Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n according_a believe_v scripture_n 1,612 5 5.8214 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26810 Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God / by William Bates ... Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1699 (1699) Wing B1128; ESTC R4307 200,199 485

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and_o of_o different_a degree_n of_o goodness_n the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n the_o appletree_n if_o a_o appletree_n produce_v the_o best_a fruit_n in_o its_o kind_n though_o not_o equal_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n it_o be_v perfect_o good_a thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v several_a condition_n of_o life_n among_o man_n some_o be_v in_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o superiority_n other_o of_o subjection_n and_o service_n a_o servant_n that_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o excel_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o be_v equal_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o other_o in_o a_o high_a order_n he_o that_o gain_v two_o talent_n be_v esteem_v as_o faithful_a as_o he_o that_o gain_v five_o because_o the_o profit_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o stock_n entrust_v with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n relative_n to_o the_o various_a spiritual_a state_n of_o christian_n here_o st._n john_n address_v his_o counsel_n to_o christian_n under_o several_a title_n to_o child_n to_o young_a man_n and_o father_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o different_a age_n in_o christianity_n a_o child_n be_v perfect_a in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o child_n when_o he_o have_v the_o stature_n the_o strength_n the_o understanding_n that_o be_v become_v his_o age_n though_o he_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o complete_a state_n to_o which_o he_o will_v arrive_v in_o his_o mature_a age._n a_o young_a man_n have_v the_o perfection_n proper_a to_o his_o age._n a_o new_a convert_n that_o have_v such_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n and_o his_o time_n of_o advancement_n by_o they_o be_v esteem_v complete_a in_o that_o state_n of_o grace_n some_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o school_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n other_o have_v make_v a_o high_a progress_n in_o it_o to_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o stature_n beyond_o the_o perfection_n 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a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a his_o jurisdiction_n reach_v to_o man_n understanding_n god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o he_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o dangerous_a curiosity_n often_o fatal_a to_o faith_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n that_o supernatural_a doctrine_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o reason_n that_o when_o man_n use_v all_o mean_n sincere_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o involuntary_a speculative_a error_n i_o will_v now_o particular_o consider_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n and_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n and_o love_n hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o christian_a perfection_n i_o will_v first_o discourse_n of_o divine_a faith_n the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n 11._o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o bounty_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o holy_a worship_n this_o grace_n be_v most_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o the_o understanding_n be_v our_o supreme_a faculty_n and_o by_o submit_v it_o to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o pay_v the_o most_o humble_a homage_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n we_o conceive_v of_o god_n become_v his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o it_o be_v invisible_a and_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n though_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v encompass_v with_o opposition_n and_o seem_a impossibility_n we_o glorify_v his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o omnipotence_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a testimony_n set_v his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a ratify_v his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n faith_n be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o grace_n derive_v their_o flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o productive_a of_o its_o own_o act_n but_o excite_v and_o animate_v every_o grace_n in_o its_o distinct_a exercise_n like_o the_o animal_n spirit_n that_o give_v motion_n and_o vigour_n to_o all_o the_o sense_n faith_n in_o christ_n convey_v to_o a_o weak_a christain_n a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n the_o apostle_n declare_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 11._o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o other_o grace_n either_o active_a or_o suffer_a fortitude_n zeal_n self-denial_n patience_n be_v attribute_v to_o faith_n as_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o general_n by_o who_o conduct_n and_o courage_n the_o battle_n be_v manage_v though_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o soldier_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v from_o the_o guilt_n 1._o of_o our_o many_o and_o mighty_a sin_n we_o be_v 15._o purify_v from_o their_o deep_a pollution_n we_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o line_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v save_v from_o misery_n extreme_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v consider_v divine_a faith_n under_o three_o head_n 1._o doctrinal_a faith_n 2._o justify_v faith_n 3._o faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o roll_a providence_n of_o god_n doctrinal_a faith_n i_o will_v consider_v 1._o in_o its_o nature_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o motive_n 4._o the_o efficacy_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n agree_v in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o thus_o trust_n be_v call_v faith_n because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o promise_n and_o one_o be_v say_v to_o keep_v his_o faith_n inviolate_a when_o he_o perform_v the_o promise_n that_o another_o rely_v on_o faith_n in_o the_o propriety_n of_o expression_n be_v a_o assent_n for_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n according_o divine_v faith_n be_v a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o imagination_n and_o from_o comprehensive_a reason_n fancy_n draw_v a_o copy_n of_o those_o object_n that_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o external_a sense_n or_o compound_v many_o copy_n together_o but_o create_v no_o image_n of_o thing_n not_o perceptible_a by_o the_o sense_n we_o can_v imagine_v 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thing_n may_v be_v
our_o judgement_n for_o that_o which_o have_v least_o now_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o reasonable_a mind_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v than_o to_o deny_v the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o many_o clear_a and_o express_v text_n of_o scripture_n that_o declare_v those_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o gloss_n of_o socinus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o without_o reverence_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o word_n rack_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v not_o and_o use_v all_o art_n to_o silence_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v reveal_v unhappy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d that_o affect_v to_o be_v esteem_v ingenious_a and_o subtle_a to_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n how_o much_o safe_o and_o more_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o 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salvation_n by_o his_o incarnate_a son_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n make_v god_n a_o liar_n this_o infinite_o provoke_v 10._o he_o and_o inflame_v his_o indignation_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o despise_v he_o it_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o essential_a and_o his_o acquire_v glory_n by_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a love_n of_o god_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v not_o only_o in_o his_o work_n but_o in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n have_v declare_v when_o he_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n whoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v whoever_o believe_v not_o shall_v
