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
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
our_o thought_n and_o heart_n too_o earnest_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o we_o must_v imitate_v the_o thessalonian_o in_o behalf_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n thank_v god_n because_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o hear_v of_o he_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thes_n 2.13_o that_o be_v we_o must_v entertain_v the_o gospel_n as_o that_o which_o have_v infallible_a truth_n in_o all_o its_o doctrine_n uncontrollable_a authority_n in_o all_o its_o precept_n a_o divine_a certainty_n in_o all_o its_o promise_n and_o threat_n and_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o all_o its_o counsel_n and_o direction_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o believe_v will_v certain_o find_v the_o gospel_n to_o work_v effectual_o in_o he_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o thessalonian_o what_o light_n and_o beauty_n will_v he_o discern_v in_o all_o its_o description_n of_o our_o duty_n what_o force_n in_o all_o its_o persuasion_n what_o majesty_n what_o dignity_n what_o life_n what_o power_n what_o consolation_n what_o support_n in_o one_o word_n what_o heavenly_a virtue_n will_v he_o discern_v in_o each_o part_n of_o it_o and_o what_o vast_a and_o unfathomable_a wisdom_n in_o the_o whole_a composure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o how_o will_v he_o then_o admire_v it_o how_o will_v he_o love_v it_o how_o will_v he_o study_v it_o how_o will_v he_o delight_v in_o it_o how_o will_v he_o be_v transport_v by_o the_o promise_n and_o awe_v by_o the_o threat_n of_o it_o how_o will_v he_o be_v pierce_v and_o strike_v through_o by_o those_o exaggeration_n of_o sin_n and_o captive_v and_o enamour_v by_o those_o lively_a and_o divine_a description_n of_o virtue_n he_o meet_v in_o it_o how_o will_v he_o adore_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n conspicuous_a in_o our_o redemption_n how_o will_v he_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v amaze_v at_o his_o condescension_n and_o humility_n this_o and_o much_o more_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o gospel_n as_o we_o ought_v and_o ponder_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o devout_a and_o incessant_a meditation_n this_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n be_v abundant_o sensible_a of_o thy_o word_n have_v i_o hide_v in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o psal_n 119.11_o thou_o through_o thy_o commandment_n have_v make_v i_o wise_a than_o my_o enemy_n for_o they_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n ver_fw-la 98._o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v many_o other_o verse_n out_o of_o that_o psalm_n contain_v the_o various_a and_o mighty_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o will_v any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o the_o study_n of_o this_o word_n of_o life_n who_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o write_v his_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o dispose_v we_o to_o attend_v to_o reveal_v truth_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o thought_n upon_o they_o 2._o since_o the_o spirit_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o joint_a principle_n of_o regeneration_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n he_o must_v be_v our_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n he_o must_v be_v our_o praise_n and_o boast_v in_o the_o day_n of_o victory_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n when_o we_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o we_o rise_v up_o we_o must_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v thou_o lord_n that_o make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n psal_n 1.4_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o surround_v by_o enemy_n and_o besiege_v by_o spiritual_a danger_n as_o david_n be_v by_o temporal_a and_o as_o he_o in_o the_o one_o so_o must_v we_o in_o the_o other_o expect_v strength_n and_o salvation_n from_o he_o through_o god_n we_o shall_v do_v valiant_o for_o he_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v tread_v down_o our_o enemy_n psal_n 60.12_o many_o nation_n compass_v i_o round_o about_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v destroy_v they_o and_o when_o we_o have_v conquer_v temptation_n and_o rout_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o not_o to_o our_o own_o strength_n nor_o to_o our_o own_o watchfulness_n but_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n now_o may_v israel_n say_v if_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o the_o legion_n of_o hell_n combine_v with_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n against_o we_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o alive_a psal_n 124.1_o 2_o 3._o now_o many_o will_v be_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o dependence_n upon_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v passionate_o desirous_a of_o his_o presence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n we_o shall_v dress_v and_o prepare_v our_o soul_n we_o shall_v awaken_v and_o dispose_v all_o our_o faculty_n to_o receive_v he_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o may_v invite_v and_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o abide_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v apprehensive_a of_o his_o forsake_v we_o as_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n o_o you_o gate_n and_o be_v you_o lift_v up_o you_o everlasting_a door_n and_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n shall_v come_v in_o awake_v o_o my_o soul_n raise_v thyself_o above_o this_o world_n and_o flesh_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n to_o dwell_v in_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n the_o lord_n strong_a and_o mighty_a the_o lord_n mighty_a in_o battle_n that_o holy_a spirit_n that_o subdue_v our_o enemy_n that_o strengthen_v we_o with_o might_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o holy_a alacrity_n psal_n 24.7_o 8._o nor_o do_v the_o psalmist_n prepare_v his_o soul_n for_o god_n by_o meditation_n only_o and_o spiritual_a recollection_n and_o soliloquy_n but_o by_o a_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a regulation_n of_o all_o his_o action_n psal_n 101.2_o 3._o i_o will_v behave_v myself_o wise_o in_o a_o perfect_a way_n o_o when_o will_v thou_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n i_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o turn_v aside_o it_o shall_v not_o cleave_v to_o i_o and_o how_o earnest_o do_v he_o pray_v against_o god_n forsake_v he_o psal_n 51.11_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v steadfastness_n and_o growth_n in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n for_o first_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a influence_n of_o such_o a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o place_v we_o as_o always_o before_o he_o and_o make_v we_o walk_v humble_o and_o circumspect_o as_o become_v those_o that_o be_v awe_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o majesty_n i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right-hand_a i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v psal_n 16.1_o second_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v plentiful_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o those_o who_o thus_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o where_o can_v he_o bestow_v it_o with_o more_o advantage_n to_o his_o glory_n or_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o holiness_n both_o which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o he_o who_o be_v a_o subject_n more_o capable_a of_o it_o or_o who_o can_v be_v better_o entitle_v to_o it_o than_o he_o who_o thus_o depend_v upon_o god_n as_o he_o beg_v it_o humble_o and_o receive_v it_o thankful_o so_o he_o will_v husband_n it_o careful_o and_o employ_v it_o zealous_o §_o 3._o in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o other_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o quicken_a and_o enliven_a the_o conscience_n 2._o the_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v our_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n 3._o the_o raise_v and_o keep_v up_o holy_a and_o devout_a affection_n great_a be_v the_o benefit_n of_o each_o of_o these_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n will_v keep_v we_o not_o only_o from_o evil_n but_o every_o appearance_n of_o it_o increase_v of_o spiritual_a strength_n will_v render_v we_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a passion_n will_v make_v we_o abound_v in_o they_o to_o spiritual_a passion_n we_o owe_v the_o zeal_n and_o pleasure_n to_o spiritual_a strength_n or_o
the_o contrary_n consist_v in_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v good_a in_o obey_v those_o commandment_n which_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n which_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n give_v we_o of_o it_o joh._n 8._o for_o when_o the_o jew_n brag_v of_o their_o freedom_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o freedom_n can_v not_o consist_v with_o subjection_n to_o sin_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n ver_fw-la 34._o that_o honourable_a parentage_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o false_a and_o ludicrous_a appearance_n of_o liberty_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o the_o son_n must_v make_v they_o so_o ver_fw-la 36._o i._n e._n they_o must_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o servitude_n of_o lust_n and_o error_n and_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o work_v righteousness_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a ver_fw-la 31_o 32._o final_o not_o to_o multiply_v proof_n of_o a_o truth_n that_o be_v scarce_o liable_a to_o be_v controvert_v as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v the_o bondage_n of_o a_o sinner_n in_o rom._n 7._o so_o do_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o saint_n in_o rom._n 8._o for_o there_o ver_fw-la 2._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v set_v the_o true_a christian_a free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o then_o he_o let_v we_o know_v wherein_o this_o liberty_n consist_v in_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o restitution_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o its_o just_a empire_n and_o authority_n if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_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 ver_fw-la 10._o and_o all_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o his_o description_n of_o liberty_n chapter_n 6._o where_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n thus_o then_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o bondage_n and_o liberty_n yet_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o both_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v each_o capable_a of_o different_a degree_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o entire_a complete_a and_o absolute_a according_a to_o the_o different_a progress_n of_o man_n in_o vice_n and_o virtue_n thus_o in_o some_o man_n not_o their_o will_n only_o but_o their_o very_a reason_n be_v enslave_v their_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o infatuate_v their_o affection_n so_o entire_o captive_v that_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n at_o all_o between_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o body_n they_o commit_v sin_n without_o any_o reluctancy_n beforehand_o or_o any_o remorse_n afterward_o their_o sâ—ared_a conscience_n make_v no_o remonstrance_n inflict_v no_o wound_n nor_o denounce_v any_o threat_n this_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o vassalage_n such_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n other_o there_o be_v in_o who_o their_o lust_n and_o appetite_n prevail_v indeed_o but_o not_o without_o opposition_n they_o reason_v right_o and_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o this_o have_v some_o desire_n and_o wish_n of_o righteousness_n but_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v unable_a to_o act_v and_o live_v conformable_a to_o their_o reason_n their_o understanding_n have_v indeed_o light_a but_o not_o authority_n it_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o have_v no_o power_n no_o force_n to_o make_v it_o be_v obey_v it_o produce_v indeed_o some_o good_a inclination_n purpose_n and_o effort_n but_o they_o prove_v weak_a and_o ineffectual_a one_o and_o unable_a to_o grapple_v with_o the_o strong_a passion_n raise_v by_o the_o body_n and_o as_o bondage_n so_o liberty_n be_v of_o different_a degree_n and_o different_a strength_n for_o though_o liberty_n may_v be_v able_a to_o subsist_v where_o there_o be_v much_o opposition_n from_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o liberty_n be_v most_o absolute_a and_o complete_a where_o the_o opposition_n be_v least_o where_o the_o body_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o entire_a submission_n and_o obsequiousness_n and_o the_o spirit_n reign_v with_o a_o uncontrolled_a and_o unlimited_a authority_n and_o this_o latter_a be_v that_o liberty_n which_o i_o will_v have_v my_o perfect_a man_n possess_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v common_o teach_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o state_n but_o i_o think_v this_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v thorough_o consider_v have_v neither_o scripture_n reason_n nor_o experience_n to_o support_v it_o for_o as_o to_o those_o place_n rom._n 7._o and_o gal._n 5._o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o almost_o incessant_a strong_a and_o too-frequent_o prevalent_a lust_a of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n it_o have_v be_v often_o answer_v and_o prove_v too_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o belong_v to_o the_o perfect_a that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o regenerate_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o text_n that_o represent_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n which_o affirm_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o be_v grievous_a to_o such_o as_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n do_v all_o bear_v witness_n to_o that_o liberty_n which_o i_o contend_v for_o nor_o do_v reason_n favour_v my_o opinion_n less_o than_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n if_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o new_a nature_n if_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o his_o spirit_n live_v to_o righteousness_n in_o one_o word_n if_o the_o world_n be_v as_o much_o crucify_v to_o he_o as_o he_o to_o it_o i_o can_v see_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o act_v consonant_n to_o his_o nature_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o with_o pleasure_n and_o readiness_n follow_v that_o spirit_n and_o obey_v those_o affection_n which_o reign_n and_o rule_v in_o he_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v why_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o property_n with_o other_o habit_n that_o be_v be_v attend_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o its_o operation_n and_o action_n it_o be_v true_a i_o can_v easy_o see_v why_o the_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v acquire_v with_o more_o difficulty_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n but_o i_o say_v i_o can_v see_v when_o they_o be_v acquire_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o natural_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o as_o any_o other_o last_o how_o degenerate_a soever_o age_n past_a have_v be_v or_o the_o present_n be_v i_o dare_v not_o so_o far_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o my_o cause_n or_o the_o virtue_n of_o mankind_n as_o not_o to_o refer_v myself_o willing_o in_o this_o point_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o experience_n i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v that_o truth_n and_o justice_n devotion_n and_o charity_n honour_n and_o integrity_n be_v to_o a_o great_a many_o so_o dear_a and_o delightful_a so_o natural_a so_o easy_a that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v more_o strong_o move_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o the_o instigation_n of_o love_n and_o inclination_n and_o that_o they_o can_v do_v a_o base_a thing_n without_o the_o utmost_a mortification_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o nature_n nor_o be_v all_o this_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o we_o again_o reflect_v on_o what_o i_o just_a now_o intimate_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n transform_v daily_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o new_a affection_n raise_v and_o fortify_v by_o new_a principle_n that_o he_o be_v animate_v by_o a_o divine_a energy_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o true_a and_o bright_a light_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n appear_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n deform_v and_o worthless_a just_a as_o to_o he_o who_o view_v they_o through_o a_o microscope_n the_o work_n of_o god_n appear_v exact_a and_o elegant_a but_o those_o of_o man_n coarse_a and_o bungle_v and_o ugly_a my_o opinion_n then_o which_o assert_n the_o absolute_a liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v here_o and_o in_o chap._n the_o first_o and_o if_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o i_o can_v easy_o reinforce_v it_o with_o fresh_a recruit_n for_o the_o glorious_a character_n that_o be_v give_v we_o in_o scripture_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o
which_o affirm_v concern_v original_a sin_n thus_o and_o this_o infection_n of_o nature_n do_v remain_v yea_o in_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v whereby_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n call_v in_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o do_v expound_v the_o wisdom_n some_o sensuality_n some_o the_o affection_n some_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o this_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v sure_o as_o if_o the_o flesh_n do_v always_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o regenerate_v but_o only_o that_o the_o regenerate_v themselves_o be_v liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o these_o lusting_n which_o on_o supposal_n that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v here_o think_v upon_o by_o the_o compiler_n of_o this_o article_n import_v no_o contradiction_n to_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v the_o truth_n be_v i_o have_v assert_v no_o more_o concern_v the_o cureableness_n of_o original_a corruption_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n i_o have_v too_o often_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o state_v our_o obligation_n to_o reduce_v original_a corruption_n too_o lax_o minister_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o carnal_a confidence_n of_o supine_n and_o careless_a person_n how_o greedy_o do_v some_o imbibe_n and_o how_o fond_a be_v they_o of_o this_o notion_n that_o the_o flesh_n even_o in_o the_o regenerate_v do_v always_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o look_v upon_o their_o darling_n error_n as_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n flow_v from_o the_o uncurable_a distemper_n of_o original_a sin_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o that_o under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o restitution_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o perfect_a innocence_n and_o unspotted_a purity_n we_o may_v not_o sit_v down_o content_v in_o a_o impure_a state_n and_o never_o advance_v to_o those_o degree_n of_o health_n and_o innocence_n which_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v actual_o arrive_v at_o i_o think_v fit_a here_o to_o guard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n with_o this_o one_o general_a caution_n that_o we_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o mistake_v contract_v for_o natural_a corruption_n not_o to_o mistake_v a_o super-induced_n nature_n deface_v by_o all_o the_o slime_n and_o mud_n which_o popular_a error_n and_o fashion_n leave_v upon_o it_o for_o original_a nature_n or_o nature_n in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o it_o enter_v the_o world_n it_o be_v i_o doubt_n a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o find_v but_o one_o arrive_v at_o any_o maturity_n of_o year_n in_o who_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o womb_n or_o the_o cradle_n in_o who_o these_o be_v no_o worse_a propension_n than_o what_o necessary_o flow_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o his_o be_v alas_o our_o original_a depravation_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v be_v very_o betimes_o improve_v by_o false_a principle_n and_o foolish_a custom_n by_o a_o careless_a education_n and_o by_o the_o blandishment_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o man_n be_v so_o partial_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o have_v his_o defect_n and_o error_n pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a one_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o carry_v in_o it_o its_o own_o apology_n this_o be_v a_o fatal_a error_n and_o continue_v man_n in_o their_o vice_n nay_o give_v they_o peace_n in_o they_o too_o to_o their_o life_n end_v for_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n forbear_v attempt_v what_o he_o despair_v of_o effect_v to_o prevent_v which_o i_o earnest_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o consider_v that_o all_o who_o have_v treat_v this_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n with_o any_o solidity_n or_o prudence_n do_v carry_v the_o matter_n as_o far_o at_o least_o as_o i_o have_v do_v they_o teach_v not_o only_o that_o original_a corruption_n may_v be_v prune_v and_o lop_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v cut_v down_o mortify_v and_o dry_v up_o that_o since_o no_o man_n can_v assure_v himself_o how_o far_o he_o may_v advance_v his_o conquest_n over_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n safety_n and_o glory_n oblige_v he_o to_o advance_v it_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v he_o must_v never_o cease_v fight_v against_o it_o while_o it_o fight_v against_o he_o that_o since_o every_o sin_n be_v so_o far_o mortal_a as_o it_o be_v voluntary_a and_o have_v as_o much_o gild_n in_o it_o as_o freedom_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o jealous_a lest_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o vicious_a inclination_n that_o be_v in_o reality_n the_o pruduct_v not_o of_o nature_n but_o of_o choice_n and_o last_o since_o though_o much_o less_o than_o habitual_a goodness_n may_v constitute_v a_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o nothing_o less_o can_v produce_v perfection_n or_o a_o constant_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o acquiesce_v while_o he_o see_v himself_o short_a of_o this_o and_o every_o man_n shall_v remember_v that_o his_o goodness_n ought_v to_o consist_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o most_o averse_a i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v my_o first_o enquiry_n and_o resolve_v how_o far_o original_a sin_n be_v curable_a the_o next_o be_v §_o 2._o how_o this_o cure_n may_v be_v effect_v and_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a what_o we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o general_a for_o if_o original_a righteousness_n consist_v as_o i_o think_v it_o can_v be_v doubt_v in_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o original_a corruption_n in_o the_o subversion_n of_o this_o order_n than_o the_o cure_n must_v consist_v in_o restore_v this_o subordination_n by_o the_o weaken_n and_o reduce_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n and_o by_o quicken_a and_o strengthen_v the_o mind_n and_o so_o re-establish_a its_o sovereignty_n and_o authority_n the_o scripture_n according_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 25._o and_o every_o man_n that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a and_o this_o st._n paul_n illustrate_v and_o explain_v by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n the_o preference_n give_v to_o the_o care_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n which_o constitute_v and_o demonstrate_v man_n either_o holy_a or_o wicked_a they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.5_o and_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o flesh_n its_o promise_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8.13_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a gal._n 6.8_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o these_o place_n and_o elsewhere_o very_o common_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o aid_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o by_o the_o body_n or_o flesh_n be_v mean_v our_o inferior_a nature_n not_o just_a such_o as_o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n but_o as_o it_o be_v further_o deprave_v by_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a conversation_n however_o since_o original_a be_v the_o seed_n or_o root_n of_o voluntary_a or_o customary_a corruption_n these_o text_n do_v proper_o and_o direct_o enough_o serve_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v this_o then_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o he_o be_v always_o to_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o entire_o subjugate_a it_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o mind_n here_o the_o christian_a warfare_n must_v begin_v and_o here_o end_n for_o he_o who_o have_v crucify_v the_o body_n with_o the_o lust_n and_o affection_n thereof_o have_v enter_v into_o rest_n as_o far_o as_o this_o life_n
