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
anchorite_n or_o hermit_n be_v at_o first_o little_o better_o than_o a_o pious_a extravagant_a i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o much_o worse_o he_o be_v now_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a duty_n but_o meekness_n and_o charity_n mercy_n and_o zeal_n be_v not_o one_o jot_n inferior_a to_o they_o the_o world_n be_v a_o excellent_a school_n to_o a_o good_a christian_a the_o folly_n and_o the_o misery_n the_o trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o exercise_v and_o employ_v our_o virtue_n but_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v it_o they_o afford_v we_o both_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n and_o natural_o advance_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o a_o well-setled_n power_n over_o ourselves_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o every_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o every_o one_o who_o we_o converse_v with_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o somewhat_o occasion_n some_o wise_a reflection_n or_o enkindle_v some_o pious_a affection_n in_o we_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o our_o word_n and_o action_n we_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o diligent_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o make_v little_a or_o no_o application_n of_o what_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v nor_o learn_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o virtue_n the_o folly_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o both_o and_o so_o we_o neither_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n nor_o our_o virtue_n but_o be_v the_o same_o to_o day_n we_o be_v yesterday_o and_o life_n waste_v away_o in_o common_a accident_n and_o customary_a action_n with_o as_o little_a alteration_n in_o we_o as_o in_o our_o affair_n whereas_o be_v we_o mindful_a as_o we_o ought_v of_o our_o true_a interest_n and_o desirous_a to_o reap_v some_o spiritual_a benefit_n from_o every_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n will_v enkindle_v our_o emulation_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o sinner_n will_v confirm_v our_o abhorrence_n for_o sin_n from_o one_o we_o shall_v learn_v content_a from_o another_o industry_n here_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o charm_n in_o meekness_n and_o charity_n there_o in_o humility_n in_o this_o man_n we_o shall_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v discretion_n and_o command_v of_o himself_o in_o that_o courage_n and_o constancy_n assiduity_n and_o perseverance_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v less_o useful_a to_o we_o to_o observe_v how_o vanity_n expose_v one_o and_o peevishness_n torment_v another_o how_o pride_n and_o ambition_n embroil_v a_o three_o and_o how_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a avarice_n render_v a_o four_o and_o to_o trace_v all_o that_o variety_n of_o ruin_n which_o lust_n and_o prodigality_n disorder_n and_o sloth_n leave_v behind_o they_o and_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o observation_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o solid_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n so_o will_v a_o diligent_a attention_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o discretion_n in_o all_o the_o common_a and_o daily_a action_n of_o life_n enrich_v we_o with_o true_a virtue_n religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o closet_n nor_o to_o be_v exercise_v only_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n meditation_n and_o alm_n but_o every_o where_n we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o every_o word_n every_o action_n be_v capable_a of_o morality_n our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n betray_v themselves_o in_o the_o daily_a accident_n and_o the_o common_a conversation_n of_o life_n and_o here_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o very_o important_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o here_o they_o be_v to_o be_v watch_v over_o regulate_v and_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o more_o solemn_a action_n it_o be_v to_o the_o virtue_n or_o the_o error_n of_o our_o common_a conversation_n and_o ordinary_a deportment_n that_o we_o owe_v both_o our_o friend_n and_o enemy_n our_o good_a or_o bad_a character_n abroad_o our_o domestic_a peace_n or_o trouble_n and_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n the_o improvement_n or_o depravation_n of_o our_o mind_n let_v no_o man_n then_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a abandon_v himself_o to_o his_o humour_n or_o inclination_n in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o acquaintance_n his_o child_n his_o servant_n let_v no_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a follow_v prejudice_n or_o fashion_n in_o the_o common_a and_o customary_a action_n of_o life_n but_o let_v he_o assure_v himself_o that_o by_o a_o daily_a endeavour_n to_o conform_v these_o more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v to_o train_v up_o himself_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o most_o absolute_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a virtue_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o must_v first_o know_v himself_o and_o those_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o must_v discern_v the_o proper_a season_n and_o the_o just_a occasion_n of_o every_o virtue_n and_o then_o he_o must_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o acquire_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o it_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o for_o want_v of_o due_a reflection_n do_v not_o common_o seem_v of_o any_o great_a importance_n to_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v the_o dulness_n or_o the_o carelessness_n of_o a_o servant_n the_o stubbornness_n of_o a_o child_n the_o soureness_n of_o a_o parent_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o friend_n the_o coldness_n of_o relation_n the_o neglect_n or_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n will_v all_o prove_v extreme_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a every_o thing_n will_v instruct_v he_o every_o thing_n will_v afford_v a_o opportunity_n of_o exercise_v some_o virtue_n or_o another_o so_o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v daily_a learning_n daily_o grow_v better_a and_o wise_a §_o 2._o the_o two_o great_a instrument_n not_o of_o regeneration_n only_o but_o also_o of_o perseverance_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o no_o man_n doubt_n that_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a discourse_n of_o the_o energy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o or_o examine_v what_o each_o be_v in_o its_o self_n or_o wherein_o the_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v proper_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o great_a end_n i_o have_v mention_v namely_o our_o converversion_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o those_o text_n which_o do_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v all_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o clear_a exposition_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o the_o move_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n imply_v a_o supply_n of_o all_o that_o supernatural_a strength_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v that_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n convince_v we_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n such_o be_v rom._n 8.2_o for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n most_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o rather_o glory_n in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v upon_o i_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n on_o this_o occasion_n otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n that_o what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o or_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o truth_n then_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o two_o great_a instrument_n of_o perfection_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v two_o rule_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o universal_a use_n and_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a efficacy_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o perfection_n 1._o we_o can_v have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n too_o great_a a_o passion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o fix_v
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
well_o prepare_v for_o it_o how_o shall_v these_o man_n form_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o exalt_a virtue_n of_o devout_a and_o heavenly_a passion_n what_o conception_n can_v they_o have_v of_o the_o power_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n or_o purity_n of_o heart_n or_o the_o diffusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n what_o idea_n can_v they_o entertain_v of_o a_o heaven_n or_o of_o angelical_a pleasure_n and_o beatitude_n in_o a_o word_n the_o religion_n of_o man_n intent_n upon_o this_o world_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o any_o which_o too_o often_o they_o do_v not_o consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n in_o abstain_v from_o wickedness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o civil_a cal_n and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o high_a obligation_n i_o determine_v not_o good_a god_n what_o a_o mercy_n it_o be_v to_o these_o poor_a creature_n that_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o their_o country_n as_o well_o as_o a_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o dedicate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n but_o have_v i_o not_o often_o teach_v that_o purity_n of_o intention_n convert_v the_o work_n of_o a_o secular_a call_v into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o have_v so_o it_o be_v universal_o teach_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o retract_v it_o but_o ah_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o worldly_a man_n to_o maintain_v this_o purity_n of_o intention_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o mind_n eat_v up_o by_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o this_o world_n to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n though_o therefore_o i_o can_v retract_v this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o long_o i_o live_v the_o more_o reason_n do_v i_o see_v for_o qualify_a and_o guard_v it_o with_o this_o caution_n let_v no_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v much_o