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 attainable_a here_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o part_n and_o intention_n of_o degree_n it_o be_v our_o present_a duty_n to_o aspire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o this_o but_o attain_v only_o in_o heaven_n where_o every_o saint_n be_v renew_v into_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o god_n and_o make_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o by_o gradation_n christian_n ascend_v to_o that_o consummate_v state_n the_o period_n of_o perfection_n chap._n vi_o particular_a grace_n consider_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o perfection_n divine_a faith_n doctrinal_a justify_v and_o in_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n doctrinal_a faith_n be_v not_o imagination_n nor_o reason_n the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o motive_n consider_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n faith_n a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a mind_n god_n truth_n 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 mountain_n of_o gold_n because_o we_o have_v see_v gold_n and_o mountain_n we_o conceive_v monstrous_a mixture_n in_o dream_n but_o no_o actor_n can_v appear_v on_o the_o theatre_n of_o fancy_n but_o in_o borrow_a habit_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v and_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o imagination_n to_o conceive_v and_o of_o the_o external_a sense_n to_o represent_v yet_o infidel_n blaspheme_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o fiction_n of_o fancy_n 2._o faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n and_o from_o reason_n reason_n imply_v a_o progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n to_o another_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o but_o faith_n assert_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o superior_a authority_n that_o reveal_v they_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v
consistent_a with_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v to_o humble_v we_o in_o the_o modest_a ignorance_n of_o divine_a mystery_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o enlighten_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v know_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o the_o penetration_n of_o reason_n the_o mean_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o raise_v be_v equal_o capable_a of_o salvation_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o below_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 3._o it_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n there_o be_v a_o hydropic_a curiosity_n that_o swell_v the_o mind_n with_o pride_n and_o be_v thirsty_a after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n unsearchable_a this_o curiosity_n have_v often_o be_v fatal_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v like_o a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o climb_v up_o to_o the_o inaccessible_a point_n of_o a_o rock_n that_o be_v very_o hazardous_a to_o see_v the_o sun_n in_o its_o brightness_n which_o may_v safe_o be_v see_v from_o the_o plain_a ground_n the_o search_n into_o the_o unsearchable_a thing_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o decree_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o pernicious_a error_n it_o be_v like_o the_o silly_a moth_n flutter_v about_o the_o burn_a light_n till_o its_o wing_n be_v singe_v beside_o the_o affect_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o the_o attempt_n to_o make_v supernatural_a doctrine_n more_o receivable_a to_o reason_n by_o insufficient_a argument_n weaken_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o revelation_n the_o endeavour_n to_o make_v they_o more_o easy_o know_v make_v they_o more_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o venture_v to_o explicate_v they_o beyond_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o in_o scripture_n be_v like_o a_o man_n go_v out_o of_o a_o fortress_n wherein_o he_o be_v safe_a into_o a_o open_a field_n and_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o assault_n of_o his_o enemy_n 2._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o objection_n against_o supernatural_a doctrine_n 1._o it_o be_v allege_v they_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v against_o its_o own_o light_n and_o judgement_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o specious_a objection_n the_o follow_a particular_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o sense_n reason_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o obtain_n knowledge_n sense_n be_v previous_a to_o reason_n and_o reason_n prepare_v the_o way_n to_o faith_n by_o our_o sense_n we_o come_v to_o understand_v natural_a thing_n by_o our_o understanding_n we_o come_v to_o believe_v divine_a thing_n reason_n correct_v the_o error_n of_o sense_n faith_n reform_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n the_o star_n seem_v but_o glitter_a point_n but_o reason_n convince_v we_o they_o be_v vast_a body_n by_o measure_v the_o distance_n that_o lessen_v their_o greatness_n to_o our_o sight_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v man_n who_o foot_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o we_o and_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o fall_v but_o reason_n demonstrate_v there_o be_v antipode_n it_o be_v as_o absurd_a for_o reason_n to_o reject_v divine_a testimony_n and_o violate_v the_o sacred_a respect_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o sense_n to_o contradict_v the_o clear_a principle_n of_o reason_n to_o deny_v supernatural_a truth_n because_o they_o be_v above_o our_o conception_n and_o capacity_n be_v not_o only_o against_o faith_n but_o against_o reason_n that_o acknowledge_v its_o own_o imperfection_n it_o be_v true_a reason_n and_o faith_n be_v emanation_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v a_o real_a repugnance_n between_o they_o for_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o error_n be_v often_o contrary_a but_o truth_n be_v always_o harmonious_a with_o truth_n if_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o opposition_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o reasonable_a mind_n but_o from_o the_o darkness_n that_o encompass_n it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o proposition_n that_o contradict_v right_a reason_n the_o general_a light_n of_o nation_n that_o have_v nothing_o common_a between_o they_o but_o the_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v true_a as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o epicurus_n that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v because_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n that_o impute_v contradiction_n to_o god_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v discover_v by_o reason_n nor_o comprehensive_o know_v when_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o those_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n in_o paradise_n reason_n be_v a_o inferior_a and_o imperfect_a light_n adam_n can_v not_o perfect_o know_v god_n he_o dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a not_o only_o to_o mortal_a eye_n but_o to_o the_o immortal_a angel_n they_o can_v penetrate_v to_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o perfection_n the_o proposition_n that_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n have_v the_o plain_a character_n of_o falsity_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a have_v the_o character_n of_o sublimity_n reason_n can_v measure_v the_o extent_n nor_o reach_v the_o height_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o 19_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o supernatural_a doctrine_n be_v incomprehensible_a now_o they_o be_v reveal_v be_v one_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o can_v never_o be_v invent_v and_o discover_v by_o man_n for_o that_o which_o natural_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v natural_o proceed_v out_o of_o it_o 2._o since_o the_o fall_n reason_n be_v weaken_a and_o its_o light_n be_v cloud_v in_o the_o narrow_a and_o low_a sphere_n of_o natural_a thing_n how_o often_o be_v reason_n mistake_v and_o lose_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n there_o be_v not_o a_o flower_n a_o fly_n a_o stone_n but_o be_v a_o mystery_n we_o can_v full_o understand_v the_o vegetation_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o sensation_n of_o the_o other_o nor_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o we_o shall_v discover_v its_o defect_n who_o can_v discern_v the_o vital_a band_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v combine_v by_o what_o power_n do_v the_o soul_n represent_v absent_a object_n sound_v without_o noise_n colour_n without_o tincture_n light_n without_o clearness_n darkness_n without_o obscurity_n what_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o admirable_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o dream_n when_o the_o sense_n be_v suspend_v from_o work_v and_o the_o body_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o warm_a carcase_n it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o secret_n that_o humane_a wit_n labour_n in_o vain_a to_o explain_v how_o it_o compose_v discourse_n so_o just_a and_o regular_a as_o to_o the_o invention_n and_o stile_n which_o by_o their_o impression_n in_o the_o memory_n we_o know_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o wild_a fancy_n but_o of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o that_o awake_v and_o intent_n we_o can_v not_o so_o speedy_o and_o orderly_o frame_v it_o be_v as_o strange_a as_o that_o a_o artificer_n shall_v work_v more_o exact_o with_o his_o eye_n cover_v than_o see_v that_o a_o painter_n shall_v draw_v a_o face_n better_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o in_o open_a daylight_n that_o man_n be_v total_o desert_v of_o reason_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v thing_n that_o be_v but_o a_o just_a distance_n from_o his_o eye_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n distant_a from_o he_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o horizon_n be_v beyond_o his_o sight_n we_o be_v finite_a being_n there_o be_v some_o proportion_n between_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o nature_n if_o we_o can_v understand_v ourselves_o 1._o what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o presume_v that_o we_o know_v god_n can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o 9_o measure_n be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n who_o can_v unfold_v the_o divine_a attribute_n they_o be_v not_o confuse_v in_o their_o unity_n nor_o divide_v in_o number_n they_o be_v not_o separable_a quality_n but_o his_o essence_n he_o be_v not_o only_o wise_a but_o wisdom_n not_o only_o life_n but_o be_v life_n we_o can_v speak_v of_o some_o attribute_n without_o distinction_n wisdom_n and_o power_n nor_o of_o other_o without_o a_o seem_a opposition_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o can_v be_v separate_a but_o in_o our_o thought_n he_o be_v eternal_a without_o succession_n with_o he_o there_o
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
procure_n of_o wealth_n to_o maintain_v the_o state_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o vain_a glorious_a now_o if_o these_o vicious_a affection_n be_v correct_v the_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o riches_n will_v be_v sudden_o cure_v but_o covetousness_n in_o its_o proper_a sense_n imply_v the_o seek_v riches_n for_o the_o love_n of_o they_o not_o respective_o to_o their_o use_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a affection_n and_o more_o inexcusable_a than_o any_o that_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n now_o love_n be_v the_o lead_a affection_n and_o produce_v 1._o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n for_o what_o be_v love_v for_o itself_o be_v desire_v with_o a_o unlimited_a appetite_n covetousness_n like_o the_o grave_a never_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o 2._o immoderate_a joy_n in_o possess_v they_o a_o covetous_a man_n be_v raise_v and_o ravish_v above_o himself_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o treasure_n he_o think_v himself_o happy_a without_o reconciliation_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n wherein_o heaven_n consist_v it_o be_v a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o job_n sacred_a and_o heavenly_a temper_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rejoice_v because_o his_o wealth_n be_v great_a 25_o and_o his_o hand_n have_v get_v much_o 3._o anxious_a fear_n of_o lose_v they_o the_o covetous_a suspect_n every_o shadow_n be_v fearful_a of_o every_o fancy_n wherein_o their_o interest_n be_v concern_v they_o be_v vex_v with_o the_o apprehension_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v oppress_v by_o the_o rich_a robe_v by_o the_o poor_a circumvent_v by_o the_o crafty_a or_o suffer_v loss_n by_o innumerable_a unforeseen_a and_o inevitable_a accident_n content_a be_v the_o poor_a man_n riches_n when_o possession_n be_v the_o rich_a man_n torment_n 4._o heart-breaking_a sorrow_n in_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o if_o you_o touch_v their_o treasure_n you_o wound_v their_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o nature_n what_o be_v possess_v with_o joy_n be_v lose_v with_o grief_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o desire_n such_o will_v be_v the_o despair_n when_o they_o be_v frustrate_v poverty_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o covetous_a be_v the_o last_o of_o evil_n that_o make_v man_n absolute_o desolate_a blind_a unhappy_a wretch_n eternal_a damnation_n be_v the_o extreme_a evil._n it_o be_v infinite_o better_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o their_o treasure_n and_o go_v naked_a into_o paradise_n than_o to_o fall_v lade_v with_o gold_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o