creature_n we_o converse_v with_o have_v their_o mixture_n and_o alloy_n we_o be_v always_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v sully_v and_o corrupt_v by_o place_v our_o affection_n on_o they_o passion_n do_v easy_o blind_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o first_o approve_v and_o then_o imitate_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v unblamable_a in_o they_o the_o true_a way_n to_o improve_v and_o ennoble_v our_o soul_n be_v by_o fix_v our_o love_n on_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o we_o may_v have_v they_o always_o before_o we_o and_o derive_v a_o impression_n of_o they_o on_o ourselves_o and_o behold_v with_o open_a face_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n he_o who_o with_o a_o generous_a and_o holy_a ambition_n have_v raise_v his_o eye_n towards_o that_o uncreated_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n and_o fix_v his_o affection_n there_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o spirit_n a_o more_o excellent_a and_o heroic_a temper_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v but_o infinite_o disdain_v all_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a thing_n will_v not_o entertain_v any_o low_a or_o base_a thought_n which_o may_v disparage_v his_o high_a and_o noble_a pretension_n love_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o excellent_a thing_n we_o be_v master_n of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o baseness_n to_o bestow_v it_o unworthy_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a thing_n we_o can_v call_v our_o own_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v take_v from_o we_o by_o violence_n but_o none_o can_v ravish_v our_o love_n if_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v count_v we_o by_o give_v our_o love_n we_o give_v all_o in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o make_v over_o our_o heart_n and_o will_n by_o which_o we_o possess_v our_o other_o enjoyment_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o refuse_v he_o any_o thing_n to_o who_o by_o love_n we_o have_v give_v ourselves_o nay_o since_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o gift_n to_o receive_v their_o value_n from_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o event_n but_o by_o the_o desire_n he_o who_o love_v may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v say_v not_o only_o to_o bestow_v all_o that_o he_o have_v but_o all_o thing_n else_o which_o may_v make_v the_o belove_a person_n happy_a since_o he_o do_v hearty_o wish_v they_o and_o will_v real_o give_v they_o if_o they_o be_v in_o his_o power_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o one_o make_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o divine_a love_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n give_v god_n unto_o himself_o by_o the_o complacency_n it_o take_v in_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v too_o big_a a_o expression_n certain_o love_n be_v the_o worthy_a present_n we_o can_v offer_v unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_o debase_v when_o we_o bestow_v it_o another_o way_n when_o this_o affection_n be_v misplace_v it_o do_v often_o vent_v itself_o in_o such_o expression_n as_o point_v at_o 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love_n do_v advance_v love_n and_o elevate_v the_o soul_n so_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v it_o happy_a the_o high_a and_o most_o ravish_a pleasure_n the_o most_o soiid_a and_o substantial_a delight_n the_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o endearment_n of_o a_o well-placed_n and_o successful_a affection_n that_o which_o imbitter_v love_n and_o make_v it_o ordinary_o a_o very_a troublesome_a and_o hurtful_a passion_n be_v the_o place_v it_o on_o those_o who_o have_v not_o worth_a enough_o to_o deserve_v it_o or_o affection_n and_o gratitude_n to_o requite_v it_o or_o who_o absence_n may_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o converse_n or_o their_o misery_n occasion_v our_o trouble_n to_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v they_o expose_v who_o chief_a and_o supreme_a affection_n be_v place_v on_o creature_n like_o themselves_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n deliver_v we_o from_o they_o all_o first_o i_o say_v love_n must_v needs_o be_v miserable_a object_n and_o full_a of_o trouble_n and_o disquietude_n when_o there_o be_v not_o worth_a and_o excellency_n enough_o in_o the_o object_n to_o answer_v the_o vastness_n of_o its_o capacity_n so_o eager_a and_o violent_a a_o passion_n can_v but_o fret_v and_o torment_v the_o spirit_n when_o it_o find_v not_o wherewith_o to_o satisfy_v its_o crave_n and_o indeed_o so_o large_a and_o unbounded_a be_v its_o nature_n that_o it_o must_v be_v extreme_o pinch_v and_o straighten_a when_o confine_v to_o any_o creature_n nothing_o below_o a_o infinite_a good_a can_v afford_v it_o room_n to_o stretch_v itself_o and_o exerce_fw-la its_o activity_n and_o vigour_n what_o be_v a_o little_a skindeep_a beauty_n or_o some_o small_a degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o match_n or_o satisfy_v a_o passion_n which_o be_v make_v for_o god_n design_v to_o embrace_v a_o infinite_a good_a no_o wonder_v lover_n do_v so_o hardly_o suffer_v any_o rival_n and_o do_v not_o desire_v that_o other_o shall_v approve_v their_o passion_n by_o imitate_v it_o they_o know_v the_o scantness_n and_o narrowness_n of_o the_o good_a which_o they_o love_v that_o it_o can_v suffice_v two_o be_v in_o effect_n too_o little_a for_o one_o hence_o love_v which_o be_v strong_a as_o death_n occasion_v jealousy_n which_o be_v cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n the_o coal_n whereof_o be_v coal_n of_o fire_n which_o have_v a_o most_o violent_a flame_n but_o divine_a love_n have_v no_o mixture_n of_o this_o gall_n when_o once_o the_o soul_n be_v fix_v on_o that_o supreme_a and_o all-sufficient_a good_a it_o find_v so_o much_o perfection_n and_o goodness_n as_o do_v not_o only_o answer_v and_o satisfy_v its_o affection_n but_o master_n and_o overpower_v it_o too_o it_o find_v all_o its_o love_n to_o be_v too_o faint_a and_o languid_a for_o such_o a_o noble_a object_n and_o be_v only_o sorry_a that_o it_o can_v command_v no_o more_o it_o wish_v for_o the_o flamme_n of_o a_o seraph_n and_o belong_v for_o the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v whole_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v into_o love_n and_o because_o it_o can_v do_v so_o little_a itself_o it_o desire_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o angel_n and_o man_n will_v concur_v with_o it_o in_o the_o admiration_n and_o love_n of_o those_o infinite_a perfection_n again_o love_n be_v accompany_v with_o again_o trouble_n when_o it_o miss_v a_o suitable_a return_n of_o affection_n love_n be_v the_o most_o valuable_a thing_n we_o can_v bestow_v and_o by_o give_v it_o we_o do_v in_o effect_n give_v all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v afflict_v to_o find_v so_o great_a a_o gift_n despise_v that_o the_o present_v which_o one_o have_v make_v of_o his_o whole_a heart_n can_v prevail_v to_o obtain_v any_o favour_n for_o he_o perfect_a love_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o self-dereliction_a a_o wander_a out_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o voluntary_a death_n wherein_o the_o lover_n die_v to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o interest_n not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o care_v for_o they_o any_o more_o and_o mind_v nothing_o but_o how_o he_o may_v please_v and_o gratify_v the_o party_n who_o he_o love_v thus_o be_v he_o quite_o undo_v unless_o he_o meet_v with_o reciprocal_a affection_n he_o neglect_v himself_o and_o the_o other_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o he_o but_o if_o he_o be_v belove_v he_o be_v revive_v as_o it_o be_v and_o live_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o care_n of_o the_o person_n who_o he_o love_v and_o now_o he_o begin_v to_o mind_v his_o own_o concernment_n not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v his_o as_o because_o the_o belove_a be_v please_v to_o own_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o become_v dear_a unto_o himself_o because_o he_o be_v so_o unto_o the_o other_o but_o why_o shall_v i_o
himself_o every_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o vex_v he_o but_o scarce_o any_o thing_n sufficient_a to_o content_v and_o please_v he_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o quarrel_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o fall_v out_o as_o if_o he_o himself_o be_v such_o a_o considerable_a person_n that_o god_n almighty_n shall_v do_v every_o thing_n to_o gratify_v he_o and_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v wait_v upon_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o will_n the_o leaf_n of_o high_a tree_n do_v shake_v with_o every_o blast_n of_o wind_n and_o every_o breath_n every_o evil_a word_n will_v disquiet_v and_o torment_v a_o arrogant_a man_n but_o the_o humble_a person_n have_v the_o advantage_n when_o he_o be_v despise_v that_o none_o can_v think_v more_o mean_o of_o he_o than_o he_o do_v of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o trouble_v at_o the_o matter_n but_o can_v easy_o bear_v those_o reproach_n which_o wound_v the_o other_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o withal_o as_o he_o be_v less_o affect_v with_o injury_n so_o indeed_o he_o be_v less_o obnoxious_a unto_o they_o contention_n which_o come_v of_o pride_n betray_v a_o man_n into_o a_o thousand_o inconvenience_n which_o those_o of_o a_o meek_a and_o lowly_a temper_n be_v seldom_o meet_v with_o true_a and_o genuine_a humility_n beget_v both_o a_o veneration_n and_o love_n among_o all_o wise_a and_o discern_a person_n while_o pride_n defeat_v its_o own_o design_n and_o deprive_v a_o man_n of_o that_o honour_n it_o make_v he_o pretend_v to_o but_o as_o the_o chief_a exercise_n of_o humility_n be_v those_o which_o relate_v unto_o almighty_a god_n so_o these_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o sweetness_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o express_v the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o religious_a person_n feel_v in_o the_o low_a prostration_n of_o their_o soul_n before_o god_n when_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o glory_n they_o sink_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v unto_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o their_o being_n and_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o a_o serious_a and_o affectionate_a acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o nothingness_n and_o the_o shortness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o all_o their_o attainment_n when_o they_o understand_v the_o full_a sense_n and_o emphasis_n of_o the_o psalmist_n exclamation_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n and_o can_v utter_v it_o with_o the_o same_o affection_n neither_o do_v ever_o any_o haughty_a and_o ambitious_a