while_n enslave_v and_o defile_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o very_a liberty_n they_o boast_v of_o in_o their_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o themselves_o open_o spring_v from_o their_o secret_a servitude_n to_o some_o vile_a passion_n or_o other_o nor_o yet_o can_v i_o be_v so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o grant_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o either_o do_v or_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o liberty_n they_o pretend_v to_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o regulate_v and_o govern_v all_o their_o outward_a action_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n they_o too_o often_o throw_v off_o the_o disguise_n which_o either_o hypocrisy_n or_o enmity_n to_o religion_n make_v they_o put_v on_o and_o prove_v too_o plain_o to_o the_o world_n that_o when_o they_o lay_v restraint_n on_o themselves_o in_o this_o or_o that_o sin_n it_o be_v only_a to_o indulge_v themselves_o the_o more_o free_o and_o secure_o in_o other_o second_o my_o next_o remark_n be_v that_o it_o be_v gross_a stupidity_n or_o impudence_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n and_o another_o world_n when_o the_o belief_n of_o both_o be_v so_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o this_o the_o frame_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o world_n require_v both_o without_o these_o selfishness_n must_v undoubted_o be_v the_o predominant_a principle_n this_o will_v breed_v unreasonable_a desire_n and_o these_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n so_o that_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n will_v indeed_o be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o our_o enmity_n against_o one_o another_o will_v not_o be_v extinguish_v by_o civil_a society_n but_o only_o conceal_v and_o restrain_v till_o a_o fit_a occasion_n for_o its_o break_n out_o shall_v present_v itself_o law_n will_v want_v that_o force_n commonwealth_n that_o bond_n or_o cement_n conversation_n that_o confidence_n and_o our_o possession_n that_o security_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v they_o blessing_n to_o we_o §_o 3._o a_o three_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v that_o relation_n which_o it_o create_v between_o god_n and_o we_o we_o be_v no_o long_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v separate_v and_o sanctify_a devote_a and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n thus_o st._n peter_n 1_o epist_n 2.9_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n god_n be_v our_o god_n we_o be_v his_o people_n he_o be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o be_v his_o child_n we_o be_v ingraff_v into_o his_o family_n the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v his_o dear_o belove_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n be_v our_o advocate_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o intercessor_n for_o we_o his_o spirit_n reside_v with_o we_o to_o comfort_v and_o assist_v we_o his_o angel_n guard_v we_o and_o minister_v to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v no_o long_o the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n how_o do_v the_o apostle_n triumph_n on_o this_o argument_n heb._n 12.18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n for_o you_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v and_o that_o burn_v with_o fire_n nor_o unto_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n and_o tempest_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o word_n which_o voice_n they_o who_o hear_v entreat_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o which_o be_v command_v and_o if_o so_o much_o as_o a_o beast_n touch_v the_o mountain_n it_o shall_v be_v stone_v or_o thrust_v through_o with_o a_o dart_n and_o so_o terrible_a be_v the_o sight_n that_o moses_n say_v i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v but_o you_o be_v come_v unto_o mount_n zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v better_a thing_n then_o that_o of_o abel_n and_o thus_o again_o 1_o cor._n 3.2_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephus_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n what_o dignity_n and_o eminence_n do_v this_o adoption_n raise_v we_o to_o what_o blessedness_n flow_v from_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n what_o can_v we_o want_v or_o what_o can_v we_o fear_v when_o we_o have_v so_o mighty_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n when_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n be_v employ_v to_o promote_v and_o secure_v our_o happiness_n now_o sure_a we_o may_v rejoice_v now_o we_o may_v glory_v and_o triumph_n for_o certain_o all_o thing_n must_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a but_o as_o fall_v angel_n envy_v the_o happiness_n of_o new_a create_v man_n so_o do_v apostate_n and_o debauch_a man_n envy_v that_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o one_o of_o these_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v hold_v sir_n you_o run_v too_o fast_o these_o glorious_a privilege_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o embryo_n and_o all_o your_o happiness_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o reversion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o big_a word_n you_o must_v grant_v i_o that_o you_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n that_o you_o be_v to_o undergo_v hardship_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o the_o thin_a diet_n of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n and_o so_o i_o think_v i_o may_v take_v you_o down_o from_o heir_n of_o god_n to_o servant_n at_o the_o best_a well_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o we_o yet_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a contend_v about_o those_o pleasure_n that_o be_v but_o in_o the_o bud_n i_o will_v for_o once_o quit_v all_o that_o preference_n both_o as_o to_o nobility_n and_o pleasure_n which_o adoption_n and_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n