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
do_v not_o exact_v of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o necessary_a preparation_n for_o his_o doctrine_n the_o knowledge_n of_o tongue_n the_o history_n of_o time_n or_o nature_n logic_n metaphysic_n mathematics_n or_o the_o like_a these_o indeed_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o many_o excellent_a end_n they_o may_v be_v great_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o mind_n great_a ornament_n and_o very_o engage_v entertainment_n of_o life_n they_o may_v be_v final_o very_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o or_o introduction_n to_o several_a profession_n or_o employment_n but_o as_o to_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n to_o these_o they_o can_v never_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a a_o man_n may_v be_v excellent_o habitual_o good_a without_o more_o language_n than_o one_o he_o may_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o those_o great_a truth_n that_o will_v render_v he_o master_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o independent_a of_o the_o word_n that_o will_v render_v he_o easy_a and_o useful_a in_o this_o life_n and_o glorious_a in_o another_o though_o he_o be_v no_o logician_n nor_o metaphysician_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o all_o this_o while_n be_v suppose_v to_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o solid_a judgement_n though_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v attain_v to_o its_o proper_a perfection_n that_o be_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n true_o wise_a and_o happy_a yet_o the_o more_o capacious_a any_o man_n soul_n be_v and_o the_o more_o enlarge_v his_o knowledge_n the_o more_o perfect_a and_o happy_a he._n 4._o the_o qualification_n previous_o necessary_a to_o illumination_n be_v two_o or_o three_o moral_a one_o imply_v in_o that_o infant_n temper_v our_o saviour_n require_v in_o those_o who_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n these_o be_v humility_n impartiality_n and_o a_o thirst_n or_o love_n of_o truth_n first_o humility_n he_o that_o will_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n must_v not_o be_v proud_a or_o confident_a in_o himself_o he_o must_v not_o overrate_v his_o own_o part_n and_o capacity_n nor_o lean_a too_o stiff_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n he_o must_v firm_o believe_v that_o illumination_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o on_o he_o he_o must_v depend_v he_o must_v confess_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o faculty_n the_o natural_a poverty_n and_o indigence_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o so_o look_v up_o to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a but_o resist_v the_o proud_a second_o impartiality_n sincerity_n or_o a_o certain_a purity_n and_o innocence_n of_o judgement_n if_o i_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v so_o that_o the_o understanding_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o divine_a light_n it_o must_v not_o be_v blur_v and_o stain_v by_o false_a principle_n it_o must_v not_o be_v bias_v nor_o influence_v by_o any_o corrupt_a inclination_n some_o to_o prove_v their_o impartiality_n or_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o scrupulousness_n of_o scepticism_n and_o a_o wanton_a itch_n of_o endless_a disputation_n and_o contradiction_n but_o i_o can_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o our_o freedom_n and_o impartiality_n to_o deny_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o sense_n to_o oppose_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o shake_v off_o all_o reverence_n for_o the_o integrity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n no_o this_o savour_v too_o much_o either_o of_o ostentation_n or_o of_o a_o raw_a and_o unexperienced_a affectation_n of_o new_a theory_n and_o speculation_n he_o secure_v his_o freedom_n sufficient_o who_o guard_v his_o reason_n against_o the_o force_n of_o groundless_a prepossession_n and_o senseless_a mode_n and_o custom_n against_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o party_n who_o keep_v a_o strict_a eye_n upon_o the_o motion_n and_o tendency_n of_o his_o inferior_a nature_n who_o admit_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o single_a person_n or_o party_n for_o catholic_n reason_n who_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v revolution_n of_o philosophy_n and_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o judge_n well_o of_o time_n and_o man_n ere_o he_o pay_v much_o deference_n to_o authority_n but_o three_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o any_o complete_a degree_n of_o illumination_n impartiality_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o first_o dawning_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o increase_v and_o diffuse_v its_o self_n into_o a_o perfect_a day_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n we_o must_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o truth_n a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o truth_n but_o we_o must_v be_v inflame_v with_o desire_n and_o love_n of_o it_o ere_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n or_o recess_n of_o it_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n invite_v to_o he_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v joh._n 7.37_o and_o st._n peter_n exhort_v we_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o epist_n 2.2_o and_o st._n paul_n impute_v the_o damnation_n of_o those_o that_o perish_v to_o want_v of_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o thess_n 2.10_o it_o be_v too_o trifle_v to_o object_n here_o how_o come_v we_o to_o thirst_n after_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v for_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o inquire_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o if_o he_o be_v already_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n and_o a_o glorious_a salvation_n