person_n receive_v the_o praise_n and_o applause_n of_o man_n with_o so_o much_o pleasure_n as_o the_o humble_a and_o religious_a do_v renounce_v they_o not_o unto_o we_o o_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n give_v glory_n etc._n etc._n thus_o i_o have_v speak_v something_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o advantage_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o several_a branch_n but_o shall_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o the_o subject_a do_v i_o pretend_v to_o have_v give_v any_o perfect_a account_n of_o it_o let_v we_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o it_o my_o dear_a friend_n let_v we_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o it_o and_o experience_n will_v teach_v we_o more_o than_o all_o that_o ever_o have_v be_v speak_v or_o write_v concern_v it_o but_o if_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v already_o awaken_v unto_o some_o long_a desire_n after_o so_o great_a a_o blessedness_n it_o will_v be_v good_a to_o give_v they_o vent_v and_o suffer_v they_o to_o issue_n forth_o in_o some_o such_o aspiration_n as_o these_o a_o prayer_n good_a god_n what_o a_o mighty_a felicity_n be_v this_o to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v how_o gracious_o have_v thou_o join_v our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n together_o and_o prescribe_v that_o for_o our_o work_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v a_o great_a reward_n and_o shall_v such_o silly_a worm_n be_v advance_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n will_v thou_o allow_v we_o to_o raise_v our_o eye_n to_o thou_o will_v thou_o admit_v and_o accept_v our_o affection_n shall_v we_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o thy_o divine_a excellency_n by_o behold_v and_o admire_v they_o and_o partake_v of_o thy_o infinite_a blessedness_n and_o glory_n by_o love_v thou_o and_o rejoice_v in_o they_o o_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o soul_n that_o have_v break_v the_o fetter_n of_o self-love_n and_o dis-intangled_a their_o affection_n from_o every_o narrow_a and_o particular_a good_a who_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n and_o their_o will_n enlarge_v to_o the_o extent_n of_o thou_o who_o love_v thou_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o mankind_n for_o thy_o sake_n i_o be_o persuade_v o_o god_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o i_o can_v never_o be_v happy_a till_o my_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v mortify_a and_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o my_o spirit_n be_v subdue_v and_o till_o i_o come_v serious_o to_o despise_v the_o world_n and_o think_v nothing_o of_o myself_o but_o o_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v o_o when_o will_v thou_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o satisfy_v my_o soul_n with_o thy_o likeness_n make_v i_o holy_a as_o thou_o be_v holy_a even_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n have_v thou_o give_v i_o a_o prospect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o felicity_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o bring_v i_o unto_o it_o have_v thou_o excite_v these_o desire_n in_o my_o soul_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o also_o satisfy_v they_o o_o teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n for_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n thy_o spirit_n be_v good_a lead_v i_o unto_o the_o land_n of_o uprightness_n quicken_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n and_o perfect_a that_o which_o concern_v i_o thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o forsake_v not_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o own_o hand_n i_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v wherein_o thing_n true_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o how_o desirable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o when_o one_o see_v how_o infinite_o distant_a the_o common_a temper_n and_o frame_v of_o man_n be_v from_o it_o he_o may_v perhaps_o be_v ready_a to_o despond_v and_o give_v over_o and_o think_v it_o utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v he_o may_v sit_v down_o in_o sadness_n and_o bemoan_v himself_o and_o say_v in_o the_o anguish_n and_o bitterness_n of_o his_o spirit_n they_o be_v happy_a indeed_o who_o soul_n be_v awaken_v unto_o the_o divine_a life_n who_o be_v thus_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n but_o alas_o i_o be_o quite_o of_o another_o constitution_n and_o be_o not_o able_a to_o effectuate_v so_o mighty_a a_o change_n if_o outward_a observance_n can_v have_v do_v the_o business_n i_o may_v have_v hope_v to_o acquit_v myself_o by_o diligence_n and_o care_n but_o since_o nothing_o but_o a_o new_a nature_n can_v serve_v the_o turn_n what_o be_o i_o able_a to_o do_v i_o can_v bestow_v all_o my_o good_n in_o oblation_n to_o god_n or_o alm_n to_o the_o poor_a but_o can_v command_v that_o love_n and_o charity_n without_o which_o this_o expense_n will_v profit_v i_o nothing_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n can_v be_v 20._o purchase_v with_o money_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v all_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o house_n for_o love_v it_o will_v utter_o be_v 7._o contemn_v i_o can_v pine_v and_o macerate_v my_o body_n and_o undergo_v many_o hardship_n and_o trouble_n but_o i_o can_v get_v all_o my_o corruption_n starve_v nor_o my_o affection_n whole_o wean_a from_o earthly_a thing_n there_o be_v still_o some_o worldly_a desire_n lurk_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o those_o vanity_n that_o i_o have_v shut_v out_o of_o door_n be_v always_o get_v in_o by_o the_o window_n i_o be_o many_o time_n convince_v of_o my_o own_o meanness_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o body_n and_o the_o far_o great_a weakness_n of_o my_o soul_n but_o this_o do_v rather_o beget_v indignation_n and_o discontent_n than_o true_a humility_n in_o my_o spirit_n and_o though_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o think_v mean_o of_o myself_o yet_o i_o can_v endure_v that_o other_o shall_v think_v so_o too_o in_o a_o word_n when_o i_o reflect_v on_o my_o high_a and_o most_o specious_a attainment_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n the_o issue_n of_o self-love_n act_v under_o several_a disguise_n and_o this_o principle_n be_v so_o powerful_a and_o so_o deep_o root_v in_o i_o that_o i_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o i_o may_v toss_v and_o turn_v as_o a_o door_n on_o the_o hinge_n but_o can_v never_o get_v clear_o off_o or_o be_v quite_o unhinged_a of_o self_n which_o be_v still_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o my_o motion_n so_o that_o all_o the_o advantage_n i_o can_v draw_v from_o the_o discovery_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o to_o see_v at_o a_o huge_a distance_n that_o
felicity_n which_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reach_v like_o a_o man_n in_o a_o shipwreck_n who_o discern_v the_o land_n and_o envy_v the_o happiness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v there_o but_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o himself_o to_o get_v ashore_o these_o i_o say_v or_o such_o like_o despond_v fear_n thought_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o person_n who_o begin_v to_o conceive_v somewhat_o more_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n than_o before_o they_o have_v spy_v the_o land_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v exceed_o good_a that_o it_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n but_o they_o find_v they_o have_v the_o child_n of_o anak_n to_o grapple_v with_o many_o powerful_a lust_n and_o corruption_n to_o overcome_v and_o they_o fear_v they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o give_v way_n to_o such_o discourage_a suggestion_n why_o shall_v we_o entertain_v such_o unreasonable_a fear_n which_o damp_n our_o spirit_n and_o weaken_v our_o hand_n and_o augment_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o way_n let_v we_o encourage_v ourselves_o my_o dear_a friend_n let_v we_o encourage_v ourselves_o with_o those_o mighty_a aid_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v in_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v for_o we_o than_o all_o that_o can_v rise_v up_o against_o we_o the_o eternal_a god_n be_v our_o refuge_n and_o underneath_o 27._o be_v the_o everlasting_a arms._n let_v we_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n for_o he_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v tread_v down_o our_o enemy_n god_n have_v a_o tender_a regard_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o be_v infinite_o willing_a to_o promove_v their_o welfare_n he_o have_v condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n and_o declare_v with_o a_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o our_o destruction_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o despite_n or_o envy_v lodge_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o that_o ever_o bless_v be_v who_o name_n and_o nature_n be_v love_n he_o create_v we_o at_o first_o in_o a_o happy_a condition_n and_o now_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v from_o it_o he_o have_v lay_v help_n upon_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a to_o 19_o save_o have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o no_o mean_a person_n than_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o love_n it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o what_o enemy_n can_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o when_o we_o be_v fight_v under_o his_o banner_n do_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v recover_v and_o propagate_v the_o divine_a life_n and_o restore_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n all_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o he_o perform_v all_o the_o sad_a affliction_n which_o he_o sustain_v have_v this_o for_o their_o scope_n and_o design_n for_o this_o do_v he_o labour_v and_o toil_n for_o this_o do_v he_o bleed_v and_o die_v he_o be_v with_o child_n he_o be_v in_o pain_n and_o have_v 19_o he_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o wind_n have_v he_o wrought_v no_o deliverance_n in_o the_o earth_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n 11._o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o this_o great_a contrivance_n of_o heaven_n shall_v prove_v abortive_a that_o such_o a_o mighty_a undertake_n shall_v fail_v and_o miscarry_v it_o have_v already_o be_v effectual_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o thousand_o who_o be_v once_o as_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o we_o can_v suppose_v ourselves_o to_o be_v and_o our_o high_a priest_n continue_v 25._o for_o ever_o and_o be_v able_a to_o save_v then_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o he_o be_v tender_a and_o compassionate_a he_o know_v our_o infirmity_n and_o have_v experience_n of_o