lawgiver_n and_o judge_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o action_n can_v doubt_v of_o his_o eternal_a existence_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v prove_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o that_o principle_n be_v that_o he_o must_v be_v honour_v and_o serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o that_o it_o become_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o most_o instructive_a and_o permanent_a way_n in_o write_v that_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o corruption_n than_o oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v in_o it_o such_o conspicuous_a character_n of_o its_o descent_n from_o heaven_n beside_o the_o most_o undoubted_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o infallible_a that_o without_o violate_v the_o rule_n of_o sound_a discourse_n we_o must_v yield_v our_o assent_n to_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o amplify_v and_o illustrate_v these_o particular_n have_v in_o some_o discourse_n former_o publish_v of_o the_o existency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n manifest_v how_o desperate_a the_o cause_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o deist_n be_v to_o unprejudiced_a mind_n now_o though_o the_o deduction_n specify_v be_v according_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o ratiocination_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o account_v it_o a_o slavery_n to_o fix_v their_o belief_n upon_o any_o authority_n but_o will_v be_v free_a in_o believe_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o action_n i_o will_v therefore_o brief_o produce_v some_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o carry_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o they_o the_o abolish_n idolatry_n in_o the_o pagan_a world_n in_o the_o time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o palpable_a proof_n that_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o the_o true_a god_n the_o instrument_n of_o this_o great_a work_n be_v a_o few_o fisherman_n that_o have_v neither_o learning_n nor_o arm_n nor_o treasure_n patience_n be_v their_o strength_n poverty_n their_o choice_n disgrace_v their_o honour_n that_o without_o any_o force_n but_o of_o illumination_n and_o persuasion_n of_o humility_n and_o charity_n and_o endure_v the_o most_o terrible_a suffering_n they_o shall_v vanquish_v the_o pride_n of_o philosopher_n the_o tyrannous_a power_n of_o prince_n the_o rebellious_a opposition_n of_o man_n carnal_a lust_n be_v not_o conceivable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a strength_n that_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a enemy_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a by_o the_o miracle_n do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n be_v search_v for_o that_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n at_o first_o engrave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o in_o vain_a for_o although_o philosophy_n afford_v some_o notice_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a sufficient_a to_o check_v many_o notorious_a vice_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o universal_a duty_n towards_o god_n other_o and_o themselves_o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o instructive_a light_n of_o our_o full_a duty_n it_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o change_v its_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o reform_v the_o life_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a rule_n reveal_v in_o it_o now_o can_v a_o imposture_n produce_v such_o a_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o wicked_a world_n the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v from_o god_n alone_o v●x_fw-la hominem_fw-la non_fw-la sonat_fw-la can_v such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v without_o visible_a miracle_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v plant_v and_o propagate_v without_o the_o confirmation_n of_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o transcendent_a miracle_n and_o though_o we_o see_v not_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o see_v the_o permanent_a effect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o life_n of_o true_a christian_n infidel_n be_v apt_a to_o reply_v if_o they_o see_v miracle_n perform_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n that_o man_n will_v submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n who_o deny_v his_o authority_n make_v know_v in_o that_o eminent_a degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o his_o word_n abraham_n answer_v the_o rich_a man_n who_o desire_v a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a may_v be_v send_v to_o convert_v his_o brethren_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o short_a those_o who_o resist_v so_o strong_a a_o light_n as_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o delusion_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v from_o their_o deprave_a heart_n speculative_a truth_n obtain_v the_o present_a and_o easy_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o truth_n directive_n of_o practice_n if_o opposite_a to_o man_n lust_n though_o their_o evidence_n be_v unexceptionable_a yet_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v very_o averse_a from_o receive_v they_o this_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o pharisee_n infidelity_n they_o repent_v not_o that_o 32._o they_o may_v believe_v in_o he_o when_o the_o will_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o rebel_n against_o the_o sanctity_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o gospel_n command_v it_o be_v congruous_a to_o reject_v it_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n hinder_v the_o due_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o stain_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o do_v not_o sincere_o judge_v of_o they_o though_o infidel_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_o discourse_v wit_n of_o the_o age_n to_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n in_o their_o breast_n and_o despise_v other_o as_o captive_n of_o a_o blind_a belief_n yet_o their_o folly_n be_v palpable_a and_o penal_a for_o have_v provoke_v god_n by_o their_o infidelity_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o of_o the_o tempter_n and_o sink_v deep_o into_o darkness_n and_o become_v more_o harden_v and_o presumptuous_a those_o who_o embark_v with_o these_o distract_a pilot_n in_o such_o dangerous_a sea_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o perish_v for_o ever_o 2._o hyprocrisie_n be_v a_o spiritual_a pollution_n in_o its_o theological_a consideration_n it_o imply_v a_o counterfeit_a religion_n and_o virtue_n a_o affectation_n of_o the_o name_n join_v with_o a_o disaffection_n to_o the_o thing_n the_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n with_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o according_o 1._o every_o titular_a christian_a who_o profess_v subjection_n to_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n the_o action_n be_v the_o incarnate_a issue_n of_o the_o heart_n wherein_o they_o be_v form_v and_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o it_o a_o rebellious_a course_n of_o sin_n declare_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o infidel_n notwithstanding_o his_o own_n christ_n to_o