a_o new_a and_o repeat_v engagement_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o a_o renunciation_n of_o those_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a fence_n and_o antidote_n against_o temptation_n for_o these_o fresh_a impression_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n the_o new_a strength_n of_o divine_a grace_n the_o vigour_n of_o a_o new_a and_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o obedience_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o glorious_a contempt_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o prayer_n and_o now_o o_o my_o god_n what_o shall_v make_v i_o so_o prodigal_o venturous_a of_o my_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o neglect_v the_o frequent_a use_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n have_v i_o not_o need_v frequent_o to_o examine_v myself_o be_v not_o thy_o grace_n apt_a to_o wither_v and_o decay_v unless_o thus_o water_v and_o refresh_v do_v not_o my_o converse_n with_o the_o world_n and_o my_o communication_n with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n render_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o renew_v my_o resolution_n against_o they_o as_o often_o as_o i_o can_v or_o be_v there_o not_o a_o holy_a delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o this_o that_o surpass_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sensual_a life_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sacrifice_n that_o my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v high_o please_v with_o and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v oblige_v he_o who_o die_v for_o i_o with_o this_o frequent_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n evidence_v in_o his_o death_n pardon_v i_o o_o my_o god_n that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o thou_o so_o senseless_a of_o my_o own_o welfare_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o will_v delight_v in_o this_o holy_a communion_n i_o will_v often_o offer_v up_o myself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o thou_o and_o profess_v my_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o there_o beg_v thy_o assistance_n and_o conduct_n through_o the_o difficult_a path_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o o_o my_o god_n accept_v thou_o of_o my_o address_n and_o praise_n through_o thy_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n amen_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o those_o three_o head_n i_o before_o mention_v and_o 1._o as_o a_o part_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n be_v our_o god_n a_o confession_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o our_o meanness_n be_v a_o solemn_a adoration_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o humiliation_n and_o of_o repentance_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o reliance_n upon_o he_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v what_o preparation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o extempore_o address_n be_v the_o most_o improper_a and_o the_o most_o unwelcome_a to_o god_n for_o these_o be_v at_o best_a but_o imagine_v to_o raise_v those_o passion_n or_o disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v presuppose_v in_o it_o beforehand_o to_o the_o render_n of_o our_o prayer_n acceptable_a for_o we_o draw_v near_o in_o prayer_n to_o offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n which_o we_o have_v prepare_v before_o and_o we_o may_v second_o conclude_v that_o what_o ever_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dispose_v and_o prepare_v the_o mind_n by_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o exert_v the_o act_n i_o name_v before_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o a_o soul_n which_o thus_o prepare_v and_o fix_v itself_o in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n dwell_v with_o a_o inward_a devotion_n upon_o those_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o praise_n humiliation_n and_o faith_n without_o express_v these_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o word_n i_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n do_v in_o s._n paul_n sense_n rom._n 8.26_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o in_o public_a those_o prayer_n be_v most_o spiritual_a which_o share_v most_o of_o this_o preparation_n 2._o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n it_o do_v exercise_v all_o our_o grace_n and_o refresh_v and_o improve_v they_o by_o exercise_v the_o breathe_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n assistant_n in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_v which_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a warfare_n and_o make_v they_o disrelish_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n last_o prayer_n have_v extraordinary_a promise_n annex_v to_o it_o of_o receive_v whatsoever_o we_o ask_v with_o faith_n mat._n 7.7_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o antidote_n against_o temptation_n for_o it_o possess_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a love_n and_o with_o a_o horror_n against_o sin_n whilst_o we_o enumerate_v his_o benefit_n and_o our_o sin_n with_o all_o their_o aggravate_v circumstance_n and_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o repeat_v those_o sin_n which_o he_o do_v just_a now_o bemoan_v and_o abhor_v renounce_v and_o resolve_v against_o before_o god_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v who_o come_v forth_o forewarn_v and_o arm_v to_o encounter_v a_o temptation_n last_o prayer_n convince_v a_o man_n of_o the_o loveliness_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o he_o find_v that_o his_o peace_n and_o reliance_n grow_v up_o or_o decay_v together_o with_o his_o virtue_n if_o i_o do_v pray_v earnest_o and_o often_o how_o humble_a how_o holy_a how_o heavenly_a and_o exalt_v will_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o what_o glorious_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o sin_n what_o a_o unquenchable_a thirst_n of_o holiness_n what_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n will_v my_o spirit_n be_v possess_v by_o and_o what_o a_o mighty_a influence_n will_v all_o this_o have_v upon_o my_o conversation_n how_o humble_o how_o wary_o how_o fervent_o shall_v i_o walk_v but_o when_o i_o do_v not_o pray_v often_o or_o with_o this_o care_n and_o preparation_n how_o lazy_a and_o careless_a be_v my_o life_n how_o dim_a and_o imperfect_a my_o conception_n how_o stat_fw-la and_o tasteless_a my_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n how_o do_v a_o worldly_a sensual_a temper_n grow_v and_o increase_v upon_o i_o and_o the_o divine_a life_n within_o droop_n and_o languish_v the_o prayer_n o_o therefore_o my_o god_n give_v i_o grace_n to_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n assist_v i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n to_o dress_v and_o prepare_v my_o soul_n for_o this_o more_o solemn_a approach_n to_o thou_o and_o than_o i_o shall_v experience_n this_o to_o be_v the_o high_a way_n of_o commerce_n with_o heaven_n i_o shall_v feel_v the_o wind_n blow_v upon_o the_o garden_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o spice_n flow_v forth_o i_o shall_v feel_v the_o spirit_n fan_v that_o spark_n of_o holy_a life_n it_o kindle_v into_o a_o flame_n and_o i_o shall_v feel_v myself_o transport_v and_o ascend_a up_o above_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o it_o o_o therefore_o grant_v i_o o_o my_o god_n thy_o holy_a spirit_n that_o i_o may_v pray_v with_o understanding_n and_o fervency_n with_o a_o prepare_v and_o a_o devout_a soul_n that_o my_o prayer_n may_v not_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o turn_v into_o sin_n but_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o a_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o guard_n against_o sin_n enable_v we_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v receive_v a_o everlasting_a crown_n and_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v something_o concern_v fast_v which_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o our_o saviour_n rule_n prescribe_v to_o it_o do_v plain_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o freewill_n offering_n and_o so_o dependent_a of_o various_a circumstance_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v be_v fix_v by_o particular_a rule_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o do_v on_o purpose_n omit_v speak_v to_o it_o when_o i_o have_v a_o fair_a offer_n under_o that_o head_n the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v temperance_n consider_v as_o a_o habit_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o now_o i_o will_v only_o consider_v it_o very_o brief_o 1._o who_o ever_o shall_v consider_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o devout_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o this_o body_n we_o be_v clothe_v
employment_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o other_o be_v of_o more_o absolute_a necessity_n the_o world_n be_v one_o entire_a body_n and_o each_o member_n must_v be_v serviceable_a in_o its_o place_n nor_o can_v any_o part_n withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o whole_a at_o its_o pleasure_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v rule_n of_o society_n of_o justice_n charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o himself_o the_o best_a example_n make_v his_o retirement_n by_o night_n but_o by_o day_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a nature_n have_v found_v a_o cognation_n among_o we_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o form_n shape_n reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v cement_v we_o in_o close_a union_n make_v we_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n tie_v we_o together_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n by_o the_o same_o sacrament_n the_o same_o promise_n and_o the_o same_o hope_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n think_v we_o do_v one_o another_o all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o by_o a_o mere_a abstinence_n from_o do_v wrong_n and_o by_o sequester_v ourselves_o from_o the_o service_n and_o concern_v of_o our_o brethren_n 2._o because_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o deportment_n of_o whole_a society_n than_o a_o few_o private_a person_n as_o much_o as_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o multitude_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o that_o of_o a_o very_a few_o and_o goodness_n redound_v more_o to_o his_o honour_n when_o public_a and_o almost_o universal_a than_o when_o cloister_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o few_o therefore_o all_o good_a man_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o public_a because_o the_o divine_a glory_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o 3._o which_o ought_v well_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o be_v good_a be_v separable_a from_o do_v good_a god_n though_o his_o own_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n do_v yet_o find_v a_o world_n to_o which_o he_o may_v be_v a_o universal_a benefactor_n his_o goodness_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o his_o creation_n not_o any_o considerable_a accession_n that_o his_o happiness_n be_v to_o receive_v from_o it_o this_o goodness_n therefore_o in_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a principle_n and_o render_v they_o the_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v indeed_o hardly_o conceivable_a how_o man_n shall_v be_v zealous_a patron_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v to_o protect_v and_o own_v they_o to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o man_n can_v be_v inflame_v with_o a_o very_a strong_a love_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o how_o last_o any_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o passionate_a kindness_n for_o a_o brother_n and_o yet_o never_o mingle_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n last_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o disciple_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a the_o glorious_a reward_n annex_v to_o all_o those_o who_o any_o way_n benefit_n mankind_n