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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n flesh_n good_a sin_n 5,662 5 4.8147 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61479 The last sermon of Mr. Joseph Stephens late lecturer of St. Giles's Cripplegate, St. Margaret's Loth-bury, and St. Michael's Woodstreet. Together with I. A sermon compos'd by him a little before his death, (but never preach'd, being prevented by his last sickness.) II. A sermon concerning the hopes of the righteous at death. III. A sermon of Jam. IV. verse 17th; Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doth it not, to him it is sin. Lately preachd at the said lectures. All publish'd from his own manuscript copies, fairly written out for the press by himself. Stevens, Joseph. 1699 (1699) Wing S5497D; ESTC R220100 32,170 127

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happy_a shall_v thou_o be_v this_o say_v the_o wiseman_n be_v a_o continual_a feast_n and_o will_v bear_v a_o man_n up_o under_o all_o the_o uncertainty_n disappointment_n conflict_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n he_o need_v not_o resort_v to_o drink_v or_o company_n to_o replenish_v his_o mind_n and_o relax_v his_o thought_n who_o be_v thus_o caress_v and_o crown_v with_o the_o please_a echo_n of_o a_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n this_o be_v holy_a job_n consolation_n during_o his_o exilement_n from_o prosperity_n while_o his_o flesh_n groan_v under_o a_o sad_a catastrophe_n and_o dismal_a change_n of_o thing_n upon_o a_o review_n of_o his_o life_n past_a he_o discover_v that_o he_o have_v walk_v upright_o with_o god_n that_o amid_o all_o the_o temptation_n which_o wealth_n and_o fortune_n can_v caress_n he_o with_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o though_o providence_n be_v please_v to_o alter_v his_o condition_n and_o strip_v he_o of_o 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long_o as_o i_o live_v i_o pass_v on_o now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n three_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o motive_n to_o excite_v you_o to_o resolve_v well_o and_o timely_a and_o here_o first_o consider_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o change_v a_o mind_n that_o be_v natural_o deprave_v and_o to_o bring_v a_o original_o corrupt_a constitution_n into_o a_o good_a frame_n and_o order_n for_o beside_o that_o sin_n be_v innate_a bear_v in_o we_o so_o it_o have_v be_v spring_v up_o and_o grow_v in_o our_o nature_n ever_o since_o our_o birth_n that_o it_o be_v become_v headstrong_a and_o tumultuous_a and_o require_v much_o pain_n and_o care_n courage_n resolution_n and_o patience_n watch_n and_o strive_n prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o root_v it_o out_o sin_n be_v not_o soon_o master_v for_o as_o it_o have_v take_v time_n to_o gather_v together_o so_o it_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o much_o time_n to_o loosen_v it_o from_o its_o strong_a hold_n and_o to_o banish_v it_o from_o thence_o where_o it_o have_v so_o long_o continue_v faint_a velleity_n and_o pusillanimity_n will_v never_o accomplish_v this_o great_a concernment_n nor_o be_v that_o resolution_n immediate_o form_v which_o can_v go_v on_o with_o such_o a_o painful_a undertake_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o leak_n leave_v open_a in_o our_o resolution_n for_o any_o sin_n to_o creep_v in_o at_o that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o insinuate_v in_o the_o next_o storm_n of_o temptation_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o let_v in_o other_o sin_n after_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o it_o will_v it_o will_v by_o its_o own_o single_a weight_n sink_v we_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n wherefore_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o our_o will_n be_v thorough_o prepare_v
exercise_v and_o improve_v they_o will_v soon_o faint_a and_o languish_v and_o leave_v we_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o temptation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o be_v just_o emerge_v and_o recover_v out_o of_o a_o sinful_a state_n that_o by_o holy_a resolution_n and_o much_o labour_n we_o have_v correct_v our_o evil_a inclination_n and_o appetite_n and_o be_v just_a get_v over_o the_o line_n that_o part_v a_o good_a and_o bad_a state_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o line_n which_o separate_v these_o two_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o discern_v but_o that_o we_o may_v in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v deceive_v and_o imagine_v that_o we_o be_v happy_o get_v over_o into_o a_o safe_a condition_n while_o we_o be_v border_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o our_o original_a state_n and_o so_o may_v at_o last_o suffer_v shipwreck_n at_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o harbour_n i_o say_v beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o intend_v no_o further_o than_o just_a to_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o that_o