Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n faith_n ghost_n holy_a 4,742 5 4.9765 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 8 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

his_o vice_n which_o he_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o sufficient_o before_o he_o be_v vex_v and_o trouble_v at_o the_o plague_n and_o mischief_n his_o sin_n and_o folly_n have_v already_o procure_v he_o and_o think_v he_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v if_o he_o persist_v other_o far_a more_o intolerable_a then_o he_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o goodness_n the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o jesus_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o how_o distant_a soever_o he_o be_v from_o virtue_n he_o discern_v there_o be_v a_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n in_o it_o and_o can_v but_o judge_v the_o righteous_a happy_a these_o thought_n these_o travel_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o they_o be_v not_o strangle_v in_o the_o birth_n by_o a_o man_n be_v own_o wilfulness_n or_o pusillanimity_n or_o unhappy_o divert_v upon_o some_o temptation_n do_v kindle_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o sinner_n the_o desire_n of_o righteousness_n and_o liberty_n they_o fill_v he_o with_o regret_n and_o shame_n cast_v he_o down_o and_o humble_v he_o before_o god_n and_o make_v he_o final_o resolve_v on_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o state_n of_o illumination_n and_o be_v a_o state_n of_o preparation_n for_o or_o disposition_n to_o repentance_n or_o if_o it_o be_v repentance_n itself_o it_o be_v yet_o but_o a_o embryo_n to_o perfect_v it_o it_o be_v necessary_a second_o that_o the_o sinner_n make_v good_a his_o resolution_n and_o actual_o break_v with_o his_o lust_n he_o must_v reject_v their_o solicitation_n and_o bold_o oppose_v their_o command_n he_o must_v take_v part_n with_o reason_n and_o religion_n keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n over_o his_o soul_n and_o must_v earnest_o labour_v by_o mortification_n and_o discipline_n by_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n to_o root_v out_o vice_n and_o plant_v virtue_n in_o his_o soul_n this_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o isa_n 1.16_o 17._o he_o that_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o though_o he_o feel_v a_o great_a conflict_n within_o though_o the_o opposition_n of_o lust_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o consequent_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n very_o difficult_a he_o be_v nevertheless_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o childhood_n too_o he_o be_v sincere_a but_o far_o from_o be_v perfect_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n which_o many_o continue_v in_o to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n be_v partly_o abuse_v by_o false_a notion_n and_o teach_v to_o believe_v from_o rom._n 7._o that_o there_o be_v no_o high_a or_o perfect_a state_n partly_o entangle_v and_o encumber_v by_o some_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o life_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o force_n or_o impetus_fw-la of_o the_o soul_n towards_o perfection_n be_v much_o abate_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o prosperity_n and_o the_o many_o diversion_n and_o engagement_n of_o a_o fortunate_a life_n but_o he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v look_v upon_o this_o state_n as_o the_o begin_n of_o virtue_n for_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o a_o stubborn_a and_o powerful_a enemy_n will_v not_o be_v subdue_v and_o total_o bring_v under_o in_o a_o moment_n the_o christian_a therefore_o must_v prosecute_v this_o war_n till_o he_o have_v finish_v it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v by_o extirpate_v but_o disable_n the_o enemy_n but_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o well_o observe_v that_o the_o reduce_v the_o enemy_n to_o a_o low_a condition_n be_v not_o always_o effect_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o victory_n for_o seldom_o be_v any_o so_o fortunate_a or_o so_o brave_a so_o wise_a or_o so_o watchful_a as_o to_o meet_v with_o no_o check_n in_o the_o long_a course_n of_o a_o difficult_a war_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o he_o be_v not_o discourage_v but_o instruct_v and_o awaken_v by_o it_o and_o to_o prevent_v any_o fatal_a disaster_n too_o error_n must_v careful_o be_v avoid_v first_o a_o hasty_a and_o fond_a confidence_n in_o ourselves_o with_o a_o overweening_a contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o next_o all_o false_a and_o cowardly_a project_n of_o truce_n and_o accommodation_n nor_o be_v the_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o poor_a and_o low_a attainment_n very_o far_o remove_v from_o this_o latter_a this_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o the_o christian_n advance_v towards_o perfection_n and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o state_n of_o liberty_n the_o three_o and_o last_o which_o now_o follow_v be_v the_o state_n of_o zeal_n or_o love_n or_o as_o mystic_a wrighter_n delight_v to_o call_v it_o the_o state_n of_o union_n the_o yoke_n of_o sin_n be_v once_o shake_v off_o the_o love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o delight_n in_o it_o be_v more_o and_o more_o increase_v and_o now_o the_o man_n proceed_v to_o the_o last_o round_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o perfection_n the_o wisdom_n courage_n and_o vigour_n of_o a_o convert_n be_v general_o at_o first_o employ_v in_o subdue_a his_o corruption_n in_o conquer_a his_o ill_a habit_n and_o defeat_v his_o enemy_n in_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o guard_v himself_o against_o temptation_n but_o this_o be_v once_o do_v he_o be_v in_o full_a liberty_n to_o pursue_v the_o work_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n now_o he_o may_v advance_v from_o necessary_a to_o voluntary_a act_n of_o self-denial_n which_o before_o will_v have_v be_v put_v old_a wine_n into_o new_a bottle_n contrary_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o master_n mat._n 9.17_o now_o he_o may_v enlarge_v his_o knowledge_n and_o exchange_v the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n for_o strong_a meat_n for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o now_o he_o may_v extend_v his_o watchfulness_n his_o