either_o by_o instruct_v the_o mind_n or_o relieve_v the_o body_n the_o character_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v compose_v whole_o of_o act_n of_o charity_n all_o which_o suppose_v a_o active_a life_n conformable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v that_o of_o heb._n 13.15_o 16._o by_o he_o therefore_o let_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o lip_n give_v thanks_o to_o his_o name_n but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v we_o must_v pray_v but_o prayer_n without_o do_v good_a be_v a_o unpleasing_a sacrifice_n without_o charity_n our_o very_a devotion_n be_v unchristian_a and_o our_o religion_n unnatural_a this_o let_v those_o mind_n who_o be_v long_o in_o their_o prayer_n severe_a in_o their_o outward_a deportment_n frequent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o they_o no_o fruit_n of_o meekness_n or_o charity_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o more_o easy_a sacrifice_n because_o it_o cost_v they_o nothing_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o covetousness_n or_o frowardness_n etc._n etc._n have_v speak_v this_o much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o i_o will_v propose_v three_o or_o four_o rule_n and_o submit_v they_o to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o our_o call_n to_o do_v good_a by_o the_o capacity_n and_o fitness_n with_o which_o god_n have_v endow_v we_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o proclaim_v our_o own_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o though_o to_o do_v good_a be_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o imitation_n of_o god_n himself_o a_o thing_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v down_o on_o earth_n for_o yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n so_o to_o multiply_v the_o instance_n and_o opportunity_n of_o goodness_n that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o do_v good_a the_o happy_a by_o their_o wealth_n the_o wise_a by_o their_o knowledge_n even_o the_o miserable_a themselves_o may_v by_o their_o patience_n and_o courage_n and_o prayer_n comfort_n and_o relieve_v the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o our_o part_n and_o fortune_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v mark_v out_o for_o our_o charity_n and_o be_v content_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o his_o own_o method_n 2._o let_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n administer_v to_o our_o good_a action_n and_o like_o oil_n to_o a_o lamp_n give_v our_o charity_n fresh_a spirit_n and_o flame_n for_o as_o private_a religion_n be_v deficient_a without_o public_a charity_n so_o charity_n unless_o often_o refresh_v by_o retirement_n devotion_n and_o heavenly_a reflection_n will_v cool_v and_o languish_v our_o heart_n will_v be_v tough_a and_o insensible_a and_o our_o do_v good_a will_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o custom_n or_o prudence_n or_o activity_n of_o spirit_n not_o of_o religion_n or_o charity_n and_o if_o which_o be_v the_o best_a can_v be_v suppose_v the_o man_n consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o his_o action_n by_o purity_n of_o intention_n and_o continue_v a_o obstinate_a observer_n of_o prayer_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v strict_a duty_n oblige_v he_o to_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o more_o leisurely_o meditation_n and_o more_o serious_a reflection_n his_o address_n will_v lose_v their_o warmth_n his_o soul_n will_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o love_n and_o whilst_o his_o religion_n lose_v so_o much_o of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n what_o wonder_v if_o his_o charity_n relish_v more_o of_o drudgery_n than_o delight_n 3_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o do_v good_a by_o any_o difficulty_n or_o misfortune_n which_o may_v attend_v we_o in_o it_o in_o our_o nightly_a reflection_n let_v we_o judge_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o success_n but_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o let_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a reward_n that_o we_o have_v obey_v god_n or_o if_o we_o will_v measure_v our_o success_n let_v we_o examine_v how_o much_o our_o experience_n have_v improve_v our_o meekness_n our_o patience_n our_o reliance_n or_o charity_n for_o scarce_o any_o action_n but_o will_v exercise_v some_o of_o these_o grace_n 4._o look_v upon_o do_v good_a as_o true_o your_o business_n as_o prayer_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o never_o think_v your_o time_n misspend_v which_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o visit_v the_o imprison_a or_o sick_a relieve_v the_o necessitous_a comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o reduce_v those_o that_o err_v into_o the_o path_n of_o sobriety_n and_o truth_n though_o this_o time_n be_v pare_v off_o from_o our_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n indeed_o who_o prefer_v meek_a attendance_n and_o ministry_n and_o importunate_a address_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n before_o much_o knowledge_n passionate_a dispute_n and_o high_a pretence_n o_o charity_n how_o lovely_a must_v thou_o needs_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n for_o be_v thou_o plant_v in_o all_o our_o heart_n earth_n will_v resemble_v that_o place_n above_o i_o will_v be_v please_v therefore_o with_o
practical_a christianity_n or_o a_o account_n of_o the_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v with_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o and_o the_o remedy_n it_o propose_v against_o temptation_n with_o a_o prayer_n conclude_v each_o distinct_a head_n imprimatur_fw-la exit_fw-la aedib_n lambethanis_n 23._o decemb._n 1676._o geo._n hooper_n london_n print_v by_o s._n and_o b._n g._n for_o r._n pawlet_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o chancery-lane_n 1677._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n to_o endear_v holiness_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o design_n neither_o so_o trifle_a nor_o criminal_a as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o excuse_n but_o because_o a_o very_a worthy_a design_n may_v miscarry_v in_o the_o contrivance_n and_o method_n of_o its_o prosecution_n therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v religion_n in_o its_o true_a and_o natural_a character_n purify_v from_o the_o sensual_a freedom_n which_o some_o and_o the_o frantic_a and_o conceit_a whimsy_n which_o other_o deform_v it_o by_o i_o have_v propose_v the_o glorious_a motive_n to_o holiness_n and_o the_o powerful_a remedy_n against_o temptation_n which_o it_o contain_v i_o have_v perform_v this_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o a_o easy_a method_n and_o familiar_a style_n i_o have_v not_o intermix_v either_o fancy_n or_o passion_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o too_o light_a and_o garish_a a_o dress_n for_o divine_a thought_n but_o write_v they_o in_o as_o natural_a a_o plainness_n and_o majesty_n as_o i_o can_v give_v they_o hope_v all_o from_o the_o conquer_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o clear_a truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o he_o who_o shall_v design_v any_o advantage_n to_o himself_o from_o this_o treatise_n to_o read_v it_o deliberate_o and_o allow_v each_o sentence_n a_o proper_a consideration_n for_o be_v force_v to_o crowd_v many_o truth_n into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n i_o have_v weave_v the_o matter_n a_o little_o close_a and_o choose_v a_o conciser_n stile_n than_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v betray_v by_o i_o into_o a_o wise_a love_n of_o religion_n at_o unaware_o or_o to_o be_v heat_v into_o a_o romantic_a passion_n for_o virtue_n the_o former_a be_v impossible_a and_o the_o latter_a of_o little_a use_n but_o if_o you_o bring_v a_o honest_a and_o attentive_a mind_n i_o hope_v you_o may_v find_v something_o in_o this_o discourse_n which_o may_v be_v of_o very_o important_a service_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o beside_o this_o i_o have_v one_o inducement_n more_o to_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o be_v i_o be_o sufficient_o assure_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o discourse_n contribute_v more_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o church_n and_o state_n than_o those_o practical_a one_o which_o aim_v at_o implant_n a_o real_a goodness_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o goodness_n be_v it_o which_o have_v betray_v we_o into_o error_n so_o numerous_a and_o so_o fatal_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o that_o charity_n and_o meekness_n and_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n which_o become_v christian_n we_o shall_v consider_v more_o calm_o and_o see_v more_o clear_o and_o act_v more_o sincere_o we_o shall_v discern_v a_o more_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o religion_n in_o those_o unnatural_a feud_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o so_o much_o passion_n in_o such_o irreligious_a method_n and_o make_v use_v of_o to_o such_o unchristian_a purpose_n than_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o contest_v and_o we_o shall_v follow_v after_o peace_n by_o a_o compliance_n if_o not_o to_o all_o yet_o to_o all_o we_o can_v and_o then_o i_o be_o confident_a we_o shall_v soon_o put_v a_o end_n if_o not_o to_o our_o mistake_v yet_o to_o our_o division_n if_o i_o have_v contribute_v my_o endeavour_n to_o this_o in_o my_o degree_n and_o capacity_n i_o hope_v for_o pardon_n at_o least_o here_o and_o be_o assure_v of_o a_o reward_n hereafter_o farewell_n errata_fw-la page_n 15._o l._n 26._o after_o all_o which_o add_v give_v we_o a_o excellent_a notion_n of_o god_n and._n p._n 48._o l._n 11._o r._n they_z or_o four_o l._n 13._o r._n faith_n love_n temperance_n and_o humility_n p._n 98._o l._n 2._o r._n his_o happiness_n or_o glory_n p_o 102._o l._n 14._o r._n unkind_a p._n 123._o before_o the_o prayer_n add_v sect._n 3_o as_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v temperance_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o section_n of_o fast_v p._n 138._o l._n 14._o for_o better_a r._n lesser_a p._n 164._o l._n 11._o for_o word_n r._n world_n p._n 223._o l._n 9_o for_o be_v of_o r._n use_n p._n 249._o l._n 23._o r._n or_o universal_a yet_o the_o content_n part_n i._o chap._n 1._o the_o great_a motive_n to_o religion_n 1._o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n chap._n 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n in_o relation_n to_o faith_n pag._n 13_o chap._n 3._o of_o christianity_n with_o respect_n to_o practice_n in_o general_n p._n 29_o chap._n 4._o of_o christianity_n with_o respect_n to_o practice_n in_o particular_a of_o faith_n 65_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 82_o of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n 91_o of_o temperance_n 112_o of_o humility_n 124_o of_o perfection_n 133_o part_n ii_o of_o the_o motive_n to_o holiness_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n 152_o the_o second_o motive_n the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a nature_n 172_o the_o three_o the_o consideration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 179_o the_o four_o the_o vanity_n of_o temptation_n 193_o the_o five_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n 195_o the_o six_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 206_o the_o seven_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n 207_o part_n iii_o of_o temptation_n to_o sin_n of_o pleasure_n 220_o of_o pain_n 241_o of_o some_o particular_a method_n by_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n 265_o of_o the_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n the_o sacrament_n prayer_n and_o fast_v 280_o the_o conclusion_n 296_o practical_a christianity_n chap._n i._o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v religious_a because_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n depend_v on_o it_o sect._n 1_o 1._o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 16.26_o if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o i_o have_v in_o this_o state_n i_o be_o now_o in_o