Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n divine_a reason_n revelation_n 1,875 5 9.2536 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49403 Religious perfection: or, A third part of the enquiry after happiness. By the author of Practical Christianity; Enquiry after happiness. Part 3. Lucas, Richard, 1648-1715. 1696 (1696) Wing L3414; ESTC R200631 216,575 570

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dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o can_v he_o in_o one_o word_n ever_o be_v seduce_v to_o renounce_v and_o hate_v religion_n who_o have_v have_v so_o long_a a_o experience_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o good_a habit_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o perfection_n and_o maturity_n seem_v to_o i_o as_o natural_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a evil_a one_o shall_v be_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficult_a to_o extirpate_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v the_o scripture_n on_o my_o side_n in_o this_o opinion_n do_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n demand_n can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o jer._n 13.23_o st._n john_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v affirm_v whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o ep._n 3.9_o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o v._o 6._o these_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n with_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o to_o personal_n and_o peremptory_a predestination_n to_o life_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v at_o lest_o a_o controvert_v point_n and_o therefore_o unfit_a to_o be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o assurance_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v grant_v i_o see_v not_o which_o way_n it_o can_v effect_v our_o present_a enquiry_n since_o the_o wise_a among_o those_o who_o stickle_v for_o it_o advise_v all_o to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o general_a promise_n and_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a solid_a proof_n of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o they_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o any_o sin_n not_o to_o presume_v upon_o personal_a election_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n till_o 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doctrine_n of_o assurance_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n comfort_n and_o pleasure_n the_o source_n of_o his_o strength_n and_o joy_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o other_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n which_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o promise_v to_o insist_v on_o which_o be_v its_o subserviency_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n that_o happiness_n increase_v in_o proportion_n with_o perfection_n can_v be_v deny_v unless_o we_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n deny_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n to_o exceed_v that_o of_o a_o infant_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o angel_n that_o of_o man._n now_o this_o truth_n be_v of_o a_o very_a great_a importance_n and_o serve_v single_o instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o motive_n to_o perfection_n i_o will_v consider_v it_o impartial_o and_o as_o close_o as_o i_o can_v happiness_n and_o pleasure_n be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v only_o two_o 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sin_n through_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o bless_a advantage_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v above_o natural_a that_o it_o contain_v a_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o upon_o these_o term_n natural_a religion_n indeed_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o be_v just_o too_o and_o it_o can_v never_o assure_v we_o what_o bound_n god_n will_v set_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o when_o justice_n and_o when_o mercy_n shall_v take_v place_n what_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o uncertainty_n consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o best_a life_n be_v ever_o natural_o apt_a to_o beget_v despondency_n melancholy_a and_o sometime_o a_o superstitious_a dread_n of_o god_n the_o second_o ground_n of_o assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a state_n be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o particular_a case_n thus_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o believe_v and_o repent_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o examination_n of_o himself_o may_v be_v thorough_o assure_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o repent_v be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o only_o exhort_v we_o to_o enter_v upon_o this_o examination_n but_o also_o assert_v that_o assurance_n joy_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o it_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o it_o be_v true_a man_n do_v often_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o their_o state_n then_o they_o ought_v but_o whence_o proceed_v this_o even_o from_o too_o partial_a or_o superficial_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o correct_v this_o error_n be_v a_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a search_n into_o ourselves_o for_o if_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v something_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o he_o deceive_v himself_o but_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o gal._n 6.3_o 4._o but_o it_o be_v object_v against_o all_o this_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deceitful_a that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o make_v a_o thorough_a discovery_n of_o it_o we_o often_o think_v ourselves_o sincere_a when_o the_o success_n of_o the_o next_o temptation_n give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o call_v this_o sincerity_n into_o question_n such_o be_v the_o contradiction_n composition_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o often_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o inward_a conviction_n and_o frequent_o fail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o design_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v think_v very_o well_o ground_v and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o god_n 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of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v at_o least_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n three_o the_o sure_a test_n of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v our_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o tree_n by_o its_o fruit_n be_v our_o master_n own_o rule_n and_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v we_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o then_o we_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n if_o we_o be_v modest_a and_o grateful_a in_o the_o success_n patient_n and_o resigned_n calm_a and_o serene_a under_o the_o cross_n and_o trouble_v of_o life_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o punctual_a but_o honourable_a in_o our_o deal_n if_o we_o be_v vigorous_a and_o generous_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o true_a but_o meek_a gentle_a and_o oblige_v in_o our_o word_n if_o we_o retrench_v not_o only_o the_o sinful_a but_o something_o from_o the_o innocent_a liberty_n and_o gratification_n of_o sense_n to_o give_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o faith_n if_o final_o we_o never_o be_v ashamed_a of_o virtue_n nor_o flatter_v compliment_n nor_o wink_v at_o vice_n if_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v with_o death_n with_o comfort_n and_o retain_v life_n with_o some_o degree_n of_o indifference_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v in_o we_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o state_n for_o good_a work_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v abound_v in_o the_o one_o without_o be_v possess_v
all_o our_o sinful_a or_o vain_a desire_n devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n and_o learn_v to_o expect_v happiness_n from_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o merit_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o cross_n so_o profound_a be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o institution_n that_o it_o evident_o speak_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o proclaim_v the_o too_o common_a neglect_n of_o it_o in_o most_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n a_o in-excusable_a sin_n and_o folly_n 3._o a_o three_o end_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o raise_n and_o keep_v up_o holy_a and_o devout_a affection_n i_o know_v not_o why_o passion_n be_v so_o common_o undervalue_v and_o disparage_v in_o religion_n unless_o they_o who_o thus_o treat_v it_o mean_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o a_o short-lived_a and_o superficial_a commotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o leave_v no_o print_n or_o relish_v behind_o it_o and_o be_v present_o succeed_v by_o sin_n and_o folly_n holy_a passion_n be_v the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o state_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v thorough_o move_v and_o affect_v and_o therefore_o to_o form_n to_o one_o self_a religion_n destitute_a of_o passion_n be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o content_v one_o self_n with_o one_o that_o be_v lazy_a lukewarm_a and_o lifeless_a and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o temper_n very_o unapt_a to_o be_v move_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v how_o even_o these_o can_v be_v wrought_v up_o to_o a_o resolution_n or_o that_o resolution_n be_v support_v and_o continue_v without_o their_o be_v affect_v so_o thorough_o as_o to_o feel_v either_o a_o real_a passion_n or_o something_o very_o near_o approach_v one_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v easy_o elevate_v and_o transport_v into_o holy_a passion_n and_o i_o find_v that_o all_o those_o virtue_n or_o rather_o act_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v describe_v to_o the_o life_n and_o which_o be_v by_o all_o judge_v most_o perfect_a and_o lovely_a have_v most_o of_o passion_n in_o they_o how_o warm_a and_o passionate_a be_v the_o love_n of_o david_n for_o his_o god_n what_o flame_n what_o vehemence_n of_o desire_n be_v he_o move_v by_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 42.1_o 2._o as_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n what_o awful_a concussion_n and_o agitation_n of_o spirit_n do_v he_o feel_v when_o he_o thus_o describe_v his_o fear_n my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n psal_n 119.120_o what_o affliction_n of_o soul_n what_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o repentance_n of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o weep_v bitter_o of_o mary_n magdalen_n or_o whoever_o that_o woman_n in_o luk._n 7._o be_v when_o she_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n when_o he_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n psal_n 6.6_o nor_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o assurance_n less_o sensible_a and_o vehement_a than_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n when_o the_o first_o christian_n rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o hope_n full_a of_o glory_n shall_v i_o here_o add_v that_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n that_o vehement_a desire_n of_o make_v some_o reparation_n for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n that_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a character_n of_o perfection_n itself_o shall_v i_o call_v these_o passion_n i_o must_v not_o for_o though_o they_o have_v the_o heat_n and_o agitation_n of_o passion_n they_o have_v in_o they_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadiness_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o