perdition_n 〈◊〉_d covetousness_n be_v virtual_o in_o the_o action_n which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v either_o in_o the_o get_n save_a or_o use_v a_o estate_n 1._o the_o covetous_a be_v inordinate_a and_o eager_a in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n they_o rise_v early_o lie_v down_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n they_o rack_v their_o brain_n waste_v their_o strength_n consume_v their_o time_n they_o toil_v and_o tire_v themselves_o to_o gain_v the_o present_a world_n for_o when_o lust_n counsel_v and_o command_n violence_n execute_v their_o eye_n and_o heart_n their_o aim_n and_o endeavour_n be_v concenter_v in_o the_o earth_n who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a be_v their_o unsatisfy_a inquiry_n 1._o they_o be_v greedy_a and_o earnest_a to_o obtain_v great_a riches_n for_o they_o measure_v their_o estate_n by_o their_o desire_n 2._o they_o will_v use_v all_o mean_n fair_a or_o fraudulent_a to_o amass_o wealth_n the_o lucre_n of_o gain_n be_v so_o ravish_v they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o stand_n but_o venture_v into_o a_o house_n infect_v with_o the_o plague_n to_o get_v treasure_n 2._o they_o be_v sordid_a in_o save_v and_o contradict_v all_o divine_a and_o humane_a right_n by_o rob_v god_n their_o neighbour_n and_o themselves_o of_o what_o be_v due_a to_o they_o a_o covetous_a man_n rob_v god_n the_o proprietor_n in_o neglect_v to_o pay_v what_o he_o have_v reserve_v for_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o all_o be_v from_o his_o bounty_n he_o rob_v the_o poor_a his_o depute_a receiver_n he_o defraud_n himself_o for_o god_n bestow_v riches_n for_o the_o support_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v with_o temperance_n and_o thanksgiving_n enjoy_v his_o benefit_n he_o want_v what_o he_o have_v as_o habet_fw-la well_o as_o that_o he_o have_v not_o 3._o they_o be_v defective_a in_o use_v riches_n if_o they_o do_v work_n external_o good_a the_o spring_n and_o motive_n be_v vicious_a and_o the_o end_v more_o sure_o discover_v man_n than_o their_o action_n they_o do_v not_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n in_o obedience_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o imitate_v and_o honour_n god_n but_o sometime_o for_o reputation_n and_o fame_n as_o the_o pharisee_n who_o inseparable_a property_n be_v pride_n and_o covetousness_n dispense_v 6._o their_o alm_n with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n to_o call_v the_o poor_a together_o other_o sin_n require_v shade_n and_o retirement_n but_o pride_n to_o be_v conspicuous_o distinguish_v from_o other_o 2._o sometime_o they_o do_v good_a to_o compound_v with_o god_n and_o appease_v conscience_n for_o their_o unrighteous_a procure_v riches_n their_o gift_n be_v sin-offering_n to_o expiate_v the_o gild_n contract_v by_o ill-gotten_a good_n not_o thank-offering_n for_o god_n free_a favour_n and_o benefit_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n they_o allege_v our_o saviour_n counsel_n make_v to_o 17._o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n as_o if_o bestow_v part_n of_o their_o unrighteous_a gain_n will_v purchase_v a_o discharge_n from_o the_o arrear_n due_a to_o divine_a justice_n can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o monstrous_a pervert_v the_o rectitude_n of_o truth_n to_o conform_v it_o to_o the_o crooked_a lust_n of_o man_n st._n austin_n dom._n speak_v of_o this_o vain_a and_o impious_a presumption_n of_o some_o in_o his_o time_n advise_v they_o do_v not_o form_v such_o a_o unworthy_a conception_n of_o god_n as_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a a_o good_a man_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v bribe_v by_o offering_n of_o robbery_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o party_n in_o the_o robbery_n such_o alm_n and_o legacy_n be_v so_o far_o from_o propitiate_a he_o that_o they_o cry_v for_o vengeance_n against_o those_o that_o offer_v they_o yet_o how_o many_o who_o have_v raise_v great_a estate_n by_o unrighteousness_n quiet_a their_o accuse_a thought_n by_o resolve_v to_o bequeath_v some_o pious_a legacy_n when_o they_o shall_v leave_v the_o world_n and_o how_o often_o when_o a_o rich_a man_n die_v his_o last_o will_n die_v with_o he_o and_o be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n how_o can_v a_o unrighteous_a man_n confide_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o another_o when_o his_o own_o have_v be_v so_o unfaithful_a beside_o that_o be_v only_o we_o that_o remain_v when_o all_o our_o debt_n be_v pay_v and_o till_o there_o be_v restitution_n of_o what_o by_o deceit_n or_o force_n be_v unjust_o get_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o give_v 2._o a_o covetous_a man_n be_v very_o defective_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o give_v there_o be_v internal_a affection_n to_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o act_n of_o charity_n they_o must_v be_v do_v with_o readiness_n and_o alacrity_n and_o noâ—_n wring_v out_o as_o a_o man_n press_v sour_a grape_n for_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a value_n in_o benefit_n so_o obtain_v god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n charity_n must_v be_v unconstrained_a as_o well_o as_o unconfined_a free_a and_o respect_v all_o in_o their_o want_n and_o misery_n now_o covetousness_n make_v one_o as_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o his_o money_n as_o to_o have_v blood_n the_o treasure_n of_o life_n draw_v from_o his_o vein_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o put_v on_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n and_o to_o remember_v they_o in_o bond_n as_o bind_v with_o 3_o they_o covetousness_n infuse_v a_o unrelenting_a frame_n into_o the_o breast_n harden_v the_o bowel_n and_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o melt_a impression_n the_o languish_a look_n the_o plead_a eye_n the_o complaint_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o miserable_a do_v not_o affect_v those_o in_o who_o covetousness_n reign_v the_o tender_a inclination_n of_o humanity_n be_v quench_v by_o it_o 3._o the_o covetous_a will_v not_o give_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o ability_n and_o the_o exigency_n of_o other_o it_o be_v true_a a_o estate_n be_v often_o more_o in_o reputation_n than_o in_o reality_n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o visible_a convince_a proof_n of_o covetousness_n from_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o gift_n but_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a proof_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o know_v to_o god_n the_o widow_n that_o give_v two_o mite_n to_o the_o sacred_a treasury_n be_v more_o liberal_a than_o those_o who_o throw_v into_o it_o rich_a gift_n god_n accept_v according_a
be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o be_v of_o it_o this_o include_v first_o a_o conformity_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o god_n as_o a_o good_a complexion_n fluorish_v in_o the_o countenance_n from_o the_o root_n of_o a_o good_a constitution_n within_o so_o real_a holiness_n shine_v in_o the_o conversation_n proceed_v from_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o life_n seat_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n the_o understanding_n esteem_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n law_n as_o best_a in_o themselves_o and_o best_a for_o we_o the_o will_n consent_n to_o the_o sanctity_n and_o royalty_n of_o the_o law_n david_n declare_v i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o commandment_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n if_o the_o divine_a will_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v impartial_a many_o elude_v duty_n and_o deceive_v conscience_n by_o partial_a respect_n to_o the_o law_n they_o will_v make_v amends_o for_o delinquency_n in_o some_o thing_n by_o supererogate_a in_o other_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o carnal_a ease_n and_o interest_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n be_v mighty_a son_n of_o the_o church_n very_o accurate_a in_o sanctimonious_a form_n great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n but_o stain_v religion_n with_o injustice_n and_o uncharitableness_n they_o pretend_v to_o love_n god_n but_o hate_v their_o neighbour_n they_o fast_v twice_o a_o week_n but_o devour_v widow_n house_n they_o be_v very_o nice_a in_o observe_v the_o numerous_a rite_n of_o religion_n but_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o substantial_a goodness_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o exact_a resemblance_n between_o the_o immediate_a sight_n of_o the_o face_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o by_o reflection_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o true_a glass_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o old_a pharisees_n be_v like_o the_o formalist_n in_o every_o age._n thus_o among_o the_o papist_n how_o many_o under_o the_o veil_n of_o virginity_n conceal_v the_o gross_a impurity_n and_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o poverty_n be_v covetous_a and_o rapacious_a but_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o unless_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o our_o obedience_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n to_o the_o rule_n if_o there_o be_v a_o indulgence_n to_o contravene_n any_o precept_n the_o word_n of_o st._n james_n be_v decisive_a and_o convince_a whoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o own_o instance_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o in_o one_o allow_v sin_n of_o omission_n or_o commission_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a disobedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n although_o the_o best_a saint_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o without_o sin_n yet_o the_o least_o be_v without_o guile_n 2._o sincerity_n produce_v constancy_n there_o be_v a_o strict_a connexion_n between_o the_o lead_a faculty_n and_o their_o inward_a operation_n with_o the_o outward_a action_n according_a to_o the_o renew_a temper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n such_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o life_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n that_o be_v exercise_v from_o divine_a principle_n and_o eternal_a motive_n will_v fortify_v a_o christian_a against_o all_o temptation_n he_o will_v neither_o be_v allure_v nor_o terrifle_v from_o his_o duty_n some_z when_o religion_n be_v in_o public_a esteem_n be_v forward_a professor_n but_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n expose_v they_o to_o reproach_n as_o seditious_a and_o disloyal_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o reproach_n they_o will_v comply_v with_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o time_n to_o secure_v their_o secular_a interest_n and_o as_o there_o be_v change_n of_o garment_n summer_n and_o winter_n garment_n according_a to_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n so_o they_o have_v change_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o time_n vary_v persecution_n discover_v they_o to_o have_v be_v formal_a professor_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o depth_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o sincere_a christian_n be_v conspicuous_o such_o in_o the_o fiery_a trial_n it_o be_v observe_v in_o dig_v well_n in_o the_o hot_a month_n of_o july_n and_o august_n if_o a_o vein_n of_o water_n flow_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o last_a spring_n thus_o if_o in_o the_o burn_a heat_n of_o persecution_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a religion_n be_v declare_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n it_o proceed_v from_o sincere_a grace_n that_o will_v be_v spring_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n there_o be_v numerous_a example_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o despise_v the_o enrage_a world_n as_o a_o swarm_n of_o angry_a fly_n and_o turn_v persecution_n into_o a_o pleasure_n and_o with_o undecline_a fervour_n and_o courage_n persevere_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n unfeigned_a faith_n and_o sincere_a love_n be_v the_o strong_a security_n against_o apostasy_n he_o that_o be_v sound_a at_o the_o centre_n be_v unshaken_a by_o storm_n the_o double-minded_n who_o heart_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n and_o their_o carnal_a affection_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o their_o way_n some_o have_v short_a expire_a fit_n of_o devotion_n while_o they_o be_v in_o afflict_a circumstance_n either_o by_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o disease_n in_o their_o body_n or_o disaster_n in_o their_o estate_n they_o resolve_v to_o be_v regular_a and_o reform_v in_o their_o life_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o but_o when_o they_o be_v release_v from_o their_o trouble_n they_o degenerate_a from_o their_o design_n and_o falsify_v their_o resolution_n and_o like_o a_o lion_n slip_v from_o his_o chain_n that_o return_v to_o his_o fierceness_n with_o his_o liberty_n so_o they_o relapse_n into_o their_o old_a rebellious_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v they_o be_v not_o inward_o cleanse_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n nor_o change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o their_o misery_n they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n though_o restrain_v from_o the_o visible_a eruption_n of_o it_o but_o real_a saint_n have_v their_o conversation_n all_o of_o a_o colour_n in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n they_o be_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a in_o short_a sincere_a christian_n study_v the_o divine_a law_n to_o know_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o decline_v the_o strict_a scrutiny_n it_o be_v david_n prayer_n lord_n search_v i_o and_o try_v i_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n