myself_o only_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o i_o share_v of_o thou_o for_o i_o know_v this_o be_v the_o standard_n by_o which_o god_n now_o value_v i_o and_o will_v hereafter_o judge_v i_o if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n only_o to_o implant_v goodness_n and_o charity_n among_o we_o to_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o like_a god_n and_o kind_a and_o beneficial_a one_o to_o another_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o world_n hate_v it_o for_o i_o may_v say_v concern_v those_o who_o persecute_v christianity_n as_o st._n peter_n do_v of_o those_o who_o crucify_a its_o author_n i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o act._n 3_o 17._o sure_o it_o be_v because_o you_o do_v not_o discern_v its_o beauty_n that_o you_o do_v not_o love_v it_o if_o any_o retire_a life_n promote_v the_o end_n i_o have_v mention_v as_o well_o as_o a_o active_a once_o i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o condemn_v it_o the_o prayer_n o_o god_n the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o thy_o goodness_n the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o body_n be_v all_o employ_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o o_o make_v we_o who_o worship_v thou_o to_o imitate_v thou_o too_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thy_o child_n indeed_o make_v our_o soul_n delight_v to_o do_v good_a and_o imprint_v in_o we_o such_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a bowel_n towards_o one_o another_o as_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n have_v towards_o we_o amen_o amen_n bless_a jesus_n chap._n iu._n of_o chrictian_n practice_n in_o particular_a have_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n in_o respect_n to_o practice_n in_o the_o general_n i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o more_o particular_o but_o not_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o every_o single_a virtue_n i_o will_v dwell_v upon_o three_o which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a duty_n i.e._n faith_n love_n and_o humility_n i_o will_v not_o apologise_v for_o the_o unphilosophical_a place_n of_o faith_n among_o practical_a duty_n the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v clear_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o i_o place_v humility_n in_o the_o last_o place_n not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o humility_n which_o be_v precedent_n to_o and_o dispose_v man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o faith_n but_o because_o i_o look_v upon_o that_o humility_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o and_o cause_v by_o it_o and_o which_o must_v always_o accompany_v it_o to_o render_v it_o acceptable_a in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a sense_n a_o evangelical_n grace_n 1._o of_o faith_n when_o i_o read_v the_o glorious_a achievement_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n heb._n 11._o that_o it_o subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v promise_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o one_o word_n support_v man_n under_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o arm_v they_o against_o the_o most_o take_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v that_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o a_o heaven_n confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o strong_a evidence_n i._n e._n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n shall_v have_v so_o weak_a a_o influence_n upon_o we_o christian_n we_o take_v no_o more_o pain_n for_o heaven_n than_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n and_o we_o have_v the_o same_o care_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n present_a which_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n have_v so_o that_o though_o we_o talk_v much_o of_o faith_n we_o make_v little_a or_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o it_o therefore_o lest_o any_o man_n delude_v and_o fool_n himself_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v not_o i_o will_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o suit_n with_o and_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o end_n and_o aim_n of_o god_n i'faith_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o substance_n or_o presence_n the_o evidence_n or_o proof_n it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a transient_a glance_n drowsy_a imperfect_a assent_n a_o stagger_a waver_a opinion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a representation_n a_o affective_a vision_n a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o object_n be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o evident_a that_o they_o not_o only_o convince_v but_o take_v we_o too_o it_o be_v have_v the_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o so_o look_v upon_o thing_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o angel_n and_o judge_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o see_v that_o the_o thing_n invisible_a be_v but_o to_o see_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n such_o as_o they_o be_v eternity_n as_o eternity_n and_o heaven_n as_o heaven_n that_o be_v a_o state_n of_o true_o great_a and_o glorious_a happiness_n on_o this_o account_n the_o thing_n present_a may_v have_v a_o different_a face_n and_o aspect_n when_o regard_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o of_o sense_n for_o sense_n stop_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o regard_v their_o usefulness_n to_o the_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o faith_n carry_v its_o sight_n forward_o and_o compare_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v with_o those_o hope_v for_o the_o thing_n temporal_a with_o those_o eternal_a and_o then_o all_o below_o appear_v but_o mere_a vanity_n this_o whole_a account_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o 13_o verse_n of_o heb._n 11._o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v or_o live_v in_o faith_n the_o follow_a word_n explain_v not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n i.e._n the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o but_o have_v see_v they_o a_o far_o off_o i._n e._n by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n now_o faith_n be_v unalterable_a as_o to_o its_o essence_n but_o its_o object_n may_v vary_v they_o may_v be_v more_o or_o few_o clear_a or_o dark_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n heb._n 1.1_o its_o evidence_n may_v be_v full_a or_o weak_a but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v suffice_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n 2._o its_o object_n be_v the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o christ_n god_n the_o father_n such_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o son_n god_n the_o son_n incarnate_a crucify_a etc._n etc._n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o all_o in_o order_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o its_o holy_a and_o righteous_a precept_n by_o faith_n i_o see_v that_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a who_o though_o he_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n do_v yet_o humble_a himself_o to_o behold_v all_o that_o be_v do_v upon_o earth_n nor_o do_v he_o only_o behold_v but_o govern_v all_o thing_n too_o and_o whilst_o i_o contemplate_v his_o wisdom_n power_n truth_n goodness_n holiness_n justice_n etc._n etc._n manifest_v to_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n i_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o i_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o i_o call_v on_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o i_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v before_o he_o and_o be_v perfect_a i_o know_v nothing_o like_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v nothing_o beside_o he_o or_o equal_a to_o he_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n by_o faith_n i_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n abandon_v the_o bosom_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n descend_v upon_o earth_n and_o assume_v the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n he_o may_v propagate_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o world_n i_o trace_v he_o through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o travel_v till_o i_o behold_v he_o fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o bleed_v out_o his_o meek_a and_o holy_a soul_n at_o those_o painful_a wound_n the_o nail_n have_v make_v and_o all_o this_o for_o my_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o then_o with_o what_o a_o strange_a mixture_n of_o passion_n that_o sight_n fill_v i_o with_o grief_n and_o shame_n and_o yet_o with_o love_n and_o hope_v too_o how_o i_o be_o amaze_v to_o see_v what_o indignation_n a_o holy_a god_n have_v discover_v against_o sin_n and_o how_o my_o heart_n bleed_v to_o think_v that_o my_o sin_n have_v treat_v thus_o despiteful_o and_o cruel_o my_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n and_o with_o what_o a_o melt_a passion_n and_o vigorous_a resolution_n of_o a_o fervent_a industrious_a service_n and_o a_o everlasting_a zeal_n