our_o temptation_n a_o bruise_a reed_n will_v 20._o he_o not_o break_v and_o a_o smoke_a flax_n will_v he_o not_o quench_v till_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n he_o have_v send_v out_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o sweet_a but_o powerful_a breathe_n be_v still_o move_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n to_o quicken_v and_o revive_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o awaken_v they_o unto_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o those_o divine_a thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v such_o weak_a and_o languish_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v in_o our_o essay_n towards_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o when_o once_o it_o have_v take_v hold_n of_o a_o soul_n and_o kindle_v in_o it_o the_o small_a spark_n of_o divine_a love_n it_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o preserve_v and_o cherish_v and_o bring_v it_o forth_o into_o a_o flame_n which_o many_o water_n shall_v not_o quench_v neither_o 7._o shall_v the_o flood_n be_v able_a to_o drown_v it_o when_o ever_o this_o day_n begin_v to_o dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n to_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o 19_o will_v easy_o dispel_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o make_v ignorance_n and_o folly_n and_o all_o the_o corrupt_a and_o selfish_a affection_n of_o man_n flee_v away_o as_o fast_o before_o it_o as_o the_o shade_n of_o the_o night_n when_o the_o sun_n come_v out_o of_o his_o chamber_n for_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n 18._o which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n they_o shall_v go_v on_o from_o strength_n 7._o to_o strength_n till_o every_o one_o of_o they_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o zion_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o impossible_a that_o true_a goodness_n and_o universal_a love_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o sway_v and_o prevail_v in_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o this_o their_o primitive_a state_n and_o condition_n their_o native_a and_o genuine_a constitution_n as_o they_o come_v first_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o maker_n sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v but_o usurper_n and_o though_o they_o have_v long_o keep_v the_o possession_n yet_o from_o the_o begin_n it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o inordinate_a self-love_n which_o one_o will_v think_v be_v root_v in_o our_o very_a be_v and_o interweave_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v nevertheless_o of_o foreign_a extraction_n and_o have_v no_o place_n at_o all_o in_o the_o state_n of_o integrity_n we_o have_v still_o so_o much_o reason_n leave_v we_o to_o condemn_v it_o our_o understanding_n be_v easy_o convince_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v whole_o devote_v to_o he_o from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o be_v and_o to_o love_v he_o infinite_o more_o than_o ourselves_o who_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o we_o and_o our_o will_n will_v ready_o comply_v with_o this_o if_o they_o be_v not_o disorder_v and_o put_v out_o of_o tune_n and_o be_v not_o he_o who_o make_v our_o soul_n able_a to_o rectify_v and_o mend_v they_o again_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v able_a by_o his_o assistance_n to_o vanquish_v and_o expel_v those_o violent_a intruder_n and_o turn_v unto_o flight_n the_o arm_n of_o 34._o the_o alien_n no_o soon_o shall_v we_o take_v up_o arm_n in_o this_o holy_a war_n but_o we_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n engage_v on_o our_o party_n the_o holy_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v daily_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o all_o such_o endeavour_n and_o doubtless_o those_o heavenly_a host_n above_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o infinite_o desirous_a to_o see_v the_o divine_a life_n thrive_a and_o prevail_v in_o this_o inferior_a world_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v by_o we_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o themselves_o in_o heaven_n and_o may_v we_o not_o then_o encourage_v ourselves_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v his_o servant_n when_o he_o show_v he_o the_o horse_n and_o charior_n of_o fire_n fear_v not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v with_o we_o be_v 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some_o this_o image_n be_v more_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a and_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o lovely_a treat_v of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o though_o in_o other_o it_o be_v miserable_o sully_v and_o deface_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o altogether_o raze_v some_o lineament_n at_o least_o do_v still_o remain_v all_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o rational_a and_o immortal_a soul_n with_o understanding_n and_o will_n capable_a of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v at_o present_a disorder_a and_o put_v out_o of_o tune_n by_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n this_o may_v indeed_o move_v our_o compassion_n but_o ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o extinguish_v our_o love_n when_o we_o see_v a_o person_n of_o a_o rugged_a humour_n and_o perverse_a disposition_n full_a of_o malice_n and_o dissimulation_n very_o foolish_a and_o very_a proud_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o a_o object_n that_o present_v itself_o unto_o we_o under_o a_o idea_n so_o 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heaven_n purpose_n that_o we_o frequent_o raise_v our_o mind_n towards_o heaven_n and_o represent_v to_o our_o thought_n those_o joy_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n those_o pleasure_n that_o 3_o endure_v for_o evermore_o for_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a if_o our_o heavenly_a country_n be_v much_o in_o our_o thought_n it_o will_v make_v we_o as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n and_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a in_o this_o world_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o other_o but_o then_o we_o must_v see_v that_o our_o notion_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o gross_a and_o carnal_a that_o we_o dream_v not_o of_o a_o mahometan_a paradise_n nor_o rest_n on_o those_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n by_o which_o these_o joy_n be_v sometime_o represent_v for_o this_o may_v perhaps_o have_v a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n it_o may_v entangle_v we_o further_o in_o carnal_a affection_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o indulge_v ourselves_o a_o very_a liberal_a foretaste_n of_o those_o pleasure_n wherein_o we_o have_v place_v our_o everlasting_a felicity_n but_o when_o we_o come_v once_o to_o conceive_v aright_o of_o those_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a pleasure_n when_o the_o happiness_n we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o be_v from_o the_o sight_n and_o love_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o hope_n and_o fore-thought_n of_o that_o bless_a estate_n o_o how_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a will_v all_o thing_n here_o below_o appear_v in_o our_o eye_n with_o what_o disdain_n will_v we_o reject_v the_o gross_a and_o muddy_a pleasure_n that_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o those_o celestial_a enjoyment_n or_o any_o way_n unfit_a and_o indispose_v we_o for_o they_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o religion_n be_v humility_n fail_n and_o sure_o we_o can_v never_o want_v matter_n of_o consideration_n for_o beget_v it_o all_o our_o wickedness_n and_o imperfection_n all_o our_o folly_n and_o our_o sin_n may_v help_v to_o pull_v down_o that_o fond_a and_o overween_a conceit_n which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v of_o ourselves_o that_o which_o make_v any_o body_n esteem_v we_o be_v their_o knowledge_n or_o apprehension_n of_o some_o little_a good_a and_o their_o ignorance_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o evil_n that_o may_v be_v in_o we_o be_v they_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o we_o they_o will_v quick_o change_v their_o opinion_n the_o thought_n that_o pass_v in_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o serious_a day_n of_o our_o life_n be_v expose_v unto_o public_a view_n will_v render_v we_o either_o hateful_a or_o ridiculous_a and_o now_o however_o we_o conceal_v our_o fail_n from_o one_o another_o yet_o sure_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o they_o ourselves_o and_o some_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o they_o will_v much_o qualify_v and_o allay_v the_o vanity_n of_o our_o spirit_n thus_o holy_a man_n have_v come_v real_o to_o think_v worse_o of_o themselves_o than_o of_o any_o other_o person_n in_o the_o world_n not_o but_o that_o they_o know_v that_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n be_v in_o their_o nature_n more_o heinous_a than_o the_o surprisal_n of_o tentation_n and_o infirmity_n but_o because_o they_o be_v much_o more_o intent_n on_o their_o own_o miscarriage_n than_o on_o those_o of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o do_v consider_v all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o diminish_v and_o alleviate_v the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o a_o pious_a ourselves_o writer_n that_o the_o deep_a and_o most_o pure_a humility_n do_v not_o so_o much_o arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o defect_n as_o from_o a_o calm_a and_o quiet_a contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a purity_n and_o goodness_n our_o spot_n never_o appear_v so_o clear_o as_o when_o we_o place_v they_o before_o this_o infinite_a light_n and_o we_o never_o seem_v less_o in_o our_o own_o eye_n than_o when_o we_o look_v down_o upon_o ourselves_o from_o on_o high_a o_o how_o little_a how_o nothing_o do_v all_o those_o shadow_n of_o perfection_n then_o appear_v for_o which_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o value_v ourselves_o that_o humility_n which_o come_v from_o a_o view_n of_o our_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n be_v more_o turbulent_a and_o boisterous_a but_o the_o other_o lay_v we_o full_a as_o low_a and_o want_v nothing_o but_o that_o anguish_n and_o vexation_n wherewith_o our_o soul_n be_v apt_a to_o boil_v when_o they_o be_v the_o near_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n there_o remain_v yet_o another_o mean_a for_o religion_n beget_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v fervent_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n holiness_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n indeed_o the_o great_a gift_n he_o do_v bestow_v or_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v and_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o in_o prayer_n we_o make_v the_o near_a approach_n unto_o god_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n then_o it_o be_v that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v visit_v we_o with_o direct_v ray_n and_o dissipate_v our_o darkness_n and_o imprint_v his_o image_n on_o our_o soul_n i_o can_v now_o insist_v on_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o exercise_n or_o the_o disposition_n wherewith_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v there_o be_v so_o many_o book_n that_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_n i_o shall_v only_o tell_v you_o that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o voice_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o public_a and_o may_v sometime_o have_v its_o own_o advantage_n