in_o i_o and_o discover_v it_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v forsake_v it_o conscience_n will_v be_v quick_a and_o tender_a like_o the_o eye_n which_o if_o any_o dirt_n be_v in_o it_o weep_v it_o out_o there_o may_v be_v rebel_n in_o a_o loyal_a city_n but_o they_o be_v not_o conceal_v and_o cherish_v the_o loyal_a subject_n search_v to_o discover_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o the_o hypocrite_n hate_v the_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a they_o cherish_v a_o wilful_a ignorance_n that_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v their_o lusts._n the_o sincere_a christian_a aim_n at_o perfection_n he_o pray_v resolve_v watch_n mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o every_o sin_n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o uprightness_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v without_o spot_n or_o blemish_v here_o but_o the_o hypocrite_n though_o he_o external_o comply_v with_o some_o precept_n of_o easy_a obedience_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o sweet_a sin_n now_o if_o any_o sin_n be_v entertain_v or_o unrenounce_v by_o a_o person_n he_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o a_o captive_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o a_o bird_n be_v ensnare_v by_o one_o leg_n it_o be_v as_o sure_o the_o prey_n of_o the_o the_o fowler_n as_o if_o it_o be_v seize_v by_o both_o wing_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v sincerity_n commend_v we_o to_o god_n it_o give_v value_n to_o the_o mean_a service_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o corrupt_v the_o most_o eminent_a service_n jehu_n zeal_n be_v a_o bloody_a murder_n though_o the_o destruction_n of_o ahab_n family_n be_v command_v by_o god_n the_o consciousness_n of_o sincerity_n rejoice_v the_o live_a saint_n with_o present_a comfort_n and_o the_o die_a with_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n the_o apostle_n when_o surround_v with_o calamity_n declare_v this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n that_o 〈◊〉_d with_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n hezekiah_n have_v receive_v a_o mortal_a message_n by_o the_o prophet_n address_v himself_o to_o god_n remember_v o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n truth_n and_o perfection_n be_v equivalent_a this_o be_v a_o revive_a cordial_n
what_o beautify_v the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o extent_n and_o degree_n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o divine_a truth_n one_o illustrate_v and_o infer_v another_o there_o be_v a_o harmonious_a agreement_n between_o they_o one_o support_v another_o and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o apply_v our_o mind_n intense_o to_o understand_v they_o how_o many_o that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mean_a proficient_o in_o the_o school_n of_o heaven_n of_o these_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o reprehension_n they_o need_v to_o be_v teach_v again_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o that_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n whereas_o other_o be_v come_v to_o full_a age_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v more_o perfect_o good_a and_o evil_n how_o many_o professor_n need_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v plant_v in_o they_o they_o pretend_v to_o exempt_v their_o ignorance_n from_o discredit_n that_o it_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n they_o shall_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o full_a and_o final_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a blessedness_n it_o be_v not_o a_o provisional_a establishment_n as_o the_o levitical_a law_n there_o be_v no_o other_o alliance_n to_o be_v make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n no_o other_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v for_o sin_n all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n be_v complete_o fulfil_v in_o christ._n now_o some_o understand_v more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o the_o contrivance_n and_o part_n of_o our_o mysterious_a redemption_n and_o be_v comparative_o perfect_a all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o real_a value_n infinite_o inferior_a to_o save_v truth_n there_o may_v be_v knowledge_n without_o save_a grace_n but_o no_o save_a grace_n without_o knowledge_n the_o understanding_n be_v the_o lead_a faculty_n conversion_n begin_v in_o the_o renew_a mind_n you_o be_v darkness_n now_o you_o be_v light_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_a for_o our_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n but_o by_o the_o intervening_a of_o the_o enlighten_v applicative_a understanding_n the_o conscience_n that_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o from_o whence_o our_o immediate_a obligation_n arise_v to_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fundamental_a and_o some_o be_v perfective_a some_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n and_o clearness_n as_o other_o and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o damn_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o save_v but_o every_o divine_a truth_n be_v worthy_a of_o our_o attentive_a consideration_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n for_o they_o contribute_v to_o our_o perfection_n we_o shall_v strive_v to_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n that_o as_o the_o sun_n gradual_o ascend_v the_o horizon_n till_o it_o give_v light_a to_o the_o day_n and_o day_n to_o the_o world_n so_o our_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o extensive_a till_o we_o be_v complete_o transform_v into_o his_o glorious_a image_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v entire_o like_o he_o 2._o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v more_o vital_a affective_a and_o practical_a it_o be_v more_o perfective_a of_o we_o divine_a truth_n have_v a_o goodness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o due_o know_v without_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a valuation_n of_o their_o goodness_n when_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n be_v influential_a upon_o our_o life_n the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v mere_o speculative_a one_o know_v that_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v from_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o moon_n between_o that_o globe_n of_o light_n and_o our_o sight_n and_o the_o mind_n acquiesces_fw-la in_o the_o theory_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o practical_a use_n but_o the_o knowledge_n that_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o intercept_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o shine_v upon_o we_o be_v infinite_o profitable_a to_o make_v we_o fearful_a to_o offend_v he_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o joyful_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n spiritual_a knowledge_n include_v a_o correspondent_a permanent_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o sanctify_a truth_n in_o civil_a matter_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o discourse_n and_o direction_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o performance_n and_o in_o holy_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o apprehension_n and_o in_o word_n and_o a_o knowledge_n that_o order_v the_o conversation_n aright_o the_o first_o be_v not_o only_o fruitless_a but_o accidental_o pernicious_a according_a to_o solomon_n expression_n he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n a_o small_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v productive_a of_o love_n and_o obedience_n be_v far_o more_o valuable_a than_o a_o more_o large_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o a_o spot_n of_o ground_n cultivate_v according_a to_o its_o quality_n be_v more_o profitable_a than_o a_o large_a field_n that_o lie_v waste_a 2._o moral_a perfection_n be_v evident_a by_o a_o threefold_a comparison_n 1._o of_o the_o saint_n with_o visible_a sinner_n 2._o of_o the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o 3._o of_o some_o eminent_a act_n of_o grace_n with_o low_a act_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n 1._o the_o comparison_n of_o saint_n with_o visible_a sinner_n make_v they_o appear_v as_o perfect_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o principle_n in_o the_o best_a here_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n inherent_a corruption_n and_o infuse_v grace_n and_o the_o operation_n flow_v from_o they_o according_o be_v mix_v but_o as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o the_o bright_a colour_n of_o white_a and_o red_a in_o the_o complexion_n appear_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n set_v off_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o blackmoor_n so_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o a_o saint_n though_o mix_v with_o blemish_n appear_v complete_a when_o compare_v with_o the_o foul_a deformity_n of_o sinner_n thus_o the_o opposition_n between_o they_o be_v express_v he_o destroy_v the_o perfect_a and_o the_o 22._o wicked_a it_o be_v record_v of_o noah_n that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o perfect_a man_n in_o his_o generation_n 6._o in_o a_o age_n when_o wickedness_n reign_v when_o chastity_n be_v expel_v from_o the_o number_n of_o virtue_n and_o modesty_n be_v censure_v as_o a_o vice_n when_o impiety_n be_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o deluge_n be_v necessary_a to_o purge_v the_o world_n from_o such_o sinner_n then_o the_o sanctity_n and_o piety_n of_o noah_n shine_v as_o brightness_n issue_v from_o the_o star_n he_o appear_v perfect_o good_a compare_v with_o the_o prodigious_o bad_a 2._o in_o compare_v the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o some_o be_v style_v perfect_a there_o be_v different_a degree_n among_o sinner_n some_o be_v so_o dispose_v to_o wickedness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v denominate_v from_o as_o many_o ruffinum_n vice_n that_o possess_v their_o soul_n as_o the_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o man_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n answer_v his_o name_n be_v legion_n from_o the_o number_n of_o devil_n that_o possess_v he_o they_o drive_v through_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o esse_fw-la sin_n so_o violent_o and_o furious_o that_o compare_v to_o they_o other_o sinner_n seem_v innocent_a and_o be_v far_o less_o obnoxious_a to_o judgement_n thus_o there_o be_v singular_a saint_n who_o grace_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a and_o convince_v and_o a_o universal_a holiness_n appear_v in_o their_o conversation_n as_o make_v they_o venerable_a among_o the_o vicious_a their_o presence_n will_v restrain_v the_o dissolute_a from_o excess_n either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n as_o effectual_o as_o a_o magistrate_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o power_n other_o saint_n though_o sincere_a yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o shade_n and_o light_n in_o their_o action_n that_o they_o be_v in_o low_a esteem_n compare_v meek_a moses_n with_o the_o passionate_a prophet_n ionas_n who_o justify_v his_o anger_n to_o the_o
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n buâ—_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 nature_n and_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o eternal_a counsel_n respect_v man_n redemption_n never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v but_o be_v as_o far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v be_v comprehend_v god_n may_v be_v consider_v absolute_o in_o himself_o or_o as_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v and_o divine_a attribute_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v know_v a_o person_n and_o his_o excellent_a virtue_n intellectual_a and_o moral_a but_o we_o can_v believe_v in_o he_o without_o some_o discovery_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o we_o 3._o the_o motive_n of_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v divine_a faith_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a foundation_n faith_n may_v be_v absolute_o true_a and_o relative_o false_a many_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n because_o it_o be_v the_o reign_a religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o example_n from_o hence_o their_o faith_n be_v like_o the_o house_n build_v on_o the_o sand_n and_o when_o a_o storm_n arise_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v the_o firm_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o essential_a supreme_a perfection_n of_o god_n unerring_a knowledge_n immutable_a truth_n infinite_a goodness_n almighty_a power_n it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o deceive_v his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o will_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n for_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o experimental_a sense_n be_v a_o clear_a perception_n than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o they_o by_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v to_o see_v the_o original_n the_o other_o be_v to_o see_v the_o copy_n that_o usual_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o now_o see_v in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o divine_a testimony_n in_o itself_o have_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n above_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v by_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o often_o deceive_v we_o through_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o discursive_a ratiocination_n the_o objective_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a we_o know_v with_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o god_n can_v no_o more_o lie_v than_o he_o can_v die_v it_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o to_o lie_v or_o die_v be_v not_o possibility_n but_o passibility_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o power_n but_o proceed_v from_o weakness_n we_o know_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o signature_n of_o his_o perfection_n wisdom_n holiness_n goodness_n justice_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o that_o prove_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o write_v from_o hence_o faith_n be_v often_o express_v by_o knowledge_n nicodemus_n give_v this_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o know_v thou_o 2._o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernable_a be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n make_v without_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n we_o know_v that_o he_o 5._o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v take_v 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
