notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o manner_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o these_o mention_v must_v be_v their_o first_o endeavour_n who_o will_v set_v up_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o soul_n second_o proportionable_o to_o what_o have_v be_v above_o lay_v down_o their_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o root_v in_o themselves_o a_o deep_a and_o cordial_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n especial_o in_o such_o main_a point_n first_o as_o those_o before_o under_o this_o head_n instance_a in_o and_o so_o of_o the_o most_o indispensable_a obligation_n of_o its_o precept_n this_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a so_o most_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o therefore_o require_v our_o great_a labour_n thought_n and_o assiduity_n and_o for_o the_o effect_n hereof_o as_o in_o the_o other_o follow_v point_n so_o in_o this_o there_o will_v be_v some_o direction_n peculiar_a other_o common_a to_o this_o with_o the_o rest_n ensue_v the_o common_a one_o will_v come_v most_o fit_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o directory_n part_n as_o to_o what_o be_v more_o peculiar_a than_o here_o 1._o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o treasure_n up_o in_o our_o memory_n or_o if_o we_o be_v able_a for_o help_v of_o our_o memory_n in_o write_v the_o weighty_a and_o most_o press_a argument_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o course_n of_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o which_o we_o can_v find_v out_o by_o read_v or_o other_o enquiry_n touch_v the_o existence_n or_o real_a be_v of_o god_n of_o the_o unseen_a world_n and_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v of_o which_o point_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v once_o true_o persuade_v all_o other_o grand_a necessary_n will_n easy_o follow_v to_o come_v as_o close_o home_n as_o may_v be_v let_v i_o consider_v with_o myself_o have_v i_o at_o any_o time_n hear_v any_o thing_n urge_v to_o prove_v god_n be_v a_o most_o real_a be_v religion_n a_o most_o serious_a matter_n the_o world_n to_o come_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n any_o thing_n possible_a can_v be_v of_o etc._n etc._n have_v i_o i_o say_v at_o any_o time_n hear_v any_o thing_n urge_v to_o prove_v these_o or_o the_o like_a point_n which_o have_v make_v any_o impression_n on_o my_o mind_n if_o i_o have_v let_v i_o recollect_v that_o and_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o in_o the_o end_n treasure_n it_o up_o in_o my_o memory_n as_o a_o most_o precious_a jewel_n if_o i_o have_v not_o let_v i_o inquire_v by_o all_o mean_v i_o can_v and_o not_o rest_v till_o i_o have_v find_v some_o such_o evidence_n as_o may_v fix_v the_o belief_n of_o these_o principle_n in_o my_o soul_n i_o shall_v upon_o enquiry_n find_v some_o proof_n hereof_o there_o be_v within_o i_o which_o i_o ever_o carry_v about_o with_o i_o and_o can_v be_v rid_v of_o other_o without_o i_o within_o the_o dictate_v and_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o mind_n and_o conscience_n whensoever_o i_o be_o serious_a and_o intent_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n importunate_o inculcate_n to_o i_o they_o be_v truth_n i_o find_v i_o can_v but_o fear_v a_o god_n or_o unseen_a power_n and_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o a_o future_a estate_n i_o can_v judge_v that_o i_o come_v into_o this_o world_n to_o be_v afer_fw-la death_n equal_v to_o a_o hog_n or_o to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v whether_o i_o will_v or_o no_o my_o mind_n do_v upbraid_v i_o with_o some_o action_n of_o i_o and_o call_v they_o vile_a to_o my_o face_n other_o it_o commend_v and_o be_v please_v with_o reflection_n upon_o a_o difference_n it_o do_v put_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a these_o and_o other_o attestation_n to_o religion_n i_o may_v meet_v with_o from_o my_o own_o breast_n from_o without_o this_o glorious_a fabric_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o must_v as_o sure_o have_v a_o maker_n as_o the_o house_n i_o dwell_v in_o have_v a_o builder_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n which_o i_o can_v force_v myself_o to_o believe_v go_v all_o by_o chance_n for_o i_o see_v much_o mean_a thing_n none_o of_o which_o go_v so_o with_o diverse_a other_o point_n but_o moderate_o attend_v to_o and_o consider_v will_v lead_v i_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n i_o must_v not_o here_o digress_v upon_o this_o copious_a subject_n only_o one_o thing_n i_o may_v not_o omit_v a_o particular_a recollection_n and_o observation_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o ourselves_o in_o person_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n how_o we_o have_v be_v endanger_v and_o how_o rescue_v and_o preserve_v how_o all_o along_o sustain_v how_o sometime_o our_o sin_n have_v find_v we_o out_o at_o other_o time_n how_o our_o prayer_n have_v be_v answer_v and_o our_o obedience_n be_v own_v and_o reward_v the_o particular_a reflection_n i_o say_v on_o these_o and_o other_o like_a point_n be_v a_o cogent_n and_o very_a move_a proof_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la at_o least_o to_o imprint_v in_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o do_v govern_v and_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n whoso_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v observe_v these_o thing_n even_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n cxi_o 43._o i_o may_v confident_o avow_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o be_v much_o in_o the_o observation_n and_o mindful_a recollection_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o he_o so_o it_o can_v hardly_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o any_o man_n can_v study_v his_o own_o outward_a condition_n course_n or_o fortune_n as_o we_o speak_v from_o his_o cradle_n to_o his_o mature_a age_n but_o he_o shall_v find_v thereby_o strong_o raise_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v power_n goodness_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n i_o may_v not_o therefore_o forbear_v to_o touch_v upon_o this_o point_n 2._o such_o proof_n be_v thus_o treasure_v up_o let_v they_o be_v frequent_o meditate_a upon_o at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o may_v be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o especial_o such_o of_o they_o which_o have_v at_o any_o time_n more_o considerable_o affect_v we_o on_o such_o let_v our_o thought_n more_o durable_o dwell_v let_v we_o improve_v the_o impression_n and_o do_v what_o we_o can_v by_o frequent_a and_o intent_n think_v to_o settle_v it_o indelible_a or_o ordinary_o recurrent_a ever_o run_v in_o our_o mind_n 3._o for_o the_o better_a establish_n in_o our_o soul_n a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n it_o will_v be_v very_o ncessary_a that_o we_o forthwith_o abandon_v and_o in_o our_o practice_n eschew_v whatsoever_o we_o know_v or_o so_o much_o as_o reasonable_o suspect_v to_o be_v sinful_a for_o the_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o such_o thing_n make_v it_o seem_v our_o inteterest_n that_o religion_n shall_v be_v false_a and_o then_o as_o if_o in_o our_o own_o defence_n we_o shall_v be_v incline_v to_o believe_v so_o or_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o wish_v it_o be_v last_o where_o such_o persuade_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n be_v design_v no_o doubt_n at_o any_o time_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v endure_v any_o long_a than_o till_o the_o first_o opportunity_n we_o can_v find_v of_o satisfaction_n and_o if_o we_o can_v by_o thought_n read_v prayer_n or_o ordinary_a converse_n satisfy_v ourselves_o let_v we_o speedy_o repair_v to_o such_o spiritual_a guide_n as_o may_v succour_v we_o the_o neglect_n of_o hereof_o in_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o this_o within_o our_o church_n be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o much_o prejudices_fw-la the_o power_n of_o godliness_n among_o we_o other_o more_o common_a direction_n useful_a indeed_o in_o this_o point_n yet_o no_o less_o so_o in_o those_o other_o follow_v will_v be_v suggest_v in_o their_o place_n and_o thus_o far_o brief_o as_o to_o that_o most_o important_a concern_v towards_o godliness_n of_o the_o establish_n the_o belief_n of_o its_o principle_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v say_v above_o in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o both_o such_o knowledge_n and_o such_o persuasion_n as_o describe_v may_v be_v frequent_o of_o little_a power_n to_o godliness_n or_o a_o holy_a practice_n unless_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o particular_n of_o life_n be_v keep_v attentive_a to_o both_o correspondent_o then_o herewith_o all_o mean_n which_o in_o christian_a prudence_n we_o can_v find_v out_o must_v be_v use_v to_o keep_v alive_a in_o the_o mind_n a_o sense_n of_o these_o principle_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o other_o word_n to_o keep_v conscience_n in_o the_o particular_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n attent_a to_o they_o and_o i_o can_v think_v of_o nothing_o more_o proper_a hereto_o than_o the_o
mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v as_o well_o for_o the_o implant_n as_o growth_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n those_o mean_n be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v prayer_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o which_o we_o must_v join_v meditation_n all_o these_o i_o say_v we_o must_v use_v 1._o constant_o that_o be_v without_o omission_n or_o neglect_n of_o they_o in_o their_o due_a season_n 2._o devout_o always_o endeavour_v to_o come_v to_o they_o with_o due_a temper_n and_o then_o engage_v our_o heart_n in_o they_o and_o 3._o wisely_n remember_v our_o christian_a want_n and_o apply_v these_o as_o the_o outward_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o our_o power_n and_o whereby_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o for_o all_o grace_n and_o aid_n we_o can_v want_v but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o touch_v in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o upon_o each_o particular_o first_o as_o to_o prayer_n both_o public_a and_o private_a as_o we_o will_v either_o bring_v or_o keep_v our_o heart_n under_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v none_o of_o the_o state_v opportunity_n of_o it_o be_v neglect_v and_o when_o we_o come_v thereto_o let_v we_o before_o we_o open_v our_o mouth_n set_v god_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o then_o more_o especial_o present_a and_o take_v care_n we_o seek_v to_o he_o with_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o we_o now_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v manage_v this_o spiritual_a help_n and_o office_n wise_o let_v we_o because_o we_o apply_v it_o at_o present_a as_o a_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v we_o i_o say_v remember_v in_o what_o of_o the_o particular_n so_o often_o mention_v we_o be_v deficient_a or_o whether_o not_o in_o all_o do_v we_o want_v knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n let_v we_o earnest_o supplicate_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v inlighten_v our_o mind_n strengthen_v our_o power_n assist_v and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a he_o give_v wisdom_n liberal_o to_o all_o who_o ask_v and_o upbraid_v none_o jam._n 1._o 5._o do_v we_o know_v enough_o but_o find_v it_o difficult_a to_o believe_v faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n let_v we_o beseech_v he_o he_o will_v both_o furnish_v we_o with_o more_o press_v evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n than_o haply_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o more_o deep_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o those_o we_o have_v that_o be_v true_o persuade_v in_o our_o whole_a christianity_n our_o faith_n may_v never_o fail_v do_v we_o want_v attentive_a and_o heedful_a mind_n let_v we_o beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v both_o set_v and_o keep_v his_o law_n ever_o before_o we_o and_o write_v it_o in_o the_o table_n of_o our_o heart_n do_v we_o want_v diligence_n resolution_n and_o christian_a strength_n for_o endeavour_v to_o do_v what_o we_o see_v and_o believe_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o let_v we_o beseech_v our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o quicken_v we_o by_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o by_o his_o power_n from_o above_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n have_v respect_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n final_o do_v we_o want_v the_o christian_a temper_n above_o describe_v see_v it_o be_v god_n who_o turn_v as_o he_o please_v and_o fashion_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n within_o he_o let_v we_o never_o forget_v daily_o to_o importune_v he_o that_o he_o will_v both_o create_v and_o establish_v in_o we_o a_o right_a spirit_n even_o such_o which_o may_v be_v according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n thus_o use_v we_o shall_v certain_o find_v prayer_n a_o most_o admirable_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o the_o set_n up_o and_o maintain_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o soul_n 2._o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o part_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n particular_o the_o constant_a devout_a and_o discreet_a attendance_n thereon_o will_v also_o certain_o mighty_o operate_v to_o a_o considerative_a heedful_a state_n of_o mind_n to_o honest_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o integrity_n or_o walk_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o the_o due_a christian_a temper_n hereof_o the_o cxix_o psalm_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n throughout_o a_o ample_a proof_n and_o 3._o no_o less_o must_v i_o say_v of_o the_o sacrament_n reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o baptismal_a vow_n when_o we_o be_v present_a at_o the_o baptism_n of_o other_o and_o frequent_a renew_n it_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o more_o strict_a solemn_a and_o mature_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o so_o certain_o above_o all_o other_o mean_n strengthen_v the_o interest_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o heart_n i_o may_v confident_o say_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o christian_a multitude_n not_o live_v in_o better_a conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v their_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o so_o much_o neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v both_o warm_a and_o awe_n man_n heart_n 4._o but_o we_o can_v always_o pray_v hear_v or_o communicate_v think_v or_o meditate_v we_o may_v often_o and_o this_o aught_o to_o go_v in_o conjunction_n general_o with_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n a_o man_n never_o pray_v as_o he_o shall_v except_o he_o spend_v some_o thought_n beforehand_o in_o examine_v his_o conscience_n the_o same_o may_v i_o say_v much_o more_o of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n this_o undoubted_o require_v more_o thought_n forego_v and_o very_o little_a will_v be_v our_o benefit_n by_o hear_v except_o afterward_o we_o recollect_v and_o by_o some_o meditation_n endeavour_n to_o fix_v upon_o our_o spirit_n what_o we_o have_v hear_v most_o touch_a our_o own_o condition_n i_o may_v not_o stand_v here_o to_o discourse_v that_o meditation_n be_v either_o occasional_a or_o solemn_a both_o of_o they_o certain_o in_o their_o season_n ought_v to_o exercise_v every_o christian_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o employ_v himself_o therein_o but_o occasional_a and_o transient_a thought_n as_o we_o may_v be_v often_o at_o walk_v travel_a busy_v about_o outward_a affair_n in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o more_o frequent_o to_o apply_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o quicken_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o know_v who_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o