be_v our_o king_n his_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a lie_n he_o vain_o presume_v that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n when_o his_o action_n declare_v he_o to_o 44._o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2._o hypocrisy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v when_o man_n presume_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n to_o be_v good_a upon_o false_a ground_n it_o be_v observable_a no_o man_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o choice_n he_o do_v not_o deliberate_o deceive_v himself_o but_o one_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n without_o his_o knowledge_n by_o ignorance_n and_o error_n he_o may_v think_v his_o inclination_n to_o some_o virtue_n and_o his_o aversion_n from_o some_o vice_n to_o be_v divine_a grace_n but_o sympathy_n and_o antipathy_n proceed_v often_o from_o natural_a temper_n and_o not_o from_o the_o renew_a mind_n and_o will_n from_o judgement_n and_o choice_n a_o tame_a dog_n be_v as_o true_o a_o beast_n as_o a_o wild_a wolf_n a_o man_n that_o perform_v only_o some_o good_a thing_n and_o abstain_v from_o some_o evil_n from_o natural_a conscience_n be_v as_o true_o in_o the_o state_n of_o pollute_a nature_n as_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o careless_a of_o his_o duty_n and_o free_o indulge_v every_o carnal_a lust._n one_o may_v be_v exact_a in_o light_a matter_n as_o the_o pharisee_n in_o tithing_n mint_n and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v substantial_a duty_n he_o may_v be_v zealous_a in_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o neglect_v righteousness_n and_o mercy_n and_o think_v to_o compensate_a his_o defect_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n by_o strict_a observe_v the_o duty_n
be_v damn_v we_o can_v make_v law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n judgement_n but_o must_v receive_v they_o however_o some_o may_v flatter_v err_v person_n in_o their_o security_n it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o infidelity_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n will_v have_v no_o excuse_n before_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o of_o fire_n that_o be_v darkness_n to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o enlighten_v the_o israelite_n in_o their_o passage_n out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o proud_a and_o reveal_v to_o the_o humble_a the_o humane_a mind_n be_v imperious_a and_o turbulent_a and_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o god_n authority_n who_o command_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o understanding_n to_o yield_v full_a assent_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o mean_a capacity_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n you_o may_v as_o well_o see_v a_o angel_n by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n as_o see_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o natural_a mind_n their_o reality_n beauty_n and_o excellency_n so_o as_o saving_o to_o believe_v they_o faith_n 17._o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v style_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n who_o discover_v the_o object_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n to_o see_v it_o and_o by_o free_a prevent_a grace_n incline_v the_o will_n to_o embrace_v it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n alone_o can_v pull_v down_o strong_a 10._o hold_n and_o cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n the_o spirit_n overcome_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o enlighten_v the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o infallible_a revelation_n violence_n and_o temporal_a respect_n may_v by_o terror_n and_o allurement_n make_v man_n hypocrite_n but_o can_v make_v they_o sincere_a believer_n there_o will_v be_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o it_o be_v special_a grace_n inspire_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n with_o light_a to_o see_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o require_v special_a thankfulness_n let_v we_o humble_o pray_v to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o light_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n 4._o of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o chap._n vii_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n a_o speculative_a assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v not_o save_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o object_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o the_o frequent_a application_n of_o they_o to_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n that_o be_v present_a and_o those_o that_o be_v future_a the_o evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o future_a good_a thing_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o fix_v our_o assent_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a justify_v faith_n consider_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o purify_n virtue_n faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n from_o whence_o many_o practical_a consequence_n be_v derive_v the_o heathen_n have_v very_o disparage_v conceit_n of_o god_n providence_n the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o nothing_o happen_v without_o the_o knowledge_n the_o will_n either_o permissive_a or_o approve_v and_o the_o order_v providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o influential_a to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n 4._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o common_a delusion_n that_o have_v a_o pernicious_a influence_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o many_o that_o those_o be_v true_a believer_n who_o yield_v a_o dry_a and_o barren_a assent_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o practical_a belief_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o foment_n and_o authorise_v doubt_n by_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n nor_o excite_v revolt_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o entertain_v objection_n against_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o they_o never_o feel_v the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o low_a descent_n of_o carnal_a mind_n and_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o present_a world_n like_o a_o stupify_a wine_n cause_n in_o they_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a idolatry_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o will_n be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o divine_a command_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v but_o not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o speculative_a faith_n that_o cost_v nothing_o and_o will_v go_v with_o they_o to_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v supernatural_a truth_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n but_o poor_a in_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n save_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v productive_a of_o such_o affection_n and_o action_n as_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v if_o the_o head_n be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n in_o darkness_n if_o one_o profess_v never_o so_o full_o his_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o beam_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o visible_a in_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v christ_n or_o 4._o which_o be_v equivalent_a believe_v in_o he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o every_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v a_o unbeliever_n unfeigned_a faith_n receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o part_n doctrine_n command_n promise_n not_o only_o as_o infallible_o true_a but_o superlative_o good_a and_o precious_a and_o entire_o embrace_v they_o with_o a_o despise_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o express_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n the_o two_o inseparable_a property_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v