care_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v before_o wise_o for_o the_o most_o part_n confine_v to_o his_o own_o safety_n he_o may_v now_o like_o our_o saviour_n go_v about_o do_v good_a act._n 10.38_o protect_a strengthen_v and_o rescue_v his_o weak_a brethren_n propagate_a the_o faith_n and_o enflame_v the_o bosom_n of_o man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n now_o in_o a_o word_n he_o may_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o a_o life_n of_o more_o exalt_a contemplation_n purity_n and_o charity_n which_o will_v be_v natural_a and_o easy_a now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o life_n be_v accompany_v with_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o confidence_n and_o pleasure_n now_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n now_o he_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o hope_n full_a of_o glory_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o he_o that_o live_v as_o christ_n that_o live_v in_o he_o for_o the_o life_n which_o he_o now_o lead_v be_v entire_o the_o product_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o his_o great_a business_n be_v to_o maintain_v the_o ground_n which_o he_o have_v get_v and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o render_v this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n from_o its_o very_a seed_n to_o maturity_n the_o more_o useful_a and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o some_o scruple_n which_o it_o may_v otherwise_o give_v occasion_n to_o i_o will_v here_o add_v two_o or_o three_o remark_n 1._o that_o the_o state_n and_o habit_n of_o perfection_n be_v a_o different_a thing_n from_o some_o sudden_a flight_n or_o effort_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a passion_n and_o so_o be_v the_o fix_v and_o establish_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o some_o sudden_a gust_n and_o short_a live_v fit_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n no_o man_n attain_v to_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o pleasure_n but_o by_o degree_n and_o the_o natural_a method_n and_o order_n by_o which_o he_o advance_v to_o either_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o but_o as_o to_o some_o sally_n of_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o exalt_a passion_n as_o to_o short_a live_v fit_n of_o perfection_n as_o to_o transcient_a taste_n short_a and_o sudden_o transport_v of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n it_o be_v very_o often_o otherwise_o god_n sometime_o either_o to_o allure_v the_o frailty_n of_o a_o new_a convert_n or_o to_o fortify_v his_o resolution_n against_o some_o hazardous_a trial_n do_v raise_v he_o to_o a_o extraordinary_a height_n by_o more_o than_o usual_a communication_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n and_o ravish_v he_o by_o some_o glance_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o beatific_a vision_n rapture_n of_o love_n the_o melt_a tenderness_n of_o a_o pious_a sorrow_n the_o strength_n of_o resolution_n and_o faith_n the_o confidence_n and_o exultancy_n of_o assurance_n do_v sometime_o accompany_v some_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o righteousness_n or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o illumination_n where_o the_o conviction_n be_v full_a the_o imagination_n lively_a
world_n we_o project_n for_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v this_o produce_v but_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n we_o must_v meditate_v heavenly_a thing_n we_o must_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o inward_a and_o heavenly_a pleasure_n if_o we_o will_v have_v heavenly_a mind_n we_o must_v let_v no_o day_n pass_v wherein_o we_o must_v not_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o body_n and_o sequester_v ourselves_o from_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n this_o will_v soon_o enable_v we_o to_o disdain_v the_o low_a and_o beggarly_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o make_v we_o long_o to_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o corruptible_a body_n to_o breath_n in_o pure_a air_n and_o take_v our_o fill_n of_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a pleasure_n i_o have_v insist_v thus_o long_o on_o the_o cure_n of_o original_a sin_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n but_o also_o because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o affinity_n between_o this_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o i_o be_o next_o to_o speak_v to_o that_o the_o same_o remedy_n may_v be_v prescribe_v to_o both_o so_o that_o i_o be_o already_o ease_v of_o a_o part_n of_o the_o labour_n which_o i_o must_v otherwise_o have_v under-gone_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n i_o be_o now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o my_o own_o method_n oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o his_o happiness_n but_o have_v sect._n 1_o chap._n 4._o discourse_v at_o large_a of_o the_o subserviency_n of_o perfection_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o in_o sect._n 2._o chap._n 3._o of_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a liberty_n in_o general_n i_o have_v the_o less_o need_n to_o say_v much_o here_o on_o this_o head_n yet_o i_o can_v whole_o forbear_v say_v something_o of_o it_o the_o conquest_n over_o original_a corruption_n such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v it_o raises_z man_z to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o perfection_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o make_v he_o approach_v the_o near_a that_o mortality_n can_v to_o the_o life_n of_o angel_n and_o plant_v he_o on_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n where_o grace_n and_o joy_n and_o glory_n shine_v always_o on_o he_o with_o more_o direct_a and_o strong_a ray_n now_o be_v virtue_n true_o lovely_a and_o true_o happy_a now_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v never_o interrupt_v its_o joy_n never_o over_o cast_n it_o enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a calm_a within_o and_o sparkle_v with_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n that_o can_v be_v counterfeit_v can_v be_v equal_v some_o faint_a and_o partial_a resemblance_n i_o confess_v of_o this_o virtue_n or_o rather_o of_o this_o state_n or_o consummation_n of_o it_o have_v i_o though_o very_o rare_o see_v in_o some_o masterly_a stroke_n