never_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o any_o but_o some_o few_o rare_a and_o happy_a creature_n the_o favourite_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n pleasure_n that_o have_v matter_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o for_o such_o as_o i_o can_v no_o more_o grasp_v and_o relish_v than_o i_o can_v dream_n and_o vision_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v this_o pretty_a talk_n be_v all_o but_o stupid_a ignorance_n and_o gross_a mistake_v for_o 1._o as_o to_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a pleasure_n no_o man_n needs_o part_n with_o it_o i_o endeavour_v not_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o this_o but_o to_o refine_v and_o purify_v it_o and_o he_o that_o prefer_v either_o silly_a or_o vicious_a pleasure_n before_o religion_n be_v wretched_o mistake_v for_o 2._o perfect_a religion_n be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n have_v we_o but_o once_o arrive_v at_o true_a purity_n of_o heart_n what_o can_v be_v so_o full_a of_o pleasure_n as_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o delightful_a than_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n to_o a_o grateful_a soul_n allelujah_n to_o a_o soul_n snatch_v from_o the_o brink_n of_o destruction_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o its_o master_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o the_o melt_a tenderness_n of_o a_o holy_a contrition_n make_v up_o like_o mary_n magdalen_n of_o tear_n and_o kiss_n sorrow_n and_o love_n humility_n and_o glory_n confusion_n and_o confidence_n shame_n and_o joy_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o love_n the_o love_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v all_o love_n as_o god_n be_v love_n when_o he_o desire_v nothing_o in_o heaven_n nor_o on_o earth_n but_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v dung_n and_o dross_n to_o he_o in_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n 4._o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o transport_v than_o those_o of_o religion_n it_o be_v because_o our_o faith_n be_v weak_a our_o love_n imperfect_a and_o our_o life_n unsteady_a a_o constant_a and_o exalt_a pleasure_n be_v i_o grant_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n alone_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reign_v no_o where_o but_o where_o that_o zeal_n and_o love_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n reign_v too_o i_o have_v once_o propose_v to_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o here_o but_o this_o labour_n be_v prevent_v for_o they_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o chapter_n of_o zeal_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n last_o what_o be_v insinuate_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o numerous_a or_o obvious_a than_o those_o of_o religion_n be_v altogether_o a_o false_a and_o groundless_a fancy_n in_o every_o place_n and_o in_o every_o state_n do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n wait_v upon_o the_o perfect_a man._n they_o depend_v not_o like_o those_o of_o the_o body_n on_o a_o thousand_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n but_o only_o on_o god_n and_o our_o own_o integrity_n but_o this_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v i_o think_v for_o ever_o baffle_v sect._n 1_o chap._n 4._o these_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n be_v thus_o remove_v and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o happiness_n that_o result_v from_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o obligation_n to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n which_o obstruct_v his_o way_n to_o it_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o now_o leave_v to_o disappoint_v the_o success_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o somewhat_o too_o much_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n or_o somewhat_o too_o much_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n which_o i_o be_o next_o though_o but_o very_o brief_o to_o consider_v §_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o either_o for_o the_o matter_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o criminal_a enough_o to_o destroy_v our_o sincerity_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yet_o be_v it_o strong_a enough_o to_o abate_v our_o vigour_n hinder_v our_o perfection_n and_o bereave_v we_o of_o many_o degree_n of_o pleasure_n at_o present_a and_o glory_n hereafter_o the_o indication_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v too_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n too_o much_o exactness_n in_o the_o mode_n and_o custom_n of_o it_o too_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n pre-eminence_n and_o praise_n too_o much_o have_v and_o too_o much_o industry_n to_o grow_v rich_a to_o add_v house_n to_o house_n land_n to_o land_n and_o to_o clothe_v ourselves_o with_o thick_a and_o heavy_a clay_n too_o brisk_a a_o relish_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n too_o great_a a_o gaiety_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o success_n too_o much_o dejection_n upon_o the_o disaster_n and_o disappointment_n of_o it_o too_o much_o care_n and_o too_o much_o diligence_n a_o encumbr_n and_o embroil_v one_o self_n too_o far_o in_o worldly_a affair_n too_o much_o diversion_n too_o much_o ease_n these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o symptom_n of_o a_o mind_n taint_v with_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o sickness_n and_o death_n however_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o check_v the_o vigour_n and_o dilute_v the_o relish_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o the_o only_a way_n to_o overcome_v this_o defect_n and_o to_o captivate_v the_o mind_n entire_o to_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o reward_n of_o perfection_n the_o pleasure_n that_o will_v attend_v it_o in_o another_o life_n have_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n do_v this_o have_v he_o have_v as_o lively_a a_o notion_n and_o as_o true_a a_o estimate_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o eternity_n as_o he_o have_v of_o temporal_a one_o he_o will_v never_o have_v go_v away_o sorrowful_a when_o he_o be_v advise_v to_o have_v exchange_v the_o treasure_n of_o earth_n for_o those_o of_o heaven_n have_v the_o soul_n of_o martha_n be_v as_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o eternity_n as_o that_o of_o mary_n she_o will_v have_v make_v the_o same_o choice_n as_o she_o do_v they_o who_o often_o think_v how_o soon_o the_o fashion_n the_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o how_o much_o better_o their_o heavenly_a country_n be_v than_o their_o earthly_a how_o much_o more_o last_a and_o how_o much_o more_o glorious_a the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o city_n that_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n than_o this_o city_n of_o we_o which_o may_v be_v overthrow_v in_o a_o moment_n will_v neither_o weep_v nor_o rejoice_v with_o too_o much_o passion_n neither_o buy_v nor_o possess_v with_o too_o much_o application_n of_o mind_n in_o one_o word_n he_o that_o so_o often_o and_o devout_o think_v of_o that_o day_n wherein_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v and_o we_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o he_o come_v to_o love_v and_o long_a for_o it_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v no_o great_a taste_n of_o the_o honour_n or_o the_o pleasure_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o life_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v slothful_a or_o remiss_a but_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n whatever_o degree_n of_o affection_n he_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n they_o will_v all_o vanish_v he_o will_v have_v no_o emulation_n but_o for_o good_a work_n no_o ambition_n but_o for_o glory_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v eternal_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o will_v he_o lay_v out_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o this_o he_o will_v retrench_v his_o profit_n for_o this_o he_o will_v deny_v his_o pleasure_n for_o this_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v obscure_a mean_v and_o laborious_a for_o if_o the_o world_n be_v once_o crucify_v to_o he_o he_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o bear_v the_o be_v crucify_v to_o it_o §_o 5._o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o the_o flesh_n against_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o guard_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o struggle_v hearty_o we_o shall_v miscarry_v the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a say_v our_o saviour_n but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a without_o much_o care_n and_o much_o watchfulness_n the_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v relax_v the_o exultation_n of_o our_o spirit_n will_v flag_n and_o droop_v and_o we_o shall_v soon_o loose_v the_o relish_v there_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n against_o this_o frailty_n and_o fickleness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v two_o first_o godly_a fear_n and_o this_o the_o purity_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o strictness_n and_o the_o impartiality_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n the_o terror_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n the_o
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n and_o now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o perfect_a man_n long_o for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o rapture_n if_o god_n be_v for_o i_o who_o can_v be_v against_o i_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n who_o shall_v separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o on_o if_o any_o one_o will_v see_v the_o perfect_a man_n describe_v in_o few_o word_n he_o need_v but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o rom._n 6.22_o but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n chap._n ii_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n countenance_v by_o all_o side_n after_o i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v warrant_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n i_o see_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o solicitous_a whether_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o clash_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o men._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o examine_v not_o so_o much_o the_o expression_n and_o word_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o all_o party_n about_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o well_o enough_o agree_v in_o it_o at_o the_o bottom_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o notwithstanding_o several_a incidental_a dispute_n they_o shall_v yet_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a since_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n do_v easy_o teach_v we_o what_o sort_n of_o perfection_n human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o what_o can_v or_o can_v not_o actual_o be_v attain_v by_o man._n the_o pelagian_o do_v not_o contend_v for_o a_o angelical_a perfection_n nor_o st._n austin_n deny_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o suitable_a to_o man_n the_o one_o can_v not_o be_v so_o far_o a_o stranger_n to_o human_a nature_n as_o to_o exempt_v it_o in_o reality_n from_o those_o error_n and_o defect_n which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n complain_v of_o and_o labour_n against_o nor_o be_v st._n austin_n so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o not_o to_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a and_o that_o such_o be_v influence_v and_o act_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o a_o fervent_a love_n and_o well_o ground_a hope_n the_o dispute_n between_o they_o then_o concern_v perfection_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o this_o whether_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a this_o be_v in_o reality_n acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n nor_o whether_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o defect_n for_o this_o too_o both_o side_n can_v not_o but_o be_v sensible_a of_o but_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o grace_n what_o to_o nature_n and_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o definition_n or_o essence_n of_o perfection_n but_o to_o the_o source_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o second_o whether_o those_o irregular_a motion_n defect_n and_o error_n to_o which_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a be_v to_o be_v account_v sin_n or_o not_o neither_o the_o one_o side_n nor_o the_o other_o then_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v discern_v do_v in_o truth_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o human_a perfection_n each_o place_v it_o in_o habitual_a righteousness_n the_o one_o contend_v for_o no_o more_o nor_o do_v the_o other_o contend_v for_o less_o in_o the_o perfect_a man._n and_o when_o the_o one_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o sin_n he_o do_v not_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o defect_n and_o while_o the_o other_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v without_o sin_n they_o do_v not_o by_o sin_n understand_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o such_o disorder_n opposition_n to_o or_o deviation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o pelagian_a himself_n must_v needs_o own_o to_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a man._n the_o dispute_v then_o be_v not_o what_o man_n may_v or_o may_v not_o attain_v to_o for_o both_o side_n agree_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o habitual_a righteousness_n both_o side_n allow_v he_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o frailty_n but_o one_o side_n will_v have_v these_o frailty_n account_v sin_n and_o the_o other_o will_v not_o numerous_n indeed_o have_v be_v the_o controversy_n between_o the_o popish_a and_o reform_a church_n about_o precept_n and_o counsel_n mortal_a and_o venial_a sin_n the_o possibility_n of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o suchlike_a but_o after_o all_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o height_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v arrive_v what_o those_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n be_v to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a it_o be_v i_o think_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v about_o this_o nor_o do_v it_o much_o concern_v my_o present_a purpose_n in_o what_o sense_n or_o on_o what_o account_n papist_n think_v some_o sin_n venial_a and_o protestant_n deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o since_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o exempt_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o infirmity_n nor_o assert_v any_o other_o height_n or_o perfection_n