the_o godly_a man_n character_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o his_o great_a preservative_n against_o both_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n that_o he_o meditate_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o night_n it_o be_v according_o very_o much_o david_n own_o practice_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n many_o of_o which_o be_v certain_o compose_v in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a by_o he_o upon_o his_o bed_n by_o night_n as_o well_o as_o other_o by_o day_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o more_o of_o the_o wake_a part_n of_o our_o repose_n be_v spend_v in_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o god_n upon_o our_o bed_n then_o general_o we_o be_v or_o may_v be_v still_o and_o free_a from_o outward_a disturbance_n but_o as_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o generation_n employ_v and_o catch_v all_o season_n of_o get_v so_o shall_v those_o who_o be_v or_o will_v be_v child_n of_o light_n all_o opportunity_n for_o holy_a thought_n as_o be_v singular_o serviceable_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o thus_o as_o to_o the_o private_a directory_n part_n both_o particular_a and_o general_a §_o 4._o something_o may_v be_v do_v as_o to_o the_o public_a and_o for_o propagate_a the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o other_o by_o magistrate_n minister_n parent_n or_o head_n of_o family_n first_o all_z these_o sort_n of_o man_n may_v happy_o join_v in_o promote_a the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n magistrate_n in_o aw_v and_o drive_v idler_n or_o such_o who_o devotion_n lead_v they_o not_o to_o church_n morning_n and_o evening_n minister_n in_o be_v diligent_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n discreet_o suit_v both_o their_o sermon_n and_o catechise_n to_o this_o end_n of_o affect_v man_n heart_n with_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o as_o they_o see_v fit_a comply_v with_o such_o method_n as_o those_o above_o propound_v thereto_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n in_o be_v aid_v and_o assistant_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o see_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n due_o and_o orderly_o frequent_v the_o church_n come_v as_o require_v to_o catechism_n or_o the_o sacrament_n
or_o even_o the_o possession_n of_o heavenly_a advantage_n &_o mean_n to_o blessedness_n in_o it_o constitute_v no_o man_n godly_a but_o a_o confidence_n in_o they_o too_o often_o prove_v a_o fatal_a form_n of_o godliness_n no_o man_n certain_o be_v religious_a ex_fw-la traduce_n by_o descent_n no_o nor_o by_o birth-place_n or_o any_o of_o those_o felicity_n which_o be_v his_o fate_n not_o his_o choice_n let_v we_o sad_o reflect_v how_o little_a good_a it_o do_v they_o john_n viij_o 33._o that_o they_o can_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n seed_n or_o chap._n ix_o 28._o moses_n his_o disciple_n that_o be_v in_o our_o modern_a language_n bear_v in_o the_o true_a church_n or_o breed_v up_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n for_o such_o certain_o till_o our_o lord_n come_v be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n that_o they_o can_v cry_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n jerem._n seven_o 4._o that_o be_v as_o we_o now_o speak_v purity_n of_o ordinance_n a_o dreadful_a caveat_n it_o be_v of_o st._n john_n baptist_n to_o this_o purpose_n matth._n iii._o 9_o think_v not_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o god_n be_v able_a out_o of_o these_o stone_n which_o lie_v by_o the_o waterside_n where_o he_o be_v baptise_v to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n in_o other_o term_n rather_o than_o evil_a man_n however_o bear_v of_o saint_n or_o faithful_a progenitor_n and_o confident_a in_o their_o church_n privilege_n shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n god_n will_v work_v miracle_n and_o turn_v stone_n into_o man_n that_o he_o may_v have_v wherewith_o to_o people_n the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n so_o useless_a a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v a_o mere_a claim_n to_o the_o true_a church_n 6._o how_o many_o man_n make_v a_o great_a figure_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o their_o religion_n mere_o for_o have_v censure_v other_o less_o holy_a than_o themselves_o and_o forbear_v their_o conversation_n or_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o communion_n yet_o have_v this_o also_o be_v a_o old_a as_o it_o be_v a_o present_a self-deceit_n in_o the_o prophet_n time_n stand_v by_o thyself_o come_v not_o near_o to_o i_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o isai_n lxv_o 5._o which_o seem_v to_o i_o undoubted_o allude_v to_o by_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o character_n he_o give_v of_o one_o of_o those_o gentleman_n in_o his_o day_n who_o stand_v and_o pray_v i_o be_o not_o as_o this_o publican_n luk._n xviii_o 11._o a_o deplorable_a thing_n indeed_o that_o pride_n vncharitableness_n and_o division_n the_o true_a spawn_n of_o hell_n shall_v pass_v for_o godliness_n but_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v too_o often_o however_o let_v not_o reader_n censure_v this_o in_o other_o for_o they_o can_v see_v their_o heart_n but_o let_v they_o examine_v each_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o condemn_v reform_v and_o beg_v pardon_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o find_v thereof_o in_o themselves_o and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v few_o sinner_n so_o singular_a in_o the_o world_n who_o parallel_n be_v not_o too_o easy_o &_o frequent_o to_o be_v find_v when_o therefore_o they_o humble_v themselves_o for_o this_o their_o own_o sin_n let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o reform_v and_o at_o least_o earnest_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o reform_v and_o pardon_v it_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n 7._o and_o last_o the_o most_o plausible_a and_o specious_a form_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o world_n that_o which_o come_v near_a and_o look_v like_a to_o true_a godliness_n yet_o be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o fair_a course_n of_o outward_a and_o partial_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o what_o we_o usual_o call_v negative_a righteousness_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o positive_a but_o chief_o bodily_a devotion_n and_o especial_o of_o such_o particular_n of_o both_o as_o may_v most_o recommend_v to_o the_o good_a thought_n and_o fair_a esteem_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o height_n and_o noble_a pitch_n of_o the_o pharisaical_a virtue_n as_o to_o negative_a holiness_n say_v he_o i_o be_o no_o extortioner_n no_o unjust_a person_n no_o adulterer_n nor_o as_o the_o publican_n man_n of_o these_o character_n be_v infamous_a and_o account_v among_o jew_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v they_o be_v so_o among_o christian_n unfit_a for_o humane_a society_n and_o as_o to_o the_o positive_a part_n i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n namely_o mondays_n and_o thursdays_n as_o be_v the_o strict_a jew_n practice_n i_o pay_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o i_o possess_v luk._n xviii_o 11_o 12._o not_o only_o even_o to_o potherb_n and_o sallate_v as_o we_o have_v sound_v already_o out_o of_o st._n luke_n but_o as_o to_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o spicery_n annise_v and_o cummine_v matth._n xxiii_o 23._o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v censure_v that_o all_o who_o do_v thus_o much_o do_v no_o more_o we_o may_v not_o for_o we_o can_v neither_o full_o know_v man_n secret_a practice_n nor_o as_o say_v at_o all_o see_v their_o heart_n but_o let_v all_o man_n examine_v their_o own_o moral_n and_o religion_n let_v they_o search_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o bad_a in_o who_o some_o good_a nay_o perhaps_o some_o complication_n and_o train_n of_o good_a action_n be_v not_o in_o one_o part_n or_o