less_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v perfect_a take_v sanctuary_n in_o purity_n of_o intention_n while_o he_o suffer_v the_o work_n of_o his_o secular_a call_v to_o engross_v his_o soul_n and_o entire_o usurp_v his_o time_n if_o secular_a work_n exclude_v and_o thrust_v out_o of_o door_n such_o as_o be_v proper_o religious_a it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n shall_v be_v maintain_v how_o any_o wise_a thought_n or_o heavenly_a desire_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o such_o man_n or_o how_o final_o those_o who_o have_v utter_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v retain_v any_o true_a value_n for_o those_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v against_o a_o life_n of_o business_n may_v with_o equal_a or_o great_a force_n be_v urge_v against_o a_o life_n of_o pleasure_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o they_o call_v innocent_a pleasure_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o entangle_v and_o ensnare_v the_o mind_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o leave_n in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a relish_n which_o continue_v long_o after_o the_o hurry_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o business_n be_v over_o but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o will_v not_o have_v what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v extend_v further_o than_o i_o design_v it_o to_o raise_v scruple_n in_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o too_o eager_a application_n of_o the_o earthy_a to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n chap._n vii_o of_o motive_n to_o perfection_n innumerable_a be_v the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o any_o one_o that_o reflect_v serious_o on_o this_o argument_n a_o hearty_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n be_v the_o best_a proof_n of_o sincerity_n the_o near_a approach_n to_o perfection_n be_v the_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o utmost_a security_n this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o great_a be_v the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o a_o exalt_a virtue_n great_a the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o a_o very_a happy_a influence_n it_o have_v even_o upon_o our_o temporal_a affair_n and_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o wise_a mind_n sanctify_a affection_n and_o a_o regular_a life_n beside_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v boundless_a and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o i_o demand_v not_o a_o lazy_a feeble_a or_o unsteady_a virtue_n but_o a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a one_o a_o warm_a and_o active_a such_o as_o a_o true_a faith_n great_a hope_n and_o a_o passionate_a love_n do_v natural_o excite_v we_o to_o to_o all_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o press_v on_o and_o advance_v desirous_a to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o more_o and_o more_o plentiful_o if_o we_o be_v not_o backward_o or_o negligent_a ourselves_o but_o these_o and_o many_o other_o enforcement_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o perfection_n shall_v i_o enlarge_v on_o they_o will_v swell_v this_o treatise_n to_o a_o intolerable_a bulk_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o four_o chapter_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n do_v contain_v such_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o excite_v in_o any_o one_o that_o read_v they_o a_o most_o vehement_a desire_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o here_o therefore_o all_o that_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v be_v to_o put_v my_o reader_n in_o mind_n of_o another_o life_n in_o the_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o which_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n this_o be_v a_o motive_n that_o must_v never_o be_v out_o of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n which_o i_o will_v but_o just_a mention_n 1._o without_o another_o life_n we_o can_v never_o form_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a virtue_n sociable_a and_o civil_a virtue_n may_v be_v support_v by_o temporal_a motive_n and_o frame_v and_o model_v by_o worldly_a conveniency_n but_o a_o divine_a virtue_n must_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o divine_a life_n upon_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v plain_a the_o mean_n must_v always_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o end_n where_o therefore_o the_o end_n be_v a_o imperfect_a temporal_a good_a there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o imperfect_a unfinished_a virtue_n to_o attain_v it_o but_o where_o the_o the_o end_n be_v heavenly_a and_o immortal_a the_o virtue_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o too_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a to_o be_v find_v in_o action_n will_v be_v their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o temporal_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v any_o high_a degree_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n purity_n of_o heart_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v true_o virtue_n than_o what_o we_o can_v prove_v true_o necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o good_a or_o guard_v we_o against_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o life_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v what_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a kind_n of_o virtue_n will_v be_v produce_v from_o this_o ground_n 2._o without_o another_o life_n all_o other_o motive_n to_o perfection_n will_v be_v insufficient_a for_o though_o general_o speak_v such_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o neither_o the_o common_a good_a of_o civil_a society_n nor_o the_o more_o particular_a good_a of_o private_a man_n can_v be_v provide_v for_o or_o secure_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o sociable_a and_o political_a virtue_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o only_o in_o many_o extraordinary_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reward_n at_o all_o for_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o reserve_v for_o it_o in_o another_o world_n but_o also_o in_o most_o case_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a pleasure_n that_o do_v infinite_o outweigh_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n man_n will_v see_v no_o obligation_n to_o perfection_n for_o what_o shall_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o or_o above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o body_n if_o when_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o for_o ever_o and_o certain_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o soar_v very_o high_a nor_o shall_v we_o ever_o arrive_v at_o any_o excellence_n or_o perfection_n in_o any_o action_n if_o we_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n 3._o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v alone_o a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o perfection_n who_o will_v refuse_v to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o
perfect_a man_n past_a life_n or_o the_o slip_n and_o defect_n of_o his_o best_a state_n or_o whether_o we_o consider_v man_n continual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o all_o respect_n but_o especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o consummation_n of_o his_o perfection_n or_o whither_o last_o we_o consider_v the_o scantiness_n and_o deficiency_n not_o only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n perfection_n in_o particular_a but_o of_o human_a perfection_n in_o general_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o can_v become_v mortal_a man_n even_o though_o all_o the_o excellence_n human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o better_a than_o humility_n humility_n therefore_o must_v begin_v and_o complete_a religious_a perfection_n it_o must_v accompany_v the_o christian_a in_o every_o stage_n of_o his_o spiritual_a progress_n it_o must_v crown_v all_o his_o action_n and_o add_v that_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n that_o grace_n and_o lustre_n to_o all_o his_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v whole_o necessary_a to_o render_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o general_a notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v thus_o resolve_v into_o its_o part_n it_o be_v plain_a i_o be_o now_o to_o discourse_n of_o each_o of_o these_o and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v on_o each_o aught_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o method_n to_o be_v comprise_v within_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o to_o consult_v the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o shall_v slight_v this_o nicety_n and_o distribute_v my_o thought_n into_o as_o many_o chapter_n as_o i_o shall_v judge_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o case_n and_o support_v of_o the_o memory_n chap._n i._o of_o illumination_n what_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o method_n i_o have_v set_v myself_o oblige_v i_o here_o to_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n and_o resolve_v what_o it_o be_v 2._o to_o consider_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o to_o show_v how_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v §_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v it_o happen_v in_o the_o point_n of_o illumination_n as_o it_o do_v in_o that_o of_o happiness_n all_o man_n at_o first_o hear_v form_n in_o general_a a_o agreeable_a and_o please_a notion_n of_o it_o all_o man_n admire_v and_o love_v it_o but_o few_o have_v any_o distinct_a and_o true_a understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o man_n conceive_v illumination_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o they_o do_v happiness_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o pleasure_n but_o be_v as_o little_o agree_v in_o particular_a wherein_o consist_v the_o light_n or_o knowledge_n which_o make_v the_o one_o as_o wherein_o consist_v the_o pleasure_n that_o make_v the_o other_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o some_o the_o superstition_n and_o prejudice_n of_o other_o curiosity_n and_o confidence_n weakness_n and_o design_n enthusiasm_n and_o fancy_n embroil_n and_o perplex_v all_o thing_n however_o every_o honest_a man_n have_v a_o clue_n by_o which_o he_o may_v escape_v out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n the_o scripture_n shine_v with_o bright_a and_o gracious_a beam_n throughout_o all_o this_o darkness_n and_o if_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o