it_o be_v humble_a and_o submissive_a to_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v dutiful_a and_o obedient_a to_o divine_a precept_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o will_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n proceed_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o from_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a application_n of_o the_o object_n to_o our_o heart_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v now_o between_o they_o and_o the_o most_o entice_v good_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o fearful_a evil_n in_o this_o present_a state_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n 5._o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n victory_n suppose_v a_o fight_n and_o a_o fight_n suppose_v a_o enemy_n the_o enemy_n be_v declare_v the_o world_n include_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o this_o enemy_n be_v in_o combination_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh._n he_o be_v style_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o manage_n the_o temptation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n he_o try_v his_o poison_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o work_n in_o they_o he_o present_v to_o some_o a_o charm_a cup_n to_o intoxicate_a they_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n he_o tempt_v other_o with_o thing_n of_o lustre_n with_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o dazzle_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o true_a and_o safe_a judgement_n of_o thing_n he_o allure_v other_o with_o riches_n and_o as_o heat_n be_v double_v by_o reflection_n so_o he_o enforce_v his_o
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n bu●_n in_o different_a respect_n reason_n may_v discover_v they_o by_o ascend_v from_o effect_n to_o their_o cause_n or_o descend_v from_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n faith_n receive_v they_o as_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n by_o faith_n we_o know_v 11._o the_o world_n be_v make_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a reason_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o special_a be_v those_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n and_o thing_n that_o reason_n can_v discover_v by_o its_o own_o light_n nor_o perfect_o understand_v when_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n past_a and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o present_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o fire_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a 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away_o sin_n we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v 3._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v little_a new_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o point_n if_o man_n with_o renew_a mind_n and_o heart_n consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argue_v but_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n that_o prove_v divine_a faith_n to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n 2._o answer_v the_o objection_n allege_v to_o justify_v the_o disbelief_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v nor_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v true_a be_v a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a not_o dependent_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n motive_n this_o by_o its_o native_a irresistible_a evidence_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o exempt_v from_o all_o critical_a inquiry_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o clear_a character_n it_o be_v the_o saying_n of_o a_o wise_a heathen_a if_o god_n will_v converse_v visible_o with_o man_n he_o will_v assume_v light_n for_o a_o body_n and_o have_v truth_n for_o his_o soul_n god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n truth_n be_v the_o supreme_a character_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o apostle_n build_v the_o assurance_n of_o christian_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o their_o strong_a consolation_n upon_o this_o infallible_a rock_n god_n that_o 6._o can_v lie_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o supernatural_a doctrine_n we_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o god_n jurisdiction_n extend_v to_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o will_n he_o rule_v our_o understanding_n by_o light_n our_o will_n by_o empire_n if_o god_n do_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v only_o truth_n in_o themselves_o evident_a our_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o obedience_n worthy_a of_o he_o and_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o their_o seem_a repugnance_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o precept_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o the_o inclination_n to_o forbid_a thing_n 3._o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n when_o god_n depute_v any_o by_o commission_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n he_o always_o afford_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o commission_n be_v uncounterfeit_v moses_n be_v send_v from_o god_n with_o a_o command_n to_o pharaoh_n to_o release_v the_o israelite_n from_o their_o cruel_a servitude_n and_o he_o have_v the_o wonder-working_a rod_n to_o authorise_v his_o commission_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o message_n by_o miracle_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shine_v with_o that_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o only_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prevent_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o pervert_v by_o their_o passion_n can_v resist_v it_o colour_a object_n be_v not_o discern_v more_o clear_o by_o their_o colour_n nor_o light_n by_o its_o lustre_n than_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n reason_n be_v a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o man_n and_o by_o it_o we_o be_v direct_v
why_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v reveal_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v to_o turn_v faith_n into_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n the_o man_n of_o samaria_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o tell_v they_o come_v and_o see_v 4._o the_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o when_o they_o hear_v christ_n speak_v they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o word_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o a_o pole_n support_v a_o vine_n but_o do_v not_o give_v life_n and_o virtue_n to_o its_o root_n so_o reason_n assist_v faith_n in_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o faith_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v its_o life_n from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n we_o discover_v the_o relation_n order_n distinction_n and_o dependence_n of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o reject_v the_o vain_a opinion_n of_o man_n when_o propose_v as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o fancy_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o mystery_n of_o faith_n 4._o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o their_o apparent_a sense_n unless_o the_o precise_a literal_a sense_n contain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o reason_n and_o disparage_v the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o interpret_n they_o be_v to_o separate_v whatever_o be_v defective_a in_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n they_o be_v the_o organ_n by_o which_o man_n do_v and_o know_v thing_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a operation_n have_v need_n of_o such_o instrument_n thus_o the_o communicate_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v express_v by_o generation_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a production_n of_o one_o live_v creature_n from_o another_o especial_o of_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n with_o all_o its_o property_n but_o who_o can_v declare_v