and_o allure_v we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o consent_n to_o its_o enticement_n that_o give_v be_v to_o sin_n and_o defile_v we_o with_o gild_n from_o all_o this_o now_o put_v together_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v what_o sort_n of_o a_o description_n we_o be_v to_o form_v of_o mortal_a sin_n it_o be_v such_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v vicious_a in_o its_o original_a deliberate_a in_o its_o commission_n and_o mischievous_a in_o its_o tendency_n or_o effect_n the_o heart_n be_v corrupt_v and_o mislead_v by_o some_o lust_n or_o other_o and_o so_o consent_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n a_o law_n of_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n or_o if_o the_o sin_n consist_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o positive_a law_n it_o must_v yet_o imply_v in_o it_o some_o moral_a obliquity_n in_o the_o will_n or_o in_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o action_n or_o both_o so_o that_o presumptuous_a or_o mortal_a sin_n call_v it_o by_o what_o name_n we_o will_v be_v a_o deliberate_a transgression_n of_o a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o injury_n of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n such_o be_v those_o sin_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n exhort_v those_o who_o will_v repent_v to_o cease_v from_o and_o such_o be_v those_o we_o have_v a_o catalogue_n of_o eph._n 5._o gal._n 5._o and_o elsewhere_o now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v these_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n witchcraft_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o suchlike_a these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o which_o as_o of_o so_o many_o member_n the_o body_n of_o sin_n consist_v these_o constitute_v the_o old_a man_n these_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n ungodliness_n wickedness_n iniquity_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n worldly_a lust_n and_o suchlike_a these_o and_o the_o like_a sin_n have_v as_o i_o say_v in_o they_o very_o apparent_a symptom_n of_o malignity_n and_o mortality_n they_o be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a lust_n prevail_v over_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o they_o imply_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n injustice_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o defilement_n and_o pollution_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o plain_a indication_n of_o such_o a_o gild_n as_o exclude_v a_o man_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o both_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o influence_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o care_n it_o take_v to_o fortify_v the_o heart_n against_o all_o infection_n from_o the_o constant_a representation_n it_o make_v we_o of_o the_o shamefulness_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o sin_n even_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n further_o necessary_a to_o the_o explication_n of_o deliberate_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n unless_o it_o be_v here_o fit_a to_o add_v that_o it_o be_v mortal_a though_o it_o proceed_v no_o further_o than_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o into_o action_n to_o render_v it_o fatal_a and_o damnable_a this_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o must_v be_v entire_a sincere_a and_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o can_v no_o more_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o heart_n than_o of_o our_o action_n but_o also_o from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v fornication_n adultery_n theft_n etc._n etc._n and_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v the_o adultery_n of_o the_o heart_n damnable_a as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n mat._n 5.28_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n already_o with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n s._n 2._o i_o be_o next_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o perfect_a man_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o sin_n i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o stop_v at_o any_o general_n or_o preliminary_a observation_n as_o that_o abstinence_n from_o sin_n regard_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n alike_o and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o mutilate_v and_o maim_v religion_n and_o to_o dishonour_n god_n while_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o single_a commandment_n be_v a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n whatever_o observance_n we_o may_v pay_v all_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v now_o if_o thou_o commit_v no_o adultery_n yet_o if_o thou_o kill_v thou_o be_v become_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n jam._n 2.11_o that_o the_o restraint_n man_n be_v to_o lay_v upon_o himself_o relate_v no_o less_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 5.10_o that_o to_o begin_v well_o will_v avail_v we_o little_a unless_o we_o finish_v well_o too_o universality_n sincerity_n and_o perseverance_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v essential_a and_o indispensable_a property_n of_o save_v justify_v faith_n these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v but_o just_a mention_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o point_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o resolve_v 1._o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o mortal_a sin_n be_v the_o first_o and_o low_a step_n this_o be_v indispensable_a to_o sincerity_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v not_o sin_n reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n 6.12_o and_o the_o advance_v thus_o far_o do_v i_o acknowledge_v constitute_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o in_o scripture_n man_n be_v denominate_v righteous_a or_o wicked_a not_o from_o single_a act_n of_o vice_n or_o virtue_n but_o from_o the_o prevalence_n and_o dominion_n from_o the_o habit_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n rom._n 6.16_o but_o then_o i_o must_v here_o add_v two_o remark_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n one_a we_o must_v not_o presume_v too_o soon_o of_o victory_n over_o a_o habitual_a sin_n a_o evil_a habit_n be_v not_o soon_o break_v off_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o resolve_v when_o we_o have_v set_v ourselves_o free_a from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o sometime_o the_o temptation_n do_v not_o present_v itself_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a or_o not_o with_o the_o same_o advantage_n sometime_o one_o vice_n restrain_v we_o from_o another_o sometime_o worldly_a consideration_n or_o some_o little_a change_n in_o our_o temper_n without_o any_o thorough_a change_n in_o our_o mind_n put_v we_o out_o of_o humour_n for_o a_o little_a while_n with_o a_o darling_n sin_n and_o sometime_o the_o force_n and_o clearness_n of_o conviction_n produce_v some_o pious_a fit_n which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o utter_o vanquish_v a_o lust_n do_v yet_o force_v it_o to_o give_v way_n and_o retreat_n for_o a_o while_n and_o interrupt_v that_o love_n which_o they_o do_v not_o extinguish_v all_o this_o may_v be_v and_o the_o work_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v nor_o our_o liberty_n yet_o gain_v if_o therefore_o we_o fall_v though_o but_o now_o and_o then_o and_o though_o at_o some_o distance_n of_o time_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o its_o power_n and_o our_o safety_n nay_o though_o we_o restrain_v ourselves_o from_o the_o outward_a commission_n of_o it_o if_o yet_o we_o feel_v a_o strong_a propension_n to_o it_o if_o we_o discern_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o take_v fire_n on_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v fond_a of_o approach_v as_o near_o it_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v please_v with_o those_o indulgency_n which_o be_v very_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o it_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o our_o conquest_n be_v not_o yet_o entire_a nay_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o can_v be_v on_o good_a ground_n assure_v that_o we_o be_v master_n of_o ourselves_o till_o we_o have_v a_o settle_a aversion_n for_o the_o sin_n which_o before_o we_o dote_v on_o and_o shun_v the_o occasion_n which_o before_o
thing_n appear_v to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o the_o mind_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n the_o often_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v transfigure_v into_o a_o more_o glorious_a be_v by_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o more_o flat_a and_o insipid_a be_v all_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a satisfaction_n to_o it_o another_o effect_n that_o attend_v our_o shake_n off_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v our_o be_v purify_v from_o gild_n the_o stain_n of_o the_o past_a life_n be_v wash_v off_o by_o repentance_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n contract_v no_o new_a one_o by_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n now_o therefore_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o himself_o and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n without_o any_o vneasiness_n he_o can_v reflect_v upon_o his_o action_n and_o review_v each_o day_n when_o it_o be_v past_a without_o inward_a regret_n or_o shame_n to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o vanquish_v both_o terror_n and_o allurement_n when_o they_o persuade_v to_o that_o which_o be_v mean_a and_o base_a to_o be_v master_n of_o one_o self_n and_o entertain_v no_o affection_n but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o regular_a and_o such_o as_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o wish_v shall_v daily_o increase_v and_o grow_v strong_a these_o be_v thing_n so_o far_o from_o merit_v reproach_n and_o reproof_n from_o one_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v it_o against_o all_o reproach_n from_o without_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n such_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o well_o establish_v habit_n of_o righteousness_n that_o it_o do_v more_o than_o compensate_a the_o difficulty_n to_o which_o either_o the_o attainment_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v expose_v a_o man._n last_o he_o that_o be_v free_a from_o gild_n be_v free_a from_o fear_n too_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o all_o our_o fear_n not_o by_o deny_v or_o renounce_v god_n with_o atheist_n but_o by_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o he_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o upon_o rational_a ground_n be_v raise_v above_o melancholy_a and_o fear_n for_o what_o shall_v he_o fear_v god_n be_v his_o glory_n his_o boast_n his_o joy_n his_o strength_n and_o if_o god_n be_v for_o he_o who_o can_v be_v against_o he_o neither_o thing_n present_a nor_o to_o come_v neither_o life_n nor_o death_n can_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o time_n or_o eternity_n that_o he_o need_v fear_n man_n can_v hurt_v he_o he_o be_v encompass_v with_o the_o favour_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n as_o with_o a_o shield_n but_o if_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n happy_a be_v he_o this_o do_v but_o increase_v his_o present_a joy_n and_o future_a glory_n but_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a death_n itself_o can_v hurt_v he_o devil_n can_v hurt_v he_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n these_o consideration_n prove_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n happy_a happy_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o loose_a and_o wicked_a but_o in_o comparison_n with_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o he_o be_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o end_n in_o this_o respect_n indeed_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o trouble_v of_o discipline_n and_o probation_n in_o this_o respect_n his_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n do_v but_o just_a peep_n up_o above_o the_o ground_n the_o fullness_n and_o maturity_n of_o both_o he_o can_v enjoy_v till_o he_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v §_o 4._o the_o last_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o heaven_n will_v consist_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n that_o human_a nature_n when_o raise_v to_o a_o equality_n with_o angel_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o beauty_n and_o glory_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n will_v as_o it_o be_v like_o a_o fruitful_a and_o ripe_a harvest_n here_o grow_v up_o there_o in_o all_o the_o utmost_a plenty_n and_o perfection_n that_o omnipotence_n itself_o will_v ever_o produce_v be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v controvert_v heaven_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o god_n the_o accomplishment_n and_o consummation_n of_o all_o his_o wonderful_a design_n the_o last_o and_o most_o endear_n expression_n of_o boundless_a love_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o scripture_n describe_v it_o by_o the_o most_o take_v and_o the_o most_o admire_a thing_n upon_o earth_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o this_o image_n though_o draw_v by_o a_o divine_a pencil_n must_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o it_o for_o what_o temporal_a thing_n can_v yield_v colour_n or_o metaphor_n strong_a and_o rich_a enough_o to_o paint_v heaven_n to_o the_o life_n one_o thing_n there_o be_v indeed_o which_o seem_v to_o point_v we_o to_o a_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o heaven_n it_o seem_v to_o excite_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o attempt_v for_o conception_n of_o what_o we_o can_v grasp_v we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o the_o labour_a mind_n the_o more_o it_o discover_v conclude_v still_o the_o more_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v the_o beatific_a vision_n this_o be_v that_o which_o as_o divine_n general_o teach_v do_v constitute_v heaven_n and_o scripture_n seem_v to_o teach_v so_o too_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v often_o doubt_v whether_o our_o see_v god_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o fruition_n or_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v there_o as_o it_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o fountain_n head_n and_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a to_o he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n shall_v ever_o flourish_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o enjoy_v all_o good_a heap_v up_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o the_o incomprehensible_a glory_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n incline_v i_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o easy_o accountable_a enjoyment_n and_o especial_o where_o a_o intelligent_a be_v be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o imply_v something_o of_o proportion_n something_o of_o equality_n something_o of_o familiarity_n but_o ah_o what_o proportion_n think_v i_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v between_o finite_a and_o infinite_a what_o equality_n between_o a_o poor_a creature_n and_o his_o incomprehensible_a creator_n what_o eye_n shall_v give_v on_o the_o splendour_n of_o his_o essential_a beauty_n when_o the_o very_a light_n he_o dwell_v in_o be_v inaccessible_a and_o even_o the_o brightness_n he_o veil_v himself_o in_o be_v too_o dazzle_v even_o for_o cherub_n and_o seraph_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o behold_v ah_o what_o familiarity_n can_v there_o be_v between_o this_o eternal_a and_o inconceiveable_a majesty_n and_o being_n which_o he_o have_v form_v out_o of_o nothing_o and_o when_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o reflect_v on_o the_o effect_n which_o the_o presence_n of_o angel_n have_v upon_o the_o prophet_n and_o see_v human_a nature_n in_o man_n sink_v and_o die_v away_o because_o unable_a to_o sustain_v the_o glory_n of_o one_o of_o their_o fellow-creature_n i_o think_v myself_o in_o a_o manner_n oblige_v to_o yield_v and_o stand_v out_o no_o long_o against_o a_o notion_n which_o though_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v general_o receive_v seem_v to_o have_v more_o reason_n on_o its_o side_n and_o to_o be_v more_o intelligible_a but_o when_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o god_n do_v not_o disdain_n even_o while_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o humility_n of_o infirmity_n and_o mortality_n to_o account_v we_o not_o only_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o people_n but_o his_o friend_n and_o his_o child_n i_o begin_v to_o question_v the_o former_a opinion_n and_o when_o i_o have_v survey_v the_o nature_n of_o fruition_n and_o the_o various_a way_n of_o it_o a_o little_a more_o attentive_o i_o whole_o quit_v it_o for_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o enjoyment_n be_v most_o transport_v where_o admiration_n mingle_v with_o our_o passion_n where_o the_o belove_a object_n stand_v not_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o we_o but_o condescend_v to_o meet_v a_o virtuous_a and_o aspire_a and_o ambitious_a affection_n thus_o the_o happy_a favourite_n enjoy_v