other_o of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v find_v even_o herod_n observe_v john_n baptist_n and_o when_o he_o hear_v he_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o hear_v he_o glad_o mark_n vi_fw-la 20._o yet_o not_o one_o ever_o admire_v his_o saintship_n and_o that_o hopeful_a young_a man_n who_o jesus_n love_v have_v we_o will_v suppose_v so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o be_v scandulous_o or_o notorious_o obnoxious_a observe_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n mark_n x._o 19_o 20_o 21._o yet_o lack_v so_o much_o as_o never_o to_o arrive_v at_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n or_o perhaps_o exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n i_o say_v then_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fair_a civil_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n though_o accompany_v with_o many_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o like_a moral_a virtue_n no_o nor_o with_o seem_a diligence_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o will_v set_v a_o man_n beyond_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n all_o these_o may_v be_v where_o yet_o the_o heart_n be_v void_a of_o a_o radicate_v belief_n fear_v and_o love_n of_o god_n not_o at_o all_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o unto_o he_o void_a of_o charity_n humility_n contempt_n of_o this_o world_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o the_o like_a qualification_n wherein_o above_o all_o godliness_n do_v consist_v and_o therefore_o these_o may_v make_v up_o but_o a_o form_n image_n or_o appearance_n of_o godliness_n though_o the_o fair_a of_o they_o all_o and_o so_o far_o amiable_a that_o our_o lord_n as_o abovementioned_a be_v say_v to_o have_v love_v he_o who_o have_v it_o §_o 7._o diverse_a other_o particular_n possible_o may_v be_v collect_v and_o enumerate_v by_o which_o many_o in_o the_o world_n make_v out_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o utter_a suppression_n of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o and_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o it_o in_o other_o but_o these_o mention_v i_o conceive_v the_o most_o rife_a and_o frequent_a among_o we_o and_o by_o regard_n have_v hereto_o and_o parity_n of_o reason_n a_o ordinary_a judgement_n will_v be_v able_a to_o conclude_v of_o any_o other_o which_o shall_v occur_v that_o only_o i_o will_v here_o further_o admonish_v and_o beseech_v all_o to_o remember_v it_o that_o be_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n in_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o also_o never_o so_o far_o advance_v and_o complete_v the_o more_o to_o the_o life_n this_o picture_n be_v draw_v the_o more_o industry_n care_n and_o art_n there_o be_v use_v in_o the_o colour_n or_o work_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o more_o odious_a be_v it_o in_o god_n eye_n where_o it_o be_v in_o any_o the_o issue_n of_o their_o natural_a or_o providential_a infelicity_n and_o approach_v as_o near_a godliness_n as_o such_o man_n state_n will_v well_o admit_v there_o it_o may_v find_v some_o commiseration_n and_o may_v be_v a_o alloy_n to_o their_o misery_n as_o well_o as_o guilt_n but_o where_o it_o be_v affect_v and_o matter_n of_o a_o study_a design_n there_o the_o more_o artificial_a it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o abominable_a and_o vile_a be_v it_o it_o be_v the_o height_n and_o compliment_n of_o all_o their_o other_o villainy_n and_o such_o person_n except_o truth_n itself_o can_v jye_v shall_v receive_v the_o great_a
in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v such_o upon_o the_o observance_n or_o neglect_n of_o which_o by_o the_o irrefragable_a ordination_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n not_o only_o too_o much_o want_v in_o the_o world_n but_o too_o little_o study_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o no_o doubt_n not_o without_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n further_o 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n these_o principle_n thus_o understand_v and_o believe_v be_v actual_o attend_v unto_o in_o order_n to_o the_o govern_v ourselves_o thereby_o for_o we_o see_v it_o too_o sad_o true_a man_n may_v understand_v and_o believe_v what_o partly_o through_o infirmity_n and_o natural_a inadvertency_n partly_o through_o negligence_n and_o grossness_n they_o too_o little_a heed_n therefore_o that_o godliness_n may_v have_v its_o due_a power_n all_o who_o consider_v the_o case_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v it_o indispensible_o necessary_a man_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v a_o constant_a attention_n unto_o or_o habitual_a sense_n of_o the_o christianity_n they_o believe_v the_o rule_n of_o practice_n or_o christian_a law_n then_o must_v as_o near_o as_o can_v be_v ever_o be_v set_v and_o keep_v before_o we_o to_o examine_v thereby_o all_o action_n that_o pass_v we_o or_o the_o occasion_n and_o exercise_n whereof_o occur_v whether_o the_o action_n be_v good_a or_o whether_o evil_a in_o like_a manner_n also_o the_o great_a point_n of_o faith_n especial_o such_o influential_a one_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o omniscience_n justice_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n the_o certainty_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v with_o the_o like_a must_v be_v ever_o before_o we_o to_o incite_v and_o quicken_v we_o as_o well_o to_o eschew_v the_o evil_a as_o choose_v the_o good_a this_o be_v in_o david_n language_n have_v respect_n unto_o god_n statute_n continual_o psalm_n cxix_o 117._o and_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o this_o the_o holy_a source_n and_o effectual_a work_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n joint_o appear_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n i_o mean_v when_o conscience_n judge_v right_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a rule_n what_o be_v duty_n what_o be_v sin_n and_o faith_n overaws_a or_o sway_v the_o whole_a man_n to_o act_v according_o both_o which_o may_v happy_o succeed_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o we_o understand_v believe_v and_o in_o our_o particular_a practice_n attend_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n but_o never_o can_v otherwise_o and_o this_o i_o may_v call_v the_o true_a account_n of_o sanctification_n or_o god_n work_v holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o i_o may_v justify_v my_o say_n so_o from_o the_o apostle_n word_n act_n xxvi_o 18._o sanctify_v through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n especial_o if_o i_o add_v hereto_o 4._o that_o for_o the_o assert_v godliness_n into_o its_o full_a power_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o not_o only_o in_o some_o particular_a instance_n conform_v our_o action_n to_o the_o christian_a law_n but_o by_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o conscientious_a observance_n study_v to_o habituate_v ourselves_o to_o such_o confirmity_n we_o must_v stirnp_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o and_o rouse_v all_o our_o strength_n if_o in_o any_o instance_n duty_n or_o obey_v good_a conscience_n seem_v at_o first_o difficult_a it_o be_v practice_n that_o make_v man_n holy_a i_o deny_v not_o divine_a assistance_n or_o grace_n but_o rather_o ground_n all_o holy_a practice_n thereon_o this_o only_a i_o mean_v godliness_n get_v not_o its_o due_a power_n over_o we_o but_o by_o something_o of_o custom_n and_o exercise_n we_o say_v common_o one_o act_n do_v not_o denominate_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o neither_o do_v it_o much_o change_v a_o man_n he_o be_v wicked_a with_o a_o witness_n and_o so_o bad_a as_o scarce_o ever_o man_n or_o devil_n be_v find_v who_o have_v not_o in_o some_o single_a act_n or_o other_o comply_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o good_a conscience_n but_o there_o must_v be_v frequent_a act_n of_o that_o sort_n to_o beget_v either_o a_o custom_n or_o facility_n of_o such_o compliance_n so_o that_o i_o say_v if_o we_o intend_v godliness_n shall_v have_v