then_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o consummate_a and_o well_o establish_a habit_n of_o virtue_n some_o man_n may_v and_o do_v talk_v very_o extravagant_o but_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o sober_a and_o pious_a man_n shall_v run_v in_o with_o they_o such_o when_o they_o talk_v of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n must_v sure_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gracious_a and_o equitable_a sense_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n assert_n of_o every_o sincere_a christian_a when_o they_o talk_v of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o transcendent_a perfection_n in_o monkery_n they_o must_v sure_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o poverty_n chastity_n and_o obedience_n be_v heroic_a instance_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o that_o a_o ascetic_a discipline_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o effectual_a way_n to_o a_o consummate_v habit_n of_o righteousness_n final_o by_o the_o distinction_n of_o precept_n and_o counsel_n such_o can_v never_o intend_v sure_o more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o some_o thing_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n too_o other_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n for_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o i_o to_o comprehend_v that_o any_o man_n who_o judgement_n be_v not_o enslave_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o party_n shall_v deny_v either_o of_o these_o two_o truth_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n be_v indifferent_a 2._o that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v more_o than_o love_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v and_o his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o instance_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v not_o comprise_v within_o the_o latitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o these_o word_n but_o whatever_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n st._n austin_n 121._o austin_n quaecunque_fw-la non_fw-la jubentur_fw-la sed_fw-la speciali_fw-la consilio_fw-la monentur_fw-la tum_fw-la recté_fw-fr fiunt_fw-la cum_fw-la referuntur_fw-la ad_fw-la deligendum_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o proximum_fw-la propter_fw-la deum_fw-la aug._n euch._n cap._n 121._o can_v never_o understand_v any_o merit_n or_o excellence_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o counsel_n not_o precept_n unless_o they_o flow_v from_o and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o cassian_n ibid._n cassian_n ac_fw-la proinde_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la qualitates_fw-la statutas_fw-la videmus_fw-la &_o tempora_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la sic_fw-la observata_fw-la sanctificant_fw-la ut_fw-la omissa_fw-la non_fw-la polluant_fw-la media_fw-la esse_fw-la manifestum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la puta_fw-la naptias_fw-la agriculturam_fw-la divitias_fw-la solitudinis_fw-la remotionem_fw-la etc._n etc._n cassian_n colla._n patr._n talem_fw-la igitur_fw-la definitionem_fw-la supra_fw-la jejunii_fw-la etc._n etc._n nec_fw-la in_o ipso_fw-la spei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la terminum_fw-la defigamus_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la per_fw-la ipsum_fw-la ad_fw-la puritatem_fw-la cordis_n &_o apostolicam_fw-la charitatem_fw-la pervenire_fw-la possimus_fw-la ibid._n excellent_a monk_n resolve_v all_o the_o value_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o consist_v in_o their_o tendency_n to_o promote_v apostolical_a purity_n and_o charity_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n nazian_n nazianzen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d greg._n
sin_n through_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o bless_a advantage_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v above_o natural_a that_o it_o contain_v a_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o upon_o these_o term_n natural_a religion_n indeed_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o be_v just_o too_o and_o it_o can_v never_o assure_v we_o what_o bound_n god_n will_v set_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o when_o justice_n and_o when_o mercy_n shall_v take_v place_n what_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o uncertainty_n consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o best_a life_n be_v ever_o natural_o apt_a to_o beget_v despondency_n melancholy_a and_o sometime_o a_o superstitious_a dread_n of_o god_n the_o second_o ground_n of_o assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a state_n be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o particular_a case_n thus_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o believe_v and_o repent_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o examination_n of_o himself_o may_v be_v thorough_o assure_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o repent_v be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o only_o exhort_v we_o to_o enter_v upon_o this_o examination_n but_o also_o assert_v that_o assurance_n joy_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o it_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o it_o be_v true_a man_n do_v often_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o their_o state_n then_o they_o ought_v but_o whence_o proceed_v this_o even_o from_o too_o partial_a or_o superficial_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o correct_v this_o error_n be_v a_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a search_n into_o ourselves_o for_o if_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v something_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o he_o deceive_v himself_o but_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o gal._n 6.3_o 4._o but_o it_o be_v object_v against_o all_o this_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deceitful_a that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o make_v a_o thorough_a discovery_n of_o it_o we_o often_o think_v ourselves_o sincere_a when_o the_o success_n of_o the_o next_o temptation_n give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o call_v this_o sincerity_n into_o question_n such_o be_v the_o contradiction_n composition_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o often_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o inward_a conviction_n and_o frequent_o fail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o design_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v think_v very_o well_o ground_v and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o the_o levity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n how_o can_v we_o safe_o frame_v any_o right_a opinion_n of_o our_o self_n from_o those_o affection_n and_o purpose_n which_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n concern_v our_o progress_n or_o perfection_n too_o hasty_o we_o be_v not_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o a_o war_n by_o the_o success_n of_o one_o or_o two_o engagement_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o assurance_n be_v to_o advance_v slow_o and_o gradual_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o abatement_n of_o the_o enemy_n force_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o examine_v and_o prove_v our_o own_o heart_n second_o a_o sincere_a christian_a but_o especial_o one_o of_o a_o mature_a virtue_n may_v easy_o discern_v his_o spiritual_a state_n by_o the_o inward_a moving_n and_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o he_o attend_v to_o they_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a what_o impression_n divine_a truth_n make_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a whether_o his_o faith_n stand_v firm_a against_o the_o shock_n of_o all_o carnal_a objection_n whether_o he_o earnest_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n as_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n whether_o he_o thirst_v after_o the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o after_o that_o of_o sensible_a thing_n be_v it_o possible_a the_o soul_n shall_v bewail_v its_o heaviness_n and_o dryness_n which_o the_o best_a be_v liable_a to_o at_o some_o season_n or_o other_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v carry_v upward_o frequent_o on_o the_o wing_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n that_o it_o shall_v maintain_v a_o familiar_a and_o constant_a conversation_n with_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v long_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o world_n of_o trouble_n and_o this_o body_n of_o death_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o region_n of_o peace_n of_o life_n and_o righteousness_n be_v it_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o affection_n the_o long_n and_o earning_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o that_o the_o good_a man_n the_o perfect_a man_n who_o often_o enter_v into_o his_o closet_n and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o it_o can_v be_v in_o a_o word_n can_v the_o reluctance_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v disarm_v weaken_a and_o reduce_v can_v the_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v very_o eager_a the_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n brisk_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o contempt_n of_o worldly_a thing_n be_v real_a and_o thorough_o settle_v and_o yet_o the_o man_n be_v insensible_a of_o all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v but_o if_o we_o fall_v these_o affection_n in_o we_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v at_o least_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n three_o the_o sure_a test_n of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v our_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o tree_n by_o its_o fruit_n be_v our_o master_n own_o rule_n and_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v we_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o then_o we_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n if_o we_o be_v modest_a and_o grateful_a in_o the_o success_n patient_n and_o resigned_n calm_a and_o serene_a under_o the_o cross_n and_o trouble_v of_o life_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o punctual_a but_o honourable_a in_o our_o deal_n if_o we_o be_v vigorous_a and_o generous_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o true_a but_o meek_a gentle_a and_o oblige_v in_o our_o word_n if_o we_o retrench_v not_o only_o the_o sinful_a but_o something_o from_o the_o innocent_a liberty_n and_o gratification_n of_o sense_n to_o give_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o faith_n if_o final_o we_o never_o be_v ashamed_a of_o virtue_n nor_o flatter_v compliment_n nor_o wink_v at_o vice_n if_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v with_o death_n with_o comfort_n and_o retain_v life_n with_o some_o degree_n of_o indifference_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v in_o we_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o state_n for_o good_a work_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v abound_v in_o the_o one_o without_o be_v possess_v
dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o can_v he_o in_o one_o word_n ever_o be_v seduce_v to_o renounce_v and_o hate_v religion_n who_o have_v have_v so_o long_a a_o experience_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o good_a habit_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o perfection_n and_o maturity_n seem_v to_o i_o as_o natural_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a evil_a one_o shall_v be_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficult_a to_o extirpate_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v the_o scripture_n on_o my_o side_n in_o this_o opinion_n do_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n demand_n can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o jer._n 13.23_o st._n john_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v affirm_v whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o ep._n 3.9_o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o v._o 6._o these_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n with_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o to_o personal_n and_o peremptory_a predestination_n to_o life_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v at_o lest_o a_o controvert_v point_n and_o therefore_o unfit_a to_o be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o assurance_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v grant_v i_o see_v not_o which_o way_n it_o can_v effect_v our_o present_a enquiry_n since_o the_o wise_a among_o those_o who_o stickle_v for_o it_o advise_v all_o to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o general_a promise_n and_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a solid_a proof_n of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o they_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o any_o sin_n not_o to_o presume_v upon_o personal_a election_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n till_o they_o be_v recover_v out_o of_o it_o by_o repentance_n thus_o far_o all_o side_n agree_v and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v abundant_o enough_o for_o here_o we_o have_v room_n enough_o for_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o for_o caution_n too_o room_n enough_o for_o confidence_n and_o for_o watchfulness_n too_o the_o romanist_n indeed_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o salvation_n certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la cvi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o that_o with_o which_o we_o entertain_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o error_n i._n e._n we_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o be_v or_o may_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n we_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v or_o may_v be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n now_o if_o this_o assertion_n be_v confine_v to_o that_o assurance_n which_o regard_v the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o i_o think_v it_o general_o be_v and_o do_v not_o deny_v assurance_n in_o general_n but_o only_o certain_a degree_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o very_o absurd_a or_o intolerable_a in_o it_o for_o a_o less_o assurance_n then_o that_o which_o this_o doctrine_n exclude_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o pleasure_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o perfect_a man._n but_o if_o this_o assertion_n be_v design_v against_o that_o assurance_n which_o regard_v our_o present_a state_n than_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o sound_a nor_o agreeable_a either_o to_o reason_n scripture_n or_o experience_n for_o first_o the_o question_n be_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o argue_v that_o can_v be_v which_o do_v appear_v manifest_o to_o have_v