his_o generation_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v it_o with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a generation_n wherein_o the_o effect_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o successive_a to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o god_n shall_v beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o most_o perfect_a image_n but_o he_o must_v be_v eternal_a as_o the_o father_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o first_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v their_o disparity_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o he_o but_o except_v such_o case_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o with_o a_o intention_n that_o we_o shall_v understand_v he_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o just_a to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o our_o mind_n can_v not_o firm_o assent_v to_o his_o word_n but_o will_v be_v float_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_n and_o if_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v his_o mean_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o will_n if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o man_n do_v to_o one_o another_o 5._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o object_n beyond_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o can_v see_v a_o object_n more_o full_o than_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o truth_n of_o evangelical_n mystery_n be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a supernatural_a truth_n can_v be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o discover_v by_o reason_n but_o be_v only_o know_v to_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o communicate_v to_o create_v understanding_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v 18._o son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n have_v declare_v he_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 3._o father_n and_o of_o christ._n because_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o god_n contrive_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o own_o time_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o 9_o his_o will_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n conceal_v 11._o from_o the_o world_n and_o only_o know_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o 20._o clear_a spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n be_v they_o as_o pure_a as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o sincere_a as_o they_o be_v perverse_a this_o word_n mystery_n be_v never_o apply_v to_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o frame_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o since_o the_o creation_n it_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n till_o by_o experience_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n declare_v 21._o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v pure_o supernatual_a for_o the_o internal_a distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o their_o incommunicable_a character_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o god_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v above_o any_o create_a understanding_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n so_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n be_v superior_a spirit_n to_o we_o and_o excel_v we_o in_o sublimity_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o can_v never_o know_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n though_o in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n but_o as_o gradual_o reveal_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o counsel_n they_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v form_v a_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o what_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o sensible_a thing_n 2._o the_o attempt_n be_v impertinent_a for_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o great_a mystery_n sufficient_o for_o save_v faith_n though_o not_o to_o satisfy_v rash_a curiosity_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o curiosity_n and_o discourse_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o do_v and_o performance_n the_o art_n of_o navigation_n require_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o govern_v a_o ship_n and_o what_o sea_n be_v safe_a what_o be_v dangerous_a by_o rock_n and_o sand_n and_o terrible_a tempest_n that_o often_o surprise_v those_o who_o sail_v in_o they_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v save_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n that_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o two_o nature_n it_o be_v prudent_a to_o confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v possible_a and_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n be_v
by_o inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v proceed_v to_o perfection_n 2._o propound_v direction_n how_o we_o shall_v follow_v it_o 1._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v whether_o we_o be_v proceed_v to_o perfection_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o premise_v there_o may_v be_v a_o easy_a mistake_n in_o the_o judgement_n about_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o man_n soul_n indeed_o there_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o judge_v of_o our_o spiritual_a state_n but_o the_o dark_a and_o crooked_a heart_n of_o man_n misapply_v they_o carnal_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v presumption_n for_o faith_n and_o think_v the_o bold_a they_o be_v in_o presume_v without_o a_o promise_n the_o strong_a they_o be_v in_o believe_v they_o mistake_v a_o fruitless_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o be_v repentance_n they_o sin_n and_o repent_v and_o after_o repentance_n they_o sin_v and_o walk_v in_o a_o circle_n of_o repenting_n and_o relapsing_n take_v not_o one_o step_n towards_o heaven_n but_o real_a saint_n be_v often_o complain_v of_o their_o want_n of_o grace_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o their_o not_o improve_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n their_o desire_n be_v ardent_a and_o ascend_a to_o perfection_n and_o they_o judge_v of_o their_o defect_n by_o that_o measure_n he_o that_o sail_n before_o the_o wind_n in_o a_o river_n and_o see_v man_n walk_v on_o the_o shore_n to_o his_o eye_n they_o seem_v to_o stand_v still_o because_o of_o the_o swift_a motion_n of_o the_o boat_n thus_o the_o saint_n judge_v of_o their_o imperfection_n by_o the_o swiftness_n of_o their_o desire_n after_o complete_a holiness_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o two_o general_a rule_n of_o trial_n concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n and_o proceed_v to_o particular_a discovery_n 1._o the_o vanqui_v of_o sin_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n during_o the_o present_a life_n from_o its_o first_o rise_n to_o its_o last_o fall_n the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n in_o some_o degree_n remain_v in_o the_o saint_n the_o flesh_n lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n we_o will_v now_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v discover_v by_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o temptation_n some_o be_v entangle_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o a_o pleasant_a object_n the_o tempter_n need_v not_o raise_v a_o battery_n against_o they_o for_o the_o treacherous_a party_n within_o open_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o sense_n to_o receive_v his_o temptation_n other_o though_o unrenewed_a by_o sanctify_a grace_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o they_o such_o a_o resistance_n between_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o member_n such_o a_o conflict_n between_o conviction_n and_o corruption_n that_o they_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o by_o restrain_v grace_n be_v in_o some_o instance_n keep_v from_o do_v it_o but_o ordinary_o when_o temptation_n be_v very_o invite_v they_o consent_v and_o commit_v sin_n