its_o power_n on_o we_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o such_o honest_a conscientious_a practice_n as_o describe_v we_o must_v not_o idle_o expect_v i_o know_v not_o what_o inspiration_n or_o infusion_n of_o virtuous_a habit_n into_o our_o soul_n but_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o introduce_v they_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n command_v exercise_v thyself_o unto_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n four_o 7._o and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o method_n will_v be_v successful_a exercise_v thyself_o to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v practise_v daily_o in_o it_o and_o it_o will_v obtain_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o due_a power_n over_o thou_o the_o sum_n then_o of_o what_o we_o have_v say_v on_o this_o point_n be_v to_o the_o end_n godliness_n may_v have_v its_o power_n over_o any_o person_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o christian_a life_n be_v due_o by_o they_o understand_v be_v firm_o believe_v be_v further_o particular_o in_o practice_n attend_v to_o and_o that_o last_o they_o endeavour_v to_o inure_v themselves_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o and_o habitual_a observance_n of_o they_o for_o in_o this_o method_n and_o by_o these_o step_n it_o be_v rational_o intelligible_a and_o accountable_a how_o godliness_n may_v obtain_v power_n over_o man_n and_o in_o any_o other_o method_n to_o expect_v it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a not_o to_o say_v enthusiastical_a though_o god_n know_v too_o frequent_a a_o extravagance_n §_o 3._o now_o by_o what_o we_o have_v thus_o discourse_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v when_o godliness_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v its_o due_a power_n namely_o when_o in_o aman_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n and_o good_a conscience_n prevail_v general_o to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o man_n life_n and_o heart_n or_o in_o plain_a term_n if_o plain_a can_v be_v when_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o such_o method_n as_o above_o set_v down_o the_o man_n be_v bring_v over_o from_o a_o worldly_a vain_a or_o loose_a life_n to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n of_o heart_n not_o to_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n and_o this_o purpose_n be_v firm_o keep_v to_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n endeavour_v withal_o to_o maintain_v perpetual_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n whence_o may_v flow_v a_o life_n so_o regular_a such_o person_n as_o these_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o such_o as_o these_o i_o say_v and_o in_o no_o other_o let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v be_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o be_v find_v all_o this_o will_v be_v most_o plain_a and_o together_o fortify_v by_o the_o evidence_n if_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n or_o two_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o prevalence_n of_o godliness_n or_o good_a conscience_n so_o as_o to_o allow_v a_o man_n self_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o no_o sin_n a_o fit_a instance_n can_v well_o be_v find_v than_o that_o of_o joseph_n genes_n thirty-nine_o the_o temptation_n be_v well_o enough_o know_v and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n such_o as_o give_v it_o a_o strange_a recommendation_n his_o age_n he_o young_a his_o condition_n a_o servant_n and_o she_o his_o mistress_n the_o advantage_n likely_a to_o befall_v he_o hereby_o nothing_o already_o be_v keep_v from_o he_o in_o the_o house_n but_o she_o ver_fw-la 9_o this_o will_v have_v make_v he_o absolute_a her_o importunity_n she_o speak_v to_o he_o day_n by_o day_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o as_o to_o opportunity_n none_o of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o house_n be_v within_o ver_fw-la 11._o now_o see_v how_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n work_v and_o so_o proportionable_o it_o will_v on_o such_o occasion_n wherever_o it_o be_v in_o general_n 1._o he_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n and_o know_v adultery_n to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n ver_fw-la 9_o 2._o he_o not_o only_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o as_o to_o god_n believe_v privacy_n can_v not_o conceal_v it_o from_o god_n both_o these_o he_o express_o profess_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n 3._o he_o particular_o amid_o all_o these_o conspiracy_n of_o tempter_n and_o temptation_n attend_v not_o only_o as_o
man_n design_v such_o life_n resolve_v never_o to_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o the_o understanding_n or_o comprehend_v such_o doctrine_n which_o so_o much_o disturb_v they_o and_z as_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o embroil_n the_o world_n these_o man_n study_v ignorance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o stupid_a quiet_n and_o design_o abandon_v and_o defy_v all_o mean_n of_o religious_a knowledge_n a_o desperate_a sort_n of_o blind_a man_n indeed_o now_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o both_o and_o all_o these_o our_o church_n ignorant_o and_o our_o outlying-ignorants_a and_o that_o whether_o through_o supine_n negligence_n and_o sloth_n or_o through_o resolute_a design_n and_o obstinacy_n all_o of_o they_o i_o say_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v have_v or_o retain_v of_o the_o form_n for_o they_o stop_v the_o very_a first_o passage_n by_o which_o godliness_n can_v come_v at_o their_o heart_n or_o ever_o have_v any_o power_n over_o they_o namely_o they_o suffer_v it_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o their_o understanding_n 2._o man_n obstruct_v and_o so_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n by_o voluntary_a unbelief_n and_o i_o must_v here_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o unbelief_n of_o this_o age_n which_o i_o do_v just_a now_o of_o its_o ignorance_n there_o be_v speak_v only_o of_o such_o who_o have_v their_o sense_n little_a or_o no_o gross_a unbelief_n to_o be_v find_v among_o we_o which_o be_v not_o voluntary_a it_o be_v general_o matter_n of_o man_n choice_n either_o in_o itself_o direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o its_o cause_n if_o man_n affect_v ignorance_n and_o so_o believe_v not_o either_o because_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o see_v not_o the_o evidence_n which_o persuade_v they_o who_o shall_v say_v that_o unbelief_n be_v not_o choose_v when_o the_o ignorance_n whence_o it_o derive_v be_v apparent_o such_o but_o if_o any_o who_o both_o understand_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v believe_v do_v yet_o withstand_v and_o cavil_v at_o those_o evidence_n endeavour_v to_o find_v or_o make_v flaw_n in_o they_o whereas_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v none_o and_o then_o dispute_v touch_v their_o insufficiency_n expose_v they_o and_o demand_v evidence_n either_o impossible_a that_o be_v such_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n admit_v not_o or_o unreasonable_a if_o i_o say_v any_o man_n in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o thus_o act_v believe_v not_o it_o be_v plain_a such_o man_n unbelief_n be_v matter_n of_o industry_n endeavour_v and_o design_n and_o so_o not_o only_o of_o deliberate_a but_o obstinate_a choice_n now_o such_o perverse_a spirit_n may_v be_v find_v now_o adays_o too_o rife_o as_o well_o as_o those_o more_o lazy_a unbeliever_n before_o mention_v and_o both_o sort_n undoubted_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o both_o obstruct_v the_o persuasion_n of_o its_o reality_n in_o their_o heart_n without_o which_o persuasion_n it_o be_v plain_a religion_n must_v be_v but_o a_o insignificant_a pretence_n of_o no_o prevalence_n or_o force_n last_o man_n may_v hinder_v and_o so_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n by_o a_o voluntary_a heedlessness_n it_o will_v look_v somewhat_o hard_o