give_v a_o godly_a man_n above_o a_o sinner_n and_o i_o will_v take_v the_o state_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o be_v as_o the_o objector_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v suppose_v he_o to_o be_v under_o age_n till_o he_o come_v to_o another_o life_n and_o to_o differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n whilst_o he_o be_v so_o though_o he_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o yet_o after_o all_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n it_o will_v be_v no_o contemptible_a fruit_n no_o small_a commendation_n of_o liberty_n that_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n be_v plain_a for_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o he_o who_o make_v and_o still_o uphold_v the_o world_n shall_v govern_v it_o aught_o we_o not_o to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n who_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o immense_a beneficence_n invest_v he_o with_o a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o who_o shall_v we_o honour_v with_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_n what_o we_o have_v but_o to_o he_o from_o who_o we_o receive_v all_o who_o praise_n shall_v we_o show_v forth_o but_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n who_o shall_v we_o obey_v and_o adore_v but_o he_o who_o have_v translate_v we_o out_o of_o bondage_n into_o liberty_n out_o of_o the_o servitude_n of_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n have_v redeem_v we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n from_o that_o wrath_n to_o which_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_o subject_v we_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o shall_v prove_v it_o not_o only_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o honour_n and_o our_o happiness_n to_o serve_v god_n even_o on_o the_o supposition_n on_o which_o the_o objection_n proceed_v and_o which_o i_o at_o present_a grant_n 1._o it_o be_v our_o honour_n to_o
more_o frequent_o require_v of_o or_o attribute_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o when_o action_n flow_v at_o once_o from_o principle_n and_o custom_n when_o they_o spring_v from_o love_n and_o be_v attend_v by_o pleasure_n and_o be_v incite_v and_o quicken_v by_o faith_n and_o hope_v too_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v repeat_v they_o with_o some_o eagerness_n and_o feel_v a_o holy_a impatience_n as_o often_o as_o we_o be_v hinder_v or_o disappoint_v and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n show_v that_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o be_v there_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o thus_o it_o be_v shall_v i_o mention_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a act._n 10.38_o shall_v i_o propose_v the_o labour_n and_o travil_n of_o st._n paul_n these_o pattern_n it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v judge_v by_o some_o too_o bright_a and_o dazzle_a a_o light_n for_o we_o to_o look_v on_o or_o at_o least_o too_o perfect_a for_o we_o to_o copy_n after_o and_o yet_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o joh._n 2.6_o and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v of_o christ_n but_o if_o the_o fervency_n of_o christ_n and_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o have_v soar_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o imitation_n we_o have_v inferior_a instance_n enough_o to_o prove_v the_o zeal_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o habitual_a goodness_n thus_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal_n 119.10_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o and_o josiah_n 2_o king_n 23.25_o be_v say_v to_o have_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v how_o fervent_a be_v anna_n woe_n depart_v not_o from_o the_o temple_n but_o serve_v god_n with_o fast_n and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n luk._n 2.37_o how_o charitable_a tabytha_n who_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n and_o alms-deed_n which_o she_o do_v act._n 9.36_o where_o shall_v i_o place_v cornelius_n with_o what_o word_n shall_v i_o set_v out_o his_o virtue_n with_o what_o but_o those_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 10.2_o he_o be_v a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n which_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o but_o peradventure_o some_o may_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v something_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a in_o these_o eminent_a person_n which_o we_o must_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v but_o must_v be_v content_a to_o follow_v they_o at_o a_o vast_a distance_n well_o let_v this_o be_v so_o what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v to_o whole_a church_n animate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o zeal_n what_o be_v we_o to_o think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n who_o charity_n st._n paul_n thus_o magnify_v 2_o cor._n 8.2_o 3._o in_o a_o great_a trial_n of_o affliction_n the_o abundance_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o their_o deep_a poverty_n abound_v to_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n for_o to_o their_o power_n i_o bear_v record_n yea_o and_o beyond_o their_o power_n they_o be_v willing_a of_o themselves_o and_o st._n paul_n declare_v himself_o persuade_v of_o the_o roman_n that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n rom._n 15.14_o and_o of_o the_o corinthian_n he_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o thing_n and_o come_v behind_o in_o no_o gift_n 1_o cor._n 1.5_o 6._o that_o they_o do_v abound_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o faith_n in_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o i_o will_v stop_v here_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o instance_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o vigour_n and_o fervency_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v no_o miraculous_a gift_n