be_v and_o certain_o they_o who_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n be_v as_o full_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n as_o they_o be_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a second_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o balance_v the_o strength_n and_o degree_n of_o assurance_n another_o to_o balance_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o assurance_n may_v be_v strong_a where_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o where_o the_o assurance_n be_v less_o thus_o for_o example_n the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n seem_v to_o most_o learned_a man_n to_o be_v strong_a than_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o man_n may_v embrace_v a_o truth_n that_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o certainty_n as_o one_o depend_v upon_o sense_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o assurance_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v by_o its_o concurrence_n raise_v our_o assurance_n as_o high_a as_o he_o please_v although_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v shall_v not_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a but_o mere_o moral_a and_o subject_n at_o least_o to_o a_o possibility_n of_o error_n but_o three_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o certainty_n i_o have_v concern_v my_o present_a state_n be_v as_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o that_o i_o have_v concern_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o premise_n be_v infallible_a why_o shall_v not_o the_o conclusion_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o divine_a a_o infallible_a proposition_n and_o why_o may_v not_o this_o other_o i_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v equal_o infallible_a though_o not_o equal_o divine_a what_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o my_o be_v here_o mistake_v beside_o i_o be_o assist_v and_o guide_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o myself_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n i_o believe_v and_o repent_v depend_v partly_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o i_o may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o of_o what_o i_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v partly_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o inward_a sensation_n or_o my_o consciousness_n of_o my_o own_o thought_n and_o i_o may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o i_o can_v be_v of_o what_o i_o love_v or_o hate_n rejoice_v or_o grieve_v for_o and_o last_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o assist_v i_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o myself_o according_a to_o those_o character_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o he_o have_v himself_o reveal_v and_o when_o i_o conclude_v from_o the_o two_o former_a proposition_n that_o i_o be_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n he_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v my_o inference_n and_o now_o let_v any_o one_o tell_v i_o what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n that_o be_v that_o can_v be_v great_a than_o this_o i_o have_v take_v this_o pain_n to_o set_v the_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n comfort_n and_o pleasure_n the_o source_n of_o his_o strength_n and_o joy_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o other_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n which_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o promise_v to_o insist_v on_o which_o be_v its_o subserviency_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n that_o happiness_n increase_v in_o proportion_n with_o perfection_n can_v be_v deny_v unless_o we_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n deny_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n to_o exceed_v that_o of_o a_o infant_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o angel_n that_o of_o man._n now_o this_o truth_n be_v of_o a_o very_a great_a importance_n and_o serve_v single_o instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o motive_n to_o perfection_n i_o will_v consider_v it_o impartial_o and_o as_o close_o as_o i_o can_v happiness_n and_o pleasure_n be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v only_o two_o word_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n nor_o be_v this_o very_a remote_a from_o truth_n for_o let_v but_o pleasure_n be_v solid_a and_o last_a and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o more_o be_v want_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a the_o best_a way_n therefore_o to_o determine_v how_o much_o perfection_n contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o examine_v how_o much_o it_o contribute_v to_o our_o pleasure_n if_o with_o the_o epicurean_a we_o think_v indolence_n our_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o define_v pleasure_n by_o the_o absence_n of_o pain_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o perfect_a man_n will_v have_v the_o best_a claim_n to_o it_o he_o sure_o be_v free_a from_o the_o mistake_v and_o error_n from_o the_o passion_n and_o folly_n that_o embroil_n human_a life_n he_o create_v
no_o evil_a to_o himself_o nor_o provoke_v any_o unnecessary_a danger_n his_o virtue_n effectual_o do_v that_o which_o atheism_n attempt_v in_o vain_a dispel_v the_o terror_n of_o a_o invisible_a power_n he_o need_v not_o drown_v the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n by_o wine_n or_o noise_n or_o the_o toil_n of_o life_n it_o speak_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v kind_a and_o oblige_a it_o be_v his_o comforter_n not_o his_o persecutor_n and_o as_o to_o this_o world_n he_o reap_v that_o satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n from_o the_o moderation_n of_o his_o affection_n which_o ambition_n and_o avarice_n do_v in_o vain_a promise_n themselves_o from_o preferment_n or_o the_o increase_n of_o wealth_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o state_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n exempt_a from_o evil_a it_o must_v be_v that_o of_o the_o perfect_a man._n but_o he_o know_v the_o world_n too_o well_o to_o flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o indolence_n or_o a_o undisturbed_a tranquillity_n here_o below_o and_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v delude_v by_o vain_a hope_n as_o from_o be_v scare_v by_o vain_a fear_n or_o torture_v and_o distend_v by_o vain_a desire_n he_o know_v the_o world_n have_v its_o evil_n and_o that_o they_o can_v whole_o be_v avoid_v he_o know_v it_o and_o dare_v behold_v they_o with_o open_a eye_n survey_v their_o force_n and_o feel_v and_o try_v their_o edge_n and_o then_o when_o he_o have_v collect_v his_o own_o strength_n and_o call_v in_o the_o aid_n of_o heaven_n he_o shrink_v not_o nor_o despond_v but_o meet_v evil_a with_o that_o courage_n and_o bear_v it_o with_o that_o evenness_n of_o mind_n that_o he_o seem_v even_o in_o his_o affliction_n near_o to_o indolence_n than_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n in_o his_o prosperity_n so_o that_o i_o can_v forbear_v profess_v there_o appear_v so_o much_o beauty_n so_o much_o loveliness_n in_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_n of_o life_n that_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o be_v there_o no_o other_o i_o shall_v admire_v and_o prefer_v his_o virtue_n above_o any_o possession_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o compare_v the_o saint_n and_o sinner_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o but_o very_o brief_o the_o wise_a man_n eye_n say_v solomon_n eccles_n 2.14_o be_v in_o his_o head_n but_o the_o fool_n walk_v in_o darkness_n the_o wise_a man_n see_v that_o he_o have_v enemy_n i_o mean_v evil_n and_o therefore_o he_o inform_v himself_o well_o of_o their_o strength_n observe_v their_o motion_n and_o prepare_v for_o the_o encounter_n but_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o sinner_n life_n and_o his_o most_o admire_a quality_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o evil_a till_o it_o crush_v he_o with_o its_o weight_n but_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o fool_n enough_o to_o arrive_v at_o this_o degree_n of_o brutality_n then_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o report_n of_o the_o most_o distant_a evil_n or_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a reach_v his_o ear_n how_o it_o fill_v his_o imagination_n how_o it_o shake_v his_o heart_n and_o how_o it_o embitter_v his_o pleasure_n and_o to_o what_o poor_a and_o despicable_a art_n to_o what_o base_a and_o dishonourable_a shift_n do_v his_o fear_n force_v he_o when_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n we_o discover_v nothing_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n but_o a_o beautiful_a mixture_n of_o humility_n and_o faith_n devotion_n and_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n in_o god_n he_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n psal_n 112._o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o to_o those_o who_o have_v opportunity_n and_o sense_n to_o observe_v it_o render_v he_o both_o more_o belove_v and_o revere_v last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a man_n actual_o under_o the_o weight_n and_o pressure_n of_o evil_a how_o much_o unlike_a be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o one_o in_o reality_n to_o that_o of_o the_o other_o even_o while_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n be_v the_o same_o what_o cheerfulness_n what_o courage_n what_o resignation_n what_o hope_v adorn_v the_o one_o what_o instruction_n to_o all_o what_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o relation_n do_v his_o deportment_n afford_v and_o how_o do_v it_o inspire_v and_o warm_v the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o with_o a_o esteem_n for_o and_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o himself_o what_o charm_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o those_o gracious_a speech_n that_o proceed_v at_o this_o time_n out_o of_o a_o good_a man_n mouth_n i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thou_o of_o very_a faithfulness_n have_v cause_v i_o to_o be_v afflict_v god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o suchlike_a and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n in_o secret_a before_o god_n how_o often_o do_v he_o reflect_v on_o the_o gracious_a and_o wise_a end_n of_o divine_a chastisement_n and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o with_o desire_n and_o thirst_n meditate_v on_o that_o fullness_n of_o joy_n which_o expect_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n now_o on_o the_o voluptuary_n on_o the_o ambitious_a on_o the_o covetous_a or_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o sinner_n under_o disgrace_n poverty_n sickness_n or_o any_o such_o calamity_n what_o a_o mean_a and_o despicable_a figure_n do_v such_o a_o one_o make_v what_o impatience_n what_o despondency_n what_o gild_n what_o pusillanimity_n do_v every_o word_n every_o action_n betray_v or_o it_o may_v be_v his_o insolence_n be_v turn_v into_o crouch_v and_o fawn_v his_o rudeness_n and_o violence_n into_o artifice_n and_o cunning_a and_o his_o irreligion_n into_o superstition_n various_a indeed_o be_v the_o humour_n and_o very_o different_a the_o carriage_n of_o these_o unhappy_a man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o all_o be_v but_o misery_n in_o a_o different_a dress_n gild_n and_o baseness_n under_o a_o different_a appearance_n here_o i_o may_v further_o remark_n that_o that_o faith_n which_o produce_v patience_n in_o adversity_n produce_v likewise_o security_n and_o confidence_n in_o prosperity_n i_o will_v lay_v i_o down_o may_n every_o good_a may_v say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o sleep_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o thou_o lord_n shall_v make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n and_o sure_o the_o one_o be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o ease_n of_o human_a life_n as_o the_o other_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o if_o pleasure_n be_v suppose_v to_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o indolence_n the_o perfect_a man_n have_v without_o controversy_n a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o it_o than_o any_o other_o can_v pretend_v to_o but_o let_v we_o take_v pleasure_n to_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a calm_a but_o a_o gentle_a breeze_n not_o to_o consist_v in_o mere_a rest_n and_o quiet_v but_o a_o delightful_a motion_n not_o in_o the_o mere_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o in_o the_o transport_v of_o it_o or_o some_o thing_n near_o approach_v it_o perfection_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o this_o change_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o pleasure_n how_o many_o pleasure_n have_v the_o wise_a man_n which_o depend_v not_o on_o fortune_n but_o himself_o i_o mean_v his_o diligence_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o which_o the_o sinner_n be_v a_o utter_a stranger_n what_o pleasure_n what_o triumph_n be_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n when_o he_o glory_n in_o god_n and_o make_v his_o boast_n of_o he_o all_o day_n long_o when_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n when_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n transport_v by_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o strengthen_v and_o exalt_v by_o the_o mighty_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n he_o maintain_v a_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n all_o communion_n with_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o joy_n of_o love_n and_o assurance_n and_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o heaven_n in_o it_o let_v the_o most_o fortunate_a and_o the_o wise_a epicurean_a too_o ransack_v all_o the_o storehouse_n and_o treasure_n of_o nature_n let_v he_o muster_v together_o all_o his_o legion_n of_o pleasure_n and_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v consolidate_n and_o incorporate_v they_o all_o and_o after_o all_o be_v put_v into_o the_o scale_n against_o this_o alone_a they_o will_v prove_v light_a than_o vanity_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o care_n the_o delight_n the_o love_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o fountain_n of_o