perhaps_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o to_o call_v all_o the_o inadvertency_n and_o incogitancy_n which_o in_o common_a conversation_n betray_v man_n into_o sin_n voluntary_a one_o inasmuch_o as_o many_o seem_v mere_o casual_a other_o after_o a_o sort_n necessary_a and_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n man_n ordinary_o give_v themselves_o so_o great_a a_o loose_a and_o even_o the_o best_a so_o much_o remit_v that_o holy_a solicitude_n and_o watch_n which_o they_o ought_v constant_o to_o maintain_v over_o themselves_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a most_o time_n to_o say_v touch_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a inadvertent_n fit_a it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o voluntary_a i_o will_v be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o man_n awake_a and_o in_o their_o sense_n health_n and_o the_o like_a that_o be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n neither_o choose_v in_o its_o self_n nor_o cause_n in_o plain_a term_n we_o so_o far_o abandon_v our_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o world_n and_o vanity_n or_o we_o indulge_v our_o pleasure_n and_o appetite_n so_o much_o that_o these_o draw_v and_o strange_o detain_v or_o enslave_v our_o thought_n and_o while_o we_o so_o intent_o and_o constant_o pursue_v such_o object_n if_o unaware_o and_o inadvertent_o we_o be_v surprise_v with_o sinful_a concernment_n passion_n and_o engagement_n about_o they_o who_o can_v avow_v that_o inadvertency_n no_o whit_n voluntary_a when_o the_o indulgence_n which_o draw_v it_o on_o be_v plain_o so_o but_o this_o may_v seem_v less_o culpable_a in_o these_o our_o day_n and_o perhaps_o to_o some_o very_a venial_a and_o excusable_a for_o alas_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o in_o this_o particular_a be_v not_o guilty_a more_o or_o less_o of_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o therefore_o we_o complain_v before_o of_o a_o design_a ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n so_o must_v we_o here_o of_o such_o a_o thoughtless_a unconcerned_a temper_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o some_o man_n study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v ever_o airy_a and_o free_a from_o any_o intent_n think_v void_a of_o all_o sollicitude_n and_o what_o they_o call_v easy_a to_o a_o man_n self_n but_o especial_o to_o be_v above_o all_o religious_a apprehension_n and_o concernment_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o put_v little_a or_o no_o difference_n between_o what_o we_o call_v moral_a good_a or_o evil_n some_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a pitch_n of_o happiness_n whereas_o therefore_o thoughtfulness_n do_v breed_v concernment_n and_o bring_v man_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o action_n they_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n they_o well_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o entrance_n of_o thought_n into_o they_o they_o take_v care_v not_o to_o be_v alone_o nor_o in_o serious_a thoughtful_a company_n they_o divert_v themselves_o to_o other_o business_n or_o rather_o possible_o to_o jollity_n or_o madness_n they_o say_v to_o conscience_n when_o about_o to_o dictate_v to_o they_o duty_n or_o forbid_v they_o sin_n as_o felix_n to_o st._n paul_n act._n xxiv_o 25._o go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o heinous_a sort_n of_o obstruct_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n such_o resolute_a heedlessness_n as_o this_o may_v seem_v rather_o a_o suppress_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n already_o partly_o in_o possession_n than_o a_o obstruct_v the_o passage_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o enter_v but_o let_v it_o be_v style_v how_o or_o rank_v under_o what_o ever_o head_n it_o shall_v it_o be_v sure_o a_o practice_n very_o common_a and_o a_o dangerous_a well_o nigh_o desperate_a method_n of_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n §_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o kind_n more_o dreadful_a and_o which_o exceed_v all_o the_o former_a as_o well_o in_o gild_n as_o in_o audacious_a or_o dare_a violence_n namely_o when_o man_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n all_o notice_n and_o belief_n of_o religion_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v be_v able_a though_o they_o do_v endeavour_v as_o those_o before_o to_o suppress_v exterminate_v or_o banish_v the_o frequent_a recur_v dictate_v of_o awaken_v conscience_n this_o possible_a so_o haunt_v they_o that_o they_o hear_v its_o voice_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o shall_v yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o for_o the_o love_n of_o some_o longcourt_v pleasure_n or_o profit_n control_v all_o these_o dictate_v and_o in_o a_o resolve_a course_n of_o sin_n overbear_v all_o opposition_n from_o they_o they_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n convince_v haply_o both_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o as_o to_o have_v nothing_o of_o sound_a reason_n to_o object_n against_o it_o they_o want_v not_o argument_n or_o motive_n to_o recommend_v their_o duty_n or_o dissuade_v their_o belove_a sin_n but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o no_o argument_n will_v move_v they_o for_o they_o have_v long_o hear_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o to_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o vnrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o vnrighteousness_n rom._n 1._o 18._o which_o mean_n have_v be_v effectual_a to_o assert_v godliness_n into_o its_o due_a power_n in_o other_o and_o even_o these_o man_n themselves_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o can_v very_o oft_o but_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o doctrine_n yea_o they_o run_v in_o their_o mind_n more_o than_o they_o desire_v they_o shall_v yet_o
another_o state_n tell_v they_o further_o that_o beside_o their_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o inward_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o in_o all_o office_n god_n more_o regard_v this_o than_o the_o outward_a performance_n it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o one_o in_o more_o than_o i_o will_v name_n know_v what_o you_o mean_v they_o who_o be_v to_o instruct_v common_a people_n personal_o in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sad_a truth_n god_n forbid_v but_o that_o i_o shall_v think_v even_o among_o ordinary_a plain_a people_n there_o be_v diverse_a who_o can_v give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o themselves_o and_o many_o more_o who_o understand_v and_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o express_v but_o that_o will_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o any_o prudent_a person_n who_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o their_o spiritual_a concern_v notwithstanding_o i_o still_o insist_v upon_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o experience_n judgement_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o will_v confess_v thing_n general_o stand_v as_o i_o have_v state_v they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a complaint_n in_o which_o we_o all_o join_v and_o under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o which_o we_o mourn_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v grow_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n this_o then_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o truth_n as_o upon_o common_a experience_n consider_v particular_o the_o practice_n and_o state_n of_o the_o age_n it_o must_v be_v that_o even_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o religion_n or_o to_o make_v religion_n a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o business_n in_o life_n be_v only_o employ_v in_o some_o outward_a office_n and_o part_n of_o it_o or_o haply_o some_o empty_a pretence_n to_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n very_o ignorant_a what_o the_o due_a effect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v and_o unaffected_a or_o unexperienced_a in_o and_o