no_o extraordinary_a prerogative_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o natural_a and_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o well_o confirm_v habit_n of_o holiness_n last_o be_v constancy_n and_o steadiness_n the_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a property_n of_o perfection_n too_o in_o scripture_n good_a man_n be_v every_o where_o represent_v as_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o one_o word_n as_o constant_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o maintain_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n and_o so_o natural_a be_v this_o to_o one_o habitual_o good_a that_o st._n john_n affirm_v of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o he_o can_v sin_v 1_o joh._n 3.9_o 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 according_o job_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o his_o life_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v righteous_a walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a luk._n 1.6_o enoch_n noah_n david_n and_o other_o excellent_a person_n who_o be_v pronounce_v by_o god_n righteous_a and_o just_a and_o perfect_a be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n with_o a_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o be_v that_o constancy_n which_o christian_n be_v often_o exhort_v to_o watch_v you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n quit_v you_o like_o man_n be_v strong_a 1_o cor._n 16.13_o and_o of_o which_o the_o first_o follower_n of_o our_o lord_n leave_v we_o such_o remarkable_a example_n the_o disciple_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n luk._n 24._o and_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o have_v continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n act_n 2.42_o thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v my_o notion_n of_o perfection_n from_o scripture_n nor_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o text_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o unless_o he_o mistake_v the_o main_a design_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v and_o exalt_v we_o to_o a_o steady_a habit_n of_o holiness_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a this_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o his_o heart_n purify_v and_o to_o be_v inform_v act_v and_o influence_v by_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o by_o a_o vital_a principle_n and_o all_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o habitual_a goodness_n if_o any_o one_o desire_n further_o light_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v he_o read_v the_o eight_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o he_o will_v soon_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o there_o find_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v hiterto_fw-mi advance_v there_o though_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v not_o find_v the_o thing_n call_v perfection_n be_v describe_v in_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n in_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o there_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v represent_v as_o one_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n as_o one_o who_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v set_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n one_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o mind_n or_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n one_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v he_o do_v not_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o transient_a visit_n but_o here_o he_o reign_v and_o rule_n and_o inhabit_v one_o final_o in_o who_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o confidence_n the_o security_n and_o transport_v that_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_n but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v
with_o the_o other_o one_o will_v think_v now_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o further_o needful_a to_o establish_v the_o consolation_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o god_n out_o of_o regard_n no_o doubt_n to_o the_o vast_a importance_n and_o happy_a influence_n of_o assurance_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o another_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o third_z and_o last_o namely_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o spirit_n as_o it_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o examination_n so_o it_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v our_o sentence_n by_o its_o suffrage_n fortify_v our_o assurance_n and_o increase_v our_o joy_n all_o this_o the_o scripture_n express_o teach_v we_o for_o the_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n the_o seal_n of_o our_o redemption_n eph._n 1.13_o 14._o eph._n 4.30_o 31._o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o 2_o cor._n 5._o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a place_n may_v relate_v more_o immediate_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v conspicuous_a in_o miracle_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v accompany_v all_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n mark_v 16_o 17._o yet_o be_v there_o text_n enough_o which_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v impart_v to_o believer_n through_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v one_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o comfort_v we_o and_o be_v a_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a favour_n thus_o rom._n 15.13_o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o for_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v here_o demand_v what_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o powerful_a energy_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n shed_v abroad_o and_o increase_a the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o tribulation_n work_v patience_n patience_z experience_n and_o experience_n hope_n