of_o nature_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o some_o that_o sweetness_n of_o temper_n in_o other_o that_o coldness_n and_o absolute_a command_n over_o themselves_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o in_o several_a that_o innate_a modesty_n and_o humility_n that_o natural_a indifference_n for_o the_o power_n honour_n and_o grandeur_n of_o life_n that_o i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v pronounce_v that_o they_o have_v so_o far_o each_o of_o they_o escape_v the_o contagion_n of_o original_a corruption_n and_o can_v not_o but_o bless_v and_o love_v they_o but_o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o these_o creature_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o of_o grace_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o one_o be_v confine_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a disposition_n but_o that_o of_o the_o other_o be_v in_o its_o degree_n universal_a the_o perfection_n of_o the_o one_o have_v indeed_o as_o much_o charm_n in_o it_o as_o pure_a nature_n can_v have_v but_o the_o other_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o something_o divine_a in_o it_o it_o have_v a_o heavenly_a tincture_n which_o add_v something_o of_o sacredness_n and_o majesty_n to_o it_o that_o nature_n want_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o one_o be_v indeed_o easy_a to_o its_o self_n and_o amiable_a to_o other_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o other_o be_v joy_n and_o glory_n within_o and_o command_v a_o veneration_n as_o well_o as_o love_n from_o all_o it_o converse_v with_o bless_a state_n when_o shall_v i_o attain_v thy_o lovely_a innocence_n when_o shall_v i_o enter_v into_o thy_o divine_a rest_n when_o shall_v i_o arrive_v at_o thy_o security_n thy_o pleasure_n chap._n v._o of_o liberty_n with_o respect_n to_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n this_o be_v a_o subject_a wherein_o the_o very_a be_v of_o holiness_n or_o virtue_n the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v deep_o interest_v for_o if_o we_o allow_v of_o such_o sin_n for_o venial_a as_o real_o be_v not_o so_o we_o destroy_v the_o notion_n or_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n endanger_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v a_o reflection_n upon_o god_n as_o a_o favourer_n of_o impiety_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o assert_v those_o sin_n damnable_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o we_o miserable_o perplex_v and_o disturb_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n represent_v he_o as_o a_o severe_a and_o intolerable_a master_n but_o how_o important_a soever_o this_o subject_n be_v there_o be_v no_o other_o i_o think_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o divinity_n wherein_o so_o many_o writer_n have_v be_v so_o unfortunate_o engage_v so_o that_o it_o be_v overgrow_v with_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n with_o confusion_n and_o obscurity_n and_o numberless_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n this_o i_o have_v think_v necessary_a to_o observe_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o my_o discourse_n not_o to_o insult_v the_o performance_n of_o other_o or_o to_o raise_v in_o the_o reader_n any_o great_a expectation_n for_o my_o own_o but_o indeed_o for_o a_o quite_o contrary_a reason_n namely_o to_o dispose_v he_o to_o a_o favourable_a reception_n of_o what_o i_o here_o offer_v towards_o the_o render_v the_o doctrine_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n intelligible_a and_o prevent_v the_o disservice_n which_o mistake_v about_o it_o do_v to_o religion_n by_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_n papist_n and_o protestant_n do_v i_o think_v understand_v such_o sin_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n from_o which_o the_o best_a man_n be_v never_o entire_o free_v in_o this_o life_n though_o they_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o they_o this_o then_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o sin_n sin_n in_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a live_v and_o die_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v what_o these_o be_v what_o it_o be_v that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o damnable_a or_o mortal_a one_o 3._o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o extend_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o that_o the_o best_a man_n be_v not_o without_o error_n without_o defect_n and_o fail_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o past_a life_n or_o unregenerate_a state_n but_o their_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a one_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o can_v one_o will_v think_v be_v controvert_v for_o what_o understanding_n be_v there_o which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o error_n what_o will_v that_o do_v not_o feel_v something_o of_o impotence_n something_o of_o irregularity_n what_o affection_n that_o be_v mere_o human_a be_v ever_o constant_a ever_o raise_v where_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o have_v no_o scruple_n no_o diffidence_n the_o love_n that_o have_v no_o defect_n no_o remission_n the_o hope_n that_o have_v no_o fear_n in_o it_o what_o be_v the_o state_n which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o ignorance_n inadvertency_n surprise_v infirmity_n where_o be_v the_o obedience_n that_o have_v no_o reluctancy_n no_o remissness_n no_o deviation_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o whether_o man_n will_v or_o no_o they_o can_v choose_v but_o feel_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o holy_a of_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o pretention_n of_o the_o quaker_n to_o a_o sinless_a and_o perfect_a state_n be_v abundant_o confute_v by_o that_o answer_n one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o they_o make_v to_o a_o objection_n which_o charge_v they_o with_o arrogate_a and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o infallible_a and_o perfect_a as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o desert_n and_o betray_v not_o defend_v their_o cause_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o as_o to_o