be_v no_o past_a and_o to_o come_v he_o see_v all_o thing_n with_o one_o view_n not_o only_a event_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o constraint_n of_o natural_a and_o necessary_a cause_n but_o that_o depend_v upon_o cause_n various_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a this_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o our_o own_o for_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v true_o felix_n infinite_a and_o our_o mind_n be_v narrow_a and_o finite_a 3._o the_o humane_a understanding_n in_o our_o lapse_v state_n be_v dark_a and_o defile_v weaken_a and_o vitiate_a of_o this_o we_o have_v innumerable_a instance_n although_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o illustrious_o visible_a in_o the_o creation_n yet_o even_o the_o wise_a heathen_a represent_v he_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o deformity_n as_o be_v high_o blasphemous_a they_o can_v not_o conceive_v his_o infiniteness_n but_o make_v every_o attribute_n a_o god_n they_o transform_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o earthly_a die_a man._n and_o the_o papist_n transform_v a_o mortal_a man_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o great_a god_n they_o attribute_v to_o the_o pope_n a_o power_n of_o contradict_v the_o divine_a law_n for_o though_o god_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n so_o strict_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o have_v annex_v to_o the_o prohibition_n the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_v of_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n yet_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n the_o pope_n command_v all_o his_o adorer_n to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o dead_a saint_n he_o arrogate_v a_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o oath_n the_o most_o sacred_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o thereby_o authorise_v perjury_n 4._o though_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v supernatural_a mystery_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o can_v be_v who_o can_v prove_v by_o irresistible_a evidence_n that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a can_v by_o a_o infinite_a communication_n of_o himself_o be_v in_o distinct_a subsistence_n it_o be_v true_a our_o reason_n may_v find_v unaccountable_a difficulty_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v three_o in_o the_o subsistence_n of_o person_n and_o three_o one_o in_o nature_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o proof_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n that_o two_o nature_n so_o different_a and_o immense_o distant_a as_o finite_a and_o infinite_a mortal_a and_o immortal_a shall_v be_v so_o intimate_o and_o inseparable_o unite_v in_o one_o person_n without_o confusion_n of_o their_o property_n but_o we_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o own_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v inconceivable_o great_a we_o must_v exalt_v faith_n and_o depress_v reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v comprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n we_o infinite_o disparage_v he_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o credit_n we_o give_v to_o a_o suspect_a witness_n 5._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o other_o truth_n that_o right_a reason_n comprehend_v and_o receive_v without_o reluctancy_n that_o man_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n natural_a conscience_n be_v their_o accuser_n a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o can_v neither_o die_v with_o they_o nor_o without_o they_o that_o every_o sin_n need_v pardon_n be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n be_v just_a be_v know_v by_o the_o general_a light_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v become_v god_n to_o pardon_v sin_n in_o a_o way_n honourable_a to_o his_o justice_n be_v as_o certain_a now_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o divine_a justice_n require_v the_o endure_a the_o punishment_n ordain_v by_o the_o law_n and_o equal_a to_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n rise_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v dishonour_v by_o it_o and_o the_o satisfaction_n must_v be_v by_o a_o person_n of_o equal_a dignity_n and_o consequent_o only_a god_n can_v make_v satisfaction_n now_o reason_n dictate_v that_o he_o that_o satisfy_v and_o he_o that_o receive_v satisfaction_n must_v be_v distinguish_v for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o criminal_a therefore_o there_o must_v be_v two_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n from_o hence_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o deity_n be_v incapable_a of_o suffer_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v give_v value_n to_o the_o suffering_n it_o be_v therefore_o requisito_fw-la that_o the_o deity_n shall_v assume_v our_o nature_n capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v result_v from_o their_o conjunction_n this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o man_n which_o be_v the_o conspicuous_a character_n and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a this_o maintain_v the_o royalty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_n of_o justice_n this_o secure_v our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o doubt_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whether_o god_n infinite_o provoke_v by_o our_o rebellious_a sin_n will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o admire_v the_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o to_o adore_v those_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o same_o connexion_n in_o error_n as_o in_o divine_a truth_n for_o they_o who_o rob_v our_o saviour_n of_o his_o natural_a glory_n his_o eternal_a deity_n vilify_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o value_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o priestly_a office_n by_o which_o our_o pardon_n be_v obtain_v in_o short_a the_o fabric_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v build_v on_o the_o contrivance_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n 6._o the_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o comparison_n and_o example_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n for_o they_o prove_v and_o persuade_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v our_o saviour_n to_o cure_v the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o pharisee_n tell_v they_o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n we_o read_v the_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n the_o apostle_n say_v the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n the_o expression_n be_v strange_a to_o a_o wonder_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o attribute_v a_o defect_n to_o god_n but_o he_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n to_o declare_v with_o emphasis_n that_o god_n be_v always_o equal_a to_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o strain_v his_o power_n to_o overcome_v the_o strong_a opposition_n the_o same_o apostle_n argue_v against_o infidel_n that_o say_v how_o be_v the_o dead_a raise_v up_o and_o with_o what_o body_n do_v they_o come_v thou_o fool_n that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v be_v not_o quicken_v except_o it_o die_v and_o that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v thou_o sowe_v not_o that_o body_n that_o shall_v be_v but_o bare_a grain_n it_o may_v chance_v of_o wheat_n or_o some_o other_o grain_n but_o god_n tert._n give_v it_o a_o body_n as_o please_v he_o if_o our_o eye_n be_v witness_n of_o such_o a_o admirable_a resurrection_n in_o nature_n which_o our_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v shall_v it_o not_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o wonder_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v promise_v by_o god_n the_o author_n of_o both_o all_o difficulty_n vanish_v before_o infinite_a power_n st._n paul_n declare_v i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v 1._o able_a to_o keep_v that_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o till_o that_o day_n we_o be_v assure_v the_o lord_n will_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o glorious_a body_n by_o the_o power_n whereby_o he_o can_v subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o clear_a spring_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a foundation_n of_o judge_v thing_n attend_v with_o difficulty_n to_o compare_v the_o difficulty_n and_o to_o determine_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 scripture_n than_o the_o turn_n and_o shift_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o elude_v it_o and_o extricate_v heretical_a person_n out_o of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v their_o opinion_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a love_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o our_o redemption_n shall_v have_v declare_v it_o and_o engage_v his_o disciple_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n in_o a_o error_n of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n as_o the_o worship_v those_o who_o be_v not_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o a_o person_n sincere_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o supernatural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o involuntary_a and_o speculative_a error_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o pretence_n have_v deceive_v many_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_n deceive_v man_n still_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o most_o deceitful_a to_o itself_o who_o can_v say_v that_o neither_o interest_n nor_o passion_n neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n neither_o anger_n nor_o ambition_n have_v intervene_v in_o his_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n but_o he_o have_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n before_o all_o temporal_a respect_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v believe_v what_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o our_o salvation_n let_v this_o imaginary_a man_n produce_v his_o plea_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v reason_n the_o sovereign_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o determine_v such_o thing_n can_v be_v true_a because_o they_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v true_a prodigious_a inference_n the_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o error_n that_o make_v the_o narrow_a mind_n of_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a principle_n of_o that_o horrible_a compofition_n of_o heresy_n and_o execrable_a impiety_n which_o so_o many_o that_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n but_o antichristian_o in_o belief_n bold_o publish_v they_o will_v choose_v to_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o infinite_a importance_n rather_o than_o confess_v their_o ignorance_n and_o which_o be_v astonish_v they_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o 2._o the_o understanding_n of_o themselves_o but_o insolent_o arrogate_v a_o right_a to_o determine_v thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a ignorance_n the_o more_o invincible_a be_v the_o more_o excusable_a but_o when_o the_o error_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v from_o a_o vicious_a will_n both_o the_o error_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o inexcusable_a when_o the_o corrupt_a will_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v stain_v with_o some_o carnal_a lust_n when_o a_o temptation_n divert_v it_o from_o a_o serious_a and_o sincere_a consider_v the_o reason_n that_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v divine_a doctrine_n their_o unbelief_n will_v be_v just_o punish_v the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o a_o evil_a heart_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n pride_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n and_o carnal_a lust_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o so_o many_o renounce_v those_o eternal_a truth_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o speculative_a error_n can_v be_v damnable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n in_o his_o original_a state_n be_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o regular_a in_o its_o direction_n now_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o disorder_a and_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v any_o error_n induce_v guilt_n and_o if_o obstinate_o defend_v expose_v to_o judgement_n some_o truth_n be_v write_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v other_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o write_v 2._o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v the_o hurtfulness_n of_o the_o error_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o some_o truth_n be_v necessary_a other_o profitable_a some_o error_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o by_o consequence_n undermine_v they_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n capital_a error_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n 19_o 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a speculative_a truth_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o a_o speculative_a error_n the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o worship_n in_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o clear_o prove_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v of_o three_o infinite_a being_n for_o by_o necessity_n one_o will_v limit_v another_o the_o apostle_n declare_v without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a mystery_n be_v to_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n and_o obey_v god_n for_o in_o it_o there_o be_v the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n admirable_a love_n to_o man_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n his_o incorruptible_a justice_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o divine_a doctrine_n we_o have_v the_o most_o ravish_a image_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o give_v and_o of_o man_n to_o receive_v brief_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n without_o faith_n in_o he_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o redemption_n by_o he_o when_o christ_n perform_v miraculous_a cure_n he_o require_v of_o the_o person_n whether_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v elect_v mercy_n ordain_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n the_o 2._o apostle_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n because_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n holiness_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v indispensable_a qualification_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o ignorant_a that_o will_v be_v save_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n not_o to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v our_o 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