to_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o thirst_v after_o the_o resolution_n of_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o inherit_v a_o eternal_a life_n and_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n that_o every_o glance_n of_o it_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o such_o its_o boundless_a perfection_n that_o the_o more_o we_o know_v the_o more_o still_o shall_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v have_v thus_o consider_v what_o qualify_v man_n for_o illumination_n my_o next_o business_n be_v to_o inquire_v §_o 2._o what_o one_o thus_o qualify_v be_v to_o do_v for_o the_o actual_a attainment_n of_o it_o all_o the_o advice_n that_o i_o can_v think_v fit_a here_o to_o be_v give_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o quest_n of_o knowledge_n foreign_a to_o our_o purpose_n 2._o that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o a_o very_a tender_a and_o sensible_a concern_v to_o the_o study_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n 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 4._o that_o we_o 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 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v concern_v illumination_n for_o if_o illumination_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n not_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o truth_n but_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o important_a such_o as_o purify_v and_o perfect_v our_o nature_n such_o as_o procure_v we_o sacred_a and_o stable_a pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o reward_n that_o flow_v from_o our_o adoption_n to_o god_n it_o be_v then_o plain_a he_o who_o will_v be_v perfect_a ought_v not_o to_o amuse_v and_o distract_v his_o mind_n in_o pursuit_n of_o trifle_v or_o divertive_a knowledge_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o shun_v and_o not_o to_o admit_v whatever_o be_v apt_a to_o entangle_v perplex_v or_o defile_v he_o and_o to_o fix_v his_o thought_n and_o confine_v his_o meditation_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v know_v enough_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o virtue_n and_o to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o glory_n and_o everlasting_a life_n he_o that_o know_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a know_v enough_o in_o order_n to_o peace_n grace_n and_o joy_n enough_o to_o promote_v holiness_n and_o hope_n hope_v that_o abound_v in_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 2._o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o with_o a_o very_a tender_a and_o sensible_a concern_v to_o the_o study_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n this_o rule_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o enjoin_v three_o thing_n 1._o great_a care_n and_o caution_n in_o examine_v doctrine_n propose_v and_o in_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n 2._o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o increase_v and_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n 3._o frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o truth_n we_o know_v 1._o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a caution_n in_o the_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n this_o the_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 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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
perfect_a man_n past_a life_n or_o the_o slip_n and_o defect_n of_o his_o best_a state_n or_o whether_o we_o consider_v man_n continual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o all_o respect_n but_o especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o consummation_n of_o his_o perfection_n or_o whither_o last_o we_o consider_v the_o scantiness_n and_o deficiency_n not_o only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n perfection_n in_o particular_a but_o of_o human_a perfection_n in_o general_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o can_v become_v mortal_a man_n even_o though_o all_o the_o excellence_n human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o better_a than_o humility_n humility_n therefore_o must_v begin_v and_o complete_a religious_a perfection_n it_o must_v accompany_v the_o christian_a in_o every_o stage_n of_o his_o spiritual_a progress_n it_o must_v crown_v all_o his_o action_n and_o add_v that_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n that_o grace_n and_o lustre_n to_o all_o his_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v whole_o necessary_a to_o render_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o general_a notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v thus_o resolve_v into_o its_o part_n it_o be_v plain_a i_o be_o now_o to_o discourse_n of_o each_o of_o these_o and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v on_o each_o aught_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o method_n to_o be_v comprise_v within_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o to_o consult_v the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o shall_v slight_v this_o nicety_n and_o distribute_v my_o thought_n into_o as_o many_o chapter_n as_o i_o shall_v judge_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o case_n and_o support_v of_o the_o memory_n chap._n i._o of_o illumination_n what_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o method_n i_o have_v set_v myself_o oblige_v i_o here_o to_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n and_o resolve_v what_o it_o be_v 2._o to_o consider_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o to_o show_v how_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v §_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v it_o happen_v in_o the_o point_n of_o illumination_n as_o it_o do_v in_o that_o of_o happiness_n all_o man_n at_o first_o hear_v form_n in_o general_a a_o agreeable_a and_o please_a notion_n of_o it_o all_o man_n admire_v and_o love_v it_o but_o few_o have_v any_o distinct_a and_o true_a understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o