nay_o the_o saint_n be_v sometime_o surprise_v and_o soil_v by_o the_o tempter_n david_n by_o a_o sudden_a glance_n be_v overcome_v and_o fall_v into_o a_o sin_n of_o a_o very_a foul_a nature_n pet●●_n at_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o servant_n deny_v his_o master_n and_o be_v almost_o freeze_v to_o death_n with_o fear_n till_o the_o compassionate_a eye_n of_o our_o saviour_n warm_v and_o melt_v he_o into_o tear_n of_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v mistake_v it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o cease_n from_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o always_o proceed_v from_o victorious_a grace_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o allure_a object_n there_o be_v a_o cease_n from_o the_o vicious_a act_n but_o the_o sinful_a affection_n may_v be_v then_o most_o intense_a as_o hunger_n be_v more_o sharp_a in_o a_o time_n of_o famine_n when_o there_o be_v no_o food_n to_o satisfy_v it_o and_o thirst_v in_o a_o wilderness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o spring_n or_o fruit_n to_o refresh_v it_o be_v more_o burn_a and_o torment_v sometime_o through_o impotence_n or_o age_n man_n be_v disable_v from_o do_v the_o sin_n they_o still_o love_n as_o a_o disease_n cause_v such_o a_o distaste_n of_o please_a meat_n and_o drink_n that_o a_o intemperate_a person_n be_v force_v to_o abstain_v from_o they_o sometime_o a_o man_n from_o his_o constitution_n may_v be_v averse_a from_o a_o particular_a lust_n without_o a_o spiritual_a change_n in_o the_o heart_n some_o be_v frighten_v from_o sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n they_o dare_v not_o drink_v the_o pleasant_a wine_n from_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o dregs_o at_o the_o bottom_n and_o other_o be_v allure_v from_o a_o sin_n by_o a_o new_a temptation_n but_o spiritual_a mortification_n consist_v in_o this_o the_o carnal_a affection_n be_v spiritualise_v sensual_a love_n be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n covetous_a desire_n change_v their_o object_n and_o be_v ardent_a after_o the_o treasure_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o dear_a lust_n be_v kill_v now_o the_o more_o easy_a frequent_a and_o clear_v the_o victory_n over_o sin_n be_v in_o proportion_n grace_n be_v advance_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o power_n be_v see_v every_o renew_a person_n be_v a_o soldier_n under_o the_o illuminate_a conduct_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o acquire_v new_a strength_n by_o every_o new_a victory_n over_o the_o carnal_a part_n sometime_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n so_o strong_o solicit_v the_o will_n to_o consent_v to_o a_o proposal_n that_o it_o be_v waver_v and_o although_o the_o inclination_n do_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conception_n be_v abortive_a the_o victory_n be_v then_o imperfect_a and_o obtain_v with_o difficulty_n there_o be_v linger_a inclination_n still_o work_v in_o our_o heart_n towards_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n but_o when_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o throne_n it_o enable_v a_o man_n free_o and_o ready_o to_o resist_v those_o entice_a object_n that_o ravish_v the_o carnal_a affection_n we_o have_v a_o admirable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o joseph_n when_o tempt_v to_o folly_n by_o his_o mistress_n he_o present_o and_o constant_o reject_v her_o importunity_n and_o repeat_v solicitation_n and_o as_o paul_n easy_o shake_v the_o viper_n from_o his_o hand_n into_o the_o fire_n without_o hurt_n so_o he_o preserve_v his_o purity_n untainted_a this_o argue_v the_o dominion_n grace_n have_v over_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n the_o more_o frequent_a our_o prevalency_n over_o temptation_n be_v argue_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v break_v and_o the_o firm_a radication_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n grow_v weak_a every_o day_n the_o house_n of_o david_n grow_v strong_a as_o the_o old_a man_n decay_v the_o new_a man_n increase_v in_o strength_n the_o more_o complete_a the_o victory_n be_v over_o sin_n the_o more_o clear_a indication_n we_o have_v of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n the_o compleatness_n either_o imply_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o victory_n over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sin_n all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o desire_v and_o angry_a appetite_n when_o no_o sin_n be_v indulge_v though_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a and_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v never_o so_o small_a for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v strict_a and_o severe_a against_o every_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o amalekite_n all_o must_v be_v destroy_v indeed_o no_o sin_n be_v true_o subdue_v but_o all_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n mortify_v or_o the_o compleatness_n of_o the_o victory_n imply_v not_o only_o the_o abstain_v from_o the_o outward_a act_n but_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o inward_a affection_n the_o first_o seed_n of_o sin_n in_o short_a the_o excellent_a degree_n of_o grace_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o destroy_v the_o select_a and_o superior_a lust_n that_o lead_v and_o animate_v many_o other_o as_o the_o honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v from_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o enemy_n that_o be_v vanquish_v and_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v discover_v in_o secure_v we_o from_o be_v foil_v by_o sudden_a unexpected_a temptation_n we_o read_v of_o the_o tempter_n he_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n but_o find_v nothing_o in_o he_o and_o can_v not_o fasten_v any_o impression_n on_o he_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o this_o perfection_n to_o be_v always_o watchful_a in_o this_o state_n of_o frail_a flesh_n then_o militant_a holiness_n will_v be_v triumphant_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v so_o fortify_v by_o holy_a resolution_n and_o so_o vigilant_a that_o though_o we_o be_v surround_v by_o innumerable_a enemy_n we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v by_o they_o the_o present_a reward_n of_o subdue_a carnal_a lust_n exceed_v all_o
spiritual_a perfection_n unfolded_a and_o enforce_v from_o 2_o cor._n vii_o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o william_n bates_z d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n 1699._o gulielmus_fw-la batesius_n s._n s._n theol_n prof_n aetat_fw-la 73._o nov_n 1608._o the_o preface_n the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n in_o his_o save_a mercy_n be_v to_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n we_o be_v elect_v to_o be_v holy_a redeem_v to_o be_v holy_a call_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o at_o last_o we_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o make_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o descend_a deity_n into_o this_o low_a world_n to_o instruct_v and_o persuade_v man_n by_o his_o perfect_a rule_n and_o example_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o enemy_n of_o soul_n in_o combination_n with_o the_o carnal_a mind_n use_v all_o their_o art_n to_o cool_v our_o endeavour_n in_o follow_a holiness_n and_o raise_v a_o army_n of_o objection_n to_o dismay_v we_o and_o stop_v our_o progress_n to_o perfection_n sometime_o the_o deceiver_n inspire_v a_o temptation_n with_o so_o soft_a a_o breath_n that_o it_o be_v not_o discern_v he_o suggest_v the_o counsel_n of_o solomon_n be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n be_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o compassionate_a charity_n towards_o other_o and_o not_o to_o censure_v they_o with_o rigour_n and_o severity_n for_o humane_a frailty_n the_o tempter_n pervert_v his_o meaning_n to_o make_v we_o remiss_a in_o religion_n and_o shy_a of_o strict_a holiness_n moral_a man_n value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o fair_a