a_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o a_o body_n who_o interest_n concern_v i_o be_v a_o truth_n my_o own_o sense_n sufficient_o discover_v for_o i_o feel_v joy_n and_o sorrow_n which_o do_v not_o make_v their_o abode_n in_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o the_o mind_n pain_n and_o pleasure_n which_o sense_n be_v too_o gross_a and_o heavy_a to_o partake_v of_o as_o the_o peace_n or_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o reflection_n upon_o good_a or_o evil_a action_n the_o delight_n or_o vexation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o or_o a_o fruitless_a inquiry_n after_o excellent_a and_o important_a truth_n 2._o and_o since_o i_o have_v such_o a_o soul_n capable_a of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v sottish_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o lose_v this_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o my_o soul_n be_v i_o myself_o and_o if_o that_o be_v miserable_a i_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o fortune_n may_v give_v the_o world_n occasion_n to_o think_v i_o happy_a but_o they_o can_v never_o make_v i_o so_o shall_v i_o call_v myself_o happy_a if_o discontent_n and_o sorrow_n eat_v out_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o my_o soul_n if_o lust_n and_o passion_n riot_n and_o mutiny_n in_o my_o bosom_n if_o my_o sin_n scatter_v a_o uneasy_a shame_n all_o over_o i_o and_o my_o guilt_n apale_v and_o fright_v i_o what_o avail_v it_o i_o that_o my_o room_n be_v stately_a my_o table_n full_a my_o attender_n numerous_a and_o my_o attire_n gawdy_a if_o all_o this_o while_n my_o very_a be_v pine_n and_o languish_v away_o these_o indeed_o be_v rich_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n but_o i_o nevertheless_o be_o poor_a and_o miserable_a man_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o this_o thing_n be_v i_o call_v a_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v a_o perish_a die_a thing_n and_o will_v not_o outlive_v the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v my_o wisdom_n and_o interest_n to_o prefer_v its_o content_n and_o
unhallow_a they_o if_o after_o all_o this_o i_o chance_v to_o err_v i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o purity_n of_o my_o intention_n the_o diligence_n of_o my_o inquiry_n the_o meekness_n and_o entireness_n of_o my_o resignation_n will_n through_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o gracious_a god_n secure_a my_o heaven_n and_o render_v my_o error_n innocent_a and_o harmless_a all_o that_o be_v behind_o now_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o three_o place_n to_o preserve_v my_o charity_n for_o my_o neighbour_n lest_o that_o faith_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o strong_a engagement_n to_o union_n become_v the_o unhappy_a instrument_n of_o division_n to_o this_o end_n i_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o controversy_n now_o on_o foot_n in_o christendom_n be_v not_o about_o the_o truth_n but_o sense_n of_o divine_a revelation_n none_o at_o all_o call_n into_o question_n the_o veracity_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n any_o more_o lessen_v or_o injure_v by_o variety_n of_o opinion_n than_o by_o variety_n of_o capacity_n unless_o in_o their_o consequence_n 2._o as_o the_o bare_a assent_n to_o a_o truth_n do_v not_o save_v so_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o hold_n of_o a_o error_n shall_v damn_v unless_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o sinful_a original_a or_o issue_n or_o such_o as_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o indeed_o no_o opinion_n which_o lessen_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n can_v be_v take_v up_o by_o any_o one_o profess_v christianity_n but_o that_o it_o must_v begin_v or_o end_v in_o sin_n but_o yet_o the_o aggravation_n or_o extenuation_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o man_n thus_o err_v may_v depend_v upon_o so_o many_o circumstance_n as_o capacity_n education_n mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o better_a information_n the_o strength_n of_o prejudices_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o he_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o my_o duty_n as_o a_o private_a christian_a be_v to_o love_n and_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o to_o endeavour_v his_o reducement_n by_o all_o the_o pious_a subtlety_n i_o can_v this_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v not_o the_o weak_a judge_n the_o strong_a nor_o the_o strong_a despise_v the_o weak_a i_o will_v live_v in_o the_o peaceful_a temper_n of_o these_o persuasion_n happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o smooth_a and_o settle_a calm_a resign_v up_o to_o god_n staunch_a and_o consistent_a in_o myself_o and_o possess_v by_o charitable_a hope_n of_o my_o neighbour_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o then_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v at_o last_o resign_v my_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o faithful_a creator_n in_o the_o joy_n and_o transport_v of_o this_o precious_a christian_n faith_n the_o prayer_n glorious_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n suppress_v in_o i_o all_o proud_a thought_n all_o wild_a and_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o keep_v my_o soul_n in_o the_o humble_a frame_n of_o new_a bear_v babe_n thou_o dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a my_o soul_n in_o a_o cloud_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n my_o faculty_n be_v weak_a and_o taint_a and_o thy_o light_n dazzle_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o saucy_o to_o discuss_v or_o pragmatical_o to_o determine_v of_o but_o humble_o to_o receive_v and_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v those_o mystery_n which_o thou_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n of_o goodness_n and_o of_o power_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o bosom_n lord_n i_o confess_v that_o though_o these_o mystery_n have_v a_o dark_a they_o have_v a_o bright_a side_n too_o for_o though_o i_o can_v see_v through_o they_o yet_o i_o see_v enough_o to_o oblige_v i_o to_o worship_v thou_o in_o humility_n and_o love_n and_o these_o these_fw-mi i_o hope_v will_v secure_v i_o in_o thy_o love_n through_o christ_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n enlighten_v my_o blindness_n quicken_v and_o enliven_v my_o dulness_n support_v my_o frailty_n disperse_v my_o passion_n free_a i_o from_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o clog_n my_o sinful_a nature_n and_o final_o beget_v in_o i_o a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o those_o blissful_a mansion_n where_o my_o faith_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o vision_n amen_o bless_a jesus_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o secure_v my_o own_o peace_n but_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o people_n of_o a_o low_a rank_n and_o capacity_n who_o may_v not_o it_o may_v be_v reach_v the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n who_o be_v distract_v by_o the_o numerous_a controversy_n every_o where_o on_o foot_n and_o frighten_v by_o the_o rash_a zeal_n of_o their_o abetter_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o i_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o deduce_v from_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o almighty_a will_v judge_v man_n by_o their_o several_a measure_n and_o opportunity_n 2._o that_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v clear_a as_o day_n light_n and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v light_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o appear_v unto_o all_o man_n which_o though_o i_o suppose_v primary_o mean_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o judaisme_n too_o and_o to_o that_o narrow_a limitation_n of_o this_o grace_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n imply_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o be_v there_o no_o other_o proof_n this_o one_o will_v suffice_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o more_o immediate_o preach_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o silly_a and_o refuse_v of_o the_o world_n the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o i_o whole_o improbable_a that_o any_o body_n shall_v be_v betray_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o err_v in_o fundamental_o unless_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o their_o own_o error_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v once_o grant_v i_o may_v resolve_v all_o i_o can_v think_v of_o necessary_a for_o the_o multitude_n in_o to_o two_o direction_n 1._o that_o hold_v fast_o to_o manifest_a fundamental_o they_o for_o the_o rest_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n they_o be_v under_o which_o will_v be_v safe_a for_o they_o upon_o three_o account_n 1._o that_o the_o point_n controvert_v be_v such_o which_o they_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n oblige_v to_o know_v 2._o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v any_o solid_a inquiry_n and_o therefore_o to_o resign_v themselves_o to_o those_o set_n over_o they_o be_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o duty_n 3._o that_o in_o this_o case_n their_o submission_n to_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v of_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o humility_n and_o most_o conformable_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o they_o never_o prefer_v a_o doubtful_a opinion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o a_o plain_a precept_n or_o duty_n a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o heaven_n though_o he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n but_o without_o obedience_n and_o charity_n he_o can_v but_o to_o do_v this_o be_v to_o stickle_v for_o a_o sect_n in_o violation_n of_o obedience_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o prefer_v a_o humour_n before_o one_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a symptom_n of_o a_o mind_n infatuate_v by_o pride_n or_o pervert_v by_o interest_n chap._n iii_o of_o christianity_n with_o respect_n to_o practice_n and_o that_o 1._o in_o general_n and_o 2._o in_o particular_a sect._n 1_o of_o practice_n in_o general_n which_o contain_v be_v and_o do_v good_a we_o be_v bear_v into_o a_o world_n full_a of_o snare_n and_o temptation_n and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v creature_n blind_a and_o yet_o wilful_a weak_a and_o yet_o wanton_a too_o and_o upon_o these_o account_n we_o be_v vouchsafe_v the_o favour_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o conduct_v we_o through_o our_o pilgrimage_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o prevent_v our_o miscarry_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o do_v not_o improve_v this_o gift_n of_o god_n into_o all_o these_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n defeat_v the_o design_n of_o heaven_n and_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a beside_o all_o this_o the_o great_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v declare_v himself_o a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o delight_v in_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n from_o whence_o i_o natural_o infer_v that_o that_o only_o can_v be_v a_o design_n