deal_n of_o seem_a haste_n but_o anon_o they_o flag_n and_o give_v over_o they_o be_v in_o hot_a mood_n but_o now_o they_o be_v cool_v they_o do_v shoot_v forth_o fresh_a and_o high_a but_o be_v quick_o wither_v because_o they_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o these_o sudden_a fit_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o violent_a and_o convulsive_a motion_n of_o body_n new_o behead_v cause_v by_o the_o agitation_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n after_o the_o soul_n be_v depart_v which_o however_o violent_a and_o impetuous_a can_v be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n whereas_o the_o motion_n of_o holy_a soul_n be_v constant_a and_o regular_a proceed_v from_o a_o permanent_a and_o lively_a principle_n it_o be_v true_a this_o divine_a life_n continue_v not_o always_o in_o that_o same_o strength_n and_o vigour_n but_o many_o time_n suffer_v sad_a decay_n and_o holy_a man_n find_v great_a difficulty_n in_o resist_a temptation_n and_o less_o alacrity_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v nor_o be_v they_o abandon_v to_o the_o power_n of_o these_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o sway_n and_o over-rule_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n unconstrainedness_n again_o religion_n may_v be_v design_v by_o the_o name_n of_o life_n because_o it_o be_v a_o inward_a free_a and_o selfmoving_a principle_n and_o those_o who_o have_v make_v progress_n in_o it_o be_v not_o act_v only_o by_o external_a motive_n drive_v mere_o by_o threaten_n nor_o bribe_v by_o promise_n nor_o constrain_v by_o law_n but_o be_v powerful_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o delight_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o love_n which_o a_o pious_a man_n carry_v to_o god_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o command_n enjoin_v he_o so_o to_o do_v as_o by_o a_o new_a nature_n instruct_v and_o prompt_v he_o to_o it_o nor_o do_v he_o pay_v his_o devotion_n as_o a_o unavoidable_a tribute_n only_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a justice_n or_o quiet_a his_o clamorous_a conscience_n but_o those_o religious_a exercise_n be_v the_o proper_a emanation_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n the_o natural_a employment_n of_o the_o new_a bear_v soul_n he_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o and_o repent_v not_o only_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v command_v but_o rather_o because_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o want_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o misery_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n his_o charity_n be_v not_o force_v nor_o his_o alm_n extort_a from_o he_o his_o love_n make_v he_o willing_a to_o give_v and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a obligation_n his_o heart_n will_v devise_v liberal_a thing_n injustice_n or_o intemperance_n and_o all_o other_o vice_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o his_o temper_n and_o constitution_n as_o the_o base_a action_n be_v to_o the_o most_o generous_a spirit_n and_o impudence_n and_o scurrility_n to_o those_o who_o be_v natural_o modest_a so_o that_o i_o may_v well_o say_v with_o st._n john_n whosoever_o 9_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n though_o holy_a and_o religious_a person_n do_v much_o eye_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n unto_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o much_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n as_o its_o reasonableness_n and_o purity_n and_o goodness_n which_o do_v prevail_v with_o they_o they_o account_v it_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a in_o its_o self_n and_o that_o in_o keep_v of_o it_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o that_o divine_a love_n wherewith_o they_o be_v act_v make_v they_o become_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o quis_fw-la legem_fw-la det_fw-la amantibus_fw-la major_a est_fw-la amor_fw-la lex_fw-la ipse_fw-la sibi_fw-la for_o who_o can_v give_v a_o law_n to_o those_o that_o love_n love_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a law_n which_o do_v such_o person_n move_v in_o a_o word_n what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v of_o himself_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n applicable_a to_o his_o follower_n that_o it_o be_v their_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v their_o father_n 34._o will_n and_o as_o the_o natural_a appetite_n be_v carry_v out_o towards_o food_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o reflect_v on_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o life_n so_o be_v they_o carry_v with_o a_o natural_a and_o unforced_a propension_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a it_o be_v true_a external_a motive_n be_v many_o time_n of_o great_a use_n to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o this_o inward_a principle_n especial_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o weakness_n when_o it_o be_v often_o so_o languid_a that_o the_o man_n himself_o can_v scarce_o discern_v it_o hardly_o be_v able_a to_o move_v one_o step_n forward_o but_o when_o he_o be_v push_v by_o his_o hope_n or_o his_o fear_n by_o the_o pressure_n of_o a_o affliction_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o mercy_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o now_o if_o such_o a_o person_n be_v conscientious_a and_o uniform_a in_o his_o obedience_n and_o earnest_o groan_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o dulness_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n with_o more_o spirit_n and_o vigour_n these_o be_v the_o first_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n which_o though_o it_o be_v faint_a and_o weak_a will_v sure_o be_v cherish_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o grow_v unto_o great_a maturity_n but_o he_o who_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o this_o inward_a principle_n and_o do_v not_o aspire_v unto_o it_o but_o content_v himself_o with_o those_o performance_n whereunto_o he_o be_v prompt_v by_o education_n or_o custom_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n or_o carnal_a notion_n of_o heaven_n can_v no_o more_o be_v account_v a_o religious_a person_n than_o a_o puppet_n can_v be_v call_v a_o man._n this_o force_a and_o artificial_a religion_n be_v common_o heavy_a and_o languid_a like_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o weight_n force_v upward_o it_o be_v cold_a and_o spritless_a like_o the_o uneasy_a compliance_n of_o a_o wife_n marry_v against_o her_o will_n who_o carry_v dutiful_o towards_o the_o husband_n who_o she_o do_v not_o love_n out_o of_o some_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o honour_n hence_o also_o this_o religion_n be_v scant_o and_o niggardly_o especial_o in_o those_o duty_n which_o do_v great_a violence_n to_o man_n carnal_a inclination_n and_o those_o slavish_a spirit_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o require_v it_o be_v a_o law_n that_o compel_v they_o and_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o go_v beyond_o what_o it_o stint_v they_o to_o nay_o they_o will_v ever_o be_v put_v such_o gloss_n on_o it_o as_o may_v leave_v themselves_o the_o great_a liberty_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v frank_a and_o liberal_a far_o from_o such_o peevish_a and_o narrow_a reckon_n and_o he_o who_o have_v give_v himself_o entire_o unto_o god_n will_v never_o think_v he_o do_v too_o much_o for_o he_o by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v it_o do_v appear_v principle_n that_o religion_n be_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n term_v a_o life_n or_o vital_a principle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o it_o and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v constrain_v and_o depend_v on_o external_a cause_n i_o come_v next_o to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o i_o design_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o divine_a life_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v call_v not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o fountain_n and_o original_n have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o nature_n religion_n be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o image_n of_o the_o almighty_a shine_a in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o real_a participation_n of_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o beam_n of_o the_o eternal_a light_n a_o drop_n of_o that_o infinite_a ocean_n of_o goodness_n and_o they_o who_o be_v eudue_v with_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v god_n dwell_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o christ_n form_v within_o they_o before_o i_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a be_v consideration_n of_o that_o divine_a life_n wherein_o true_a religion_n do_v consist_v it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v fit_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a of_o that_o natural_a or_o animal_n life_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o i_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o inclination_n and_o propension_n towards_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o nature_n or_o self-love_n issue_v forth_o and_o spread_a itself_o