everlasting_a ruin_n which_o await_v they_o which_o also_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o dread_n of_o hell_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o instance_n of_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n join_v with_o it_o without_o which_o all_o seem_a pretension_n to_o christianity_n be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o furthermore_o while_o we_o rest_v in_o such_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o goodness_n we_o have_v no_o security_n against_o a_o relapse_n but_o be_v every_o moment_n in_o danger_n of_o return_v into_o our_o natural_a state_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o who_o keep_v a_o watchful_a and_o a_o jealous_a eye_n upon_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o his_o nature_n who_o have_v well_o study_v himself_o and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o know_v the_o danger_n of_o stop_v at_o any_o determinate_a degree_n of_o goodness_n that_o while_o he_o imagine_v himself_o sure_a of_o a_o crown_n may_v by_o this_o mean_n at_o last_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o herein_o the_o text_n modest_o censure_v his_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o urge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o he_o have_v by_o watch_n and_o strive_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o wise_a consideration_n change_v his_o nature_n and_o conquer_v his_o passion_n but_o that_o he_o still_o be_v improve_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o farthermost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n brethren_n say_v he_o i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v afford_v we_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o a_o christian_a while_o he_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n must_v not_o stop_v at_o any_o determinate_a degree_n in_o holiness_n out_o of_o a_o fond_a conceit_n that_o he_o be_v good_a enough_o already_o i_o count_v not_o myself_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v apprehend_v and_o therefore_o i_o forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o second_o that_o perfection_n as_o such_o be_v not_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o be_v possible_a i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n three_o and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o stop_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n as_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o listen_v to_o temptation_n and_o so_o be_v betray_v into_o our_o natural_a state_n i_o shall_v treat_v upon_o these_o in_o their_o order_n first_o that_o a_o christian_a while_o he_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n must_v not_o stop_v at_o any_o determinate_a degree_n in_o holiness_n out_o of_o a_o fond_a conceit_n that_o he_o be_v good_a enough_o already_o for_o holiness_n be_v everywhere_o in_o scripture_n enjoin_v in_o unlimited_a and_o indefinite_a term_n we_o be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o have_v grace_n but_o to_o grow_v in_o it_o not_o only_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o well-pleasing_a to_o god_n but_o to_o abound_v in_o so_o do_v more_o and_o more_o that_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o limit_v ourselves_o to_o any_o present_a attainment_n out_o of_o a_o slothful_a opinion_n that_o we_o be_v righteous_a enough_o but_o that_o we_o aim_v at_o more_o eminent_a improvement_n reach_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o it_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a conceit_n that_o we_o be_v good_a enough_o for_o heaven_n that_o we_o have_v do_v enough_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o we_o be_v sufficient_o qualify_v to_o dwell_v among_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o lofty_a thought_n of_o one_o self_n argue_v spiritual_a pride_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o god_n so_o it_o imply_v that_o we_o conclude_v our_o labour_n meritorious_a that_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o deed_n of_o gift_n but_o our_o proper_a right_n not_o a_o reward_n of_o free_a mercy_n but_o our_o just_a and_o undeniable_a claim_n shall_v we_o but_o recollect_v what_o imperfection_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o best_a of_o our_o service_n how_o far_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o perfect_a unsinning_a obedience_n how_o often_o we_o stain_v our_o innocence_n and_o make_v work_n for_o our_o repentance_n what_o strong_a contention_n there_o be_v between_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n between_o our_o bad_a inclination_n and_o our_o pious_a resolution_n and_o how_o often_o it_o be_v that_o sometime_o through_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o sometime_o by_o our_o own_o consent_n we_o be_v betray_v and_o overcome_v i_o say_v do_v we_o but_o consider_v how_o many_o indecency_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o what_o a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n there_o be_v in_o the_o best_a