those_o other_o excellent_a affection_n of_o soul_n which_o i_o before_o name_v can_v be_v render_v natural_a and_o habitual_a the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o this_o undoubted_o the_o perfect_a i_o doubt_v mortality_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o such_o height_n but_o the_o more_o frequent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o more_o vehement_a and_o fervent_a the_o better_a certain_o for_o great_a be_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o holy_a passion_n the_o flame_n of_o love_n refine_v our_o nature_n and_o purify_v it_o from_o all_o its_o dross_n the_o tear_n of_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n extinguish_v all_o our_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o agitation_n of_o fear_n preserve_v the_o chastity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o our_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v animate_v by_o holy_a passion_n that_o the_o more_o frequent_a and_o natural_a these_o grow_v the_o more_o perfect_a we_o be_v that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v sensible_o and_o thorough_o affect_v by_o divine_a truth_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v attain_v to_o this_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o great_a and_o important_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a truth_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o affect_v we_o and_o that_o thorough_o unless_o lust_n or_o infidelity_n have_v render_v we_o stupid_a and_o impenetrable_a and_o that_o gospel_n truth_n be_v such_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o let_v the_o conviction_n be_v full_a the_o representation_n lively_a and_o the_o truth_n will_v do_v its_o work_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o such_o circumstance_n and_o such_o sensible_a notion_n of_o a_o object_n as_o may_v strike_v the_o imagination_n for_o want_v of_o close_a and_o particular_a application_n when_o divine_a truth_n do_v not_o move_v we_o this_o now_o do_v not_o only_o call_v we_o to_o the_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o the_o most_o affect_v subject_n the_o majesty_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n but_o it_o show_v also_o how_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o meditation_n that_o they_o prove_v not_o cold_a and_o sluggish_a let_v the_o object_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o sensible_a image_n or_o resemblance_n let_v it_o be_v clad_v with_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n let_v it_o be_v make_v as_o particular_a as_o it_o can_v by_o fix_v its_o eye_n upon_o we_o and_o point_v its_o motion_n towards_o we_o but_o above_o all_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o strong_a prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n very_o apt_a to_o move_v the_o passion_n the_o mind_n have_v disengage_v itself_o from_o all_o earthly_a and_o bodily_a affection_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o impression_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o draw_v near_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o shed_v a_o awful_a reverence_n upon_o it_o it_o have_v a_o clear_a calm_a and_o more_o serious_a view_n of_o divine_a thing_n then_o when_o it_o be_v obscure_v and_o disturb_v by_o worldly_a object_n in_o a_o word_n meditation_n be_v in_o this_o exercise_n render_v more_o solemn_a and_o more_o particular_a and_o when_o the_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o dilate_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o till_o the_o strength_n of_o desire_n the_o vehemence_n of_o holy_a love_n transcend_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o mortal_a nature_n we_o faint_v under_o the_o passion_n that_o we_o can_v bear_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o holy_a rite_n wonderful_o adapt_v to_o raise_v excellent_a passion_n here_o christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o crucify_a among_o we_o we_o see_v his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n pour_v forth_o here_o with_o a_o devout_a joy_n we_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o those_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o ill_o prepare_v it_o must_v have_v very_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n grace_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o a_o crow_v of_o holy_a passion_n spring_v up_o in_o it_o at_o this_o sacrament_n hymn_n and_o psalm_n have_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o natural_a magic_n a_o peculiar_a force_n and_o operation_n upon_o a_o pious_a mind_n divine_a poetry_n have_v a_o noble_a elevation_n of_o thought_n it_o do_v not_o devise_v and_o counterfeit_v passion_n but_o only_o vent_v those_o which_o it_o feel_v and_o these_o be_v pure_a and_o lovely_a kindle_v from_o above_o therefore_o be_v all_o its_o character_n natural_a its_o description_n lively_a its_o language_n move_v and_o powerful_a and_o all_o be_v
have_v nothing_o of_o internal_a purity_n or_o solid_a righteousness_n in_o it_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o jew_z and_o gentile_n be_v alike_o wicked_a only_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o aggravation_n in_o it_o above_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o lie_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a world_n our_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n advance_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n that_o doctrine_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o dispel_v these_o error_n and_o rescue_v mankind_n from_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o assertion_n of_o one_o only_a true_a god_n with_o a_o bright_a and_o full_a revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n second_o a_o account_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o the_o worship_n he_o delight_v in_o which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a one_o together_o with_o suitable_a mean_n and_o motive_n in_o which_o last_o be_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o man_n supreme_a happiness_n three_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n through_o who_o we_o have_v access_n with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n through_o who_o we_o have_v obtain_v from_o the_o father_n grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o adoption_n and_o through_o who_o last_o all_o our_o oblation_n and_o performance_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o design_n of_o this_o glorious_a manifestation_n be_v to_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o live_a god_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n these_o than_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v the_o gentile_a and_o jewish_a world_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o must_v illuminate_v we_o at_o this_o day_n these_o dispel_v all_o destructive_a error_n that_o lead_v we_o to_o vice_n or_o misery_n these_o point_n out_o our_o supreme_a felicity_n and_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o these_o open_a and_o enlarge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n enable_v it_o to_o distinguish_v and_o judge_v with_o a_o unerring_a exactness_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o substantial_a and_o superficial_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a good_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o soul_n whatever_o light_n we_o pretend_v to_o at_o this_o day_n we_o be_v well_o ground_v and_o establish_v in_o these_o truth_n i_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o our_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n and_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o notwithstanding_o our_o pretend_v to_o believe_v a_o life_n to_o come_v i_o say_v i_o be_o afraid_a that_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n we_o do_v general_o err_v in_o two_o main_a point_n namely_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n we_o be_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n for_o who_o that_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o ease_n the_o softness_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o frothiness_n and_o the_o freedom_n the_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o conversation_n will_v not_o conclude_v that_o either_o we_o have_v renounce_v our_o religion_n or_o form_n to_o ourselves_o too_o complaisant_a and_o indulgent_a a_o notion_n of_o it_o for_o be_v this_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n be_v this_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o world_n can_v this_o be_v the_o deportment_n of_o man_n to_o who_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n be_v crucify_a can_v such_o a_o life_n as_o this_o be_v flow_v from_o those_o divine_a fountain_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_v who_o again_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o passion_n we_o discover_v for_o superiority_n and_o precedence_n our_o thirst_n of_o power_n our_o ravenous_a desire_n of_o wealth_n and_o not_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v mistake_v our_o main_a end_n that_o we_o set_v a_o wrong_a value_n upon_o thing_n and_o that_o whatever_o we_o talk_v of_o a_o eternity_n we_o look_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o most_o valuable_a good_a for_o can_v such_o a_o tender_a concern_v for_o such_o a_o eager_a pursuit_n after_o temporal_a thing_n flow_v from_o nay_o consist_v with_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o heaven_n whoever_o then_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a must_v careful_o avoid_v both_o these_o error_n he_o must_v never_o think_v that_o religion_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o affection_n or_o that_o the_o bend_v and_o vigour_n of_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v point_v towards_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o air_n of_o our_o deportment_n and_o conversation_n be_v earthy_a sensual_a and_o vain_a conform_v even_o to_o a_o pagan_a pride_n and_o show_v of_o life_n next_o he_o must_v never_o cherish_v in_o himself_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n he_o must_v never_o look_v upon_o himself_o other_o than_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o it_o he_o must_v never_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o he_o must_v never_o form_v vain_a design_n and_o project_n about_o it_o nor_o look_v upon_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o only_o as_o instrument_n of_o virtue_n or_o short_a repast_n and_o refreshment_n in_o our_o journey_n and_o because_o all_o our_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n of_o temporal_a thing_n do_v general_o arise_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o peculiar_a sin_n to_o which_o our_o constitution_n betray_v we_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o all_o our_o natural_a propension_n and_o infirmity_n be_v no_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o illumination_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o address_v ourselves_o hearty_o to_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o disease_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o or_o to_o the_o rectify_v any_o inclination_n till_o we_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v irregular_a and_o dangerous_a 2._o the_o second_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o feed_v and_o nourish_v corroborate_v and_o improve_v the_o mind_n of_o man._n now_o the_o property_n of_o bodily_a strength_n be_v such_o as_o these_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o baffle_v and_o repel_v injury_n to_o bear_v toil_n and_o travel_n to_o perform_v difficult_a work_n with_o speed_n and_o ease_n and_o final_o it_o prolong_v life_n to_o a_o much_o further_a date_n than_o weak_a and_o crazy_a constitution_n can_v arrive_v at_o and_o of_o all_o these_o we_o find_v some_o resemblance_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n but_o as_o much_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a as_o the_o spirit_n be_v above_o the_o body_n those_o truth_n than_o be_v indeed_o illuminate_v which_o enable_v we_o to_o vanquish_v temptation_n to_o endure_v with_o constancy_n and_o patience_n the_o toil_v and_o hardship_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n with_o zeal_n and_o vigour_n and_o which_o last_o render_v we_o firm_a steady_a and_o immortal_a and_o these_o be_v the_o glorious_a effect_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n hence_o be_v the_o gospel_n call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v of_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n ephesian_n 6.11_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o safety_n and_o success_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v that_o man_n be_v say_v to_o live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o righteousness_n be_v call_v everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o to_o teach_v we_o plain_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o steady_a and_o unalterable_a nothing_o durable_a nothing_o eternal_a but_o god_n divine_a truth_n and_o those_o that_o be_v form_v and_o model_v by_o they_o there_o be_v truth_n indeed_o which_o be_v mere_o barren_a and_o vnactive_a which_o amuse_n and_o suspend_v the_o
