most_o sanctify_a nature_n and_o some_o venial_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o other_o may_v still_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n beside_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v or_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n seem_v to_o make_v way_n for_o more_o so_o that_o after_o all_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v as_o well_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o righteousness_n as_o his_o fortune_n be_v like_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o mean_v the_o day_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o attain_v it_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o section_n will_v all_o serve_v here_o therefore_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o offer_v of_o this_o sort_n only_o if_o i_o forget_v to_o pay_v that_o deference_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o just_o deserve_v i_o do_v it_o now_o and_o do_v earnest_o persuade_v my_o reader_n to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o only_o think_v this_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v a_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o but_o also_o high_o conducive_a to_o true_a perfection_n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o public_a ordinance_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n do_v mutual_o inflame_v and_o enkindle_v one_o another_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n seize_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o final_o that_o if_o the_o office_n of_o our_o liturgy_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o much_o indispose_v and_o very_o poor_o qualify_v for_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n chap._n x._o of_o zeal_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o good_a work_n and_o now_o let_v not_o any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o advance_v the_o illumination_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o knock_v off_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o raise_v he_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v above_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o life_n to_o scatter_v those_o lazy_a fog_n and_o mist_n which_o hang_v upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o enrich_v he_o with_o heroic_a virtue_n let_v no_o man_n i_o say_v fancy_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v all_o this_o that_o after_o all_o my_o perfect_a man_n may_v sit_v down_o like_o a_o epicurean_a god_n and_o enjoy_v himself_o may_v talk_v fine_o of_o solitary_a shade_n and_o garden_n and_o spend_v a_o precious_a life_n fit_v for_o the_o noble_a design_n in_o a_o sluggish_a retirement_n no_o no_o as_o virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o human_a life_n so_o be_v action_n the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o zeal_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o action_n which_o i_o require_v in_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n according_o the_o scripture_n describe_v this_o great_a this_o happy_a man_n as_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n such_o a_o one_o be_v moses_n mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o egyptian_n such_o a_o one_o be_v st._n stephen_n as_o full_a of_o a_o divine_a ardour_n and_o irresistible_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n as_o of_o a_o irresistible_a wisdom_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o excellent_a cornelius_n a_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o have_v transfuse_v and_o derive_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o bosom_n throughout_o his_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o friend_n too_o one_o that_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v instance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o all_o other_o the_o victory_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o charity_n the_o constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o hope_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n need_v i_o here_o distinguish_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o faction_n the_o cruelty_n of_o superstition_n from_o the_o wakeful_a and_o indefatigable_a activity_n of_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n from_o the_o unruly_a heat_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o from_o the_o implacable_a fury_n of_o revenge_n it_o need_v not_o no_o foolish_a no_o false_a fantastic_a earthly_a or_o devilish_a principle_n can_v counterfeit_v a_o divine_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o shine_v with_o such_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n with_o such_o a_o heavenly_a majesty_n and_o sweetness_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v imitate_v it_o it_o be_v always_o pursue_v good_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n it_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o it_o contend_v as_o earnest_o too_o to_o root_v out_o wickedness_n and_o implant_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o eager_a for_o the_o article_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o