into_o as_o many_o branch_n as_o man_n have_v several_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n the_o root_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n i_o reckon_v to_o be_v sense_n take_v it_o large_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v unto_o faith_n and_o import_v our_o perception_n and_o resentment_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o grateful_a or_o troublesome_a unto_o we_o now_o those_o animal_n affection_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o as_o they_o be_v implant_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n be_v not_o vicious_a or_o unblamable_a nay_o they_o be_v instance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creator_n furnish_v his_o creature_n with_o such_o appetite_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o life_n these_o be_v instead_o of_o a_o law_n unto_o the_o brute_n beast_n whereby_o they_o be_v direct_v towards_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v but_o man_n be_v make_v for_o high_a purpose_n and_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o more_o excellent_a law_n become_v guilty_a and_o criminal_a when_o he_o be_v so_o far_o transport_v by_o the_o inclination_n of_o this_o low_a life_n as_o to_o violate_v his_o duty_n or_o neglect_v the_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a design_n of_o his_o creation_n our_o natural_a affection_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v extirpate_v and_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o be_v moderate_v and_o overrule_v by_o a_o superior_a and_o more_o excellent_a principle_n in_o a_o word_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o religious_a and_o wicked_a man_n be_v that_o in_o the_o one_o the_o divine_a life_n bear_v sway_v in_o the_o other_o the_o animal_n do_v prevail_v but_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o observe_v unto_o life_n what_o different_a course_n this_o natural_a principle_n will_v sometime_o carry_v those_o who_o be_v whole_o guide_v by_o it_o according_a to_o the_o divers_a circumstance_n that_o concur_v with_o it_o to_o determine_v they_o and_o the_o not_o consider_v this_o do_v frequent_o occasion_n very_o dangerous_a mistake_n make_v man_n think_v well_o of_o themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o seem_a difference_n which_o be_v betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o whereas_o perhaps_o their_o action_n do_v all_o the_o while_n flow_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o original_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n soul_n we_o shall_v find_v some_o to_o be_v airy_a frolic_a and_o light_a which_o make_v their_o behaviour_n extravagant_a and_o ridiculous_a whereas_o other_o be_v natural_o serious_a and_o severe_a and_o their_o whole_a carriage_n compose_v into_o such_o gravity_n as_o gain_v they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n some_o be_v of_o a_o humurous_a rugged_a and_o morose_a temper_n and_o can_v neither_o be_v please_v themselves_o nor_o endure_v that_o other_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o all_o be_v not_o bear_v under_o such_o sour_a and_o unhappy_a star_n for_o some_o person_n have_v a_o certain_a sweetness_n and_o benignity_n root_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o they_o find_v the_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o endearment_n of_o society_n and_o the_o mutual_a complacency_n of_o friend_n and_o covet_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o have_v every_o body_n oblige_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o nature_n have_v provide_v this_o complectional_a tenderness_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o true_a charity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o incline_v man_n to_o do_v something_o for_o one_o another_o welfare_n again_o in_o regard_n of_o education_n some_o have_v never_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v any_o other_o rule_v than_o those_o of_o pleasure_n or_o advantage_n but_o other_o be_v so_o enure_v to_o observe_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o honour_n and_o some_o instance_n of_o virtue_n that_o they_o be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v be_v accustom_a to_o look_v upon_o as_o base_a and_o unworthy_a in_o fine_a it_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n in_o the_o deportment_n of_o mere_a natural_a man_n that_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o their_o wit_n or_o judgement_n and_o from_o their_o care_n or_o negligence_n in_o use_v they_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o all_o those_o other_o impiety_n which_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o render_v it_o so_o miserable_a be_v the_o issue_n of_o self-love_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n when_o it_o be_v neither_o overpower_v by_o religion_n nor_o govern_v by_o natural_a reason_n but_o if_o it_o once_o take_v hold_v of_o reason_n and_o get_v judgement_n and_o wit_n to_o be_v of_o its_o party_n it_o will_v many_o time_n disdain_v the_o grosser_n sort_n of_o vice_n and_o spring_v up_o unto_o fair_a imitation_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o so_o much_o reason_n as_o to_o consider_v the_o prejudice_n which_o intemperance_n and_o inordinate_a lust_n do_v bring_v unto_o his_o health_n his_o fortune_n and_o his_o reputation_n self-love_n may_v suffice_v to_o restrain_v he_o and_o one_o may_v observe_v the_o rule_n of_o moral_a justice_n in_o deal_v with_o other_o as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o maintain_v his_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o natural_a principle_n by_o the_o help_n of_o reason_n may_v take_v a_o high_a flight_n and_o come_v nigh_o the_o instance_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n it_o may_v incline_v a_o man_n to_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o divine_a truth_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o speculation_n be_v pleasant_a and_o grateful_a to_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a humour_n it_o may_v make_v man_n zealous_a in_o maintain_v and_o propagate_a such_o opinion_n as_o they_o have_v espouse_v and_o be_v very_o desirous_a that_o other_o shall_v submit_v unto_o their_o judgement_n and_o approve_v the_o choice_n of_o religion_n which_o themselves_o have_v make_v it_o may_v make_v they_o delight_n to_o hear_v and_o compose_v excellent_a discourse_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o eloquence_n be_v very_o pleasant_a whatever_o be_v the_o subject_n nay_o some_o it_o may_v dispose_v to_o no_o small_a height_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n the_o glorious_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o heaven_n may_v make_v even_o a_o carnal_a heart_n in_o love_n with_o it_o the_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n make_v use_v of_o in_o scripture_n of_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n and_o river_n of_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n will_v easy_o affect_v a_o man_n fancy_n and_o make_v he_o wish_v to_o be_v there_o though_o he_o neither_o understand_v nor_o desire_v those_o spiritual_a pleasure_n which_o be_v describe_v and_o shadow_v forth_o by_o these_o and_o when_o such_o a_o person_n come_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v these_o glorious_a thing_n for_o he_o he_o may_v feel_v a_o kind_n of_o tenderness_n and_o affection_n towards_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n and_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v mighty_o enamour_a of_o he_o and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n continue_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o holy_a temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o so_o instead_o of_o a_o deity_n he_o may_v embrace_v a_o cloud_n and_o what_o hand_n the_o natural_a constitution_n may_v have_v in_o the_o rapturous_a devotion_n of_o some_o melancholy_a person_n have_v be_v excellent_o discover_v of_o late_a by_o several_a learned_a and_o judicious_a pen_n to_o conclude_v there_o be_v nothing_o proper_a to_o make_v a_o man_n life_n pleasant_a or_o himself_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o natural_a principle_n assist_v by_o wit_n &_o reason_n may_v prompt_v he_o to_o it_o and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o concern_v we_o near_o to_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o nature_n both_o that_o we_o may_v keep_v within_o due_a bound_n and_o also_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v never_o to_o value_v ourselves_o on_o the_o account_n of_o such_o attainment_n nor_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o religion_n upon_o our_o natural_a appetite_n or_o performance_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o return_v to_o the_o consideration_n consist_v of_o that_o divine_a life_n whereof_o i_o be_v discourse_v before_o that_o life_n which_o be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o glorious_a show_n or_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a spirit_n will_v seem_v a_o mean_a and_o insipid_a notion_n as_o the_o animal_n life_n consist_v in_o that_o narrow_a and_o confine_v love_n which_o be_v terminate_v on_o a_o man_n self_n and_o in_o his_o propension_n towards_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o nature_n so_o the_o divine_a life_n stand_v in_o a_o universal_a and_o unbounded_a affection_n and_o in_o the_o mastery_n over_o our_o natural_a inclination_n that_o they_o may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o betray_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v blamable_a
christ_n be_v form_v in_o we_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o this_o whole_a work_n shall_v be_v do_v without_o any_o concur_v endeavour_n of_o we_o we_o must_v not_o lie_v loiter_v in_o the_o ditch_n and_o wait_v till_o omnipotence_n pull_v we_o from_o thence_o no_o no_o we_o must_v bestir_v ourselves_o and_o actuate_v these_o power_n which_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v we_o must_v put_v forth_o ourselves_o in_o our_o utmost_a capacity_n and_o then_o we_o may_v hope_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o 58._o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o art_n and_o industry_n of_o man_n can_v form_v the_o small_a herb_n or_o make_v a_o stalk_n of_o corn_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o field_n it_o be_v the_o energy_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n which_o produce_v this_o effect_n it_o be_v god_n who_o cause_v the_o grass_n to_o grow_v and_o herb_n 14._o for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o no_o body_n will_v say_v that_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o husbandman_n be_v useless_a or_o unnecessary_a so_o likewise_o the_o humane_a soul_n be_v immediate_o create_v by_o god_n it_o be_v he_o who_o both_o form_v and_o enliven_v the_o child_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o marriagebed_n as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_a for_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n though_o there_o must_v intervene_v a_o stroke_n of_o omnipotence_n to_o effectuate_v this_o mighty_a change_n in_o our_o soul_n yet_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o we_o must_v break_v up_o our_o fallow_a ground_n and_o root_v out_o the_o weed_n 3._o and_o pull_v up_o the_o thorn_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v be_v find_v of_o some_o who_o seek_v he_o not_o he_o have_v cast_v himself_o in_o their_o way_n who_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o he_o he_o have_v lay_v hold_n upon_o they_o and_o stop_v their_o course_n on_o a_o sudden_a for_o so_o be_v s._n paul_n convert_v in_o his_o journey_n to_o damascus_n but_o certain_o this_o be_v not_o god_n ordinary_a method_n of_o deal_n with_o man_n though_o he_o have_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o mean_n yet_o he_o