often_o repeat_v breed_v a_o kind_n of_o indifference_n or_o lukewarmness_n and_o soon_o pass_v into_o coldness_n and_o insensibleness_n and_o this_o often_o end_v in_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o a_o utter_a aversion_n for_o religion_n 2_o we_o must_v endeavour_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o compensate_a the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o make_v up_o by_o charity_n what_o we_o have_v defalce_v from_o devotion_n or_o to_o supply_v by_o short_a ejaculation_n what_o we_o have_v be_v force_v to_o retrench_v from_o fix_a and_o regular_a office_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o that_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n either_o of_o improvement_n or_o do_v good_a will_v i_o believe_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o god_n will_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o choice_n he_o can_v do_v better_a than_o follow_v god_n 3_o a_o single_a omission_n must_v never_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a motive_n from_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n necessity_n or_o charity_n be_v the_o only_a just_a and_o proper_a apology_n for_o it_o instrumental_a or_o positive_a duty_n may_v give_v way_n to_o moral_a one_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o in_o moral_a duty_n the_o less_o may_v give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a but_o duty_n must_v never_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n nor_o religion_n to_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n have_v thus_o brief_o give_v a_o account_n what_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o so_o settle_v the_o notion_n of_o idleness_n that_o neither_o the_o careless_a nor_o the_o scrupulous_a can_v easy_o mistake_v their_o case_n i_o will_v now_o propose_v such_o considetation_n as_o i_o judge_v most_o likely_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o and_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v the_o best_a guard_n and_o preservative_n against_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v every_o one_o lay_v to_o heart_n be_v that_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o damnable_a sin_n idleness_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n both_o in_o our_o creation_n and_o redemption_n as_o to_o our_o creation_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o create_v not_o any_o thing_n but_o for_o some_o excellent_a end_n shall_v create_v man_n for_o none_o or_o for_o a_o silly_a one_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o active_a and_o vivacious_a principle_n our_o rational_a faculty_n capacitate_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o do_v good_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a pleasure_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n who_o can_v think_v now_o that_o our_o wise_a creator_n light_v this_o candle_n within_o we_o that_o we_o may_v oppress_v and_o stifle_v it_o by_o negligence_n and_o idleness_n that_o he_o contrive_v and_o destine_v such_o a_o mind_n to_o squander_v and_o fool_n away_o its_o talent_n in_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n as_o to_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v evident_a both_o what_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o opposite_a idleness_n be_v to_o it_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n aim_v at_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o eph._n 2.10_o how_o little_a then_o can_v a_o useless_a and_o bar_a life_n answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n what_o a_o miserable_a return_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o how_o utter_o must_v it_o disappoint_v all_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o what_o need_v i_o argue_v further_o the_o truth_n i_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o express_a and_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o idleness_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n reckon_v among_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n what_o mean_v the_o sentence_n against_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.7_o but_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o idle_a and_o the_o sluggish_a the_o indignation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enkindle_v against_o the_o barrenness_n of_o tree_n but_o men._n what_o can_v be_v plain_o than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o perish_v because_o he_o have_v not_o improve_v his_o talon_n matt._n 25.38_o and_o how_o frequent_o do_v the_o apostle_n declare_v himself_o against_o the_o idle_a and_o disorderly_a and_o all_o this_o proceed_v upon_o plain_a and_o necessary_a ground_n our_o lord_n be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o refrain_v from_o do_v evil_a but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a we_o can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o intention_n of_o divine_a precept_n by_o negative_a righteousness_n when_o god_n prohibit_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n when_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v evil_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prescribe_v the_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o word_n idleness_n be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o faith_n hope_n charity_n to_o fear_v vigilance_n mortification_n and_o therefore_o certain_o must_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n these_o be_v all_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n but_o idleness_n enfeeble_v and_o dis-spirit_n manacle_n and_o fetter_n we_o these_o be_v pure_a strict_a and_o self-denying_a principle_n but_o idleness_n be_v soft_a and_o indulgent_a these_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n but_o idleness_n be_v far_o from_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a it_o pomper_v the_o body_n and_o effeminate_v and_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n and_o final_o whatever_o innocence_n or_o inoffensiveness_n it_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o only_o terminate_v in_o sin_n but_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o it_o from_o stupidity_n and_o ignorance_n from_o vanity_n and_o levity_n from_o softness_n and_o sensuality_n from_o some_o prevail_a lust_n or_o other_o 2._o next_o after_o the_o nature_n the_o consequence_n of_o idleness_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o just_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o tragical_a accusation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o dishonour_n and_o poverty_n and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n but_o at_o present_a i_o view_v it_o only_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v with_o a_o half_a face_n and_o that_o the_o much_o less_o deform_v of_o the_o two_o i_o consider_v it_o here_o as_o pretend_v to_o innocence_n and_o flatter_v itself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o yet_o even_o thus_o suppose_v it_o as_o harmless_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o still_o these_o will_v be_v the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o will_v rob_v religion_n and_o the_o world_n of_o the_o service_n due_a to_o both_o it_o will_v bereave_v we_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n and_o send_v we_o down_o at_o last_o to_o a_o curse_a eternity_n for_o where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v maintain_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o human_a society_n that_o shall_v relieve_v and_o redress_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o demonstrate_v its_o divinity_n as_o effectual_o as_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n can_v do_v where_o be_v the_o bright_a example_n that_o shall_v convert_v the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o inflame_v the_o believe_a part_n with_o a_o generous_a emulation_n certain_o the_o lazy_a christian_a the_o slothful_a servant_n can_v pretend_v to_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n as_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n if_o true_a and_o last_a if_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v from_o what_o fountain_n it_o must_v be_v draw_v nothing_o but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n can_v procure_v our_o peace_n nothing_o but_o purity_n of_o heart_n our_o pleasure_n but_o ah_o how_o far_o be_v the_o idle_a and_o unactive_a from_o these_o virtue_n i'faith_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o they_o victory_n and_o triumph_n devotion_n alms_n and_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o they_o but_o what_o a_o stranger_n to_o these_o be_v the_o drone_n and_o sluggard_n then_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n he_o that_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vast_a solitude_n and_o wilderness_n behind_o he_o
for_o ever_o need_v i_o invite_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o humility_n need_v i_o guard_v he_o against_o spiritual_a pride_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a to_o attempt_v it_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o creature_n shall_v think_v himself_o so_o independent_a of_o his_o creator_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o pay_v he_o more_o service_n than_o be_v due_a to_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n shall_v set_v such_o a_o rate_n upon_o his_o own_o righteousness_n as_o to_o think_v it_o capable_a of_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a reward_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n can_v bestow_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a in_o a_o word_n that_o man_n poor_a frail_a sinful_a man_n man_z that_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a but_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n man_n deprave_v and_o corrupt_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o but_o a_o very_a ill_a husband_n of_o grace_n be_v it_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v proud_a towards_o god_n towards_o that_o glorious_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v who_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o lord_n the_o monarch_n and_o patron_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o as_o absurd_a as_o this_o be_v universal_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o humility_n true_a humility_n be_v a_o hard_a lesson_n and_o that_o very_o excellent_a person_n be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o vicious_a elation_n of_o mind_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o promote_v the_o one_o and_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o other_o i_o will_v propose_v these_o two_o or_o three_o consideration_n 1._o there_o never_o be_v mere_a man_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n 2._o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o do_v the_o utmost_a he_o can_v he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o his_o duty_n 3._o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_n not_o his_o interest_n we_o promote_v by_o it_o 1._o there_o never_o be_v mere_a man_n yet_o etc._n etc._n for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o will_v not_o fly_v to_o original_a corruption_n or_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n alas_o i_o need_v not_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1._o and_o 2._o lay_n the_o foundation_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o universal_a defection_n and_o depravation_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v altogether_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o and_o what_o sin_v he_o there_o charge_v the_o world_n with_o the_o catalogue_n he_o give_v we_o of_o they_o will_v inform_v we_o but_o be_v we_o no_o better_a than_o they_o i_o answer_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n have_v undoubted_o give_v a_o great_a check_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o since_o no_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v but_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o too_o must_v be_v conclude_v under_o sin_n and_o though_o our_o sin_n may_v not_o in_o the_o number_n or_o scandal_n of_o they_o equal_a they_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v too_o that_o every_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o provoke_v the_o more_o voluntary_a it_o be_v and_o the_o great_a the_o grace_n be_v which_o it_o resist_v and_o despise_v but_o what_o need_v i_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n what_o need_v i_o prove_v by_o argument_n and_o authority_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o live_v or_o will_v live_v without_o sin_n i_o mean_v mortal_a sin_n who_o ever_o yet_o look_v back_o diligent_o into_o his_o past_a life_n and_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o stain_n and_o deformity_n enough_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o legion_n of_o sin_n be_v range_v under_o those_o two_o banner_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n when_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n envy_n discontent_n murmur_a distrust_n pride_n covetousness_n ambition_n wilfulness_n contention_n forwardness_n passion_n dissimulation_n falsehood_n flattery_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o sin_n and_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o weakness_n and_o prepension_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o almost_o innumerable_a temptation_n to_o which_o we_o be_v expose_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o surprise_v to_o think_v that_o no_o flesh_n can_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o when_o ever_o i_o find_v any_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n as_o i_o do_v some_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o any_o deliberate_a wickedness_n i_o rather_o admire_v their_o ignorance_n and_o partiality_n than_o their_o innocence_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o to_o examine_v himself_o only_o concern_v the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v do_v but_o also_o concern_v the_o good_a which_o he_o have_v omit_v he_o must_v inquire_v how_o far_o he_o have_v fall_v short_a of_o that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v come_v up_o too_o and_o how_o far_o he_o have_v be_v want_v in_o those_o duty_n which_o a_o thorough_a zeal_n will_v have_v push_v he_o on_o too_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o let_v he_o be_v proud_a if_o he_o can_v 2._o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o do_v the_o utmost_a he_o can_v he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o his_o duty_n and_o strict_o speak_v can_v merit_v of_o he_o he_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o merit_n must_v be_v his_o own_o master_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n over_o his_o own_o action_n he_o must_v be_v free_a to_o dispose_v of_o his_o affection_n and_o service_n as_o he_o please_v for_o if_o he_o be_v antecedent_o bind_v if_o he_o have_v no_o liberty_n no_o freedom_n no_o right_a to_o dispose_v of_o himself_o or_o any_o thing_n he_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o be_v plain_a such_o a_o one_o can_v merit_v and_o this_o be_v the_o direct_a case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v the_o great_a lord_n the_o great_a proprietor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o that_o give_v alm_n do_v but_o restore_v a_o part_n of_o what_o god_n lend_v he_o he_o that_o take_v patient_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n or_o health_n or_o friend_n do_v but_o give_v back_o what_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o retain_v he_o be_v but_o tenant_n at_o will_n and_o have_v no_o right_n to_o any_o thing_n long_o than_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o continue_v it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o duty_n the_o case_n will_v be_v still_o plain_o if_o he_o adore_v and_o worship_n god_n there_o be_v infinite_a reason_n that_o he_o shall_v for_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o be_v and_o preservation_n if_o he_o love_v god_n never_o so_o much_o god_n have_v deserve_v much_o more_o than_o he_o can_v pay_v he_o not_o only_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n but_o even_o life_n itself_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o from_o this_o argument_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o creature_n to_o merit_v of_o its_o creator_n angel_n themselves_o never_o can_v for_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n concern_v they_o as_o concern_v man_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v or_o what_o have_v thou_o which_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o if_o thou_o have_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o boast_v as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4.7_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v adam_n in_o paradise_n for_o i_o demand_v have_v he_o keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n have_v he_o do_v this_o by_o divine_a grace_n or_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n '_o if_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o divine_n general_o hold_v then_o may_v we_o apply_v the_o expression_n of_o st._n austin_n to_o adam_n as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o one_o now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o when_o god_n reward_v the_o work_n of_o man_n he_o do_v only_o crown_v in_o he_o his_o own_o gift_n but_o suppose_v he_o have_v do_v this_o by_o his_o own_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o the_o endowment_n of_o nature_n as_o much_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o endowment_n of_o grace_n the_o one_o be_v natural_a the_o other_o supernatural_a gift_n both_o gift_n still_o though_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o come_v st._n paul_n to_o affirm_v to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n due_a not_o of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n rom._n 4.4_o i_o answer_v first_o god_n seem_v when_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o man_n to_o suspend_v or_o lay_v
never_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o any_o but_o some_o few_o rare_a and_o happy_a creature_n the_o favourite_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n pleasure_n that_o have_v matter_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o for_o such_o as_o i_o can_v no_o more_o grasp_v and_o relish_v than_o i_o can_v dream_n and_o vision_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v this_o pretty_a talk_n be_v all_o but_o stupid_a ignorance_n and_o gross_a mistake_v for_o 1._o as_o to_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a pleasure_n no_o man_n needs_o part_n with_o it_o i_o endeavour_v not_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o this_o but_o to_o refine_v and_o purify_v it_o and_o he_o that_o prefer_v either_o silly_a or_o vicious_a pleasure_n before_o religion_n be_v wretched_o mistake_v for_o 2._o perfect_a religion_n be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n have_v we_o but_o once_o arrive_v at_o true_a purity_n of_o heart_n what_o can_v be_v so_o full_a of_o pleasure_n as_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o delightful_a than_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n to_o a_o grateful_a soul_n allelujah_n to_o a_o soul_n snatch_v from_o the_o brink_n of_o destruction_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o its_o master_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o the_o melt_a tenderness_n of_o a_o holy_a contrition_n make_v up_o like_o mary_n magdalen_n of_o tear_n and_o kiss_n sorrow_n and_o love_n humility_n and_o glory_n confusion_n and_o confidence_n shame_n and_o joy_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o love_n the_o love_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v all_o love_n as_o god_n be_v love_n when_o he_o desire_v nothing_o in_o heaven_n nor_o on_o earth_n but_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v dung_n and_o dross_n to_o he_o in_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n 4._o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o transport_v than_o those_o of_o religion_n it_o be_v because_o our_o faith_n be_v weak_a our_o love_n imperfect_a and_o our_o life_n unsteady_a a_o constant_a and_o exalt_a pleasure_n be_v i_o grant_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n alone_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reign_v no_o where_o but_o where_o that_o zeal_n and_o love_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n reign_v too_o i_o have_v once_o propose_v to_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o here_o but_o this_o labour_n be_v prevent_v for_o they_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o chapter_n of_o zeal_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n last_o what_o be_v insinuate_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o numerous_a or_o obvious_a than_o those_o of_o religion_n be_v altogether_o a_o false_a and_o groundless_a fancy_n in_o every_o place_n and_o in_o every_o state_n do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n wait_v upon_o the_o perfect_a man._n they_o depend_v not_o like_o those_o of_o the_o body_n on_o a_o thousand_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n but_o only_o on_o god_n and_o our_o own_o integrity_n but_o this_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v i_o think_v for_o ever_o baffle_v sect._n 1_o chap._n 4._o these_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n be_v thus_o remove_v and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o happiness_n that_o result_v from_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o obligation_n to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n which_o obstruct_v his_o way_n to_o it_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o now_o leave_v to_o disappoint_v the_o success_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o somewhat_o too_o much_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n or_o somewhat_o too_o much_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n which_o i_o be_o next_o though_o but_o very_o brief_o to_o consider_v §_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o either_o for_o the_o matter_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o criminal_a enough_o to_o destroy_v our_o sincerity_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yet_o be_v it_o strong_a enough_o to_o abate_v our_o vigour_n hinder_v our_o perfection_n and_o bereave_v we_o of_o many_o degree_n of_o pleasure_n at_o present_a and_o glory_n hereafter_o the_o indication_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v too_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n too_o much_o exactness_n in_o the_o mode_n and_o custom_n of_o it_o too_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n pre-eminence_n and_o praise_n too_o much_o have_v and_o too_o much_o industry_n to_o grow_v rich_a to_o add_v house_n to_o house_n land_n to_o land_n and_o to_o clothe_v ourselves_o with_o thick_a and_o heavy_a clay_n too_o brisk_a a_o relish_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n too_o great_a a_o gaiety_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o success_n too_o much_o dejection_n upon_o the_o disaster_n and_o disappointment_n of_o it_o too_o much_o care_n and_o too_o much_o diligence_n a_o encumbr_n and_o embroil_v one_o self_n too_o far_o in_o worldly_a affair_n too_o much_o diversion_n too_o much_o ease_n these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o symptom_n of_o a_o mind_n taint_v with_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o sickness_n and_o death_n however_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o check_v the_o vigour_n and_o dilute_v the_o relish_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o the_o only_a way_n to_o overcome_v this_o defect_n and_o to_o captivate_v the_o mind_n entire_o to_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o reward_n of_o perfection_n the_o pleasure_n that_o will_v attend_v it_o in_o another_o life_n have_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n do_v this_o have_v he_o have_v as_o lively_a a_o notion_n and_o as_o true_a a_o estimate_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o eternity_n as_o he_o have_v of_o temporal_a one_o he_o will_v never_o have_v go_v away_o sorrowful_a when_o he_o be_v advise_v to_o have_v exchange_v the_o treasure_n of_o earth_n for_o those_o of_o heaven_n have_v the_o soul_n of_o martha_n be_v as_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o eternity_n as_o that_o of_o mary_n she_o will_v have_v make_v the_o same_o choice_n as_o she_o do_v they_o who_o often_o think_v how_o soon_o the_o fashion_n the_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o how_o much_o better_o their_o heavenly_a country_n be_v than_o their_o earthly_a how_o much_o more_o last_a and_o how_o much_o more_o glorious_a the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o city_n that_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n than_o this_o city_n of_o we_o which_o may_v be_v overthrow_v in_o a_o moment_n will_v neither_o weep_v nor_o rejoice_v with_o too_o much_o passion_n neither_o buy_v nor_o possess_v with_o too_o much_o application_n of_o mind_n in_o one_o word_n he_o that_o so_o often_o and_o devout_o think_v of_o that_o day_n wherein_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v and_o we_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o he_o come_v to_o love_v and_o long_a for_o it_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v no_o great_a taste_n of_o the_o honour_n or_o the_o pleasure_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o life_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v slothful_a or_o remiss_a but_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n whatever_o degree_n of_o affection_n he_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n they_o will_v all_o vanish_v he_o will_v have_v no_o emulation_n but_o for_o good_a work_n no_o ambition_n but_o for_o glory_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v eternal_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o will_v he_o lay_v out_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o this_o he_o will_v retrench_v his_o profit_n for_o this_o he_o will_v deny_v his_o pleasure_n for_o this_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v obscure_a mean_v and_o laborious_a for_o if_o the_o world_n be_v once_o crucify_v to_o he_o he_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o bear_v the_o be_v crucify_v to_o it_o §_o 5._o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o the_o flesh_n against_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o guard_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o struggle_v hearty_o we_o shall_v miscarry_v the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a say_v our_o saviour_n but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a without_o much_o care_n and_o much_o watchfulness_n the_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v relax_v the_o exultation_n of_o our_o spirit_n will_v flag_n and_o droop_v and_o we_o shall_v soon_o loose_v the_o relish_v there_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n against_o this_o frailty_n and_o fickleness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v two_o first_o godly_a fear_n and_o this_o the_o purity_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o strictness_n and_o the_o impartiality_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n the_o terror_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n the_o