anchorite_n or_o hermit_n be_v at_o first_o little_o better_o than_o a_o pious_a extravagant_a i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o much_o worse_o he_o be_v now_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a duty_n but_o meekness_n and_o charity_n mercy_n and_o zeal_n be_v not_o one_o jot_n inferior_a to_o they_o the_o world_n be_v a_o excellent_a school_n to_o a_o good_a christian_a the_o folly_n and_o the_o misery_n the_o trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o exercise_v and_o employ_v our_o virtue_n but_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v it_o they_o afford_v we_o both_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n and_o natural_o advance_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o a_o well-setled_n power_n over_o ourselves_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o every_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o every_o one_o who_o we_o converse_v with_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o somewhat_o occasion_n some_o wise_a reflection_n or_o enkindle_v some_o pious_a affection_n in_o we_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o our_o word_n and_o action_n we_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o diligent_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o make_v little_a or_o no_o application_n of_o what_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v nor_o learn_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o virtue_n the_o folly_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o both_o and_o so_o we_o neither_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n nor_o our_o virtue_n but_o be_v the_o same_o to_o day_n we_o be_v yesterday_o and_o life_n waste_v away_o in_o common_a accident_n and_o customary_a action_n with_o as_o little_a alteration_n in_o we_o as_o in_o our_o affair_n whereas_o be_v we_o mindful_a as_o we_o ought_v of_o our_o true_a interest_n and_o desirous_a to_o reap_v some_o spiritual_a benefit_n from_o every_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n will_v enkindle_v our_o emulation_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o sinner_n will_v confirm_v our_o abhorrence_n for_o sin_n from_o one_o we_o shall_v learn_v content_a from_o another_o industry_n here_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o charm_n in_o meekness_n and_o charity_n there_o in_o humility_n in_o this_o man_n we_o shall_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v discretion_n and_o command_v of_o himself_o in_o that_o courage_n and_o constancy_n assiduity_n and_o perseverance_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v less_o useful_a to_o we_o to_o observe_v how_o vanity_n expose_v one_o and_o peevishness_n torment_v another_o how_o pride_n and_o ambition_n embroil_v a_o three_o and_o how_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a avarice_n render_v a_o four_o and_o to_o trace_v all_o that_o variety_n of_o ruin_n which_o lust_n and_o prodigality_n disorder_n and_o sloth_n leave_v behind_o they_o and_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o observation_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o solid_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n so_o will_v a_o diligent_a attention_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o discretion_n in_o all_o the_o common_a and_o daily_a action_n of_o life_n enrich_v we_o with_o true_a virtue_n religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o closet_n nor_o to_o be_v exercise_v only_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n meditation_n and_o alm_n but_o every_o where_n we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o every_o word_n every_o action_n be_v capable_a of_o morality_n our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n betray_v themselves_o in_o the_o daily_a accident_n and_o the_o common_a conversation_n of_o life_n and_o here_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o very_o important_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o here_o they_o be_v to_o be_v watch_v over_o regulate_v and_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o more_o solemn_a action_n it_o be_v to_o the_o virtue_n or_o the_o error_n of_o our_o common_a conversation_n and_o ordinary_a deportment_n that_o we_o owe_v both_o our_o friend_n and_o enemy_n our_o good_a or_o bad_a character_n abroad_o our_o domestic_a peace_n or_o trouble_n and_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n the_o improvement_n or_o depravation_n of_o our_o mind_n let_v no_o man_n then_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a abandon_v himself_o to_o his_o humour_n or_o inclination_n in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o acquaintance_n his_o child_n his_o servant_n let_v no_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a follow_v prejudice_n or_o fashion_n in_o the_o common_a and_o customary_a action_n of_o life_n but_o let_v he_o assure_v himself_o that_o by_o a_o daily_a endeavour_n to_o conform_v these_o more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v to_o train_v up_o himself_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o most_o absolute_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a virtue_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o must_v first_o know_v himself_o and_o those_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o must_v discern_v the_o proper_a season_n and_o the_o just_a occasion_n of_o every_o virtue_n and_o then_o he_o must_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o acquire_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o it_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o for_o want_v of_o due_a reflection_n do_v not_o common_o seem_v of_o any_o great_a importance_n to_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v the_o dulness_n or_o the_o carelessness_n of_o a_o servant_n the_o stubbornness_n of_o a_o child_n the_o soureness_n of_o a_o parent_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o friend_n the_o coldness_n of_o relation_n the_o neglect_n or_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n will_v all_o prove_v extreme_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a every_o thing_n will_v instruct_v he_o every_o thing_n will_v afford_v a_o opportunity_n of_o exercise_v some_o virtue_n or_o another_o so_o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v daily_a learning_n daily_o grow_v better_a and_o wise_a §_o 2._o the_o two_o great_a instrument_n not_o of_o regeneration_n only_o but_o also_o of_o perseverance_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o no_o man_n doubt_n that_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a discourse_n of_o the_o energy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o or_o examine_v what_o each_o be_v in_o its_o self_n or_o wherein_o the_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v proper_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o great_a end_n i_o have_v mention_v namely_o our_o converversion_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o those_o text_n which_o do_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v all_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o clear_a exposition_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o the_o move_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n imply_v a_o supply_n of_o all_o that_o supernatural_a strength_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v that_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n convince_v we_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n such_o be_v rom._n 8.2_o for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n most_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o rather_o glory_n in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v upon_o i_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n on_o this_o occasion_n otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n that_o what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o or_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o truth_n then_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o two_o great_a instrument_n of_o perfection_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v two_o rule_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o universal_a use_n and_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a efficacy_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o perfection_n 1._o we_o can_v have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n too_o great_a a_o passion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o fix_v
well_o prepare_v for_o it_o how_o shall_v these_o man_n form_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o exalt_a virtue_n of_o devout_a and_o heavenly_a passion_n what_o conception_n can_v they_o have_v of_o the_o power_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n or_o purity_n of_o heart_n or_o the_o diffusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n what_o idea_n can_v they_o entertain_v of_o a_o heaven_n or_o of_o angelical_a pleasure_n and_o beatitude_n in_o a_o word_n the_o religion_n of_o man_n intent_n upon_o this_o world_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o any_o which_o too_o often_o they_o do_v not_o consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n in_o abstain_v from_o wickedness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o civil_a cal_n and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o high_a obligation_n i_o determine_v not_o good_a god_n what_o a_o mercy_n it_o be_v to_o these_o poor_a creature_n that_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o their_o country_n as_o well_o as_o a_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o dedicate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n but_o have_v i_o not_o often_o teach_v that_o purity_n of_o intention_n convert_v the_o work_n of_o a_o secular_a call_v into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o have_v so_o it_o be_v universal_o teach_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o retract_v it_o but_o ah_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o worldly_a man_n to_o maintain_v this_o purity_n of_o intention_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o mind_n eat_v up_o by_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o this_o world_n to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n though_o therefore_o i_o can_v retract_v this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o long_o i_o live_v the_o more_o reason_n do_v i_o see_v for_o qualify_a and_o guard_v it_o with_o this_o caution_n let_v no_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v much_o less_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v perfect_a take_v sanctuary_n in_o purity_n of_o intention_n while_o he_o suffer_v the_o work_n of_o his_o secular_a call_v to_o engross_v his_o soul_n and_o entire_o usurp_v his_o time_n if_o secular_a work_n exclude_v and_o thrust_v out_o of_o door_n such_o as_o be_v proper_o religious_a it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n shall_v be_v maintain_v how_o any_o wise_a thought_n or_o heavenly_a desire_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o such_o man_n or_o how_o final_o those_o who_o have_v utter_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v retain_v any_o true_a value_n for_o those_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v against_o a_o life_n of_o business_n may_v with_o equal_a or_o great_a force_n be_v urge_v against_o a_o life_n of_o pleasure_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o they_o call_v innocent_a pleasure_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o entangle_v and_o ensnare_v the_o mind_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o leave_n in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a relish_n which_o continue_v long_o after_o the_o hurry_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o business_n be_v over_o but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o will_v not_o have_v what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v extend_v further_o than_o i_o design_v it_o to_o raise_v scruple_n in_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o too_o eager_a application_n of_o the_o earthy_a to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n chap._n vii_o of_o motive_n to_o perfection_n innumerable_a be_v the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o any_o one_o that_o reflect_v serious_o on_o this_o argument_n a_o hearty_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n be_v the_o best_a proof_n of_o sincerity_n the_o near_a approach_n to_o perfection_n be_v the_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o utmost_a security_n this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o great_a be_v the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o a_o exalt_a virtue_n great_a the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o a_o very_a happy_a influence_n it_o have_v even_o upon_o our_o temporal_a affair_n and_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o wise_a mind_n sanctify_a affection_n and_o a_o regular_a life_n beside_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v boundless_a and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o i_o demand_v not_o a_o lazy_a feeble_a or_o unsteady_a virtue_n but_o a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a one_o a_o warm_a and_o active_a such_o as_o a_o true_a faith_n great_a hope_n and_o a_o passionate_a love_n do_v natural_o excite_v we_o to_o to_o all_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o press_v on_o and_o advance_v desirous_a to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o more_o and_o more_o plentiful_o if_o we_o be_v not_o backward_o or_o negligent_a ourselves_o but_o these_o and_o many_o other_o enforcement_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o perfection_n shall_v i_o enlarge_v on_o they_o will_v swell_v this_o treatise_n to_o a_o intolerable_a bulk_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o four_o chapter_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n do_v contain_v such_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o excite_v in_o any_o one_o that_o read_v they_o a_o most_o vehement_a desire_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o here_o therefore_o all_o that_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v be_v to_o put_v my_o reader_n in_o mind_n of_o another_o life_n in_o the_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o which_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n this_o be_v a_o motive_n that_o must_v never_o be_v out_o of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n which_o i_o will_v but_o just_a mention_n 1._o without_o another_o life_n we_o can_v never_o form_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a virtue_n sociable_a and_o civil_a virtue_n may_v be_v support_v by_o temporal_a motive_n and_o frame_v and_o model_v by_o worldly_a conveniency_n but_o a_o divine_a virtue_n must_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o divine_a life_n upon_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v plain_a the_o mean_n must_v always_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o end_n where_o therefore_o the_o end_n be_v a_o imperfect_a temporal_a good_a there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o imperfect_a unfinished_a virtue_n to_o attain_v it_o but_o where_o the_o the_o end_n be_v heavenly_a and_o immortal_a the_o virtue_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o too_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a to_o be_v find_v in_o action_n will_v be_v their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o temporal_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v any_o high_a degree_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n purity_n of_o heart_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v true_o virtue_n than_o what_o we_o can_v prove_v true_o necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o good_a or_o guard_v we_o against_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o life_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v what_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a kind_n of_o virtue_n will_v be_v produce_v from_o this_o ground_n 2._o without_o another_o life_n all_o other_o motive_n to_o perfection_n will_v be_v insufficient_a for_o though_o general_o speak_v such_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o neither_o the_o common_a good_a of_o civil_a society_n nor_o the_o more_o particular_a good_a of_o private_a man_n can_v be_v provide_v for_o or_o secure_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o sociable_a and_o political_a virtue_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o only_o in_o many_o extraordinary_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reward_n at_o all_o for_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o reserve_v for_o it_o in_o another_o world_n but_o also_o in_o most_o case_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a pleasure_n that_o do_v infinite_o outweigh_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n man_n will_v see_v no_o obligation_n to_o perfection_n for_o what_o shall_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o or_o above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o body_n if_o when_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o for_o ever_o and_o certain_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o soar_v very_o high_a nor_o shall_v we_o ever_o arrive_v at_o any_o excellence_n or_o perfection_n in_o any_o action_n if_o we_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n 3._o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v alone_o a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o perfection_n who_o will_v refuse_v to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o
