_o in_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o not_o in_o zeal_n for_o little_a thing_n nor_o in_o zeal_n against_o they_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v equal_o formal_a the_o power_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o use_v divine_a aid_n hearty_o and_o constant_o in_o order_n to_o the_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n this_o godliness_n be_v not_o exercise_v so_o much_o in_o reform_v other_o as_o ourselves_o the_o chief_a design_n be_v to_o govern_v within_o and_o not_o to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o world_n without_o we_o this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a jam._n 3._o 17._o it_o make_v no_o noise_n and_o bluster_v abroad_o but_o quiet_o mind_v its_o own_o business_n at_o home_n so_o that_o certain_o the_o best_a man_n have_v not_o always_o have_v the_o great_a fame_n for_o godliness_n as_o the_o wise_a have_v very_o seldom_o be_v the_o most_o popular_a they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o animal_n religion_n that_o make_v the_o big_a fhew_n the_o voice_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v hear_v in_o quiet_a it_o sound_v not_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v see_v in_o justice_n meekness_n humility_n and_o charity_n thing_n that_o look_v not_o so_o splendid_o as_o the_o spiritual_a form_n and_o thus_o of_o the_o inference_n and_o corollary_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o my_o discourse_n which_o though_o they_o can_v all_o be_v infer_v from_o any_o of_o its_o minute_n and_o separate_a part_n yet_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o design_n and_o contexture_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o advice_n for_o practice_n the_o way_n of_o happiness_n be_v difficult_a but_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v by_o strive_v a_o little_a will_v not_o do_v many_o seeker_n be_v shut_v out_o what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o to_o strive_v and_o that_o diligent_o with_o constant_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n we_o be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o happiness_n all_o the_o world_n seek_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a psal._n 4._o 6._o be_v the_o voice_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n we_o have_v seek_v it_o long_o in_o emptiness_n and_o shadow_n and_o that_o search_n have_v still_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n where_o true_a substantial_a felicity_n be_v we_o know_v and_o the_o way_n we_o know_v joh._n 14._o 4._o it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o we_o in_o cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n or_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v worth_a our_o pain_n to_o search_v after_o it_o it_o be_v not_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n but_o it_o may_v be_v see_v yea_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v so_o near_o as_o to_o be_v feel_v though_o the_o way_n be_v straight_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o who_o will_v not_o venture_v his_o pain_n upon_o the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o issue_n many_o difficulty_n be_v in_o it_o but_o our_o encouragement_n and_o assistance_n be_v infinite_a the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o son_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o intercession_n the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o invitation_n and_o promise_n the_o rare_a precept_n and_o incomparable_a example_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o these_o be_v mighty_a help_n and_o great_a motive_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o strive_v and_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o it_o let_v we_o then_o arise_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o aid_n and_o attempt_v with_o courage_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n let_v we_o engage_v our_o deep_a resolution_n and_o most_o diligent_a endeavour_n here_o be_v no_o need_n to_o deliberate_v the_o thing_n be_v necessary_a the_o benefit_n unspeakable_a and_o the_o event_n will_v be_v glorious_a it_o be_v no_o question_n i_o hope_v whether_o god_n or_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v first_o choose_v whether_o heaven_n or_o hell_n be_v better_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o we_o shall_v stay_v and_o consider_v we_o can_v be_v rash_a here_o we_o can_v hurt_v ourselves_o by_o a_o too_o sudden_a engagement_n we_o have_v delay_v too_o long_o already_o and_o every_o moment_n we_o sit_v still_o be_v one_o lose_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o happiness_n let_v we_o resolve_v