his_o vice_n which_o he_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o sufficient_o before_o he_o be_v vex_v and_o trouble_v at_o the_o plague_n and_o mischief_n his_o sin_n and_o folly_n have_v already_o procure_v he_o and_o think_v he_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v if_o he_o persist_v other_o far_a more_o intolerable_a then_o he_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o goodness_n the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o jesus_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o how_o distant_a soever_o he_o be_v from_o virtue_n he_o discern_v there_o be_v a_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n in_o it_o and_o can_v but_o judge_v the_o righteous_a happy_a these_o thought_n these_o travel_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o they_o be_v not_o strangle_v in_o the_o birth_n by_o a_o man_n be_v own_o wilfulness_n or_o pusillanimity_n or_o unhappy_o divert_v upon_o some_o temptation_n do_v kindle_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o sinner_n the_o desire_n of_o righteousness_n and_o liberty_n they_o fill_v he_o with_o regret_n and_o shame_n cast_v he_o down_o and_o humble_v he_o before_o god_n and_o make_v he_o final_o resolve_v on_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o state_n of_o illumination_n and_o be_v a_o state_n of_o preparation_n for_o or_o disposition_n to_o repentance_n or_o if_o it_o be_v repentance_n itself_o it_o be_v yet_o but_o a_o embryo_n to_o perfect_v it_o it_o be_v necessary_a second_o that_o the_o sinner_n make_v good_a his_o resolution_n and_o actual_o break_v with_o his_o lust_n he_o must_v reject_v their_o solicitation_n and_o bold_o oppose_v their_o command_n he_o must_v take_v part_n with_o reason_n and_o religion_n keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n over_o his_o soul_n and_o must_v earnest_o labour_v by_o mortification_n and_o discipline_n by_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n to_o root_v out_o vice_n and_o plant_v virtue_n in_o his_o soul_n this_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o isa_n 1.16_o 17._o he_o that_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o though_o he_o feel_v a_o great_a conflict_n within_o though_o the_o opposition_n of_o lust_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o consequent_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n very_o difficult_a he_o be_v nevertheless_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o childhood_n too_o he_o be_v sincere_a but_o far_o from_o be_v perfect_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n which_o many_o continue_v in_o to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n be_v partly_o abuse_v by_o false_a notion_n and_o teach_v to_o believe_v from_o rom._n 7._o that_o there_o be_v no_o high_a or_o perfect_a state_n partly_o entangle_v and_o encumber_v by_o some_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o life_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o force_n or_o impetus_fw-la of_o the_o soul_n towards_o perfection_n be_v much_o abate_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o prosperity_n and_o the_o many_o diversion_n and_o engagement_n of_o a_o fortunate_a life_n but_o he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v look_v upon_o this_o state_n as_o the_o begin_n of_o virtue_n for_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o a_o stubborn_a and_o powerful_a enemy_n will_v not_o be_v subdue_v and_o total_o bring_v under_o in_o a_o moment_n the_o christian_a therefore_o must_v prosecute_v this_o war_n till_o he_o have_v finish_v it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v by_o extirpate_v but_o disable_n the_o enemy_n but_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o well_o observe_v that_o the_o reduce_v the_o enemy_n to_o a_o low_a condition_n be_v not_o always_o effect_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o victory_n for_o seldom_o be_v any_o so_o fortunate_a or_o so_o brave_a so_o wise_a or_o so_o watchful_a as_o to_o meet_v with_o no_o check_n in_o the_o long_a course_n of_o a_o difficult_a war_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o he_o be_v not_o discourage_v but_o instruct_v and_o awaken_v by_o it_o and_o to_o prevent_v any_o fatal_a disaster_n too_o error_n must_v careful_o be_v avoid_v first_o a_o hasty_a and_o fond_a confidence_n in_o ourselves_o with_o a_o overweening_a contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o next_o all_o false_a and_o cowardly_a project_n of_o truce_n and_o accommodation_n nor_o be_v the_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o poor_a and_o low_a attainment_n very_o far_o remove_v from_o this_o latter_a this_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o the_o christian_n advance_v towards_o perfection_n and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o state_n of_o liberty_n the_o three_o and_o last_o which_o now_o follow_v be_v the_o state_n of_o zeal_n or_o love_n or_o as_o mystic_a wrighter_n delight_v to_o call_v it_o the_o state_n of_o union_n the_o yoke_n of_o sin_n be_v once_o shake_v off_o the_o love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o delight_n in_o it_o be_v more_o and_o more_o increase_v and_o now_o the_o man_n proceed_v to_o the_o last_o round_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o perfection_n the_o wisdom_n courage_n and_o vigour_n of_o a_o convert_n be_v general_o at_o first_o employ_v in_o subdue_a his_o corruption_n in_o conquer_a his_o ill_a habit_n and_o defeat_v his_o enemy_n in_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o guard_v himself_o against_o temptation_n but_o this_o be_v once_o do_v he_o be_v in_o full_a liberty_n to_o pursue_v the_o work_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n now_o he_o may_v advance_v from_o necessary_a to_o voluntary_a act_n of_o self-denial_n which_o before_o will_v have_v be_v put_v old_a wine_n into_o new_a bottle_n contrary_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o master_n mat._n 9.17_o now_o he_o may_v enlarge_v his_o knowledge_n and_o exchange_v the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n for_o strong_a meat_n for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o now_o he_o may_v extend_v his_o watchfulness_n his_o care_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v before_o wise_o for_o the_o most_o part_n confine_v to_o his_o own_o safety_n he_o may_v now_o like_o our_o saviour_n go_v about_o do_v good_a act._n 10.38_o protect_a strengthen_v and_o rescue_v his_o weak_a brethren_n propagate_a the_o faith_n and_o enflame_v the_o bosom_n of_o man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n now_o in_o a_o word_n he_o may_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o a_o life_n of_o more_o exalt_a contemplation_n purity_n and_o charity_n which_o will_v be_v natural_a and_o easy_a now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o life_n be_v accompany_v with_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o confidence_n and_o pleasure_n now_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n now_o he_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o hope_n full_a of_o glory_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o he_o that_o live_v as_o christ_n that_o live_v in_o he_o for_o the_o life_n which_o he_o now_o lead_v be_v entire_o the_o product_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o his_o great_a business_n be_v to_o maintain_v the_o ground_n which_o he_o have_v get_v and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o render_v this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n from_o its_o very_a seed_n to_o maturity_n the_o more_o useful_a and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o some_o scruple_n which_o it_o may_v otherwise_o give_v occasion_n to_o i_o will_v here_o add_v two_o or_o three_o remark_n 1._o that_o the_o state_n and_o habit_n of_o perfection_n be_v a_o different_a thing_n from_o some_o sudden_a flight_n or_o effort_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a passion_n and_o so_o be_v the_o fix_v and_o establish_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o some_o sudden_a gust_n and_o short_a live_v fit_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n no_o man_n attain_v to_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o pleasure_n but_o by_o degree_n and_o the_o natural_a method_n and_o order_n by_o which_o he_o advance_v to_o either_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o but_o as_o to_o some_o sally_n of_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o exalt_a passion_n as_o to_o short_a live_v fit_n of_o perfection_n as_o to_o transcient_a taste_n short_a and_o sudden_o transport_v of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n it_o be_v very_o often_o otherwise_o god_n sometime_o either_o to_o allure_v the_o frailty_n of_o a_o new_a convert_n or_o to_o fortify_v his_o resolution_n against_o some_o hazardous_a trial_n do_v raise_v he_o to_o a_o extraordinary_a height_n by_o more_o than_o usual_a communication_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n and_o ravish_v he_o by_o some_o glance_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o beatific_a vision_n rapture_n of_o love_n the_o melt_a tenderness_n of_o a_o pious_a sorrow_n the_o strength_n of_o resolution_n and_o faith_n the_o confidence_n and_o exultancy_n of_o assurance_n do_v sometime_o accompany_v some_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o righteousness_n or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o illumination_n where_o the_o conviction_n be_v full_a the_o imagination_n lively_a
and_o the_o passion_n tender_a it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o gain_v perfection_n then_o to_o preserve_v it_o when_o a_o profligate_n sinner_n in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n be_v snatch_v like_o a_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n rescue_v by_o some_o amaze_a and_o surprise_v call_v like_o israel_n by_o miracle_n out_o of_o egypt_n i_o wonder_v not_o if_o such_o a_o one_o love_v much_o because_o much_o have_v be_v forgive_v he_o i_o wonder_v not_o if_o he_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o the_o deep_a and_o the_o lively_a sense_n of_o gild_n and_o mercy_n i_o wonder_v not_o if_o such_o a_o one_o endeavour_n to_o repair_v his_o past_a crime_n by_o heroic_a act_n if_o he_o make_v haste_n to_o redeem_v his_o lose_a time_n by_o a_o zeal_n and_o vigilance_n hard_a to_o be_v imitate_v never_o to_o be_v parllele_v by_o other_o hence_o we_o read_v of_o judah_n love_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o espousal_n jer._n 2.2_o and_o of_o the_o first_o love_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2.4_o as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o man_n be_v convert_v by_o astonish_a miracle_n when_o the_o presence_n and_o example_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o follower_n when_o the_o perspicuity_n and_o authority_n the_o spirit_n and_o power_n the_o lustre_n and_o surprise_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n dazzle_v overpower_a and_o transport_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v a_o thorough_a change_n in_o a_o moment_n and_o when_o again_o no_o man_n profess_v christianity_n but_o he_o expect_v by_o his_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n i_o wonder_v not_o if_o virtue_n ripen_v fast_o under_o such_o miraculous_a influence_n of_o heaven_n or_o if_o assurance_n spring_v up_o in_o a_o moment_n from_o these_o bright_a proof_n of_o a_o unshaken_a integrity_n but_o we_o who_o live_v in_o cold_a climate_n who_o behold_v nothing_o in_o so_o clear_a and_o bright_a a_o light_n as_o those_o happy_a soul_n do_v must_v be_v content_a to_o make_v short_a and_o slow_a step_n towards_o perfection_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o natural_a not_o miraculous_a progress_n and_o we_o who_o virtue_n be_v so_o general_o under-grown_a and_o our_o trial_n no_o other_o then_o common_a one_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o joy_n of_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n till_o we_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n 2_o as_o perfection_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n so_o be_v it_o of_o great_a expense_n and_o cost_n too_o i_o mean_v it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o much_o labour_n and_o travel_v self-denial_n and_o watchfulness_n resolution_n and_o constancy_n many_o be_v the_o danger_n which_o we_o be_v to_o encounter_v through_o our_o whole_a progress_n towards_o it_o why_o else_o be_v we_o exhort_v to_o learn_v to_o do_v good_a to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o 2._o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o day_n to_o day_n eph._n 4.23_o to_o watch_v stand_v fast_o to_o quit_v we_o like_o man_n to_o be_v strong_a 1_o cor._n 16.13_o to_o take_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o to_o stand_v eph._n 6.11.13_o to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1.10_o and_o such_o like_a nay_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n be_v address_v to_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n which_o have_v manifold_a advantage_n above_o these_o of_o we_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v then_o power_v forth_o in_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n then_o ever_o after_o not_o only_a scripture_n as_o i_o think_v but_o reason_n too_o will_v be_v on_o my_o side_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n require_v it_o sanctity_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o miracle_n to_o convert_v the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a but_o beside_o this_o the_o then_o wonderful_a and_o surprise_v light_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o presence_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o glory_n a_o crowd_n of_o wondrous_a work_n and_o miracle_n the_o expectation_n of_o terrible_a thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n at_o the_o door_n and_o a_o equal_a expectation_n of_o glorious_a one_o too_o all_o these_o thing_n break_v in_o beyond_o expectation_n upon_o a_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a world_n overwhelmed_a before_o by_o thick_a darkness_n and_o who_o abomination_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v conceal_v and_o too_o detestable_a to_o be_v excuse_v or_o defend_v can_v not_o but_o produce_v a_o very_a great_a and_o sudden_a change_n now_o therefore_o if_o in_o these_o time_n many_o do_v start_v forth_o in_o a_o moment_n fit_a for_o baptism_n and_o martyrdom_n if_o many_o among_o these_o be_v sudden_o change_v justify_v and_o crown_v i_o wonder_v not_o this_o be_v a_o day_n of_o power_n a_o day_n of_o glory_n wherein_o god_n assert_v himself_o exalt_v his_o son_n and_o rescue_v the_o world_n by_o a_o stretch_a out_o hand_n i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o from_o hence_o be_v induce_v to_o expect_v any_o thing_n like_o at_o this_o day_n but_o yet_o if_o notwitstand_v all_o this_o christian_n in_o those_o happy_a time_n amid_o so_o many_o advantage_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o exhortation_n what_o do_v not_o we_o in_o these_o time_n if_o so_o much_o watchfulness_n prayer_n patience_n fear_v abstinence_n and_o earnest_a contention_n become_v they_o when_o god_n as_o it_o be_v bow_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o and_o dwell_v among_o man_n what_o become_v we_o in_o those_o day_n in_o the_o dregs_o of_o time_n when_o god_n stand_v as_o it_o be_v aloof_o off_o to_o see_v what_o will_v be_v our_o latter_a end_n retire_v behind_o a_o cloud_n which_o our_o heresy_n and_o infidelity_n schism_n and_o division_n sin_n and_o provocation_n have_v raise_v to_o conclude_v he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v not_o sit_v like_o the_o lame_a man_n by_o bethesdah_n pool_n expect_v till_o some_o angel_n come_v to_o cure_v he_o but_o like_o our_o lord_n he_o must_v climb_v the_o mount_n and_o pray_v and_o then_o he_o may_v be_v transform_v he_o may_v be_v raise_v as_o much_o above_o the_o moral_a corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o perfection_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v above_o the_o meanness_n and_o humility_n of_o his_o body_n by_o his_o glorious_a transfiguration_n these_o two_o observation_n be_v of_o manifold_a use_n for_o many_o expect_v pleasure_n when_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o they_o will_v reap_v before_o virtue_n be_v grow_v up_o and_o ripen_v and_o be_v more_o intent_n upon_o the_o fruit_n of_o duty_n than_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o they_o be_v frequent_o disappoint_v and_o discourage_v other_o there_o be_v who_o mistake_v some_o fit_n and_o flash_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n for_o the_o habitual_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o perfection_n do_v entertain_v too_o early_a confidence_n and_o instead_o of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o decline_v or_o it_o may_v be_v fall_v away_o through_o negligence_n and_o security_n or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a the_o duty_n of_o religion_n grow_v tasteless_a and_o insipid_a to_o they_o for_o want_v of_o that_o pleasure_n which_o they_o ignorant_o or_o presumptuous_o expect_v shall_v constant_o attend_v they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v dishearten_v or_o disgu_v and_o give_v back_o which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v if_o they_o do_v right_o understand_v that_o perfection_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n that_o a_o settle_a tranquillity_n a_o habitual_a joy_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o fruit_n only_o of_o perfection_n and_o that_o those_o short_a gleam_n of_o joy_n which_o break_v in_o upon_o new_a convert_v and_o sometime_o on_o other_o imperfect_a christian_n do_v depend_v upon_o extraordinary_a circumstance_n or_o be_v peculiar_a favour_n of_o heaven_n last_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v entertain_v very_o odd_a fancy_n about_o the_o attainment_n of_o perfection_n they_o talk_v and_o act_n as_o if_o perfection_n be_v the_o product_n not_o of_o time_n and_o experience_n but_o a_o instant_a as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v infuse_v in_o a_o moment_n not_o acquire_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a favour_n not_o the_o fruit_n of_o meditation_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v true_a it_o can_v be_v doubt_v by_o a_o christian_a but_o that_o perfection_n derive_v itself_o from_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v true_a too_o and_o can_v as_o little_o be_v doubt_v by_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v the_o gospel_n