who_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o doctrine_n of_o one_o god_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v receive_v much_o light_n and_o strength_n from_o natural_a reason_n and_o whatever_o establish_v a_o reveal_v truth_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v that_o it_o will_v increase_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o all_o the_o caution_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v here_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n be_v plain_a and_o firm_a on_o which_o we_o build_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o illuminate_a truth_n philosophy_n in_o many_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o convictive_a st._n paul_n himself_o among_o the_o gentile_n frequent_o appeal_v to_o reason_n but_o too_o often_o we_o call_v our_o fancy_n philosophy_n and_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o wild_a and_o undigested_a theory_n of_o a_o warm_a and_o confident_a imagination_n for_o new_a discovery_n what_o strange_a stuff_n be_v gnostick_n philosophy_n once_o what_o do_v it_o produce_v but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o mystick_n enthusiastic_a philosophy_n or_o divinity_n in_o any_o age_n any_o man_n may_v guess_v without_o any_o deep_a penetration_n nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o that_o all_o judicious_a and_o experience_a man_n do_v as_o much_o despise_v and_o nauseate_a the_o blendure_v and_o mixture_n of_o pretend_a philosophy_n with_o our_o faith_n and_o moral_n as_o the_o world_n general_o do_v the_o subtlety_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o school_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v my_o religion_n lean_a upon_o the_o rot_a prop_n of_o precarious_a notion_n i_o admire_v i_o love_v the_o elevation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o soul_n but_o i_o can_v have_v no_o value_n for_o unaccountable_a amusement_n or_o ramble_n of_o fancy_n a_o itch_n of_o novelty_n or_o curiosity_n have_v a_o tincture_n in_o it_o of_o our_o original_a corruption_n i_o ever_o suspect_v a_o opinion_n that_o carry_v a_o air_n of_o novelty_n in_o it_o and_o do_v always_o prefer_v a_o vulgar_a truth_n before_o refine_a error_n they_o be_v vulgar_a truth_n which_o like_o vulgar_a blessing_n be_v of_o most_o use_n and_o true_a worth_n and_o sure_o our_o saviour_n think_v so_o when_o he_o thank_v his_o father_n that_o he_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n and_o when_o he_o himself_o teach_v the_o people_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n he_o do_v advance_v no_o subtle_a theory_n but_o bright_a and_o dazzle_v useful_a and_o convictive_a truth_n this_o mind_n i_o of_o another_o property_n of_o illuminate_a knowledge_n 2._o this_o knowledge_n must_v not_o be_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a but_o distinct_a and_o clear_n where_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n be_v slight_a faint_a and_o vanish_v they_o move_v man_n but_o very_o weak_o and_o affect_v they_o but_o very_o cold_o especial_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o this_o i_o persuade_v myself_o be_v one_o chief_a reason_n why_o those_o glorious_a and_o wonderful_a object_n god_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v heaven_n and_o hell_n do_v strike_v we_o so_o feeble_o and_o operate_v so_o little_a we_o have_v general_o no_o lively_a distinct_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o they_o it_o be_v otherwise_o impossible_a that_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n dreadful_a and_o amaze_a shall_v excite_v in_o we_o no_o fear_n or_o that_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n infinite_o amiable_a shall_v enkindle_v in_o we_o no_o passion_n no_o desire_n the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a thing_n be_v dim_a dusky_a and_o imperfect_a our_o thought_n pass_v over_o they_o so_o slight_o that_o they_o scarce_o retain_v any_o print_n or_o trace_n of_o they_o now_o this_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n will_v never_o do_v the_o work_n these_o drowsy_a notice_n of_o thing_n will_v never_o ferment_n and_o raise_v our_o passion_n for_o heaven_n high_a enough_o to_o confront_v and_o combat_v those_o we_o have_v for_o the_o world_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v give_v a_o fair_a account_n what_o the_o use_n be_v of_o prophetic_a retirement_n and_o prophetic_a eloquence_n what_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o all_o those_o scheme_n and_o trope_n which_o occur_v in_o inspire_v write_n and_o why_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v ever_o so_o much_o affect_v solitude_n and_o retreat_n from_o the_o noise_n and_o the_o hurry_n of_o the_o world_n serious_n frequent_a and_o devout_a contemplation_n be_v necessary_a to_o form_n in_o our_o mind_n clear_a distinct_a and_o sprightly_a notion_n and_o to_o communicate_v these_o well_o to_o the_o world_n they_o must_v be_v express_v in_o move_a language_n in_o live_a trope_n and_o figure_n ah_o do_v we_o but_o consider_v this_o we_o shall_v sure_o allot_v more_o time_n to_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v that_o to_o discover_v they_o thorough_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o let_v our_o thought_n glance_v upon_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v survey_v and_o ponder_v they_o with_o all_o the_o exactness_n and_o diligence_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v last_v and_o distinct_a impression_n upon_o we_o can_v we_o know_v by_o intuition_n doubtless_o wonderful_a object_n will_v raise_v very_o extraordinary_a passion_n in_o we_o but_o this_o we_o can_v let_v we_o come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o we_o can_v only_o let_v we_o avoid_v form_v absurd_a and_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n whilst_o we_o endeavour_v after_o distinct_a and_o clear_a one_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v not_o answer_v corporeal_a like_a face_n to_o face_n in_o a_o glass_n and_o therefore_o though_o to_o give_v some_o light_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o we_o we_o may_v find_v out_o all_o the_o resemblance_n of_o they_o we_o can_v in_o those_o thing_n we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o here_o below_o yet_o we_o must_v still_o remember_v that_o the_o one_o do_v vast_o exceed_v the_o other_o and_o that_o we_o can_v thus_o get_v a_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o they_o 3._o this_o knowledge_n must_v not_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n crude_a and_o undigested_a but_o it_o must_v be_v thorough_o concoct_v and_o turn_v into_o nourishment_n blood_n and_o spirit_n we_o must_v know_v the_o true_a value_n and_o use_v of_o every_o principle_n of_o every_o truth_n and_o be_v able_a ready_o to_o apply_v they_o for_o what_o do_v it_o signify_v how_o important_a truth_n be_v in_o themselves_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o i_o what_o do_v it_o avail_v that_o they_o be_v impregnate_v with_o life_n and_o power_n if_o i_o feel_v not_o any_o such_o influence_n of_o what_o use_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o gospel_n promise_v to_o i_o if_o i_o reap_v no_o comfort_n from_o they_o or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o gospel_n threat_v if_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o curb_v and_o restrain_v my_o passion_n and_o so_o be_v it_o with_o other_o truth_n what_o will_v it_o avail_v i_o that_o i_o know_v the_o life_n of_o man_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v if_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v content_v myself_o with_o a_o competency_n that_o righteousness_n be_v the_o chief_a good_a and_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o notwithstanding_o i_o seek_v this_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o with_o a_o more_o early_o and_o passionate_a concern_v that_o sin_n and_o pain_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a if_o not_o only_o evil_n of_o man_n if_o notwithstanding_o i_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o break_v under_o every_o adversity_n and_o thus_o i_o may_v go_v on_o and_o show_v you_o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v not_o digest_v into_o nourishment_n be_v if_o not_o a_o burden_n of_o no_o benefit_n to_o we_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o be_v to_o i_o nothing_o worth_a which_o i_o make_v no_o use_n of_o we_o must_v then_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o solomon_n and_o never_o quit_v the_o search_n and_o meditation_n of_o truth_n till_o we_o grow_v intimate_v and_o familiar_a with_o it_o and_o so_o have_v it_o always_o ready_a for_o a_o guide_n and_o guard_n for_o our_o support_n and_o strength_n and_o for_o our_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n we_o must_v bind_v it_o about_o our_o heart_n as_o he_o speak_v and_o tie_v it_o as_o a_o ornament_n about_o our_o neck_n then_o when_o we_o go_v forth_o it_o shall_v lead_v we_o when_o we_o sleep_v it_o shall_v keep_v we_o and_o when_o we_o awake_v it_o shall_v talk_v with_o we_o for_o the_o commandment_n be_v a_o lamp_n and_o the_o law_n be_v light_a and_o reproof_n of_o instruction_n be_v the_o way_n of_o life_n prov._n 6._o in_o a_o word_n nothing_o can_v render_v the_o most_o important_a truth_n powerful_a and_o operative_a in_o we_o