unconcern_v for_o catholic_n once_o when_o it_o press_v for_o reformation_n it_o begin_v at_o home_n and_o set_v a_o bright_a example_n of_o what_o it_o will_v recommend_v to_o other_o it_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a under_o its_o own_o affront_v but_o warm_a and_o bold_a against_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n though_o love_n fill_v its_o sail_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n give_v it_o ballast_n and_o it_o have_v no_o heat_n but_o what_o be_v temper_v and_o refract_v by_o charity_n and_o humility_n need_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n fix_v or_o state_n the_o various_a degree_n of_o zeal_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ardent_a thirst_n of_o promote_a the_o divine_a glory_n by_o the_o best_a work_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o more_o excellent_a the_o work_n and_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v the_o more_o perfect_a the_o more_o exalt_v the_o zeal_n that_o perform_v it_o when_o like_o mary_n we_o quit_v the_o cumber_n and_o distraction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o choose_v religion_n for_o our_o portion_n then_o do_v we_o love_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n when_o with_o the_o disciple_n we_o can_v say_v lord_n we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v so_o when_o we_o be_v continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n when_o if_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n church_n require_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v nothing_o our_o own_o when_o we_o be_v prepare_v if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o to_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n when_o nothing_o be_v dear_a nothing_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o god_n and_o holiness_n then_o have_v we_o reach_v the_o height_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o word_n zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n make_v perfect_a in_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v see_v it_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n we_o must_v contemplate_v it_o in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o heroick_n love_n how_o boundless_a be_v his_o love_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o how_o transcendent_a when_o a_o world_n of_o enemy_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o how_o indefatigable_a be_v his_o zeal_n how_o wakeful_a how_o meek_a how_o humble_a how_o firm_a and_o resolve_v his_o labour_n and_o travel_n his_o self-denial_n prayer_n and_o tear_n his_o silence_n and_o patience_n his_o agony_n and_o blood_n and_o charitable_a prayer_n pour_v out_o with_o it_o for_o his_o persecutor_n instruct_v we_o full_o what_o divine_a love_n what_o divine_a zeal_n be_v and_o now_o even_o at_o this_o time_n love_n reign_v in_o he_o as_o he_o reign_v in_o heaven_n love_n be_v still_o the_o predominant_a the_o darling_n passion_n of_o his_o soul_n worthy_a be_v thou_o o_o jesus_n to_o receive_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o dominion_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o thy_o father_n on_o his_o throne_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n because_o thou_o have_v love_v because_o thou_o have_v be_v zealous_a unto_o death_n because_o thou_o have_v overcome_v some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o have_v follow_v thy_o bright_a example_n though_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n first_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n next_o those_o belove_v and_o admire_v prince_n who_o have_v govern_v their_o kingdom_n in_o righteousness_n to_o who_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v far_o dear_a than_o pleasure_n than_o empire_n than_o absolute_a power_n or_o that_o ominous_a blaze_n that_o be_v now_o call_v glory_n and_o next_o follow_v hold_v this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o angel_n they_o must_v marshal_v the_o field_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o end_n
all_o our_o sinful_a or_o vain_a desire_n devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n and_o learn_v to_o expect_v happiness_n from_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o merit_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o cross_n so_o profound_a be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o institution_n that_o it_o evident_o speak_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o proclaim_v the_o too_o common_a neglect_n of_o it_o in_o most_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n a_o in-excusable_a sin_n and_o folly_n 3._o a_o three_o end_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o raise_n and_o keep_v up_o holy_a and_o devout_a affection_n i_o know_v not_o why_o passion_n be_v so_o common_o undervalue_v and_o disparage_v in_o religion_n unless_o they_o who_o thus_o treat_v it_o mean_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o a_o short-lived_a and_o superficial_a commotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o leave_v no_o print_n or_o relish_v behind_o it_o and_o be_v