rely_v upon_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v high_o oblige_v he_o to_o both_o or_o 2._o in_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o then_o according_a to_o that_o experience_n and_o proof_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n such_o be_v the_o proportion_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o assurance_n and_o hope_n which_o do_v not_o exclude_v but_o suppose_v faith_n in_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o now_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v his_o prayer_n hear_v his_o service_n accept_v and_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o bear_v ward_v if_o he_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n or_o 3_o in_o a_o state_n of_o relapse_n and_o even_o here_o he_o have_v yet_o hope_n if_o he_o repent_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v frequent_o assert_v in_o scripture_n i_o will_v urge_v but_o one_o place_n 1._o jo_n 2._o 1_o 2._o my_o little_a child_n regenerate_v certain_o these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o and_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n that_o by_o these_o sin_n be_v not_o understand_v the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a man_n but_o plain_a and_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v plain_a 1._o from_o hence_o that_o this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o epistle_n 2._o from_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v that_o you_o sin_v not_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n which_o can_v be_v sense_n if_o apply_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a error_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n 3._o they_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o christ_n shed_v his_o blood_n and_o be_v equal_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o these_o three_o use_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v none_o nor_o what_o more_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o or_o desire_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v see_v unless_o man_n will_v wilful_o abuse_v their_o faith_n into_o a_o impunity_n and_o patronage_n for_o sin_n or_o what_o disparagement_n it_o can_v reflect_v upon_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o holiness_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o guilt_n of_o sin_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o silly_a scandal_n of_o trust_v in_o work_n they_o that_o know_v what_o these_o word_n or_o term_n justify_v by_o work_n and_o justify_v by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n mean_v know_v that_o the_o one_o imply_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o the_o other_o for_o the_o former_a deny_v any_o sin_n or_o iniquity_n and_o the_o latter_a do_v direct_o suppose_v it_o 4._o without_o some_o degree_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v awaken_v into_o any_o serious_a sense_n of_o his_o condition_n or_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o set_v himself_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o please_v and_o obey_v god_n without_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o this_o faith_n the_o very_a regenerate_a will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n and_o enter_v into_o their_o rest_n i_o mean_v with_o the_o apostle_n a_o rest_n from_o sin_n for_o their_o endeavour_n will_v be_v but_o weak_a and_o languish_a their_o prayer_n cold_a and_o faint_a the_o act_n and_o instance_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v undertake_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o necessity_n not_o delight_n the_o whole_a progress_n of_o their_o christian_a warfare_n will_n like_o the_o drive_v of_o pharoahs_n chariot_n when_o the_o wheel_n be_v off_o beslow_v and_o uneasy_a they_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o frequent_v relapse_n their_o life_n will_v not_o be_v a_o firm_a peace_n but_o a_o unstedy_a truce_n with_o conscience_n and_o their_o death_n will_v be_v mix_v and_o chequer_a with_o jealousy_n distrust_n and_o faint_a hope_n like_o a_o sky_n spot_v with_o numerous_a cloud_n but_o if_o we_o arrive_v at_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o this_o precious_a faith_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o temptation_n preserve_v through_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n we_o shall_v be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v swell_v with_o vanity_n in_o prosperity_n or_o to_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o affliction_n we_o shall_v find_v all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n in_o one_o word_n we_o shall_v rejoice_v always_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o when_o our_o glass_n be_v run_v and_o our_o life_n spend_v we_o shall_v be_v translate_v to_o the_o blesed_a seat_n of_o perfection_n and_o peace_n 5._o for_o the_o obtain_n and_o improve_n and_o confirm_v of_o this_o holy_a faith_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o mere_a credulity_n or_o custom_n but_o that_o we_o serious_o weigh_v those_o two_o great_a witness_n our_o saviour_n appeal_v to_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o come_n from_o god_n his_o work_n and_o doctrine_n the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o holiness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o commission_n from_o above_o to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v the_o testimony_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o from_o heaven_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o glory_n and_o all_o those_o mighty_a work_n perform_v by_o his_o follower_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o be_v firm_o root_v and_o ground_v in_o faith_n through_o these_o argument_n be_v that_o which_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 2._o by_o frequent_a retirement_n and_o sosolemn_a and_o devout_a meditation_n to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o as_o intimate_o as_o we_o can_v with_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o draw_v the_o representation_n of_o they_o as_o lovely_a as_o may_v be_v and_o to_o dwell_v and_o gaze_v on_o the_o thing_n we_o believe_v till_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n have_v shed_v itself_o through_o the_o inferior_a soul_n warm_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o body_n itself_o seem_v to_o relish_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o most_o useful_a matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n will_v be_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o the_o god_n we_o worship_v i_o mean_v the_o glorious_a attribute_n mankind_n be_v most_o concern_v in_o his_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n his_o power_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o 2._o the_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n as_o the_o sole_a ground_n of_o inexpressible_a comfort_n as_o the_o most_o indear_v obligation_n to_o holiness_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o most_o lively_a instance_n of_o its_o reward_n 3._o we_o must_v add_v to_o both_o these_o mean_n incessant_a prayer_n offer_v up_o with_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o consider_v the_o darkness_n and_o indisposition_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o have_v altogether_o need_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o prayer_n o_o eternal_a god_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a gift_n enlighten_v my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v thy_o gospel_n set_v at_o liberty_n my_o will_n that_o i_o may_v approve_v and_o love_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n may_v engage_v i_o to_o love_n obey_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o give_v i_o such_o a_o lively_a sight_n and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o may_v raise_v i_o above_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o make_v i_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o so_o my_o life_n may_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n my_o latter_a end_n of_o peace_n my_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n of_o rest_n and_o my_o whole_a man_n in_o the_o resurrection_n full_a of_o delight_n and_o glory_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n section_n 2._o of_o love_n 1._o of_o god_n 2._o of_o our_o neighbour_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n love_n be_v not_o a_o meet_a approbation_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o also_o a_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n or_o heart_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n and_o therefore_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o warmth_n and_o passion_n for_o the_o world_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o
near_o relate_v to_o we_o but_o then_o 1._o the_o measure_n of_o this_o provision_n must_v be_v our_o necessity_n not_o wantonness_n for_o if_o we_o refuse_v relief_n to_o the_o poor_a on_o this_o pretence_n that_o we_o can_v support_v our_o vanity_n and_o gaiety_n and_o their_o poverty_n together_o undoubted_o we_o shall_v perish_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o uncharitableness_n 2._o the_o present_a time_n not_o the_o vain_a fear_n of_o the_o future_a must_v determine_v this_o necessity_n for_o if_o we_o deny_v a_o alm_n out_o of_o our_o present_a plenty_n upon_o a_o idle_a fear_n of_o future_a want_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a excuse_n that_o it_o be_v a_o double_a crime_n distrust_n in_o god_n as_o well_o as_o hard_a heartedness_n to_o our_o brother_n contradictory_n to_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o charity_n i_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o second_o pretence_n by_o degree_n and_o therefore_o 1._o suppose_v the_o worth_n or_o worthlesness_n or_o what_o be_v more_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o distress_a person_n be_v only_o doubtful_a and_o suspect_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o charity_n to_o give_v up_o a_o brother_n to_o ruin_v upon_o a_o vain_a surmise_n we_o be_v not_o to_o dispute_v their_o desert_n but_o to_o regard_v their_o want_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o safe_a side_n charity_n may_v be_v mistake_v but_o shall_v never_o be_v unrewarded_a we_o be_v herein_o i_o think_v to_o imitate_v that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o dispense_v the_o alm_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n he_o have_v no_o doubt_n on_o it_o particular_a favour_n as_o well_o as_o a_o particular_a kindness_n for_o the_o good_a and_o holy_a but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o so_o those_o his_o benefit_n which_o all_o stand_n in_o absolute_a need_n of_o be_v common_a to_o all_o but_o 2._o suppose_v the_o distress_a person_n be_v real_o as_o evil_a as_o needy_a unless_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o my_o charity_n will_v feed_v his_o vice_n i_o can_v tell_v though_o god_n have_v please_v to_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o affliction_n upon_o he_o whether_o he_o have_v appoint_v i_o to_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o it_o by_o withhold_v that_o aid_n which_o may_v reprieve_v his_o life_n how_o know_v i_o but_o that_o in_o those_o moment_n i_o lend_v he_o he_o may_v return_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o god_n nay_o more_o whether_o my_o charity_n may_v not_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o reduce_v he_o and_o happy_a i_o if_o i_o may_v so_o cheap_o bestow_v a_o double_a life_n of_o body_n and_o of_o soul_n if_o i_o may_v so_o easy_o retrieve_v a_o soul_n my_o saviour_n die_v for_o and_o whilst_o i_o give_v a_o alm_n in_o some_o sense_n bestow_v a_o heaven_n too_o but_o if_o those_o i_o relieve_v shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o my_o father_n the_o fellow_n heir_n of_o salvation_n how_o happy_a a_o opportunity_n be_v light_a into_o my_o hand_n of_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o heaven_n who_o interest_n be_v so_o powerful_a with_o the_o god_n i_o worship_n yet_o last_o in_o general_a whatever_o the_o occasion_n be_v whatever_o the_o person_n blessed_v be_v the_o hour_n wherein_o i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o evidence_n my_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o part_v with_o something_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o my_o dear_a saviour_n bless_a be_v the_o hour_n wherein_o i_o can_v lay_v out_o the_o very_a superfluity_n of_o my_o trifle_a stock_n for_o a_o mansion_n in_o heaven_n for_o a_o abode_n in_o everlasting_a bliss_n where_o in_o i_o can_v honest_o buy_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a i._n e._n it_o may_v be_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n for_o i_o however_o they_o be_v prayer_n which_o be_v very_o seldom_o insignificant_a for_o if_o god_n hear_v when_o they_o curse_v in_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n when_o certain_o it_o be_v his_o goodness_n not_o their_o piety_n which_o make_v