which_o flow_v from_o different_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o depend_v not_o on_o ourselves_o this_o be_v premise_v in_o order_n to_o prevent_v my_o be_v mistake_v i_o proceed_v and_o determine_v 1._o that_o illumination_n depend_v not_o upon_o a_o man_n outward_a fortune_n there_o be_v indeed_o several_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o without_o much_o leisure_n and_o much_o expense_n and_o in_o order_n to_o support_v the_o one_o and_o enjoy_v the_o other_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v master_n of_o a_o good_a fortune_n hence_o be_v that_o observation_n of_o the_o author_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 38.24_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n come_v by_o opportunity_n of_o leisure_n and_o he_o that_o have_v little_a business_n shall_v become_v wise_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o exclude_v the_o husbandman_n the_o statuary_n the_o engraver_n the_o smith_n the_o potter_n and_o all_o consequent_o who_o time_n and_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o in_o make_v the_o necessary_a provision_n for_o life_n these_o i_o say_v he_o exclude_v from_o all_o pretension_n to_o wisdom_n how_o can_v he_o get_v wisdom_n that_o hold_v the_o plough_n and_o that_o glori_v in_o the_o goad_n who_o talk_n be_v of_o bullock_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n that_o i_o be_o inquire_v after_o and_o which_o constitute_v illumination_n that_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o law_n of_o our_o earthly_a but_o heavenly_a country_n not_o in_o art_n and_o science_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o body_n and_o minister_n to_o a_o temporal_a life_n but_o in_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o minister_v to_o a_o eternal_a one_o no_o not_o in_o notional_a improvement_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o in_o spiritual_a and_o vital_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o husbandman_n and_o the_o artist_n the_o mechanic_n and_o the_o trader_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o this_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n as_o the_o man_n of_o office_n money_n or_o quality_n there_o need_v no_o wealth_n to_o render_v one_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n there_o be_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o book_n of_o revelation_n both_o the_o book_n of_o god_n both_o write_v throughout_o with_o glorious_a illuminate_a truth_n these_o lie_v wide_o open_a to_o every_o honest_a christian_a the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v full_o reveal_v and_o unanswerable_o prove_v and_o though_o every_o honest_a man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v all_o the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v yet_o may_v he_o discover_v enough_o and_o what_o be_v more_o he_o may_v have_v a_o inward_a vital_a sensible_a proof_n of_o they_o he_o may_v feel_v the_o power_n the_o charm_n of_o holiness_n experiment_n its_o congruity_n and_o loveliness_n to_o the_o human_a soul_n and_o observe_v a_o thousand_o demonstration_n of_o its_o serviceableness_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n he_o may_v have_v a_o a_o full_a convictive_a sense_n of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o excellent_a tendency_n of_o it_o may_v be_v so_o palpable_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o he_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o voice_n within_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n which_o will_v ever_o abide_v with_o he_o and_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n all_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o joh._n 7.17_o 2._o extraordinary_a natural_a part_n such_o as_o sagacity_n or_o acuteness_n of_o judgement_n strength_n of_o memory_n the_o liveliness_n of_o imagination_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o illumination_n the_o gospel_n as_o i_o remember_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o these_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o require_v rather_o purity_n of_o heart_n than_o quickness_n of_o apprehension_n to_o render_v we_o enamour_v of_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o all_o gospel_n motive_n and_o of_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n too_o of_o divine_a truth_n to_o convince_v and_o affect_v we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n but_o probity_n and_o sincerity_n however_o i_o have_v two_o or_o three_o reflection_n to_o make_v here_o which_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a for_o though_o acuteness_n and_o retention_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v quickness_n in_o discern_v and_o firmness_n in_o preserve_a truth_n be_v common_o account_v natural_a part_n and_o general_o be_v so_o yet_o i_o think_v where_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v most_o defective_a they_o may_v be_v much_o help_v and_o wonderful_o improve_v to_o which_o end_n i_o remark_n first_o that_o those_o defect_n of_o understanding_n or_o memory_n which_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o accuse_v themselves_o of_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v with_o more_o justice_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o concern_v and_o affection_n for_o such_o thing_n than_o to_o any_o incapacity_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o easy_o understand_v and_o easy_o remember_v what_o we_o desire_v and_o love_n and_o wherever_o we_o follow_v the_o impulse_n or_o conduct_v of_o strong_a inclination_n we_o seldom_o fail_v of_o excel_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v care_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o our_o judgement_n and_o memory_n will_v no_o more_o fail_v we_o here_o then_o in_o those_o worldly_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o be_v most_o intent_n upon_o second_o as_o to_o memory_n it_o depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o perspicuity_n regularity_n and_o order_n of_o our_o notion_n many_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o memory_n when_o the_o defect_n be_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o other_o while_o they_o grasp_v at_o all_o retain_v nothing_o in_o order_n then_o to_o relieve_v this_o infirmity_n of_o memory_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o confine_v our_o search_n and_o meditation_n to_o a_o few_o object_n and_o to_o have_v these_o clear_o and_o methodical_o handle_v a_o catechetical_a way_n of_o expound_v and_o assert_v the_o rudiment_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v of_o great_a service_n to_o person_n of_o all_o capacity_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o of_o mean_a for_o thus_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o useful_a thing_n and_o of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o obligation_n either_o to_o belief_n or_o practice_n be_v bottom_v but_o also_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o general_a principle_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o they_o may_v steer_v their_o judgement_n in_o all_o case_n and_o with_o certain_a head_n of_o faith_n and_o moral_n to_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o reduce_v most_o of_o what_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v three_o it_o be_v with_o the_o understanding_n as_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n one_o see_v further_o off_o and_o in_o a_o faint_a light_n but_o another_o see_v as_o well_o with_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o use_n of_o life_n who_o yet_o require_v that_o the_o object_n shall_v be_v near_o and_o the_o light_n better_o man_n of_o slow_a capacity_n must_v not_o be_v dare_v or_o precipitate_v in_o pass_v their_o sentence_n and_o form_v their_o notion_n they_o must_v examine_v whether_o the_o matter_n they_o inquire_v after_o be_v not_o too_o remote_a and_o obscure_a whether_o the_o object_n may_v be_v bring_v near_o and_o place_v in_o a_o better_a light_n or_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o telescope_n or_o microscope_n fit_a for_o they_o if_o not_o they_o must_v quit_v the_o search_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o improper_a and_o unnecessary_a for_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o will_v at_o least_o avoid_v be_v deceive_v or_o perplex_v which_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o be_v enrich_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o universal_a knowledge_n be_v a_o great_a thing_n but_o i_o doubt_v too_o great_a for_o man._n next_o to_o this_o be_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o error_n and_o perplexity_n in_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v no_o great_a excess_n of_o modesty_n or_o humility_n for_o man_n to_o be_v content_a with_o this_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n of_o acquire_v learning_n in_o order_n to_o true_a illumination_n our_o saviour_n
scripture_n itself_o frequent_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o not_o without_o reason_n because_o the_o devil_n sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n error_n and_o these_o too_o fatal_a and_o destructive_a one_o be_v frequent_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o every_o party_n nay_o every_o single_a author_n lay_v the_o stress_n of_o salvation_n on_o their_o peculiar_a and_o distinguish_a opinion_n belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n or_o word_n on_o this_o occasion_n when_o the_o peace_n and_o purity_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o rectitude_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n have_v so_o close_a and_o necessary_a a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n we_o imbibe_n that_o we_o hereby_o either_o secure_v or_o forfeit_v they_o who_o see_v not_o unless_o he_o be_v stupid_a and_o infatuate_v that_o great_a care_n and_o solicitude_n be_v necessary_a here_o than_o in_o any_o matter_n whatever_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o equal_a moment_n bad_a money_n or_o bad_a ware_n instead_o of_o good_a a_o ill_a title_n or_o conveyance_n instead_o of_o a_o firm_a and_o clear_a one_o may_v impoverish_v we_o bad_a drug_n instead_o of_o good_a may_v infect_v the_o body_n and_o destroy_v the_o health_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o impoverish_v and_o infect_v the_o mind_n prevent_v the_o life_n and_o damn_v the_o man_n to_o all_o eternity_n the_o example_n of_o the_o berean_o be_v never_o forget_v and_o indeed_o never_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o this_o occasion_n we_o must_v admit_v nothing_o hasty_o assent_n to_o nothing_o without_o examine_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v credulity_n precipitation_n and_o confidence_n be_v irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o use_v great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o enlarge_v and_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v almost_o infinite_a and_o it_o fare_v with_o those_o that_o study_v they_o as_o with_o a_o traveller_n when_o he_o ascend_v a_o rise_a ground_n every_o new_a step_n almost_o enlarge_v his_o horizon_n and_o present_v new_a country_n new_a pleasure_n to_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v our_o own_o negligence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o daily_o extend_v the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n if_o our_o view_n of_o thing_n grow_v not_o more_o distinct_a and_o clear_a and_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o more_o firm_a and_o steady_a this_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o this_o be_v to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n open_v eph._n 1.17_o this_o be_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n col._n 1.9_o this_o be_v final_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o col._n 3.16_o and_o of_o what_o importance_n this_o be_v be_v manifest_a from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v namely_o that_o illumination_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o credulous_a and_o ill-grounded_a in_o a_o slight_a and_o superficial_a or_o a_o confuse_a and_o obscure_a or_o imperfect_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o in_o a_o clear_a distinct_a firm_a and_o well_o establish_v one_o and_o the_o acquire_v such_o a_o one_o demand_n a_o very_a diligent_a and_o a_o indefatigable_a study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o numerous_a great_a and_o beautiful_a idea_n and_o these_o clear_a and_o distinct_a to_o have_v they_o engrave_v in_o the_o memory_n in_o deep_a and_o last_a character_n to_o have_v they_o lodge_v and_o dispose_v in_o that_o order_n as_o to_o be_v able_a in_o a_o instant_a to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o to_o discern_v and_o demonstrate_v plain_o the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o one_o upon_o another_o and_o the_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o each_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o labour_n the_o fruit_n of_o a_o regular_a and_o assiduous_a search_n after_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o capacity_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v