present_o succeed_v by_o sin_n and_o folly_n holy_a passion_n be_v the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o state_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v thorough_o move_v and_o affect_v and_o therefore_o to_o form_n to_o one_o self_a religion_n destitute_a of_o passion_n be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o content_v one_o self_n with_o one_o that_o be_v lazy_a lukewarm_a and_o lifeless_a and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o temper_n very_o unapt_a to_o be_v move_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v how_o even_o these_o can_v be_v wrought_v up_o to_o a_o resolution_n or_o that_o resolution_n be_v support_v and_o continue_v without_o their_o be_v affect_v so_o thorough_o as_o to_o feel_v either_o a_o real_a passion_n or_o something_o very_o near_o approach_v one_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v easy_o elevate_v and_o transport_v into_o holy_a passion_n and_o i_o find_v that_o all_o those_o virtue_n or_o rather_o act_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v describe_v to_o the_o life_n and_o which_o be_v by_o all_o judge_v most_o perfect_a and_o lovely_a have_v most_o of_o passion_n in_o they_o how_o warm_a and_o passionate_a be_v the_o love_n of_o david_n for_o his_o god_n what_o flame_n what_o vehemence_n of_o desire_n be_v he_o move_v by_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 42.1_o 2._o as_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n what_o awful_a concussion_n and_o agitation_n of_o spirit_n do_v he_o feel_v when_o he_o thus_o describe_v his_o fear_n my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n psal_n 119.120_o what_o affliction_n of_o soul_n what_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o repentance_n of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o weep_v bitter_o of_o mary_n magdalen_n or_o whoever_o that_o woman_n in_o luk._n 7._o be_v when_o she_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n when_o he_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n psal_n 6.6_o nor_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o assurance_n less_o sensible_a and_o vehement_a than_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n when_o the_o first_o christian_n rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o hope_n full_a of_o glory_n shall_v i_o here_o add_v that_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n that_o vehement_a desire_n of_o make_v some_o reparation_n for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n that_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a character_n of_o perfection_n itself_o shall_v i_o call_v these_o passion_n i_o must_v not_o for_o though_o they_o have_v the_o heat_n and_o agitation_n of_o passion_n they_o have_v in_o they_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadiness_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o those_o other_o excellent_a affection_n of_o soul_n which_o i_o before_o name_v can_v be_v render_v natural_a and_o habitual_a the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o this_o undoubted_o the_o perfect_a i_o doubt_v mortality_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o such_o height_n but_o the_o more_o frequent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o more_o vehement_a and_o fervent_a the_o better_a certain_o for_o great_a be_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o holy_a passion_n the_o flame_n of_o love_n refine_v our_o nature_n and_o purify_v it_o from_o all_o its_o dross_n the_o tear_n of_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n extinguish_v all_o our_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o agitation_n of_o fear_n preserve_v the_o chastity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o our_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v animate_v by_o holy_a passion_n that_o the_o more_o frequent_a and_o natural_a these_o grow_v the_o more_o perfect_a we_o be_v that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v sensible_o and_o thorough_o affect_v by_o divine_a truth_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v attain_v to_o this_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o great_a and_o important_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a truth_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o affect_v we_o and_o that_o thorough_o unless_o lust_n or_o infidelity_n have_v render_v we_o stupid_a and_o impenetrable_a and_o that_o gospel_n truth_n be_v such_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o let_v the_o conviction_n be_v full_a the_o representation_n lively_a and_o the_o truth_n will_v do_v its_o work_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o such_o circumstance_n and_o such_o sensible_a notion_n of_o a_o object_n as_o may_v strike_v the_o imagination_n for_o want_v of_o close_a and_o particular_a application_n when_o divine_a truth_n do_v not_o move_v we_o this_o now_o do_v not_o only_o call_v we_o to_o the_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o the_o most_o affect_v subject_n the_o majesty_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n but_o it_o show_v also_o how_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o