have_v tie_v we_o to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o we_o have_v never_o more_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o divine_a assistance_n but_o when_o we_o be_v do_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v my_o next_o work_n to_o show_v what_o course_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v for_o attain_v that_o bless_a temper_n i_o have_v hitherto_o describe_v but_o here_o if_o in_o deliver_v my_o own_o thought_n i_o shall_v chance_v to_o differ_v any_o thing_n from_o what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v say_v by_o other_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v not_o be_v therefore_o think_v to_o contradict_v and_o oppose_v they_o more_o than_o physician_n do_v when_o they_o prescribe_v several_a remedy_n for_o the_o same_o disease_n which_o perhaps_o be_v all_o useful_a and_o good_a every_o one_o may_v propose_v the_o method_n which_o he_o judge_v most_o proper_a and_o convenient_a but_o he_o do_v not_o thereby_o pretend_v that_o the_o cure_n can_v never_o be_v effectuate_v unless_o that_o be_v exact_o observe_v i_o doubt_v it_o have_v occasion_v much_o unnecessary_a disquietude_n to_o some_o holy_a person_n that_o they_o have_v not_o find_v such_o a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a transaction_n in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o have_v see_v describe_v in_o book_n that_o they_o have_v not_o pass_v through_o all_o those_o step_n and_o stage_n of_o conversion_n which_o some_o who_o perhaps_o have_v feel_v they_o in_o themselves_o have_v too_o peremptory_o prescribe_v unto_o other_o god_n have_v several_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o it_o suffice_v if_o the_o work_n be_v accomplish_v whatever_o the_o method_n have_v be_v again_o though_o in_o propose_v direction_n i_o must_v follow_v that_o order_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n shall_v lead_v to_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o same_o method_n shall_v be_v so_o punctual_o observe_v in_o the_o practice_n as_o if_o the_o late_a rule_n be_v never_o to_o be_v heed_v till_o some_o considerable_a time_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o practise_v the_o former_a the_o direction_n i_o intend_v be_v mutual_o conducive_a one_o to_o another_o and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v perform_v as_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v and_o we_o find_v ourselves_o enable_v to_o perform_v they_o but_o now_o that_o i_o may_v detain_v you_o no_o sin_n long_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o have_v our_o soul_n mould_v to_o this_o holy_a frame_n to_o become_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o have_v christ_n form_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o must_v serious_o resolve_v and_o careful_o endeavour_v to_o evite_v and_o abandon_v all_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a practice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o treaty_n of_o peace_n till_o once_o we_o lie_v down_o these_o weapon_n of_o rebellion_n wherewith_o we_o fight_v against_o heaven_n nor_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o have_v our_o distemper_n cure_v if_o we_o be_v daily_o feed_v on_o poison_n every_o wilful_a sin_n give_v a_o mortal_a wound_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v it_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o god_n and_o goodness_n and_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o have_v our_o heart_n purify_v from_o corrupt_a affection_n unless_o we_o cleanse_v our_o hand_n from_o vicious_a action_n now_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v excuse_v ourselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o impossibility_n for_o sure_a our_o outward_a man_n be_v some_o way_n in_o our_o power_n we_o have_v some_o command_n of_o our_o foot_n and_o hand_n and_o tongue_n nay_o and_o of_o our_o thought_n and_o fancy_n too_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o divert_v they_o from_o impure_a and_o sinful_a object_n and_o to_o turn_v our_o mind_n another_o way_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n much_o strengthen_v and_o advance_v if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o manage_v and_o exercise_v it_o mean_o while_o i_o acknowledge_v our_o corruption_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o our_o temptation_n so_o many_o that_o it_o will_v require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o steadfastness_n and_o resolution_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o care_n to_o preserve_v ourselves_o even_o in_o this_o degree_n of_o innocence_n and_o purity_n and_o first_o let_v we_o inform_v ourselves_o sinful_a well_o what_o those_o sin_n be_v from_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v and_o here_o we_o must_v not_o take_v our_o measure_n from_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o in_o charity_n we_o account_v good_a man_n most_o people_n have_v very_o light_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o any_o fault_n unless_o it_o be_v gross_a and_o flagitious_a and_o scarce_o reckon_v any_o so_o great_a as_o that_o which_o they_o call_v preciseness_n and_o those_o who_o be_v more_o serious_a do_v many_o time_n allow_v themselves_o too_o great_a latitude_n and_o freedom_n alas_o how_o much_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o passion_n and_o humour_n how_o much_o weakness_n and_o folly_n and_o sin_n do_v every_o day_n bewray_v itself_o in_o their_o converse_n and_o behaviour_n it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o and_o strive_v against_o it_o and_o be_v daily_o gain_v some_o ground_n but_o then_o the_o progress_n be_v so_o small_a and_o their_o fail_n so_o many_o that_o we_o have_v need_v to_o choose_v a_o exacter_n pattern_n every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o will_v never_o warrant_v and_o secure_v we_o it_o be_v the_o high_a folly_n to_o regulate_v our_o action_n by_o any_o other_o standard_n than_o that_o by_o which_o they_o must_v be_v judge_v if_o ever_o we_o will_v cleanse_v our_o way_n 9_o it_o must_v be_v by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o word_n which_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o edge_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o 12._o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v certain_o discover_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v sinful_a and_o heinous_a which_o pass_v for_o very_o innocent_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o therefore_o imitate_v the_o psalmist_n who_o say_v concern_v the_o 4._o work_n of_o man_n by_o the_o word_n of_o thy_o lip_n i_o have_v keep_v myself_o from_o the_o path_n of_o the_o destroyer_n let_v we_o acquaint_v ourselves_o well_o with_o the_o strict_a and_o holy_a law_n of_o our_o religion_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n especial_o that_o
be_v pride_n or_o passion_n or_o any_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a humour_n that_o prompt_v we_o to_o any_o design_n and_o whether_o god_n will_v be_v offend_v or_o any_o body_n harm_v by_o it_o and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o time_n for_o long_a reason_n let_v we_o at_o least_o turn_v our_o eye_n towards_o god_n and_o place_n ourselves_o in_o his_o presence_n to_o ask_v his_o leave_n and_o approbation_n for_o what_o we_o do_v let_v we_o consider_v ourselves_o under_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o that_o divine_a majesty_n as_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o infinite_a globe_n of_o light_n which_o compass_v we_o about_o both_o behind_o and_o before_o and_o pierce_v to_o the_o innermost_a corner_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n be_v the_o most_o ready_a and_o effectual_a mean_n both_o to_o discover_v what_o be_v unlawful_a and_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o it_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n a_o person_n can_v have_v a_o shift_n to_o palliate_v or_o defend_v and_o yet_o he_o dare_v not_o look_v almighty_a god_n in_o the_o face_n and_o adventure_v upon_o they_o if_o we_o look_v into_o he_o we_o shall_v be_v lighten_v if_o we_o set_v he_o always_o before_o we_o he_o will_v guide_v we_o by_o his_o eye_n and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v this_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o action_n our_o action_n must_v be_v second_v by_o frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o they_o not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o pardon_n for_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o humble_a and_o sorrowful_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o but_o also_o that_o we_o may_v reinforce_v and_o strengthen_v our_o resolution_n and_o learn_v to_o decline_v or_o resist_v the_o temptation_n by_o which_o we_o have_v be_v former_o foil_v it_o be_v a_o advice_n worthy_a of_o a_o christian_a though_o it_o do_v first_o drop_n from_o a_o heathen_a pen_n that_o before_o we_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o rest_n we_o renew_v and_o examine_v all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o day_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v aright_o and_o may_v redress_v what_o we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v amiss_o and_o make_v the_o shipwreck_n of_o one_o day_n be_v as_o mark_n to_o direct_v our_o course_n in_o another_o this_o may_v be_v call_v the_o very_a art_n of_o virtuous_a live_n and_o will_v contribute_v wonderful_o to_o advance_v our_o reformation_n and_o preserve_v our_o innocency_n but_o withal_o we_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n especial_o against_o those_o sin_n that_o do_v most_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o mould_v unto_o that_o spiritual_a frame_n which_o shall_v render_v our_o devotion_n acceptable_a yet_o methinks_v such_o consideration_n as_o have_v be_v propose_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n may_v also_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o some_o natural_a seriousness_n and_o make_v our_o prayer_n against_o it_o as_o earnest_a at_o least_o as_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o be_v against_o other_o calamity_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o god_n who_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o raven_n will_v have_v some_o regard_n even_o to_o such_o petition_n as_o proceed_v from_o those_o natural_a passion_n which_o himself_o have_v implant_v in_o we_o beside_o that_o those_o prayer_n against_o sin_n will_v be_v powerful_a engagement_n on_o ourselves_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n and_o care_n and_o common_a ingenuity_n will_v make_v we_o ashamed_a to_o relapse_n unto_o those_o fault_n which_o we_o have_v late_o regret_v before_o god_n and_o against_o which_o we_o have_v beg_v his_o assistance_n thus_o be_v we_o to_o make_v the_o first_o essay_n thing_n for_o recover_v the_o divine_a life_n by_o restrain_v the_o natural_a inclination_n that_o they_o break_v not_o