and_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o obsignation_n the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n happy_a be_v he_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o he_o have_v attain_v the_o maturity_n of_o perfection_n and_o pleasure_n i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v go_v in_o with_o some_o of_o the_o father_n who_o think_v that_o such_o as_o these_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v apply_v to_o such_o those_o word_n rev._n 20.6_o bless_a and_o holy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n on_o such_o the_o second_o death_n have_v no_o power_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o consider_v assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o present_a time_n but_o 2._o assurance_n may_v regard_v the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o it_o conduce_v very_o little_o less_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v persevere_v in_o a_o good_a state_n then_o that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o one_o let_v we_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n examine_v what_o ground_n the_o perfect_a man_n may_v have_v for_o such_o a_o persuasion_n now_o these_o be_v likewise_o three_o first_o the_o propension_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o perfect_a man._n second_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o three_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n 1._o the_o favour_n of_o god_n i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v be_v ever_o ready_a to_o assist_v the_o perfect_a man_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o his_o ear_n be_v always_o open_a to_o their_o prayer_n that_o they_o be_v the_o dear_a object_n of_o his_o delight_n and_o love_n reason_n and_o scripture_n both_o do_v abundant_o attest_v this_o and_o the_o repeat_v promise_n of_o god_n to_o good_a man_n encourage_v they_o to_o hope_v from_o god_n whatever_o belove_a child_n may_v from_o a_o tender_a and_o kind_a father_n be_v not_o this_o enough_o then_o to_o inspire_v the_o perfect_a man_n with_o great_a and_o confident_a hope_n he_o know_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v a_o immutable_a god_n free_a from_o all_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o therefore_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o presumptino_n and_o obstinacy_n habitual_a neglect_n or_o wickedness_n can_v tempt_v he_o to_o recall_v his_o gift_n or_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o favour_n he_o know_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o he_o be_v able_a but_o he_o know_v also_o that_o he_o have_v a_o powerful_a intercessor_n at_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n who_o can_v but_o prevail_v nor_o be_v this_o all_o yet_o he_o have_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n that_o plead_v for_o he_o with_o god_n there_o be_v his_o tear_n which_o be_v bottle_a up_o there_o be_v his_o prayer_n and_o alm_n which_o be_v go_v up_o for_o a_o memorial_n before_o god_n there_o be_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v wherein_o all_o his_o pious_a discourse_n be_v register_v and_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o can_v forget_v his_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o soon_o quit_v the_o bosom_n that_o it_o so_o long_o reside_v in_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o that_o person_n with_o who_o it_o have_v enter_v into_o so_o close_a a_o union_n that_o it_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v inanimate_v or_o incorporate_v with_o he_o and_o become_v essential_a to_o his_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v grieve_v when_o he_o be_v force_v and_o compel_v to_o retire_v 2._o the_o second_o ground_n of_o aslurance_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o divine_a assistance_n the_o good_a man_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n will_v never_o refuse_v the_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o can_v be_v too_o difficult_a for_o these_o providence_n can_v prevent_v a_o temptation_n or_o remove_v it_o the_o spirit_n can_v support_v he_o under_o it_o and_o enable_v he_o to_o vanquish_v it_o nay_o it_o can_v enable_v he_o to_o extract_v new_a strength_n and_o vigour_n from_o it_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o assertion_n have_v be_v illustrious_o prove_v by_o the_o victory_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n who_o have_v triumph_v over_o unite_a force_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n though_o then_o the_o conscience_n of_o human_a frailty_n may_v awaken_v in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n fear_v and_o caution_n the_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n can_v but_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o holy_a confidence_n the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o subtlety_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v just_o create_v a_o solicitude_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n but_o when_o they_o consider_v themselves_o encompass_v with_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o despond_v 3._o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n be_v a_o three_o ground_n of_o a_o good_a man_n confidence_n he_o know_v that_o nothing_o but_o cry_v provocation_n can_v quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o oblige_v god_n to_o desert_n he_o and_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o this_o be_v that_o he_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n be_v not_o only_o repugnant_a to_o his_o principle_n but_o to_o the_o very_a bend_v of_o his_o nature_n to_o all_o the_o inclination_n and_o passion_n of_o his_o soul_n i_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n can_v he_o ever_o wilful_o dishonour_v and_o disobey_v god_n who_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v do_v so_o long_o can_v he_o forsake_v and_o betray_v his_o saviour_n who_o have_v long_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o he_o who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n as_o