up_o to_o this_o they_o must_v come_v as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v but_o if_o such_o a_o search_n as_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o penetrate_v the_o depth_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o yet_o certain_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o extract_v their_o force_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o derive_v purity_n and_o nourishment_n from_o they_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n imply_v in_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o 3._o we_o must_v make_v frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n on_o the_o truth_n we_o do_v know_v this_o again_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n as_o it_o be_v before_o settle_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o every_o knowledge_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o suffice_v for_o illumination_n but_o a_o vital_a and_o operative_a one_o that_o be_v a_o well_o ground_v clear_a distinct_a and_o well-digested_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o constant_a daily_a and_o devout_a meditation_n be_v necessary_a to_o illumination_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o transcient_a and_o perfunctory_a reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o a_o fleet_a ramble_a irregular_a and_o desultory_a meditation_n of_o they_o that_o will_v possess_v we_o with_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o imprint_v a_o truth_n in_o lively_a notion_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o digest_v it_o into_o nourishment_n and_o strength_n and_o make_v it_o mix_v itself_o with_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o all_o our_o action_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o dwell_v upon_o it_o with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o excellent_a and_o elevate_a soul_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a have_v be_v daily_o nay_o almost_o hourly_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v passionate_o devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o and_o delight_v more_o in_o it_o than_o in_o treasure_n or_o honour_n than_o in_o the_o most_o profitable_a employment_n or_o engage_v diversion_n of_o life_n it_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n on_o god_n on_o jesus_n the_o world_n and_o our_o self_n that_o can_v alone_o acquaint_v we_o thorough_o with_o each_o it_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n on_o death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o can_v make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o rule_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o illumination_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v without_o labour_n and_o travel_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o will_v never_o bestow_v but_o upon_o those_o who_o ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v divine_a bounty_n and_o human_a industry_n do_v here_o very_a well_o accord_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n general_o join_v they_o together_o and_o it_o be_v boldness_n and_o impiety_n in_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o divide_v they_o prov._n 2.4_o 5_o 6._o if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v thou_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n give_v wisdom_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n come_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n nor_o will_v any_o one_o sure_o think_v it_o much_o to_o devote_v his_o time_n and_o labour_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v more_o just_o challenge_v or_o better_o deserve_v both_o can_v pleasure_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o flow_v from_o wisdom_n that_o be_v either_o pure_a great_a or_o last_v can_v business_n what_o business_n can_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o what_o secure_v our_o salvation_n our_o eternity_n wisdom_n then_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v understanding_n prov._n 4.7_o for_o without_o this_o the_o most_o desirable_a possession_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v but_o cheat_n and_o illusion_n mischief_n and_o snare_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o 3._o that_o we_o act_v conformable_a to_o those_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o more_o spiritual_a we_o grow_v the_o fit_a we_o be_v for_o the_o residence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o his_o influence_n the_o more_o we_o subdue_v all_o inordinate_a affection_n the_o
clear_a do_v the_o understanding_n grow_v and_o the_o more_o absolute_a its_o authority_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v comply_v with_o and_o obey_v while_o it_o render_v we_o more_o like_a god_n render_v we_o more_o dear_a to_o he_o too_o and_o one_o favour_n if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n qualify_v we_o for_o another_o whoever_o shall_v observe_v the_o scripture_n will_v find_v that_o holiness_n and_o illumination_n advance_v with_o equal_a step_n and_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o maturity_n that_o as_o we_o pass_v on_o from_o the_o infancy_n to_o the_o manhood_n of_o virtue_n so_o do_v we_o from_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o wisdom_n to_o the_o height_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lust_n obscure_v and_o eclipse_n the_o light_n within_o sin_n deprave_v and_o corrupt_v our_o principle_n and_o while_o we_o renounce_v our_o virtue_n we_o quench_v or_o chase_v away_o the_o spirit_n into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n wisdom_n shall_v not_o enter_v nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o wisd_v 1.4_o 5._o 4._o we_o must_v frequent_o and_o constant_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o illumination_n of_o his_o grace_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v from_o above_o and_o if_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a thing_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n from_o what_o fountain_n but_o from_o he_o can_v we_o expect_v illumination_n the_o rapture_n of_o poet_n the_o wisdom_n of_o lawgiver_n the_o noble_a piece_n of_o philosophy_n and_o indeed_o all_o heroic_a and_o extraordinary_a performance_n be_v by_o the_o pagan_n themselves_o general_o attribute_v to_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n ascribe_v a_o transcendent_a skill_n even_o in_o art_n and_o trade_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o illumination_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o new_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v essential_a part_n of_o sanctity_n and_o therefore_o must_v proceed_v from_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n we_o must_v therefore_o constant_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o illumination_n we_o must_v earnest_o pray_v in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n will_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n eph._n 1.17_o this_o dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o expectation_n of_o his_o blessing_n on_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n put_v the_o mind_n into_o the_o best_a disposition_n and_o frame_n to_o attain_v it_o because_o it_o natural_o free_v and_o disengage_v it_o from_o those_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la and_o distraction_n which_o otherwise_o entangle_v and_o disturb_v it_o and_o render_v it_o uncapable_a of_o raise_v sedate_n and_o coherent_a thought_n but_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v repeat_v and_o express_v promise_v make_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v never_o fail_v of_o success_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v add_v if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n or_o as_o it_o be_v luk._n 11._o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o mat._n 7.7_o 11._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1.5_o nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o every_o good_a man_n have_v these_o promise_n verify_v to_o he_o there_o be_v sudden_a suggestion_n unexpected_a manifestation_n extraordinary_a elevation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v account_v for_o but_o by_o a_o divine_a principle_n nor_o do_v this_o doctrine_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n or_o irradiation_n in_o the_o least_o diminish_v the_o power_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v supersede_n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v now_o reveal_v any_o new_a truth_n of_o general_a use_n or_o importance_n since_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n will_v on_o this_o supposal_n be_v but_o a_o defective_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o first_o the_o spirit_n may_v assist_v we_o in_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n second_o the_o spirit_n may_v help_v we_o to_o form_v clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o general_a knowledge_n of_o and_o to_o fix_v and_o imprint_v they_o in_o more_o last_a as_o well_o as_o more_o legible_a character_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o it_o may_v recall_v to_o our_o remembrance_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v obliterated_a and_o forget_v or_o final_o it_o may_v produce_v in_o we_o a_o more_o earnest_a and_o steady_a application_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n three_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o spirit_n may_v not_o vouchsafe_v we_o particular_a impulse_n direction_n and_o intimation_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n and_o sudden_a emergency_n where_o holy_a writ_n afford_v we_o no_o light_n and_o human_a prudence_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o this_o detract_v or_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o than_o i_o conceive_v be_v what_o the_o spirit_n do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o illumination_n but_o how_o it_o do_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o i_o doubt_v possible_a to_o be_v determine_v nor_o ought_v our_o ignorance_n of_o this_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a illumination_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o understand_v and_o remember_v and_o exercise_v a_o freedom_n or_o liberty_n of_o will_n in_o our_o choice_n resolution_n and_o action_n but_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o do_v this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n that_o do_v hitherto_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v whole_o surpass_v and_o transcend_v our_o philosophy_n i_o will_v here_o close_v this_o chapter_n with_o a_o prayer_n of_o fulgentius_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 4._o after_o he_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o the_o fetch_v up_o himself_o a_o master_n doctor_n or_o dictator_n to_o his_o brethren_n he_o break_v out_o into_o these_o devout_a and_o pious_a word_n i_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v that_o our_o true_a master_n and_o doctor_n christ_n jesus_n either_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o by_o the_o conversation_n of_o my_o brethren_n or_o joint-disciple_n or_o else_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o delightful_a instruction_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n in_o which_o without_o the_o element_n of_o letter_n or_o the_o sound_n of_o speech_n truth_n speak_v with_o so_o much_o the_o sweet_a as_o the_o still_a and_o soft_a voice_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o teach_v i_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v so_o propose_v and_o so_o assert_v that_o in_o all_o my_o exposition_n and_o assertion_n i_o may_v be_v ever_o find_v conformable_a and_o obedient_a and_o firm_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v for_o it_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o enlighten_v confirm_v and_o aid_n i_o