out_o into_o sinful_a practice_n but_o now_o i_o must_v add_v that_o christian_a prudence_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o gratification_n that_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a and_o that_o not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v secure_v our_o innocence_n which_o will_v be_v in_o continual_a hazard_n if_o we_o shall_v strain_v our_o liberty_n to_o the_o utmost_a point_n and_o be_v always_o walk_v on_o the_o march_n but_o also_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v weaken_v the_o force_n of_o nature_n and_o teach_v our_o appetite_n to_o obey_v we_o must_v do_v with_o ourselves_o as_o prudent_a parent_n with_o their_o child_n who_o across_o their_o will_n in_o many_o little_a indifferent_a thing_n to_o make_v they_o manageable_a and_o submissive_a in_o more_o considerable_a instance_n he_o who_o will_v mortify_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o his_o spirit_n shall_v stop_v his_o ear_n to_o the_o most_o deserve_a praise_n and_o sometime_o forbear_v his_o just_a vindication_n from_o the_o censure_n and_o aspersion_n of_o other_o especial_o if_o they_o reflect_v only_o upon_o his_o prudence_n and_o conduct_n and_o not_o on_o his_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n he_o who_o will_v check_v a_o vindictive_a humour_n will_v do_v well_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o represent_v unto_o other_o the_o injury_n which_o he_o have_v sustain_v and_o if_o we_o will_v so_o take_v heed_n to_o our_o way_n that_o we_o sin_v not_o with_o our_o tongue_n we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o much_o to_o solitude_n and_o silence_n and_o sometime_o with_o the_o psalmist_n hold_v our_o peace_n even_o from_o good_a till_o once_o we_o have_v get_v some_o command_n of_o that_o unruly_a member_n thus_o i_o say_v we_o may_v bind_v up_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o make_v our_o appetite_n more_o moderate_a in_o their_o crave_n by_o accustom_v they_o to_o frequent_a refusal_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v they_o under_o violence_n and_o restraint_n our_o next_o essay_n must_v be_v to_o wean_v world_n our_o affection_n from_o create_a thing_n and_o all_o the_o delight_n and_o entertainment_n of_o the_o low_a life_n which_o sink_v and_o depress_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o retard_v their_o motion_n towards_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o this_o we_o must_v do_v by_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o deep_a persuasion_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n this_o be_v a_o ordinary_a theme_n and_o every_o body_n can_v make_v declamation_n upon_o it_o but_o alas_o how_o few_o understand_v and_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v these_o notion_n float_v in_o our_o brain_n and_o come_v slide_v off_o our_o tongue_n but_o we_o have_v no_o deep_a impression_n of_o they_o on_o our_o spirit_n we_o feel_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o pretend_v to_o believe_v we_o can_v tell_v that_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n be_v vanity_n and_o nothing_o and_o yet_o these_o nothing_o take_v up_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o engross_v all_o our_o affection_n they_o stifle_v the_o better_a 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and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o assent_n which_o be_v ordinary_o give_v to_o divine_a truth_n be_v very_o faint_a and_o languid_a very_o weak_a and_o uneffectual_a flow_v only_o from_o a_o blind_a inclination_n to_o follow_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o fashion_n or_o a_o lazy_a indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o since_o all_o their_o neighbour_n be_v christian_n they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o they_o be_v seldom_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o those_o truth_n or_o to_o ponder_v the_o importance_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v so_o little_a influence_n on_o their_o affection_n and_o practice_v those_o spriteless_a and_o paralytic_a 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be_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n to_o beget_v that_o lively_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o spring_n and_o root_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n let_v i_o further_o suggest_v some_o particular_a subject_n of_o meditation_n for_o produce_v the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o first_o to_o inflame_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o love_n and_o kindness_n towards_o we_o it_o be_v little_a we_o know_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o yet_o that_o little_a may_v suffice_v to_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o admiration_n and_o love_n to_o ravish_v our_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o to_o raise_v our_o wonder_n for_o we_o be_v not_o mere_o creature_n of_o sense_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o other_o affection_n but_o that_o which_o enter_v by_o the_o eye_n the_o character_n of_o any_o excellent_a person_n who_o we_o have_v never_o see_v will_v many_o time_n engage_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o huge_o concerue_v in_o all_o his_o adventure_n and_o what_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v you_o that_o engage_v we_o so_o much_o to_o those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v mere_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o face_n or_o their_o comely_a proportion_n else_o we_o shall_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o statue_n and_o picture_n and_o flower_n these_o outward_a accomplishment_n may_v a_o little_a delight_n the_o eye_n but_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v so_o much_o on_o the_o heart_n if_o they_o do_v not_o represent_v some_o vital_a perfection_n we_o either_o see_v or_o apprehend_v some_o greatness_n of_o mind_n or_o vigour_n of_o spirit_n or_o sweetness_n of_o disposition_n some_o sprightliness_n or_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n which_o charm_v our_o spirit_n and_o command_n our_o love_n now_o these_o perfection_n be_v not_o obvious_a to_o the_o sight_n the_o eye_n can_v only_o discern_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o understanding_n that_o direct_v the_o affection_n and_o vital_a perfection_n prevail_v with_o it_o certain_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o trace_n whereof_o we_o can_v but_o discover_v in_o every_o thing_n we_o behold_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o engage_v our_o heart_n if_o we_o do_v serious_o view_v and_o regard_v they_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v infinite_o more_o transport_v with_o that_o almighty_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o fill_v the_o universe_n and_o display_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o establish_v the_o frame_n of_o nature_n and_o turn_v the_o mighty_a wheel_n of_o providence_n and_o keep_v the_o world_n from_o disorder_n and_o ruin_n then_o with_o the_o faint_a ray_n of_o the_o same_o perfection_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o fellow-creature_n shall_v we_o dote_v on_o the_o scatter_a piece_n of_o a_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a picture_n and_o never_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o original_a beauty_n this_o be_v a_o unaccountable_a stupidity_n and_o blindness_n whatever_o we_o find_v lovely_a in_o a_o friend_n or_o in_o a_o saint_n ought_v not_o to_o engross_v but_o to_o elevate_v our_o affection_n we_o shall_v conclude_v with_o ourselves_o that_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o sweetness_n in_o a_o drop_n there_o must_v be_v infinite_o more_o in_o the_o fountain_n if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o splendour_n in_o a_o ray_n what_o must_v the_o sun_n be_v in_o its_o glory_n nor_o can_v we_o pretend_v the_o remoteness_n of_o the_o object_n as_o if_o god_n be_v at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n for_o our_o converse_n or_o our_o love_n he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o 27._o have_v our_o be_v we_o can_v open_v our_o eye_n but_o we_o must_v behold_v some_o vestige_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o we_o can_v turn_v they_o towards_o he_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v his_o intent_n upon_o we_o wait_v as_o it_o be_v to_o catch_v a_o look_v ready_a to_o entertain_v the_o most_o intimate_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o clear_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n let_v we_o consider_v all_o that_o his_o work_n do_v declare_v or_o his_o word_n do_v discover_v of_o he_o unto_o we_o and_o let_v we_o especial_o contemplate_v that_o visible_a representation_n of_o he_o which_o be_v make_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n by_o his_o son_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a 3._o image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o who_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o discover_v at_o once_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v let_v we_o represent_v he_o unto_o our_o mind_n as_o we_o find_v he_o describe_v in_o the_o gospel_n
in_o private_a and_o another_o wherein_n though_o we_o utter_v no_o sound_n prayer_n yet_o we_o conceive_v the_o expression_n and_o form_n the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n which_o i_o presume_v be_v most_o common_o use_v in_o private_a devotion_n so_o there_o be_v a_o three_o and_o more_o sublime_a kind_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o the_o soul_n take_v a_o high_a flight_n and_o have_v collect_v all_o its_o force_n by_o long_a and_o serious_a meditation_n it_o dart_v itself_o so_o to_o speak_v towards_o god_n in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o thought_n too_o big_a for_o expression_n as_o when_o after_o a_o deep_a contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n appear_v in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o wonder_n it_o address_v itself_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o profound_a adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n or_o when_o after_o sad_a reflection_n on_o its_o vileness_n and_o miscarriage_n it_o prostrate_v itself_o before_o he_o with_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o sorrow_n not_o dare_v to_o lift_v up_o its_o eye_n or_o utter_v one_o word_n in_o his_o presence_n or_o when_o have_v well_o consider_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a felicity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o good_a it_o pant_v after_o god_n and_o send_v up_o such_o vigorous_a and_o ardent_a desire_n as_o no_o word_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o express_v continue_v and_o repeat_v each_o of_o these_o act_n as_o long_o as_o it_o find_v itself_o uphold_v by_o the_o force_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o previous_a meditation_n this_o mental_a