their_o prayer_n hear_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v his_o goodness_n invite_v he_o to_o hear_v when_o they_o bless_v in_o the_o cheerfulness_n and_o refreshment_n of_o their_o soul_n last_o how_o comfortable_a will_v my_o reflection_n on_o my_o charity_n be_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o be_v it_o with_o a_o humble_a reverence_n speak_v though_o in_o imitation_n of_o my_o saviour_n how_o will_v that_o jesus_n who_o i_o have_v feed_v when_o hungry_a clothe_v when_o naked_a visit_v and_o comfort_v when_o sick_a and_o imprison_v ever_o give_v i_o up_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o flame_n 3._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n there_o be_v who_o soul_n be_v poor_a disease_a and_o distressed_a as_o well_o as_o their_o body_n and_o can_v a_o ulcer_v leg_n or_o wither_a arm_n deserve_v my_o pity_n more_o than_o a_o leprous_a soul_n can_v i_o choose_v but_o melt_v and_o soften_v at_o a_o sight_n which_o speak_v a_o present_a and_o bode_v a_o future_a misery_n be_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o my_o brother_n grow_v so_o contemptible_a in_o my_o fight_n that_o i_o will_v not_o spend_v a_o hour_n or_o word_n to_o ensure_v it_o alas_o how_o then_o dwell_v the_o same_o spirit_n in_o i_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n well_o then_o i_o will_v go_v and_o visit_v sick_a soul_n i_o will_v prescribe_v and_o press_v and_o watch_n and_o court_n and_o if_o i_o see_v they_o profligate_v beyond_o the_o hope_n of_o recovery_n i_o will_v recommend_v they_o as_o i_o do_v depart_a friend_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o god_n and_o whatever_o the_o success_n prove_v to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v kind_a and_o favourable_a to_o i_o angel_n will_v offer_v up_o the_o incense_n of_o my_o prayer_n and_o bottle_n up_o my_o tear_n as_o well_o as_o those_o spend_v on_o my_o own_o sin_n and_o my_o god_n will_v multiply_v and_o increase_v my_o talent_n when_o he_o see_v that_o i_o spend_v they_o well_o and_o the_o world_n will_v love_v i_o and_o the_o very_a wicked_a will_v praise_v and_o justify_v my_o god_n for_o these_o effect_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n sect._n 2._o but_o nature_n itself_o seem_v to_o incline_v we_o to_o these_o act_n of_o charity_n as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o ministry_n to_o soul_n nor_o can_v we_o share_v in_o humanity_n but_o that_o we_o must_v partake_v of_o some_o degree_n of_o and_o aptness_n to_o christianity_n the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o charity_n be_v still_o behind_o i.e._n the_o forgive_a injury_n or_o more_o the_o returning_z good_a for_o evil_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o child_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n this_o be_v it_o that_o we_o must_v labour_v after_o that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v so_o exalt_v and_o heavenly_a so_o good_a and_o holy_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v easy_o ruffle_v into_o peevishness_n and_o frowardness_n much_o less_o rankle_v into_o a_o settle_a malice_n and_o a_o resolve_v revenge_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o calm_a and_o smoothness_n all_o love_n and_o sweetness_n then_o indeed_o we_o may_v think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o injury_n do_v we_o with_o the_o mildness_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n with_o a_o meekness_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o our_o own_o worthlesness_n with_o a_o compos'dness_n of_o midn_n which_o remit_v all_o to_o a_o almighty_a and_o wise_a god_n and_o with_o a_o compassion_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o sin_n do_v awaken_v in_o we_o when_o we_o can_v have_v the_o charity_n to_o believe_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o man_n action_n conceal_v though_o we_o can_v discover_v none_o or_o if_o the_o malice_n be_v as_o plain_a and_o evident_a as_o the_o wrong_n then_o if_o we_o can_v pray_v for_o those_o who_o curse_v we_o honour_n and_o love_n those_o who_o treat_v we_o with_o despite_n and_o scorn_n if_o we_o can_v support_v the_o interest_n and_o buoy_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v use_v we_o shameful_o and_o ungrateful_o after_o we_o have_v love_v and_o after_o we_o have_v serve_v they_o if_o we_o can_v do_v this_o than_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o spirit_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n abide_v in_o we_o and_o that_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o this_o perfection_n i_o reason_v thus_o with_o myself_o it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v wrong_v i_o but_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o conquer_a wrong_n what_o need_n have_v i_o of_o christian_a patience_n where_o be_v the_o meekness_n of_o the_o christian_a spirit_n if_o i_o be_o hurry_v away_o by_o the_o same_o passion_n with_o a_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n i_o
god_n and_o inform_v by_o man_n and_o therefore_o on_o all_o these_o account_n a_o humble_a man_n can_v never_o be_v enthusiastical_a obstinate_a or_o seditious_a for_o he_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o that_o height_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o to_o conceit_n himself_o the_o only_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o fit_a for_o extroardinary_a illumination_n nor_o at_o that_o height_n of_o carnal_a pride_n as_o to_o be_v a_o busy_a body_n a_o stiff_a asserter_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n or_o judge_v of_o his_o superior_n on_o earth_n and_o so_o think_v himself_o more_o fit_a to_o reign_v than_o to_o suffer_v in_o one_o word_n humility_n whole_a deportment_n be_v sweet_a and_o gentle_a its_o very_a zeal_n be_v modest_a its_o reprehension_n soft_a and_o timorous_a its_o prayer_n awful_a its_o reflection_n mournful_a and_o its_o hope_n of_o heaven_n soft_o grow_v it_o be_v neither_o severe_a nor_o peevish_a obstinate_a nor_o hasty_a bold_a nor_o selfish_a insolent_a nor_o querulous_a it_o can_v suffer_v its_o wound_n to_o be_v prove_v and_o search_v and_o kiss_v the_o hand_n while_o it_o loathe_v the_o filth_n it_o do_v not_o insult_v over_o another_o error_n nor_o excuse_v its_o own_o nay_o rather_o its_o modesty_n conceal_v its_o beauty_n and_o blush_n at_o the_o discovery_n of_o its_o own_o excellency_n it_o never_o prostitute_n to_o beg_v praise_n nay_o if_o it_o accidental_o meet_v they_o it_o be_v rather_o burden_v and_o oppress_v than_o puff_v up_o by_o they_o i_o will_v then_o account_v myself_o to_o have_v attain_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o this_o grace_n when_o i_o can_v possess_v my_o soul_n at_o rest_n when_o i_o delight_v in_o the_o milk_n of_o god_n word_n more_o than_o its_o height_n and_o entricacy_n in_o obedience_n more_o than_o dispute_v and_o fancy_n when_o i_o can_v receive_v evil_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o good_a when_o i_o can_v sacrifice_v my_o own_o will_n to_o the_o caprice_n of_o a_o superior_a the_o obstinacy_n of_o a_o inferior_a or_o the_o humour_n of_o a_o equal_a when_o i_o can_v suffer_v wrongful_o and_o yet_o meek_o when_o i_o can_v look_v upon_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n and_o content_o say_v i_o be_o not_o bear_v for_o these_o i_o be_o not_o call_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o but_o of_o the_o cross_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o i_o be_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o my_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n and_o nothing_o shall_v make_v i_o have_v any_o other_o design_n than_o those_o he_o have_v and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o be_o assure_v that_o i_o love_v and_o serve_v my_o god_n i_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o merit_n and_o suffering_n of_o my_o saviour_n for_o salvation_n and_o a_o crown_n this_o duty_n of_o humility_n be_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o the_o most_o difficult_a in_o christianity_n the_o most_o useful_a for_o it_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n indear_v we_o to_o man_n and_o establish_v a_o peace_n and_o calm_a in_o our_o own_o bosom_n the_o most_o difficult_a for_o it_o be_v to_o renounce_v what_o be_v most_o near_o and_o dear_a to_o we_o our_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n our_o reputation_n nay_o our_o very_a self_n our_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v two_o mighty_a motive_n which_o be_v most_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o one_o be_v that_o humility_n be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o to_o great_a measure_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v the_o other_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o though_o so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o god_n so_o innocent_a that_o he_o have_v no_o guilt_n upon_o he_o none_o can_v accuse_v he_o of_o sin_n so_o dignify_v as_o to_o be_v prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n do_v yet_o debase_v himself_o to_o the_o mean_a service_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v his_o disciple_n a_o pattern_n to_o imitate_v though_o he_o be_v adorn_v by_o all_o that_o may_v give_v he_o a_o just_a claim_n to_o honour_n as_o birth_n virtue_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a function_n yet_o he_o be_v as_o much_o the_o humble_a as_o he_o be_v the_o great_a as_o much_o the_o most_o meek_a as_o the_o most_o innocent_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o if_o he_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n stoop_v so_o low_a what_o can_v we_o who_o be_v at_o that_o vast_a distance_n beneath_o he_o do_v or_o suffer_v that_o be_v capable_a of_o disparage_v we_o beside_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a towards_o implant_n humility_n in_o we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o his_o day_n be_v without_o beginning_n or_o end_v his_o perfection_n have_v no_o bound_n he_o be_v independent_a and_o immutable_a he_o be_v his_o own_o heaven_n and_o his_o own_o happiness_n but_o we_o be_v dust_n and_o the_o son_n of_o corruption_n bear_v yesterday_o and_o we_o shall_v die_v to_o morrow_n our_o body_n heavy_a sluggish_a crafie_a being_n of_o a_o few_o span_n long_o our_o soul_n be_v blind_a and_o ambitious_a passionate_a froward_a jealous_a inconstant_a foolish_a thing_n those_o be_v the_o seat_n or_o abode_n of_o numerous_a pain_n and_o disease_n these_o of_o as_o numerous_a and_o as_o painful_a passion_n the_o world_n we_o live_v in_o be_v a_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o cheat_n that_o first_o invite_v and_o then_o delude_v our_o appetite_n for_o enjoyment_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o die_a itch_n and_o the_o mockery_n of_o a_o wake_a dream_n the_o time_n past_a reflect_v our_o sin_n and_o folly_n the_o present_a be_v trouble_v with_o regret_n and_o desire_n and_o vexation_n and_o the_o future_a will_v be_v what_o the_o present_a now_o be_v for_o when_o all_o be_v nothing_o what_o can_v be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o care_n but_o disappointment_n and_o all_o this_o consider_v be_v not_o god_n most_o fit_a to_o govern_v and_o we_o to_o obey_v he_o to_o be_v exalt_v and_o we_o to_o be_v humble_v but_o why_o do_v i_o compare_v man_n to_o god_n let_v we_o compare_v he_o but_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n and_o how_o inconceiveable_o more_o excellent_a be_v their_o be_v and_o their_o state_n than_o we_o how_o wise_a and_o know_a how_o refine_a and_o pure_a their_o substance_n we_o see_v but_o through_o a_o cloud_n and_o be_v clad_v with_o a_o earthy_a body_n they_o dwell_v in_o the_o circle_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o the_o almighty_n presence_n and_o in_o a_o numerous_a choir_n of_o the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a company_n we_o in_o long_a night_n and_o cold_a winter_n and_o barren_a soil_n and_o lonesome-shade_n tire_v with_o sullen_a toilsome_a business_n and_o dull_a insipid_a conversation_n and_o only_o wait_v for_o the_o approach_a day_n and_o the_o rendevouz_n of_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n the_o prayer_n o_o thou_o