another_o since_o otherwise_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n will_v be_v extreme_o maim_v and_o incomplete_a i_o will_v insist_v therefore_o no_o long_o on_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n perfect_a and_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o further_a proof_n that_o my_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v true_o scriptural_a i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o the_o utmost_a height_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n exhort_v we_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o steady_a habit_n of_o holiness_n that_o the_o bright_a character_n it_o give_v of_o the_o perfect_a man_n the_o lovely_a description_n it_o make_v we_o of_o the_o perfect_a state_n be_v all_o make_v up_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o confess_v property_n of_o a_o ripe_a habit._n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n that_o i_o know_v of_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n every_o man_n experience_n instruct_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a philosophy_n of_o it_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v we_o exert_v ourselves_o with_o desire_n and_o earnestness_n with_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n that_o it_o render_v we_o fix_v in_o our_o choice_n and_o constant_a in_o our_o action_n and_o almost_o as_o averse_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o as_o we_o be_v to_o those_o which_o be_v distasteful_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o in_o a_o word_n it_o so_o entire_o and_o absolute_o possess_v the_o man_n that_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v nor_o the_o empire_n of_o it_o to_o be_v shake_v off_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v remove_v and_o extirpate_v without_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o difficulty_n imaginable_a all_o this_o be_v a_o confess_v and_o almost_o palpable_a truth_n in_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o ascribe_v the_o same_o force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o habit_n of_o virtue_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o strength_n easiness_n and_o pleasure_n which_o belong_v natural_o to_o these_o habit_n receive_v no_o small_a accession_n from_o the_o supernatural_a energy_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o will_v therefore_o in_o few_o word_n show_v how_o that_o state_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o scripture_n invite_v we_o to_o as_o our_o perfection_n direct_o answer_v this_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o a_o habit._n be_v habit_n in_o general_n a_o second_o nature_n this_o state_n of_o righteousness_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a man_n eph._n 4.24_o the_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o do_v it_o consequent_o rule_n and_o govern_v man_n hear_v how_o st._n paul_n express_v this_o power_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n in_o himself_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ_n nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o this_o be_v a_o constant_a effect_n of_o habit_n and_o be_v equal_o discernible_a in_o those_o of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n that_o they_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o man_n they_o possess_v rom._n 6.16_o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n shall_v i_o go_v on_o to_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n the_o first_o be_v a_o great_a aversion_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o or_o obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n towards_o temptation_n and_o sin_n he_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o glory_v in_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o what_o before_o he_o court_v with_o fondness_n and_o passion_n he_o now_o shun_v with_o fear_n and_o vigilance_n in_o brief_a the_o scripture_n describe_v such_o a_o one_o as_o possess_v with_o a_o utter_a hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n and_o as_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o virtue_n and_o his_o god_n thus_o psal_n 119.163_o i_o hate_v and_o abhor_v lie_v but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o verse_n 128._o therefore_o i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n and_o this_o be_v a_o genuine_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o integrity_n or_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_n the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o and_o indeed_o every_o where_o a_o hatred_n a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o evil_n be_v account_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n psal_n 37.10_o you_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n hate_v evil_a and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n resolve_v to_o practise_v himself_o what_o he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o psal_n 101.2.3_o i_o will_v behave_v myself_o wise_o in_o a_o perfect_a way_n o_o when_o will_v thou_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n i_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o turn_v aside_o it_o shall_v not_o cleave_v to_o i_o and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v otherwise_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o abhorrence_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o habit_n which_o confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o one_o must_v confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o other_o too_o 2._o the_o next_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n be_v that_o the_o action_n which_o flow_v from_o it_o be_v if_o we_o meet_v not_o with_o violent_a opposition_n perform_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n what_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a and_o habit_n be_v a_o second_o nature_n when_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o vice_n have_v once_o root_v themselves_o in_o the_o soul_n what_o can_v be_v more_o natural_a then_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o one_o and_o shun_v the_o other_o since_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o embrace_v and_o enjoy_v what_o we_o love_v and_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o what_o we_o detest_v this_o therefore_o be_v one_o constant_a character_n of_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n be_v every_o where_o say_v to_o accompany_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n when_o it_o be_v once_o grow_v up_o to_o strength_n and_o maturity_n