prayer_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o effectual_a to_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o dispose_v it_o unto_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a temper_n and_o may_v be_v term_v the_o great_a secret_a of_o devotion_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o apostle_n have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n unto_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v bear_v that_o can_v be_v word_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o so_o recommend_v this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n as_o to_o supersede_n the_o use_n of_o the_o other_o for_o we_o have_v so_o many_o several_a thing_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o every_o petition_n of_o this_o nature_n require_v so_o much_o time_n and_o so_o great_a a_o intention_n of_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a therein_o to_o overtake_v they_o all_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o the_o deep_a sigh_n and_o heave_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o accompany_v it_o be_v something_o oppressive_a to_o nature_n and_o make_v it_o hard_o to_o continue_v long_o in_o they_o but_o certain_o a_o few_o of_o those_o inward_a aspiration_n will_v do_v more_o than_o a_o great_a many_o fluent_a and_o melt_a expression_n thus_o my_o dear_a friend_n i_o have_v brief_o propose_v the_o method_n which_o i_o judge_v proper_a for_o mould_v the_o soul_n unto_o a_o sacrament_n holy_a frame_n and_o the_o same_o mean_n which_o serve_v to_o beget_v this_o divine_a temper_n must_v still_o be_v practise_v for_o strengthen_v and_o advance_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v recommend_v but_o one_o more_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v the_o frequent_a and_o conscientious_a use_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v peculiar_o appoint_v to_o nourish_v and_o increase_v the_o spiritual_a life_n when_o once_o it_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o instrument_n of_o religion_n do_v meet_v together_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o while_o we_o address_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o we_o be_v put_v to_o practice_v all_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v mention_v before_o then_o it_o be_v that_o we_o make_v the_o severe_a survey_n of_o our_o action_n and_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n on_o ourselves_o then_o be_v our_o mind_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o grace_n do_v exercise_v itself_o with_o the_o great_a activity_n and_o vigour_n all_o the_o subject_n of_o contemplation_n do_v there_o present_v themselves_o unto_o we_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o then_o if_o ever_o do_v the_o soul_n make_v its_o most_o powerful_a sally_n towards_o heaven_n and_o assault_v it_o with_o a_o holy_a and_o acceptable_a force_n and_o certain_o the_o neglect_n or_o careless_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n that_o bedwarf_n our_o religion_n and_o make_v we_o continue_v of_o so_o low_a a_o size_n but_o it_o be_v time_n i_o shall_v put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o tedious_a letter_n which_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o far_o great_a bulk_n then_o at_o first_o i_o intend_v if_o these_o poor_a paper_n can_v do_v you_o the_o small_a service_n i_o shall_v think_v myself_o very_o happy_a in_o this_o undertake_n at_o least_o i_o be_o hopeful_a you_o will_v kind_o accept_v the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o a_o person_n who_o will_v fain_o acquit_v himself_o of_o some_o part_n of_o that_o which_o he_o owe_v you_o a_o prayer_n and_o now_o o_o most_o gracious_a god_n father_n and_o fountain_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o it_o excite_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o ardent_a desire_n after_o the_o one_o as_o may_v put_v we_o forth_o to_o the_o diligent_a prosecution_n of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o neither_o presume_v of_o our_o own_o strength_n nor_o distrust_v thy_o divine_a assistance_n but_o while_o we_o be_v do_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n teach_v we_o still_o to_o depend_v on_o thou_o for_o the_o success_n open_v our_o eye_n o_o god_n and_o teach_v we_o out_o of_o thy_o law_n bless_v we_o with_o a_o exact_a and_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o taste_n to_o discern_v perverse_a thing_n o_o that_o our_o way_n be_v direct_v to_o keep_v thy_o statute_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n possess_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o generous_a and_o holy_a disdain_n of_o all_o those_o poor_a enjoyment_n which_o this_o world_n hold_v out_o to_o allure_v we_o that_o they_o may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o inveigle_v our_o affection_n or_o betray_v we_o unto_o any_o sin_n turn_v away_o our_o eye_n from_o behold_v vanity_n and_o quicken_v thou_o we_o in_o thy_o law_n fill_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o those_o great_a truth_n which_o thou_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v influence_n and_o regulate_v our_o whole_a conversation_n and_o that_o the_o life_n which_o we_o henceforth_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o may_v live_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o that_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o thy_o bless_a nature_n and_o the_o astonish_a expression_n of_o thy_o goodness_n and_o love_n may_v conquer_v and_o overpower_v our_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v constant_o arise_v towards_o thou_o in_o flame_n of_o devout_a affection_n and_o enlarge_n themselves_o in_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a love_n towards_o all_o the_o world_n for_o thy_o sake_n and_o that_o we_o may_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o thy_o fear_n without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o behold_v and_o enjoy_v thou_o final_o o_o god_n grant_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ourselves_o be_v may_v both_o humble_a and_o lay_v we_o low_o before_o thou_o and_o also_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o ardent_a aspiration_n towards_o thou_o we_o desire_v to_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n lead_v we_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v we_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n guide_v we_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v we_o unto_o glory_n for_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o thy_o bless_a son_n our_o saviour_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o account_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o advances_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n write_a at_o the_o desire_n of_o m._n l._n v._o r._n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n mistake_v about_o religion_n what_o religion_n be_v it_o be_v permanency_n and_o stability_n it_o be_v freedom_n and_o unconstrainedness_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o joh._n 4._o 34._o religion_n a_o divine_a principle_n what_o the_o natural_a life_n be_v the_o different_a tendency_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n wherein_o the_o divine_a life_n do_v consist_v religion_n better_o understand_v by_o action_n than_o by_o word_n divine_a love_n exemplify_v in_o our_o saviour_n his_o diligence_n in_o do_v god_n will._n his_o patience_n in_o bear_v it_o his_o constant_a devotion_n his_o charity_n to_o man_n his_o purity_n his_o humility_n the_o excellency_n and_o advantage_n of_o religion_n prov._n 14._o 10._o the_o excellency_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o worth_n of_o the_o object_n the_o certainty_n to_o be_v belove_v again_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o belove_a person_n that_o divine_a love_n make_v we_o partake_v in_o a_o infinite_a happiness_n he_o that_o love_v god_n find_v sweetness_n in_o every_o dispensation_n the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v delightful_a to_o he_o psal._n 63._o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o charity_n the_o pleasure_n that_o attend_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o purity_n the_o delight_n it_o afford_v the_o excellency_n of_o humility_n the_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n of_o a_o humble_a temper_n the_o despondent_a thought_n of_o some_o new_o awaken_v to_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o thing_n act._n 8._o 20._o cant_n 8._o 7._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o these_o fear_n deut._n 33._o 27._o psal._n 89._o 19_o isaiah_n 26._o ver_n 19_o isaiah_n 53._o ver_n 11._o heb._n 7._o 24_o 25._o matth._n 12._o 20._o cant._n 8_o 7._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o prov._n 4._o 18._o psal_n 84_o 7._o heb._n 11._o 34._o 2_o king_n 6._o 16_o 17._o we_o must_v do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a assistance_n i_o chron._n 22._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o psal._n 104._o 14._o jer._n 4._o 3._o we_o must_v shun_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v sinful_a psal._n 119._o 9_o heb._n 4._o 12._o psal._n 17._o 4._o we_o must_v resist_v the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n by_o consider_v the_o evil_n they_o will_v draw_v on_o we_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 10._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o isa._n 33._o 14._o we_o must_v keep_v a_o constant_a watch_n over_o ourselves_o we_o must_v often_o examine_v our_o action_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o restrain_v ourselves_o in_o many_o lawful_a thing_n we_o must_v strive_v to_o put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o love_n with_o the_o world_n we_o must_v do_v those_o outward_a action_n that_o be_v command_v we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o form_v internal_a act_n of_o devotion_n charity_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n a_o great_a instrument_n of_o religion_n heb._n 1._o 3._o to_o beget_v divine_a love_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n act._n 17._o 27._o heb._n 1._o 3._o lam._n 3._o 31._o psal._n 39_o 3._o we_o shall_v meditate_v on_o his_o goodness_n and_o love_n eph._n 3._o 17_o 18_o 19_o to_o beget_v charity_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o all_o man_n be_v near_o relate_v unto_o god_n that_o they_o carry_v his_o image_n upon_o they_o to_o beget_v purity_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o shall_v meditate_v oft_o on_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 3_o humility_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o fail_n thought_n of_o god_n give_v we_o the_o low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o prayer_n another_o instrument_n of_o religion_n the_o advantage_n of_o mental_a prayer_n religion_n be_v to_o be_v advance_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v begin_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n