religion_n be_v in_o its_o essence_n a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a holiness_n outward_a action_n can_v be_v consider_v but_o two_o way_n either_o as_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n or_o else_o as_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o holiness_n and_o both_o way_n a_o sober_a temperate_a life_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n of_o it_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a though_o i_o can_v here_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o allowance_n make_v for_o the_o variety_n of_o temper_n and_o the_o different_a strength_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n proportionable_a to_o each_o man_n different_a case_n have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v i_o come_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o promote_v god_n glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n 1._o god_n glory_n 1._o though_o a_o right_a understanding_n be_v whole_o necessary_a to_o yet_o itself_o be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a knowledge_n or_o belief_n of_o a_o truth_n but_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o obedience_n by_o which_o we_o honour_v god_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o where_n more_o light_a of_o knowledge_n heaven_n except_v than_o in_o those_o region_n of_o darkness_n where_o the_o most_o impious_a spirit_n dwell_v but_o no_o body_n will_v say_v that_o they_o there_o worship_n god_n it_o be_v true_a a_o understanding_n illuminate_v be_v certain_o a_o beautiful_a thing_n but_o then_o if_o it_o be_v join_v to_o a_o unsanctified_a will_n the_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v the_o most_o deform_a and_o loathsome_a thing_n imaginable_a for_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o the_o most_o disproportionable_a and_o contradictory_n thing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v form_v as_o the_o poet_n fancy_n man_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o slime_n of_o the_o deluge_n the_o upper_a part_n enliven_v flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o low_a mud_n and_o clay_n the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n enhaunce_v the_o guilt_n of_o malice_n and_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o will_n for_o to_o see_v god_n and_o not_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o be_v strange_o malicious_a but_o if_o his_o beauty_n be_v not_o adore_v by_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o you_o have_v be_v blind_a than_o have_v you_o have_v no_o sin_n 2._o the_o heaven_n say_v the_o psalmist_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n their_o brightness_n and_o vastness_n whilst_o they_o engage_v our_o wonder_n invite_v we_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o infiniteness_n and_o majesty_n of_o their_o architect_n so_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n declare_v his_o glory_n too_o for_o be_v renew_v after_o his_o image_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n they_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n a_o imperfect_a draught_n of_o some_o of_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n 〈◊〉_d god_n they_o worship_v thus_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n import_v to_o the_o apostle_n force_v the_o beholder_n to_o glorify_v god_n who_o have_v give_v such_o gift_n unto_o man_n so_o too_o christ_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n to_o let_v their_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n that_o when_o they_o see_v those_o good_a work_n they_o may_v glorify_v god_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n induce_v by_o the_o loveliness_n of_o that_o goodness_n derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o other_o be_v by_o his_o power_n 3._o it_o be_v goodness_n by_o which_o we_o own_o a_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v we_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o confession_n of_o our_o meanness_n and_o his_o majesty_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o law_n be_v the_o full_a proof_n we_o can_v give_v of_o our_o allegiance_n and_o his_o supremacy_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o live_v irreligious_o let_v they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o think_v what_o they_o will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o work_n 4._o holiness_n or_o goodness_n be_v real_o divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n define_v to_o be_v religion_n and_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o know_v god_n this_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a this_o be_v understanding_n to_o do_v justice_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v god_n say_v the_o lord_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v one_o self_n unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n more_o plain_o what_o be_v worship_n but_o the_o cleave_a to_o god_n with_o purity_n and_o earnestness_n of_o affection_n act_v in_o conformity_n to_o his_o law_n as_o those_o affection_n shall_v invite_v and_o enable_v we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n with_o holiness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n contribute_v to_o god_n glory_n the_o two_o only_a way_n we_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o glorify_v he_o that_o be_v by_o our_o own_o particular_a worship_n and_o by_o the_o influence_n our_o example_n have_v upon_o other_o §_o 2._o it_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n here_o and_o hereafter_o 1._o here._n 1._o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o peacefu_n government_n friendly_a neighbourhood_n i_o comfortable_a and_o close_a union_n and_o pleasant_a retirement_n depend_v on_o and_o arise_v from_o goodness_n but_o suppose_v the_o world_n plant_v with_o covetousness_n instead_o of_o justice_n pride_n instead_o of_o meekness_n cruelty_n instead_o of_o compassion_n revenge_n and_o malice_n instead_o of_o mildness_n and_o charity_n falsehood_n and_o lie_v instead_o of_o constancy_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o imagine_v if_o you_o can_v whether_o all_o society_n will_v not_o be_v tear_v into_o as_o many_o faction_n as_o there_o be_v cross_a interest_n and_o opposite_a passion_n whether_o any_o commerce_n can_v be_v just_a and_o smooth_a any_o tie_n last_v and_o delightful_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o find_v security_n or_o pleasure_n either_o in_o a_o private_a or_o a_o public_a life_n 2._o it_o be_v holiness_n which_o best_o secure_v a_o man_n inward_a peace_n guard_n and_o arm_n he_o against_o those_o impression_n which_o outward_a temptation_n make_v prescribe_v bound_n to_o our_o desire_n scatter_v our_o fear_n confirm_v our_o hope_n raise_v our_o affection_n to_o thing_n of_o true_a and_o last_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o few_o word_n it_o not_o only_o settle_v our_o peace_n by_o establish_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o mind_n over_o the_o inferior_a appetite_n but_o also_o provide_v for_o our_o pleasure_n by_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n 2._o hereafter_o 3._o goodness_n be_v whole_o necessary_a 1._o to_o recommend_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o infinite_a purity_n and_o excellency_n can_v approve_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o unholy_a this_o be_v the_o message_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o that_o god_n be_v light_a etc._n etc._n where_o you_o see_v that_o the_o law_n be_v found_v in_o his_o nature_n have_v a_o intrinsic_a resemblance_n to_o his_o own_o holiness_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o can_v neither_o alter_v it_o nor_o dispense_v with_o its_o observation_n 2._o to_o qualify_v we_o for_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v goodness_n which_o wean_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o fondness_n for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n and_o possess_v it_o with_o a_o intense_a love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n which_o two_o thing_n do_v first_o capacitate_v it_o for_o that_o world_n wherein_o god_n and_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v and_o second_o recommend_v it_o to_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o it_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n speak_v this_o doctrine_n in_o express_a term_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n he_o be_v still_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n his_o miracle_n do_v confirm_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o this_o too_o be_v careful_o secure_v to_o gain_v authority_n to_o his_o doctrine_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n of_o what_o use_n will_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o relation_n either_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o man_n happiness_n if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o not_o obey_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v light_v come_v into_o the_o world_n if_o man_n may_v still_o love_v darkness_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o son_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n reveal_v he_o more_o glorious_o to_o we_o if_o know_v he_o as_o god_n it_o be_v yet_o lawful_a for_o we_o not_o to_o glorify_v he_o