the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n prov._n 3.17_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 4.18_o and_o to_o he_o that_o love_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a man_n delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n psal_n 1.2_o nor_o do_v he_o delight_v less_o in_o action_n then_o meditation_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o much_o as_o knowledge_n and_o abound_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o good_a work_n as_o he_o increase_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consonant_a to_o this_o property_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v that_o in_o psalm_n 19_o and_o 119._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o we_o hear_v the_o psalmist_n express_v a_o kind_n of_o inconceiveable_a joy_n and_o transport_v in_o the_o meditation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n so_o the_o first_o christian_n who_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o devotion_n faith_n and_o charity_n be_v say_v act._n 2.46_o to_o have_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v a_o delightful_a description_n we_o have_v of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 6.10_o as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n 3._o vigour_n and_o activity_n or_o much_o earnestness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o three_o property_n of_o a_o habit._n it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v intent_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v even_o a_o habitual_a passion_n if_o this_o expression_n may_v be_v allow_v i_o a_o inclination_n which_o have_v gather_v strength_n and_o authority_n from_o custom_n will_v exert_v itself_o with_o some_o warmth_n and_o briskness_n now_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o
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 they_o be_v recover_v out_o of_o it_o by_o repentance_n thus_o far_o all_o side_n agree_v and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v abundant_o enough_o for_o here_o we_o have_v room_n enough_o for_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o for_o caution_n too_o room_n enough_o for_o confidence_n and_o for_o watchfulness_n too_o the_o romanist_n indeed_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o salvation_n certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la cvi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o that_o with_o which_o we_o entertain_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o error_n i._n e._n we_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o be_v or_o may_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n we_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v or_o may_v be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n now_o if_o this_o assertion_n be_v confine_v to_o that_o assurance_n which_o regard_v the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o i_o think_v it_o general_o be_v and_o do_v not_o deny_v assurance_n in_o general_n but_o only_o certain_a degree_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o very_o absurd_a or_o intolerable_a in_o it_o for_o a_o less_o assurance_n then_o that_o which_o this_o doctrine_n exclude_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o pleasure_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o perfect_a man._n but_o if_o this_o assertion_n be_v design_v against_o that_o assurance_n which_o regard_v our_o present_a state_n than_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o sound_a nor_o agreeable_a either_o to_o reason_n scripture_n or_o experience_n for_o first_o the_o question_n be_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o argue_v that_o can_v be_v which_o do_v appear_v manifest_o to_o have_v be_v and_o certain_o they_o who_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n be_v as_o full_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n as_o they_o be_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a second_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o balance_v the_o strength_n and_o degree_n of_o assurance_n another_o to_o balance_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o assurance_n may_v be_v strong_a where_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o where_o the_o assurance_n be_v less_o thus_o for_o example_n the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n seem_v to_o most_o learned_a man_n to_o be_v strong_a than_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o man_n may_v embrace_v a_o truth_n that_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o certainty_n as_o one_o depend_v upon_o sense_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o assurance_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v by_o its_o concurrence_n raise_v our_o assurance_n as_o high_a as_o he_o please_v although_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v shall_v not_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a but_o mere_o moral_a and_o subject_n at_o least_o to_o a_o possibility_n of_o error_n but_o three_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o certainty_n i_o have_v concern_v my_o present_a state_n be_v as_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o that_o i_o have_v concern_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o premise_n be_v infallible_a why_o shall_v not_o the_o conclusion_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o divine_a a_o infallible_a proposition_n and_o why_o may_v not_o this_o other_o i_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v equal_o infallible_a though_o not_o equal_o divine_a what_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o my_o be_v here_o mistake_v beside_o i_o be_o assist_v and_o guide_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o myself_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n i_o believe_v and_o repent_v depend_v partly_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o i_o may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o of_o what_o i_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v partly_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o inward_a sensation_n or_o my_o consciousness_n of_o my_o own_o thought_n and_o i_o may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o i_o can_v be_v of_o what_o i_o love_v or_o hate_n rejoice_v or_o grieve_v for_o and_o last_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o assist_v i_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o