god_n who_o resiste_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a possess_v i_o with_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a spirit_n teach_v i_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o my_o bless_a saviour_n to_o serve_v and_o minister_v to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v teach_v i_o to_o know_v thou_o my_o god_n and_o myself_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o incomprehensible_a glory_n and_o my_o meanness_n may_v level_v all_o my_o foolish_a conceit_n of_o myself_o and_o clothe_v i_o with_o humility_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n o_o my_o god_n make_v i_o resign_v and_o obedient_a to_o thou_o subject_a to_o my_o superior_n modest_a towards_o my_o equal_n and_o meek_a to_o my_o inferior_n make_v i_o to_o despise_v the_o praise_n and_o honour_n of_o man_n be_v content_a with_o the_o conscience_n of_o do_v good_a make_v i_o see_v the_o imperfection_n of_o my_o best_a action_n and_o rely_v upon_o thy_o mercy_n for_o salvation_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o my_o soul_n may_v here_o find_v rest_n and_o hereafter_o glory_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n sect._n 5._o of_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n general_o receive_v that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o true_a faith_n will_v save_v the_o soul_n but_o i_o hope_v man_n mean_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o overcomes_z the_o world_n and_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n for_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v very_o much_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o that_o seed_n which_o become_v unfruitful_a through_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n mar._n 4.19_o if_o they_o say_v that_o that_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v
that_o its_o act_n be_v easy_a and_o delightful_a for_o habit_n be_v but_o another_o nature_n so_o holiness_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o new_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a when_o our_o grace_n be_v full_a of_o life_n and_o vigour_n when_o our_o sight_n be_v grow_v clear_a and_o our_o affection_n warm_a and_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o heaven_n than_o it_o be_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o anticipate_v our_o heaven_n by_o perform_v his_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n religion_n be_v at_o first_o employ_v in_o the_o unpleasant_a though_o wholesome_a severity_n of_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n and_o pull_v out_o right_o eye_n lust_n become_v so_o natural_a they_o be_v become_v our_o member_n but_o afterward_o have_v conquer_v the_o world_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o full_a of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o conversion_n as_o in_o the_o alteration_n of_o a_o old_a building_n we_o first_o demolish_v those_o part_n which_o be_v not_o uniform_a and_o beautiful_a and_o this_o present_v we_o with_o nothing_o but_o rubbish_n and_o ruin_n but_o afterward_o we_o raise_v up_o a_o orderly_a beautiful_a and_o lightsome_a building_n where_o we_o may_v solace_v and_o entertain_v ourselves_o 3._o a_o exalt_v holiness_n be_v not_o only_o delightsome_a in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o its_o grace_n but_o in_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o its_o action_n because_o such_o a_o man_n love_n of_o god_n be_v now_o so_o evident_a and_o manifest_a he_o have_v no_o long_a room_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o than_o what_o a_o ravish_a pleasure_n must_v it_o be_v to_o be_v able_a to_o survey_v all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o such_o which_o himself_o be_v a_o heir_n to_o who_o can_v with_o full_a assurance_n think_v himself_o just_a upon_o the_o confine_n of_o heaven_n within_o a_o moment_n of_o enter_v into_o joy_n without_o a_o very_a sensible_a transport_n 4._o it_o be_v entitle_v to_o great_a measure_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v though_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o future_a glory_n be_v above_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a life_n and_o though_o god_n may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o so_o that_o the_o chief_a saint_n can_v not_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o complain_v though_o the_o mean_a be_v equal_v with_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o will_v be_v order_n in_o another_o world_n and_o those_o star_n of_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n will_v differ_v in_o glory_n and_o this_o will_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o behaviour_n in_o this_o life_n he_o which_o sow_v spare_o shall_v reap_v spare_o and_o he_o which_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o 2_o cor._n 9.6_o be_v it_o not_o therefore_o high_o reasonable_a on_o this_o account_n that_o we_o shall_v aspire_v after_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n we_o can_v for_o who_o will_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v as_o happy_a and_o as_o glorious_a as_o he_o can_v it_o be_v now_o apparent_a that_o perfection_n be_v a_o duty_n propose_v to_o we_o upon_o very_o powerful_a and_o glorious_a motive_n for_o who_o that_o be_v wise_a will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o arrive_v at_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a security_n great_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o entitle_v to_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o state_n observe_v these_o few_o rule_n 1._o believe_v a_o holy_a just_a almighty_a god_n every_o where_o present_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v heb._n 4.13_o nay_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n if_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n and_o therefore_o walk_v not_o only_o as_o prepare_v to_o meet_v he_o but_o as_o already_o before_o he_o this_o will_v awe_v a_o wander_a spirit_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o fear_v and_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v awaken_v a_o decay_a affection_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o omit_v a_o duty_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o judge_v our_o action_n impartial_o and_o we_o shall_v neither_o impose_v upon_o our_o selus_fw-la by_o fondness_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o opinion_n sake_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v god_n for_o a_o judge_n and_o spectator_n i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a gen._n 17.2_o 2._o consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o life_n and_o death_n the_o suffering_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n for_o his_o life_n will_v convince_v you_o how_o lovely_a and_o pleasant_a virtue_n be_v although_o it_o seem_v to_o the_o world_n foolish_a contemptible_a and_o painful_a his_o death_n will_v inform_v you_o what_o obligation_n you_o lie_v under_o to_o holiness_n for_o will_v you_o not_o love_n and_o obey_v that_o saviour_n who_o have_v redeem_v you_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o be_v you_o not_o sensible_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v strange_o in_o love_n with_o holiness_n since_o he_o do_v propagate_v it_o by_o such_o a_o method_n his_o crown_n and_o his_o kingdom_n will_v breathe_v fresh_a life_n and_o spirit_n into_o your_o affection_n this_o be_v the_o motive_n which_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 12._o make_v use_n of_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_v and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n be_v ground_v that_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 3._o each_o morning_n endeavour_n to_o foresee_v what_o temptation_n you_o be_v to_o encounter_v that_o day_n and_o summon_v up_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n against_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n survey_v each_o part_n of_o the_o fort_n and_o have_v discover_v which_o be_v the_o weak_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o most_o approachable_a secure_v it_o by_o a_o strong_a guard_n by_o argument_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o diligent_a watch_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n harsh_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o weigh_v well_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o own_o resolution_n whether_o you_o be_v able_a to_o engage_v so_o powerful_a a_o enemy_n as_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n when_o luk._n 14.26_o 27._o he_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n they_o must_v bear_v his_o cross_n exhort_v they_o to_o consider_v beforehand_o their_o engagement_n and_o to_o see_v that_o their_o preparation_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n by_o the_o example_n of_o a_o builder_n who_o first_o sit_v down_o to_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v his_o intend_a building_n and_o of_o a_o king_n who_o go_v to_o war_n with_o another_o king_n do_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v whether_o he_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o meet_v he_o and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v this_o commit_v yourself_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o then_o march_v forth_o out_o of_o your_o chamber_n into_o the_o world_n like_o a_o soldier_n out_o of_o his_o camp_n into_o the_o field_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o each_o evening_n look_v over_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o day_n and_o see_v how_o you_o have_v behave_v yourself_o what_o victory_n you_o have_v gain_v what_o ground_n you_o have_v get_v what_o grace_n be_v most_o faint_a and_o sickly_a etc._n etc._n and_o always_o close_a this_o exercise_n with_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thy_o life_n how_o fast_o it_o steal_v away_o into_o eternity_n enter_v in_o fancy_n into_o the_o
implant_v in_o the_o heart_n have_v to_o these_o it_o be_v call_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o the_o worship_n shall_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o god_n it_o be_v pay_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o holiness_n be_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o else_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v derive_v at_o least_o primary_o from_o the_o conveniency_n or_o inconvenieney_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o in_o this_o present_a life_n but_o from_o a_o tendency_n to_o imprint_v or_o efface_v this_o divine_a image_n in_o we_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o our_o duty_n thus_o because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n because_o he_o be_v pure_a therefore_o they_o must_v purify_v themselves_o who_o approach_v he_o because_o he_o be_v holy_a therefore_o his_o worshipper_n must_v be_v holy_a too_o and_o because_o he_o be_v love_n therefore_o they_o who_o abide_v in_o he_o must_v abide_v in_o love_n all_o his_o child_n must_v imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a from_o hence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discover_v why_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n have_v such_o a_o everlasting_a quarrel_n against_o sin_n and_o why_o he_o delight_v so_o much_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n sin_n embase_v the_o man_n and_o deprave_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o he_o into_o a_o sensual_a natural_a man_n and_o set_v he_o at_o the_o far_a distance_n from_o and_o contradiction_n to_o god_n but_o holiness_n be_v a_o reflection_n of_o his_o own_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o exalt_v man_n into_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n and_o sin_n how_o the_o one_o be_v so_o lovely_a and_o the_o other_o so_o ugly_a how_o the_o one_o be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o the_o other_o so_o advantageous_a 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o serve_v god_n there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o reason_n for_o service_n either_o 1._o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o person_n we_o serve_v and_o then_o