for_o the_o main_a unsensible_a of_o the_o method_n by_o which_o godliness_n obtain_v power_n over_o man_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n at_o present_a be_v fair_o to_o raise_v and_o maintain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n §_o 3._o and_o from_o the_o same_o evidence_n the_o second_o part_n be_v be_v most_o easy_o conclusible_a for_o if_o common_a and_o sad_a experience_n speak_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v religion_n to_o be_v of_o such_o temper_n as_o say_v and_o that_o there_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n few_o comparative_o who_o have_v a_o real_a sense_n of_o godliness_n certain_o few_o there_o needs_o must_v be_v who_o be_v careful_a to_o live_v conform_v to_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o rule_n for_o without_o such_o sense_n and_o it_o deep_o too_o imprint_v on_o and_o daily_o keep_v alive_a in_o the_o heart_n this_o never_o will_v be_v do_v and_o again_o if_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o professor_n on_o all_o hand_n as_o above_z very_o few_o comparative_o understand_v what_o a_o christian_a frame_n and_o spirit_n mean_v and_z we_o will_v add_v as_o little_a value_n it_o if_o further_a they_o understand_v not_o the_o way_n of_o get_v or_o keep_v the_o same_o all_o which_o be_v partly_o evident_a before_o partly_o consequent_a upon_o one_o another_o than_o must_v the_o get_n and_o keep_v such_o spirit_n be_v the_o care_n and_o exercise_n of_o very_a few_o comparative_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v man_n shall_v make_v that_o matter_n of_o their_o care_n and_o exercise_n which_o they_o neither_o understand_v nor_o value_n nay_o which_o reduce_v the_o paucity_n yet_o to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o this_o temper_n be_v want_v in_o their_o diligence_n both_o to_o get_v and_o keep_v it_o that_o be_v they_o maintain_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o conscientious_a endeavour_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o christian_a law_n wherefore_o the_o gain_n and_o keep_v a_o true_a christian_a spirit_n and_o live_v conform_v to_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o rule_n be_v the_o care_n and_o exercise_n of_o very_a few_o which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n and_o so_o what_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v of_o the_o last_o day_n appear_v to_o be_v sad_o verify_v in_o these_o the_o generality_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o §_o 4._o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v plead_v in_o mitigation_n of_o this_o guilt_n that_o much_o of_o it_o be_v due_a to_o ignorance_n for_o so_o it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o have_v be_v argue_v in_o the_o proof_n now_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o plead_v man_n ignorance_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o such_o dreadful_a gild_n when_o ignorance_n ordinary_o import_v rather_o infirmity_n i_o answer_v hereto_o though_o i_o make_v use_n of_o the_o multitude_n ignorance_n in_o spiritual_n as_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o most_o obvious_a convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o age_n general_o very_o guilty_a of_o formality_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o formality_n of_o the_o age_n much_o less_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o accompany_v and_o flow_v from_o it_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n there_o have_v be_v enough_o say_v above_o of_o oppress_a conscience_n overpower_v its_o dictate_v and_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n to_o take_v off_o such_o trifle_a excuse_n and_o extenuatory_n plea_n as_o these_o beside_o though_o it_o be_v admit_v most_o of_o our_o formality_n do_v come_v from_o the_o people_n ignorance_n yet_o the_o question_n will_v be_v who_o fault_n be_v that_o ignorance_n these_o very_a person_n we_o charge_v have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n how_o come_v they_o by_o that_o knowledge_n but_o from_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o that_o gospel_n most_o plain_o present_v unto_o we_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n and_o law_n and_o that_o with_o evidence_n sufficient_a to_o persuade_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o and_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o do_v it_o not_o require_v we_o to_o try_v our_o self_n and_o action_n thereby_o in_o a_o word_n have_v not_o this_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bring_v salvation_n appear_v or_o be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o all_o of_o we_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n can_v there_o be_v find_v on_o earth_n such_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o empty_a form_n of_o godliness_n or_o such_o a_o instrument_n to_o convey_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n into_o man_n heart_n as_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a therefore_o and_o be_v ignorant_a formal_a and_o senseless_a in_o to_o the_o bargain_n the_o great_a be_v our_o sin_n our_o ignorance_n be_v and_o needs_o must_v be_v voluntary_a and_o choose_v so_o must_v our_o unbelief_n our_o heedlessness_n our_o unconcernedness_n our_o formality_n and_o our_o very_a deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o whether_o we_o have_v run_v into_o this_o guilt_n through_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n or_o perverseness_n and_o obstinate_a design_n it_o be_v but_o reflect_v on_o what_o have_v be_v abovesaid_a and_o inquire_v into_o our_o own_o conscience_n answerable_o and_o we_o may_v fit_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o stature_n in_o sin_n §_o 5._o indeed_o so_o far_o have_v i_o be_v from_o strain_v truth_n in_o set_v forth_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o present_a age_n in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a be_v great_a than_o have_v yet_o be_v represent_v i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o conclude_v the_o charge_n just_a consider_v only_o that_o portion_n of_o man_n who_o among_o we_o seem_v to_o make_v religion_n somewhat_o of_o their_o business_n and_o concernment_n but_o how_o great_a a_o part_n may_v we_o find_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n who_o indeed_o call_v themselves_o christian_n at_o least_o be_v content_a people_n shall_v reckon_v they_o in_o to_o the_o common_a number_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n who_o true_o any_o man_n verse_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o account_v by_o their_o manner_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o civil_a turk_n or_o heathen_n in_o truth_n as_o the_o world_n go_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v within_o our_o bowel_n three_o rate_n of_o christian_n we_o have_v first_o christian_n only_o in_o name_n we_o have_v second_o christian_n in_o name_n and_o form_n and_o undoubted_o there_o be_v among_o we_o if_o on_o earth_n christian_n