meditation_n that_o they_o prove_v not_o cold_a and_o sluggish_a let_v the_o object_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o sensible_a image_n or_o resemblance_n let_v it_o be_v clad_v with_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n let_v it_o be_v make_v as_o particular_a as_o it_o can_v by_o fix_v its_o eye_n upon_o we_o and_o point_v its_o motion_n towards_o we_o but_o above_o all_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o strong_a prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n very_o apt_a to_o move_v the_o passion_n the_o mind_n have_v disengage_v itself_o from_o all_o earthly_a and_o bodily_a affection_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o impression_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o draw_v near_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o shed_v a_o awful_a reverence_n upon_o it_o it_o have_v a_o clear_a calm_a and_o more_o serious_a view_n of_o divine_a thing_n then_o when_o it_o be_v obscure_v and_o disturb_v by_o worldly_a object_n in_o a_o word_n meditation_n be_v in_o this_o exercise_n render_v more_o solemn_a and_o more_o particular_a and_o when_o the_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o dilate_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o till_o the_o strength_n of_o desire_n the_o vehemence_n of_o holy_a love_n transcend_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o mortal_a nature_n we_o faint_v under_o the_o passion_n that_o we_o can_v bear_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o holy_a rite_n wonderful_o adapt_v to_o raise_v excellent_a passion_n here_o christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o crucify_a among_o we_o we_o see_v his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n pour_v forth_o here_o with_o a_o devout_a joy_n we_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o those_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o ill_o prepare_v it_o must_v have_v very_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n grace_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o a_o crow_v of_o holy_a passion_n spring_v up_o in_o it_o at_o this_o sacrament_n hymn_n and_o psalm_n have_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o natural_a magic_n a_o peculiar_a force_n and_o operation_n upon_o a_o pious_a mind_n divine_a poetry_n have_v a_o noble_a elevation_n of_o thought_n it_o do_v not_o devise_v and_o counterfeit_v passion_n but_o only_o vent_v those_o which_o it_o feel_v and_o these_o be_v pure_a and_o lovely_a kindle_v from_o above_o therefore_o be_v all_o its_o character_n natural_a its_o description_n lively_a its_o language_n move_v and_o powerful_a and_o all_o be_v
no_o evil_a to_o himself_o nor_o provoke_v any_o unnecessary_a danger_n his_o virtue_n effectual_o do_v that_o which_o atheism_n attempt_v in_o vain_a dispel_v the_o terror_n of_o a_o invisible_a power_n he_o need_v not_o drown_v the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n by_o wine_n or_o noise_n or_o the_o toil_n of_o life_n it_o speak_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v kind_a and_o oblige_a it_o be_v his_o comforter_n not_o his_o persecutor_n and_o as_o to_o this_o world_n he_o reap_v that_o satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n from_o the_o moderation_n of_o his_o affection_n which_o ambition_n and_o avarice_n do_v in_o vain_a promise_n themselves_o from_o preferment_n or_o the_o increase_n of_o wealth_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o state_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n exempt_a from_o evil_a it_o must_v be_v that_o of_o the_o perfect_a man._n but_o he_o know_v the_o world_n too_o well_o to_o flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o indolence_n or_o a_o undisturbed_a tranquillity_n here_o below_o and_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v delude_v by_o vain_a hope_n as_o from_o be_v scare_v by_o vain_a fear_n or_o torture_v and_o distend_v by_o vain_a desire_n he_o know_v the_o world_n have_v its_o evil_n and_o that_o they_o can_v whole_o be_v avoid_v he_o know_v it_o and_o dare_v behold_v they_o with_o open_a eye_n survey_v their_o force_n and_o feel_v and_o try_v their_o edge_n and_o then_o when_o he_o have_v collect_v his_o own_o strength_n and_o call_v in_o the_o aid_n of_o heaven_n he_o shrink_v not_o nor_o despond_v but_o meet_v evil_a with_o that_o courage_n and_o bear_v it_o with_o that_o evenness_n of_o mind_n that_o he_o seem_v even_o in_o his_o affliction_n near_o to_o indolence_n than_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n in_o his_o prosperity_n so_o that_o i_o can_v forbear_v profess_v there_o appear_v so_o much_o beauty_n so_o much_o loveliness_n in_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_n of_o life_n that_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o be_v there_o no_o other_o i_o shall_v admire_v and_o prefer_v his_o virtue_n above_o any_o possession_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o compare_v the_o saint_n and_o sinner_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o but_o very_o brief_o the_o wise_a man_n eye_n say_v solomon_n eccles_n 2.14_o be_v in_o his_o head_n but_o