we_o can_v wander_v into_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n this_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o illumination_n very_o plain_o to_o we_o call_v it_o sometime_o wisdom_n sometime_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n sometime_o faith_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n next_o it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o it_o namely_o to_o convert_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o live_a god_n to_o purify_v and_o sanctify_v we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o approve_v the_o holy_a acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n nay_o it_o proceed_v further_o and_o point_n out_o to_o we_o particular_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o illumination_n consist_v thus_o the_o old_a testament_n reckon_v wisdom_n to_o be_v sometime_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n sometime_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n sometime_o the_o understanding_n of_o proverb_n and_o parable_n these_o contain_v as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o moral_a instruction_n and_o wrap_v up_o in_o few_o and_o lively_a word_n whatever_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o age_a or_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n of_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n think_v best_o deserve_v to_o be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n but_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o all_o the_o description_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v be_v sum_v up_o into_o that_o one_o job_n 28.28_o behold_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n the_o new_a testament_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o true_a understanding_n consist_v in_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o will_n be_v our_o sanctification_n and_o when_o st._n paul_n understand_v by_o wisdom_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v the_o penetrate_a into_o the_o spirit_n and_o mystery_n the_o depth_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o discover_v the_o great_a design_n of_o man_n redemption_n carry_v on_o through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o through_o a_o wise_a variety_n of_o dispensation_n this_o alter_v not_o the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n for_o this_o do_v not_o point_n out_o to_o we_o any_o new_a or_o different_a truth_n but_o only_o regard_v one_o peculiar_a way_n of_o explain_v or_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o great_a christian_a doctrine_n to_o conclude_v we_o may_v easy_o learn_v what_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n recommend_v to_o we_o above_o all_o other_o from_o those_o petition_n which_o st._n paul_n put_v up_o for_o the_o ephesian_n and_o collosian_o for_o the_o former_a he_o pray_v thus_o that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_v and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o latter_a thus_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n col._n 1.9_o 10._o if_o from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a text_n we_o form_v a_o general_a idea_n of_o illumination_n it_o will_v be_v this_o illumination_n be_v a_o state_n of_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o the_o abolish_n or_o relinquish_a those_o error_n which_o deprave_v and_o pervert_v our_o affection_n and_o undermine_v and_o supplant_v the_o empire_n and_o authority_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v those_o truth_n which_o purify_v the_o one_o and_o restore_v and_o establish_v the_o other_o all_o this_o in_o order_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n i_o may_v content_v myself_o with_o this_o general_a delineation_n of_o illumination_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o subject_n from_o which_o we_o can_v but_o reap_v so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n as_o will_v abundant_o requite_v whatever_o labour_n can_v be_v bestow_v upon_o it_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o it_o if_o i_o can_v illumination_n then_o be_v a_o state_n of_o knowledge_n the_o object_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v truth_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o order_n to_o form_v a_o just_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o illumination_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o kind_n of_o truth_n and_o next_o what_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o these_o truth_n constitute_v illumination_n 1._o of_o the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v we_o have_v many_o noble_a character_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a which_o distinguish_v these_o from_o truth_n of_o a_o
and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o utter_o to_o extinguish_v all_o conscience_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o attempt_n in_o which_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v never_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o most_o dare_a sinner_n can_v have_v prove_v successful_a have_v not_o the_o scripture_n tell_v i_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v past_a feeling_n eph._n 4.19_o of_o a_o fear_a conscience_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a when_o they_o have_v commit_v iniquity_n neither_o can_v they_o blush_v jer._n 6.15_o who_o call_v good_a evil_a and_o evil_a good_a that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a isa_n 5.20_o such_o sinner_n there_o be_v then_o but_o what_o do_v this_o amount_v to_o what_o can_v their_o sense_n or_o example_n weigh_v i_o be_o sure_a these_o poor_a wretch_n be_v as_o far_o distant_a from_o any_o true_a happiness_n as_o from_o true_a sense_n and_o deserve_v our_o pity_n not_o imitation_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a conscience_n depend_v upon_o opinion_n but_o what_o if_o this_o opinion_n depend_v upon_o sense_n and_o truth_n what_o if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n in_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n be_v these_o man_n of_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o a_o hell_n be_v no_o common_a or_o ordinary_a fear_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o scratch_n or_o wound_v in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o baâ—â—e_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o preferment_n or_o a_o disappointment_n in_o that_o of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v not_o the_o loss_n or_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o estate_n in_o part_n or_o whole_a it_o be_v not_o a_o blot_n upon_o our_o reputation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o child_n a_o brother_n or_o what_o be_v more_o unless_o he_o be_v such_o a_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o fear_n but_o misery_n pure_a and_o unallay_v complicate_v accumulate_v misery_n misery_n unalterable_a incurable_a and_o last_v as_o long_o as_o eternity_n methinks_v before_o one_o shall_v venture_v on_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v threaten_v with_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o and_o much_o more_o before_o one_o shall_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o hell_n be_v false_a and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n a_o mere_a bugbear_n nay_o i_o protest_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o importance_n i_o think_v one_o shall_v scarce_o trust_v to_o a_o demonstration_n unless_o it_o have_v pass_v the_o test_n of_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o impartial_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o stand_v the_o shock_n and_o trial_n of_o many_o age_n but_o alas_o after_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o wit_n and_o lust_n what_o have_v ever_o yet_o be_v produce_v that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o undergo_v the_o examination_n even_o of_o a_o honest_a man_n what_o argument_n have_v yet_o be_v start_v against_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o work_v upon_o any_o who_o be_v true_o serious_a in_o the_o point_n and_o if_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v why_o not_o a_o hell_n revelation_n be_v plain_a and_o reason_n can_v find_v no_o inconsistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n human_a law_n punish_v a_o single_a offence_n sometime_o with_o death_n or_o banishment_n with_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o by_o this_o and_o divers_a other_o way_n extend_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o criminal_a to_o his_o posterity_n that_o be_v make_v it_o as_o eternal_a as_o they_o can_v and_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o repeat_v provocation_n of_o a_o impenitent_a life_n the_o neglect_v of_o that_o great_a salvation_n wrought_v by_o the_o blood_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n and_o all_o this_o wilful_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o solicitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o defiance_n of_o mercy_n and_o chastisement_n shall_v it_o i_o say_v be_v think_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o punish_v this_o by_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n when_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v in_o vain_a try_v all_o imaginable_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v a_o sinner_n what_o have_v he_o to_o complain_v of_o if_o god_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n sin_n as_o it_o alienates_v our_o affection_n from_o god_n here_o so_o must_v it_o certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o favour_n hereafter_o and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o wretched_a creature_n who_o be_v banish_v for_o ever_o to_o those_o black_a and_o dismal_a region_n which_o no_o ray_n no_o influence_n of_o divine_a goodness_n can_v ever_o reach_v where_o shall_v those_o unhappy_a creature_n dwell_v which_o shall_v be_v chase_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n or_o which_o rather_o can_v never_o approach_v either_o but_o in_o that_o outward_a darkness_n which_o be_v part_v from_o the_o world_n of_o the_o bless_a by_o a_o unpassable_a gulf_n ah_o then_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o do_v wretched_a man_n gain_v by_o grow_v impudent_a in_o wickedness_n alas_o the_o more_o insensible_a man_n be_v of_o the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o desperate_a their_o state_n the_o more_o incurable_a their_o disease_n and_o the_o near_o they_o to_o death_n and_o destruction_n my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o bless_a advantage_n to_o stand_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o