man_n conceive_v illumination_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o they_o do_v happiness_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o pleasure_n but_o be_v as_o little_o agree_v in_o particular_a wherein_o consist_v the_o light_n or_o knowledge_n which_o make_v the_o one_o as_o wherein_o consist_v the_o pleasure_n that_o make_v the_o other_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o some_o the_o superstition_n and_o prejudice_n of_o other_o curiosity_n and_o confidence_n weakness_n and_o design_n enthusiasm_n and_o fancy_n embroil_n and_o perplex_v all_o thing_n however_o every_o honest_a man_n have_v a_o clue_n by_o which_o he_o may_v escape_v out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n the_o scripture_n shine_v with_o bright_a and_o gracious_a beam_n throughout_o all_o this_o darkness_n and_o if_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o we_o can_v wander_v into_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n this_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o illumination_n very_o plain_o to_o we_o call_v it_o sometime_o wisdom_n sometime_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n sometime_o faith_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n next_o it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o it_o namely_o to_o convert_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o live_a god_n to_o purify_v and_o sanctify_v we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o approve_v the_o holy_a acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n nay_o it_o proceed_v further_o and_o point_n out_o to_o we_o particular_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o illumination_n consist_v thus_o the_o old_a testament_n reckon_v wisdom_n to_o be_v sometime_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n sometime_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n sometime_o the_o understanding_n of_o proverb_n and_o parable_n these_o contain_v as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o moral_a instruction_n and_o wrap_v up_o in_o few_o and_o lively_a word_n whatever_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o age_a or_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n of_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n think_v best_o deserve_v to_o be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n but_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o all_o the_o description_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v be_v sum_v up_o into_o that_o one_o job_n 28.28_o behold_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n the_o new_a testament_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o true_a understanding_n consist_v in_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o will_n be_v our_o sanctification_n and_o when_o st._n paul_n understand_v by_o wisdom_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v the_o penetrate_a into_o the_o spirit_n and_o mystery_n the_o depth_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o discover_v the_o great_a design_n of_o man_n redemption_n carry_v on_o through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o through_o a_o wise_a variety_n of_o dispensation_n this_o alter_v not_o the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n for_o this_o do_v not_o point_n out_o to_o we_o any_o new_a or_o different_a truth_n but_o only_o regard_v one_o peculiar_a way_n of_o explain_v or_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o great_a christian_a doctrine_n to_o conclude_v we_o may_v easy_o learn_v what_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n recommend_v to_o we_o above_o all_o other_o from_o those_o petition_n which_o st._n paul_n put_v up_o for_o the_o ephesian_n and_o collosian_o for_o the_o former_a he_o pray_v thus_o that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_v and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o latter_a thus_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n col._n 1.9_o 10._o if_o from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a text_n we_o form_v a_o general_a idea_n of_o illumination_n it_o will_v be_v this_o illumination_n be_v a_o state_n of_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o the_o abolish_n or_o relinquish_a those_o error_n which_o deprave_v and_o pervert_v our_o affection_n and_o undermine_v and_o supplant_v the_o empire_n and_o authority_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v those_o truth_n which_o purify_v the_o one_o and_o restore_v and_o establish_v the_o other_o all_o this_o in_o order_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n i_o may_v content_v myself_o with_o this_o general_a delineation_n of_o illumination_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o subject_n from_o which_o we_o can_v but_o reap_v so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n as_o will_v abundant_o requite_v whatever_o labour_n can_v be_v bestow_v upon_o it_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o it_o if_o i_o can_v illumination_n then_o be_v a_o state_n of_o knowledge_n the_o object_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v truth_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o order_n to_o form_v a_o just_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o illumination_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o kind_n of_o truth_n and_o next_o what_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o these_o truth_n constitute_v illumination_n 1._o of_o the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v we_o have_v many_o noble_a character_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a which_o distinguish_v these_o from_o truth_n of_o a_o
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