more_o needful_a than_o real_o be_v i_o observe_v here_o that_o as_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o nature_n very_o considerable_a infirmity_n so_o be_v there_o as_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o fortune_n very_o considerable_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o master_v of_o both_o these_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v stand_v in_o less_o need_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o arbitrary_a austerity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n too_o trifle_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o yet_o do_v prove_v sufficient_a to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o most_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o many_o passion_n and_o indecency_n nay_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n be_v sometime_o feed_v by_o temptation_n of_o very_a little_a moment_n now_o to_o surmount_v these_o temptation_n and_o to_o frame_v and_o accommodate_v the_o mind_n to_o bear_v the_o little_a shock_n and_o justle_v which_o we_o daily_o meet_v with_o without_o any_o discomposure_n or_o displeasure_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o life_n and_o the_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o pride_n of_o one_o and_o the_o stupidity_n of_o another_o one_o while_o to_o encounter_v rudeness_n another_o while_o neglect_v without_o be_v move_v by_o either_o to_o submit_v to_o noise_n disorder_n and_o the_o distraction_n of_o many_o little_a affair_n when_o one_o be_v natural_o a_o lover_n of_o quietness_n and_o order_n or_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v intent_n upon_o thing_n of_o importance_n in_o one_o word_n to_o digest_v the_o perpetual_a disappointment_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o both_o in_o business_n and_o pleasure_n and_o in_o all_o the_o little_a project_n which_o not_o the_o elegant_a and_o ingenious_a only_o but_o people_n of_o all_o station_n and_o all_o capacity_n pursue_v to_o suffer_v all_o the_o humour_n and_o folly_n the_o error_n artifices_fw-la indecency_n and_o fault_n of_o those_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o with_o that_o temper_n we_o ought_v that_o be_v with_o a_o calmness_n which_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o unconcernment_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o a_o just_a dominion_n over_o our_o own_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o great_a height_n and_o to_o train_v ourselves_o up_o to_o it_o daily_o with_o much_o patience_n vigilence_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o best_a discipline_n though_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v hereby_o to_o exclude_v all_o voluntary_a imposition_n for_o in_o order_n to_o master_n the_o evil_n which_o we_o can_v avoid_v it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n now_o and_o then_o to_o form_v the_o mind_n by_o voluntary_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n of_o our_o own_o choose_n 3._o last_o we_o must_v ever_o have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o loose_v the_o substance_n for_o the_o shadow_n not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o neglect_v the_o end_n be_v much_o take_v up_o in_o discipline_n without_o produce_v any_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v take_v much_o pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n travel_v much_o without_o make_v any_o progress_n but_o much_o more_o must_v we_o take_v care_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o the_o discipline_n we_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o do_v not_o produce_v any_o ill_a fruit._n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v careful_o observe_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o keep_v to_o that_o moderation_n which_o spiritual_a prudence_n require_v neither_o expose_v nor_o entangle_v ourselves_o nor_o discourage_v other_o by_o excess_n and_o extravagancy_n 2._o that_o our_o self-denial_n never_o betray_v we_o into_o pride_n or_o vncharitableness_n for_o if_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o overrate_v ourselves_o and_o despise_v other_o this_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o christian_a discipline_n which_o be_v the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n 3._o that_o we_o ever_o preserve_v nay_o increase_v the_o sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o whatever_o make_v we_o sour_a and_o morose_n or_o peevish_a and_o unsociable_a make_v we_o certain_o so_o much_o worse_o and_o instead_o of_o beget_v in_o we_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v we_o a_o very_a strong_a tincture_n of_o a_o devilish_a one_o athanasius_n therefore_o in_o the_o life_n of_o anthony_n the_o hermit_n observe_v among_o other_o his_o great_a virtue_n that_o after_o thirty_o year_n spend_v in_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o retire_a and_o solitary_a life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o his_o friend_n with_o a_o sullen_a or_o savage_a but_o with_o a_o oblige_a sociable_a air_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o but_o little_a reason_n why_o the_o look_n shall_v be_v lower_v and_o contract_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o charity_n goodness_n and_o pleasure_n a_o serene_a open_a countenance_n and_o a_o cheerful_a grave_a deportment_n do_v best_a suit_n the_o tranquillity_n purity_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a mind_n §_o 5._o last_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n than_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o enter_v into_o a_o examination_n of_o the_o advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v in_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o life_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n the_o settle_v this_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v one_o main_a design_n of_o my_o last_o book_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o have_v here_o to_o do_v be_v but_o to_o make_v one_o plain_a inference_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v advance_v in_o this_o chapter_n if_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o a_o frequent_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o mean_n here_o insist_v on_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v our_o life_n if_o we_o can_v into_o such_o a_o method_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v this_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o and_o close_o since_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o holy_a conversation_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o quicken_v the_o conscience_n excite_v our_o passion_n and_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a so_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o bestow_v on_o these_o for_o they_o who_o mind_n and_o time_n be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o world_n have_v very_o little_a leisure_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o be_v very_o little_o dispose_v to_o they_o and_o as_o ill_o qualify_v for_o they_o as_o to_o conversation_n as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v in_o it_o any_o relish_n of_o piety_n unless_o between_o such_o as_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o close_a and_o strict_a friendship_n but_o the_o worldly_a man_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o true_a friendship_n it_o be_v too_o sacred_a too_o delicate_a a_o thing_n for_o a_o mind_n devote_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o regard_n to_o interest_n to_o some_o outward_a form_n and_o decency_n the_o gratification_n of_o some_o natural_a inclination_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o diversion_n and_o enjoyment_n may_v invite_v he_o to_o more_o familiarity_n with_o some_o than_o other_o but_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o such_o combination_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o friendship_n a_o sincere_a and_o undesigning_a passion_n increase_v by_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o obligation_n and_o support_v and_o strengthen_v by_o virtue_n and_o honour_n as_o to_o prayer_n man_n of_o business_n do_v i_o doubt_v often_o read_v or_o say_v prayer_n than_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o grovel_n perpetual_o here_o upon_o earth_n that_o be_v incessant_o solicitous_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o enter_v abrupt_o upon_o this_o duty_n without_o any_o preparation_n shall_v immediate_o take_v fire_n be_v fill_v with_o heavenly_a vigour_n and_o be_v transport_v with_o earnest_n and_o impatient_a desire_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n ah_o how_o hard_a be_v it_o for_o he_o who_o hunger_n and_n thirst_v perpetual_o after_o the_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n too_o if_o such_o mind_n as_o these_o retain_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n some_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o gratitude_n towards_o he_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o and_o may_v this_o avail_v they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v last_o as_o to_o meditation_n how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o such_o who_o mind_n and_o body_n be_v fatigue_v and_o harrass_v by_o worldly_a business_n shall_v be_v much_o incline_v to_o it_o or_o
good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o firm_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o a_o spectator_n and_o will_v very_o sudden_o come_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n and_o rewarder_n of_o his_o suffering_n how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o to_o he_o who_o have_v a_o eternal_a joy_n a_o eternal_a crown_n always_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o a_o life_n to_o come_v can_v make_v a_o man_n rejoice_v even_o in_o suffer_v evil_a how_o much_o more_o in_o do_v good_a if_o it_o enable_v he_o to_o conquer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o church_n trial_n and_o affliction_n how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o enable_v he_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o virtue_n in_o the_o day_n of_o its_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n how_o free_o will_v a_o man_n give_v to_o the_o distress_a member_n of_o christ_n who_o believe_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n himself_o stand_v by_o and_o receive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o place_v it_o to_o his_o own_o account_n to_o be_v repay_v a_o thousand-fold_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o easy_o will_v a_o man_n allay_v the_o storm_n of_o passion_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o weapon_n of_o revenge_n and_o anger_n with_o indignation_n against_o himself_o if_o his_o faith_n do_v but_o present_v he_o often_o with_o a_o view_n of_o that_o canaan_n which_o the_o meek_a in_o heart_n shall_v inherit_v for_o ever_o how_o importunate_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n who_o sense_n who_o soul_n who_o imagination_n be_v strike_v with_o a_o dread_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v from_o god_n and_o exclude_v from_o the_o joy_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o bless_a how_o fervent_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n who_o thought_n be_v daily_o swallow_v up_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o a_o eternity_n and_o who_o mind_n be_v as_o full_o possess_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o world_n as_o of_o the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o how_o natural_a final_o will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o to_o delight_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o a_o unfeigned_a humility_n to_o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o image_n of_o jesus_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o a_o little_a after_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n always_o before_o he_o but_o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v here_o object_v we_o discern_v not_o this_o efficacy_n you_o attribute_v to_o this_o motive_n the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n be_v the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v every_o where_o preach_v throughout_o christendom_n and_o yet_o man_n general_o seem_v to_o have_v as_o much_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v be_v there_o no_o other_o they_o practise_v no_o virtue_n but_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a and_o fashionable_a or_o none_o any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o most_o act_n thus_o there_o be_v many_o i_o hope_v very_o many_o who_o do_v otherwise_o and_o that_o all_o in_o general_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o want_n either_o of_o due_a consideration_n or_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n first_o from_o not_o considerate_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v it_o be_v the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v distant_a and_o invisible_a he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a that_o will_v derive_v any_o strength_n and_o virtue_n from_o this_o motive_n must_v supply_v this_o distance_n by_o devout_a and_o daily_a contemplation_n he_o must_v fetch_v the_o remore_n object_n of_o faith_n home_o to_o he_o he_o must_v render_v they_o as_o it_o be_v present_a he_o must_v see_v and_o feel_v they_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n of_o meditation_n which_o if_o he_o do_v then_o will_v his_o faith_n certain_o prove_v a_o vital_a and_o victorious_a principle_n then_o will_v no_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n be_v able_a to_o combat_v the_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o heaven_n nor_o any_o worldly_a evil_n or_o difficulty_n sustain_v for_o virtue_n be_v able_a to_o confront_v the_o terror_n of_o a_o hell_n a_o second_o reason_n why_o this_o motive_n do_v not_o operate_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v want_n of_o faith_n we_o doubt_v we_o waver_v we_o stagger_v or_o take_v thing_n upon_o trust_n assent_v very_o slight_o and_o superficial_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n and_o look_v upon_o good_a work_n rather_o as_o not_o injurious_a to_o this_o world_n then_o serviceable_a to_o a_o better_a and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n that_o the_o unbelieving_a christian_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o perfection_n and_o rest_n than_o that_o the_o unbelieving_a jew_n do_v not_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n if_o the_o word_n of_o life_n do_v not_o profit_v the_o christian_n when_o not_o believe_v by_o he_o then_o if_o it_o do_v not_o profit_v a_o pagan_a who_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o infidelity_n be_v in_o its_o measure_n and_o proportion_n true_a when_o apply_v to_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o pray_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n he_o must_v daily_o consider_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a stand_n the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o future_a immortality_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o demonstrastration_n of_o this_o contain_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n and_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o may_v add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o state_n and_o fortune_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n from_o all_o which_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o infer_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o another_o world_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o amount_n to_o this_o whoever_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o i_o shall_v i_o think_v have_v say_v almost_o hourly_o ponder_v the_o blessedness_n that_o attend_v perfection_n in_o another_o life_n he_o must_v ponder_v it_o serious_o that_o he_o may_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o it_o he_o must_v ponder_v it_o often_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o may_v be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a in_o his_o soul_n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o perfection_n what_o the_o several_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n be_v will_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o a_o very_a slight_a reflection_n either_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o perfection_n already_o lay_v down_o if_o we_o consider_v man_n who_o perfection_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o moral_a perfection_n relate_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o body_n no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n we_o find_v these_o three_o thing_n understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o improvement_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o human_a perfection_n must_v consequent_o consist_v and_o if_o we_o inquire_v wherein_o this_o improvement_n or_o accomplishment_n lie_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o obvious_a that_o it_o will_v not_o need_v any_o proof_n that_o illumination_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n liberty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o description_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o perfection_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o to_o constitute_v a_o firm_a habit_n of_o righteousness_n three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o 2._o the_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o passion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v it_o last_o not_o only_o a_o free_a but_o warm_a and_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o consist_v illumination_n in_o the_o second_o liberty_n and_o in_o the_o three_o zeal_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o man_n that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o treat_v in_o order_n of_o these_o three_o thing_n illumination_n liberty_n and_o zeal_n as_o so_o many_o essential_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n nor_o must_v i_o stop_v here_o but_o must_v to_o those_o three_o avoidable_a add_v humility_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o
mind_n but_o never_o benefit_n it_o but_o there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o solomon_n like_o health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n life_n and_o honour_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n attend_v they_o where_o ever_o they_o dwell_v and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v truth_n that_o be_v active_a and_o fruitful_a that_o make_v we_o wise_a and_o good_a perfect_a and_o happy_a such_o as_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a interest_n in_o such_o as_o have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o we_o such_o as_o give_v a_o new_a day_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o new_a strength_n and_o liberty_n to_o the_o will_n such_o as_o raise_v and_o exalt_v our_o affection_n and_o render_v the_o whole_a man_n more_o rational_a more_o steady_a more_o constant_a more_o uniform_a these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o make_v man_n great_a and_o modest_a in_o prosperity_n erect_v and_o courageous_a in_o adversity_n always_o content_a with_o this_o world_n yet_o always_o full_a of_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a serene_a calm_a and_o well_o assure_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o thirst_v after_o perfection_n maturity_n and_o the_o absolute_a consummation_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v now_o the_o truth_n that_o effect_v all_o this_o be_v all_o reducible_a to_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v under_o the_o former_a head_n for_o in_o those_o we_o find_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n to_o virtue_n and_o glory_n in_o those_o we_o find_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v and_o support_v true_a magnanimity_n to_o enlarge_v and_o free_v the_o mind_n and_o to_o add_v strength_n and_o courage_n to_o it_o for_o what_o can_v more_o certain_o promote_v all_o this_o than_o immortality_n and_o glory_n what_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o both_o to_o rest_v on_o than_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o can_v more_o effectual_o reconcile_v and_o ingratiate_v we_o with_o god_n than_o sincere_a universal_a righteousness_n and_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n 3._o the_o three_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n be_v that_o they_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n that_o he_o ascribe_v to_o it_o delight_n and_o joy_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n that_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o according_o we_o find_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n not_o only_o continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n in_o the_o temple_n but_o magnify_v he_o by_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n in_o their_o prison_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n but_o when_o i_o reckon_v pleasure_n and_o delight_n among_o the_o fruit_n of_o illumition_n i_o must_v add_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o fit_v and_o flash_n of_o mirth_n and_o the_o serenity_n of_o a_o fix_a and_o habitual_a delight_n between_o the_o titillation_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o solid_a joy_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o between_o the_o pleasure_n of_o fancy_n and_o of_o reason_n and_o when_o i_o say_v illumination_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a truth_n i_o mean_v it_o of_o rational_a pleasure_n a_o habitual_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o then_o the_o matter_n be_v beyond_o question_n whatever_o truth_n do_v contribute_v to_o promote_v this_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o must_v be_v our_o true_a wisdom_n joy_n when_o it_o be_v solid_a and_o rational_a do_v enlarge_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n it_o render_v we_o more_o thankful_a to_o god_n more_o kind_a and_o courteous_a to_o man._n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n to_o invite_v more_o plentiful_o influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hence_o do_v elijah_n call_v for_o a_o musical_a instrument_n when_o he_o desire_v to_o prophesy_v and_o we_o find_v the_o company_n of_o prophet_n rejoice_v with_o hymn_n music_n and_o dance_n all_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o inward_a transport_v and_o ravishment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o that_o which_o distinguish_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n from_o a_o worldly_a or_o impious_a one_o repentance_n and_o contrition_n from_o the_o agony_n and_o perplexity_n of_o dispair_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o attend_v it_o so_o be_o i_o persuade_v that_o god_n do_v press_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o mourn_v and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o