the_o dear_a memorial_n of_o his_o purchase_n blessedness_n for_o we_o his_o precious_a blood_n appease_v the_o just_a anger_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o cool_a and_o calm_a our_o inflame_v passion_n in_o imitation_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o revenge_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n suffer_v by_o we_o we_o must_v extinguish_v any_o inclination_n to_o revenge_n sin_n begin_v in_o the_o desire_n and_o end_n in_o the_o action_n we_o must_v not_o take_v the_o least_o pleasure_n that_o evil_a befall_v one_o that_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o for_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v devilish_a though_o the_o reparation_n of_o a_o injury_n may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v necessary_a yet_o revenge_n be_v absolute_o forbid_v to_o retaliate_v a_o evil_a without_o any_o reparation_n of_o our_o loss_n be_v to_o do_v mischief_n for_o mischief_n sake_n which_o be_v the_o property_n of_o satan_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o do_v good_a for_o evil_n be_v such_o a_o divine_a perfection_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o assume_v the_o resemblance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o curse_a disposition_n some_o will_v conceal_v their_o anger_n for_o a_o time_n wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o take_v revenge_n without_o the_o appearance_n of_o passion_n their_o malice_n like_o slow_a poison_n do_v not_o cause_n violent_a symptom_n but_o destroy_v life_n insensible_o some_o have_v such_o fierce_a passion_n that_o strike_v fire_n out_o of_o the_o least_o provocation_n their_o breast_n be_v change_v into_o a_o tophet_n some_o inflame_v their_o resentment_n by_o consider_v every_o circumstance_n that_o will_v exasperate_v their_o spirit_n but_o the_o command_n be_v be_v not_o overcome_v with_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a the_o duty_n be_v so_o pleasant_a in_o its_o exercise_n and_o attend_v with_o such_o comfortable_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o affection_n love_n suffer_v long_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n and_o what_o be_v more_o engage_v than_o the_o delightful_a disposition_n of_o love_n the_o do_v good_a for_o evil_a often_o gain_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o enemy_n if_o there_o be_v any_o vital_a spark_n of_o humanity_n it_o can_v be_v resist_v there_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o it_o record_v in_o scripture_n saul_n the_o unrighteous_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o david_n yet_o be_v spare_v when_o he_o be_v entire_o at_o his_o mercy_n be_v move_v and_o melt_v into_o tenderness_n be_v this_o thy_o voice_n my_o son_n david_n before_o he_o in_o contempt_n call_v he_o the_o son_n of_o jesse_n thou_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o i_o i_o will_v do_v thou_o no_o more_o evil_a how_o will_v some_o of_o the_o heathen_n condemn_v christian_n both_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o character_n of_o pusillanimity_n or_o stupidity_n to_o bear_v frequent_a and_o great_a injury_n unrevenged_a one_o of_o their_o poet_n mix_v this_o counsel_n among_o other_o excellent_a rule_n of_o morality_n that_o man_n be_v arrive_v at_o a_o heroic_a degree_n of_o goodness_n who_o be_v instruct_v in_o a_o dispassionate_a manner_n to_o bear_v great_a injury_n and_o when_o photion_n who_o have_v deserve_v so_o high_o of_o the_o athenian_n be_v condemn_v unjust_o to_o die_v his_o son_n attend_v he_o to_o receive_v his_o last_o command_n immediate_o before_o his_o death_n he_o charge_v he_o never_o to_o revenge_v it_o on_o the_o athenian_n chap._n ix_o divine_a hope_n have_v a_o eminent_a causality_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n the_o nature_n of_o christian_a hope_n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n it_o be_v natural_a congruous_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o saint_n in_o the_o present_a state_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o carnal_a presumption_n by_o its_o purify_n virtue_n fear_v consider_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o cleanse_a virtue_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o motive_n of_o holy_a fear_n there_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o reverence_n and_o of_o caution_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o faith_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o love_n hope_v and_o joy_n it_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o fortitude_n 3._o divine_a hope_n have_v a_o eminent_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n st._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a likeness_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o divine_a world_n infer_v from_o it_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a three_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o his_o hope_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o 2._o the_o distinction_n of_o this_o hope_n from_o its_o counterfeit_n by_o its_o inseparable_a effect_n purify_v himself_o 3._o the_o regulate_v of_o the_o effect_n by_o its_o pattern_n even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1._o christian_n hope_n be_v a_o firm_a expectation_n of_o future_a happiness_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o worldly_a hope_n by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o its_o foundation_n the_o object_n be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o glory_n and_o joy_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n worldly_n hope_n be_v terminate_v on_o empty_a vanish_v thing_n gild_v over_o with_o the_o thin_a appearance_n of_o good_n the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a hope_n be_v the_o unchangeable_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o almighty_a power_n that_o always_o second_v his_o word_n god_n can_v lie_v and_o consequent_o neither_o deceive_v our_o faith_n nor_o disappoint_v our_o hope_n and_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n all_o the_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v engage_v for_o our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n sometime_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o hope_n 21._o may_v be_v in_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o hope_n and_o that_o we_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n worldly_n hope_n be_v always_o uncertain_a in_o this_o sphere_n of_o mutability_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o impotence_n or_o deceit_n in_o all_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o obtain_v humane_a desire_n that_o the_o success_n be_v doubtful_a fear_n mix_v with_o the_o desire_n and_o often_o despair_v with_o fear_n young_a man_n be_v flush_a with_o hope_n and_o of_o bold_a expectation_n than_o ancient_a man_n who_o from_o experience_n of_o many_o unforeseen_a and_o inevitable_a difficulty_n that_o have_v traverse_v their_o hope_n be_v incline_v to_o fear_n but_o experience_n incourage_v and_o fortify_v the_o hope_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o patience_n and_o joy_n if_o we_o hope_v we_o 5._o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o intervening_a difficulty_n before_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o what_o we_o expect_v no_o undiscernible_a accident_n can_v blast_v their_o assurance_n the_o interval_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n do_v not_o weaken_v abraham_n hope_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n comfort_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o patience_n of_o hope_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n the_o final_a security_n of_o the_o blessedness_n promise_v be_v very_o joyful_a in_o a_o afflict_a condition_n this_o hope_n be_v the_o character_n by_o which_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v denominate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o heathen_n who_o be_v without_o god_n without_o christ_n and_o without_o hope_n for_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o christ_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v and_o enjoy_v he_o this_o grace_n be_v most_o natural_a congruous_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o present_a state_n 1._o natural_a bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o 4._o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o the_o supernatural_a birth_n entitle_v to_o the_o supernatural_a inheritance_n if_o son_n than_o heir_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o consequent_a affection_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n the_o most_o early_o exercise_v of_o reason_n excite_v desire_n and_o hope_n to_o obtain_v what_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a life_n when_o faith_n discover_v to_o we_o celestial_a blessendness_n reveal_v in_o
person_n he_o be_v style_v love_n and_o light_n love_n signify_v his_o communicative_a goodness_n the_o inclination_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n to_o make_v his_o people_n happy_a and_o his_o complacency_n in_o their_o happiness_n he_o will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o they_o with_o sing_v now_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n we_o be_v sure_a his_o will_n and_o power_n be_v correspondent_a in_o make_v they_o happy_a god_n be_v style_v light_n which_o imply_v his_o most_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n for_o light_n discover_v all_o thing_n his_o unspotted_a holiness_n for_o light_n can_v never_o be_v stain_v or_o sully_v by_o shine_v on_o a_o dunghill_n his_o sovereign_a joy_n for_o light_n join_v with_o vital_a heat_n inspire_v universal_a nature_n with_o joy_n in_o heaven_n god_n enlighten_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o glorious_a nature_n of_o his_o wise_a counsel_n that_o be_v now_o seal_v in_o his_o eternal_a mind_n and_o of_o his_o admirable_a work_n wherein_o the_o clear_a impression_n of_o his_o perfection_n appear_v he_o draw_v his_o image_n upon_o they_o in_o all_o the_o celestial_a colour_n that_o give_v final_a perfection_n to_o it_o and_o from_o hence_o result_v that_o joy_n that_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a and_o be_v eternal_o exuberant_a in_o high_a and_o solemn_a praise_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v those_o who_o be_v in_o thy_o house_n they_o be_v always_o praise_v thou_o now_o can_v a_o unholy_a soul_n delight_n in_o these_o emanation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o saint_n above_o can_v those_o who_o feed_v without_o fear_n and_o revel_v without_o restraint_n of_o their_o brutish_a lust_n taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v suppose_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n shall_v dispense_v with_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o by_o a_o act_n of_o power_n a_o un-renewed_n person_n be_v translate_v to_o heaven_n can_v the_o place_n make_v he_o happy_a you_o may_v as_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o a_o swine_n who_o inseparable_a quality_n be_v to_o love_v wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n can_v delight_v in_o a_o clean_a room_n adorn_v with_o beautiful_a picture_n if_o the_o tongue_n be_v deprave_v with_o a_o foul_a humour_n and_o the_o disease_n be_v the_o taster_n the_o most_o relish_v food_n be_v insipid_a till_o the_o palate_n be_v cleanse_v and_o recover_v its_o true_a temper_n it_o can_v judge_v aright_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o a_o unholy_a creature_n can_v enjoy_v communion_n with_o the_o holy_a god_n till_o we_o be_v purify_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n the_o divine_a presence_n can_v be_v heaven_n to_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v carnal_a man_n do_v not_o love_v and_o desire_v the_o heaven_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o fear_v the_o hell_n threaten_v because_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n be_v terrible_a to_o sense_n 