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
nazian_n think_v it_o very_o extravagant_a to_o pretend_v to_o be_v perfect_a than_o the_o rule_n and_o exacter_n than_o the_o law_n the_o quaker_n have_v make_v much_o noise_n and_o stir_v about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n and_o have_v reflect_v very_o severe_o on_o other_o as_o subvert_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n but_o with_o what_o justice_n will_v easy_o appear_v when_o i_o have_v represent_v their_o sense_n which_o i_o will_v do_v very_o impartial_o and_o in_o as_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n as_o i_o can_v mr._n w._n p._n etc._n p._n a_o key_n open_v etc._n etc._n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o infallible_a and_o perfect_a as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v indeed_o true_a but_o it_o be_v mere_a trifle_n for_o this_o be_v a_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n which_o no_o man_n deny_v who_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o whoever_o follow_v his_o guidance_n must_v be_v in_o the_o right_n unless_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n he_o urge_v it_o be_v true_a a_o great_a number_n of_o scripture_n to_o show_v they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n that_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n from_o sin_n though_o not_o in_o fullness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n but_o this_o be_v too_o dark_a and_o short_a a_o hint_n to_o infer_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o party_n from_o it_o mr._n ed._n burrough_n etc._n burrough_n principle_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o full_a we_o believe_v say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o may_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o christ_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o without_o sin_n and_o may_v have_v victory_n over_o all_o temptation_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o believe_v every_o saint_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n aught_o to_o press_v after_o perfection_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o temptation_n upon_o earth_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o that_o faithful_o wait_v for_o it_o shall_v obtain_v it_o and_o shall_v be_v present_v without_o sin_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n and_o such_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o remember_v no_o more_o for_o they_o cease_v to_o commit_v sin_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n if_o by_o sin_n here_o he_o mean_v as_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v deliberate_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o establish_v church_n whether_o protestant_n or_o popish_a teach_v otherwise_o mr._n barclay_n 8._o barclay_n apol._n thes_n 8._o go_v very_o methodical_o to_o work_v and_o first_o set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n then_o confute_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o he_o answer_v their_o objection_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o last_o establish_v his_o own_o doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o perfection_n which_o he_o assert_n he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o impossibility_n of_o sin_v but_o a_o possibility_n of_o not_o sin_v and_o that_o his_o perfect_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o daily_a growth_n and_o improvement_n when_o to_o this_o i_o have_v add_v that_o he_o speak_v all_o along_o of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v wilful_a sin_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o description_n of_o it_o for_o he_o call_v it_o iniquity_n wickedness_n impurity_n the_o service_n of_o satan_n and_o attribute_n such_o effect_n to_o it_o as_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v add_v to_o render_v his_o sense_n clear_a i_o can_v ready_o subscribe_v to_o he_o for_o i_o know_v no_o such_o doctrine_n in_o our_o church_n as_o those_o which_o he_o there_o oppose_v namely_o that_o the_o regenerate_v be_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v impure_a and_o sinful_a but_o then_o he_o either_o mistake_v the_o main_a point_n in_o debate_n or_o prudent_o decline_v it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o good_a man_n may_v live_v in_o mortal_a or_o wilful_a sin_n but_o whether_o good_a man_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v indeed_o sin_n though_o not_o imputable_a under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whether_o the_o quaker_n be_v not_o in_o this_o point_n pelagian_n i_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v because_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v already_o consider_v two_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o mr._n barclay_n state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o can_v so_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o one_o be_v that_o he_o express_v himself_o so_o injudicious_o about_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o perfect_a man_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o forget_v the_o difference_n the_o scripture_n make_v between_o babe_n and_o full_a grow_v man_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o place_n perfection_n so_o low_a in_o reference_n to_o positive_a righteousness_n or_o virtue_n as_o if_o it_o consist_v in_o negative_a only_o or_o cease_v from_o sin_n the_o other_o be_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o peremptory_o affirm_v a_o state_n of_o impeccability_n attainable_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o he_o seem_v incline_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o imagine_v it_o countenance_v by_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v consider_v that_o whatever_o impeccability_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o text_n it_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n but_o to_o