god_n and_o inform_v by_o man_n and_o therefore_o on_o all_o these_o account_n a_o humble_a man_n can_v never_o be_v enthusiastical_a obstinate_a or_o seditious_a for_o he_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o that_o height_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o to_o conceit_n himself_o the_o only_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o fit_a for_o extroardinary_a illumination_n nor_o at_o that_o height_n of_o carnal_a pride_n as_o to_o be_v a_o busy_a body_n a_o stiff_a asserter_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n or_o judge_v of_o his_o superior_n on_o earth_n and_o so_o think_v himself_o more_o fit_a to_o reign_v than_o to_o suffer_v in_o one_o word_n humility_n whole_a deportment_n be_v sweet_a and_o gentle_a its_o very_a zeal_n be_v modest_a its_o reprehension_n soft_a and_o timorous_a its_o prayer_n awful_a its_o reflection_n mournful_a and_o its_o hope_n of_o heaven_n soft_o grow_v it_o be_v neither_o severe_a nor_o peevish_a obstinate_a nor_o hasty_a bold_a nor_o selfish_a insolent_a nor_o querulous_a it_o can_v suffer_v its_o wound_n to_o be_v prove_v and_o search_v and_o kiss_v the_o hand_n while_o it_o loathe_v the_o filth_n it_o do_v not_o insult_v over_o another_o error_n nor_o excuse_v its_o own_o nay_o rather_o its_o modesty_n conceal_v its_o beauty_n and_o blush_n at_o the_o discovery_n of_o its_o own_o excellency_n it_o never_o prostitute_n to_o beg_v praise_n nay_o if_o it_o accidental_o meet_v they_o it_o be_v rather_o burden_v and_o oppress_v than_o puff_v up_o by_o they_o i_o will_v then_o account_v myself_o to_o have_v attain_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o this_o grace_n when_o i_o can_v possess_v my_o soul_n at_o rest_n when_o i_o delight_v in_o the_o milk_n of_o god_n word_n more_o than_o its_o height_n and_o entricacy_n in_o obedience_n more_o than_o dispute_v and_o fancy_n when_o i_o can_v receive_v evil_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o good_a when_o i_o can_v sacrifice_v my_o own_o will_n to_o the_o caprice_n of_o a_o superior_a the_o obstinacy_n of_o a_o inferior_a or_o the_o humour_n of_o a_o equal_a when_o i_o can_v suffer_v wrongful_o and_o yet_o meek_o when_o i_o can_v look_v upon_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n and_o content_o say_v i_o be_o not_o bear_v for_o these_o i_o be_o not_o call_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o but_o of_o the_o cross_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o i_o be_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o my_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n and_o nothing_o shall_v make_v i_o have_v any_o other_o design_n than_o those_o he_o have_v and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o be_o assure_v that_o i_o love_v and_o serve_v my_o god_n i_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o merit_n and_o suffering_n of_o my_o saviour_n for_o salvation_n and_o a_o crown_n this_o duty_n of_o humility_n be_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o the_o most_o difficult_a in_o christianity_n the_o most_o useful_a for_o it_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n indear_v we_o to_o man_n and_o establish_v a_o peace_n and_o calm_a in_o our_o own_o bosom_n the_o most_o difficult_a for_o it_o be_v to_o renounce_v what_o be_v most_o near_o and_o dear_a to_o we_o our_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n our_o reputation_n nay_o our_o very_a self_n our_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v two_o mighty_a motive_n which_o be_v most_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o one_o be_v that_o humility_n be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o to_o great_a measure_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v the_o other_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o though_o so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o god_n so_o innocent_a that_o he_o have_v no_o guilt_n upon_o he_o none_o can_v accuse_v he_o of_o sin_n so_o dignify_v as_o to_o be_v prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n do_v yet_o debase_v himself_o to_o the_o mean_a service_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v his_o disciple_n a_o pattern_n to_o imitate_v though_o he_o be_v adorn_v by_o all_o that_o may_v give_v he_o a_o just_a claim_n to_o honour_n as_o birth_n virtue_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a function_n yet_o he_o be_v as_o much_o the_o humble_a as_o he_o be_v the_o great_a as_o much_o the_o most_o meek_a as_o the_o most_o innocent_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o if_o he_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n stoop_v so_o low_a what_o can_v we_o who_o be_v at_o that_o vast_a distance_n beneath_o he_o do_v or_o suffer_v that_o be_v capable_a of_o disparage_v we_o beside_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a towards_o implant_n humility_n in_o we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o his_o day_n be_v without_o beginning_n or_o end_v his_o perfection_n have_v no_o bound_n he_o be_v independent_a and_o immutable_a he_o be_v his_o own_o heaven_n and_o his_o own_o happiness_n but_o we_o be_v dust_n and_o the_o son_n of_o corruption_n bear_v yesterday_o and_o we_o shall_v die_v to_o morrow_n our_o body_n heavy_a sluggish_a crafie_a being_n of_o a_o few_o span_n long_o our_o soul_n be_v blind_a and_o ambitious_a passionate_a froward_a jealous_a inconstant_a foolish_a thing_n those_o be_v the_o seat_n or_o abode_n of_o numerous_a pain_n and_o disease_n these_o of_o as_o numerous_a and_o as_o painful_a passion_n the_o world_n we_o live_v in_o be_v a_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o cheat_n that_o first_o invite_v and_o then_o delude_v our_o appetite_n for_o enjoyment_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o die_a itch_n and_o the_o mockery_n of_o a_o wake_a dream_n the_o time_n past_a reflect_v our_o sin_n and_o folly_n the_o present_a be_v trouble_v with_o regret_n and_o desire_n and_o vexation_n and_o the_o future_a will_v be_v what_o the_o present_a now_o be_v for_o when_o all_o be_v nothing_o what_o can_v be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o care_n but_o disappointment_n and_o all_o this_o consider_v be_v not_o god_n most_o fit_a to_o govern_v and_o we_o to_o obey_v he_o to_o be_v exalt_v and_o we_o to_o be_v humble_v but_o why_o do_v i_o compare_v man_n to_o god_n let_v we_o compare_v he_o but_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n and_o how_o inconceiveable_o more_o excellent_a be_v their_o be_v and_o their_o state_n than_o we_o how_o wise_a and_o know_a how_o refine_a and_o pure_a their_o substance_n we_o see_v but_o through_o a_o cloud_n and_o be_v clad_v with_o a_o earthy_a body_n they_o dwell_v in_o the_o circle_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o the_o almighty_n presence_n and_o in_o a_o numerous_a choir_n of_o the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a company_n we_o in_o long_a night_n and_o cold_a winter_n and_o barren_a soil_n and_o lonesome-shade_n tire_v with_o sullen_a toilsome_a business_n and_o dull_a insipid_a conversation_n and_o only_o wait_v for_o the_o approach_a day_n and_o the_o rendevouz_n of_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n the_o prayer_n o_o thou_o god_n who_o resiste_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a possess_v i_o with_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a spirit_n teach_v i_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o my_o bless_a saviour_n to_o serve_v and_o minister_v to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v teach_v i_o to_o know_v thou_o my_o god_n and_o myself_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o incomprehensible_a glory_n and_o my_o meanness_n may_v level_v all_o my_o foolish_a conceit_n of_o myself_o and_o clothe_v i_o with_o humility_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n o_o my_o god_n make_v i_o resign_v and_o obedient_a to_o thou_o subject_a to_o my_o superior_n modest_a towards_o my_o equal_n and_o meek_a to_o my_o inferior_n make_v i_o to_o despise_v the_o praise_n and_o honour_n of_o man_n be_v content_a with_o the_o conscience_n of_o do_v good_a make_v i_o see_v the_o imperfection_n of_o my_o best_a action_n and_o rely_v upon_o thy_o mercy_n for_o salvation_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o my_o soul_n may_v here_o find_v rest_n and_o hereafter_o glory_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n sect._n 5._o of_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n general_o receive_v that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o true_a faith_n will_v save_v the_o soul_n but_o i_o hope_v man_n mean_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o overcomes_z the_o world_n and_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n for_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v very_o much_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o that_o seed_n which_o become_v unfruitful_a through_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n mar._n 4.19_o if_o they_o say_v that_o that_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v