damnation_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a victory_n to_o have_v defeat_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o heroic_a achievement_n to_o be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v all_o true_a sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o become_v impregnable_a impenetrable_a to_o all_o argument_n to_o all_o motive_n which_o either_o the_o tender_a love_n or_o the_o profound_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o man_n can_v attack_v we_o by_o 2._o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o those_o very_a man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v obdurate_a and_o insensible_a do_v suffer_v some_o though_o rare_a return_n of_o anxiety_n and_o fear_n why_o else_o be_v they_o such_o avow_a enemy_n to_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n to_o all_o serious_a and_o calm_a reflection_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v up_o with_o a_o most_o trifle_a and_o contemptible_a business_n or_o diversion_n nay_o tire_v with_o a_o dull_a and_o tasteless_a repetition_n of_o a_o folly_n they_o choose_v to_o repeat_v it_o to_o their_o life_n end_v rather_o than_o be_v alone_o and_o thoughtful_a what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v something_o within_o which_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o awaken_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o brightness_n in_o divine_a truth_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v fill_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n this_o height_n of_o wickedness_n then_o at_o best_a be_v a_o state_n fit_v only_o for_o fortunate_a sinner_n who_o can_v roll_n and_o tumble_v from_o folly_n to_o folly_n from_o one_o impertinence_n or_o extravagance_n to_o another_o endless_o and_o yet_o what_o become_v of_o these_o poor_a thing_n when_o a_o disaster_n when_o a_o disease_n nay_o but_o a_o wakeful_a hour_n by_o night_n force_v they_o to_o retire_v into_o themselves_o 3._o a_o sinner_n do_v not_o soon_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n of_o insensibility_n it_o cost_v he_o very_o dear_a to_o grow_v impudent_a in_o his_o lust_n many_o a_o pang_n many_o a_o torment_n have_v he_o suffer_v first_o often_o have_v he_o feel_v the_o wound_n of_o conscience_n often_o have_v he_o tremble_v and_o shrink_v at_o the_o menace_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v no_o more_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n than_o the_o body_n to_o excess_n but_o by_o pass_v through_o many_o painful_a and_o sickly_a fit_n many_o uneasy_a pang_n and_o qualm_n and_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o endure_v so_o much_o in_o order_n to_o be_v damn_v be_v it_o not_o a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o more_o than_o vulgar_a wisdom_n to_o purchase_v misery_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o a_o crown_n a_o never-fading_a crown_n this_o with_o they_o be_v a_o undertake_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v expose_v and_o lash_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o spite_n and_o confidence_n but_o to_o suffer_v as_o it_o be_v repeat_v martyrdom_n to_o gain_v a_o hell_n this_o be_v what_o they_o think_v become_v man_n of_o their_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
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
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
will_v never_o like_o the_o israelite_n see_v a_o canaan_n before_o he_o life_n must_v be_v fill_v with_o good_a work_n or_o else_o death_n will_v look_v but_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a when_o the_o conscience_n inquire_v every_o where_n after_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o can_v discover_v in_o all_o the_o part_n in_o all_o the_o path_n of_o life_n no_o track_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o fancy_n and_o fortune_n humour_n and_o indulgence_n how_o will_v it_o shrink_v and_o faint_a and_o tremble_v what_o pensive_a melancholy_a doubt_n will_v damp_n and_o choke_v its_o hope_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o alas_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v sufficient_o inform_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n god_n will_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n what_o then_o must_v become_v of_o he_o who_o have_v none_o to_o show_v if_o immortality_n and_o glory_n if_o life_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o well-doing_n nay_o of_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o drowsy_a and_o supine_n and_o careless_a the_o sot_n and_o the_o sluggish_a who_o have_v sleep_v and_o fool_v and_o trifle_v away_o life_n 3._o i_o may_v aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o idleness_n by_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o the_o talent_n it_o waste_v the_o obligation_n it_o slight_n and_o the_o hope_v it_o forfeit_v i_o may_v render_v man_n more_o jealous_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o fall_v into_o it_o by_o observe_v how_o general_o it_o prevail_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n either_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o temptation_n or_o our_o propension_n a_o plain_a proof_n either_o that_o there_o be_v i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_a magic_n in_o the_o sin_n or_o else_o that_o the_o cheat_n it_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a clever_n a_o very_a dexterous_a one_o but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o where_o the_o former_a consideration_n fail_v these_o will_v hardly_o succeed_v therefore_o i_o will_v now_o pass_v on_o from_o argument_n to_o advice_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v do_v and_o here_o my_o advice_n must_v have_v regard_n to_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n 1._o to_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v to_o plentiful_a or_o competent_a fortune_n 2._o to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o raise_v their_o own_o or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n by_o their_o labour_n or_o industry_n in_o some_o call_v or_o profession_n to_o the_o former_a the_o best_a direction_n i_o can_v give_v be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v master_n of_o his_o time_n aught_o to_o devote_v the_o more_o to_o religion_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v much_o of_o he_o much_o will_v be_v require_v nor_o have_v such_o a_o one_o any_o excuse_v leave_v either_o for_o omission_n or_o a_o hasty_a and_o cursory_a performance_n of_o duty_n but_o one_o one_o that_o will_v increase_v his_o gild_n i._n e._n laziness_n pleasure_n or_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o such_o a_o one_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n his_o attendance_n upon_o prayer_n sacrament_n sermon_n must_v be_v such_o as_o become_v a_o man_n who_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n seem_v bear_v not_o to_o provide_v for_o life_n but_o only_o to_o live_v only_o to_o improve_v and_o enjoy_v life_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o noble_a design_n of_o it_o and_o as_o become_v a_o man_n who_o good_a or_o ill_a example_n be_v of_o such_o vast_a importance_n to_o the_o service_n or_o dis-service_n of_o religion_n nor_o must_v such_o a_o one_o attendance_n on_o the_o public_a excuse_v he_o from_o the_o religious_a office_n of_o the_o closet_n or_o his_o family_n he_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o each_o he_o may_v be_v more_o frequent_a in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n in_o read_v and_o instruction_n and_o perform_v each_o with_o more_o justness_n and_o solemnity_n than_o other_o can_v 2._o person_n of_o fortune_n aught_o to_o be_v careful_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o intimate_v and_o friend_n conversation_n be_v not_o always_o a_o loss_n but_o sometime_o a_o gain_n of_o time_n we_o often_o need_v to_o have_v our_o forgetfulness_n relieve_v our_o drowsiness_n awaken_v by_o the_o discourse_n and_o reflection_n of_o our_o friend_n if_o discourse_n be_v general_o season_v with_o grace_n conversation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a blessing_n if_o with_o sense_n and_o reason_n innocence_n and_o prudence_n it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a entertainment_n of_o human_a life_n but_o how_o mischievous_a be_v the_o acquaintance_n which_o infect_v we_o with_o vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o spirit_n which_o show_v we_o nothing_o but_o a_o gaudy_a outside_n and_o a_o frothy_a soul_n who_o example_n bind_v man_n in_o civility_n to_o be_v foolish_a and_o make_v confidence_n and_o vice_n and_o mis-spence_n of_o time_n a_o fashion_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o person_n of_o the_o best_a rank_n be_v ever_o breed_v up_o to_o something_o to_o something_o that_o may_v improve_v to_o something_o that_o may_v amuse_v and_o innocent_o engage_v their_o mind_n to_o something_o that_o may_v employ_v life_n without_o encumbr_v it_o and_o yet_o alas_o what_o need_v i_o wish_v this_o how_o many_o excellent_a quality_n be_v necessary_a to_o render_v a_o gentleman_n worthy_a of_o the_o station_n where_o god_n have_v place_v he_o let_v he_o pursue_v these_o how_o many_o be_v the_o virtue_n how_o many_o the_o duty_n to_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v oblige_v for_o he_o attend_v these_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o good_a master_n a_o good_a husband_n a_o good_a father_n a_o good_a son_n a_o good_a neighbour_n a_o good_a parishioner_n a_o excellent_a subject_n and_o a_o excellent_a friend_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o other_o 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must_v be_v neither_o mean_a nor_o vicious_a but_o i_o have_v treat_v this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n more_o copious_o in_o human_a life_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n as_o to_o such_o in_o the_o next_o place_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o profession_n i_o have_v particular_o consider_v their_o state_n in_o several_a place_n and_o find_v little_a to_o add_v here_o but_o only_o to_o mind_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o idleness_n too_o that_o their_o idleness_n be_v the_o more_o criminal_a the_o less_o temptation_n they_o have_v to_o it_o they_o may_v neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v i_o mean_v their_o secular_a call_v and_o if_o they_o be_v unfaithful_a and_o negligent_a in_o their_o temporal_a concern_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o solicitous_a and_o industrious_a about_o their_o spiritual_a one_o they_o may_v again_o suffer_v the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n to_o thrust_v out_o those_o of_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v true_o idle_a and_o slothful_a servant_n to_o god_n how_o industrious_a and_o faithful_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n for_o life_n be_v but_o waste_v and_o mis-spend_v if_o it_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o eternity_n and_o it_o matter_n little_a whether_o it_o be_v waste_v in_o pleasure_n or_o in_o drudgery_n chap._n viii_o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n or_o formality_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n i_o consider_v that_o part_n of_o unfruitfulness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o omission_n of_o duty_n i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v another_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o too_o perfunctory_a a_o performance_n of_o it_o beside_o those_o who_o be_v true_o unprofitable_a because_o they_o slight_a or_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n