the_o fool_n walk_v in_o darkness_n the_o wise_a man_n see_v that_o he_o have_v enemy_n i_o mean_v evil_n and_o therefore_o he_o inform_v himself_o well_o of_o their_o strength_n observe_v their_o motion_n and_o prepare_v for_o the_o encounter_n but_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o sinner_n life_n and_o his_o most_o admire_a quality_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o evil_a till_o it_o crush_v he_o with_o its_o weight_n but_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o fool_n enough_o to_o arrive_v at_o this_o degree_n of_o brutality_n then_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o report_n of_o the_o most_o distant_a evil_n or_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a reach_v his_o ear_n how_o it_o fill_v his_o imagination_n how_o it_o shake_v his_o heart_n and_o how_o it_o embitter_v his_o pleasure_n and_o to_o what_o poor_a and_o despicable_a art_n to_o what_o base_a and_o dishonourable_a shift_n do_v his_o fear_n force_v he_o when_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n we_o discover_v nothing_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n but_o a_o beautiful_a mixture_n of_o humility_n and_o faith_n devotion_n and_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n in_o god_n he_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n psal_n 112._o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o to_o those_o who_o have_v opportunity_n and_o sense_n to_o observe_v it_o render_v he_o both_o more_o belove_v and_o revere_v last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a man_n actual_o under_o the_o weight_n and_o pressure_n of_o evil_a how_o much_o unlike_a be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o one_o in_o reality_n to_o that_o of_o the_o other_o even_o while_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n be_v the_o same_o what_o cheerfulness_n what_o courage_n what_o resignation_n what_o hope_v adorn_v the_o one_o what_o instruction_n to_o all_o what_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o relation_n do_v his_o deportment_n afford_v and_o how_o do_v it_o inspire_v and_o warm_v the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o with_o a_o esteem_n for_o and_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o himself_o what_o charm_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o those_o gracious_a speech_n that_o proceed_v at_o this_o time_n out_o of_o a_o good_a man_n mouth_n i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thou_o of_o very_a faithfulness_n have_v cause_v i_o to_o be_v afflict_v god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o suchlike_a and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n in_o secret_a before_o god_n how_o often_o do_v he_o reflect_v on_o the_o gracious_a and_o wise_a end_n of_o divine_a chastisement_n and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o with_o desire_n and_o thirst_n meditate_v on_o that_o fullness_n of_o joy_n which_o expect_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n now_o on_o the_o voluptuary_n on_o the_o ambitious_a on_o the_o covetous_a or_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o sinner_n under_o disgrace_n poverty_n sickness_n or_o any_o such_o calamity_n what_o a_o mean_a and_o despicable_a figure_n do_v such_o a_o one_o make_v what_o impatience_n what_o despondency_n what_o gild_n what_o pusillanimity_n do_v every_o word_n every_o action_n betray_v or_o it_o may_v be_v his_o insolence_n be_v turn_v into_o crouch_v and_o fawn_v his_o rudeness_n and_o violence_n into_o artifice_n and_o cunning_a and_o his_o irreligion_n into_o superstition_n various_a indeed_o be_v the_o humour_n and_o very_o different_a the_o carriage_n of_o these_o unhappy_a man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o all_o be_v but_o misery_n in_o a_o different_a dress_n gild_n and_o baseness_n under_o a_o different_a appearance_n here_o i_o may_v further_o remark_n that_o that_o faith_n which_o produce_v patience_n in_o adversity_n produce_v likewise_o security_n and_o confidence_n in_o prosperity_n i_o will_v lay_v i_o down_o may_n every_o good_a may_v say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o sleep_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o thou_o lord_n shall_v make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n and_o sure_o the_o one_o be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o ease_n of_o human_a life_n as_o the_o other_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o if_o pleasure_n be_v suppose_v to_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o indolence_n the_o perfect_a man_n have_v without_o controversy_n a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o it_o than_o any_o other_o can_v pretend_v to_o but_o let_v we_o take_v pleasure_n to_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a calm_a but_o a_o gentle_a breeze_n not_o to_o consist_v in_o mere_a rest_n and_o quiet_v but_o a_o delightful_a motion_n not_o in_o the_o mere_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o in_o the_o transport_v of_o it_o or_o some_o thing_n near_o approach_v it_o perfection_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o this_o