of_o our_o performance_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o our_o own_o goodness_n and_o to_o quicken_v and_o spur_v we_o on_o to_o rectify_v the_o disorder_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o advance_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o even_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o we_o must_v say_v that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n we_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v but_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v for_o alas_o god_n do_v not_o exact_a duty_n from_o we_o because_o he_o need_v it_o because_o he_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o he_o can_v want_v any_o thing_n without_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v any_o way_n need_v mortal_a breath_n to_o praise_v he_o or_o hand_n of_o flesh_n to_o serve_v he_o who_o have_v million_o of_o better_a creature_n than_o we_o absolute_o at_o his_o devotion_n and_o can_v with_o a_o word_n create_v million_o of_o million_o more_o fit_a than_o we_o to_o honour_v he_o the_o best_a estimation_n we_o can_v have_v of_o he_o be_v much_o below_o he_o the_o best_a expression_n we_o can_v make_v be_v very_o unworthy_a of_o he_o he_o be_v infinite_o excellent_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v imagine_v or_o declare_v it_o be_v only_o his_o pure_a goodness_n that_o move_v he_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o demand_v it_o of_o we_o he_o have_v make_v obedience_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o the_o utmost_a we_o can_v do_v fall_v far_o short_a of_o the_o reward_n nor_o have_v god_n set_v any_o boundary_a to_o holiness_n but_o enjoin_v that_o we_o be_v always_o abound_v in_o his_o work_n and_o alas_o what_o be_v finite_a service_n to_o a_o infinite_a recompense_n a_o short_a life_n spend_v here_o in_o watch_n and_o strive_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n in_o mortification_n and_o strict_a discipline_n to_o a_o life_n in_o heaven_n where_o every_o eye_n sparkle_v with_o joy_n every_o heart_n overflow_v with_o gladness_n and_o every_o tongue_n perpetual_o be_v employ_v in_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n where_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n shall_v move_v in_o a_o wide_a and_o capacious_a sphere_n and_o feed_v upon_o a_o happiness_n which_o be_v as_o large_a as_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o last_v as_o our_o being_n can_v we_o be_v good_a enough_o to_o dwell_v for_o ever_o with_o a_o god_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v be_v the_o farthermost_a degree_n of_o all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o holiness_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o purity_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o abatement_n shall_v he_o strict_o observe_v the_o indecency_n which_o be_v
in_o the_o best_a of_o our_o performance_n or_o those_o petulant_a folly_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o when_o in_o a_o convert_v and_o regenerate_a state_n they_o be_v enough_o by_o their_o own_o weight_n to_o sink_v we_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n so_o that_o consider_v how_o defective_a we_o be_v at_o best_a there_o be_v work_n enough_o for_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o christian_a grace_n so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o change_v a_o evil_a mind_n to_o correct_v a_o rude_a nature_n and_o to_o defend_v ourselves_o against_o a_o relapse_n for_o this_o it_o seem_v be_v our_o unhappiness_n the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v galat._n 5.17_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n occasion_v by_o the_o flesh_n war_a against_o the_o spirit_n and_o ostentimes_o we_o be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o keep_v our_o integrity_n and_o too_o frequent_o either_o by_o surprise_n or_o for_o want_n of_o a_o good_a judgement_n or_o substantial_a argument_n and_o suitable_a consideration_n we_o fall_v and_o make_v work_n for_o our_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n to_o repent_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v slip_v and_o to_o fortify_v ourselves_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n against_o temptation_n but_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o proposition_n namely_o that_o a_o christian_a while_o he_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n must_v not_o stop_v at_o any_o determinate_a degree_n in_o holiness_n out_o of_o a_o fond_a conceit_n that_o he_o be_v good_a enough_o already_o from_o this_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o be_v second_o that_o perfection_n as_o such_o be_v not_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o strive_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o be_v possible_a i_o count_v not_o myself_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v perfect_a in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v free_a from_o imbecility_n whether_o natural_a or_o contract_v from_o any_o blemish_n or_o