that_o its_o act_n be_v easy_a and_o delightful_a for_o habit_n be_v but_o another_o nature_n so_o holiness_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o new_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a when_o our_o grace_n be_v full_a of_o life_n and_o vigour_n when_o our_o sight_n be_v grow_v clear_a and_o our_o affection_n warm_a and_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o heaven_n than_o it_o be_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o anticipate_v our_o heaven_n by_o perform_v his_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n religion_n be_v at_o first_o employ_v in_o the_o unpleasant_a though_o wholesome_a severity_n of_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n and_o pull_v out_o right_o eye_n lust_n become_v so_o natural_a they_o be_v become_v our_o member_n but_o afterward_o have_v conquer_v the_o world_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o full_a of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o conversion_n as_o in_o the_o alteration_n of_o a_o old_a building_n we_o first_o demolish_v those_o part_n which_o be_v not_o uniform_a and_o beautiful_a and_o this_o present_v we_o with_o nothing_o but_o rubbish_n and_o ruin_n but_o afterward_o we_o raise_v up_o a_o orderly_a beautiful_a and_o lightsome_a building_n where_o we_o may_v solace_v and_o entertain_v ourselves_o 3._o a_o exalt_v holiness_n be_v not_o only_o delightsome_a in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o its_o grace_n but_o in_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o its_o action_n because_o such_o a_o man_n love_n of_o god_n be_v now_o so_o evident_a and_o manifest_a he_o have_v no_o long_a room_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o than_o what_o a_o ravish_a pleasure_n must_v it_o be_v to_o be_v able_a to_o survey_v all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o such_o which_o himself_o be_v a_o heir_n to_o who_o can_v with_o full_a assurance_n think_v himself_o just_a upon_o the_o confine_n of_o heaven_n within_o a_o moment_n of_o enter_v into_o joy_n without_o a_o very_a sensible_a transport_n 4._o it_o be_v entitle_v to_o great_a measure_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v though_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o future_a glory_n be_v above_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a life_n and_o though_o god_n may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o so_o that_o the_o chief_a saint_n can_v not_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o complain_v though_o the_o mean_a be_v equal_v with_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o will_v be_v order_n in_o another_o world_n and_o those_o star_n of_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n will_v differ_v in_o glory_n and_o this_o will_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o behaviour_n in_o this_o life_n he_o which_o sow_v spare_o shall_v reap_v spare_o and_o he_o which_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o 2_o cor._n 9.6_o be_v it_o not_o therefore_o high_o reasonable_a on_o this_o account_n that_o we_o shall_v aspire_v after_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n we_o can_v for_o who_o will_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v as_o happy_a and_o as_o glorious_a as_o he_o can_v it_o be_v now_o apparent_a that_o perfection_n be_v a_o duty_n propose_v to_o we_o upon_o very_o powerful_a and_o glorious_a motive_n for_o who_o that_o be_v wise_a will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o arrive_v at_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a security_n great_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o entitle_v to_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o state_n observe_v these_o few_o rule_n 1._o believe_v a_o holy_a just_a almighty_a god_n every_o where_o present_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v heb._n 4.13_o nay_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n if_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n and_o therefore_o walk_v not_o only_o as_o prepare_v to_o meet_v he_o but_o as_o already_o before_o he_o this_o will_v awe_v a_o wander_a spirit_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o fear_v and_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v awaken_v a_o decay_a affection_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o omit_v a_o duty_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o judge_v our_o action_n impartial_o and_o we_o shall_v neither_o impose_v upon_o our_o selus_fw-la by_o fondness_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o opinion_n sake_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v god_n for_o a_o judge_n and_o spectator_n i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a gen._n 17.2_o 2._o consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o life_n and_o death_n the_o suffering_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n for_o his_o life_n will_v convince_v you_o how_o lovely_a and_o pleasant_a virtue_n be_v although_o it_o seem_v to_o the_o world_n foolish_a contemptible_a and_o painful_a his_o death_n will_v inform_v you_o what_o obligation_n you_o lie_v under_o to_o holiness_n for_o will_v you_o not_o love_n and_o obey_v that_o saviour_n who_o have_v redeem_v you_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o be_v you_o not_o sensible_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v strange_o in_o love_n with_o holiness_n since_o he_o do_v propagate_v it_o by_o such_o a_o method_n his_o crown_n and_o his_o kingdom_n will_v breathe_v fresh_a life_n and_o spirit_n into_o your_o affection_n this_o be_v the_o motive_n which_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 12._o make_v use_n of_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_v and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n be_v ground_v that_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 3._o each_o morning_n endeavour_n to_o foresee_v what_o temptation_n you_o be_v to_o encounter_v that_o day_n and_o summon_v up_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n against_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n survey_v each_o part_n of_o the_o fort_n and_o have_v discover_v which_o be_v the_o weak_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o most_o approachable_a secure_v it_o by_o a_o strong_a guard_n by_o argument_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o diligent_a watch_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n harsh_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o weigh_v well_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o own_o resolution_n whether_o you_o be_v able_a to_o engage_v so_o powerful_a a_o enemy_n as_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n when_o luk._n 14.26_o 27._o he_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n they_o must_v bear_v his_o cross_n exhort_v they_o to_o consider_v beforehand_o their_o engagement_n and_o to_o see_v that_o their_o preparation_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n by_o the_o example_n of_o a_o builder_n who_o first_o sit_v down_o to_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v his_o intend_a building_n and_o of_o a_o king_n who_o go_v to_o war_n with_o another_o king_n do_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v whether_o he_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o meet_v he_o and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v this_o commit_v yourself_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o then_o march_v forth_o out_o of_o your_o chamber_n into_o the_o world_n like_o a_o soldier_n out_o of_o his_o camp_n into_o the_o field_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o each_o evening_n look_v over_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o day_n and_o see_v how_o you_o have_v behave_v yourself_o what_o victory_n you_o have_v gain_v what_o ground_n you_o have_v get_v what_o grace_n be_v most_o faint_a and_o sickly_a etc._n etc._n and_o always_o close_a this_o exercise_n with_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thy_o life_n how_o fast_o it_o steal_v away_o into_o eternity_n enter_v in_o fancy_n into_o the_o