change_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o pleasure_n how_o many_o pleasure_n have_v the_o wise_a man_n which_o depend_v not_o on_o fortune_n but_o himself_o i_o mean_v his_o diligence_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o which_o the_o sinner_n be_v a_o utter_a stranger_n what_o pleasure_n what_o triumph_n be_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n when_o he_o glory_n in_o god_n and_o make_v his_o boast_n of_o he_o all_o day_n long_o when_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n when_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n transport_v by_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o strengthen_v and_o exalt_v by_o the_o mighty_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n he_o maintain_v a_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n all_o communion_n with_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o joy_n of_o love_n and_o assurance_n and_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o heaven_n in_o it_o let_v the_o most_o fortunate_a and_o the_o wise_a epicurean_a too_o ransack_v all_o the_o storehouse_n and_o treasure_n of_o nature_n let_v he_o muster_v together_o all_o his_o legion_n of_o pleasure_n and_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v consolidate_n and_o incorporate_v they_o all_o and_o after_o all_o be_v put_v into_o the_o scale_n against_o this_o alone_a they_o will_v prove_v light_a than_o vanity_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o care_n the_o delight_n the_o love_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o fountain_n of_o
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
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
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
we_o what_o endeavour_n what_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o gain_v a_o incorruptible_a crown_n see_v with_o what_o eagerness_n the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n press_v towards_o the_o mark_n see_v with_o what_o courage_n nay_o joy_n too_o they_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o generous_a be_v their_o alm_n so_o that_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o their_o poverty_n what_o plainness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n what_o grace_n and_o warmth_n what_o peace_n and_o joy_n show_v itself_o in_o their_o conversation_n what_o modesty_n what_o humility_n in_o their_o garb_n deportment_n and_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o life_n how_o frequent_a how_o fervent_a and_o how_o long_o too_o be_v their_o prayer_n and_o retirement_n in_o one_o word_n the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n discover_v itself_o in_o all_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o life_n do_v as_o evident_o distinguish_v a_o christian_n from_o a_o jew_n or_o pagan_a as_o their_o faith_n how_o lovely_a be_v religion_n then_o how_o full_a its_o joy_n how_o strong_a its_o confidence_n then_o do_v christian_n true_o overcome_v the_o world_n then_o do_v they_o live_v above_o the_o body_n then_o be_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n more_o delightful_a than_o the_o ease_n or_o honour_n the_o pride_n or_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n then_o do_v they_o true_o through_o the_o spirit_n wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v our_o life_n with_o they_o and_o then_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a attainment_n if_o we_o can_v let_v we_o put_v our_o virtue_n in_o the_o scale_n against_o they_o and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o modesty_n the_o inequality_n will_v put_v we_o out_o of_o countenance_n we_o shall_v blush_v at_o our_o vanity_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o expect_v the_o same_o crown_n the_o same_o kingdom_n with_o they_o but_o as_o too_o lax_n a_o notion_n of_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v too_o much_o indifference_n and_o unconcernment_n so_o will_v it_o be_v say_v too_o exalt_v a_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v despair_n which_o be_v a_o second_o and_o no_o less_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n §_o 2._o many_o there_o be_v who_o form_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o slip_v and_o defect_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n conceive_v perfection_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a imaginary_a notion_n they_o believe_v indeed_o that_o consider_v how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v he_o shall_v be_v exact_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v frequent_o press_v and_o exhort_v to_o perfection_n but_o that_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n be_v too_o too_o difficult_a for_o mortal_a man_n to_o attain_v in_o this_o life_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o must_v oppose_v these_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v it_o 1._o the_o beginning_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o the_o near_a we_o approach_v to_o perfection_n the_o easy_a as_o well_o as_o pleasant_a be_v religion_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o a_o exalt_a