our_o service_n be_v either_o duty_n or_o gratitude_n or_o else_o 2._o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o shall_v find_v all_o these_o obligation_n to_o his_o service_n if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o that_o principle_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v act._n 17.28_o or_o as_o one_o who_o do_v we_o good_a give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n act._n 14.17_o what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v thankful_a to_o he_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o further_o as_o redeem_v we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n instruct_v we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n assist_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o adopt_v we_o into_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o incorruptible_a crown_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o we_o shall_v devote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n and_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o a_o holy_a live_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o creator_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o we_o his_o creature_n shall_v obey_v his_o law_n if_o we_o have_v regard_n to_o our_o own_o interest_n all_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o future_a hope_n depend_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o be_v protect_v by_o infinite_a power_n to_o be_v blessed_v by_o he_o who_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o can_v make_v we_o as_o happy_a as_o he_o please_v be_v thing_n which_o a_o wise_a love_n of_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o earnest_o desire_v as_o for_o pleasure_n beside_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o the_o persuasion_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o his_o service_n and_o beside_o the_o peace_n and_o true_a freedom_n which_o devotion_n gain_v we_o there_o be_v a_o strange_a pleasure_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a be_v in_o who_o be_v unite_v all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n take_v with_o a_o rational_a and_o immortal_a soul_n 3._o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v confirm_v we_o in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o vice_n for_o whilst_o it_o discover_v sin_n so_o exceed_v hateful_a not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o contradiction_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o also_o its_o base_a ingratitude_n and_o folly_n and_o discover_v the_o excellency_n and_o loveliness_n of_o holiness_n it_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n manifest_a the_o reason_n why_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n do_v encourage_v the_o one_o by_o such_o glorious_a promise_n and_o deter_v we_o from_o the_o other_o by_o such_o amaze_a threat_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v he_o in_o himself_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n make_v he_o love_v goodness_n and_o hate_v vice_n and_o how_o contemptible_a be_v either_o his_o love_n or_o hate_n if_o happiness_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o one_o and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o or_o if_o you_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o majesty_n to_o suffer_v the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n without_o punish_v the_o bold_a offender_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o further_o necessary_a to_o work_v this_o persuasion_n in_o we_o but_o that_o 1._o we_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o our_o good_a nor_o evil_a action_n can_v be_v conceal_v from_o he_o and_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v arm_v with_o sufficient_a power_n to_o bless_v and_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o avenge_v himself_o of_o the_o sinner_n and_o both_o these_o truth_n we_o learn_v from_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o infinite_a power_n both_o which_o we_o be_v abundant_o teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o belong_v to_o god_n god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n fear_v not_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o rather_o fear_v he_o which_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n mat._n 10.28_o and_o this_o god_n thus_o know_v and_o thus_o powerful_a without_o any_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n 1_o pet._n 1.17_o all_o this_o now_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o that_o the_o one_o be_v most_o lovely_a the_o other_o most_o loathsome_a to_o god_n therefore_o the_o one_o be_v most_o fatal_a and_o the_o other_o most_o beneficial_a to_o its_o votary_n for_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_o glorious_a be_v who_o be_v most_o deep_o concern_v and_o every_o way_n able_a to_o pour_v forth_o blessing_n on_o the_o righteous_a and_o vengeance_n on_o the_o sinner_n the_o prayer_n o_o glorious_a god_n let_v my_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o nature_n teach_v i_o to_o deny_v all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o thou_o be_v holy_a let_v thy_o goodness_n make_v i_o love_v thou_o and_o thy_o power_n and_o justice_n make_v i_o fear_v thou_o and_o let_v both_o wing_n my_o devotion_n and_o clog_n and_o damp_n my_o lust_n let_v thy_o truth_n and_o thy_o power_n beget_v in_o i_o a_o perfect_a affiance_n in_o thou_o let_v thy_o wisdom_n and_o thy_o love_n persuade_v i_o to_o submit_v quiet_o to_o thy_o will_n that_o i_o may_v walk_v before_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o be_v perfect_a and_o so_o may_v enter_v into_o thy_o joy_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sect_n iii_o of_o the_o three_o motive_n to_o holiness_n i.e._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o his_o life_n his_o death_n or_o glory_n begin_v in_o his_o resurrection_n the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o strong_a engagement_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o determent_n from_o vice_n 1._o in_o his_o life_n and_o here_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o doctrine_n or_o example_n both_o which_o conspire_v in_o this_o one_o aim_n to_o implant_v holiness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o root_v out_o sin_n for_o look_v upon_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o
and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v abhor_v those_o sin_n which_o efface_v thy_o image_n and_o debase_v my_o nature_n which_o render_v i_o a_o burden_n to_o myself_o the_o hate_n of_o god_n and_o scorn_v of_o man_n which_o make_v i_o unhappy_a here_o and_o miserable_a hereafter_o grant_v this_o i_o beseech_v thou_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n amen_n sect_n vi_o contain_v the_o six_o motive_n to_o holiness_n the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o practical_a nature_n it_o will_v behoove_v i_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o dispute_n about_o the_o strength_n of_o lapse_v nature_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n i_o may_v in_o short_a affirm_v that_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o the_o birth_n sometime_o the_o growth_n sometime_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n assign_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o all_o which_o do_v not_o yet_o discharge_v man_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o exert_v all_o the_o strength_n and_o endeavour_n that_o he_o can_v for_o by_o those_o frequent_a exhortation_n address_v to_o man_n we_o may_v just_o infer_v some_o ability_n suppose_v in_o he_o and_o by_o the_o frequent_a promise_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o infer_v a_o impotence_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o relief_n and_o from_o altogether_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o dispense_v as_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n our_o bless_a saviour_n after_o he_o have_v deliver_v upon_o the_o mount_n a_o system_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a precept_n of_o devotion_n and_o purity_n mortification_n and_o charity_n as_o if_o he_o have_v foresee_v that_o his_o hearer_n will_v be_v dazzle_v by_o the_o brightness_n of_o this_o divine_a image_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o pattern_n as_o too_o high_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o humane_a nature_n do_v close_o the_o discourse_n first_o with_o a_o assurance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o with_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o real_a and_o actual_a conformity_n of_o our_o life_n to_o those_o holy_a precept_n matth_n 7._o v._o 7._o etc._n etc._n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v findeth_z and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v where_o our_o endeavour_n and_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v join_v together_o as_o be_v both_o necessary_a towards_o the_o great_a work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o 9_o 10_o 11._o verse_n he_o go_v on_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o promise_n from_o the_o example_n of_o natural_a parent_n who_o though_o evil_a have_v that_o natural_a affection_n for_o their_o child_n that_o if_o a_o son_n ask_v bread_n they_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n they_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o scorpion_n much_o more_o be_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o refuse_v man_n that_o assistance_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o holiness_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o paternity_n to_o deny_v his_o crave_v child_n that_o which_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o their_o spiritual_a life_n as_o food_n be_v to_o their_o natural_a if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o appear_v from_o parallel_a place_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o this_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o he_o conclude_v all_o with_o aver_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o all_o those_o excellent_a precept_n from_o verse_n 13._o to_o the_o end_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v man_n quarrel_v at_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n fit_a for_o angel_n rather_o than_o man_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o complain_v of_o the_o prevail_a passion_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o of_o the_o soft_a insinuation_n of_o a_o flatter_a world_n our_o ability_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o exalt_v virtue_n have_v allot_v we_o a_o assistance_n suitable_a to_o so_o glorious_a a_o end_n so_o that_o these_o complaint_n be_v not_o the_o groan_n of_o a_o penitent_a but_o the_o excuse_n of_o a_o fond_a and_o carnal_a mind_n all_o this_o certain_o amount_v to_o a_o very_a clear_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o real_a and_o inherent_a holiness_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o call_v down_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o man_n if_o either_o there_o be_v no_o need_n or_o no_o use_n of_o such_o a_o holiness_n which_o he_o be_v the_o divine_a principle_n of_o or_o if_o this_o holiness_n be_v so_o impure_a and_o imperfect_a that_o it_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o which_o way_n now_o shall_v the_o impenitent_a sinner_n escape_v divine_a justice_n what_o excuse_v can_v he_o frame_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o impiety_n he_o sin_n and_o die_v not_o because_o he_o can_v do_v otherwise_o but_o because_o he_o will_v do_v so_o he_o perish_v not_o through_o impotence_n but_o obstinacy_n and_o what_o punishment_n think_v we_o can_v sufficient_o avenge_v a_o contempt_n of_o or_o despite_n do_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o gentile_a be_v unexcusable_a because_o he_o do_v not_o obey_v those_o law_n which_o his_o conscience_n do_v dictate_v to_o he_o though_o the_o character_n they_o be_v publish_v in_o be_v dark_a the_o motive_n to_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o obedience_n weak_a and_o feeble_a at_o least_o comparative_o what_o tribulation_n and_o wrath_n and_o anguish_n than_o will_v