this_o reason_n not_o exclude_v other_o because_o it_o natural_o lead_v on_o to_o peace_n and_o joy_n a_o soft_a and_o tender_a sorrow_n dissipate_v the_o fear_n and_o distress_n of_o gild_n like_o mild_a and_o fruitful_a shower_n that_o do_v lay_v storm_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o such_o powerful_a antidote_n against_o sin_n nor_o spur_n to_o holy_a industry_n as_o holy_a pleasure_n pious_a joy_n or_o spiritual_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n this_o be_v a_o partake_v or_o anticipate_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o the_o mighty_a corroboration_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o the_o study_n then_o of_o such_o truth_n be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o illumination_n thus_o far_o will_v consist_v in_o quit_v those_o error_n which_o beget_v melancholy_a superstition_n desperation_n and_o in_o such_o truth_n as_o enlarge_v our_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o near_a presence_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o glory_n such_o again_o as_o unfold_v the_o dignity_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n such_o last_o as_o extend_v our_o prospect_n and_o enlarge_v our_o hope_n support_v our_o frailty_n and_o excite_v our_o vigour_n 4._o the_o last_o property_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o illumination_n consist_v be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o procure_v we_o a_o reward_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o three_o head_n under_o which_o i_o range_v those_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v the_o gentile_a and_o jewish_a world_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v how_o well_o they_o fit_v this_o character_n they_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v it_o abound_v in_o hope_n they_o purge_v the_o man_n from_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o fortify_v the_o mind_n against_o such_o impression_n from_o outward_a good_a or_o evil_a in_o this_o world_n as_o disquiet_v and_o torment_v the_o sinner_n they_o procure_v he_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n and_o they_o invite_v he_o to_o hope_v for_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n in_o another_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o hope_n he_o have_v all_o fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o bless_a must_v all_o they_o be_v who_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n jesus_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o consolation_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o do_v rejoice_v always_o and_o glory_n in_o he_o righteousness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o rest_n and_o hope_n bless_v be_v they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o who_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v their_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n such_o be_v already_o past_a from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n rest_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v the_o character_n that_o distinguish_v gospel_n knowledge_n from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n no_o knowledge_n of_o art_n or_o science_n and_o much_o less_o the_o most_o exquisite_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n can_v pretend_v to_o a_o eternal_a reward_n a_o short_a and_o impure_a pleasure_n and_o a_o transcient_a interest_n be_v all_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n can_v bestow_v and_o very_o often_o instead_o of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n it_o requite_v its_o disciple_n with_o pain_n and_o trouble_n the_o gospel_n only_o contain_v those_o truth_n which_o confer_v life_n and_o immortality_n on_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n alone_o that_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o gain_v the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o rule_n and_o govern_v
scripture_n itself_o frequent_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o not_o without_o reason_n because_o the_o devil_n sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n error_n and_o these_o too_o fatal_a and_o destructive_a one_o be_v frequent_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o every_o party_n nay_o every_o single_a author_n lay_v the_o stress_n of_o salvation_n on_o their_o peculiar_a and_o distinguish_a opinion_n belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n or_o word_n on_o this_o occasion_n when_o the_o peace_n and_o purity_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o rectitude_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n have_v so_o close_a and_o necessary_a a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n we_o imbibe_n that_o we_o hereby_o either_o secure_v or_o forfeit_v they_o who_o see_v not_o unless_o he_o be_v stupid_a and_o infatuate_v that_o great_a care_n and_o solicitude_n be_v necessary_a here_o than_o in_o any_o matter_n whatever_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o equal_a moment_n bad_a money_n or_o bad_a ware_n instead_o of_o good_a a_o ill_a title_n or_o conveyance_n instead_o of_o a_o firm_a and_o clear_a one_o may_v impoverish_v we_o bad_a drug_n instead_o of_o good_a may_v infect_v the_o body_n and_o destroy_v the_o health_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o impoverish_v and_o infect_v the_o mind_n prevent_v the_o life_n and_o damn_v the_o man_n to_o all_o eternity_n the_o example_n of_o the_o berean_o be_v never_o forget_v and_o indeed_o never_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o this_o occasion_n we_o must_v admit_v nothing_o hasty_o assent_n to_o nothing_o without_o examine_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v credulity_n precipitation_n and_o confidence_n be_v irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o use_v great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o enlarge_v and_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v almost_o infinite_a and_o it_o fare_v with_o those_o that_o study_v they_o as_o with_o a_o traveller_n when_o he_o ascend_v a_o rise_a ground_n every_o new_a step_n almost_o enlarge_v his_o horizon_n and_o present_v new_a country_n new_a pleasure_n to_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v our_o own_o negligence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o daily_o extend_v the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n if_o our_o view_n of_o thing_n grow_v not_o more_o distinct_a and_o clear_a and_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o more_o firm_a and_o steady_a this_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o this_o be_v to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n open_v eph._n 1.17_o this_o be_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n col._n 1.9_o this_o be_v final_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o col._n 3.16_o and_o of_o what_o importance_n this_o be_v be_v manifest_a from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v namely_o that_o illumination_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o credulous_a and_o ill-grounded_a in_o a_o slight_a and_o superficial_a or_o a_o confuse_a and_o obscure_a or_o imperfect_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o in_o a_o clear_a distinct_a firm_a and_o well_o establish_v one_o and_o the_o acquire_v such_o a_o one_o demand_n a_o very_a diligent_a and_o a_o indefatigable_a study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o numerous_a great_a and_o beautiful_a idea_n and_o these_o clear_a and_o distinct_a to_o have_v they_o engrave_v in_o the_o memory_n in_o deep_a and_o last_a character_n to_o have_v they_o lodge_v and_o dispose_v in_o that_o order_n as_o to_o be_v able_a in_o a_o instant_a to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o to_o discern_v and_o demonstrate_v plain_o the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o one_o upon_o another_o and_o the_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o each_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o labour_n the_o fruit_n of_o a_o regular_a and_o assiduous_a search_n after_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o capacity_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v up_o to_o this_o they_o must_v come_v as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v but_o if_o such_o a_o search_n as_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o penetrate_v the_o depth_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o yet_o certain_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o extract_v their_o force_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o derive_v purity_n and_o nourishment_n from_o they_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n imply_v in_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o 3._o we_o must_v make_v frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n on_o the_o truth_n we_o do_v know_v this_o again_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n as_o it_o be_v before_o settle_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o every_o knowledge_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o suffice_v for_o illumination_n but_o a_o vital_a and_o operative_a one_o that_o be_v a_o well_o ground_v clear_a distinct_a and_o well-digested_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o constant_a daily_a and_o devout_a meditation_n be_v necessary_a to_o illumination_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o transcient_a and_o perfunctory_a reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o a_o fleet_a ramble_a irregular_a and_o desultory_a meditation_n of_o they_o that_o will_v possess_v we_o with_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o imprint_v a_o truth_n in_o lively_a notion_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o digest_v it_o into_o nourishment_n and_o strength_n and_o make_v it_o mix_v itself_o with_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o all_o our_o action_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o dwell_v upon_o it_o with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o excellent_a and_o elevate_a soul_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a have_v be_v daily_o nay_o almost_o hourly_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v passionate_o devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o and_o delight_v more_o in_o it_o than_o in_o treasure_n or_o honour_n than_o in_o the_o most_o profitable_a employment_n or_o engage_v diversion_n of_o life_n it_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n on_o god_n on_o jesus_n the_o world_n and_o our_o self_n that_o can_v alone_o acquaint_v we_o thorough_o with_o each_o it_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n on_o death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o can_v make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o rule_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o illumination_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v without_o labour_n and_o travel_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o will_v never_o bestow_v but_o upon_o those_o who_o ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v divine_a bounty_n and_o human_a industry_n do_v here_o very_a well_o accord_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n general_o join_v they_o together_o and_o it_o be_v boldness_n and_o impiety_n in_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o divide_v they_o prov._n 2.4_o 5_o 6._o if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v thou_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n give_v wisdom_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n come_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n nor_o will_v any_o one_o sure_o think_v it_o much_o to_o devote_v his_o time_n and_o labour_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v more_o just_o challenge_v or_o better_o deserve_v both_o can_v pleasure_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o flow_v from_o wisdom_n that_o be_v either_o pure_a great_a or_o last_v can_v business_n what_o business_n can_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o what_o secure_v our_o salvation_n our_o eternity_n wisdom_n then_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v understanding_n prov._n 4.7_o for_o without_o this_o the_o most_o desirable_a possession_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v but_o cheat_n and_o illusion_n mischief_n and_o snare_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o 3._o that_o we_o act_v conformable_a to_o those_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o more_o spiritual_a we_o grow_v the_o fit_a we_o be_v for_o the_o residence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o his_o influence_n the_o more_o we_o subdue_v all_o inordinate_a affection_n the_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
a_o heavenly_a influence_n they_o natural_o shoot_v up_o into_o good_a work_n virtue_n have_v a_o celestial_a original_a and_o a_o celestial_a tendency_n from_o god_n it_o come_v and_o towards_o god_n it_o move_v and_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o amiable_a and_o pleasant_a virtue_n be_v all_o beauty_n all_o harmony_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v view_v and_o review_v consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o it_o with_o delight_n it_o procure_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n it_o make_v our_o affair_n natural_o run_v smooth_o and_o calm_o on_o and_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o courage_n cheerfulness_n and_o good_a hope_n in_o one_o word_n diversion_n and_o amusement_n give_v we_o a_o fanciful_a pleasure_n a_o animal_n sensitive_a life_n a_o short_a and_o mean_a one_o sin_n a_o deceitful_a false_a and_o fatal_a one_o only_a virtue_n a_o pure_a a_o rational_a a_o glorious_a and_o last_a one_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v here_o the_o loveliness_n of_o holiness_n be_v a_o subject_n which_o ever_o and_o anon_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o engage_v in_o 2._o i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v that_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n remove_v the_o impediment_n of_o virtue_n this_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v out_o by_o examine_v what_o influence_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o three_o great_a principle_n or_o source_n of_o wickedness_n have_v upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n 1._o the_o first_o part_n be_v that_o which_o contain_v those_o duty_n that_o more_o immediate_o relate_v to_o ourselves_o these_o be_v especial_o two_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n by_o sobriety_n i_o mean_v a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o thing_n or_o such_o a_o state_n of_o mind_n as_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o by_o temperance_n i_o mean_v the_o moderation_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o enjoyment_n even_o in_o lawful_a and_o allow_v instance_n from_o these_o proceed_v vigilance_n industry_n prudence_n fortitude_n or_o patience_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o what_o be_v best_a without_o these_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v either_o devotion_n towards_o god_n or_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man._n nay_o nothing_o good_a or_o great_a can_v be_v accomplish_v without_o they_o since_o without_o they_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v for_o either_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n or_o the_o protection_n and_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n only_o the_o pure_a and_o chaste_a soul_n be_v a_o fit_a temple_n for_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o none_o or_o at_o lest_o none_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v it_o shall_v but_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a but_o now_o how_o repugnant_a to_o how_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o virtue_n be_v that_o infatuation_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o debauchery_n of_o affection_n wherein_o sin_n consist_v how_o incapable_a either_o of_o sobriety_n or_o temperance_n do_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n render_v we_o what_o a_o false_a estimate_n of_o thing_n do_v they_o cause_v we_o to_o form_n how_o insatiable_a do_v they_o render_v we_o in_o our_o desire_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o false_a and_o empty_a appearance_n of_o good_a and_o how_o imperious_o do_v they_o precipitate_v we_o into_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o pollution_n and_o dishonour_n of_o our_o nature_n on_o the_o contrary_a let_v man_n be_v but_o once_o enlighten_v by_o faith_n let_v he_o but_o once_o come_v to_o believe_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n that_o heaven_n be_v his_o country_n and_o that_o to_o do_v good_a work_n be_v to_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n in_o it_o let_v he_o i_o say_v but_o once_o believe_v this_o and_o then_o how_o sober_a how_o temperate_a how_o wise_a how_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a will_v he_o grow_v and_o this_o he_o will_v soon_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v if_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o vicious_a principle_n and_o vicious_a custom_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v undeceive_v and_o disabused_a and_o the_o affection_n disengage_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v calm_o and_o to_o desire_v and_o enjoy_v with_o a_o moderation_n suit_v to_o just_a and_o sober_a notion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v to_o think_v and_o act_v as_o a_o man._n a_o second_o part_n of_o holiness_n regard_v god_n as_o its_o immediate_a object_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o in_o dependence_n and_o self-resignation_n in_o contemplation_n and_o devotion_n as_o to_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o whoever_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o any_o sin_n must_v be_v a_o enemy_n or_o at_o least_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o the_o infidel_n know_v no_o god_n and_o the_o wicked_a will_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o approach_z one_o their_o gild_n or_o their_o aversion_n keep_v they_o from_o it_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o all_o the_o several_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o he_o and_o set_v up_o other_o god_n in_o his_o room_n hence_o the_o covetous_a be_v pronounce_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n col._n 3.5_o and_o the_o luxurious_a and_o unclean_a be_v say_v to_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n and_o to_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n phil._n 3.19_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o poor_a man_n discern_v that_o he_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o false_a good_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v in_o all_o his_o expectation_n by_o the_o world_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n be_v his_o proper_a and_o his_o sovereign_a good_a how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o turn_v his_o desire_n and_o hope_n from_o the_o creature_n upon_o the_o creator_n how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o contemplate_v his_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n to_o thirst_v impatient_o for_o his_o favour_n and_o dread_v his_o displeasure_n and_o such_o a_o man_n will_v certain_o make_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o great_a part_n at_o least_o of_o the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o life_n with_o this_o he_o will_v begin_v and_o with_o this_o he_o will_v end_v the_o day_n nor_o will_v he_o rest_v here_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v ever_o and_o anon_o mount_v towards_o heaven_n in_o ejaculation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v scarce_o any_o action_n any_o event_n that_o will_v not_o excite_v he_o to_o praise_n and_o adore_v god_n or_o engage_v he_o in_o some_o wise_a reflection_n on_o his_o attribute_n but_o all_o this_o will_v the_o loose_a and_o atheistical_a say_v may_v be_v well_o spare_v it_o be_v only_o a_o vain_a and_o idle_a amusement_n war_n and_o peace_n business_n and_o trade_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o it_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n may_v stand_v and_o flourish_v and_o sensible_a man_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o happy_a without_o it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v religion_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a virtue_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n law_n will_v want_v the_o better_a part_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o they_o be_v not_o enforce_v by_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n the_o wise_a counsel_n will_v have_v no_o effect_n do_v not_o virtue_n and_o religion_n help_v to_o execute_v they_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v dissolve_v and_o burst_v to_o piece_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v and_o hold_v in_o by_o these_o bond_n and_o wickedness_n will_v reduce_v the_o world_n to_o one_o great_a solitude_n and_o ruin_n be_v it_o not_o temper_v and_o restrain_v not_o only_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o example_n but_o by_o the_o supplication_n and_o intercession_n too_o of_o devout_a men._n final_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n fit_a for_o none_o to_o make_v but_o the_o sottish_a and_o the_o ignorant_a man_n of_o desperate_a confidence_n and_o little_a knowledge_n for_o who_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o consider_v by_o what_o motive_n mankind_n have_v ever_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v most_o strong_o affect_v by_o what_o principle_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v how_o great_a a_o interest_n even_o superstition_n have_v have_v either_o in_o the_o civilise_n and_o reform_v barbarous_a nation_n or_o the_o martial_a success_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o monarchy_n and_o the_o like_a whoever_o i_o say_v be_v able_a to_o reflect_v though_o but_o slight_o on_o these_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o demand_v what_o the_o use_n of_o religion_n be_v or_o to_o imagine_v it_o possible_a to_o root_v up_o its_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n the_o three_o part_n of_o holiness_n regard_v our_o neighbour_n and_o consist_v