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 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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
case_n of_o herod_n he_o have_v yield_v no_o doubt_n to_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o the_o baptist_n reason_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v back_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o his_o herodias_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n who_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v under_o the_o ascendant_n of_o some_o silly_a or_o vile_a lust_n or_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o spoil_v the_o taste_n of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o diminish_v the_o price_n of_o canaan_n without_o doubt_n man_n will_v apply_v themselves_o more_o vigorous_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o not_o too_o fond_a of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o they_o will_v certain_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n more_o earnest_o and_o make_v a_o better_a provision_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o other_o world_n be_v they_o not_o too_o much_o take_v with_o this_o and_o therefore_o too_o apt_a to_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v they_o only_a who_o conquer_v be_v crown_v they_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o the_o world_n can_v reap_v nothing_o from_o these_o but_o corruption_n these_o kind_n of_o christian_n though_o peradventure_o they_o be_v not_o slave_n to_o any_o infamous_a and_o scandalous_a lust_n be_v yet_o entangle_v by_o some_o other_o not_o muchless_a injurious_a though_o not_o to_o reputation_n yet_o to_o purity_n of_o heart_n they_o be_v captive_v to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n though_o their_o chain_n seem_v better_o polish_v and_o of_o a_o fine_a metal_n they_o can_v mount_v upward_o they_o can_v conquer_v be_v retard_v and_o keep_v under_o if_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o their_o own_o softness_n and_o weakness_n and_o yet_o why_o shall_v i_o doubt_v but_o these_o be_v conquer_v by_o temptation_n the_o more_o innocent_a the_o object_n of_o any_o one_o passion_n be_v general_o the_o more_o fatal_a because_o we_o be_v the_o more_o apt_a to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o lukewarmness_n be_v thus_o point_v out_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o namely_o in_o form_v just_a and_o correct_v notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o in_o perfect_v and_o complete_n our_o reformation_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o aversion_n and_o dread_a of_o this_o state_n of_o lukewarmness_n by_o show_v 1._o the_o folly_n 2._o the_o gild_n and_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o folly_n how_o reasonable_o may_v i_o here_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o lukewarm_a in_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n to_o the_o israelite_n how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o 1_o king_n 18.21_o if_o you_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o your_o safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o god_n then_o serve_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n but_o if_o you_o think_v this_o depend_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n then_o serve_v these_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o stable_a treasure_n then_o strive_v sincere_o and_o vigorous_o to_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n respect_n and_o pomp_n and_o state_n be_v the_o proper_a portion_n and_o sovereign_a good_a of_o man_n then_o devote_v and_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o to_o these_o for_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v that_o life_n which_o will_v neither_o procure_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o another_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o listen_v only_o so_o much_o to_o conscience_n as_o to_o damp_n and_o chill_a our_o pleasure_n and_o so_o much_o to_o pleasure_n as_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o repose_n of_o conscience_n but_o 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and_o intermix_v with_o fear_n and_o shame_n and_o torment_n we_o know_v that_o nothing_o here_o below_o be_v able_a to_o free_v our_o state_n and_o fortune_n from_o calamity_n our_o mind_n from_o gild_n the_o body_n from_o death_n much_o less_o the_o whole_a man_n from_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n in_o one_o word_n we_o know_v that_o what_o we_o admire_v be_v vanity_n and_o what_o we_o worship_v be_v indeed_o a_o idol_n this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o this_o topick_n for_o since_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o competition_n with_o god_n in_o our_o opinion_n though_o it_o often_o rival_n he_o in_o our_o affection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o impute_v the_o halt_n of_o a_o laodicean_n christian_n to_o any_o persuasion_n of_o omnipotence_n or_o alsufficiency_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o dote_v on_o serve_v and_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o other_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v general_o this_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n and_o our_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o provocation_n to_o god_n nor_o conserquent_o prejudice_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o blend_v and_o compound_v religion_n and_o sensuality_n and_o stand_v divide_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o halt_v in_o our_o service_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v this_o i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o 1._o religion_n have_v no_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o the_o lukewarm_a himself_o the_o gospel_n work_v no_o thorough_a change_n in_o he_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convert_v into_o a_o saint_n nor_o human_a nature_n perfect_v by_o participation_n of_o a_o divine_a one_o 2._o the_o laodicean_n can_v never_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n any_o gift_n any_o sacrifice_n worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o render_v he_o any_o service_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n but_o alas_o these_o man_n be_v almost_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n a_o few_o faint_a and_o irresolute_a wish_n formal_a and_o customary_a prayer_n niggardly_a and_o grumble_a alm_n and_o a_o attendance_n upon_o god_n word_n rather_o out_o of_o spiritual_a wantonness_n than_o devotion_n these_o be_v the_o offering_n
will_v ferment_n and_o work_v we_o up_o to_o the_o noble_a height_n of_o zeal_n i_o may_v here_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a easy_o show_v that_o zeal_n have_v as_o happy_a a_o influence_n on_o the_o public_a as_o the_o private_a that_o this_o must_v animate_v that_o justice_n and_o mercy_n that_o support_v the_o throne_n that_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o honour_n integrity_n generosity_n and_o religion_n which_o support_v the_o state_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o without_o which_o all_o politic_a system_n must_v needs_o tend_v to_o a_o dissolution_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o three_o consideration_n natural_o appear_v 3._o viz._n that_o zeal_n minister_v most_o effectual_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o if_o zeal_n be_v in_o itself_o thus_o lovely_a thus_o necessary_a if_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o serviceable_a to_o the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a interest_n of_o man_n what_o a_o lovely_a what_o a_o agreeable_a notion_n of_o god_n shall_v we_o form_v from_o this_o one_o consideration_n of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o fountain_n of_o that_o light_n and_o heat_n of_o that_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compound_v and_o constitute_v he_o command_v and_o exact_v it_o he_o excite_v and_o encourage_v to_o it_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o ravish_a fruition_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v plant_v the_o seed_n of_o it_o in_o our_o nature_n and_o he_o cherish_v they_o by_o the_o bless_a and_o vigorous_a influence_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n how_o gracious_a be_v the_o divine_a nature_n how_o gracious_a be_v the_o divine_a government_n when_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o law_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v as_o brethren_n that_o we_o shall_v clothe_v the_o naked_a feed_v the_o hungry_a deliver_v the_o captive_a instruct_v the_o foolish_a comfort_v the_o afflict_a forgive_v one_o another_o if_o need_v be_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n and_o such_o like_a if_o to_o do_v all_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o his_o spirit_n rule_v in_o we_o his_o nature_n communicate_v to_o we_o and_o his_o image_n stamp_v upon_o we_o how_o amiable_a must_v god_n be_v when_o we_o discern_v so_o much_o benefit_n and_o so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o so_o much_o beauty_n and_o so_o much_o loveliness_n in_o those_o quality_n which_o be_v but_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a resemblance_n of_o he_o in_o a_o word_n the_o holiness_n of_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o very_a lustre_n of_o divine_a glory_n holiness_n be_v the_o flower_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n the_o most_o perfect_a because_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n for_o 