conversation_n they_o be_v not_o stain_v with_o soul_n and_o visible_a pollution_n but_o be_v external_o sober_a and_o righteous_a and_o they_o will_v advise_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v a_o surfeit_n of_o religion_n but_o rise_v with_o a_o appetite_n that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o use_v so_o much_o of_o religion_n as_o may_v quiet_v the_o clamour_n of_o conscience_n secure_a reputation_n and_o afford_v some_o colour_n of_o comfort_n but_o it_o be_v a_o spice_n of_o folly_n to_o be_v over-religious_a and_o just_o expose_v person_n to_o derision_n as_o vain_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a they_o commend_v the_o golden_a mean_n and_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o temper_n lukewarmness_n the_o objection_n in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v specious_a and_o apt_a to_o sway_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o do_v not_o attentive_o consider_v thing_n to_o discover_v its_o false_a colour_n and_o to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o safe_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o consider_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o mediocrity_n between_o vicious_a extreme_n wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o inferior_a moral_a virtue_n consist_v for_o they_o be_v exercise_v upon_o object_n of_o limit_a goodness_n and_o must_v be_v regulate_v both_o in_o our_o affection_n and_o action_n correspondent_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o goodness_n thus_o fortitude_n be_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o base_a fear_n and_o rash_a boldness_n and_o the_o more_o firm_a and_o constant_a the_o habitual_a quality_n of_o fortitude_n be_v the_o more_o eminent_a and_o praiseworthy_a it_o appear_v but_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n that_o raise_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n who_o perfection_n be_v true_o infinite_a there_o can_v be_v no_o excess_n the_o divine_a degree_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o fear_v to_o offend_v he_o our_o endeavour_n in_o their_o height_n and_o excellency_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n that_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o strict_a holiness_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o scorn_n be_v palpable_o unreasonable_a do_v ever_o any_o artist_n blush_v to_o excel_v in_o the_o art_n that_o he_o profess_v be_v a_o scholar_n ashamed_a to_o excel_v in_o useful_a learning_n and_o shall_v a_o christian_n who_o high_a and_o holy_a call_v oblige_v he_o to_o live_v become_v its_o dignity_n and_o purity_n be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o accurate_a conversation_n can_v we_o be_v too_o like_o god_n in_o his_o holiness_n his_o peculiar_a glory_n can_v that_o be_v matter_n of_o contempt_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a honour_n of_o the_o intelligent_a creature_n a_o saint_n when_o despise_v with_o title_n of_o ignominy_n by_o the_o carnal_a world_n shall_v bind_v their_o scorn_n as_o a_o diadem_n about_o his_o head_n and_o wear_v they_o as_o beautiful_a ornament_n the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n what_o reproach_n do_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n suffer_v for_o we_o and_o what_o pride_n and_o folly_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o his_o suffer_a reproach_n and_o not_o willing_o endure_v reproach_n for_o his_o glory_n our_o continual_a and_o ardent_a endeavour_n to_o rise_v to_o perfection_n commend_v we_o to_o our_o sovereign_n and_o saviour_n a_o cold-dead_a heathen_a be_v less_o offensive_a and_o odious_a to_o he_o than_o a_o lukewarm_a christian._n it_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n that_o to_o live_v in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o rule_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o narrow_a way_n will_v not_o only_o infringe_v but_o destroy_v our_o liberty_n this_o be_v so_o precious_a a_o possession_n that_o man_n will_v defend_v their_o liberty_n with_o their_o life_n a_o ingenuous_a person_n will_v rather_o wear_v a_o plain_a garment_n of_o his_o own_o than_o a_o rich_a livery_n the_o mark_n of_o servitude_n but_o if_o man_n will_v appeal_v to_o their_o understanding_n they_o will_v clear_o discern_v that_o the_o word_n liberty_n be_v abuse_v to_o give_v countenance_n to_o licentiousness_n there_o be_v a_o free_a subjection_n and_o a_o servile_a liberty_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o roman_n when_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n and_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n you_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n the_o soul_n have_v two_o faculty_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v truth_n either_o in_o itself_o or_o appearance_n the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n be_v goodness_n either_o real_a or_o counterfeit_a liberty_n be_v radical_o in_o the_o understanding_n which_o free_o deliberate_v and_o by_o comparative_a consideration_n direct_v the_o will_n to_o choose_v good_a before_o evil_a and_o of_o good_a the_o great_a and_o of_o evil_a the_o less_o when_o the_o understanding_n be_v full_o illuminate_v of_o the_o absolute_a goodness_n of_o a_o object_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o evil_a and_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o will_n it_o be_v a_o act_n retrograde_a in_o nature_n and_o utter_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rational_a appetite_n to_o reject_v it_o the_o indifference_n of_o the_o will_n proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o object_n or_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o but_o when_o a_o infinite_a good_a be_v due_o represent_v to_o the_o will_n the_o choice_n be_v most_o clear_a and_o free_a of_o this_o there_o be_v a_o illustrious_a example_n in_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n his_o enlighten_v mind_n considerate_o ponder_v the_o eternal_a reward_n with_o the_o transient_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o judgement_n be_v influxive_a on_o his_o will_n to_o choose_v the_o glorious_a futurity_n before_o the_o false_a lustre_n of_o the_o court_n what_o be_v the_o goodly_a appearance_n of_o the_o present_a tempt_a world_n but_o like_o the_o rainbow_n paint_a tear_n the_o heavenly_a felicity_n be_v substantial_a and_o satisfy_a where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n he_o dispel_v the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o its_o illuminate_a guidance_n turn_v the_o will_v to_o accept_v and_o embrace_v those_o object_n that_o exceed_o satisfy_v its_o vast_a desire_n and_o capacity_n this_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n engrave_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o creation_n for_o god_n be_v sovereign_o free_a and_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will._n our_o servitude_n