all_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o observe_v upon_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o these_o man_n place_n perfection_n especial_o in_o refrain_v from_o sin_n i_o advance_v high_a and_o place_v it_o in_o a_o well-setled_n habit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v as_o little_o dissatisfy_v with_o i_o for_o this_o as_o i_o be_o with_o they_o for_o assert_v the_o perfect_a man_n free_v from_o sin_n for_o as_o mr._n barclay_n express_v himself_o i_o think_v he_o have_v in_o reality_n no_o adversary_n but_o antinomian_o and_o ranter_n as_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v magnify_v by_o mystical_a writer_n some_o of_o they_o have_v only_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o figurative_a and_o unintelligible_a term_n those_o of_o they_o which_o write_v with_o more_o life_n and_o heat_n than_o other_o man_n ordinary_o do_v recommend_v nothing_o but_o that_o holiness_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o be_v consummate_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o fix_v and_o unite_v man_n to_o his_o sovereign_a good_a that_o be_v god_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v not_o differ_v with_o these_o there_o be_v i_o confess_v almost_o innumerable_a say_n of_o the_o father_n which_o sufficient_o testify_v how_o little_a friend_n they_o be_v to_o perfection_n in_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o general_o embrace_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o primitive_a spirit_n breathe_v nothing_o but_o humility_n it_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o all_o self-confidence_n and_o arrogance_n to_o supererogation_n and_o merit_n and_o it_o invite_v man_n earnest_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sin_n and_o slip_v of_o life_n and_o on_o that_o opposition_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o body_n maintain_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o in_o the_o best_a men._n this_o consideration_n force_v the_o bishop_n of_o condome_n to_o that_o plain_a and_o honest_a confession_n itaque_fw-la justitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la licet_fw-la per_fw-la charitatis_fw-la infusionem_fw-la sit_fw-la vera_fw-la etc._n etc._n though_o our_o righteousness_n because_o of_o that_o love_n which_o the_o spirit_n shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o real_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o absolute_a and_o consummate_a because_o of_o the_o opposition_n of_o concupiscence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v perpetual_o bewail_v the_o error_n of_o life_n wherefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v humble_o to_o confess_v with_o st._n austin_n that_o our_o righteousness_n in_o this_o life_n consist_v rather_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n then_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o concern_v not_o i_o i_o never_o dream_n of_o any_o man_n pass_v the_o course_n of_o life_n without_o sin_n nor_o do_v i_o contend_v for_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o st._n austin_n call_v absolute_a which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o increase_n and_o
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
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
slight_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o which_o we_o do_v by_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o gild_n that_o will_v sink_v down_o the_o obstinate_a sinner_n into_o the_o low_a hell_n and_o render_v his_o condition_n more_o intolerable_a that_o that_o of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 2._o the_o second_o effect_n of_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o gospel_n truth_n be_v that_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o he_o that_o beelieve_v how_o short_a be_v time_n compare_v to_o eternity_n how_o false_a how_o empty_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o heaven_n how_o insignificant_a the_o esteem_n or_o love_n of_o man_n to_o that_o of_o god_n how_o worthless_a be_v all_o our_o worldly_a hope_n and_o pretension_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n now_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v once_o possess_v thorough_o with_o these_o notion_n what_o will_v it_o not_o do_v what_o will_v it_o not_o suffer_v rather_o than_o fall_v short_a of_o or_o forfeit_v its_o crown_n in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v content_v nay_o in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o abound_v in_o joy_n whilst_o it_o hold_v fast_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o its_o hope_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n here_o begin_v that_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o true_a epicureism_n that_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o alone_o be_v true_a honour_n and_o fortitude_n but_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v these_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o lively_a faith_n therefore_o my_o 2._o second_o rule_n or_o if_o you_o please_v another_o branch_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n shall_v be_v this_o they_o that_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o must_v frequent_o and_o serious_o ponder_v they_o till_o they_o have_v imprint_v in_o themselves_o as_o clear_v distinct_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o will_v soon_o mortify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n corrrect_v our_o false_a opinion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o baffle_v all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o confidence_n of_o lust_n a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o faith_n that_o import_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o natural_a the_o most_o full_a and_o enlarge_v notion_n of_o its_o object_n a_o faith_n that_o not_o only_a look_n upon_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n as_o true_a but_o behold_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n