myself_o according_a to_o those_o character_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o he_o have_v himself_o reveal_v and_o when_o i_o conclude_v from_o the_o two_o former_a proposition_n that_o i_o be_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n he_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v my_o inference_n and_o now_o let_v any_o one_o tell_v i_o what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n that_o be_v that_o can_v be_v great_a than_o this_o i_o have_v take_v this_o pain_n to_o set_v the_o 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 word_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n nor_o be_v this_o very_a remote_a from_o truth_n for_o let_v but_o pleasure_n be_v solid_a and_o last_a and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o more_o be_v want_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a the_o best_a way_n therefore_o to_o determine_v how_o much_o perfection_n contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o examine_v how_o much_o it_o contribute_v to_o our_o pleasure_n if_o with_o the_o epicurean_a we_o think_v indolence_n our_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o define_v pleasure_n by_o the_o absence_n of_o pain_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o perfect_a man_n will_v have_v the_o best_a claim_n to_o it_o he_o sure_o be_v free_a from_o the_o mistake_v and_o error_n from_o the_o passion_n and_o folly_n that_o embroil_n human_a life_n he_o create_v
the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a world_n he_o therefore_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o he_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v love_v fear_v not_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 10.28_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o rather_o fear_v he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n and_o st._n john_n give_v the_o same_o precept_n concern_v the_o world_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o back_n it_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o that_o be_v the_o world_n can_v at_o best_a but_o gratify_v for_o a_o moment_n the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o desire_v of_o a_o sensual_a fancy_n therefore_o love_v it_o not_o but_o love_v the_o father_n who_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o vital_a union_n betwixt_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v able_a to_o confer_v life_n and_o happiness_n on_o both_o to_o all_o eternity_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v amount_n to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o there_o be_v truth_n of_o very_a different_a kind_n truth_n that_o be_v of_o no_o use_n such_o be_v those_o which_o be_v either_o trifle_a or_o mere_o notional_a and_o can_v have_v no_o influence_n on_o human_a life_n truth_n that_o be_v of_o ill_a use_n such_o be_v those_o of_o which_o consist_v the_o art_n of_o sensuality_n avarice_n vanity_n and_o ambition_n these_o be_v to_o be_v detest_v the_o former_a to_o be_v contemn_v by_o all_o that_o seek_v after_o true_a wisdom_n again_o there_o be_v truth_n of_o a_o inferior_a use_n such_o as_o concern_v our_o fortune_n our_o relation_n our_o body_n and_o these_o may_v be_v allow_v their_o proper_a place_n and_o a_o reasonable_a value_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o concern_v the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n and_o strength_n and_o liberty_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o procure_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n which_o secure_v our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n these_o be_v illuminate_v truth_n these_o have_v a_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o inestimable_a excellence_n or_o usefulness_n and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v too_o dear_a to_o we_o 2._o since_o the_o great_a character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n do_v exact_o fit_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o be_v that_o systeme_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o be_v to_o study_v day_n and_o night_n this_o be_v that_o divine_a philosophy_n who_o principle_n and_o law_n we_o must_v incessant_o revolve_v and_o ponder_v it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o the_o psalmist_n bestow_v such_o glorious_a eulogy_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n psal_n 19_o and_o elsewhere_o that_o he_o magnify_v one_o while_o the_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o beauty_n another_o while_n the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o ever_o and_o anon_o enlarge_v himself_o upon_o the_o advantage_n the_o unspeakable_a advantage_n which_o reward_n the_o meditation_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o of_o all_o perfection_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a they_o be_v pure_a they_o endure_v for_o ever_o they_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n moreover_o by_o they_o thy_o servant_n be_v warn_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n that_o be_v by_o they_o we_o be_v preserve_v from_o all_o real_a evil_n and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o or_o entitle_v to_o all_o real_a good_n how_o well_o do_v st._n peter_n answer_n when_o our_o lord_n ask_v his_o disciple_n will_v you_o also_o go_v from_o i_o lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o how_o wise_o do_v st._n paul_n resolve_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o crucify_a for_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o after_o all_o as_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o beginning_n in_o different_a person_n may_v be_v very_o different_a as_o meet_v with_o a_o very_a different_a reception_n our_o conception_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a or_o confuse_a more_o lively_a or_o faint_a more_o perfect_a or_o maim_v and_o our_o assent_n may_v be_v strong_a or_o weak_a in_o some_o they_o may_v only_o float_v superficial_o in_o other_o they_o may_v penetrate_v deep_o and_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o influence_n and_o operation_n will_v be_v certain_o proportion_v to_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o reception_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o state_n of_o illumination_n to_o discourse_v 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o knowledge_n we_o must_v have_v of_o the_o former_a