doectrine_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o his_o life_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o a_o true_a and_o spiritual_a holiness_n for_o as_o the_o law_n come_v by_o moses_n so_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o all_o this_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o father_n jo._n 15.15_o all_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o father_n i_o have_v manifest_v unto_o you_o from_o hence_o i_o may_v infer_v that_o the_o plant_n the_o world_n with_o holiness_n be_v a_o undertake_n become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o design_n worthy_a of_o his_o incarnation_n the_o jew_n vain_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v build_v they_o up_o into_o a_o glorious_a empire_n and_o secure_v to_o they_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n in_o this_o life_n but_o since_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a jesus_n despise_v this_o as_o a_o trifle_a design_n it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o mortification_n in_o himself_o denial_n be_v above_o all_o the_o romantic_a gallantry_n of_o ambitious_a spirit_n that_o to_o be_v good_a be_v somewhat_o more_o noble_a than_o to_o be_v great_a to_o despise_v the_o world_n be_v more_o than_o to_o conquer_v it_o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n a_o rich_a happiness_n than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o caress_n it_o with_o all_o the_o flattery_n of_o luxury_n and_o greatness_n and_o to_o know_v god_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n a_o great_a honour_n and_o happiness_n than_o to_o command_v the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o mankind_n how_o can_v this_o consideration_n choose_v but_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o strange_a veneration_n for_o religion_n and_o a_o love_n of_o holiness_n why_o shall_v we_o with_o a_o preposterous_a ambition_n affect_v those_o foolery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o neglect_v true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n true_a greatness_n &_o perfection_n though_o we_o our_o selus_fw-la shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v it_o yet_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o collect_v both_o the_o beauty_n and_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n from_o the_o value_n a_o infinite_o wise_a god_n have_v of_o it_o which_o he_o do_v sufficent_o express_v in_o labour_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n in_o employ_v so_o much_o care_n and_o so_o much_o wisdom_n about_o it_o in_o make_v use_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o instrument_n as_o his_o own_o son_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n image_n etc._n etc._n the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n together_o with_o that_o light_n he_o shed_v upon_o our_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o natural_a religion_n have_v leave_v our_o disobedience_n inexcusable_a when_o he_o add_v so_o many_o other_o miraculous_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o his_o will_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o prophet_n authorise_a by_o miracle_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o this_o must_v needs_o render_v they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v address_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a and_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o ourselves_o to_o who_o he_o have_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n send_v jesus_n christ_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n may_v well_o expect_v as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n sure_o they_o will_v reverence_v my_o son_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n be_v very_o fit_a to_o beget_v a_o awe_n and_o belief_n too_o therefore_o as_o the_o grace_n be_v great_a so_o must_v the_o punishment_n of_o its_o rejection_n this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n s_o paul_n draw_v from_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapt._n to_o the_o heb._n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a a_o salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 2._o if_o we_o second_o consider_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n only_o as_o a_o great_a example_n of_o the_o most_o exalt_a holiness_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n charity_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n purity_n and_o self-denial_n towards_o himself_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o find_v in_o it_o a_o clear_a light_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n but_o also_o powerful_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o it_o for_o if_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v thus_o deny_v himself_o and_o renounce_v the_o world_n what_o kind_n of_o humility_n and_o mortification_n will_v become_v we_o who_o be_v so_o far_o beneath_o he_o and_o in_o who_o be_v such_o violent_a propension_n to_o sin_n how_o will_v it_o become_v we_o to_o walk_v who_o profess_v ourselves_o the_o disciple_n of_o so_o holy_a and_o so_o excellent_a a_o master_n we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n unless_o we_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v for_o this_o be_v it_o he_o aim_v at_o to_o set_v we_o a_o example_n and_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v of_o he_o be_v his_o holiness_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 etc._n etc._n 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 to_o your_o soul_n he_o that_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o to_o walk_v so_o even_o as_o he_o walk_v all_o which_o import_v a_o necessity_n of_o our_o imitation_n of_o he_o and_o imply_v our_o stray_n from_o his_o example_n to_o be_v a_o interpretative_a renunciation_n of_o our_o discipleship_n second_o in_o the_o example_n of_o his_o life_n we_o may_v discern_v the_o beauty_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n how_o lovely_a how_o great_a how_o majestic_a be_v that_o goodness_n and_o innocence_n which_o shine_v in_o he_o and_o as_o a_o consequence_n of_o this_o holiness_n with_o what_o serenity_n and_o calmness_n of_o affection_n do_v he_o enjoy_v himself_o with_o what_o assurance_n of_o mind_n do_v he_o encounter_v all_o affliction_n and_o look_v forward_o towards_o another_o life_n these_o be_v pleasure_n which_o all_o must_v needs_o value_v who_o can_v understand_v they_o and_o all_o may_v enjoy_v they_o who_o will_v lead_v godly_a life_n three_o from_o he_o we_o learn_v how_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o prefer_v all_o the_o hardship_n which_o accompany_v religion_n to_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n since_o he_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o can_v have_v command_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o despise_v all_o the_o flatter_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o choose_v the_o cross_n and_o the_o affliction_n of_o righteousness_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v a_o everlasting_a crown_n let_v we_o choose_v as_o he_o do_v and_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v mistake_v nor_o let_v we_o be_v frighten_v at_o any_o difficulty_n the_o same_o spirit_n which_o strengthen_v he_o shall_v make_v we_o too_o conqueror_n nor_o can_v the_o world_n menace_v we_o with_o any_o thing_n worse_o than_o what_o he_o endure_v want_v and_o scorn_v and_o travel_v and_o death_n a_o shameful_a and_o a_o painful_a death_n which_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o be_v a_o very_a passionate_a invitation_n to_o holiness_n consider_v either_o as_o a_o expiatian_a of_o our_o sin_n or_o as_o a_o act_n of_o his_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o a_o expiation_n it_o must_v 1._o plain_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o fatal_a deadly_a nature_n of_o sin_n for_o when_o i_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n struggle_v with_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o cross_n groan_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o his_o wound_n pale_a and_o ghastly_a breathe_n forth_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v have_v think_v fit_a for_o sin_n to_o have_v be_v atone_v by_o so_o bitter_a a_o sacrifice_n unless_o the_o weight_n and_o horror_n of_o it_o have_v call_v for_o such_o a_o expiation_n and_o shall_v i_o play_v and_o fool_n with_o sin_n as_o a_o harmless_a thing_n when_o its_o guilt_n can_v be_v cleanse_v but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n sure_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v intend_v to_o intimate_v to_o mankind_n the_o