this_o chapter_n be_v grow_v much_o too_o big_a already_o and_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v on_o nothing_o more_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o whatever_o advice_n will_v secure_v the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o liberty_n will_v consequent_o secure_v the_o whole_a i_o will_v therefore_o close_v this_o chapter_n here_o with_o a_o brief_a exhortation_n to_o endeavour_v after_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n how_o many_o and_o powerful_a motive_n have_v we_o to_o it_o will_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n let_v we_o dam_v up_o the_o source_n of_o they_o which_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n let_v we_o disarm_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o this_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o perfect_v and_o accomplish_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o excellent_a quality_n it_o be_v righteousness_n wherein_o consist_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o cleanse_n ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o must_v transform_v we_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n will_v we_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a fortune_n it_o be_v righteousness_n that_o will_v make_v we_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o conquest_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o abound_a in_o good_a work_n that_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a towards_o god_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o we_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v we_o ambitious_a of_o honour_n let_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v virtue_n only_o that_o be_v true_o honourable_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o so_o noble_a a_o relation_n for_o this_o ally_n we_o to_o god_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v they_o only_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v rule_v and_o animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n these_o be_v they_o in_o a_o word_n who_o have_v overcome_v and_o will_v one_o day_n sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n even_o as_o he_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_v set_v down_o with_o his_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n rev._n 3.21_o good_a god_n how_o absurd_a and_o perverse_a all_o our_o desire_n and_o project_n be_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o hug_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o cherish_v those_o vice_n who_o fatal_a wound_n be_v ever_o big_a with_o numerous_a and_o intolerable_a plague_n we_o fear_v death_n and_o will_v get_v rid_v of_o this_o fear_n not_o by_o disarm_v but_o sharpen_v its_o sting_n not_o by_o subdue_a but_o forget_v it_o we_o love_v wealth_n and_o treasure_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v temporal_a not_o eternal_a we_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o but_o we_o seek_v not_o that_o which_o come_v from_o god_n only_o we_o be_v fond_a of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o wander_v from_o those_o path_n of_o wisdom_n which_o alone_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o for_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v this_o christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v man_n true_o free_a not_o the_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o no_o man_n but_o to_o no_o sin_n not_o the_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v we_o true_o great_a and_o true_o glorious_a for_o this_o alone_a render_v we_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o easie_n to_o our_o self_n benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n and_o delightsome_a at_o home_n it_o be_v christian_n liberty_n make_v we_o true_o prosperous_a true_o fortunate_a because_o it_o make_v we_o true_o happy_a fill_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v we_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n iu._n of_o liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o original_a sin_n whatever_o difficulty_n the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n real_o be_v involve_v in_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o some_o to_o be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o concern_v i_o who_o be_o no_o further_o oblige_v to_o consider_v it_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v much_o dispute_n about_o original_a sin_n there_o be_v little_a or_o none_o about_o original_a corruption_n the_o reality_n of_o this_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v though_o the_o gild_n the_o sinfulness_n or_o immorality_n of_o it_o be_v controvert_v and_o though_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n concern_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o eternity_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o make_v but_o that_o it_o incite_v and_o instigate_v we_o to_o actual_a sin_n and_o be_v the_o seed-plot_n of_o human_a folly_n and_o wickedness_n all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o strong_a propension_n in_o our_o nature_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n that_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n wherein_o consist_v righteousness_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v that_o we_o have_v appetite_n which_o clash_n with_o and_o oppose_v the_o command_n of_o god_n not_o only_a when_o they_o threaten_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o confession_n and_o martyrdom_n but_o also_o when_o they_o only_o prune_v its_o luxuriancy_n and_o extravagance_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o desire_v sensitive_a pleasure_n but_o even_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o hurry_v and_o transport_v we_o beyond_o the_o bound_n that_o reason_n and_o religion_n set_v we_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o aversion_n for_o pain_n and_o toil_n and_o death_n but_o to_o that_o excess_n that_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o renounce_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o carnal_a ease_n and_o temporal_a safety_n and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o reveal_v truth_n so_o prone_a to_o terminate_v our_o thought_n on_o and_o confine_v our_o desire_n within_o this_o visible_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o no_o other_o than_o the_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o that_o this_o make_v we_o selfish_a and_o sordid_a proud_a and_o ambitious_a false_a subtle_a and_o contentious_a to_o the_o endless_a disturbance_n of_o mankind_n and_o ourselves_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o this_o be_v the_o corruption_n we_o labour_v under_o all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o do_v a_o controversy_n arise_v about_o this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o appeal_v any_o further_a for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o than_o to_o one_o own_o experience_n this_o will_v tell_v every_o one_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o fact_n and_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v consult_v it_o will_v tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v so_o for_o what_o other_o than_o this_o can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n who_o enter_v the_o world_n with_o a_o soul_n so_o dark_a and_o destitute_a of_o divine_a light_n so_o deep_o immerce_v and_o plunge_v into_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o tender_o and_o intimate_o affect_v by_o bodily_a sensation_n and_o with_o a_o body_n so_o adapt_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o fasten_v to_o it_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o interest_n convenience_n and_o necessity_n this_o account_n of_o original_a corruption_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o of_o it_o rom._n 7._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o with_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n on_o which_o he_o build_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n joh._n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n have_v thus_o brief_o explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o original_a sin_n i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o far_o this_o distemper_n of_o nature_n be_v curable_a 2._o which_o way_n this_o cure_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v as_o to_o the_o first_o enquiry_n i_o will_v
world_n we_o project_n for_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v this_o produce_v but_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n we_o must_v meditate_v heavenly_a thing_n we_o must_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o inward_a and_o heavenly_a pleasure_n if_o we_o will_v have_v heavenly_a mind_n we_o must_v let_v no_o day_n pass_v wherein_o we_o must_v not_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o body_n and_o sequester_v ourselves_o from_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n this_o will_v soon_o enable_v we_o to_o disdain_v the_o low_a and_o beggarly_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o make_v we_o long_o to_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o corruptible_a body_n to_o breath_n in_o pure_a air_n and_o take_v our_o fill_n of_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a pleasure_n i_o have_v insist_v thus_o long_o on_o the_o cure_n of_o original_a sin_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n but_o also_o because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o affinity_n between_o this_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o i_o be_o next_o to_o speak_v to_o that_o the_o same_o remedy_n may_v be_v prescribe_v to_o both_o so_o that_o i_o be_o already_o ease_v of_o a_o part_n of_o the_o labour_n which_o i_o must_v otherwise_o have_v under-gone_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n i_o be_o now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o my_o own_o method_n oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o his_o happiness_n but_o have_v sect._n 1_o chap._n 4._o discourse_v at_o large_a of_o the_o subserviency_n of_o perfection_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o in_o sect._n 2._o chap._n 3._o of_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a liberty_n in_o general_n i_o have_v the_o less_o need_n to_o say_v much_o here_o on_o this_o head_n yet_o i_o can_v whole_o forbear_v say_v something_o of_o it_o the_o conquest_n over_o original_a corruption_n such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v it_o raises_z man_z to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o perfection_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o make_v he_o approach_v the_o near_a that_o mortality_n can_v to_o the_o life_n of_o angel_n and_o plant_v he_o on_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n where_o grace_n and_o joy_n and_o glory_n shine_v always_o on_o he_o with_o more_o direct_a and_o strong_a ray_n now_o be_v virtue_n true_o lovely_a and_o true_o happy_a now_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v never_o interrupt_v its_o joy_n never_o over_o cast_n it_o enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a calm_a within_o and_o sparkle_v with_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n that_o can_v be_v counterfeit_v can_v be_v equal_v some_o faint_a and_o partial_a resemblance_n i_o confess_v of_o this_o virtue_n or_o rather_o of_o this_o state_n or_o consummation_n of_o it_o have_v i_o though_o very_o rare_o see_v in_o some_o masterly_a stroke_n of_o nature_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o some_o that_o sweetness_n of_o temper_n in_o other_o that_o coldness_n and_o absolute_a command_n over_o themselves_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o in_o several_a that_o innate_a modesty_n and_o humility_n that_o natural_a indifference_n for_o the_o power_n honour_n and_o grandeur_n of_o life_n that_o i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v pronounce_v that_o they_o have_v so_o far_o each_o of_o they_o escape_v the_o contagion_n of_o original_a corruption_n and_o can_v not_o but_o bless_v and_o love_v they_o but_o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o these_o creature_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o of_o grace_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o one_o be_v confine_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a disposition_n but_o that_o of_o the_o other_o be_v in_o its_o degree_n universal_a the_o perfection_n of_o the_o one_o have_v indeed_o as_o much_o charm_n in_o it_o as_o pure_a nature_n can_v have_v but_o the_o other_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o something_o divine_a in_o it_o it_o have_v a_o heavenly_a tincture_n which_o add_v something_o of_o sacredness_n and_o majesty_n to_o it_o that_o nature_n want_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o one_o be_v indeed_o easy_a to_o its_o self_n and_o amiable_a to_o other_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o other_o be_v joy_n and_o glory_n within_o and_o command_v a_o veneration_n as_o well_o as_o love_n from_o all_o it_o converse_v with_o bless_a state_n when_o shall_v i_o attain_v thy_o lovely_a innocence_n when_o shall_v i_o enter_v into_o thy_o divine_a rest_n when_o shall_v i_o arrive_v at_o thy_o security_n thy_o pleasure_n chap._n v._o of_o liberty_n with_o respect_n to_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n this_o be_v a_o subject_a wherein_o the_o very_a be_v of_o holiness_n or_o virtue_n the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v deep_o interest_v for_o if_o we_o allow_v of_o such_o sin_n for_o venial_a as_o real_o be_v not_o so_o we_o destroy_v the_o notion_n or_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n endanger_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v a_o reflection_n upon_o god_n as_o a_o favourer_n of_o impiety_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o assert_v those_o sin_n damnable_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o we_o miserable_o perplex_v and_o disturb_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n represent_v he_o as_o a_o severe_a and_o intolerable_a master_n but_o how_o important_a soever_o this_o subject_n be_v there_o be_v no_o other_o i_o think_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o divinity_n wherein_o so_o many_o writer_n have_v be_v so_o unfortunate_o engage_v so_o that_o it_o be_v overgrow_v with_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n with_o confusion_n and_o obscurity_n and_o numberless_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n this_o i_o have_v think_v necessary_a to_o observe_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o my_o discourse_n not_o to_o insult_v the_o performance_n of_o other_o or_o to_o raise_v in_o the_o reader_n any_o great_a expectation_n for_o my_o own_o but_o indeed_o for_o a_o quite_o contrary_a reason_n namely_o to_o dispose_v he_o to_o a_o favourable_a reception_n of_o what_o i_o here_o offer_v towards_o the_o render_v the_o doctrine_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n intelligible_a and_o prevent_v the_o disservice_n which_o mistake_v about_o it_o do_v to_o religion_n by_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_n papist_n and_o protestant_n do_v i_o think_v understand_v such_o sin_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n from_o which_o the_o best_a man_n be_v never_o entire_o free_v in_o this_o life_n though_o they_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o they_o this_o then_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o sin_n sin_n in_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a live_v and_o die_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v what_o these_o be_v what_o it_o be_v that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o damnable_a or_o mortal_a one_o 3._o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o extend_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o that_o the_o best_a man_n be_v not_o without_o error_n without_o defect_n and_o fail_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o past_a life_n or_o unregenerate_a state_n but_o their_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a one_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o can_v one_o will_v think_v be_v controvert_v for_o what_o understanding_n be_v there_o which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o error_n what_o will_v that_o do_v not_o feel_v something_o of_o impotence_n something_o of_o irregularity_n what_o affection_n that_o be_v mere_o human_a be_v ever_o constant_a ever_o raise_v where_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o have_v no_o scruple_n no_o diffidence_n the_o love_n that_o have_v no_o defect_n no_o remission_n the_o hope_n that_o have_v no_o fear_n in_o it_o what_o be_v the_o state_n which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o ignorance_n inadvertency_n surprise_v infirmity_n where_o be_v the_o obedience_n that_o have_v no_o reluctancy_n no_o remissness_n no_o deviation_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o whether_o man_n will_v or_o no_o they_o can_v choose_v but_o feel_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o holy_a of_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o pretention_n of_o the_o quaker_n to_o a_o sinless_a and_o perfect_a state_n be_v abundant_o confute_v by_o that_o answer_n one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o they_o make_v to_o a_o objection_n which_o charge_v they_o with_o arrogate_a and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n viz._n 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 of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o desert_n and_o betray_v not_o defend_v their_o cause_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o as_o to_o
appearance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o a_o sincere_a man_n who_o do_v indeed_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n shall_v swallow_v a_o camel_n he_o that_o preserve_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n as_o he_o will_v have_v a_o aversion_n for_o small_a sin_n so_o will_v he_o have_v a_o horror_n for_o great_a one_o three_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v possess_v and_o awe_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o a_o slight_a and_o transient_a but_o a_o deep_a and_o last_a one_o the_o psalmist_n be_v not_o content_a to_o say_v i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judment_n but_o to_o express_v how_o thorough_o this_o fear_n have_v seize_v he_o he_o add_v my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o psal_n 119._o and_o certain_o this_o fear_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o impenetrable_a armour_n which_o extinguish_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o suddenness_n or_o the_o briskness_n of_o a_o temptation_n unless_o we_o first_o lie_v aside_o this_o shield_n four_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v always_o on_o our_o watch_n and_o guard_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o relax_v our_o discipline_n if_o we_o live_v secure_a and_o careless_a if_o we_o rash_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o danger_n our_o sin_n then_o will_v be_v but_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o folly_n and_o therefore_o one_o error_n can_v be_v a_o excuse_n or_o a_o apology_n for_o another_o i_o think_v therefore_o the_o apology_n of_o surprise_n shall_v be_v confine_v and_o limit_v to_o slight_a offence_n it_o can_v proper_o have_v room_n in_o great_a one_o or_o if_o it_o have_v it_o may_v be_v urge_v in_o mitigation_n of_o our_o punishment_n but_o never_o i_o doubt_v for_o total_a impunity_n 3._o last_o venial_a sin_n have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o disadvantageous_a circumstance_n of_o our_o state_n here_o come_v in_o the_o failure_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o duty_n if_o these_o can_v be_v proper_o reckon_v for_o sin_n i_o say_v if_o they_o can_v for_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o love_n by_o that_o law_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n therefore_o whatsoever_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o absolute_a degree_n of_o love_n be_v a_o sin_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n whatever_o be_v short_a of_o perfection_n will_v be_v sin_n we_o must_v love_v nothing_o better_o than_o god_n nothing_o equal_a to_o he_o this_o will_v constitute_v we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sincerity_n what_o be_v further_o require_v be_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o pursue_v after_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a degree_n of_o love_n but_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o attain_v they_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o our_o fall_a short_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v proper_o reckon_v among_o sin_n when_o they_o spring_v from_o defect_n of_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n and_o if_o these_o defect_n be_v such_o as_o can_v consist_v with_o sincerity_n then_o be_v the_o imperfection_n or_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o virtue_n pardonable_a and_o then_o only_o here_o again_o fall_v in_o omission_n wander_a thought_n dulness_n and_o heaviness_n in_o duty_n the_o short_a titillation_n of_o some_o irregular_a fancy_n forgetfulness_n slight_a and_o short_a fit_n of_o envy_n discontent_n anger_n ambition_n gaiety_n of_o mind_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o disciple_n fall_v asleep_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v pray_v mat._n 26._o and_o david_n pray_v quicken_v thou_o i_o psal_n 119._o thus_o his_o soul_n too_o be_v often_o cast_v down_o and_o disquiet_v within_o he_o psal_n 42._o 2_o chron._n 30.18_o 19_o job_n curse_a the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n in_o short_a our_o nature_n be_v human_a not_o angelical_a and_o our_o state_n be_v full_a of_o variety_n of_o accident_n that_o they_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o discompose_v the_o mind_n and_o divert_v it_o from_o its_o great_a end_n the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o a_o unlucky_a constitution_n or_o a_o distemper_n the_o multitude_n or_o confusion_n of_o affair_n the_o violence_n or_o the_o length_n of_o trial_n the_o ease_n and_o flattery_n of_o prosperity_n the_o weariness_n of_o the_o body_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n the_o incommodiousness_n of_o fortune_n roughness_n of_o conversation_n these_o and_o a_o