perfect_a man_n past_a life_n or_o the_o slip_n and_o defect_n of_o his_o best_a state_n or_o whether_o we_o consider_v man_n continual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o all_o respect_n but_o especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o consummation_n of_o his_o perfection_n or_o whither_o last_o we_o consider_v the_o scantiness_n and_o deficiency_n not_o only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n perfection_n in_o particular_a but_o of_o human_a perfection_n in_o general_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o can_v become_v mortal_a man_n even_o though_o all_o the_o excellence_n human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o better_a than_o humility_n humility_n therefore_o must_v begin_v and_o complete_a religious_a perfection_n it_o must_v accompany_v the_o christian_a in_o every_o stage_n of_o his_o spiritual_a progress_n it_o must_v crown_v all_o his_o action_n and_o add_v that_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n that_o grace_n and_o lustre_n to_o all_o his_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v whole_o necessary_a to_o render_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o general_a notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v thus_o resolve_v into_o its_o part_n it_o be_v plain_a i_o be_o now_o to_o discourse_n of_o each_o of_o these_o and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v on_o each_o aught_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o method_n to_o be_v comprise_v within_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o to_o consult_v the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o shall_v slight_v this_o nicety_n and_o distribute_v my_o thought_n into_o as_o many_o chapter_n as_o i_o shall_v judge_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o case_n and_o support_v of_o the_o memory_n chap._n i._o of_o illumination_n what_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o method_n i_o have_v set_v myself_o oblige_v i_o here_o to_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n and_o resolve_v what_o it_o be_v 2._o to_o consider_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o to_o show_v how_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v §_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v it_o happen_v in_o the_o point_n of_o illumination_n as_o it_o do_v in_o that_o of_o happiness_n all_o man_n at_o first_o hear_v form_n in_o general_a a_o agreeable_a and_o please_a notion_n of_o it_o all_o man_n admire_v and_o love_v it_o but_o few_o have_v any_o distinct_a and_o true_a understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o man_n conceive_v illumination_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o they_o do_v happiness_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o pleasure_n but_o be_v as_o little_o agree_v in_o particular_a wherein_o consist_v the_o light_n or_o knowledge_n which_o make_v the_o one_o as_o wherein_o consist_v the_o pleasure_n that_o make_v the_o other_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o some_o the_o superstition_n and_o prejudice_n of_o other_o curiosity_n and_o confidence_n weakness_n and_o design_n enthusiasm_n and_o fancy_n embroil_n and_o perplex_v all_o thing_n however_o every_o honest_a man_n have_v a_o clue_n by_o which_o he_o may_v escape_v out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n the_o scripture_n shine_v with_o bright_a and_o gracious_a beam_n throughout_o all_o this_o darkness_n and_o if_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o we_o can_v wander_v into_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n this_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o illumination_n very_o plain_o to_o we_o call_v it_o sometime_o wisdom_n sometime_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n sometime_o faith_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n next_o it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o it_o namely_o to_o convert_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o live_a god_n to_o purify_v and_o sanctify_v we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o approve_v the_o holy_a acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n nay_o it_o proceed_v further_o and_o point_n out_o to_o we_o particular_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o illumination_n consist_v thus_o the_o old_a testament_n reckon_v wisdom_n to_o be_v sometime_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n sometime_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n sometime_o the_o understanding_n of_o proverb_n and_o parable_n these_o contain_v as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o moral_a instruction_n and_o wrap_v up_o in_o few_o and_o lively_a word_n whatever_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o age_a or_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n of_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n think_v best_o deserve_v to_o be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n but_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o all_o the_o description_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v be_v sum_v up_o into_o that_o one_o job_n 28.28_o behold_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n the_o new_a testament_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o true_a understanding_n consist_v in_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o will_n be_v our_o sanctification_n and_o when_o st._n paul_n understand_v by_o wisdom_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v the_o penetrate_a into_o the_o spirit_n and_o mystery_n the_o depth_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o discover_v the_o great_a design_n of_o man_n redemption_n carry_v on_o through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o through_o a_o wise_a variety_n of_o dispensation_n this_o alter_v not_o the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n for_o this_o do_v not_o point_n out_o to_o we_o any_o new_a or_o different_a truth_n but_o only_o regard_v one_o peculiar_a way_n of_o explain_v or_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o great_a christian_a doctrine_n to_o conclude_v we_o may_v easy_o learn_v what_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n recommend_v to_o we_o above_o all_o other_o from_o those_o petition_n which_o st._n paul_n put_v up_o for_o the_o ephesian_n and_o collosian_o for_o the_o former_a he_o pray_v thus_o that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_v and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o latter_a thus_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n col._n 1.9_o 10._o if_o from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a text_n we_o form_v a_o general_a idea_n of_o illumination_n it_o will_v be_v this_o illumination_n be_v a_o state_n of_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o the_o abolish_n or_o relinquish_a those_o error_n which_o deprave_v and_o pervert_v our_o affection_n and_o undermine_v and_o supplant_v the_o empire_n and_o authority_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v those_o truth_n which_o purify_v the_o one_o and_o restore_v and_o establish_v the_o other_o all_o this_o in_o order_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n i_o may_v content_v myself_o with_o this_o general_a delineation_n of_o illumination_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o subject_n from_o which_o we_o can_v but_o reap_v so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n as_o will_v abundant_o requite_v whatever_o labour_n can_v be_v bestow_v upon_o it_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o it_o if_o i_o can_v illumination_n then_o be_v a_o state_n of_o knowledge_n the_o object_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v truth_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o order_n to_o form_v a_o just_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o illumination_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o kind_n of_o truth_n and_o next_o what_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o these_o truth_n constitute_v illumination_n 1._o of_o the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v we_o have_v many_o noble_a character_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a which_o distinguish_v these_o from_o truth_n of_o a_o
clear_a do_v the_o understanding_n grow_v and_o the_o more_o absolute_a its_o authority_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v comply_v with_o and_o obey_v while_o it_o render_v we_o more_o like_a god_n render_v we_o more_o dear_a to_o he_o too_o and_o one_o favour_n if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n qualify_v we_o for_o another_o whoever_o shall_v observe_v the_o scripture_n will_v find_v that_o holiness_n and_o illumination_n advance_v with_o equal_a step_n and_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o maturity_n that_o as_o we_o pass_v on_o from_o the_o infancy_n to_o the_o manhood_n of_o virtue_n so_o do_v we_o from_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o wisdom_n to_o the_o height_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lust_n obscure_v and_o eclipse_n the_o light_n within_o sin_n deprave_v and_o corrupt_v our_o principle_n and_o while_o we_o renounce_v our_o virtue_n we_o quench_v or_o chase_v away_o the_o spirit_n into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n wisdom_n shall_v not_o enter_v nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o wisd_v 1.4_o 5._o 4._o we_o must_v frequent_o and_o constant_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o illumination_n of_o his_o grace_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v from_o above_o and_o if_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a thing_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n from_o what_o fountain_n but_o from_o he_o can_v we_o expect_v illumination_n the_o rapture_n of_o poet_n the_o wisdom_n of_o lawgiver_n the_o noble_a piece_n of_o philosophy_n and_o indeed_o all_o heroic_a and_o extraordinary_a performance_n be_v by_o the_o pagan_n themselves_o general_o attribute_v to_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n ascribe_v a_o transcendent_a skill_n even_o in_o art_n and_o trade_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o illumination_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o new_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v essential_a part_n of_o sanctity_n and_o therefore_o must_v proceed_v from_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n we_o must_v therefore_o constant_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o illumination_n we_o must_v earnest_o pray_v in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n will_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n eph._n 1.17_o this_o dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o expectation_n of_o his_o blessing_n on_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n put_v the_o mind_n into_o the_o best_a disposition_n and_o frame_n to_o attain_v it_o because_o it_o natural_o free_v and_o disengage_v it_o from_o those_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la and_o distraction_n which_o otherwise_o entangle_v and_o disturb_v it_o and_o render_v it_o uncapable_a of_o raise_v sedate_n and_o coherent_a thought_n but_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v repeat_v and_o express_v promise_v make_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v never_o fail_v of_o success_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v add_v if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n or_o as_o it_o be_v luk._n 11._o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o mat._n 7.7_o 11._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1.5_o nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o every_o good_a man_n have_v these_o promise_n verify_v to_o he_o there_o be_v sudden_a suggestion_n unexpected_a manifestation_n extraordinary_a elevation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v account_v for_o but_o by_o a_o divine_a principle_n nor_o do_v this_o doctrine_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n or_o irradiation_n in_o the_o least_o diminish_v the_o power_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v supersede_n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v now_o reveal_v any_o new_a truth_n of_o general_a use_n or_o importance_n since_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n will_v on_o this_o supposal_n be_v but_o a_o defective_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o first_o the_o spirit_n may_v assist_v we_o in_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n second_o the_o spirit_n may_v help_v we_o to_o form_v clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o general_a knowledge_n of_o and_o to_o fix_v and_o imprint_v they_o in_o more_o last_a as_o well_o as_o more_o legible_a character_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o it_o may_v recall_v to_o our_o remembrance_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v