thou_o have_v do_v in_o all_o meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o faith_n and_o hope_v that_o i_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o those_o mansion_n thou_o be_v go_v before_o to_o prepare_v for_o i_o amen_n amen_n sect_n iv_o cantain_v the_o four_o motive_n to_o holiness_n i._n e._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n a_o man_n who_o shall_v have_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o strength_n and_o importance_n of_o these_o motive_n to_o holiness_n which_o i_o have_v consider_v will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o some_o unimaginable_a temptation_n or_o some_o unavoidable_a necessity_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o nature_n can_v provoke_v man_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o these_o obligation_n and_o break_v through_o all_o these_o obstruction_n that_o he_o may_v sin_v and_o die_v but_o on_o the_o quite_o contraty_a which_o do_v strange_o reproach_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o sinner_n 1._o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o allurement_n to_o fin_n have_v little_a or_o no_o temptation_n in_o they_o 2._o sin_n itself_o be_v a_o silly_a base_a thing_n and_o 3._o man_n have_v strength_n enough_o offer_v to_o enable_v he_o to_o avoid_v it_o 1._o the_o first_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o consider_v full_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n only_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n there_o be_v no_o more_o sttess_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o this_o argument_n than_o it_o will_v bear_v and_o that_o this_o argument_n have_v still_o respect_n to_o the_o joy_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n the_o sensual_a satisfaction_n of_o man_n be_v very_o little_a and_o trifle_a compare_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v worth_a a_o man_n while_n to_o be_v damn_v for_o they_o yet_o sure_a if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o come_v it_o will_v behoove_v every_o man_n to_o be_v content_a with_o and_o make_v the_o most_o of_o this_o nor_o do_v i_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n may_v manage_v their_o lust_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o infer_v reason_n enough_o to_o relinquish_v they_o from_o any_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o their_o interest_n or_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o purchase_v a_o pleasure_n by_o the_o shorten_n of_o his_o life_n or_o the_o lessen_v of_o his_o estate_n i_o can_v see_v why_o he_o may_v not_o have_v reason_n on_o his_o side_n for_o a_o short_a life_n and_o a_o merry_a one_o and_o my_o mind_n to_o i_o a_o kingdom_n be_v will_v upon_o the_o former_a supposition_n be_v a_o wise_a proverb_n for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v very_o narrow_a and_o faint_a and_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v none_o or_o insignificant_a but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v now_o though_o there_o be_v pleasure_n in_o sin_n and_o deceitfulness_n in_o lust_n grant_v in_o scripture_n to_o abandon_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n for_o some_o carnal_a pleasure_n upon_o earth_n be_v like_o esau_n to_o sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o renounce_v all_o present_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o peter_n to_o forsake_v a_o wear_v fisherboat_n and_o break_a net_n a_o trouble_a lake_n and_o uncertain_a hope_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v sure_o very_o reasonable_a and_o now_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n and_o five_o section_n sect_n v._o contain_v a_o five_o motive_n to_o holiness_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o 1_o ep._n jo._n 1._o this_o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o great_a message_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o that_o god_n be_v light_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o they_o that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n have_v none_o where_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o s._n john_n found_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n because_o god_n be_v holy_a therefore_o he_o must_v first_o renounce_v his_o own_o nature_n ere_o he_o can_v establish_v any_o other_o contrary_a law_n or_o love_n or_o hate_v on_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o holiness_n and_o sin_n this_o be_v so_o i_o think_v the_o best_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o one_o render_v we_o like_o god_n and_o the_o other_o unlike_o he_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o eternal_a life_n infinite_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o his_o attribute_n and_o such_o as_o reason_n itself_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n imaginable_a if_o holiness_n therefore_o tend_v to_o implant_v and_o improve_v some_o resemblance_n of_o they_o in_o man_n and_o vice_n to_o efface_v and_o extinguish_v they_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v how_o the_o one_o make_v we_o like_o god_n and_o the_o other_o unlike_o he_o 1_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n it_o be_v true_a that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n do_v not_o change_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v spirit_n flesh_n or_o flesh_n spirit_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v so_o wonderful_o transform_v thing_n by_o instil_v new_a quality_n and_o so_o alter_v the_o operation_n of_o being_n they_o be_v in_o scripture_n say_v to_o do_v so_o thus_o because_o virtue_n raise_v and_o refine_v the_o soul_n free_v it_o from_o those_o fog_n which_o a_o sensual_a dotage_n cast_v about_o it_o scatters_z a_o new_a light_n upon_o it_o and_o mortify_v those_o affection_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o body_n and_o render_v it_o more_o obedient_a to_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o the_o man_n live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o become_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o immortal_a be_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o have_v render_v he_o a_o spiritual_a man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n because_o sin_n do_v stupefy_v and_o sensualize_v the_o mind_n embolden_v and_o pamper_v the_o body_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n seem_v to_o have_v change_v its_o nature_n into_o flesh_n and_o relish_v nothing_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v proper_o spiritual_a but_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o those_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a entertainment_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n not_o a_o spirit_n therefore_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o have_v render_v the_o man_n a_o natural_a man_n 2._o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o second_o attribute_n of_o god_n life_n in_o man_n be_v either_o of_o the_o body_n or_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o former_a temperance_n employment_n and_o a_o cheerful_a spirit_n be_v the_o great_a preservative_n of_o health_n and_o the_o best_a support_n of_o such_o crazy_a being_n as_o our_o body_n be_v religion_n enjoin_v the_o two_o former_a for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v holy_a without_o be_v temperate_a and_o employ_v at_o least_o in_o do_v good_a and_o it_o contribute_v very_o effectual_o to_o the_o late_a i._n e._n cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n by_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o peaceful_a conscience_n a_o resign_v mind_n and_o glorious_a hope_n but_o sin_n shorten_v our_o hasty_a day_n by_o expose_v we_o to_o disease_n violence_n the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o ill_a influence_n which_o a_o distemper_a mind_n have_v upon_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o soul_n righteousness_n be_v the_o life_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o nourishment_n and_o pleasure_n the_o freedom_n and_o the_o security_n of_o it_o but_o sin_n be_v the_o death_n and_o plague_n of_o it_o non_fw-la est_fw-la vivere_fw-la sed_fw-la valere_fw-la vita_fw-la it_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a exist_v but_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o be_v which_o be_v its_o life_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v a_o soul_n which_o be_v sick_a of_o passion_n daily_o torture_v and_o distract_v by_o a_o ill_a conscience_n be_v say_v to_o live_v beside_o sin_n do_v impair_v the_o faculty_n o'reca_v the_o light_n and_o fetter_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o it_o neither_o understand_v nor_o will_n nor_o command_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v render_v a_o poor_a sickly_a despicable_a be_v and_o therefore_o the_o sinner_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o because_o the_o metaphor_n be_v not_o to_o be_v press_v too_o far_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o text_n follow_v if_o it_o have_v any_o life_n it_o be_v as_o imperfect_a as_o that_o of_o a_o lethargic_a drowsy_a body_n all_o be_v a_o thick_a night_n