a_o gracious_a master_n and_o thus_o the_o child_n do_v with_o respectful_a love_n meet_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n which_o sometime_o raise_v some_o one_o happy_a mortal_a above_o the_o common_a size_n and_o height_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o sure_o diminish_v but_o increase_v the_o affection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o friend_n that_o enjoy_v he_o again_o the_o nature_n of_o enjoyment_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o various_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n one_o way_n we_o enjoy_v truth_n and_o another_o goodness_n one_o way_n beauty_n and_o another_o harmony_n and_o so_o on_o these_o thing_n consider_v i_o see_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o make_v god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o fruition_n either_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o to_o any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o his_o glory_n or_o to_o exalt_v our_o self_n to_o a_o height_n we_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o i_o easy_o see_v that_o we_o who_o love_n and_o adore_v god_n here_o shall_v when_o we_o enter_v into_o his_o presence_n admire_v and_o love_v he_o infinite_o more_o for_o god_n be_v infinite_o amiable_a the_o more_o we_o contemplate_v the_o more_o clear_o we_o discern_v his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o beauty_n the_o more_o must_v our_o soul_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o passion_n for_o he_o and_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o the_o most_o gracious_a return_v of_o our_o love_n and_o express_v his_o affection_n for_o we_o in_o such_o condescension_n in_o such_o communication_n of_o himself_o as_o will_v transport_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o create_v being_n be_v capable_a of_o will_v not_o god_n that_o shed_v abroad_o his_o love_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n here_o full_o satisfy_v it_o hereafter_o will_v not_o god_n who_o fill_v we_o here_o with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o inconceivable_a way_n 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good_a nay_o a_o state_n accumulate_v with_o all_o temporal_a good_n have_v still_o something_o defective_a something_o empty_a in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n with_o hear_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o labour_n man_n can_v utter_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o temporal_a thing_n yet_o that_o one_o think_v of_o solomon_n that_o he_o must_v leave_v they_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n of_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o which_o complete_v heaven_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a be_v heaven_n to_o have_v a_o end_n that_o end_n will_v make_v it_o none_o that_o death_n will_v be_v as_o much_o more_o intolerable_a than_o this_o here_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v above_o those_o of_o earth_n for_o the_o terror_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o will_v be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o happiness_n which_o it_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o to_o die_v in_o paradise_n amid_o a_o crowd_n of_o satisfaction_n how_o much_o more_o intolerable_a be_v this_o than_o to_o die_v in_o those_o accurse_a region_n that_o breed_v continual_o briar_n and_o bramble_n care_n and_o sorrow_n and_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o one_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o heaven_n be_v it_o believe_v be_v such_o a_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n such_o a_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o none_o can_v resist_v do_v i_o believe_v this_o have_v i_o hear_v one_o say_v i_o will_v quit_v my_o trade_n and_o all_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o this_o world_n and_o whole_o apply_v myself_o to_o get_v that_o other_o you_o talk_v of_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o go_v thus_o far_o but_o this_o show_v what_o the_o natural_a influence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v general_o owe_v to_o infidelity_n where_o it_o be_v frustrate_v and_o defeat_v what_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v do_v what_o proof_n what_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o he_o who_o reject_v christianity_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n he_o that_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v general_o believe_v by_o the_o gentile_a world_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o much_o obscure_v but_o never_o extinguish_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o many_o fabulous_a and_o superstitious_a fancy_n so_o strong_a be_v the_o tradition_n or_o reason_n or_o rather_o both_o on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v the_o jew_n universal_o embrace_v it_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o several_a shadow_n and_o type_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n do_v confirm_v they_o in_o the_o 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in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v often_o very_o calamitous_a but_o even_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o nature_n of_o it_o do_v plain_o evince_v a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o to_o what_o end_n can_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n by_o abstraction_n and_o meditation_n be_v enjoin_v if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o come_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o renovation_n or_o regeneration_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o life_n to_o come_v one_o will_v think_v '_o the_o common_a end_n of_o this_o natural_a life_n may_v be_v well_o enough_o secure_v upon_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o reason_n and_o human_a law_n what_o shall_v i_o here_o add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n from_o both_o which_o we_o may_v derive_v many_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o though_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o it_o appear_v as_o much_o above_o our_o merit_n as_o it_o be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n yet_o when_o 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