that_o i_o may_v always_o obey_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n by_o truth_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o those_o many_o more_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o from_o who_o i_o have_v receive_v the_o few_o i_o know_v of_o truth_n i_o beg_v through_o prevent_v and_o assist_v grace_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o what_o ever_o i_o yet_o know_v not_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v steadfast_a in_o those_o truth_n which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o rectify_v in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n i_o be_o mistake_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o those_o truth_n wherein_o i_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o those_o opinion_n that_o be_v erroneous_a or_o hurtful_a i_o beg_v last_o that_o truth_n may_v ever_o find_v both_o in_o my_o thought_n and_o speech_n all_o that_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o its_o gift_n and_o that_o it_o will_v always_o cause_v i_o to_o utter_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o itself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v easy_o furnish_v i_o with_o invincible_a argument_n nor_o will_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n ever_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v keep_v the_o field_n so_o long_o as_o it_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o weak_a and_o decay_a piety_n by_o the_o fondness_n of_o man_n for_o themselves_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o frailty_n and_o by_o many_o mistake_a text_n but_o that_o this_o matter_n may_v if_o possible_a be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n 1._o i_o here_o distinguish_v between_o inordinate_a and_o natural_a affection_n by_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o mean_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a by_o natural_a its_o propension_n to_o the_o body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v invest_v the_o desire_n of_o its_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n for_o this_o end_n now_o when_o religion_n enjoin_v repugnance_n to_o the_o former_a appetite_n the_o obedience_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v no_o reluctancy_n in_o it_o but_o when_o it_o enjoin_v thing_n as_o sometime_o occasional_o it_o do_v which_o thwart_a and_o cross_v the_o latter_a here_o the_o obedience_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o conflict_n for_o our_o natural_a appetite_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v never_o be_v put_v off_o till_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v this_o be_v so_o clear_a it_o need_v not_o be_v illustrate_v by_o instance_n or_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o though_o good_a man_n have_v practise_v temperance_n chastity_n charity_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o this_o kind_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n too_o yet_o have_v nature_n shrink_v and_o startle_v at_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n though_o even_o here_o too_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o some_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o above_o what_o human_a nature_n ever_o seem_v capable_a of_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o suppose_v that_o nature_n be_v so_o change_v but_o that_o the_o inclination_n to_o sinful_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o any_o other_o forbid_a object_n will_v soon_o revive_v again_o even_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n unless_o he_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o and_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o disorderly_a desire_n not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o irregular_a motion_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o soul_n when_o strip_v of_o a_o mortal_a body_n or_o clothe_v with_o a_o immortal_a one_o till_o then_o the_o conjunction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v ever_o render_v the_o poor_a soul_n obnoxious_a to_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n and_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o the_o body_n do_v so_o easy_o pass_v those_o bound_n that_o divide_v they_o from_o sinful_a one_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o contemplation_n devotion_n good_a work_n or_o engage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o just_a and_o honest_a design_n or_o amuse_v by_o some_o innocent_a recreation_n for_o in_o these_o case_n the_o body_n be_v either_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a it_o be_v innocent_o busy_v and_o divert_v from_o those_o object_n to_o which_o it_o have_v too_o too_o impetuous_a a_o tendency_n i_o have_v now_o i_o think_v sufficient_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a liberty_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o guard_v it_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o will_v serve_v for_o so_o many_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o its_o attainment_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n these_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o four_o head_n 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v great_a happiness_n 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n 3._o it_o give_v we_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n 4._o the_o great_a and_o last_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n these_o be_v all_o comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 6.2.1_o 22_o 23._o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v death_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n aim_v at_o and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.17_o 18._o unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o i_o will_v here_o insist_v on_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o chapter_n demand_v it_o but_o also_o to_o prevent_v the_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o tedious_a repetition_n of_o they_o hereafter_o under_o every_o distinct_a branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n §_o 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o therefore_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a we_o need_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o depravity_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o feebleness_n and_o impotence_n of_o the_o will._n the_o understanding_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v incapable_a of_o discern_v the_o certainty_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n which_o now_o flow_v from_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o incomparable_o great_a which_o will_v one_o day_n flow_v from_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o fruition_n of_o they_o his_o affection_n which_o if_o fix_v and_o bend_v on_o virtue_n have_v be_v incentives_n as_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o noble_a and_o worthy_a action_n be_v biased_a and_o pervert_v do_v now_o hurry_v he_o on_o to_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a one_o and_o by_o these_o the_o mind_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o chance_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o render_v sensible_a of_o its_o happiness_n and_o duty_n be_v overpower_a and_o oppress_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n if_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o thus_o consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n and_o impotence_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o sinner_n act_v as_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infatuate_v when_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v mere_o whole_o body_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o none_o but_o one_o result_v from_o and_o dissolve_v with_o its_o temperament_n and_o contexture_n one_o design_v to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o to_o contrive_v minister_v to_o and_o partake_v in_o its_o sensuality_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v little_a expectation_n of_o another_o world_n who_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n only_o in_o this_o and_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a all_o sinner_n be_v not_o equal_o stupid_a or_o obdurate_a but_o even_o in_o those_o in_o who_o some_o spark_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n remain_v unextinguished_a how_o be_v the_o weak_a desire_n of_o virtue_n baffle_v and_o overpower_a by_o the_o much_o strong_a passion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n do_v they_o not_o find_v themselves_o reduce_v to_o that_o wretched_a state_n of_o bondage_n wherein_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o be_v present_a with_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o disease_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o not_o only_o extinguish_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o obliterate_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v
and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o utter_o to_o extinguish_v all_o conscience_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o attempt_n in_o which_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v never_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o most_o dare_a sinner_n can_v have_v prove_v successful_a have_v not_o the_o scripture_n tell_v i_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v past_a feeling_n eph._n 4.19_o of_o a_o fear_a conscience_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a when_o they_o have_v commit_v iniquity_n neither_o can_v they_o blush_v jer._n 6.15_o who_o call_v good_a evil_a and_o evil_a good_a that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a isa_n 5.20_o such_o sinner_n there_o be_v then_o but_o what_o do_v this_o amount_v to_o what_o can_v their_o sense_n or_o example_n weigh_v i_o be_o sure_a these_o poor_a wretch_n be_v as_o far_o distant_a from_o any_o true_a happiness_n as_o from_o true_a sense_n and_o deserve_v our_o pity_n not_o imitation_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a conscience_n depend_v upon_o opinion_n but_o what_o if_o this_o opinion_n depend_v upon_o sense_n and_o truth_n what_o if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n in_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n be_v these_o man_n of_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o a_o hell_n be_v no_o common_a or_o ordinary_a fear_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o scratch_n or_o wound_v in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o ba●●e_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o preferment_n or_o a_o disappointment_n in_o that_o of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v not_o the_o loss_n or_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o estate_n in_o part_n or_o whole_a it_o be_v not_o a_o blot_n upon_o our_o reputation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o child_n a_o brother_n or_o what_o be_v more_o unless_o he_o be_v such_o a_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o fear_n but_o misery_n pure_a and_o unallay_v complicate_v accumulate_v misery_n misery_n unalterable_a incurable_a and_o last_v as_o long_o as_o eternity_n methinks_v before_o one_o shall_v venture_v on_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v threaten_v with_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o and_o much_o more_o before_o one_o shall_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o hell_n be_v false_a and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n a_o mere_a bugbear_n nay_o i_o protest_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o importance_n i_o think_v one_o shall_v scarce_o trust_v to_o a_o demonstration_n unless_o it_o have_v pass_v the_o test_n of_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o impartial_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o stand_v the_o shock_n and_o trial_n of_o