and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v abhor_v those_o sin_n which_o efface_v thy_o image_n and_o debase_v my_o nature_n which_o render_v i_o a_o burden_n to_o myself_o the_o hate_n of_o god_n and_o scorn_v of_o man_n which_o make_v i_o unhappy_a here_o and_o miserable_a hereafter_o grant_v this_o i_o beseech_v thou_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n amen_n sect_n vi_o contain_v the_o six_o motive_n to_o holiness_n the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o practical_a nature_n it_o will_v behoove_v i_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o dispute_n about_o the_o strength_n of_o lapse_v nature_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n i_o may_v in_o short_a affirm_v that_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o the_o birth_n sometime_o the_o growth_n sometime_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n assign_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o all_o which_o do_v not_o yet_o discharge_v man_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o exert_v all_o the_o strength_n and_o endeavour_n that_o he_o can_v for_o by_o those_o frequent_a exhortation_n address_v to_o man_n we_o may_v just_o infer_v some_o ability_n suppose_v in_o he_o and_o by_o the_o frequent_a promise_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o infer_v a_o impotence_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o relief_n and_o from_o altogether_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o dispense_v as_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n our_o bless_a saviour_n after_o he_o have_v deliver_v upon_o the_o mount_n a_o system_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a precept_n of_o devotion_n and_o purity_n mortification_n and_o charity_n as_o if_o he_o have_v foresee_v that_o his_o hearer_n will_v be_v dazzle_v by_o the_o brightness_n of_o this_o divine_a image_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o pattern_n as_o too_o high_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o humane_a nature_n do_v close_o the_o discourse_n first_o with_o a_o assurance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o with_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o real_a and_o actual_a conformity_n of_o our_o life_n to_o those_o holy_a precept_n matth_n 7._o v._o 7._o etc._n etc._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 unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v findeth_z and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v where_o our_o endeavour_n and_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v join_v together_o as_o be_v both_o necessary_a towards_o the_o great_a work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o 9_o 10_o 11._o verse_n he_o go_v on_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o promise_n from_o the_o example_n of_o natural_a parent_n who_o though_o evil_a have_v that_o natural_a affection_n for_o their_o child_n that_o if_o a_o son_n ask_v bread_n they_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n they_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o scorpion_n much_o more_o be_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o refuse_v man_n that_o assistance_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o holiness_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o paternity_n to_o deny_v his_o crave_v child_n that_o which_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o their_o spiritual_a life_n as_o food_n be_v to_o their_o natural_a if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_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 his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o appear_v from_o parallel_a place_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o this_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o he_o conclude_v all_o with_o aver_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o all_o those_o excellent_a precept_n from_o verse_n 13._o to_o the_o end_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v man_n quarrel_v at_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n fit_a for_o angel_n rather_o than_o man_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o complain_v of_o the_o prevail_a passion_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o of_o the_o soft_a insinuation_n of_o a_o flatter_a world_n our_o ability_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o exalt_v virtue_n have_v allot_v we_o a_o assistance_n suitable_a to_o so_o glorious_a a_o end_n so_o that_o these_o complaint_n be_v not_o the_o groan_n of_o a_o penitent_a but_o the_o excuse_n of_o a_o fond_a and_o carnal_a mind_n all_o this_o certain_o amount_v to_o a_o very_a clear_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o real_a and_o inherent_a holiness_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o call_v down_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o man_n if_o either_o there_o be_v no_o need_n or_o no_o use_n of_o such_o a_o holiness_n which_o he_o be_v the_o divine_a principle_n of_o or_o if_o this_o holiness_n be_v so_o impure_a and_o imperfect_a that_o it_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o which_o way_n now_o shall_v the_o impenitent_a sinner_n escape_v divine_a justice_n what_o excuse_v can_v he_o frame_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o impiety_n he_o sin_n and_o die_v not_o because_o he_o can_v do_v otherwise_o but_o because_o he_o will_v do_v so_o he_o perish_v not_o through_o impotence_n but_o obstinacy_n and_o what_o punishment_n think_v we_o can_v sufficient_o avenge_v a_o contempt_n of_o or_o despite_n do_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o gentile_a be_v unexcusable_a because_o he_o do_v not_o obey_v those_o law_n which_o his_o conscience_n do_v dictate_v to_o he_o though_o the_o character_n they_o be_v publish_v in_o be_v dark_a the_o motive_n to_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o obedience_n weak_a and_o feeble_a at_o least_o comparative_o what_o tribulation_n and_o wrath_n and_o anguish_n than_o will_v punish_v our_o disobedience_n who_o have_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n open_o publish_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o enforce_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n by_o glorious_a promise_n and_o dreadful_a threat_n but_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n promise_v to_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n to_o enfranchise_v and_o strengthen_v our_o will_n to_o imprint_v the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o more_o sensible_a character_n on_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v expect_v that_o our_o tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v will_v be_v proportion_v to_o our_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o and_o the_o anger_n of_o almighty_a wrath_n will_v boil_v to_o a_o heat_n answerable_a to_o that_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n we_o have_v despise_v the_o prayer_n o_o my_o god_n how_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o i_o shall_v obey_v thou_o since_o thou_o command_v i_o nothing_o but_o what_o thou_o give_v i_o strength_n to_o perform_v i_o feel_v the_o weakness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n but_o this_o shall_v never_o discourage_v i_o through_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o spirit_n i_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o conquer_v it_o must_v be_v a_o weakness_n indeed_o which_o omnipotence_n can_v relieve_v it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a assault_n make_v by_o the_o world_n which_o can_v storm_v that_o fort_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o almighty_a defend_v and_o that_o law_n must_v be_v more_o than_o seraphic_a which_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o imitation_n of_o a_o soul_n inspire_v and_o actuate_v by_o thou_o no_o no_o if_o thou_o vouchsafe_v but_o one_o ray_n of_o thy_o infinite_a power_n i_o shall_v soon_o subdue_v the_o world_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n i_o shall_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o please_v thou_o here_o and_o i_o shall_v obtain_v everlasting_a life_n afterward_o which_o grant_v for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n and_o thy_o son_n christ_n jesus_n sake_n amen_n sect_n vii_o of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v do_v this_o and_o live_v life_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o unerring_a obedience_n and_o death_n the_o punishment_n of_o every_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n none_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v justify_v but_o he_o who_o have_v no_o sin_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o and_o therefore_o since_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o man_n but_o christ_n righteousness_n can_v not_o be_v by_o the_o law_n but_o now_o the_o