thousand_o other_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v defect_n and_o failure_n in_o our_o obedience_n short_a disorder_n in_o our_o affection_n and_o such_o emotion_n and_o eruption_n as_o abundant_o prove_v the_o best_a to_o be_v but_o man_n and_o the_o high_a perfection_n if_o it_o be_v but_o human_a to_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a i_o think_v i_o have_v now_o omit_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o form_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n my_o next_o business_n therefore_o be_v to_o consider_v s._n 3._o how_o far_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o venial_a sin_n aught_o to_o be_v extend_v there_o be_v great_a affinity_n between_o venial_a and_o original_a sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a man_n liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o consist_v in_o much_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o same_o method_n so_o that_o i_o may_v well_o enough_o dismiss_v this_o subject_a and_o pass_v on_o to_o mortal_a sin_n but_o reflect_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o sin_n and_o yet_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o think_v well_o of_o ourselves_o i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o guard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o venial_a sin_n by_o some_o few_o rule_n which_o may_v at_o once_o serve_v to_o secure_v our_o sincerity_n and_o point_n out_o the_o perfection_n we_o be_v to_o aspire_v to_o one_a then_o if_o we_o will_v prevent_v any_o fatal_a event_n of_o sin_n flow_v from_o ignorance_n we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o our_o ignorance_n itself_o be_v not_o criminal_a and_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v if_o our_o heart_n be_v sincere_o dispose_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o if_o we_o use_v moral_a diligence_n to_o know_v it_o if_o we_o be_v impartial_a humble_a and_o honest_a and_o have_v that_o concern_v for_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n proportionable_a to_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o the_o ignorance_n that_o arise_v from_o natural_a incapacity_n or_o want_v of_o sufficient_a revelation_n be_v invincible_a and_o therefore_o innocent_a joh._n 9.41_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o if_o you_o be_v blind_a you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v and_o 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n this_o rule_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n in_o general_n and_o more_o legible_a and_o conspicuous_a line_n of_o duty_n both_o which_o notwithstanding_o there_o may_v be_v room_n for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n to_o enter_v where_o mortal_a one_o can_v there_o may_v be_v imperfect_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o latent_fw-la prejudices_fw-la there_o may_v be_v instance_n of_o duty_n of_o a_o slight_a moment_n there_o may_v be_v several_a circumstance_n and_o small_a emergency_n that_o may_v either_o be_v without_o the_o aim_n or_o escape_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o moral_a search_n that_o be_v of_o a_o human_a one_o which_o though_o it_o be_v without_o hypocrisy_n be_v yet_o not_o without_o more_o or_o less_o frailty_n as_o to_o perfection_n it_o differ_v in_o this_o as_o it_o do_v in_o other_o case_n from_o sincerity_n only_o in_o the_o degree_n by_o which_o it_o be_v advance_v above_o it_o he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v search_v for_o wisdom_n as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n his_o delight_n must_v be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n must_v be_v meditate_v day_n and_o night_n his_o thirst_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v more_o eager_a and_o impatient_a his_o diligence_n more_o wakeful_a more_o circumspect_a more_o particular_a more_o steady_a and_o constant_a than_o that_o of_o the_o beginner_n or_o of_o one_o who_o be_v no_o far_o advance_v than_o such_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o sincerity_n will_v carry_v he_o 2_o sin_n that_o be_v occasion_v by_o surprise_n and_o inadvertency_n will_v not_o prove_v destructive_a if_o the_o inadvertency_n itself_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n innocent_a that_o be_v first_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o
of_o man_n who_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o character_n and_o condemnation_n not_o because_o they_o perform_v no_o duty_n but_o because_o their_o performance_n of_o they_o be_v depretiate_v by_o coldness_n and_o formality_n man_n who_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o inward_a spiritual_a life_n man_n who_o do_v general_o observe_v the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o with_o so_o little_a gust_n with_o such_o indifference_n and_o lukewarmness_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o useful_a to_o themselves_o this_o state_n of_o deadness_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o more_o general_o as_o it_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n or_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o or_o that_o instance_n of_o religion_n 1._o when_o it_o be_v so_o general_a that_o the_o bend_v and_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v for_o want_v of_o relish_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n pervert_v and_o deprave_v when_o we_o have_v no_o design_n drive_v on_o no_o end_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o great_a and_o manifest_a obligation_n of_o god_n when_o we_o have_v no_o joy_n or_o pleasure_n no_o thirst_v or_o appetite_n that_o do_v true_o become_v a_o christian_a when_o we_o make_v no_o progress_n no_o advance_n towards_o our_o great_a end_n when_o our_o discourse_n and_o employment_n have_v no_o tincture_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o no_o tendency_n to_o edification_n i_o think_v we_o may_v then_o bold_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o carnality_n and_o death_n and_o that_o this_o want_n of_o relish_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n proceed_v from_o a_o real_a want_n of_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o true_a illumination_n for_o be_v the_o mind_n once_o true_o enlighten_v be_v it_o once_o clear_o convince_v firm_o and_o habitual_o persuade_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v notion_n different_a from_o those_o of_o worldly_a carnal_a man_n so_o will_v there_o consequent_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o design_n of_o our_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n and_o as_o necessary_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o of_o our_o conversation_n whoever_o therefore_o find_v this_o general_a stupidity_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n let_v he_o not_o flatter_v himself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v a_o corrupt_a carnal_a and_o blind_a heart_n his_o performance_n proceed_v not_o from_o true_a principle_n and_o have_v not_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v as_o different_a from_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_a as_o the_o civility_n and_o compliment_n of_o a_o well-bred_a acquaintance_n from_o the_o substantial_a office_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o affectionate_a friend_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o will_v take_v the_o least_o pain_n to_o examine_v himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v it_o for_o whoever_o will_v act_v honest_o and_o impartial_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n on_o himself_o upon_o the_o bare_a performance_n of_o some_o relative_a or_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o inquire_v first_o what_o virtue_n he_o practice_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o expense_n hazard_n or_o travel_v what_o work_v of_o piety_n or_o charity_n he_o perform_v and_o what_o proportion_n they_o bear_v to_o his_o ability_n next_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o design_n and_o end_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o all_o his_o religious_a performance_n whether_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o welfare_n of_o man_n and_o his_o own_o improvement_n and_o growth_n in_o goodness_n or_o whether_o he_o do_v this_o mere_o to_o acquit_v himself_o of_o a_o task_n and_o discharge_v himself_o of_o what_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o a_o duty_n though_o he_o find_v no_o pleasure_n no_o advantage_n in_o it_o three_o he_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o duty_n what_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n he_o have_v for_o righteousness_n what_o warmth_n ardour_n elevation_n or_o earnestness_n of_o mind_n accompany_v his_o performance_n what_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n his_o reflection_n on_o they_o or_o whether_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o burden_n to_o he_o or_o something_o to_o which_o custom_n only_o reconcile_v he_o last_o he_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o operation_n what_o influence_n his_o religious_a performance_n have_v upon_o he_o prayer_n hear_v read_v and_o suchlike_a duty_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n increase_v our_o love_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o confirm_v our_o hope_n and_o therefore_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o discharge_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o that_o sincerity_n they_o ought_v he_o therefore_o that_o will_v examine_v himself_o aright_o must_v not_o ask_v himself_o how_o often_o he_o read_v how_o often_o he_o hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o rest_v there_o but_o must_v ask_v himself_o what_o effect_v these_o performance_n have_v have_v upon_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o will_v soon_o discern_v if_o he_o demand_v of_o himself_o what_o the_o bent_n and_o scope_n of_o his_o life_n be_v how_o much_o he_o advance_v and_o improve_v in_o the_o conquest_n of_o any_o vice_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o any_o virtue_n what_o he_o love_v or_o what_o he_o hate_v what_o esteem_v he_o have_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o men._n and_o in_o a_o word_n how_o he_o follow_v after_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o how_o he_o increase_v in_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n 2._o lukewarmness_n or_o coldness_n may_v be_v consider_v more_o particular_o as_o it_o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n in_o hear_v read_v prayer_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o deadness_n in_o these_o duty_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o be_v a_o plain_a symptom_n of_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o common_a that_o they_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o make_v little_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v little_o concern_v for_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o complain_n of_o lifelessness_n in_o duty_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o this_o complaint_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a evil_n to_o such_o for_o it_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n damp_n the_o cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o their_o service_n and_o clog_n and_o encumber_n their_o religion_n with_o needless_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n some_o have_v go_v about_o to_o set_v this_o matter_n right_o very_o unskilful_o and_o whilst_o they_o have_v as_o they_o think_v shun_v enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o irregular_a heat_n have_v real_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n and_o talk_v of_o prayer_n and_o such_o other_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o can_v but_o reflect_v disadvantagious_o on_o themselves_o among_o such_o as_o be_v moderate_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n but_o what_o surprise_v i_o most_o be_v that_o some_o of_o very_a deserve_a repute_n have_v teach_v that_o the_o seek_v spiritual_a pleasure_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o perfection_n that_o heat_n and_o ardour_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n do_v often_o happen_v to_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o very_o seldom_o to_o the_o perfect_a but_o my_o business_n not_o be_v to_o combat_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n but_o to_o advance_v truth_n in_o the_o most_o charitable_a and_o in_o the_o most_o effectual_a manner_n that_o i_o can_v therefore_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n which_o have_v bias_v any_o on_o this_o subject_a i_o will_v lay_v down_o two_o or_o three_o proposition_n which_o will_v i_o hope_v clear_v this_o matter_n and_o promote_v the_o design_n i_o be_o now_o carry_v on_o 1._o then_o lifelessness_n or_o lukewarmness_n in_o these_o duty_n must_v never_o be_v constant_a there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o habitual_a and_o accidental_a coldness_n in_o duty_n the_o former_a be_v the_o symptom_n of_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a mind_n but_o not_o the_o latter_a many_o be_v the_o accident_n which_o
disturb_v and_o indispose_v the_o body_n many_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o distract_v and_o clog_v the_o mind_n from_o both_o which_o because_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v utter_o free_a in_o this_o world_n therefore_o our_o devotion_n will_v never_o be_v so_o constant_a and_o uniform_a but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v its_o interruption_n and_o allay_v and_o dulness_n and_o lifelessness_n will_v sometime_o seize_v upon_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n but_o then_o if_o this_o spiritual_a deadness_n in_o religious_a exercise_n be_v fix_v constant_a and_o habitual_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o true_a principle_n of_o grace_n within_o which_o shall_v never_o or_o very_o rare_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o sincerity_n and_o fervency_n of_o our_o devotion_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o that_o man_n who_o be_v general_o slight_a and_o superficial_a in_o his_o confession_n shall_v have_v a_o true_a compunction_n and_o sincere_a contrition_n for_o sin_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o be_v general_o indifferent_a formal_a and_o cold_a in_o his_o petition_n shall_v have_v a_o just_a sense_n either_o of_o his_o want_n or_o danger_n or_o a_o true_a value_n for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n be_v deadness_n in_o duty_n be_v either_o general_n or_o rare_a common_a or_o accidental_a if_o it_o befall_v we_o common_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a heart_n if_o rare_o it_o be_v not_o but_o if_o the_o return_v of_o life_n and_o deadness_n in_o duty_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o unconstant_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o prevail_v most_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o state_n also_o of_o such_o a_o man_n be_v very_o dubious_a 2._o duty_n must_v never_o be_v destitute_a of_o sincerity_n though_o it_o may_v of_o pleasure_n and_o transport_v it_o must_v never_o be_v without_o seriousness_n and_o concernment_n though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o defective_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o ardency_n thus_o in_o prayer_n the_o tenderness_n and_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n dissolve_v in_o love_n and_o sorrow_n be_v a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n much_o above_o what_o the_o penitent_a common_o arrive_v at_o but_o a_o aversion_n for_o sin_n a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v be_v what_o he_o must_v not_o want_v so_o again_o joy_n and_o transport_n the_o ardour_n and_o exultancy_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o clear_a understanding_n a_o assure_a conscience_n a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o love_n and_o a_o strict_a life_n whoever_o therefore_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o one_o will_v general_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o other_o too_o but_o every_o christian_a that_o be_v true_o such_o must_v have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o want_n a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o please_v god_n a_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o a_o steady_a dependence_n upon_o it_o through_o christ_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o unite_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o lip_n in_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o make_v we_o in_o earnest_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n we_o perform_v and_o careful_a to_o intend_v the_o main_a end_n of_o they_o 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v general_o offer_v up_o with_o the_o tender_a and_o most_o exalt_a passion_n and_o a_o holy_a pleasure_n mingle_v itself_o in_o every_o part_n of_o his_o office_n his_o petition_n and_o praise_n his_o confession_n deprecation_n and_o confidence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o expression_n of_o warm_a and_o delightful_a passion_n and_o how_o can_v we_o well_o conceive_v it_o otherwise_o must_v not_o those_o praise_n and_o magnificate_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n and_o transport_n which_o flow_v from_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n from_o a_o long_a experience_n of_o his_o love_n and_o from_o the_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n can_v those_o deprecation_n and_o confidence_n want_v a_o heavenly_a calm_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n which_o rest_n upon_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n the_o promise_n of_o a_o immutable_a god_n and_o the_o pledge_n of_o his_o spirit_n can_v those_o confession_n want_v contrition_n that_o have_v all_o the_o tenderness_n that_o holy_a zeal_n and_o the_o humble_a reflection_n can_v inspire_v they_o with_o which_o be_v power_v forth_o by_o a_o soul_n enlighten_v purify_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n by_o a_o soul_n consequent_o that_o have_v the_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n of_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o that_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n can_v final_o those_o petition_n want_v desire_n and_o flame_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o soul_n that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n that_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n that_o pant_v after_o god_n that_o longâ—_n to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o as_o we_o may_v thus_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n collect_v what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n those_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n general_o be_v so_o may_v we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n and_o other_o demonstrate_v all_o this_o to_o be_v no_o vain_a speculation_n but_o real_a matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v true_a weight_n and_o dignity_n of_o matter_n gravity_n and_o significancy_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o character_n most_o conspicuous_a in_o public_a office_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a prayer_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n we_o find_v in_o they_o few_o or_o no_o figure_n of_o speech_n no_o vehemence_n of_o expression_n but_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o soul_n disengage_v as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o body_n retire_v from_o the_o world_n collect_v within_o itself_o raise_v by_o daily_a contemplation_n and_o accustom_a to_o converse_v with_o heaven_n flow_v natural_o and_o easy_o those_o great_a idea_n which_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n composure_n present_a to_o the_o mind_n inflame_v the_o desire_n awaken_v all_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n without_o any_o labour_n of_o imagination_n or_o artifice_n of_o word_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o my_o next_o business_n be_v to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o quit_v it_o and_o become_v sincere_a and_o zealous_a only_o i_o must_v first_o take_v notice_n by_o the_o way_n that_o beside_o idleness_n and_o lukewarmness_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o three_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o unfruitfulness_n which_o deserve_v never_o to_o be_v slight_v that_o be_v fickleness_n vnsteadiness_n or_o inconstancy_n many_o there_o be_v who_o often_o purpose_n project_n and_o resolve_v great_a matter_n but_o never_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n what_o they_o build_v one_o day_n they_o throw_v down_o another_o they_o put_v on_o as_o many_o various_a moral_a form_n as_o proteus_n in_o the_o poet_n do_v natural_a one_o sometime_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a of_o zeal_n at_o other_o time_n nothing_o but_o coldness_n and_o bare_a form_n sometime_o they_o be_v in_o the_o camp_n of_o virtue_n sometime_o in_o that_o of_o vice_n in_o a_o word_n they_o halt_v like_o the_o israelite_n between_o god_n and_o baal_n and_o be_v divide_v and_o distract_v between_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n between_o the_o check_n and_o incitement_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o some_o foolish_a inclination_n on_o the_o other_o this_o state_n i_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n too_o very_o often_o nor_o shall_v i_o forget_v it_o here_o but_o shall_v propose_v such_o a_o method_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o formality_n as_o may_v be_v also_o of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o all_o such_o as_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o true_o and_o thorough_o change_v but_o be_v only_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o only_o not_o altogether_o so_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o other_o this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v and_o 1._o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o lukewarmness_n and_o all_o abortive_a attempt_n after_o virtue_n flow_v 2._o i_o will_v show_v the_o folly_n gild_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o laodicean_n state_n §_o 1._o of_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v general_o four_n 1._o man_n find_v themselves_o under_o great_a difficulty_n in_o come_v up_o to_o