obliterated_a and_o forget_v or_o final_o it_o may_v produce_v in_o we_o a_o more_o earnest_a and_o steady_a application_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n three_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o spirit_n may_v not_o vouchsafe_v we_o particular_a impulse_n direction_n and_o intimation_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n and_o sudden_a emergency_n where_o holy_a writ_n afford_v we_o no_o light_n and_o human_a prudence_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o this_o detract_v or_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o than_o i_o conceive_v be_v what_o the_o spirit_n do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o illumination_n but_o how_o it_o do_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o i_o doubt_v possible_a to_o be_v determine_v nor_o ought_v our_o ignorance_n of_o this_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a illumination_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o understand_v and_o remember_v and_o exercise_v a_o freedom_n or_o liberty_n of_o will_n in_o our_o choice_n resolution_n and_o action_n but_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o do_v this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n that_o do_v hitherto_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v whole_o surpass_v and_o transcend_v our_o philosophy_n i_o will_v here_o close_v this_o chapter_n with_o a_o prayer_n of_o fulgentius_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 4._o after_o he_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o the_o fetch_v up_o himself_o a_o master_n doctor_n or_o dictator_n to_o his_o brethren_n he_o break_v out_o into_o these_o devout_a and_o pious_a word_n i_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v that_o our_o true_a master_n and_o doctor_n christ_n jesus_n either_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o by_o the_o conversation_n of_o my_o brethren_n or_o joint-disciple_n or_o else_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o delightful_a instruction_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n in_o which_o without_o the_o element_n of_o letter_n or_o the_o sound_n of_o speech_n truth_n speak_v with_o so_o much_o the_o sweet_a as_o the_o still_a and_o soft_a voice_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o teach_v i_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v so_o propose_v and_o so_o assert_v that_o in_o all_o my_o exposition_n and_o assertion_n i_o may_v be_v ever_o find_v conformable_a and_o obedient_a and_o firm_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v for_o it_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o enlighten_v confirm_v and_o aid_n i_o that_o i_o may_v always_o obey_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n by_o truth_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o those_o many_o more_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o from_o who_o i_o have_v receive_v the_o few_o i_o know_v of_o truth_n i_o beg_v through_o prevent_v and_o assist_v grace_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o what_o ever_o i_o yet_o know_v not_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v steadfast_a in_o those_o truth_n which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o rectify_v in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n i_o be_o mistake_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o those_o truth_n wherein_o i_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o those_o opinion_n that_o be_v erroneous_a or_o hurtful_a i_o beg_v last_o that_o truth_n may_v ever_o find_v both_o in_o my_o thought_n and_o speech_n all_o that_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o its_o gift_n and_o that_o it_o will_v always_o cause_v i_o to_o utter_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o itself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o
in_o the_o exercise_n of_o truth_n justice_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o where_o be_v the_o ill_a influence_n of_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n more_o notorious_a than_o here_o for_o these_o render_v we_o impatient_a and_o insatiable_a in_o our_o desire_n violent_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o extravagant_a and_o excessive_a in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v few_o and_o finite_a and_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v such_o inordinate_a appetite_n we_o stand_v in_o one_o another_o light_n in_o one_o another_o way_n to_o profit_v and_o pleasure_n or_o too_o often_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o produce_v a_o thousand_o miserable_a consequence_n according_o we_o daily_o see_v that_o these_o passion_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o envy_n and_o emulation_n avarice_n ambition_n strife_n and_o contention_n hypocrisy_n and_o corruption_n lewdness_n luxury_n and_o prodigality_n but_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o honour_n truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o generosity_n and_o charity_n to_o obviate_v therefore_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o these_o vicious_a principle_n religion_n aim_v at_o implant_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o a_o benign_a and_o beneficent_a nature_n oppose_v against_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n hope_n against_o selfishness_n charity_n and_o against_o sensuality_n faith_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o different_a tendency_n of_o these_o different_a principle_n may_v be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a i_o will_v brief_o compare_v the_o effect_n they_o have_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o neighbour_n selfishness_n make_v man_n look_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o make_v for_o he_o alone_o and_o upon_o all_o as_o his_o enemy_n who_o do_v any_o way_n interfere_v with_o or_o obstruct_v his_o design_n it_o seal_v up_o all_o our_o treasure_n confine_n all_o our_o care_n and_o thought_n to_o our_o private_a interest_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n employ_v all_o our_o part_n power_n and_o wealth_n and_o all_o our_o time_n too_o in_o pursuit_n of_o our_o particular_a advantage_n sensuality_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o abandon_v the_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o country_n his_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o station_n that_o he_o may_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o some_o sottish_a and_o dishonourable_a vice_n it_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o refuse_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a assistance_n to_o any_o public_a or_o neighbourly_a good_a work_n and_o even_o a_o decent_a nay_o sometime_o a_o necessary_a allowance_n to_o his_o family_n that_o he_o may_v waste_v and_o lavish_a out_o his_o fortune_n upon_o some_o vile_a and_o expensive_a lust_n in_o a_o word_n it_o make_v he_o incapable_a of_o the_o fatigue_n of_o civil_a business_n and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o hardship_n and_o hazard_n of_o war_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o imitate_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o vriah_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v court_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n even_o of_o allow_a pleasure_n nor_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o tenderness_n and_o caress_n of_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n while_o joab_n and_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o on_o the_o contrary_a dissolve_v and_o melt_v down_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o uncleanness_n and_o luxury_n the_o shame_n and_o burden_n of_o his_o country_n and_o his_o family_n at_o a_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o country_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o prince_n and_o people_n defend_v it_o by_o their_o toil_n and_o blood_n what_o shall_v i_o mention_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o visible_a among_o we_o as_o deplorable_a do_v not_o this_o wherever_o it_o reign_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o bribery_n and_o corruption_n falshood_n treachery_n and_o cowardice_n worse_o can_v be_v say_v on_o it_o and_o more_o need_v not_o for_o what_o society_n can_v thrive_v or_o which_o way_n can_v credit_v and_o reputation_n be_v support_v what_o treasure_n what_o counsel_n what_o army_n what_o conduct_v can_v save_v a_o people_n where_o these_o vice_n prevail_v let_v we_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n cashier_v and_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n entertain_v in_o their_o room_n what_o a_o bless_a change_n will_v this_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n how_o soon_o will_v honour_v and_o integrity_n truth_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o public_a spirit_n revive_v how_o serviceable_a and_o eminent_a will_v these_o render_v every_o man_n in_o his_o charge_n these_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o great_a and_o brave_a action_n these_o these_o alone_a can_v render_v our_o duty_n dear_a to_o we_o than_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n these_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v good_a work_n without_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o return_v they_o will_v make_v we_o these_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o reasonable_a to_o sacrifice_v fortune_n life_n every_o thing_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o public_a good_a demand_v it_o of_o we_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o heaven_n be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a good_a will_v make_v we_o easy_o surmount_v the_o consideration_n of_o expense_n difficulty_n or_o hazard_n in_o such_o attempt_v as_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v please_v he_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o compassionate_a to_o his_o evil_n and_o want_n tender_a to_o his_o infirmity_n and_o zealous_a of_o his_o good_a as_o of_o our_o own_o how_o happy_a then_o will_v these_o principle_n make_v the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o be_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v these_o and_o to_o discountenance_v and_o suppress_v the_o contrary_a one_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v make_v two_o remark_n on_o this_o last_o paragraph_n first_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o it_o that_o solid_a virtue_n can_v be_v graff_v on_o no_o stock_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n that_o universal_a righteousness_n can_v be_v raise_v on_o none_o but_o gospel_n principles_n who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 5._o i_o do_v not_o oppose_v this_o proposition_n against_o jew_n or_o gentile_n god_n vouchsafe_v in_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n such_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o such_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o to_o these_o be_v the_o righteousness_n hereof_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o moses_n but_o suppose_v it_o against_o the_o bold_a pretension_n of_o libertin_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n honour_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o mouth_n be_v a_o vain_a beast_n and_o the_o natural_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o over_o their_o own_o action_n to_o square_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v only_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o supplant_v the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a as_o arrogant_a alas_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o liberty_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o do_v they_o but_o once_o admit_v purity_n of_o heart_n into_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o discern_v what_o stranger_n they_o be_v to_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o body_n who_o reject_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n who_o either_o believe_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o much_o about_o we_o and_o how_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v selfish_a and_o sensual_a and_o dote_v upon_o this_o world_n who_o expect_v no_o better_o who_o believe_v no_o other_o take_v away_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o can_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o any_o action_n that_o shall_v cross_v his_o temporal_a interest_n or_o his_o pleasure_n what_o shall_v reward_v his_o espouse_v virtue_n when_o it_o have_v no_o dowry_n but_o loss_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n what_o shall_v curb_v he_o in_o the_o career_n of_o a_o lust_n when_o he_o may_v commit_v it_o not_o only_o with_o impunity_n but_o as_o the_o world_n sometime_o go_v with_o honour_n and_o preferment_n too_o though_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o these_o may_v possible_o restrain_v their_o outward_a action_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o the_o