many_o age_n but_o alas_o after_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o wit_n and_o lust_n what_o have_v ever_o yet_o be_v produce_v that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o undergo_v the_o examination_n even_o of_o a_o honest_a man_n what_o argument_n have_v yet_o be_v start_v against_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o work_v upon_o any_o who_o be_v true_o serious_a in_o the_o point_n and_o if_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v why_o not_o a_o hell_n revelation_n be_v plain_a and_o reason_n can_v find_v no_o inconsistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n human_a law_n punish_v a_o single_a offence_n sometime_o with_o death_n or_o banishment_n with_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o by_o this_o and_o divers_a other_o way_n extend_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o criminal_a to_o his_o posterity_n that_o be_v make_v it_o as_o eternal_a as_o they_o can_v and_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o repeat_v provocation_n of_o a_o impenitent_a life_n the_o neglect_v of_o that_o great_a salvation_n wrought_v by_o the_o blood_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n and_o all_o this_o wilful_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o solicitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o defiance_n of_o mercy_n and_o chastisement_n shall_v it_o i_o say_v be_v think_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o punish_v this_o by_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n when_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v in_o vain_a try_v all_o imaginable_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v a_o sinner_n what_o have_v he_o to_o complain_v of_o if_o god_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n sin_n as_o it_o alienates_v our_o affection_n from_o god_n here_o so_o must_v it_o certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o favour_n hereafter_o and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o wretched_a creature_n who_o be_v banish_v for_o ever_o to_o those_o black_a and_o dismal_a region_n which_o no_o ray_n no_o influence_n of_o divine_a goodness_n can_v ever_o reach_v where_o shall_v those_o unhappy_a creature_n dwell_v which_o shall_v be_v chase_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n or_o which_o rather_o can_v never_o approach_v either_o but_o in_o that_o outward_a darkness_n which_o be_v part_v from_o the_o world_n of_o the_o bless_a by_o a_o unpassable_a gulf_n ah_o then_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o do_v wretched_a man_n gain_v by_o grow_v impudent_a in_o wickedness_n alas_o the_o more_o insensible_a man_n be_v of_o the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o desperate_a their_o state_n the_o more_o incurable_a their_o disease_n and_o the_o near_o they_o to_o death_n and_o destruction_n my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o bless_a advantage_n to_o stand_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o damnation_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a victory_n to_o have_v defeat_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o heroic_a achievement_n to_o be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v all_o true_a sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o become_v impregnable_a impenetrable_a to_o all_o argument_n to_o all_o motive_n which_o either_o the_o tender_a love_n or_o the_o profound_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o man_n can_v attack_v we_o by_o 2._o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o those_o very_a man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v obdurate_a and_o insensible_a do_v suffer_v some_o though_o rare_a return_n of_o anxiety_n and_o fear_n why_o else_o be_v they_o such_o avow_a enemy_n to_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n to_o all_o serious_a and_o calm_a reflection_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v up_o with_o a_o most_o trifle_a and_o contemptible_a business_n or_o diversion_n nay_o tire_v with_o a_o dull_a and_o tasteless_a repetition_n of_o a_o folly_n they_o choose_v to_o repeat_v it_o to_o their_o life_n end_v rather_o than_o be_v alone_o and_o thoughtful_a what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v something_o within_o which_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o awaken_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o brightness_n in_o divine_a truth_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v fill_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n this_o height_n of_o wickedness_n then_o at_o best_a be_v a_o state_n fit_v only_o for_o fortunate_a sinner_n who_o can_v roll_n and_o tumble_v from_o folly_n to_o folly_n from_o one_o impertinence_n or_o extravagance_n to_o another_o endless_o and_o yet_o what_o become_v of_o these_o poor_a thing_n when_o a_o disaster_n when_o a_o disease_n nay_o but_o a_o wakeful_a hour_n by_o night_n force_v they_o to_o retire_v into_o themselves_o 3._o a_o sinner_n do_v not_o soon_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n of_o insensibility_n it_o cost_v he_o very_o dear_a to_o grow_v impudent_a in_o his_o lust_n many_o a_o pang_n many_o a_o torment_n have_v he_o suffer_v first_o often_o have_v he_o feel_v the_o wound_n of_o conscience_n often_o have_v he_o tremble_v and_o shrink_v at_o the_o menace_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v no_o more_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n than_o the_o body_n to_o excess_n but_o by_o pass_v through_o many_o painful_a and_o sickly_a fit_n many_o uneasy_a pang_n and_o qualm_n and_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o endure_v so_o much_o in_o order_n to_o be_v damn_v be_v it_o not_o a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o more_o than_o vulgar_a wisdom_n to_o purchase_v misery_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o a_o crown_n a_o never-fading_a crown_n this_o with_o they_o be_v a_o undertake_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v expose_v and_o lash_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o spite_n and_o confidence_n but_o to_o suffer_v as_o it_o be_v repeat_v martyrdom_n to_o gain_v a_o hell_n this_o be_v what_o they_o think_v become_v man_n of_o their_o
slight_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o which_o we_o do_v by_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o gild_n that_o will_v sink_v down_o the_o obstinate_a sinner_n into_o the_o low_a hell_n and_o render_v his_o condition_n more_o intolerable_a that_o that_o of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 2._o the_o second_o effect_n of_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o gospel_n truth_n be_v that_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o he_o that_o beelieve_v how_o short_a be_v time_n compare_v to_o eternity_n how_o false_a how_o empty_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o heaven_n how_o insignificant_a the_o esteem_n or_o love_n of_o man_n to_o that_o of_o god_n how_o worthless_a be_v all_o our_o worldly_a hope_n and_o pretension_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n now_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v once_o possess_v thorough_o with_o these_o notion_n what_o will_v it_o not_o do_v what_o will_v it_o not_o suffer_v rather_o than_o fall_v short_a of_o or_o forfeit_v its_o crown_n in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v content_v nay_o in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o abound_v in_o joy_n whilst_o it_o hold_v fast_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o its_o hope_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n here_o begin_v that_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o true_a epicureism_n that_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o alone_o be_v true_a honour_n and_o fortitude_n but_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v these_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o lively_a faith_n therefore_o my_o 2._o second_o rule_n or_o if_o you_o please_v another_o branch_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n shall_v be_v this_o they_o that_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o must_v frequent_o and_o serious_o ponder_v they_o till_o they_o have_v imprint_v in_o themselves_o as_o clear_v distinct_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o will_v soon_o mortify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n corrrect_v our_o false_a opinion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o baffle_v all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o confidence_n of_o lust_n a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o faith_n that_o import_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o natural_a the_o most_o full_a and_o enlarge_v notion_n of_o its_o object_n a_o faith_n that_o not_o only_a look_n upon_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n as_o true_a but_o behold_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n as_o present_v and_o so_o represent_v and_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n that_o they_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o great_a and_o move_a consideration_n this_o faith_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o it_o behold_v he_o and_o walk_n before_o he_o as_o present_v it_o see_v he_o array_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o all_o his_o majesty_n in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n in_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o one_o and_o attraction_n of_o the_o other_o and_o look_v upon_o both_o as_o at_o the_o door_n it_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v a_o mediator_n but_o take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o lie_v through_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o into_o which_o we_o be_v translate_v by_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o contemplate_v this_o mediator_n in_o all_o the_o several_a step_n of_o condescension_n and_o humiliation_n in_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o transport_v of_o his_o passion_n in_o all_o the_o melancholy_a scene_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o cheerful_a one_o of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o set_v we_o free_a 3._o we_o must_v not_o stop_v in_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n we_o must_v meditate_v divine_a truth_n till_o they_o have_v fire_v our_o soul_n till_o they_o have_v enkindle_v our_o affection_n till_o we_o be_v possess_v by_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n of_o jesus_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o heaven_n till_o all_o our_o other_o desire_n and_o passion_n be_v convert_v into_o and_o swallow_v up_o of_o love_n till_o god_n become_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v in_o he_o we_o glory_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rejoice_v o_o love_n how_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o thou_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v impregnate_n and_o animate_v faith_n itself_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v surmount_v the_o difficulty_n of_o duty_n and_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v cast_v out_o fear_v and_o make_v religion_n full_a of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o do_v make_v we_o watchful_a against_o temptation_n and_o impatient_a under_o the_o interruption_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o make_v we_o dis-relish_a the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v they_o even_o in_o this_o world_n who_o attain_v it_o but_o one_o caution_n i_o must_v here_o add_v that_o our_o love_n must_v not_o be_v a_o flesh_n a_o bit_n but_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o settle_a affection_n a_o affection_n that_o have_v the_o warmth_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o habit._n we_o must_v therefore_o by_o repeat_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n