truth_n to_o show_v what_o sort_n of_o conception_n we_o must_v form_v of_o they_o what_o kind_n of_o assent_n we_o must_v pay_v they_o and_o what_o kind_n of_o consideration_n we_o must_v employ_v about_o they_o as_o i_o have_v therefore_o lay_v down_o the_o property_n of_o those_o truth_n so_o will_v i_o now_o lie_v down_o the_o property_n of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o illumination_n 1._o illuminate_v knowledge_n must_v be_v deep_o root_v this_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o that_o parble_n wherein_o he_o have_v observe_v to_o we_o that_o the_o seed_n which_o have_v not_o depth_n of_o earth_n as_o it_o soon_o spring_v up_o so_o it_o soon_o wither_a and_o dry_v away_o we_o often_o know_v or_o pretend_v to_o do_v so_o the_o rudiment_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o we_o embrace_v conclusion_n without_o examine_v the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n to_o any_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v not_o proper_o knowledge_n but_o opinion_n it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o credulity_n it_o be_v not_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n but_o a_o easy_a customary_a assent_n and_o this_o be_v overthrow_v by_o every_o temptation_n deface_v or_o much_o blur_v by_o every_o atheistical_a suggestion_n or_o profane_a objection_n do_v the_o world_n or_o our_o lust_n tempt_v we_o as_o the_o devil_n do_v our_o first_o parent_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v how_o easy_o be_v that_o faith_n shake_v which_o be_v no_o better_o found_v how_o easy_o be_v a_o man_n induce_v to_o hope_n that_o sin_n be_v not_o very_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a that_o god_n will_v easy_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o pardon_v it_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o its_o eternity_n a_o mistake_a notion_n and_o groundless_a fancy_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o indignation_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o that_o well_o understand_v both_o these_o the_o deformity_n and_o tendency_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o holiness_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v but_o discern_v a_o irreconcilable_a opposition_n between_o they_o and_o be_v convince_v that_o be_v there_o no_o tribunal_n erect_v for_o the_o sinner_n yet_o will_v sin_n be_v its_o own_o punishment_n and_o that_o a_o intolerable_a hell_n consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n a_o exclusion_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a issue_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o knowledge_n which_o have_v no_o deep_a root_n be_v subject_a to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o ever_o blast_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v little_o more_o than_o credulity_n do_v very_o seldom_o stand_v against_o any_o very_a rude_a shock_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o duty_n be_v full_o and_o clear_o expound_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o especial_o we_o must_v seek_v they_o when_o i_o say_v this_o i_o reject_v no_o collateral_a argugument_n i_o refuse_v no_o foreign_a aid_n which_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o confirm_v and_o fortify_v our_o belief_n of_o gospel_n truth_n the_o faith_n of_o st._n thomas_n do_v in_o part_n at_o least_o depend_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v joh._n 20.29_o and_o so_o do_v that_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o they_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
in_o the_o exercise_n of_o truth_n justice_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o where_o be_v the_o ill_a influence_n of_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n more_o notorious_a than_o here_o for_o these_o render_v we_o impatient_a and_o insatiable_a in_o our_o desire_n violent_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o extravagant_a and_o excessive_a in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v few_o and_o finite_a and_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v such_o inordinate_a appetite_n we_o stand_v in_o one_o another_o light_n in_o one_o another_o way_n to_o profit_v and_o pleasure_n or_o too_o often_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o produce_v a_o thousand_o miserable_a consequence_n according_o we_o daily_o see_v that_o these_o passion_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o envy_n and_o emulation_n avarice_n ambition_n strife_n and_o contention_n hypocrisy_n and_o corruption_n lewdness_n luxury_n and_o prodigality_n but_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o honour_n truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o generosity_n and_o charity_n to_o obviate_v therefore_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o these_o vicious_a principle_n religion_n aim_v at_o implant_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o a_o benign_a and_o beneficent_a nature_n oppose_v against_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n hope_n against_o selfishness_n charity_n and_o against_o sensuality_n faith_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o different_a tendency_n of_o these_o different_a principle_n may_v be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a i_o will_v brief_o compare_v the_o effect_n they_o have_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o neighbour_n selfishness_n make_v man_n look_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o make_v for_o he_o alone_o and_o upon_o all_o as_o his_o enemy_n who_o do_v any_o way_n interfere_v with_o or_o obstruct_v his_o design_n it_o seal_v up_o all_o our_o treasure_n confine_n all_o our_o care_n and_o thought_n to_o our_o private_a interest_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n employ_v all_o our_o part_n power_n and_o wealth_n and_o all_o our_o time_n too_o in_o pursuit_n of_o our_o particular_a advantage_n sensuality_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o abandon_v the_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o country_n his_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o station_n that_o he_o may_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o some_o sottish_a and_o dishonourable_a vice_n it_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o refuse_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a assistance_n to_o any_o public_a or_o neighbourly_a