2._o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n purify_v we_o from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v clear_a and_o explicit_a in_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o that_o shall_v possess_v it_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n they_o shall_v see_v god_n follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n the_o promise_n be_v infallible_a to_o those_o who_o be_v qualify_v and_o the_o exclusion_n be_v peremptory_a and_o universal_a of_o those_o who_o be_v unprepared_a these_o be_v not_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o minister_n of_o a_o preciser_n strain_n but_o by_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n who_o with_o great_a solemnity_n declare_v very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o sovereign_a dispenser_n of_o his_o own_o favour_n may_v by_o his_o un-accountable_a will_v appoint_v what_o term_n he_o please_v in_o bestow_v they_o to_o which_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o consent_v with_o humble_a thankfulness_n but_o the_o vital_a qualification_n require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o found_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n and_o irregularity_n in_o the_o architecture_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o its_o part_n it_o be_v less_o dishonourable_a than_o if_o there_o be_v no_o connexion_n between_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o blessedness_n for_o the_o first_o will_v only_a reflect_v upon_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n but_o the_o other_o will_v asperse_v his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n the_o most_o divine_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n 3._o christian_n hope_n purify_v by_o the_o frequent_a and_o serious_a thought_n of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n the_o object_n of_o hope_n fill_v the_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o give_v order_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o endeavour_n if_o riches_n or_o honour_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o expectation_n the_o soul_n will_v entertain_v itself_o with_o the_o pleasant_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o contrive_v how_o to_o obtain_v they_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v fix_v upon_o the_o same_o object_n and_o have_v the_o same_o efficacy_n they_o transport_v the_o soul_n to_o their_o distant_a object_n and_o transform_v they_o into_o their_o likeness_n the_o object_n be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o it_o have_v a_o warm_a influence_n into_o the_o affection_n purify_v and_o raise_v they_o from_o the_o earth_n when_o our_o thought_n be_v often_o conversant_a upon_o the_o state_n of_o future_a glory_n we_o feel_v its_o attractive_a force_n more_o strong_o work_v in_o we_o as_o in_o a_o chase_n if_o there_o be_v a_o cold_a scent_n it_o be_v but_o cold_o pursue_v but_o when_o the_o game_n be_v in_o view_n it_o be_v eager_o prosecute_v when_o heaven_n be_v seldom_o think_v of_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n be_v cool_v towards_o it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o near_o we_o our_o inclination_n and_o endeavour_n be_v more_o fervent_a and_o zealous_a the_o apostle_n say_v our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o we_o look_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 4._o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n purify_v we_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n who_o be_v donor_n of_o it_o st._n john_n break_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o wonder_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n those_o comprehensive_a spirit_n be_v astonish_v that_o worthless_a rebel_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o a_o relation_n so_o high_a and_o near_o to_o god_n who_o deserveto_fw-la be_v irrevocable_o banish_v from_o his_o kingdom_n the_o apostle_n observe_v the_o various_a degree_n of_o this_o happiness_n now_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v now_o we_o be_v adopt_v but_o the_o height_n of_o our_o felicity_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v crown_v be_v a_o secret_a but_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o glorious_a original_a of_o all_o perfection_n now_o the_o confirm_a hope_n of_o this_o transcendent_a happiness_n inflame_v a_o believer_n with_o sincere_a and_o supreme_a love_n to_o god_n that_o will_v make_v we_o zealous_a to_o please_v he_o by_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n and_o a_o likeness_n to_o his_o nature_n 3._o the_o purity_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o christ._n the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v both_o the_o author_n of_o our_o holiness_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o it_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o first_o fountain_n of_o light_n and_o a_o crystal_n globe_n fill_v with_o light_n may_v be_v a_o secondary_a fountain_n transmit_v the_o beam_n unto_o we_o so_o the_o deity_n be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o create_a holiness_n but_o it_o be_v transmit_v through_o the_o mediator_n in_o his_o life_n on_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o globe_n of_o precept_n a_o perfect_a model_n of_o holiness_n all_o the_o active_a and_o suffer_a grace_n appear_v in_o their_o exaltation_n in_o his_o practice_n our_o relation_n to_o he_o infer_v our_o likeness_n for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n the_o image_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n dream_n have_v the_o head_n of_o fine_a gold_n the_o breast_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o silver_n the_o belly_n and_o thigh_n of_o brass_n the_o leg_n of_o iron_n the_o foot_n part_v of_o iron_n part_n of_o clay_n but_o christ_n unite_v to_o his_o church_n be_v not_o such_o a_o irregular_a composition_n as_o the_o head_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v all_o
few_o have_v a_o natural_a generosity_n or_o christian_a mercy_n and_o mean_n to_o express_v and_o exercise_v it_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o do_v not_o affect_v man_n with_o so_o quick_a a_o sense_n as_o the_o part_n with_o their_o money_n to_o relieve_v they_o as_o the_o balsam_n tree_n do_v not_o drop_v its_o heal_a liquor_n till_o the_o bark_n be_v cut._n sometime_o the_o great_a number_n of_o suitor_n be_v a_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o bounty_n none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o divine_a in_o the_o deity_n and_o become_v his_o nature_n than_o his_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o mother_n with_o equal_a pleasure_n nourish_v the_o child_n with_o her_o milk_n as_o the_o child_n draw_v it_o for_o the_o breast_n be_v uneasy_a till_o empty_v god_n much_o more_o rejoice_v in_o do_v good_a than_o we_o in_o receive_v it_o we_o be_v also_o assure_v of_o obtain_v spiritual_a blessing_n by_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o heaven_n the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n assure_v we_o of_o his_o power_n with_o god_n he_o take_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o bring_v as_o to_o the_o father_n perfume_n and_o present_v our_o request_n to_o obtain_v a_o favourable_a reception_n when_o we_o be_v under_o impression_n of_o fear_n that_o god_n will_v deny_v our_o prayer_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n it_o be_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o love_n in_o the_o mediator_n nor_o prevalency_n in_o his_o mediation_n beside_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n be_v plenteous_o convey_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o rich_a degree_n be_v reserve_v as_o a_o honour_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o ascension_n it_o be_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v liberal_o shed_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v liberal_o pour_v forth_o but_o the_o bestow_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v at_o the_o triumphant_a ascension_n of_o christ._n thou_o have_v ascend_v on_o high_a thou_o have_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o receive_v gift_n for_o man_n that_o be_v from_o the_o father_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o victory_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v they_o to_o men._n the_o principal_a gift_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o good_a thing_n the_o promise_n be_v perform_v under_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v pour_v forth_o of_o my_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n upon_o all_o flesh_n there_o be_v some_o sprinkling_n of_o it_o under_o the_o law_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o separate_a nation_n but_o now_o shower_n be_v pour_v down_o upon_o all_o nation_n to_o purify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o admirable_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v free_v i_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o 8._o death_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o fiery_a law_n so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o its_o original_a and_o operation_n convince_v of_o sin_n and_o constrain_v conscience_n to_o inflict_v torment_v impression_n on_o the_o soul_n the_o presage_n of_o future_a judgement_n but_o afford_v no_o spiritual_a grace_n to_o obey_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v weak_a and_o unprofitable_a but_o the_o 19_o gospel_n convey_v supernatural_a strength_n to_o obtain_v supernatural_a happiness_n it_o be_v foretold_a concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o 8._o be_v feeble_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o david_n and_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v as_o god_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o add_v far_o the_o holy_a spirit_n direct_v our_o desire_n and_o god_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n christ_n be_v our_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o inflame_v our_o affection_n and_o exciting_a in_o we_o filial_a trust_n in_o the_o divine_a mercy_n they_o that_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n if_o we_o be_v impotent_a in_o resist_a temptation_n and_o in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o divine_a assistance_n be_v ready_a upon_o our_o desire_n to_o confirm_v we_o our_o impotence_n be_v voluntary_a and_o do_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o consequent_a sin_n but_o be_v a_o antecedent_n sin_n the_o sharp_a reproof_n we_o read_v from_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o their_o guilty_a impotence_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v o_o faithless_a and_o perverse_a generation_n how_o long_o shall_v i_o be_v with_o you_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o suffer_v you_o he_o have_v give_v they_o power_n to_o heal_v disease_n and_o expel_v evil_a spirit_n but_o they_o have_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v that_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n how_o just_o do_v we_o deserve_v that_o sting_a reproach_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o by_o continual_a fervent_a prayer_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o partake_v of_o a_o rich_a abundance_n of_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o as_o prayer_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v more_o grace_n by_o impatration_n so_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v increase_v frequent_a prayer_n have_v a_o cleanse_a virtue_n in_o that_o as_o those_o who_o often_o come_v into_o the_o king_n presence_n to_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o be_v in_o decent_a habit_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v disparage_v in_o his_o sight_n so_o those_o who_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n will_v cleanse_v themselves_o from_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o appear_v before_o his_o holy_a majesty_n humility_n faith_n reverence_n love_n zeal_n resignation_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n compassion_n to_o the_o afflict_a and_o other_o excellent_a grace_n be_v exercise_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o activity_n and_o as_o acquire_v habit_n so_o infuse_v be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n frequent_v shoot_a not_o only_o make_v person_n more_o skilful_a in_o direct_v the_o arrow_n to_o the_o mark_n but_o more_o able_a to_o draw_v a_o strong_a bow_n none_o be_v more_o holy_a in_o conversation_n than_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n our_o saviour_n pray_v himself_o into_o heaven_n and_o a_o divine_a lustre_n appear_v in_o his_o countenance_n by_o our_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n will_v be_v impress_v upon_o we_o and_o brighten_v our_o conversation_n brief_o according_a to_o the_o raise_a operation_n of_o grace_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v obtain_v more_o excellent_a degree_n of_o it_o from_o heaven_n for_o in_o bestow_v the_o first_o grace_n god_n be_v a_o pure_a giver_n but_o in_o dispense_n new_a degree_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v 3._o frequent_a and_o attentive_a hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n and_o serious_a meditation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n the_o conception_n and_o propagation_n the_o sustain_a and_o increase_v the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v therefore_o compare_v to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o productive_a and_o preserve_a cause_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n it_o be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n and_o food_n to_o beget_v and_o nourish_v the_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n wine_n for_o the_o faint_a and_o strong_a meat_n to_o confirm_v those_o of_o mature_a age._n there_o be_v a_o objective_a virtue_n in_o it_o whereby_o it_o be_v apt_a and_o sufficient_a to_o regenerate_v we_o and_o to_o increase_v the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o new_a life_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o grace_n be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o to_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v it_o be_v 30._o a_o kind_a of_o miracle_n in_o nature_n that_o a_o pâ—ma_fw-la sience_n of_o a_o good_a tree_n graft_v into_o a_o sour_a stock_n draw_v the_o vital_a moisture_n from_o the_o root_n and_o convert_v it_o for_o the_o produce_v generous_a and_o pleasant_a fruit_n the_o engraft_a word_n be_v a_o divine_a doctrine_n overrule_v the_o carnal_a nature_n and_o make_v the_o mind_n will_n affection_n and_o action_n holy_a and_o heavenly_a answerable_a to_o its_o quality_n the_o command_v of_o