virtue_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v startle_v at_o those_o which_o will_v encounter_v he_o in_o his_o first_o entrance_n upon_o religion_n and_o yet_o these_o must_v be_v conquer_v 2._o the_o avoid_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o plung_v we_o into_o worse_a we_o be_v necessary_o under_o this_o dilemma_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v mortify_v and_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o propose_v to_o gratify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n we_o can_v do_v so_o without_o offer_v much_o violence_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o if_o such_o be_v the_o war_n and_o opposition_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o a_o true_a and_o well_o settle_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n but_o by_o the_o reduction_n and_o mortification_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o than_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o resolve_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v for_o those_o appeal_v which_o atheist_n themselves_o make_v to_o reason_n proclaim_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o ruling_n and_o noble_a part_n of_o he_o beside_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o more_o vital_a the_o more_o tender_a and_o sensible_a part_n of_o we_o and_o consequent_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o must_v render_v we_o far_o more_o miserable_a than_o any_o hardship_n or_o difficulty_n virtue_n can_v impose_v upon_o the_o body_n 3._o whatever_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n they_o will_v soon_o vanish_v if_o we_o often_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o peace_n and_o joy_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n but_o shame_n and_o remorse_n of_o sin_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o follow_v his_o lust_n unless_o he_o die_v as_o much_o a_o brute_n as_o he_o live_v that_o heaven_n be_v a_o cheap_a purchase_n whatever_o it_o cost_v we_o but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n a_o very_a dear_a one_o how_o easy_o soever_o we_o come_v by_o it_o and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o master_n there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o who_o we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o will_v not_o we_o must_v either_o undergo_v the_o hardship_n and_o discipline_n of_o virtue_n or_o the_o eternal_a plague_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n last_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perfection_n have_v both_o be_v beget_v and_o cherish_v by_o those_o wild_a scheme_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o flame_a indeed_o but_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n but_o i_o have_v here_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n no_o fantastic_a or_o enthusiastic_a perfection_n i_o have_v advance_v no_o height_n of_o virtue_n but_o what_o many_o do_v i_o hope_v at_o this_o day_n actual_o feel_v and_o experiment_n in_o themselves_o none_o i_o be_o sure_a but_o what_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n actual_o attain_v and_o practice_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o we_o be_v of_o christ_n their_o life_n be_v as_o bright_a a_o rule_n as_o their_o doctrine_n and_o by_o their_o own_o action_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o power_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n bound_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o other_o and_o not_o move_v they_o with_o their_o finger_n they_o do_v not_o like_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n magnify_v temperance_n and_o modesty_n at_o the_o table_n and_o carnivals_n of_o prince_n nor_o commend_v the_o pleasure_n of_o wisdom_n in_o in_o the_o garden_n of_o epicurus_n but_o they_o live_v as_o they_o teach_v unspotted_a by_o the_o pleasure_n unbroken_v by_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n modest_a serene_a equal_a and_o heavenly_a mind_v in_o honour_n or_o dishonour_v want_v or_o abundance_n liberty_n or_o prison_n life_n or_o death_n let_v we_o then_o no_o long_o object_n or_o dispute_v but_o with_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v follower_n of_o those_o who_o have_v inherit_v the_o promise_n be_v encompass_v with_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_v and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n heb._n 12.1_o 2._o i_o have_v do_v with_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o soften_v or_o shun_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o conquer_v they_o §_o 3._o there_o be_v other_o who_o will_v look_v upon_o this_o set_n up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n as_o a_o design_n against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o mankind_n what_o say_v such_o a_o one_o shall_v i_o let_v go_v my_o present_a pleasure_n out_o of_o my_o hand_n to_o hunt_v after_o i_o know_v not_o what_o and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o shall_v i_o quit_v pleasure_n thaâ—_n be_v every_o where_o obvious_a for_o such_o as_o have_v no_o be_v it_o may_v be_v but_o in_o speculation_n or_o at_o least_o be_v