appearance_n of_o insirmity_n in_o fine_a it_o imply_v such_o a_o advancement_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n beyond_o it_o when_o a_o christian_a by_o special_a art_n have_v furnish_v himself_o with_o such_o a_o complication_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o can_v err_v nor_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v now_o it_o be_v impossible_a while_o our_o spirit_n be_v clog_v with_o flesh_n and_o detain_v by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o be_v thus_o complete_a and_o spotless_a for_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n by_o sad_a experience_n find_v how_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a they_o be_v how_o apt_a to_o fall_v that_o to_o regain_v their_o innocence_n be_v force_v to_o renew_v their_o sorrow_n according_o we_o read_v one_o of_o the_o great_a proficient_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n lament_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n rom._n 7.24_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n some_o of_o the_o ancient_n call_v this_o verse_n genitus_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la the_o groan_n or_o lamentation_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v trouble_v at_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o interrupt_v by_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o they_o can_v serve_v god_n with_o better_a attention_n with_o that_o strictness_n of_o zeal_n and_o ardency_n of_o affection_n they_o will_v for_o what_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o subtle_a but_o almost_o inconceivable_a insinuation_n of_o the_o common_a adversary_n they_o be_v sometime_o indifferent_a to_o holy_a duty_n disturb_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o unbecoming_a thought_n when_o engage_v in_o they_o send_v up_o their_o prayer_n with_o cold_a desire_n be_v more_o insensible_a of_o their_o spiritual_a want_n be_v sometime_o more_o inclinable_a to_o comply_v with_o a_o temptation_n and_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o argument_n to_o preserve_v their_o innocence_n these_o unhappiness_n and_o many_o more_o too_o tedious_a to_o insert_v attend_v the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v as_o so_o many_o incentives_n to_o repentance_n to_o quicken_v and_o spur_v they_o on_o in_o watch_n and_o strive_n these_o oblige_v they_o to_o keep_v a_o jealous_a eye_n upon_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o be_v still_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o wise_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v regulate_v their_o infirmity_n and_o reduce_v themselves_o to_o a_o better_a compliance_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n the_o condition_n of_o nature_n be_v such_o that_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v court_v by_o temptation_n to_o lose_v our_o innocence_n and_o though_o we_o have_v by_o hearty_a endeavour_n stem_v the_o tide_n of_o our_o evil_a inclination_n and_o make_v our_o will_n corrective_a and_o governable_a so_o that_o temptation_n be_v not_o so_o take_v nor_o we_o in_o such_o manifest_a danger_n of_o be_v delude_v by_o they_o yet_o oftentimes_o on_o a_o sudden_a not_o be_v immediate_o upon_o our_o guard_n we_o be_v insensible_o betray_v and_o make_v fresh_a work_n for_o our_o repentance_n peter_n little_a thought_n when_o he_o tell_v our_o saviour_n that_o he_o will_v die_v with_o he_o before_o he_o will_v deny_v he_o that_o ever_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o disingenuous_a act_n yet_o no_o soon_o be_v he_o put_v to_o proof_n but_o he_o degenerate_v from_o his_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n and_o according_o we_o read_v he_o a_o weep_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v nay_o bitter_o that_o he_o who_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a apostle_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o progress_n in_o holy_a discipline_n shall_v stain_v his_o innocence_n and_o lose_v his_o peace_n in_o fine_a while_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v join_v together_o there_o will_v be_v contention_n and_o war_n and_o during_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v void_a of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n say_v st._n paul_n here_o we_o see_v as_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n in_o this_o life_n at_o best_a we_o be_v frail_a defective_a creature_n but_o in_o another_o world_n we_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o clear_o there_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n will_v be_v do_v away_o all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n shall_v cease_v nothing_o shall_v interrupt_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n nor_o call_v we_o off_o from_o our_o enjoyment_n then_o the_o tempter_n who_o now_o have_v permission_n to_o use_v argument_n and_o lay_v his_o bait_n shall_v be_v confine_v in_o the_o prison_n of_o hell_n for_o ever_o and_o shall_v never_o betray_v or_o hurt_v we_o more_o