it_o be_v clear_a and_o pure_a direct_v we_o in_o our_o universal_a duty_n the_o promise_n be_v precious_a encourage_v we_o by_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o reward_n the_o threaten_n terrible_a to_o preserve_v we_o from_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o instrumental_a fitness_n in_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o perfect_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o we_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o convey_v the_o revelation_n to_o we_o have_v a_o congruity_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o the_o ear_n the_o first_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n be_v by_o it_o through_o the_o ear_n be_v the_o entrance_n of_o death_n it_o be_v now_o the_o gate_n of_o life_n in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v know_v god_n by_o sight_n now_o by_o hear_v when_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enlighten_v from_o heaven_n and_o zealous_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n he_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n than_o if_o a_o angel_n be_v a_o minister_a spirit_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a office_n for_o he_o that_o preach_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o the_o doctrine_n declare_v by_o he_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v near_o concern_v and_o therefore_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o affect_v other_o when_o a_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o breast_n it_o will_v inflame_v the_o lip_n the_o mind_n convince_v the_o mind_n and_o the_o heart_n persuade_v the_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o instrument_n can_v effect_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v make_v without_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o apply_v for_o that_o end_n so_o without_o a_o superior_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o give_v vital_a power_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v without_o efficacy_n what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o natural_a life_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n mouth_n a_o minister_n with_o all_o his_o reason_n and_o rhetoric_n can_v turn_v a_o soul_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n without_o the_o omnipotent_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o thessalonian_n that_o the_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o they_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o gospel_n than_o come_v only_o in_o word_n when_o it_o pierce_v no_o further_a than_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n to_o try_v word_n and_o distinguish_v different_a sound_n and_o voice_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n direct_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o ear_n the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o pass_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o heart_n that_o make_v a_o change_n so_o real_a and_o great_a in_o the_o quality_n of_o man_n as_o be_v express_v by_o substantial_a production_n it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n become_v effectual_a for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n when_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o entire_a obedience_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n our_o king_n lawgiver_n and_o judge_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o present_a duty_n and_o of_o future_a judgement_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o decision_n the_o divine_a law_n be_v universal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o some_o and_o needless_a for_o other_o but_o must_v be_v obey_v without_o partiality_n notwithstanding_o the_o repugnance_n of_o the_o carnal_a passion_n when_o it_o be_v serious_o believe_v and_o consider_v the_o hearer_n be_v induce_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o preparation_n and_o resolution_n of_o yield_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o evident_a nor_o injure_v than_o this_o that_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n this_o all_o profess_v in_o the_o general_n but_o contradict_v in_o particular_n when_o a_o temptation_n cross_v the_o precept_n now_o the_o first_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o believe_v it_o with_o so_o steadfast_a a_o assent_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o reform_v the_o whole_a man_n 2._o with_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v join_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o grow_v in_o holiness_n this_o be_v declare_v by_o st._n peter_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a appetite_n of_o food_n to_o maintain_v it_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o necessity_n cause_n a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o suitable_a supply_n to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v it_o this_o be_v experiment_a in_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n they_o attend_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o not_o mere_o to_o prevent_v the_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o impious_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o that_o proceed_v from_o fear_n not_o from_o desire_n but_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n not_o in_o a_o airy_a flashy_a knowledge_n that_o be_v only_o fruitful_a to_o increase_v gild_n and_o punishment_n but_o substantial_a and_o save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v influential_a upon_o practice_n hear_v be_v in_o order_n to_o do_v and_o do_v be_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o the_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o evil_n do_v no_o hurt_n nor_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n do_v no_o good_n feeding_n without_o digest_v the_o food_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n afford_v no_o nourishment_n nor_o strength_n the_o most_o diligent_a hear_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n be_v not_o profitable_a the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v content_v that_o divine_a truth_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o understanding_n if_o he_o can_v intercept_v their_o passage_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o conversation_n he_o practise_v over_o continual_o the_o first_o temptation_n to_o induce_v we_o by_o guile_n to_o choose_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n we_o be_v therefore_o command_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n 3._o that_o the_o spiritual_a life_n may_v be_v increase_v by_o the_o word_n it_o must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o hide_v in_o the_o heart_n david_n say_v i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o his_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n cause_v his_o continual_a meditation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o live_a root_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o season_n if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o remember_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n prescribe_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o man_n use_v in_o remember_v and_o practise_v rule_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o health_n of_o their_o body_n and_o it_o be_v just_o requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v more_o since_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n infinite_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n how_o holy_a and_o bless_v will_v they_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o roman_a physician_n that_o be_v conducive_a for_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o soul_n after_o celsus_n a_o full_a meal_n abstain_v from_o laborious_a action_n that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v concenter_v in_o the_o stomach_n for_o digestion_n otherwise_o if_o divert_v and_o employ_v in_o labour_n the_o stomach_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o crudity_n thus_o after_o hear_v the_o word_n our_o thought_n shall_v not_o be_v scatter_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o shall_v recollect_v and_o revolve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v be_v digest_v into_o practice_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n she_o keep_v thâ—se_a say_n and_o 19_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n there_o be_v powerful_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o this_o duty_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hear_v i_o that_o be_v with_o subjection_n of_o soul_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o in_o one_o instance_n he_o have_v declare_v how_o much_o approve_v and_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o he_o for_o when_o martha_n be_v employ_v about_o entertain_v he_o and_o mary_n be_v attentive_a to_o receive_v his_o instruction_n he_o say_v mary_n have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o she_o his_o feed_n mary_n be_v more_o
please_v to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v feed_v by_o martha_n but_o how_o many_o neglect_n and_o despise_v this_o duty_n some_o pretend_v they_o know_v enough_o such_o if_o they_o do_v not_o want_v instructer_n want_v remembrancer_n of_o their_o duty_n other_o be_v infect_v with_o pride_n and_o a_o worse_a leprosy_n than_o naaman_n of_o who_o we_o read_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n send_v he_o a_o message_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o wash_v in_o jordan_n seven_o time_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v clean_o he_o be_v wroth_a and_o say_v be_v not_o abana_n and_o pharpar_n rivers_n of_o damascus_n better_a than_o the_o river_n of_o israel_n may_v i_o not_o wash_v in_o they_o and_o be_v clean_a so_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v direct_v to_o wash_v themselves_o often_o in_o the_o water_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v be_v not_o the_o river_n of_o greece_n and_o rome_n the_o eloquent_a discourse_n of_o philosopher_n better_a more_o perfective_a of_o their_o mind_n and_o action_n than_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o affect_a ignorance_n and_o wilful_a perverseness_n for_o not_o only_o supernatural_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v only_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o moral_a duty_n necessary_a for_o practice_n be_v clear_o and_o complete_o only_o lay_v down_o in_o it_o beside_o as_o every_o thing_n in_o nature_n have_v its_o virtue_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o work_n for_o that_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v so_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v to_o begin_v and_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o powerful_o work_v to_o that_o end_n the_o attendance_n 〈…〉_z have_v a_o blessing_n annex_v and_o the_o neglect_n expose_v to_o divine_a displeasure_n he_o that_o withdraw_v his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n and_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v there_o be_v a_o time_n come_v when_o only_a prayer_n can_v relieve_v they_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o the_o serious_a read_v the_o scripture_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o impression_n of_o the_o character_n of_o its_o purity_n on_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o daily_a revolution_n we_o be_v command_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n as_o the_o soul_n quicken_v the_o body_n by_o its_o residence_n and_o direct_v it_o in_o all_o its_o motion_n so_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n to_o direct_v and_o excite_v and_o enable_v it_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o duty_n this_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o precept_n and_o the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o obtain_v perfection_n our_o read_n must_v be_v with_o observation_n and_o apply_v the_o word_n for_o our_o good_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o sail_v on_o the_o water_n for_o pleasure_n and_o divinâ—_n in_o it_o for_o pearl_n some_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o please_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n powerful_a providence_n and_o the_o various_a event_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n record_v in_o they_o but_o there_o must_v be_v diligent_a enquiry_n for_o spiritual_a treasure_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n how_o careless_a be_v the_o most_o of_o this_o duty_n there_o be_v above_o eight_o thousand_o hour_n in_o a_o year_n and_o how_o few_o be_v employ_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o everlasting_a way_n the_o common_a pretence_n be_v necessary_a business_n but_o all_o excuse_n be_v vain_a against_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v the_o work_a oâ—_n our_o salvation_n a_o indifferent_a idle_a matter_n must_v the_o principal_a affair_n of_o our_o life_n be_v subordinate_a to_o lower_v concern_v the_o infinite_a business_n of_o govern_v a_o kingdom_n be_v no_o exemption_n to_o prince_n