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the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rectitude_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o only_o to_o love_v he_o for_o his_o goodness_n but_o revere_a and_o fear_v he_o for_o his_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n need_v i_o here_o add_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o creature_n their_o fitness_n and_o subserviency_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o creator_n just_a as_o the_o beauty_n strength_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o work_n be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o architect_n if_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n the_o irrational_a and_o inanimate_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n show_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n how_o much_o more_o do_v spiritual_a and_o rational_a being_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n and_o zeal_n of_o virtue_n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o advance_v those_o great_a end_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o god_n as_o i_o have_v i_o think_v abundant_o make_v out_o chap._n xi_o of_o humility_n our_o saviour_n have_v so_o often_o pronounce_v the_o humble_a the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o have_v so_o often_o promise_v the_o first_o place_n and_o the_o great_a exaltation_n to_o the_o low_a condescension_n he_o be_v himself_o so_o illustrious_a a_o example_n of_o lowliness_n of_o heart_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o express_o assert_v his_o joy_n and_o crown_n to_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o humility_n phil._n 2._o that_o i_o can_v never_o think_v that_o man_n can_v ever_o rise_v to_o a_o more_o eminent_a height_n than_o that_o to_o which_o the_o imitation_n of_o this_o virtue_n of_o christ_n will_v advance_v he_o the_o more_o perfect_a therefore_o man_n be_v the_o more_o humble_a must_v he_o be_v too_o the_o clear_a view_n and_o the_o more_o assure_a hope_n he_o have_v of_o heaven_n the_o more_o unconcerned_a must_v he_o be_v for_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o world_n pay_v a_o respect_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o more_o he_o must_v be_v above_o they_o the_o more_o fervent_a his_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n grow_v the_o more_o confident_o must_v he_o place_v all_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o one_o thing_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o life_n to_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n then_o be_v he_o perfect_a and_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n final_o the_o more_o he_o know_v god_n the_o near_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o communion_n with_o he_o the_o more_o plain_o will_v he_o discern_v at_o how_o infinite_a distance_n he_o stand_v from_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o purity_n and_o will_v prostrate_v himself_o even_o into_o dust_n and_o ash_n before_o he_o the_o perfect_a man_n admire_v adore_v obey_v love_n rely_v trust_v and_o resign_v up_o himself_o and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o to_o god_n he_o be_v nothing_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o he_o lay_v claim_n to_o nothing_o on_o any_o other_o title_n than_o that_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n whatever_o virtue_n he_o have_v he_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o immortality_n he_o expect_v he_o expect_v only_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o whatever_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o he_o compare_v no_o himself_n with_o other_o but_o he_o prove_v his_o own_o work_n that_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o nothing_o but_o zeal_n for_o god_n or_o charity_n for_o man_n can_v put_v he_o upon_o the_o assert_v his_o own_o merit_n or_o service_n but_o when_o glory_n it_o be_v like_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v upon_o he_o need_v i_o here_o insist_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o humility_n sure_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a to_o every_o one_o that_o think_v at_o all_o great_a be_v the_o peace_n and_o rest_n of_o the_o humble_a soul_n here_o and_o great_a will_v be_v his_o glory_n hereafter_o he_o who_o love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o fesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a calm_a and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o object_n that_o can_v raise_v any_o storm_n in_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v breed_v in_o he_o uneasy_a desire_n and_o fear_n he_o that_o love_v the_o father_n be_v fix_v on_o a_o immutable_a and_o perfect_a good_a and_o he_o that_o now_o quit_v all_o for_o god_n shall_v one_o day_n participate_v of_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o
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
through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v nor_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o multiply_v no_o more_o instance_n of_o restraint_n of_o this_o or_o the_o like_a nature_n thus_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v affect_v towards_o praise_n and_o reputation_n interest_n and_o power_n beauty_n strength_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v neither_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o they_o nor_o enjoy_v they_o with_o too_o much_o gust_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o this_o be_v that_o disposition_n which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o suit_n best_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a sort_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v either_o temptation_n or_o blessing_n instrument_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n 3_o the_o scripture_n regulate_v and_o bound_v our_o natural_a and_o necessary_a appetite_n not_o so_o much_o by_o nice_o define_v the_o exact_a degree_n and_o measure_n within_o which_o nature_n must_v be_v strict_o contain_v as_o by_o exalt_a example_n of_o and_o exhortation_n to_o a_o spiritual_a pure_a and_o heavenly_a disposition_n thus_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o stream_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o to_o call_v off_o his_o disciple_n from_o it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n mark_v 3.34_o 35._o and_o he_o look_v round_o about_o on_o they_o which_o sit_v about_o he_o and_o say_v behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o same_o be_v my_o brother_n and_o my_o sister_n and_o mother_n to_o which_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o may_v join_v those_o of_o st._n paul_n henceforth_o know_v we_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o now_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o 2_o cor._n 5.16_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v defer_v his_o follow_v he_o till_o he_o have_v bury_v his_o father_n matt._n 8._o â—1_n and_o to_o he_o who_o beg_v leave_v to_o go_v and_o bid_v farewell_n first_o to_o his_o relation_n and_o domestic_n luke_n 9.61_o do_v plain_o countenance_v the_o doctrine_n i_o here_o advance_v and_o so_o do_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o so_o often_o cite_v by_o i_o not_o that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o account_v our_o natural_a affection_n vicious_a and_o impure_a for_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n to_o be_v without_o they_o rom._n 1.31_o not_o that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o diminish_v or_o abate_v much_o less_o to_o cancel_v the_o duty_n flow_v from_o they_o no_o they_o only_o prune_v the_o luxuriancy_n of_o untaught_a nature_n and_o correct_v the_o fondness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o animal_n inclination_n our_o natural_a affection_n may_v entangle_v and_o enslave_v we_o as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a and_o irregular_a one_o if_o we_o lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o they_o religion_n indeed_o make_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n but_o without_o it_o they_o easy_o betray_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o folly_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o doubt_v not_o lest_z under_o pretence_n of_o satisfy_v our_o most_o natural_a and_o importunate_a appetite_n we_o shall_v be_v ensnare_v into_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o entangle_v in_o the_o care_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v we_o to_o take_v think_v for_o to_o morrow_n even_o for_o the_o necessary_n of_o to_o morrow_n what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v drink_v and_o where-withal_a we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v matt._n 6._o these_o be_v the_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o scripture_n which_o if_o any_o man_n observe_v he_o will_v soon_o discern_v himself_o as_o far_o purify_v and_o free_v from_o original_a corruption_n as_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v §_o 2_o he_o must_v fortify_v and_o invigorate_v the_o mind_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v two_o way_n first_o by_o possess_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o by_o withdraw_v it_o often_o from_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o former_a branch_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a since_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o have_v before_o be_v describe_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n not_o only_o of_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v we_o but_o also_o of_o grace_n to_o strengthen_v we_o of_o the_o former_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o exert_v all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n we_o have_v of_o the_o latter_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o our_o natural_a force_n never_o can_v effect_v it_o can_v be_v here_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o grieve_v and_o quench_v it_o this_o will_v demand_v a_o peculiar_a treatise_n i_o will_v here_o only_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o repair_v in_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o fall_n to_o rectify_v nature_n to_o improve_v our_o faculty_n and_o to_o imprint_v in_o we_o the_o divine_a image_n that_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o careful_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n obtain_v and_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o negligence_n and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n grieve_v and_o extinguish_v it_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o here_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o