but_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o state_n through_o the_o interruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o be_v main_o hinder_v so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v and_o in_o regard_n that_o such_o be_v our_o unhappiness_n we_o must_v not_o limit_v ourselves_o to_o any_o present_a attainment_n stop_v at_o any_o determinate_a degree_n in_o holiness_n out_o of_o a_o fond_a conceit_n that_o we_o be_v good_a enough_o already_o but_o follow_v the_o apostle_n example_n who_o thus_o speak_v of_o himself_o i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a cal_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o proposition_n viz._n three_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o make_v a_o stop_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n out_o of_o a_o fond_a conceit_n that_o we_o be_v good_a enough_o already_o as_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o listen_v to_o temptation_n and_o so_o be_v betray_v into_o our_o first_o and_o natural_a state_n for_o as_o it_o argue_v the_o be_v weary_a of_o well-doing_n that_o we_o begin_v to_o be_v cloy_v with_o virtue_n and_o strict_a discipline_n be_v tire_v out_o by_o watch_n and_o strive_n when_o we_o thus_o slacken_v our_o pace_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n and_o only_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o consideration_n how_o much_o of_o our_o race_n we_o have_v run_v and_o be_v content_v with_o what_o we_o have_v already_o do_v so_o we_o give_v the_o fair_a advantage_n imaginable_a for_o temptation_n to_o insinuate_v with_o and_o the_o
and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o their_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o oppose_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o uncontrollable_a will_n for_o be_v they_o real_o concern_v for_o their_o unhappiness_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v do_v they_o make_v conscience_n of_o commit_v of_o evil_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o will_v study_v argument_n inculcate_v reason_n hold_v dispute_n summon_v together_o the_o auxiliaries_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n religion_n and_o reason_n to_o back_v they_o in_o the_o encounter_n they_o will_v use_v special_a art_n and_o strength_n of_o mortification_n pray_v often_o fast_o frequent_o abstain_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n which_o be_v the_o mean_v our_o saviour_n prescribe_v as_o proper_a to_o confront_v the_o incursion_n of_o satan_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n recommend_v to_o we_o from_o his_o own_o example_n i_o labour_v say_v he_o to_o bring_v my_o body_n under_o that_o it_o may_v be_v obedient_a to_o the_o spirit_n will_v a_o man_n that_o foresee_v a_o danger_n approach_v he_o and_o that_o unless_o he_o use_v some_o speedy_a prevention_n he_o will_v inevitable_o be_v ruin_v by_o it_o stand_v still_o and_o suffer_v the_o damage_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o preserve_v himself_o will_v he_o not_o rather_o plod_v and_o contrive_v contend_v with_o difficulty_n and_o consult_v a_o escape_n if_o he_o be_v in_o his_o wit_n will_v he_o suffer_v the_o notion_n of_o natural_a impotency_n to_o divert_v he_o from_o endeavour_v to_o eschew_v his_o destruction_n and_o the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o when_o a_o evil_a present_n itself_o and_o the_o man_n have_v a_o aversion_n to_o it_o will_v he_o not_o invent_v mean_n to_o withstand_v its_o proffer_n for_o this_o be_v argument_n sufficient_a against_o it_o that_o he_o hate_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o it_o for_o thus_o holy_a joseph_n reply_v when_o potipher_n wife_n importune_v he_o to_o violate_v his_o chastity_n with_o she_o how_o can_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o awful_a apprehension_n he_o have_v of_o god_n which_o withhold_v he_o from_o comply_v with_o her_o insinuate_a enticement_n but_o the_o abhorrence_n he_o have_v of_o the_o evil_n itself_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o scripture_n understand_v conversion_n when_o a_o man_n by_o consideration_n and_o watchfulness_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o abstinence_n by_o certain_a proposition_n and_o severe_a reflection_n on_o himself_o have_v bring_v thing_n to_o this_o pass_n that_o he_o not_o only_o abstain_v from_o sinful_a action_n but_o contract_v a_o absolute_a hatred_n against_o they_o when_o he_o hate_v evil_a for_o evil_a sake_n and_o this_o without_o all_o controversy_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a defensitive_a against_o all_o wicked_a allurement_n for_o doubtless_o many_o who_o not_o have_v strict_o observe_v the_o discipline_n and_o constitution_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v refrain_v only_o from_o the_o overt-act_n but_o have_v maintain_v a_o love_n for_o and_o a_o desire_n after_o some_o certain_a evil_n have_v be_v betray_v and_o seduce_v to_o sin_n in_o the_o action_n for_o outward_a religion_n without_o a_o inward_a conversion_n be_v not_o argument_n enough_o against_o