from_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o command_n be_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n to_o read_v the_o law_n of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n of_o 〈…〉_z life_n that_o he_o may_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v 〈…〉_z statute_n 3._o the_o word_n must_v be_v sincere_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v sincere_o deliver_v the_o rule_n be_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o receiuâ—_v the_o engraft_a word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o food_n more_o easy_o turn_v into_o blood_n thaâ—_n milk_n but_o if_o the_o stomach_n be_v foul_a 〈◊〉_d sower_n and_o corrupt_v and_o be_v hurtful_a to_o the_o body_n the_o word_n of_o grace_n if_o receive_v into_o a_o sincere_a heart_n be_v very_o nutritive_a it_o confirm_v and_o comfort_n the_o soul_n but_o if_o there_o be_v false_a principle_n carnal_a habit_n sensual_a affection_n it_o prove_v dangerous_a a_o carnal_a man_n will_v set_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o precept_n and_o apply_v the_o promise_n without_o regard_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o and_o from_o holy_a premise_n draw_v sinful_a conclusion_n brief_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a but_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o psalmist_n put_v the_o question_n he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v not_o he_o hear_v and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v with_o the_o same_o conviction_n he_o that_o give_v we_o the_o faculty_n of_o hear_v shall_v not_o he_o be_v hear_v but_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o bare_a hear_n for_o it_o be_v a_o introductive_a prepare_v duty_n in_o order_n to_o practice_v there_o may_v be_v a_o increase_n in_o knowledge_n some_o conviction_n like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n some_o melt_a of_o the_o affection_n like_o a_o dash_n of_o rain_n soon_o over_o some_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n but_o without_o sincere_a practice_n the_o man_n be_v a_o hearer_n only_o and_o deceive_v himself_o every_o sermon_n that_o he_o hear_v will_n notwithstanding_o his_o vain_a hope_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o he_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o residence_n of_o the_o practical_a truth_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o heart_n than_o in_o the_o head_n if_o they_o be_v only_o in_o the_o head_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o unrighteousness_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n more_o common_a man_n think_v they_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o idea_n and_o notion_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o their_o mind_n without_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n brief_o the_o end_n and_o work_n of_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v we_o warn_v every_o man_n and_o teach_v every_o man_n that_o we_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n this_o testimony_n be_v give_v of_o epâ—phras_n a_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o always_o labour_v fervent_o in_o prayer_n that_o the_o colossian_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o new_a man_n bear_v from_o heaven_n and_o partaker_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n that_o consist_v in_o holiness_n and_o joy_n this_o spiritual_a life_n suppose_v a_o spiritual_a nourishment_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n and_o that_o a_o spiritual_a eat_v and_o drink_v our_o saviour_n denominate_v himself_o by_o the_o character_n of_o life_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n he_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o sacrament_n he_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n there_o be_v the_o sacred_a memorial_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o be_v drink_v indeed_o that_o afford_v a_o more_o substantial_a and_o excellent_a nourishment_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o perish_a food_n that_o support_v the_o body_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n your_o father_n eat_v mannâ—_n in_o the_o wilderness_n 6._o and_o be_v dead_a the_o bread_n of_o angel_n can_v not_o preserve_v they_o from_o death_n but_o the_o bread_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o be_v please_v to_o deal_v familiar_o with_o we_o suitable_o to_o our_o composition_n and_o capacity_n and_o humble_v himself_o in_o a_o sacramental_a union_n with_o the_o element_n that_o sight_n may_v assist_v faith_n this_o be_v a_o positive_a institution_n that_o derive_v its_o authority_n and_o goodness_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o saviour_n it_o be_v his_o die_a charge_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o which_o a_o special_a and_o
most_o sensible_a relish_v of_o his_o love_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o we_o read_v of_o the_o lame_a man_n from_o his_o birth_n that_o upon_o his_o miraculous_a heal_n when_o he_o feel_v a_o new_a current_n of_o spirit_n in_o his_o nerve_n and_o his_o foot_n and_o arm_n be_v strengthen_v that_o he_o enter_v with_o the_o apostle_n into_o the_o temple_n walk_v and_o leap_v and_o praise_v of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o zealous_a affection_n of_o new_a convert_v when_o they_o feel_v such_o a_o admirable_a change_n in_o they_o they_o run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o enlarge_a heart_n they_o have_v such_o flash_n of_o illumination_n and_o rapture_n of_o joy_n that_o engage_v they_o in_o a_o course_n of_o obedience_n the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v they_o with_o new_a desire_n and_o afford_v new_a pleasure_n to_o endear_v religion_n to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o only_a their_o work_n but_o recreation_n and_o reward_n but_o aâ—as_o how_o often_o be_v the_o first_o heat_n allay_v and_o strong_a resolution_n decline_v to_o remissness_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o bâ—cause_fw-mi thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n it_o be_v say_v of_o jehosaphat_n that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o first_o way_n of_o his_o father_n david_n intimate_v there_o be_v a_o visible_a declension_n in_o his_o zeal_n he_o be_v not_o so_o accurate_a in_o his_o conversation_n afterward_o the_o convert_v be_v many_o time_n not_o so_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o god_n service_n and_o though_o by_o the_o constrain_a judgement_n of_o conscience_n duty_n be_v not_o total_o omit_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o perform_v with_o that_o reverence_n and_o delight_n as_o at_o first_o they_o be_v more_o venturous_a to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o temptation_n and_o more_o ready_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o they_o be_v tire_v with_o the_o length_n of_o their_o travel_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o way_n and_o drive_v on_o heavy_o we_o shall_v with_o tear_n of_o confusion_n remember_v the_o disparity_n between_o our_o zealous_a beginning_n and_o slack_a prosecution_n in_o religion_n we_o shall_v blush_v with_o shame_n and_o tremble_v with_o fear_n at_o the_o strange_a decay_n of_o grace_n and_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o reinforce_v our_o will_n to_o proceed_v with_o vigorous_a constancy_n and_o when_o the_o saint_n be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o unchangeable_a state_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o how_o entire_a and_o intent_n be_v they_o to_o finish_v the_o work_n of_o their_o salvation_n how_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a be_v their_o disposition_n with_o what_o solemnity_n do_v they_o prepare_v for_o the_o divine_a presence_n how_o exact_o do_v they_o dress_v their_o soul_n for_o eternity_n and_o 〈◊〉_d their_o lamp_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n how_o be_v the_o world_n vilify_v in_o their_o esteem_n and_o unsavoury_a to_o their_o desire_n the_o lord_n be_v exalt_v in_o that_o day_n the_o near_a they_o approach_v to_o heaven_n the_o more_o its_o attractive_a force_n be_v 〈◊〉_d when_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o view_n and_o they_o hear_v the_o music_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v refresh_v with_o the_o fragancy_n of_o paradise_n what_o a_o blaze_n of_o holy_a affection_n break_v forth_o when_o jacob_n be_v bless_v his_o son_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n he_o in_o a_o sudden_a rapture_n address_n himself_o to_o god_n o_o lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n as_o if_o his_o soul_n have_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n before_o it_o lest_o the_o body_n o_o when_o shall_v i_o appear_v before_o god_n be_v the_o faint_a desire_n of_o the_o psalmist_n if_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v so_o precious_a how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o he_o in_o the_o celestial_a temple_n if_o one_o day_n in_o the_o court_v below_o be_v worth_a a_o thousand_o a_o hour_n in_o the_o court_v above_o be_v worth_a ten_o thousand_o let_v we_o therefore_o by_o our_o serious_a thought_n often_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n this_o will_v make_v we_o contrive_v and_o contend_v for_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n they_o enjoy_v and_o the_o day_n of_o glory_n they_o expect_v for_o now_o be_v salvation_n near_o than_o when_o you_o believe_v let_v we_o do_v those_o thing_n now_o which_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v we_o shall_v wish_v we_o have_v do_v thus_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v transmit_v from_o the_o militant_a church_n to_o the_o triumphant_a with_o a_o solemn_a testimony_n of_o our_o have_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n in_o our_o life_n with_o the_o victorious_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n that_o we_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n and_o receive_v with_o the_o glorious_a testimony_n of_o our_o bless_a rewarder_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o william_n bates_n d._n d._n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n in_o the_o contrivance_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o discourse_n wherein_o be_v show_v how_o the_o wisdom_n mercy_n justice_n holiness_n power_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v glorify_v in_o that_o great_a and_o bless_a work_n consideration_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o future_a state_n to_o which_o be_v now_o add_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n the_o four_o last_o thing_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n practical_o consider_v and_o apply_v in_o octavo_n the_o same_o be_v also_o print_v in_o twelves_o and_o proper_a to_o be_v give_v at_o funeral_n ten_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o octavo_n sermon_n upon_o psalm_n cxxx_o verse_n 4._o but_o there_o be_v forgiuness_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v in_o octavo_n the_o danger_n of_o prosperity_n discover_v in_o several_a sermon_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o resignation_n in_o time_n of_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n a_o funeral-sermon_n on_o dr._n thomas_n manson_n who_o decease_v october_n 18_o 1677._o with_o the_o last_o public_a sermon_n dr._n manton_n preach_v the_o sure_a trial_n of_o uprightness_n open_v in_o several_a sermon_n upon_o psal._n 18._o v_o 23._o a_o description_n of_o the_o bless_a place_n and_o state_n of_o the_o saint_n above_o on_z john_n 14._o 2._o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o mr._n clarkson_n the_o way_n to_o the_o high_a honour_n on_o john_n 12._o 26._o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o dr._n jacomb_n the_o speedy_a come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n on_o rev._n 22._o 12._o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o mr._n benj._n asbhurst_n a_o sermon_n on_o the_o death_n of_o the_o late_a queen_n mary_n in_o regno_fw-la nati_fw-la sumus_fw-la parere_fw-la deo_fw-la est_fw-la regnare_fw-la in_o virtute_fw-la posita_fw-la est_fw-la vera_fw-la felicitas_fw-la sen._n de_fw-fr vita_fw-la beata_fw-la col._n 3._o isa._n 1._o job_n 14._o 4._o isa._n 1._o jer._n 2._o jam._n 4._o jam._n 4._o 8._o gal._n 5._o 19_o 20_o 21._o col._n 3._o 5_o 8._o psal._n 4â—_n sen._n de_fw-fr brevit_fw-la vit_fw-mi eccl._n 7._o 26_o 27_o 28._o prov._n 1_o nox_n &_o amor_fw-la vinumque_fw-la nihil_fw-la moderabile_fw-la suadent_fw-la illa_fw-la pudore_fw-la caret_fw-la libre_fw-la amorque_fw-la metu_fw-la ovid._n ezek._n 36._o â—1_n repugnante_fw-la natura_fw-la nihil_fw-la medicina_fw-la proficiet_fw-la cels._n mark_v 10._o 2d_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o nesciâ—_n utrum_fw-la magis_fw-la detestabile_fw-la vitium_fw-la sit_fw-la ac_fw-la deform_v sen._n de_fw-fr ir._n idem_fw-la esse_fw-la sibi_fw-la consilium_fw-la adversus_fw-la hostem_fw-la quod_fw-la plerisque_fw-la medicis_fw-la contra_fw-la vitia_fw-la corporum_fw-la â—amâ—_n potius_fw-la quam_fw-la ferro_fw-la superandi_fw-la quare_fw-la fert_fw-la agri_fw-la rabiem_fw-la &_o phenetici_fw-la verba_fw-la nempe_fw-la quia_fw-la nescire_fw-la videntur_fw-la quid_fw-la faciant_fw-la sâ—n._n l._n 3._o de_fw-fr ira._n ne_fw-fr iras_fw-la careâ—tur_fw-la ira_fw-la enim_fw-la perturbat_fw-la artem_fw-la et_fw-la qua_fw-la noceat_fw-la tantum_fw-la non_fw-la qua_fw-la careat_fw-la aspicit_fw-la sen._n de_fw-fr ir._n nec_fw-la est_fw-la quisquam_fw-la cui_fw-la tam_fw-la valde_fw-la innocentiae_fw-la sua_fw-la placeat_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la stare_v in_fw-la conspectu_fw-la clementiam_fw-la paratam_fw-la humanis_fw-la erroribus_fw-la gaudeat_fw-la sen._n de_fw-fr clem._n job_n 31._o 25_o avaro_fw-la tam_fw-la deest_fw-la quod_fw-la habet_fw-la quam_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la mat._n 6._o luke_n
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