as_o present_v and_o so_o represent_v and_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n that_o they_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o great_a and_o move_a consideration_n this_o faith_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o it_o behold_v he_o and_o walk_n before_o he_o as_o present_v it_o see_v he_o array_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o all_o his_o majesty_n in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n in_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o one_o and_o attraction_n of_o the_o other_o and_o look_v upon_o both_o as_o at_o the_o door_n it_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v a_o mediator_n but_o take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o lie_v through_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o into_o which_o we_o be_v translate_v by_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o contemplate_v this_o mediator_n in_o all_o the_o several_a step_n of_o condescension_n and_o humiliation_n in_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o transport_v of_o his_o passion_n in_o all_o the_o melancholy_a scene_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o cheerful_a one_o of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o set_v we_o free_a 3._o we_o must_v not_o stop_v in_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n we_o must_v meditate_v divine_a truth_n till_o they_o have_v fire_v our_o soul_n till_o they_o have_v enkindle_v our_o affection_n till_o we_o be_v possess_v by_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n of_o jesus_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o heaven_n till_o all_o our_o other_o desire_n and_o passion_n be_v convert_v into_o and_o swallow_v up_o of_o love_n till_o god_n become_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v in_o he_o we_o glory_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rejoice_v o_o love_n how_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o thou_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v impregnate_n and_o animate_v faith_n itself_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v surmount_v the_o difficulty_n of_o duty_n and_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v cast_v out_o fear_v and_o make_v religion_n full_a of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o do_v make_v we_o watchful_a against_o temptation_n and_o impatient_a under_o the_o interruption_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o make_v we_o dis-relish_a the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v they_o even_o in_o this_o world_n who_o attain_v it_o but_o one_o caution_n i_o must_v here_o add_v that_o our_o love_n must_v not_o be_v a_o flesh_n a_o bit_n but_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o settle_a affection_n a_o affection_n that_o have_v the_o warmth_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o habit._n we_o must_v therefore_o by_o repeat_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n daily_o nourish_v this_o flame_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v out_o 4._o we_o must_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o we_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n the_o struggle_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n the_o gild_n and_o vexation_n the_o shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n its_o ill_a influence_n on_o our_o present_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n on_o our_o peace_n and_o hope_n be_v proper_a topic_n to_o effect_v this_o a_o thorough_a hatred_n of_o sin_n once_o settle_v and_o root_v in_o we_o will_v produce_v that_o sorrow_n that_o indignation_n that_o watchfulness_n that_o zeal_n which_o will_v remove_v we_o far_o enough_o not_o only_o from_o the_o sin_n but_o also_o from_o the_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o it_o and_o place_v we_o almost_o without_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o relapse_n to_o this_o former_a rule_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o other_o that_o when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n whatever_o difficulty_n he_o find_v in_o his_o way_n whatever_o baffle_v he_o meet_v with_o he_o must_v never_o quit_v the_o desgn_n of_o virtue_n and_o life_n he_o must_v never_o give_v over_o fight_v till_o he_o conquer_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o he_o must_v either_o conquer_v or_o die_v but_o this_o belong_v rather_o to_o perseverance_n in_o virtue_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o but_o just_a mention_n it_o 5._o it_o will_v not_o be_v imprudent_a in_o this_o moral_a as_o in_o physical_a cure_n to_o observe_v diligent_o and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v seed_n of_o generosity_n and_o honour_n the_o turpitude_n and_o shame_n of_o sin_n the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o such_o like_a be_v fit_a topic_n to_o dwell_v upon_o where_o fear_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v there_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o so_o whatever_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v argument_n in_o the_o gospel_n adapt_v to_o it_o which_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o prevalent_a as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a 6._o last_o we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o increase_v and_o cherish_v his_o influence_n we_o must_v ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v i._n e._n we_o must_v pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o travel_v with_o patience_n and_o with_o importunity_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o when_o we_o have_v it_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v it_o by_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o quench_v it_o by_o security_n or_o negligence_n by_o sensual_a freedom_n and_o presumption_n but_o we_o must_v cherish_v every_o motion_n improve_v every_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
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