a_o relapse_n say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o ult_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n who_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n hence_o therefore_o be_v these_o precept_n inclucate_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o mind_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n that_o we_o present_v our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n that_o we_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o we_o put_v on_o the_o new_a which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n in_o fine_a that_o we_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n but_o furthermore_o there_o can_v no_o other_o reason_n be_v give_v why_o a_o man_n commit_v a_o evil_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v but_o that_o either_o he_o resolve_v to_o come_v at_o and_o enjoy_v the_o sin_n though_o he_o break_v through_o never_o so_o many_o barricado_n and_o this_o can_v be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o horrid_a contempt_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n or_o that_o he_o can_v not_o withstand_v the_o impetuousness_n of_o his_o rude_a inclination_n nor_o the_o force_n of_o his_o predominant_a will_n and_o this_o argue_v he_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o their_o conscience_n be_v sear_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n it_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o who_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o to_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v far_o more_o severe_o punish_v than_o he_o who_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o and_o do_v not_o fulfil_v it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o aggravation_n of_o his_o guilt_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o crime_n he_o know_v his_o duty_n but_o presumtuous_o neglect_v it_o and_o we_o observe_v that_o when_o habitual_a sinner_n come_v to_o di●_n if_o then_o they_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o the_o condition_n or_o consider_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v to_o which_o they_o be_v hasten_v the_o accusation_n they_o then_o bring_v against_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o have_v commit_v many_o evil_n against_o their_o knowledge_n they_o live_v intemperate_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o swear_v and_o blaspheme_v to_o commit_v adultery_n to_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n to_o injure_v their_o neighbour_n and_o such_o like_a these_o be_v sin_n they_o know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o god_n have_v prohibit_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o presumptuous_o allow_v themselves_o therein_o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o very_a uncouth_a reflection_n to_o consider_v that_o though_o they_o know_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n yet_o will_v not_o retreat_v but_o have_v continue_v therein_o to_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o their_o life_n but_o enough_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n namely_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o sin_n improve_v guilt_n and_o leave_v a_o man_n without_o excuse_n who_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o and_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n from_o this_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o be_v second_o that_o man_n be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o world_n furnish_v with_o such_o faculty_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n right_a and_o wrong_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o good_a enjoin_v and_o the_o evil_n neglect_v this_o require_v no_o great_a proof_n because_o our_o own_o experience_n evince_v we_o that_o we_o can_v judge_v and_o determine_v and_o make_v a_o true_a discrimination_n between_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v consider_v and_o make_v reflection_n applaud_v and_o condemn_v ourselves_o when_o either_o we_o have_v wise_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o foolish_o and_o unadvised_o commit_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a we_o often_o perceive_v hope_n of_o joy_n within_o our_o breast_n when_o we_o can_v answer_v our_o prosecution_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o blush_v though_o no_o body_n see_v when_o conscience_n call_v we_o to_o the_o barnes_n to_o hear_v our_o indictment_n and_o thus_o we_o become_v our_o own_o judge_n either_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o this_o because_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v good_a and_o evil_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o choose_v of_o the_o one_o and_o refuse_v of_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o become_v accountable_a also_o hereafter_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v a_o account_n for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o that_o we_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v