god_n at_o present_a do_v for_o we_o or_o however_o we_o may_v for_o the_o future_a flatter_v ourselves_o nothing_o but_o public_a ruin_n or_o a_o overflow_a scourge_n can_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v profess_v that_o i_o can_v think_v any_o reasonable_a person_n will_v judge_v either_o my_o charge_n or_o proof_n to_o have_v be_v too_o severe_a §_o 7._o but_o i_o will_v withal_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v remember_v what_o have_v now_o be_v not_o seldom_o suggest_v that_o the_o design_n of_o these_o paper_n be_v not_o fruitless_o to_o accuse_v and_o brand_v the_o age_n much_o less_o to_o gratify_v a_o censorious_a or_o ill-natured_a humour_n in_o inveigh_v at_o any_o thing_n unpleasing_a to_o i_o therein_o but_o only_o to_o stir_v we_o all_o up_o to_o judge_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v not_o one_o day_n be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o awaken_v such_o among_o we_o who_o have_v a_o name_n that_o they_o live_v but_o behold_v they_o be_v dead_a at_o least_o to_o contribute_v or_o cast_v in_o these_o poor_a mite_n which_o be_v in_o my_o hand_n towards_o the_o heal_n that_o drowsy_a evil_n our_o nation_n labour_n under_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o whereas_o in_o compliance_n with_o such_o design_n there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o remain_v yet_o untouched_a namely_o first_o to_o represent_v how_o little_a satisfactory_a a_o form_n of_o godliness_n shall_v be_v to_o any_o one_o and_o second_o to_o give_v some_o advice_n for_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o next_o chapter_n shall_v treat_v touch_v both_o for_o the_o further_o complete_n the_o whole_a chap._n v._o endervour_n for_o redress_v sect._n 1_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a dissuasive_a from_o rest_v in_o it_o sect._n 2._o particular_a consideration_n urge_v to_o dissuade_v it_o sect._n 3_o direction_n for_o assert_v godliness_n into_o its_o power_n in_o private_a person_n sect._n 4._o somewhat_o may_v be_v do_v as_o to_o the_o public_a sect._n 5._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a §_o 1._o for_o the_o dissuade_v man_n from_o rest_v in_o or_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v bring_v to_o think_v little_o more_o need_n to_o be_v say_v than_o have_v be_v some_o thing_n sufficient_o expose_v themselves_o mere_o to_o have_v view_v what_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v a_o man_n will_v conceive_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a dissuasive_a from_o rest_v in_o it_o i_o will_v desire_v therefore_o the_o reader_n to_o recollect_v or_o to_o peruse_v again_o and_o serious_o consider_v what_o be_v discourse_v in_o the_o beginning_n touch_v this_o subject_a that_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o some_o empty_a pretence_n and_o bold_a claim_n of_o some_o superficial_a vainglorious_a and_o fallacious_a practice_n let_v he_o then_o think_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o can_v force_v himself_o to_o love_n or_o like_o a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o character_n as_o there_o represent_v be_v it_o amiable_a to_o be_v a_o pretend_v smatterer_n in_o religious_a knowledge_n to_o profess_v i_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v my_o felicity_n which_o i_o know_v i_o never_o concern_v myself_o for_o to_o pride_n myself_o in_o false_a gist_n to_o strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v camel_n to_o talk_v of_o and_o make_v a_o stir_n about_o the_o true_a church_n when_o real_o i_o be_o of_o none_o and_o perhaps_o live_v like_o a_o heathen_a if_o not_o worse_o and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n certain_o a_o man_n that_o can_v but_o get_v leave_n of_o himself_o to_o think_v will_v soon_o loath_a this_o character_n and_o himself_o if_o deserve_v it_o but_o the_o better_a to_o ensure_v success_n we_o will_v descend_v to_o some_o more_o particular_a and_o if_o possible_a more_o effectual_a consideration_n §_o 2._o and_o first_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n alter_v not_o a_o man_n one_o jot_n as_o to_o his_o estate_n god-ward_n it_o neither_o avail_v he_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o his_o person_n that_o be_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n nor_o to_o the_o sanctification_n or_o change_v of_o his_o heart_n behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v punish_v all_o they_o which_o be_v circumcise_v with_o the_o uncircumcised_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v add_v for_o all_o the_o circumcise_v house_n of_o israel_n be_v uncircumcised_a in_o the_o heart_n jer._n ix_o 25_o 26._o and_o these_o day_n undoubted_o be_v all_o along_o the_o gospel_n state_n under_o which_o circumcision_n avail_v nothing_o nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o the_o new_a creature_n gal._n vi_fw-la 15._o or_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n chap._n v._n vers_fw-la 6._o which_o be_v plain_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n a_o form_n of_o godliness_n than_o remove_v not_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n neither_o do_v it_o put_v or_o work_v in_o the_o man_n any_o real_a sanctity_n or_o spiritual_a excellency_n a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o vicious_a as_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o lust_n can_v make_v he_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o place_n whence_o we_o have_v the_o term_n two_o tim._n three_o 2_o etc._n etc._n lover_n of_o themselves_o covetous_a proud_a blasphemer_n traitor_n etc._n etc._n yet_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n now_o i_o think_v this_o be_v a_o dreadful_a and_o wound_a consideration_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v descend_v into_o himself_o and_o see_v i_o have_v be_v thus_o and_o thus_o long_a a_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o i_o be_o as_o far_o from_o the_o pardon_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n through_o christ_n as_o i_o be_v the_o first_o day_n i_o know_v or_o hear_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o also_o still_o a_o graceless_a wretch_n i_o know_v myself_o thus_o and_o thus_o wicked_a and_o devoid_a of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n which_o yet_o i_o have_v a_o long_a time_n hypocritical_o and_o impudent_o pretend_v to_o can_v any_o man_n who_o have_v one_o grain_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o even_o of_o common_a ingenuity_n in_o he_o content_v himself_o in_o such_o a_o estate_n second_o as_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n alter_v not_o a_o man_n estate_n here_o so_o neither_o will_v it_o operate_v to_o any_o future_a reward_n to_o he_o let_v a_o man_n take_v never_o so_o much_o pain_n in_o the_o most_o excellent_a practice_n which_o can_v accomplish_v a_o mere_a form_n of_o godliness_n and_o after_o all_o he_o may_v sit_v down_o and_o say_v with_o himself_o very_o i_o have_v my_o reward_n i_o have_v all_o the_o heaven_n i_o be_o to_o look_v for_o these_o be_v we_o know_v our_o lord_n word_n matt._n vi_fw-la touch_v those_o famous_a people_n we_o have_v hear_v so_o much_o above_o of_o they_o give_v alm_n they_o pray_v they_o fast_v all_o material_o great_a good_a work_n and_o they_o take_v care_v the_o world_n shall_v know_v all_o these_o their_o virtue_n and_o that_o they_o may_v appear_v unto_o man_n what_o now_o be_v their_o reward_n they_o do_v appear_v man_n take_v notice_n of_o their_o act_n and_o the_o ignorant_a generality_n perhaps_o believe_v the_o actor_n to_o be_v precious_a good_a man_n these_o person_n therefore_o have_v their_o end_n and_o here_o be_v their_o heaven_n now_o be_v this_o a_o heaven_n any_o man_n will_v be_v content_a with_o will_v be_v thus_o put_v off_o as_o to_o a_o future_a happiness_n sure_o we_o will_v not_o three_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v and_o indeed_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o nothing_o can_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n or_o administer_v any_o comfort_n to_o we_o but_o religion_n i_o say_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n in_o these_o case_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v any_o comfort_n that_o contrariwise_o the_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v prove_v the_o great_a torment_n imaginable_a and_o even_o the_o beginning_n of_o hell-pain_n these_o case_n we_o may_v conceive_v chief_o two_o 1._o any_o dreadful_a complication_n of_o outward_a calamity_n as_o when_o estate_n health_n nay_o even_a friend_n and_o those_o of_o our_o very_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n may_v fail_v we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o poor_a job_n strip_v of_o all_o now_o what_o have_v he_o in_o that_o case_n to_o comfort_v he_o lord_n job_n x._o 7._o thou_o know_v that_o i_o be_o not_o wicked_a and_o chap._n xxiii_o 10_o 11._o he_o have_v try_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v come_v forth_o as_o gold_n my_o foot_n have_v hold_v his_o step_n his_o way_n have_v i_o not_o decline_v again_o chap._n xxvii_o 6._o my_o righteousness_n i_o hold_v fast_o and_o