often_o repeat_v breed_v a_o kind_n of_o indifference_n or_o lukewarmness_n and_o soon_o pass_v into_o coldness_n and_o insensibleness_n and_o this_o often_o end_v in_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o a_o utter_a aversion_n for_o religion_n 2_o we_o must_v endeavour_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o compensate_a the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o make_v up_o by_o charity_n what_o we_o have_v defalce_v from_o devotion_n or_o to_o supply_v by_o short_a ejaculation_n what_o we_o have_v be_v force_v to_o retrench_v from_o fix_a and_o regular_a office_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o that_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n either_o of_o improvement_n or_o do_v good_a will_v i_o believe_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o god_n will_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o choice_n he_o can_v do_v better_a than_o follow_v god_n 3_o a_o single_a omission_n must_v never_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a motive_n from_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n necessity_n or_o charity_n be_v the_o only_a just_a and_o proper_a apology_n for_o it_o instrumental_a or_o positive_a duty_n may_v give_v way_n to_o moral_a one_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o in_o moral_a duty_n the_o less_o may_v give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a but_o duty_n must_v never_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n nor_o religion_n to_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n have_v thus_o brief_o give_v a_o account_n what_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o so_o settle_v the_o notion_n of_o idleness_n that_o neither_o the_o careless_a nor_o the_o scrupulous_a can_v easy_o mistake_v their_o case_n i_o will_v now_o propose_v such_o considetation_n as_o i_o judge_v most_o likely_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o and_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v the_o best_a guard_n and_o preservative_n against_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v every_o one_o lay_v to_o heart_n be_v that_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o damnable_a sin_n idleness_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n both_o in_o our_o creation_n and_o redemption_n as_o to_o our_o creation_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o create_v not_o any_o thing_n but_o for_o some_o excellent_a end_n shall_v create_v man_n for_o none_o or_o for_o a_o silly_a one_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o active_a and_o vivacious_a principle_n our_o rational_a faculty_n capacitate_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o do_v good_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a pleasure_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n who_o can_v think_v now_o that_o our_o wise_a creator_n light_v this_o candle_n within_o we_o that_o we_o may_v oppress_v and_o stifle_v it_o by_o negligence_n and_o idleness_n that_o he_o contrive_v and_o destine_v such_o a_o mind_n to_o squander_v and_o fool_n away_o its_o talent_n in_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n as_o to_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v evident_a both_o what_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o opposite_a idleness_n be_v to_o it_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n aim_v at_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o eph._n 2.10_o how_o little_a then_o can_v a_o useless_a and_o bar_a life_n answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n what_o a_o miserable_a return_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o how_o utter_o must_v it_o disappoint_v all_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o what_o need_v i_o argue_v further_o the_o truth_n i_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o express_a and_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o idleness_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n reckon_v among_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n what_o mean_v the_o sentence_n against_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.7_o but_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o idle_a and_o the_o sluggish_a the_o indignation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enkindle_v against_o the_o barrenness_n of_o tree_n but_o men._n what_o can_v be_v plain_o than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o perish_v because_o he_o have_v not_o improve_v his_o talon_n matt._n 25.38_o and_o how_o frequent_o do_v the_o apostle_n declare_v himself_o against_o the_o idle_a and_o disorderly_a and_o all_o this_o proceed_v upon_o plain_a and_o necessary_a ground_n our_o lord_n be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o refrain_v from_o do_v evil_a but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a we_o can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o intention_n of_o divine_a precept_n by_o negative_a righteousness_n when_o god_n prohibit_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n when_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v evil_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prescribe_v the_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o word_n idleness_n be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o faith_n hope_n charity_n to_o fear_v vigilance_n mortification_n and_o therefore_o certain_o must_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n these_o be_v all_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n but_o idleness_n enfeeble_v and_o dis-spirit_n manacle_n and_o fetter_n we_o these_o be_v pure_a strict_a and_o self-denying_a principle_n but_o idleness_n be_v soft_a and_o indulgent_a these_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n but_o idleness_n be_v far_o from_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a it_o pomper_v the_o body_n and_o effeminate_v and_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n and_o final_o whatever_o innocence_n or_o inoffensiveness_n it_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o only_o terminate_v in_o sin_n but_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o it_o from_o stupidity_n and_o ignorance_n from_o vanity_n and_o levity_n from_o softness_n and_o sensuality_n from_o some_o prevail_a lust_n or_o other_o 2._o next_o after_o the_o nature_n the_o consequence_n of_o idleness_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o just_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o tragical_a accusation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o dishonour_n and_o poverty_n and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n but_o at_o present_a i_o view_v it_o only_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v with_o a_o half_a face_n and_o that_o the_o much_o less_o deform_v of_o the_o two_o i_o consider_v it_o here_o as_o pretend_v to_o innocence_n and_o flatter_v itself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o yet_o even_o thus_o suppose_v it_o as_o harmless_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o still_o these_o will_v be_v the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o will_v rob_v religion_n and_o the_o world_n of_o the_o service_n due_a to_o both_o it_o will_v bereave_v we_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n and_o send_v we_o down_o at_o last_o to_o a_o curse_a eternity_n for_o where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v maintain_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o human_a society_n that_o shall_v relieve_v and_o redress_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o demonstrate_v its_o divinity_n as_o effectual_o as_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n can_v do_v where_o be_v the_o bright_a example_n that_o shall_v convert_v the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o inflame_v the_o believe_a part_n with_o a_o generous_a emulation_n certain_o the_o lazy_a christian_a the_o slothful_a servant_n can_v pretend_v to_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n as_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n if_o true_a and_o last_a if_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v from_o what_o fountain_n it_o must_v be_v draw_v nothing_o but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n can_v procure_v our_o peace_n nothing_o but_o purity_n of_o heart_n our_o pleasure_n but_o ah_o how_o far_o be_v the_o idle_a and_o unactive_a from_o these_o virtue_n i'faith_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o they_o victory_n and_o triumph_n devotion_n alms_n and_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o they_o but_o what_o a_o stranger_n to_o these_o be_v the_o drone_n and_o sluggard_n then_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n he_o that_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vast_a solitude_n and_o wilderness_n behind_o he_o
mary_n magdalen_n the_o zeal_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o labour_n and_o travel_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n be_v too_o mean_v a_o name_n for_o these_o virtue_n seem_v therefore_o to_o have_v be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o these_o person_n and_o to_o have_v shine_v in_o they_o with_o more_o transcendent_a lustre_n than_o any_o other_o these_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o virtue_n for_o which_o grace_n and_o nature_n eminent_o qualify_v they_o and_o to_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o call_v they_o all_o this_o consider_v seem_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o great_a man_n may_v it_o not_o suffice_v to_o excel_v in_o these_o virtue_n which_o nature_n grace_n and_o providence_n prescribe_v may_v not_o the_o perfect_a be_v allow_v to_o want_v what_o he_o do_v not_o need_n will_v one_o not_o think_v that_o in_o many_o respect_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o he_o to_o be_v free_a from_o this_o or_o that_o vice_n rather_o than_o to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o this_o or_o that_o virtue_n which_o he_o have_v no_o use_n for_o especial_o if_o by_o virtue_n we_o understand_v strict_o such_o a_o habit_n as_o enable_v we_o to_o act_v easy_o and_o delightful_o to_o adjust_a this_o matter_n 1._o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v before_o not_o only_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n but_o also_o abstain_v even_o from_o a_o single_a act_n of_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n he_o must_v neither_o criminal_o omit_v a_o duty_n nor_o deliberate_o commit_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o it_o 2_o he_o must_v be_v endow_v with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n with_o faith_n hope_n charity_n with_o the_o grace_n which_o i_o will_v call_v universal_a because_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a to_o all_o as_o christian_n abstract_v from_o their_o particular_a capacity_n and_o relation_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n so_o as_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 2.1_o this_o will_v render_v he_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n these_o two_o thing_n constitute_v universal_a righteousness_n complete_a the_o perfect_a man_n and_o full_o satisfy_v the_o text_n allege_v or_o if_o not_o what_o follow_v will_n 3_o he_o must_v excel_v in_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o natural_a i_o call_v those_o virtue_n natural_a to_o which_o grace_n and_o nature_n most_o powerful_o dispose_v and_o incline_v he_o for_o these_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v design_v by_o god_n these_o will_v soon_o grow_v up_o to_o maturity_n and_o much_o will_v be_v their_o fruit_n and_o great_a their_o beauty_n i_o do_v not_o all_o this_o while_o suppose_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n ought_v not_o so_o far_o to_o subdue_v and_o rectify_v his_o temper_n as_o not_o only_o to_o overcome_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o constitution_n but_o in_o some_o degree_n possess_v the_o virtue_n that_o be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o it_o but_o to_o expect_v he_o to_o be_v eminent_a here_o be_v i_o doubt_v too_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o here_o when_o he_o have_v bestow_v much_o pain_n and_o travel_n much_o care_n and_o cost_n his_o progress_n may_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o where_o he_o bestow_v least_o but_o here_o i_o must_v add_v two_o caution_n the_o one_o be_v that_o no_o man_n mistake_v contract_v habit_n for_o nature_n and_o then_o conclude_v that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o attain_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o or_o that_o virtue_n through_o a_o natural_a incapacity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v no_o man_n satisfy_v and_o content_v himself_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a state_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o constitution_n but_o let_v he_o think_v that_o here_o if_o any_o where_o his_o virtue_n must_v be_v always_o grow_v and_o let_v he_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o our_o saviour_n promise_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v accomplish_v on_o earth_n belong_v to_o his_o sincere_a endeavour_n here_o bless_v be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v matth._n 5.6_o 4._o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v be_v eminent_a in_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o necessary_a such_o be_v those_o which_o his_o particular_a station_n and_o call_v or_o any_o other_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n he_o be_v under_o require_v of_o he_o whatever_o virtue_n may_v be_v more_o delightful_a these_o be_v more_o important_a other_o may_v be_v more_o natural_a these_o have_v more_o or_o use_v and_o more_o of_o merit_n a_o man_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o perfection_n in_o other_o without_o either_o disparagement_n or_o gild_n but_o deficiency_n in_o these_o can_v hardly_o escape_v both_o beside_o every_o thing_n be_v lovely_a it_o its_o place_n and_o in_o its_o time_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o lustre_n that_o attend_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o man_n station_n that_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o i_o will_v therefore_o have_v my_o perfect_a man_n true_o great_a in_o his_o own_o business_n and_o shine_v with_o a_o dazzle_a lustre_n in_o his_o own_o sphere_n to_o this_o purpose_n sure_o speak_v the_o advice_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n 5._o last_o as_o there_o be_v a_o different_a gild_n in_o sin_n so_o there_o be_v different_a merit_n in_o virtue_n as_o among_o miraculous_a so_o among_o sanctify_a gift_n some_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o and_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a man_n who_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o most_o perfect_a gift_n the_o three_o heroic_a virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v faith_n love_n humility_n nor_o do_v i_o presumptuous_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n exclude_v hope_n but_o comprehend_v it_o under_o faith_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v humility_n will_v make_v the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o section_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v only_o exhort_v to_o love_n love_n be_v the_o noble_a fruit_n of_o illumination_n and_o faith_n the_o true_a source_n and_o parent_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n love_n be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a seed_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o animate_v move_v and_o form_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o righteousness_n love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n through_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o what_o render_v as_o most_o like_a god_n shall_v render_v we_o most_o dear_a to_o he_o too_o and_o this_o love_n do_v for_o god_n be_v love_n in_o short_a love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o great_a subject_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n love_n be_v the_o last_o round_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o my_o perfect_a man_n must_v abound_v in_o this_o what_o degree_n of_o love_n of_o desire_n or_o complacency_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n may_v consist_v with_o sincerity_n what_o with_o perfection_n may_v be_v easy_o learn_v from_o several_a part_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v love_v god_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o must_v always_o cleave_v to_o he_o walk_z as_o always_o before_o he_o ever_o meditate_v and_o contemplate_v on_o he_o and_o his_o work_n contrive_v and_o study_v labour_n and_o contend_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v be_v a_o affliction_n to_o he_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o he_o but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o he_o must_v ever_o and_o anon_o by_o day_n and_o night_n break_v out_o into_o his_o praise_n and_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o he_o 2._o he_o must_v love_v god_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o must_v appear_v blast_v and_o wither_v empty_a and_o contemptible_a without_o pleasure_n without_o beauty_n and_o consequent_o he_o must_v so_o thirst_v after_o the_o beatific_a vision_n after_o the_o presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n that_o he_o must_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o pant_v and_o long_o to_o be_v