illumination_n and_o will_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o imbibe_v do_v effectual_o raise_v we_o above_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o set_v we_o free_a from_o the_o power_n and_o prevalence_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n be_v we_o but_o once_o persuade_v that_o we_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n that_o all_o carnal_a gratification_n do_v war_n against_o the_o soul_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v proper_o ourselves_o and_o that_o our_o first_o care_n be_v to_o be_v for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v himself_o our_o sovereign_n good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o inferior_a good_a that_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o he_o that_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a mediator_n who_o once_o die_v for_o we_o and_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o a_o kingdom_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o all_o meek_a faithful_a and_o holy_a soul_n be_v we_o i_o say_v but_o once_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o these_o truth_n with_o what_o vigour_n will_v they_o impregnate_n our_o mind_n how_o clear_a will_v be_v the_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n how_o uncontrollable_a the_o authority_n of_o reason_n how_o strong_a the_o instinct_n and_o propension_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o righteousness_n and_o virtue_n these_o will_v alienate_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o turn_v the_o bend_v of_o it_o another_o way_n these_o will_v inspire_v it_o with_o other_o desire_n and_o hope_n and_o make_v it_o form_n different_a project_n from_o what_o it_o have_v before_o old_a thing_n be_v do_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o particular_a rule_n be_v that_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o retire_v frequent_o from_o the_o commerce_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o body_n whether_o the_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v open_a to_o the_o mind_n new_a scene_n of_o sensuality_n which_o it_o think_v not_o of_o and_o so_o call_v it_o down_o from_o the_o serenity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o contemplative_a life_n to_o participate_v the_o turbulent_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n immerse_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v deep_a into_o the_o body_n i_o pretend_v not_o to_o judge_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o too_o too_o intimate_a conjunction_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o body_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o it_o do_v very_o much_o debase_v it_o it_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o world_n we_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n we_o talk_v of_o the_o world_n we_o think_v of_o the_o
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
will_v quote_v but_o one_o or_o two_o passage_n of_o st._n basil_n 454._o basil_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 454._o his_o description_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o regard_n to_o his_o self-denial_n run_v thus_o he_o be_v one_o that_o consult_v the_o necessity_n not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o seem_v to_o grudge_v the_o time_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o the_o support_n and_o nourishment_n of_o a_o corruptible_a body_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o look_v upon_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n as_o a_o enjoyment_n that_o he_o rather_o account_v it_o a_o task_n or_o troublesome_a service_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o nature_n demand_v at_o his_o hand_n nor_o be_v this_o great_a man_n more_o severe_a against_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o against_o those_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n 456._o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 456._o all_o vanity_n and_o affection_n of_o praise_n and_o respect_n all_o the_o ostentation_n say_v he_o and_o show_v of_o life_n be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_n and_o all_o this_o be_v direct_o consonant_a to_o his_o gloss_n 457._o gloss_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 457._o on_o those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n they_o that_o use_v the_o world_n as_o not_o abuse_v it_o whatever_o be_v beyond_o use_n be_v abuse_v direct_o consonant_a to_o his_o definition_n of_o temperance_n 454._o temperance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 454._o that_o it_o be_v the_o extirpation_n of_o sin_n the_o extermination_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n extend_v even_o to_o the_o natural_a appetite_n and_o affection_n of_o it_o i_o know_v not_o what_o scruple_n or_o mistake_v the_o doctrine_n i_o here_o advance_v concern_v this_o part_n of_o my_o perfect_a man_n liberty_n may_v be_v encounter_v with_o but_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o have_v give_v no_o just_a occasion_n for_o any_o i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o perfect_a with_o jovinian_a that_o they_o can_v fall_v but_o i_o say_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o stand_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n will_v do_v so_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v of_o they_o as_o the_o heretic_n in_o vincentius_n lyrinensis_n do_v of_o their_o part_n that_o they_o be_v privilege_v from_o sin_n by_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o transcendent_a favour_n but_o i_o affirm_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o want_v grace_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o it_o unless_o they_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o i_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o maintain_v that_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o his_o child_n but_o i_o maintain_v that_o mortal_a sin_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n but_o do_v not_o i_o in_o this_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o papist_n who_o assert_v the_o possibility_n of_o keep_v the_o command_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v they_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o themselves_o in_o the_o conference_n at_o ratisbone_n defend_v this_o doctrine_n i_o do_v they_o there_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o they_o talk_v thus_o they_o take_v the_o law_n or_o command_n of_o god_n not_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o rigid_a but_o in_o a_o favourable_a and_o equitable_a i._n e._n a_o gospel_n construction_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v heterodox_n that_o davenant_n account_v it_o a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o question_n in_o controversy_n but_o be_o i_o not_o run_v into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o pelagian_o and_o quaker_n i_o answer_v if_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o assert_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n pass_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n without_o fall_v into_o any_o sin_n or_o that_o in_o the_o best_a part_n of_o life_n he_o be_v impeccable_a and_o not_o subject_a to_o sin_v as_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n their_o adversary_n seem_v sometime_o to_o fasten_v on_o they_o i_o be_o at_o a_o wide_a distance_n from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v grace_n and_o strength_n enough_o to_o forbear_v wilful_a sin_n and_o that_o many_o actual_o do_v so_o i_o be_o i_o must_v confess_v exact_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o then_o i_o be_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o st._n austin_n and_o st._n jerome_n too_o for_o they_o teach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n for_o they_o never_o contend_v about_o the_o possibility_n of_o freedom_n or_o deliverance_n from_o mental_a sin_n but_o only_o from_o venial_a st._n i_o 189._o i_o dial._n secund_a adv_fw-la pelag._n p._n 189._o shall_v explain_v his_o own_o sense_n etenim_fw-la absque_fw-la vitio_fw-la quod_fw-la grecé_fw-la dicitur_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hominem_fw-la posse_fw-la esse_fw-la aio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la esse_fw-la nego_fw-la which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o st._n austin_n common_o admit_v that_o man_n may_v be_v sine_fw-la crimine_fw-la but_o not_o sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la without_o mortal_a but_o not_o without_o venial_a sin_n and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v certain_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o every_o where_o represent_v the_o perfect_a man_n as_o holy_a blameless_a undefiled_a without_o spot_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o in_o one_o word_n as_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o any_o man_n can_v reconcile_v these_o text_n which_o be_v very_o numerous_a with_o mortal_a sin_n i_o will_v not_o say_v in_o the_o best_a state_n of_o the_o best_a man_n but_o a_o state_n of_o sincerity_n and_o regeneration_n i_o will_v acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n but_o till_o then_o i_o can_v but_o think_v the_o doctrine_n i_o advance_v necessary_a to_o establish_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o holiness_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o this_o doctrine_n be_v again_o necessary_a to_o wipe_v off_o those_o aspersion_n and_o calumny_n the_o quaker_n cast_v upon_o our_o church_n as_o if_o it_o hold_v that_o the_o regenerate_v themselves_o may_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n nay_o can_v be_v free_v from_o they_o our_o church_n teach_v indeed_o artic._n 14._o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n be_v never_o utter_o exempt_v from_o defect_n fail_n and_o human_a infirmity_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o themselves_o be_v not_o confident_a enough_o to_o teach_v otherwise_o only_o they_o will_v not_o call_v these_o infirmity_n sin_n and_o then_o the_o whole_a controversy_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n but_o differ_v in_o the_o name_n and_o in_o this_o difference_n we_o be_v not_o only_o on_o the_o humble_a but_o the_o safe_a side_n too_o for_o acknowledge_v they_o sin_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_o dispose_v sure_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o to_o beg_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o watch_v against_o they_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n have_v be_v sufficient_o account_v for_o chap._n 3._o