good_a work_n and_o even_o a_o decent_a nay_o sometime_o a_o necessary_a allowance_n to_o his_o family_n that_o he_o may_v waste_v and_o lavish_a out_o his_o fortune_n upon_o some_o vile_a and_o expensive_a lust_n in_o a_o word_n it_o make_v he_o incapable_a of_o the_o fatigue_n of_o civil_a business_n and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o hardship_n and_o hazard_n of_o war_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o imitate_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o vriah_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v court_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n even_o of_o allow_a pleasure_n nor_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o tenderness_n and_o caress_n of_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n while_o joab_n and_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o on_o the_o contrary_a dissolve_v and_o melt_v down_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o uncleanness_n and_o luxury_n the_o shame_n and_o burden_n of_o his_o country_n and_o his_o family_n at_o a_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o country_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o prince_n and_o people_n defend_v it_o by_o their_o toil_n and_o blood_n what_o shall_v i_o mention_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o visible_a among_o we_o as_o deplorable_a do_v not_o this_o wherever_o it_o reign_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o bribery_n and_o corruption_n falshood_n treachery_n and_o cowardice_n worse_o can_v be_v say_v on_o it_o and_o more_o need_v not_o for_o what_o society_n can_v thrive_v or_o which_o way_n can_v credit_v and_o reputation_n be_v support_v what_o treasure_n what_o counsel_n what_o army_n what_o conduct_v can_v save_v a_o people_n where_o these_o vice_n prevail_v let_v we_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n cashier_v and_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n entertain_v in_o their_o room_n what_o a_o bless_a change_n will_v this_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n how_o soon_o will_v honour_v and_o integrity_n truth_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o public_a spirit_n revive_v how_o serviceable_a and_o eminent_a will_v these_o render_v every_o man_n in_o his_o charge_n these_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o great_a and_o brave_a action_n these_o these_o alone_a can_v render_v our_o duty_n dear_a to_o we_o than_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n these_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v good_a work_n without_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o return_v they_o will_v make_v we_o these_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o reasonable_a to_o sacrifice_v fortune_n life_n every_o thing_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o public_a good_a demand_v it_o of_o we_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o heaven_n be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a good_a will_v make_v we_o easy_o surmount_v the_o consideration_n of_o expense_n difficulty_n or_o hazard_n in_o such_o attempt_v as_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v please_v he_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o compassionate_a to_o his_o evil_n and_o want_n tender_a to_o his_o infirmity_n and_o zealous_a of_o his_o good_a as_o of_o our_o own_o how_o happy_a then_o will_v these_o principle_n make_v the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o be_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v these_o and_o to_o discountenance_v and_o suppress_v the_o contrary_a one_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v make_v two_o remark_n on_o this_o last_o paragraph_n first_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o it_o that_o solid_a virtue_n can_v be_v graff_v on_o no_o stock_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n that_o universal_a righteousness_n can_v be_v raise_v on_o none_o but_o gospel_n principles_n who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 5._o i_o do_v not_o oppose_v this_o proposition_n against_o jew_n or_o gentile_n god_n vouchsafe_v in_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n such_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o such_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o to_o these_o be_v the_o righteousness_n hereof_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o moses_n but_o suppose_v it_o against_o the_o bold_a pretension_n of_o libertin_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n honour_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o mouth_n be_v a_o vain_a beast_n and_o the_o natural_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o over_o their_o own_o action_n to_o square_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v only_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o supplant_v the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a as_o arrogant_a alas_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o liberty_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o do_v they_o but_o once_o admit_v purity_n of_o heart_n into_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o discern_v what_o stranger_n they_o be_v to_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o body_n who_o reject_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n who_o either_o believe_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o much_o about_o we_o and_o how_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v selfish_a and_o sensual_a and_o dote_v upon_o this_o world_n who_o expect_v no_o better_o who_o believe_v no_o other_o take_v away_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o can_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o any_o action_n that_o shall_v cross_v his_o temporal_a interest_n or_o his_o pleasure_n what_o shall_v reward_v his_o espouse_v virtue_n when_o it_o have_v no_o dowry_n but_o loss_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n what_o shall_v curb_v he_o in_o the_o career_n of_o a_o lust_n when_o he_o may_v commit_v it_o not_o only_o with_o impunity_n but_o as_o the_o world_n sometime_o go_v with_o honour_n and_o preferment_n too_o though_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o these_o may_v possible_o restrain_v their_o outward_a action_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o the_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