with_o or_o the_o frequent_a sin_n to_o which_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o have_v betray_v we_o will_v discern_v reason_n enough_o to_o invite_v he_o to_o this_o duty_n either_o in_o order_n to_o our_o mortification_n and_o our_o future_a security_n or_o as_o a_o act_n of_o affliction_n and_o revenge_n for_o our_o past_a fault_n therefore_o 2._o who_o ever_o total_o neglect_v this_o duty_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n it_o have_v upon_o either_o body_n or_o mind_n ought_v well_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o wanton_a and_o carnal_a mind_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o his_o body_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o degree_n of_o this_o duty_n otherwise_o he_o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o his_o capacity_n 3._o to_o fast_v must_v be_v join_v alm_n and_o prayer_n and_o vainglory_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o it_o without_o the_o former_a it_o be_v insignificant_a with_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o if_o any_o just_a reason_n disable_v any_o man_n to_o give_v alm_n or_o to_o devote_v the_o day_n entire_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n i_o can_v yet_o think_v but_o that_o fast_n may_v be_v use_v as_o a_o act_n of_o affliction_n provide_v it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a intention_n at_o least_o the_o prayer_n glorious_a god_n i_o see_v in_o what_o a_o world_n i_o live_v and_o what_o a_o body_n this_o soul_n of_o i_o do_v dwell_v in_o how_o little_a kindle_v those_o lust_n which_o blast_v the_o innocence_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o destroy_v my_o peace_n i_o remember_v how_o often_o i_o have_v behave_v myself_o unbeseeming_a a_o child_n of_o god_n only_o to_o gratify_v the_o inclination_n of_o a_o ungovernable_a body_n enable_n i_o therefore_o so_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v it_o that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v a_o entire_a peace_n and_o conquest_n so_o to_o humble_a and_o afflict_v it_o that_o my_o revenge_n may_v testify_v the_o sorrow_n i_o feel_v for_o my_o misdemeanour_n and_o accept_v thou_o my_o sorrow_n to_o the_o atonement_n of_o my_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n amen_n the_o conclusion_n i_o be_o now_o earnest_o to_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o a_o system_fw-la of_o most_o glorious_a delightful_a and_o important_a truth_n whether_o any_o principle_n can_v raise_v man_n to_o such_o a_o entire_a conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o himself_o whether_o holiness_n do_v not_o transform_v he_o into_o a_o great_a and_o a_o glorious_a thing_n whether_o any_o knowledge_n can_v create_v in_o he_o so_o perfect_a a_o peace_n and_o so_o undisturbed_a a_o joy_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beside_o religion_n can_v make_v a_o man_n spurn_v fawn_a pleasure_n and_o outbrave_v his_o fear_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v turn_v the_o world_n into_o so_o much_o paradise_n and_o secure_v our_o peace_n and_o interest_n on_o such_o unshaken_a bottom_n and_o lead_v on_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o a_o public_a or_o a_o private_a life_n in_o such_o a_o safe_a and_o pleasant_a method_n what_o then_o be_v thou_o fond_a of_o ruin_n or_o have_v damnation_n any_o charm_n in_o it_o that_o thou_o will_v still_o resolve_v to_o persevere_v in_o such_o a_o manifold_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o soul_n to_o be_v miserable_a here_o through_o those_o numerous_a lust_n which_o be_v the_o incessant_a torment_n of_o it_o and_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o abandon_v all_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n or_o do_v thou_o indeed_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o read_v these_o kind_n of_o arguing_n as_o only_o wise_a and_o politic_a harangue_n sure_o so_o much_o holiness_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n must_v needs_o witness_v its_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v but_o try_v thyself_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o thou_o will_v feel_v its_o divine_a principle_n in_o the_o life_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n can_v choose_v but_o indespight_n of_o inclination_n acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o confess_v that_o their_o vice_n be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o their_o choice_n but_o weakness_n bless_a god_n what_o account_v then_o will_v these_o man_n give_v of_o their_o disobedience_n at_o that_o day_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o render_v the_o vengeance_n to_o all_o who_o have_v not_o obey_v his_o gospel_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o prevalent_a motive_n make_v use_v of_o to_o endear_v holiness_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v offer_v they_o towards_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v well_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v as_o a_o perfect_a refutation_n of_o all_o such_o excuse_n so_o many_o million_o i_o hope_v of_o bless_a saint_n who_o though_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o encompass_v by_o the_o same_o temptation_n do_v yet_o conquer_v all_o and_o enter_v into_o life_n through_o the_o strait-gate_n but_o if_o this_o little_a treatise_n shall_v light_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o perfect_a atheist_n or_o at_o least_o of_o one_o who_o laugh_v at_o every_o particular_a sect_n of_o religion_n to_o such_o a_o one_o i_o address_v these_o last_o line_n and_o i_o beseech_v he_o to_o allow_v they_o so_o much_o consideration_n as_o he_o will_v to_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o concernment_n and_o importance_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n nature_n seem_v to_o dictate_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o forget_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a neither_o in_o life_n nor_o death_n and_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o rational_a creature_n be_v his_o peculiar_a offspring_n and_o more_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o and_o on_o this_o argument_n socrates_n in_o his_o apology_n found_v his_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n a_o argument_n much_o of_o a_o kin_n to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n now_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n at_o the_o smartness_n and_o clearness_n of_o which_o argue_v the_o people_n be_v astonish_v and_o if_o there_o be_v another_o life_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o proper_a quality_n to_o recommend_v and_o endear_v we_o to_o the_o god_n who_o preside_v in_o that_o other_o world_n for_o i_o can_v never_o fancy_v a_o brutish_a and_o irrational_a deity_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o a_o atheist_n can_v never_o possess_v his_o soul_n in_o any_o rest_n and_o peace_n and_o beside_o if_o there_o be_v none_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o religion_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o will_v make_v appear_v present_o can_v do_v no_o man_n any_o harm_n and_o what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o not_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a side_n in_o a_o mat-t_a of_o this_o dear_a concernment_n 2._o in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n in_o particular_a i_o beseech_v such_o a_o one_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o those_o miracle_n and_o proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n which_o the_o gospel_n relate_v be_v true_a and_o real_a than_o the_o matter_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n if_o they_o be_v not_o i_o will_v fain_o see_v some_o probable_a account_n how_o christianity_n can_v so_o general_o obtain_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n it_o be_v to_o encounter_n have_v neither_o interest_n nor_o pleasure_n nor_o force_n to_o countenance_v it_o against_o the_o establish_a superstition_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o age._n that_o it_o concern_v they_o of_o judea_n which_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n to_o have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o manifest_a account_n of_o the_o imposture_n and_o so_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o judaisme_n which_o be_v subvert_v by_o it_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o religious_a sect_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v quick_o swallow_v up_o into_o christianity_n that_o those_o early_a day_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a for_o a_o confutation_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o which_o christianity_n be_v bottom_v as_o be_v most_o near_o conjoin_v to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n action_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o be_v easy_o inform_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v which_o must_v needs_o suppose_v the_o world_n either_o monstruous_o ignorant_a or_o