and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v s._n 3._o to_o propose_v some_o rule_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o mind_n must_v be_v ground_v and_o root_v in_o the_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v thorough_o convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o these_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o such_o a_o god_n holy_a just_a omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a one_o the_o incarnation_n suffer_v and_o glory_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v natural_o promote_v these_o two_o effect_n 1._o it_o will_v awaken_v a_o sinner_n out_o of_o his_o lethargy_n and_o security_n it_o will_v disturb_v he_o in_o his_o sinful_a enjoyment_n and_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o guilty_a fear_n and_o uneasy_a reflection_n and_o when_o the_o man_n find_v no_o rest_n no_o security_n in_o his_o sin_n this_o will_v natural_o oblige_v he_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conquest_n of_o they_o but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v these_o thought_n we_o must_v give_v conscience_n full_a liberty_n we_o must_v hear_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o mind_n patient_o and_o consider_v serious_o those_o terrible_a truth_n which_o they_o lie_v before_o we_o till_o we_o go_v from_o this_o exercise_n deep_o impress_v with_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o that_o our_o sin_n soon_o or_o late_a will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a misery_n that_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a righteousness_n can_v produce_v true_a and_o last_a happiness_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a danger_n to_o dally_v too_o long_o with_o indgination_n or_o presume_v too_o far_o on_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o almighty_a god_n that_o the_o neglect_v the_o great_a salvation_n tender_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o procure_v by_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o
slight_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o which_o we_o do_v by_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o gild_n that_o will_v sink_v down_o the_o obstinate_a sinner_n into_o the_o low_a hell_n and_o render_v his_o condition_n more_o intolerable_a that_o that_o of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 2._o the_o second_o effect_n of_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o gospel_n truth_n be_v that_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o he_o that_o beelieve_v how_o short_a be_v time_n compare_v to_o eternity_n how_o false_a how_o empty_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o heaven_n how_o insignificant_a the_o esteem_n or_o love_n of_o man_n to_o that_o of_o god_n how_o worthless_a be_v all_o our_o worldly_a hope_n and_o pretension_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n now_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v once_o possess_v thorough_o with_o these_o notion_n what_o will_v it_o not_o do_v what_o will_v it_o not_o suffer_v rather_o than_o fall_v short_a of_o or_o forfeit_v its_o crown_n in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v content_v nay_o in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o abound_v in_o joy_n whilst_o it_o hold_v fast_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o its_o hope_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n here_o begin_v that_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o true_a epicureism_n that_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o alone_o be_v true_a honour_n and_o fortitude_n but_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v these_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o lively_a faith_n therefore_o my_o 2._o second_o rule_n or_o if_o you_o please_v another_o branch_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n shall_v be_v this_o they_o that_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o must_v frequent_o and_o serious_o ponder_v they_o till_o they_o have_v imprint_v in_o themselves_o as_o clear_v distinct_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o will_v soon_o mortify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n corrrect_v our_o false_a opinion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o baffle_v all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o confidence_n of_o lust_n a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o faith_n that_o import_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o natural_a the_o most_o full_a and_o enlarge_v notion_n of_o its_o object_n a_o faith_n that_o not_o only_a look_n upon_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n as_o true_a but_o behold_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n as_o present_v and_o so_o represent_v and_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n that_o they_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o great_a and_o move_a consideration_n this_o faith_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o it_o behold_v he_o and_o walk_n before_o he_o as_o present_v it_o see_v he_o array_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o all_o his_o majesty_n in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n in_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o one_o and_o attraction_n of_o the_o other_o and_o look_v upon_o both_o as_o at_o the_o door_n it_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v a_o mediator_n but_o take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o lie_v through_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o into_o which_o we_o be_v translate_v by_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o contemplate_v this_o mediator_n in_o all_o the_o several_a step_n of_o condescension_n and_o humiliation_n in_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o transport_v of_o his_o passion_n in_o all_o the_o melancholy_a scene_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o cheerful_a one_o of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o set_v we_o free_a 3._o we_o must_v not_o stop_v in_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n we_o must_v meditate_v divine_a truth_n till_o they_o have_v fire_v our_o soul_n till_o they_o have_v enkindle_v our_o affection_n till_o we_o be_v possess_v by_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n of_o jesus_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o heaven_n till_o all_o our_o other_o desire_n and_o passion_n be_v convert_v into_o and_o swallow_v up_o of_o love_n till_o god_n become_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v in_o he_o we_o glory_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rejoice_v o_o love_n how_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o thou_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v impregnate_n and_o animate_v faith_n itself_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v surmount_v the_o difficulty_n of_o duty_n and_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v cast_v out_o fear_v and_o make_v religion_n full_a of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o do_v make_v we_o watchful_a against_o temptation_n and_o impatient_a under_o the_o interruption_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o make_v we_o dis-relish_a the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v they_o even_o in_o this_o world_n who_o attain_v it_o but_o one_o caution_n i_o must_v here_o add_v that_o our_o love_n must_v not_o be_v a_o flesh_n a_o bit_n but_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o settle_a affection_n a_o affection_n that_o have_v the_o warmth_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o habit._n we_o must_v therefore_o by_o repeat_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n daily_o nourish_v this_o flame_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v out_o 4._o we_o must_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o we_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n the_o struggle_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n the_o gild_n and_o vexation_n the_o shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n its_o ill_a influence_n on_o our_o present_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n on_o our_o peace_n and_o hope_n be_v proper_a topic_n to_o effect_v this_o a_o thorough_a hatred_n of_o sin_n once_o settle_v and_o root_v in_o we_o will_v produce_v that_o sorrow_n that_o indignation_n that_o watchfulness_n that_o zeal_n which_o will_v remove_v we_o far_o enough_o not_o only_o from_o the_o sin_n but_o also_o from_o the_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o it_o and_o place_v we_o almost_o without_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o relapse_n to_o this_o former_a rule_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o other_o that_o when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n whatever_o difficulty_n he_o find_v in_o his_o way_n whatever_o baffle_v he_o meet_v with_o he_o must_v never_o quit_v the_o desgn_n of_o virtue_n and_o life_n he_o must_v never_o give_v over_o fight_v till_o he_o conquer_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o he_o must_v either_o conquer_v or_o die_v but_o this_o belong_v rather_o to_o perseverance_n in_o virtue_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o but_o just_a mention_n it_o 5._o it_o will_v not_o be_v imprudent_a in_o this_o moral_a as_o in_o physical_a cure_n to_o observe_v diligent_o and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v seed_n of_o generosity_n and_o honour_n the_o turpitude_n and_o shame_n of_o sin_n the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o such_o like_a be_v fit_a topic_n to_o dwell_v upon_o where_o fear_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v there_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o so_o whatever_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v argument_n in_o the_o gospel_n adapt_v to_o it_o which_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o prevalent_a as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a 6._o last_o we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o increase_v and_o cherish_v his_o influence_n we_o must_v ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v i._n e._n we_o must_v pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o travel_v with_o patience_n and_o with_o importunity_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o when_o we_o have_v it_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v it_o by_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o quench_v it_o by_o security_n or_o negligence_n by_o sensual_a freedom_n and_o presumption_n but_o we_o must_v cherish_v every_o motion_n improve_v every_o