punish_v our_o disobedience_n who_o have_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n open_o publish_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o enforce_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n by_o glorious_a promise_n and_o dreadful_a threat_n but_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n promise_v to_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n to_o enfranchise_v and_o strengthen_v our_o will_n to_o imprint_v the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o more_o sensible_a character_n on_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v expect_v that_o our_o tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v will_v be_v proportion_v to_o our_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o and_o the_o anger_n of_o almighty_a wrath_n will_v boil_v to_o a_o heat_n answerable_a to_o that_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n we_o have_v despise_v the_o prayer_n o_o my_o god_n how_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o i_o shall_v obey_v thou_o since_o thou_o command_v i_o nothing_o but_o what_o thou_o give_v i_o strength_n to_o perform_v i_o feel_v the_o weakness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n but_o this_o shall_v never_o discourage_v i_o through_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o spirit_n i_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o conquer_v it_o must_v be_v a_o weakness_n indeed_o which_o omnipotence_n can_v relieve_v it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a assault_n make_v by_o the_o world_n which_o can_v storm_v that_o fort_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o almighty_a defend_v and_o that_o law_n must_v be_v more_o than_o seraphic_a which_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o imitation_n of_o a_o soul_n inspire_v and_o actuate_v by_o thou_o no_o no_o if_o thou_o vouchsafe_v but_o one_o ray_n of_o thy_o infinite_a power_n i_o shall_v soon_o subdue_v the_o world_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n i_o shall_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o please_v thou_o here_o and_o i_o shall_v obtain_v everlasting_a life_n afterward_o which_o grant_v for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n and_o thy_o son_n christ_n jesus_n sake_n amen_n sect_n vii_o of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v do_v this_o and_o live_v life_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o unerring_a obedience_n and_o death_n the_o punishment_n of_o every_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n none_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v justify_v but_o he_o who_o have_v no_o sin_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o and_o therefore_o since_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o man_n but_o christ_n righteousness_n can_v not_o be_v by_o the_o law_n but_o now_o the_o
to_o be_v state_v whether_o i_o be_o to_o obey_v god_n or_o my_o friend_n whether_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n or_o comply_v with_o a_o friend_n peccant_a humour_n to_o the_o manifest_a hazard_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o he_o the_o case_n thus_o state_v be_v i_o think_v too_o plain_a to_o contain_v in_o it_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n at_o all_o for_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n who_o have_v more_o powerful_o endear_v himself_o to_o we_o supercede_v all_o obligation_n in_o this_o case_n to_o our_o friend_n nay_o friendship_n itself_o oblige_v we_o rather_o to_o advice_n and_o reproof_n than_o compliance_n it_o be_v the_o true_a duty_n of_o affection_n to_o do_v not_o what_o be_v most_o pleasant_a but_o most_o useful_a for_o our_o friend_n and_o i_o must_v say_v further_o that_o friendship_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v found_v in_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o without_o the_o guilt_n of_o lightness_n or_o inconstancy_n i_o may_v lawful_o as_o far_o renounce_v my_o friend_n as_o he_o do_v his_o innocence_n for_o he_o be_v become_v quite_o another_o thing_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o that_o charm_n and_o grace_n which_o make_v i_o love_v he_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v to_o the_o devil_n thus_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o for_o virtue_n need_v no_o excuse_n if_o they_o can_v act_v a_o crime_n without_o blush_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o a_o virtue_n and_o if_o they_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enjoy_v themselves_o i_o think_v it_o much_o more_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v refuse_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o this_o way_n of_o plain_a deal_n will_v be_v every_o way_n more_o useful_a to_o yourself_o and_o brother_n than_o disguize_n and_o excuse_n for_o he_o that_o shift_v off_o his_o friend_n importunity_n to_o sin_n not_o by_o a_o flat_a denial_n but_o a_o pretence_n seem_v to_o confess_v that_o he_o deny_v compliance_n not_o out_o of_o conscience_n but_o convenience_n and_o so_o expose_v himself_o to_o a_o fresh_a assault_n because_o his_o friend_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o conquerable_a and_o only_o wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n wherein_o he_o may_v attack_v he_o in_o better_a circumstance_n and_o a_o better_a temper_n all_o which_o will_v be_v avoid_v by_o a_o plain_a and_o hearty_a refusal_n 2._o this_o way_n in_o common_a reason_n must_v prove_v most_o useful_a to_o our_o brother_n for_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o the_o influence_n of_o our_o friendship_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v gain_v upon_o he_o or_o open_a disallowance_n may_v at_o least_o startle_v he_o into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n which_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o defeat_v he_o of_o his_o folly_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o virtue_n may_v encourage_v his_o imitation_n by_o let_v he_o see_v that_o virtue_n be_v easy_a as_o well_o as_o lovely_a against_o all_o device_n of_o satan_n and_o temptation_n in_o general_a i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o or_o four_o consideration_n 1._o that_o be_v the_o excuse_n or_o imposture_n as_o cunning_o weave_v as_o it_o can_v it_o matter_n not_o be_v the_o excuse_n what_o it_o will_v i_o be_o to_o consider_v this_o that_o by_o harken_v to_o such_o device_n of_o satan_n that_o crowd_n which_o now_o throng_n hell_n descend_v into_o those_o horrible_a region_n never_o any_o man_n yet_o sin_v with_o a_o design_n or_o persuasion_n to_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o but_o he_o contrive_v his_o excuse_n as_o subtle_o and_o provide_v a_o reserve_n as_o safe_a as_o possible_o he_o can_v and_o yet_o they_o miscarry_v god_n cut_v they_o off_o sudden_o or_o sin_n grow_v too_o strong_a and_o they_o too_o weak_a 2._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conquer_v a_o lust_n than_o to_o satisfy_v it_o the_o ambitious_a may_v grow_v content_a soon_o than_o great_a the_o covetous_a may_n soon_o moderate_v their_o desire_n than_o satisfy_v they_o the_o unclean_a may_n more_o easy_o gain_v a_o chaste_a spirit_n than_o satisfy_v the_o rave_n of_o a_o wander_a lust_n for_o a_o man_n frame_n grow_v tractable_a and_o governable_a by_o wholesome_a reason_n and_o sound_a advice_n heavenly_a by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o if_o you_o listen_v to_o a_o wanton_a suggestion_n it_o will_v kindle_v into_o lust_n and_o lust_n if_o encourage_v will_v flame_v into_o a_o passion_n and_o our_o passion_n will_v grow_v savage_a and_o imperious_a if_o feed_v and_o pamper_a and_o then_o no_o greatness_n can_v glut_v ambition_n no_o enjoyment_n eat_v a_o lust_n and_o shall_v we_o choose_v a_o hard_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o eternal_a ruin_n before_o a_o easy_a way_n which_o guide_v we_o to_o happiness_n 3._o it_o ought_v heedful_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o temptation_n do_v not_o gain_v upon_o any_o by_o strength_n of_o argument_n but_o by_o importunity_n and_o prepossession_n no_o man_n that_o weigh_v the_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a can_v prefer_v in_o his_o judgement_n those_o to_o these_o but_o those_o be_v see_v and_o these_o be_v not_o those_o be_v continual_o with_o we_o and_o they_o carry_v their_o argument_n and_o rhetoric_n in_o their_o look_n and_o every_o sense_n of_o we_o be_v constant_o beset_v and_o apply_v and_o so_o by_o insensible_a degree_n they_o insinuate_v and_o then_o possess_v we_o and_o captive_a we_o the_o best_a way_n therefore_o to_o secure_v ourselves_o be_v either_o first_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o opportunity_n of_o be_v tempt_v by_o retirement_n and_o retreat_n from_o the_o world_n or_o second_o to_o countermine_v the_o world_n by_o a_o equal_a diligence_n make_v our_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n more_o frequent_a than_o our_o entertainment_n of_o sense_n that_o so_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v call_v off_o from_o the_o thing_n without_o to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o thing_n above_o as_o often_o at_o least_o as_o gaity_n and_o luxury_n invite_v it_o out_o 4._o as_o there_o be_v object_n of_o vanity_n so_o there_o be_v too_o in_o the_o world_n object_n that_o advise_v and_o reprove_v we_o such_o as_o distress_n and_o sickness_n that_o raise_v our_o thought_n such_o as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n and_o all_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a observation_n as_o for_o example_n what_o be_v a_o evident_a vanity_n may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o pity_n rather_o than_o love_v feast_n and_o music_n may_v suggest_v the_o almighty_n goodness_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a state_n and_o if_o we_o use_v this_o method_n we_o shall_v reap_v a_o double_a benefit_n first_o we_o shall_v avoid_v the_o insinuation_n to_o sin_n visible_a in_o outward_a object_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o soul_n store_v with_o excellent_a thought_n 4._o never_o slacken_v nor_o abate_v thy_o diligence_n though_o thou_o have_v arrive_v at_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o piety_n and_o have_v mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o subdue_v the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o security_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n many_o good_a man_n fall_v the_o best_a may_v and_o therefore_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v for_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n god_n only_o know_v the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o will_v thou_o let_v go_v the_o victory_n when_o thou_o have_v break_v the_o main_a strength_n of_o the_o battle_n thou_o be_v almost_o above_o fear_n and_o above_o struggle_n thy_o life_n hasten_v away_o and_o thy_o task_n diminish_v and_o will_v thou_o shipwreck_n in_o the_o port_n thou_o be_v just_a go_v into_o the_o arm_n of_o thy_o lord_n and_o will_v thou_o now_o suffer_v thy_o beauty_n to_o fade_v and_o thy_o glory_n to_o languish_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v just_a at_o the_o door_n and_o will_v thou_o now_o suffer_v thy_o lamp_n to_o go_v out_o the_o prayer_n eternal_a god_n who_o see_v that_o i_o walk_v upon_o snare_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n give_v i_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n humility_n and_o watchfulness_n that_o i_o may_v walk_v circumspect_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o my_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n encompass_v i_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n to_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o to_o have_v confidence_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o my_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n amen_n blessed_a god_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n for_o which_o because_o they_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v reduce_v to_o any_o one_o single_a head_n of_o those_o three_o which_o i_o have_v divide_v this_o whole_a discourse_n into_o i_o have_v therefore_o reserve_v this_o last_o