most_o sanctify_a nature_n and_o some_o venial_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o other_o may_v still_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n beside_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v or_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n seem_v to_o make_v way_n for_o more_o so_o that_o after_o all_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v as_o well_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o righteousness_n as_o his_o fortune_n be_v like_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o mean_v the_o day_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o attain_v it_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o section_n will_v all_o serve_v here_o therefore_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o offer_v of_o this_o sort_n only_o if_o i_o forget_v to_o pay_v that_o deference_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o just_o deserve_v i_o do_v it_o now_o and_o do_v earnest_o persuade_v my_o reader_n to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o only_o think_v this_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v a_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o but_o also_o high_o conducive_a to_o true_a perfection_n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o public_a ordinance_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n do_v mutual_o inflame_v and_o enkindle_v one_o another_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n seize_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o final_o that_o if_o the_o office_n of_o our_o liturgy_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o much_o indispose_v and_o very_o poor_o qualify_v for_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n chap._n x._o of_o zeal_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o good_a work_n and_o now_o let_v not_o any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o advance_v the_o illumination_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o knock_v off_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o raise_v he_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v above_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o life_n to_o scatter_v those_o lazy_a fog_n and_o mist_n which_o hang_v upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o enrich_v he_o with_o heroic_a virtue_n let_v no_o man_n i_o say_v fancy_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v all_o this_o that_o after_o all_o my_o perfect_a man_n may_v sit_v down_o like_o a_o epicurean_a god_n and_o enjoy_v himself_o may_v talk_v fine_o of_o solitary_a shade_n and_o garden_n and_o spend_v a_o precious_a life_n fit_v for_o the_o noble_a design_n in_o a_o sluggish_a retirement_n no_o no_o as_o virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o human_a life_n so_o be_v action_n the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o zeal_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o action_n which_o i_o require_v in_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n according_o the_o scripture_n describe_v this_o great_a this_o happy_a man_n as_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n such_o a_o one_o be_v moses_n mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o egyptian_n such_o a_o one_o be_v st._n stephen_n as_o full_a of_o a_o divine_a ardour_n and_o irresistible_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n as_o of_o a_o irresistible_a wisdom_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o excellent_a cornelius_n a_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o have_v transfuse_v and_o derive_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o bosom_n throughout_o his_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o friend_n too_o one_o that_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v instance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o all_o other_o the_o victory_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o charity_n the_o constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o hope_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n need_v i_o here_o distinguish_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o faction_n the_o cruelty_n of_o superstition_n from_o the_o wakeful_a and_o indefatigable_a activity_n of_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n from_o the_o unruly_a heat_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o from_o the_o implacable_a fury_n of_o revenge_n it_o need_v not_o no_o foolish_a no_o false_a fantastic_a earthly_a or_o devilish_a principle_n can_v counterfeit_v a_o divine_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o shine_v with_o such_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n with_o such_o a_o heavenly_a majesty_n and_o sweetness_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v imitate_v it_o it_o be_v always_o pursue_v good_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n it_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o it_o contend_v as_o earnest_o too_o to_o root_v out_o wickedness_n and_o implant_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o eager_a for_o the_o article_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o unconcern_v for_o catholic_n once_o when_o it_o press_v for_o reformation_n it_o begin_v at_o home_n and_o set_v a_o bright_a example_n of_o what_o it_o will_v recommend_v to_o other_o it_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a under_o its_o own_o affront_v but_o warm_a and_o bold_a against_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n though_o love_n fill_v its_o sail_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n give_v it_o ballast_n and_o it_o have_v no_o heat_n but_o what_o be_v temper_v and_o refract_v by_o charity_n and_o humility_n need_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n fix_v or_o state_n the_o various_a degree_n of_o zeal_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ardent_a thirst_n of_o promote_a the_o divine_a glory_n by_o the_o best_a work_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o more_o excellent_a the_o work_n and_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v the_o more_o perfect_a the_o more_o exalt_v the_o zeal_n that_o perform_v it_o when_o like_o mary_n we_o quit_v the_o cumber_n and_o distraction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o choose_v religion_n for_o our_o portion_n then_o do_v we_o love_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n when_o with_o the_o disciple_n we_o can_v say_v lord_n we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v so_o when_o we_o be_v continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n when_o if_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n church_n require_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v nothing_o our_o own_o when_o we_o be_v prepare_v if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o to_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n when_o nothing_o be_v dear_a nothing_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o god_n and_o holiness_n then_o have_v we_o reach_v the_o height_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o word_n zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n make_v perfect_a in_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v see_v it_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n we_o must_v contemplate_v it_o in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o heroick_n love_n how_o boundless_a be_v his_o love_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o how_o transcendent_a when_o a_o world_n of_o enemy_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o how_o indefatigable_a be_v his_o zeal_n how_o wakeful_a how_o meek_a how_o humble_a how_o firm_a and_o resolve_v his_o labour_n and_o travel_n his_o self-denial_n prayer_n and_o tear_n his_o silence_n and_o patience_n his_o agony_n and_o blood_n and_o charitable_a prayer_n pour_v out_o with_o it_o for_o his_o persecutor_n instruct_v we_o full_o what_o divine_a love_n what_o divine_a zeal_n be_v and_o now_o even_o at_o this_o time_n love_n reign_v in_o he_o as_o he_o reign_v in_o heaven_n love_n be_v still_o the_o predominant_a the_o darling_n passion_n of_o his_o soul_n worthy_a be_v thou_o o_o jesus_n to_o receive_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o dominion_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o thy_o father_n on_o his_o throne_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n because_o thou_o have_v love_v because_o thou_o have_v be_v zealous_a unto_o death_n because_o thou_o have_v overcome_v some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o have_v follow_v thy_o bright_a example_n though_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n first_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n next_o those_o belove_v and_o admire_v prince_n who_o have_v govern_v their_o kingdom_n in_o righteousness_n to_o who_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v far_o dear_a than_o pleasure_n than_o empire_n than_o absolute_a power_n or_o that_o ominous_a blaze_n that_o be_v now_o call_v glory_n and_o next_o follow_v hold_v this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o angel_n they_o must_v marshal_v the_o field_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o end_n
number_n and_o strength_n of_o temptation_n the_o deplorable_a fall_n of_o the_o great_a saint_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o work_v in_o we_o let_v we_o then_o not_o only_o begin_v but_o also_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n blessed_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v always_o second_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o hope_n of_o hope_n that_o wait_v and_o belong_v for_o the_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n this_o will_v invite_v we_o often_o to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o canaan_n this_o will_v fill_v the_o mind_n often_o with_o the_o beauty_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o eternity_n this_o will_v often_o call_v to_o our_o thought_n and_o security_n the_o rest_n the_o transport_v of_o another_o world_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n incorruptible_a crown_n the_o hallelujah_n of_o angel_n the_o shout_n of_o victory_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n the_o stream_n that_o water_n the_o paradise_n of_o god_n and_o every_o such_o object_n will_v chide_v we_o out_o of_o our_o weakness_n and_o cowardice_n every_o such_o thought_n will_v upbraid_v we_o out_o of_o our_o laziness_n and_o negligence_n we_o shall_v hear_v always_o sound_a in_o our_o ear_n the_o word_n of_o jesus_n to_o his_o disciple_n what_o can_v you_o not_o watch_v with_o i_o one_o hour_n and_o yet_o do_v you_o expect_v to_o reign_v with_o i_o for_o ever_o or_o those_o to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o upon_o my_o throne_n as_o i_o have_v overcome_v and_o be_o sit_v down_o with_o my_o father_n on_o his_o throne_n and_o now_o reader_n if_o you_o find_v i_o have_v do_v you_o any_o service_n if_o you_o think_v yourself_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o i_o the_o return_v i_o beg_v from_o you_o be_v that_o you_o will_v first_o offer_v praise_n and_o thanks_o unto_o god_n and_o next_o whenever_o you_o be_v in_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o ardour_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n before_o god_n in_o prayer_n put_v up_o these_o or_o the_o like_a petition_n for_o i_o which_o i_o now_o offer_v up_o for_o myself_o o_o my_o god_n and_o my_o father_n increase_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o thy_o spirit_n in_o i_o enable_n i_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o thy_o fear_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o my_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n pardon_v all_o the_o sin_n and_o error_n of_o my_o life_n and_o accept_v of_o my_o imperfect_a service_n though_o jesus_n christ_n and_o because_o though_o after_o all_o we_o can_v do_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n thy_o infinite_a bounty_n will_v yet_o certain_o recompense_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v thy_o glory_n let_v i_o find_v my_o reward_n from_o thou_o or_o rather_o do_v thou_o thyself_o vouchsafe_v to_o be_v my_o reward_n i_o shall_v have_v ever_o think_v myself_o unworthy_a to_o have_v put_v up_o this_o petition_n to_o thou_o o_o thou_o glorious_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n have_v not_o thy_o own_o goodness_n thy_o own_o spirit_n kindle_v this_o ambition_n in_o i_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o thy_o servant_n st._n john_n and_o now_o therefore_o my_o soul_n can_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o i_o awake_v at_o the_o last_o day_n after_o thy_o likeness_n i_o can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v till_o i_o behold_v thy_o glory_n which_o vouchsafe_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o by_o thy_o mercy_n and_o thy_o faithfulness_n by_o the_o suffering_n and_o intercession_n of_o thy_o dear_o belove_a son_n finis_fw-la several_a book_n publish_v by_o dr._n lucas_n vicar_n of_o st._n steven_n coleman-street_n and_o sell_v by_o sam._n smith_n and_o benj._n walford_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n practical_a christianity_n or_o a_o account_n of_o the_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v with_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o etc._n etc._n four_o edition_n 1693._o a_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n in_o several_a part_n vol._n i._n the_o second_o edition_n correct_v and_o enlarge_v 1692._o human_a life_n or_o a_o second_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n second_o edition_n 1696._o religious_a perfection_n or_o a_o third_z part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n 1696._o the_o duty_n of_o apprentice_n and_o servant_n with_o some_o prayer_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n 1685._o price_n one_o shilling_n six_o penny_n the_o plain_a man_n guide_n to_o heaven_n contain_v one_a his_o duty_n towards_o god_n 2_o towards_o his_o neighbour_n with_o proper_a prayer_n meditation_n and_o ejaculation_n design_v chief_o for_o the_o countryman_n tradesman_n labourer_n etc._n etc._n 1691._o price_n one_o shilling_n christian_n thought_n for_o every_o day_n of_o the_o month_n 12._o price_n one_o shilling_n several_a sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n lord_z mayor_z assizes_n etc._n etc._n