daily_o nourish_v this_o flame_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v out_o 4._o we_o must_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o we_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n the_o struggle_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n the_o gild_n and_o vexation_n the_o shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n its_o ill_a influence_n on_o our_o present_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n on_o our_o peace_n and_o hope_n be_v proper_a topic_n to_o effect_v this_o a_o thorough_a hatred_n of_o sin_n once_o settle_v and_o root_v in_o we_o will_v produce_v that_o sorrow_n that_o indignation_n that_o watchfulness_n that_o zeal_n which_o will_v remove_v we_o far_o enough_o not_o only_o from_o the_o sin_n but_o also_o from_o the_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o it_o and_o place_v we_o almost_o without_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o relapse_n to_o this_o former_a rule_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o other_o that_o when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n whatever_o difficulty_n he_o find_v in_o his_o way_n whatever_o baffle_v he_o meet_v with_o he_o must_v never_o quit_v the_o desgn_n of_o virtue_n and_o life_n he_o must_v never_o give_v over_o fight_v till_o he_o conquer_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o he_o must_v either_o conquer_v or_o die_v but_o this_o belong_v rather_o to_o perseverance_n in_o virtue_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o but_o just_a mention_n it_o 5._o it_o will_v not_o be_v imprudent_a in_o this_o moral_a as_o in_o physical_a cure_n to_o observe_v diligent_o and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v seed_n of_o generosity_n and_o honour_n the_o turpitude_n and_o shame_n of_o sin_n the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o such_o like_a be_v fit_a topic_n to_o dwell_v upon_o where_o fear_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v there_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o so_o whatever_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v argument_n in_o the_o gospel_n adapt_v to_o it_o which_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o prevalent_a as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a 6._o last_o we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o increase_v and_o cherish_v his_o influence_n we_o must_v ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v i._n e._n we_o must_v pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o travel_v with_o patience_n and_o with_o importunity_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o when_o we_o have_v it_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v it_o by_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o quench_v it_o by_o security_n or_o negligence_n by_o sensual_a freedom_n and_o presumption_n but_o we_o must_v cherish_v every_o motion_n improve_v every_o
they_o can_v make_v god_n and_o will_v god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o these_o than_o he_o be_v with_o those_o of_o israel_n that_o be_v deform_v with_o maim_n and_o blemish_n mal._n 1.8_o offer_v now_o these_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o he_o please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v of_o thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o magi_n indeed_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o offer_v gold_n frankincense_n and_o myrrh_n to_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 2._o david_n will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n of_o that_o which_o cost_v he_o nothing_o 2_o sam._n 24._o 24._o the_o primitive_a christian_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n prayer_n and_o tear_n labour_n and_o travel_n nay_o their_o honour_n their_o fortune_n their_o life_n their_o blood_n but_o alas_o what_o have_v these_o man_n to_o offer_v they_o have_v not_o love_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o expense_n nor_o faith_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o hardship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o they_o think_v themselves_o rich_a and_o increse_v in_o good_n and_o to_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o yet_o be_v they_o poor_a wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.17_o and_o shall_v these_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v these_o share_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n shall_v these_o partake_v in_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o last_o day_n it_o can_v never_o be_v they_o do_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n nothing_o that_o can_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n 3._o the_o life_n of_o the_o laodicean_n christian_n will_v never_o do_v any_o do_v any_o credit_n to_o religion_n or_o reflect_v any_o honour_n on_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o conversation_n of_o such_o a_o one_o ah_o have_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v such_o as_o he_o i_o know_v not_o what_o miracle_n may_v have_v do_v i_o be_o sure_a example_n will_v never_o have_v make_v many_o proselyte_n but_o the_o christian_n then_o act_v those_o virtue_n which_o the_o pagan_a only_o pretend_v to_o and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n achieve_v those_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o debauch_v and_o stupid_a be_v they_o grow_v do_v in_o the_o declension_n of_o that_o state_n neither_o understand_v nor_o pretend_v to_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o world_n admire_v and_o love_n christianity_n after_o thus_o much_o say_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o carriage_n i_o need_v scarce_o put_v any_o one_o in_o mind_n what_o will_v be_v the_o last_o and_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o if_o our_o christianity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o neither_o true_o set_v we_o free_a from_o our_o bondage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n nor_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n if_o it_o neither_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o good_a of_o man_n it_o must_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o have_v no_o true_a title_n to_o god_n favour_n nor_o any_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o to_o build_v a_o assurance_n of_o it_o we_o can_v reap_v no_o true_a comfort_n or_o pleasure_n from_o religion_n here_o nor_o any_o reward_n from_o it_o hereafter_o alas_o what_o talk_v i_o of_o comfort_n and_o reward_n distress_n and_o anguish_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n and_o fearfulness_n must_v suprize_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o from_o the_o trouble_n and_o misery_n of_o thu_fw-mi life_n they_o must_v go_v down_o into_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o another_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a god_n will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n as_o he_o do_v the_o laodicean_n he_o will_v shut_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n against_o they_o as_o against_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o have_v no_o oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n and_o their_o hell_n will_v have_v one_o torment_n in_o it_o which_o be_v incident_a to_o no_o other_o that_o they_o have_v once_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o even_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v not_o as_o i_o observe_v above_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o accidental_a dulness_n or_o deadness_n in_o duty_n nor_o be_v the_o decay_n or_o abatement_n of_o love_n which_o good_a man_n sometime_o suffer_v immediate_o to_o be_v pronounce_v damnable_a but_o yet_o these_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o and_o recall_v to_o their_o former_a zeal_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remote_a thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v rev._n 2.4_o 5._o chap._n ix_o of_o zeal_n or_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o state_n of_o zeal_n namely_o what_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o i_o be_o arrive_v at_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o perfection_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o call_v a_o state_n of_o zeal_n not_o only_o because_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o direct_v i_o to_o this_o expression_n but_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o full_a and_o proper_a than_o other_o that_o may_v be_v or_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o same_o end_n a_o state_n of_o union_n be_v a_o expression_n that_o better_a suit_n another_o life_n that_o this_o for_o the_o lesson_n the_o perfect_a man_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o to_o revolve_v in_o his_o mind_n be_v that_o the_o present_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o labour_n and_o travel_v and_o suffering_n the_o future_a one_o of_o reward_n and_o crown_n and_o enjoyment_n then_o as_o to_o that_o other_o expression_n the_o state_n of_o love_n it_o suit_v my_o purpose_n well_o enough_o but_o do_v not_o come_v up_o so_o just_o and_o exact_o to_o it_o as_o the_o state_n of_o zeal_n for_o i_o take_v zeal_n to_o be_v love_n in_o the_o utmost_a elevation_n and_o vivacity_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o now_o what_o a_o noble_a what_o a_o fruitful_a argument_n be_o i_o enter_v upon_o methinks_v i_o feel_v my_o soul_n grow_v warm_a and_o enkindle_v upon_o my_o approach_v it_o and_o my_o first_o view_n or_o contemplation_n of_o it_o inspire_v i_o with_o desire_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o itself_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o see_v myself_o confine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o method_n and_o find_v myself_o incline_v to_o wish_v that_o i_o be_v now_o to_o write_v rather_o a_o just_a volume_n than_o a_o few_o page_n here_o the_o heroic_a act_n or_o what_o be_v more_o the_o heroic_a life_n of_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n present_v themselves_o to_o my_o thought_n here_o human_a nature_n enrich_v adorn_v and_o elevate_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a one_o here_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n the_o energy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o triumph_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o exstasy_n of_o love_n will_v be_v describe_v here_o the_o different_a excellency_n of_o different_a virtue_n and_o the_o different_a value_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v state_v and_o settle_v and_o the_o various_a path_n in_o which_o man_n pursue_v the_o height_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o noble_a design_n be_v examine_v and_o solid_a piety_n and_o true_a wisdom_n be_v refine_v from_o the_o alloy_v and_o mixture_n of_o enthusiasm_n superstition_n fancy_n or_o whatever_o else_o they_o be_v disfigure_v and_o debase_v by_o but_o this_o can_v now_o be_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v not_o at_o all_o be_v do_v by_o i_o no_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n peradventure_o below_o that_o with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v be_v sufficient_a to_o treat_v this_o argument_n as_o it_o require_v beside_o according_a to_o my_o capacity_n i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o make_v this_o point_n when_o in_o the_o first_o section_n i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n show_v by_o what_o step_v we_o advance_v to_o it_o what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o i_o do_v in_o effect_n describe_v to_o my_o reader_n the_o state_n of_o zeal_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o when_o in_o the_o second_o i_o labour_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a liberty_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o overthrow_n and_o extirpation_n not_o only_o of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o