be_v by_o seduction_n eve_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n our_o liberty_n be_v restore_v by_o light_n the_o truth_n make_v we_o free_a the_o necessity_n that_o proceed_v from_o external_a compulsion_n and_o from_o the_o indeliberate_a and_o strong_a sway_n of_o nature_n that_o determine_v to_o one_o thing_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o liberty_n the_o understanding_n be_v a_o free_a faculty_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o object_n the_o will_v free_v in_o the_o election_n of_o they_o but_o in_o the_o consequent_a choice_n of_o the_o will_n that_o infallible_o proceed_v from_o light_n and_o love_n the_o perfection_n of_o its_o freedom_n consist_v when_o god_n and_o his_o command_n be_v due_o represent_v in_o their_o amiable_a excellency_n the_o love_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o his_o law_n certain_o produce_v obedience_n to_o it_o with_o choice_n and_o complacency_n david_n express_v his_o affection_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o principal_a motive_n of_o it_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n because_o it_o be_v pure_a as_o the_o hand_n be_v free_a when_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o eye_n and_o will_n so_o a_o saint_n that_o with_o understanding_n and_o voluntary_a veneration_n worship_v god_n and_o obey_v his_o precept_n beata_fw-la which_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n exercise_n and_o enjoy_v the_o true_a sweet_a and_o most_o honourable_a liberty_n if_o the_o son_n make_v you_o free_a you_o be_v free_a indeed_o freedom_n and_o felicity_n be_v inseparable_a servitude_n be_v the_o fatal_a concomitant_a of_o vice_n when_o a_o philosopher_n be_v ask_v what_o advantage_n he_o have_v obtain_v by_o the_o study_n of_o philosoyhy_a he_o reply_v this_o among_o other_o that_o if_o all_o the_o law_n be_v cancel_v a_o philosopher_n will_v live_v as_o uniform_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o honesty_n as_o before_o a_o christian_n that_o have_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o love_n without_o the_o constraint_n of_o penal_a law_n will_v from_o a_o clear_a judgement_n and_o election_n obey_v god_n with_o delight_n and_o constancy_n there_o be_v a_o servile_a liberty_n there_o be_v three_o mistake_n in_o the_o world_n of_o eternal_a destructive_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n concern_v wisdom_n and_o folly_n happiness_n and_o misery_n liberty_n and_o servitude_n some_o be_v seem_v wise_a who_o ignorance_n be_v esteem_v judgement_n such_o be_v the_o worldly_a wise_a who_o contrive_v and_o labour_v to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o themselves_o here_o but_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n our_o saviour_n give_v they_o a_o true_a character_n they_o be_v fool_n other_o be_v esteem_v happy_a in_o enjoy_v what_o they_o love_v whereas_o if_o they_o set_v their_o love_n upon_o those_o object_n that_o deserve_v not_o that_o principal_a affection_n but_o be_v pernicious_a to_o their_o soul_n they_o be_v true_o miserable_a in_o the_o fruition_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n severe_a displeasure_n to_o give_v man_n up_o to_o satisfy_v their_o vile_a affection_n some_o be_v seem_v free_a who_o bondage_n be_v esteem_v liberty_n carnal_a man_n presume_v of_o their_o liberty_n because_o they_o follow_v the_o swinge_n of_o their_o appetite_n but_o they_o serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n and_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will._n as_o if_o a_o horse_n that_o take_v a_o career_n in_o a_o pleasant_a plain_n be_v free_a when_o the_o bridle_n be_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o be_v carbed_a by_o the_o rider_n at_o his_o pleasure_n the_o apostle_n say_v of_o idolater_n that_o what_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n they_o sacrifice_v to_o devil_n it_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o when_o man_n serve_v their_o lust_n they_o serve_v the_o devil_n constructive_o do_v thing_n please_v to_o they_o when_o man_n turn_v rebel_n against_o god_n he_o become_v a_o absolute_a slave_n his_o understanding_n be_v now_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n under_o ignorance_n and_o error_n his_o will_n be_v inflave_v by_o infamous_a lust_n his_o affection_n be_v fetter_v by_o ensnare_a object_n if_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n how_o wretched_a be_v their_o condition_n who_o numerous_a and_o fierce_a passion_n exact_a thing_n contrary_a and_o be_v their_o tyrant_n and_o torment_n continual_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o impure_a person_n their_o eye_n be_v full_a of_o the_o adulteress_n they_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n this_o be_v true_a of_o all_o sinner_n who_o heart_n be_v possess_v by_o any_o kind_n of_o lusts._n they_o be_v hurry_v by_o they_o against_o the_o reason_n and_o rest_v of_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o most_o cruel_a and_o contumelious_a bondage_n and_o the_o more_o shameful_a because_o voluntary_a but_o they_o be_v insensible_a of_o those_o subtle_a chain_n that_o bind_v the_o soul_n and_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a free_a man_n as_o when_o the_o angel_n awaken_v peter_n to_o release_v he_o from_o prison_n he_o think_v he_o see_v a_o vision_n so_o when_o they_o be_v excite_v to_o go_v out_o of_o their_o dark_a prison_n they_o think_v the_o freedom_n of_o duty_n the_o gracious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n like_o one_o in_o the_o paroxysm_n of_o a_o fever_n who_o sing_v and_o talk_v high_a as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o perfect_a health_n but_o after_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o disease_n feel_v his_o strength_n break_v with_o pain_n and_o himself_o near_o death_n thus_o within_o a_o little_a while_n when_o the_o furious_a precipitancy_n of_o their_o passion_n be_v cool_v and_o check_v by_o affliction_n they_o will_v feel_v and_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o woeful_a bondage_n another_o objection_n and_o pernicious_a fallacy_n of_o the_o tempter_n whereby_o he_o fright_v many_o young_a person_n from_o the_o strictness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o sour_a severity_n they_o must_v renounce_v all_o delight_n turn_v capuchin_n if_o they_o serious_o engage_v themselves_o in_o a_o religious_a course_n and_o resolve_v to_o strive_v after_o pure_a and_o perfect_a holiness_n but_o there_o be_v neither_o truth_n nor_o terror_n in_o this_o suggestion_n to_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a true_a holiness_n shall_v make_v man_n joyless_a and_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n miserable_a which_o be_v in_o the_o high_a perfection_n in_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o joyful_a and_o bless_a religion_n do_v not_o extinguish_v the_o joyful_a affection_n but_o transplant_v they_o from_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v only_o forbid_v in_o the_o first_o taste_n ravish_v the_o carnal_a sense_n but_o like_o jonathan_n honey_n they_o kill_v by_o taste_v when_o the_o sweetness_n be_v vanish_v the_o sting_n remain_v whereas_o the_o joy_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o eternal_a comforter_n the_o present_a reward_n of_o it_o be_v vital_a and_o revive_a the_o foretaste_n of_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v true_a carnal_a man_n be_v stranger_n to_o this_o joy_n they_o can_v relish_v divine_a delight_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n like_o a_o new_a soul_n inspire_v the_o sanctify_a with_o new_a thought_n new_a inclination_n new_a resolution_n and_o qualify_v they_o that_o spiritual_a object_n be_v infinite_o please_v to_o they_o and_o whereas_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o within_o a_o little_a while_n die_v and_o end_n in_o bitter_a distaste_n amnon_n excessive_a love_n be_v sudden_o turn_v into_o more_o excessive_a hatred_n spiritual_a joy_n be_v increase_v and_o ever-satisfying_a now_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o direct_v our_o choice_n that_o be_v true_a happiness_n which_o the_o more_o we_o enjoy_v the_o more_o high_o we_o value_v and_o love_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o these_o objection_n that_o be_v perverse_a and_o poisonous_a which_o if_o not_o remove_v will_v blast_v my_o design_n and_o desire_a success_n in_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n but_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o prove_v our_o duty_n to_o follow_v holiness_n than_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o practise_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o the_o reward_n of_o holiness_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o eternal_a our_o zeal_n shall_v encounter_v and_o overcome_v all_o difficulty_n that_o oppose_v our_o obtain_n it_o the_o strong_a and_o swift_a wing_n be_v too_o slow_a to_o dispatch_v our_o way_n to_o heaven_n the_o lord_n give_v his_o blessing_n to_o make_v sacred_a truth_n effectual_a upon_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n errata_fw-la page_n 15._o line_n 13_o 14._o for_o love_n read_v law_n p._n 29._o in_o the_o margin_n for_o iras_fw-la